The next several hours passed relatively fast for the two leaders. Albeit reluctant, the pair had disbanded without another word between them once they reached the inner sanctum of the castle. While both were fatigued of their work, they were within the home stretch of finalizing the finer details of this treaty. Zelda had far less to worry about, as the majority of the tasks were taken on by her advisers. Still, being the monarch of a land, one likes to supervise and assure the best quality from her followers. Ganondorf on the other hand had far more to be concerned about. While his duties were mostly done with, there was a simple errand he needed done within a short amount of time, which he needed more of. As he was bound to Hyrule for the moment, he sought out Nabooru and sent her on a mission of utmost importance. Though, upon hearing his request, the woman had to cringe.

"I am your fastest, most reliable warrior, that much is true. I can travel to the homeland and back to this castle town in time. I only wonder why there is so much...devotion to this pact. Were you not entering this false peace with something else in mind, my Lord?" Nabooru probed carefully, knowing the full extent of her ruler's wrath. If anyone had the wiggle room to question Ganondorf among the other Gerudo, it was Nabooru. Ganondorf simply shrugged at her words.

"It no longer matters. Go, now, and fulfill my request before the ceremony begins." Ganondorf promptly turned and began to pace off to his bedroom. He paused for a moment to glance back at his loyal servant, a stern expression on. "Give an update to my mothers, and make sure that they understand that my word is law. Their job is to obey my order, not question it."

"Of course, my Lord Ganondorf."

Into the shadows the woman morphed, similar to how Impa had just prior to this. Ganondorf watched as her form disappeared from sight, and only then did he release his pent up exhaustion. When around anyone, he had to be the epitome of power. It didn't matter if he had just woken up or if he was finishing up the fifth battle of the day, he had to hold that appearance in place when around others. Likely, it was the same with Zelda when it came to her proper behavior. Bearing these artifacts certainly affected them, and perhaps for the worse. Yet, as the Gerudo King ventured into his personal chambers for the night, he couldn't help but be somewhat grateful for the cursed relic. It meant that he was bound to these lands, this town, to her.

A much louder groan escaped him, and not just from the air escaping from his lungs when he plopped onto his bed in an inelegant fashion. He was having a difficult time with this, all of this nonsense happening. Inexplicable darkness had risen and sieges Hyrule exclusively, though it is not of his volition. Being the King of Darkness, it was an insult that someone else was toying with his dark arts without his knowledge. What was further frustrating was this newfound bond he had budding with Zelda. They were not under fate's decree for the moment—it was the only logical explanation of how any of this was possible—and, with their freedom, they've found themselves. Moreover, they've found each other. There was a cycle, an order to things. The revival or release of Ganondorf, the return of darkness, Hyrule is overthrown and Zelda obtained, only to have it all undone by the deed of the Hero. It was like clockwork how it worked out. They were cursed to forget, to be reborn again and again in different times while Ganondorf was cursed to eternity, to always remember what it was that they've done. Alone and in solitude he bore the burden of remembering while all around him could freely forget.

Yet, just this once, he may not be alone.

A bit of wrestling with his armor and some personal maintenance, Ganondorf finally found himself drifting off to a pleasant slumber. He was physically exhausted from thinking so much, yet it was all he could do, even as he slept. The Gerudo man was so perplexed by this unraveling of fate. Anything was possible in this chaos. With that in mind, he couldn't help but fixate himself with the Hylian Queen. They had kissed, on more than one occasion. It was hard to find an excuse for it when there was no lie to be told. The contact of their lips was honest, true. No malcontent to be found in them despite his previous intentions of robbing the woman blind of her relic. Perhaps he was going soft, but now that he's had a taste of what never could be, he wanted so much more.

The next day came swiftly, and the events which followed were just as quick. Final preparations and reciting of speeches were abound in the final hour before the ceremony began. Politics were always served with a flair of decadence, especially in Hyrule. As was their way, Ganondorf came to understand. Zelda was a humble thing, so it wasn't so much of her choosing from preference. The Gerudo would have preferred to have simply signed a document a week ago and considered it done, but these things always took time. The clocked ticked by, drawing them closer and closer to the event. The grand ballroom was filled with several advisers and citizens alike from both sides. Impa stood in the heart of the ballroom, where the exchange of treaties would occur. Nabooru soon joined her side after her prompt return. The Sheikah noticed her rushed state but made no mention of it. Whatever she was doing before, it would seem that the Gerudo woman appeared just in time.

The room went silent at the sound of a harp. It was the signal for all chatter to cease, for the event was beginning. First came Zelda, draped in fabrics of pastel finery. It was a far more elegant version of her usual corseted battle garment, no armor to be found on her form. The gown was also floor-length, helping to give her form some height. She would need every inch when compared to the Gerudo King. Ganondorf was the next to come out from the opposite end of the room, clad in his usual armored attire. He needn't fully commit to a certain outfit, for the fact that he was a man of war and that these were not his lands. If this had been a coronation of peace in his homeland, it would be different. The host should always be more opulent.

The Queen's elegant form did not go unnoticed by the man, nor did his wandering gaze remain unseen by her. Once both were standing in the center with their most trusted adviser, the process began. An elderly Hylian man began spouting about the union which would form today, to which Ganondorf droned out. The faster this process could get, the better. Even if he wasn't going to enjoy what was to come afterwards—as he promised Zelda he'd grant her the whole history of their past—anything would be better than waiting for the long drag of politics to end. The old man finished his introduction and bowed deeply to his Queen, which instantly grabbed the Gerudo's attention. This meant it was her turn to speak.

"My Lord Mandrag Ganondorf," She began, her steel tone and composure causing a fire to burn in the man's eyes. "I am Queen Zelda Harkinian of Hyrule, and on this day I create a sacred vow." During this time, the woman of light brought her left hand over her chest. "I, on the behalf of my people of the sovereign kingdom of Hyrule, align myself to the nation of the Gerudo Desert, to the Gerudo, and to their King, Lord Ganondorf. I vow, from now until the end, that I will defend this pact, as much as I vow to protect this man and his people from all harm, as he would for me and mine. From this day until the last, let the realm know that his lands—as well as mine—are fortified in peace. Until my death, I give to you my blood oath, King of the Gerudo."

After her speech had commenced, something peculiar came to Ganondorf's attention. Being so near her, the man could see the gentlest of hues form on her face. Again, he bore a smirk. Zelda was able to perform her piece flawlessly, but internally, she was a mess. It was impossible to not think of what had happened that night when Ganondorf had give that same speech to her out of comfort. He recited it to her before sealing it with a kiss. Although she would never allow the Gerudo to kiss her in this room with people, her mind could not stop wandering because of the situation. The man clearing his throat snapped her into reality, watching as he mirrored her movement with the left hand—albeit balled into a fist—rested over his chest.

"My Queen Zelda Harkinian," He spoke with a strange amount of seriousness, catching the Hylian Queen's attention once more. "I am Lord Mandrag Ganondorf, and on this day I create a sacred vow. I, on the behalf of my people of the sovereign kingdom of the Gerudo Desert, align myself to the nation of Hyrule, to the Hylians, and to their Queen, Lady Zelda. I vow, from now until the end, that I will defend this pact, as much as I vow to protect this woman and her people from all harm, as she would for me and mine. From this day until the last, let the realm know that her lands—as well as mine—are fortified in peace. Until my death, I give to you my blood oath, Queen of Hyrule."

"Very good," The elderly Hylian commented after a long silence. "If we could now have the exchanging of documents."

It was at this point that Impa and Nabooru both handed a freshly sealed scroll to their respective leaders. Zelda and Ganondorf offered their papers with their left hands, while they accepted the others with their right hands. As they exchanged, Zelda felt the brushing of skin with their hands, to which she struggled with silently. Ganondorf, as if to taunt her in a knowing fashion, lingered in the contact for a short moment before retracting his hand. Zelda flashed him a sharp stare, albeit none outside the inner circle would notice. He was trying to break her composure—likely for his own amusement than for malice—but she couldn't let it work. That, and the ceremony was essentially complete.

"Let the realm know," The elderly man projected loudly. "On this day, the Hylian-Gerudo pact is formed!"

A resounding explosion of applause and cheer encased the room. All rejoiced in the newly formed treaty, a feat that many thought impossible for years. While Ganondorf was simply relieved that the boring part was over with, Zelda was swelling with pride at the achievement. It was a joint effort, of course, but she felt as though she were doing her homeland justice. They needed a great leader after her father's passing, and in truth, she doubted her capability. The man left a large shadow behind him. Yet, with extra motivation and a hint of courage, she was able to make this happen. Of course, Ganondorf already seemed inclined to a treaty originally, but crossing the 't's and dotting the 'i's made it official. Her expression finally softened from it's hardened state to a more welcoming one. A smile hugged tightly to her lips and it didn't falter even when her gaze landed on the Gerudo. Ganondorf nodded in her direction before walking off. The banquet was beginning and it was time to mingle. While she did wish to speak with him immediately, it appeared he and his adviser had other matters to speak of first. The Queen sighed gently, masking her disappointment well. Yet, one could pick up on the faint detail without fail.

"You'll see him soon enough, my Queen."

"Impa," Zelda turned in place to face her most trusted ally, giving her a half-hearted smile. "I know that. "Now that we're in a time of peace with the Gerudo, I'll likely see him more than I want to."

"I somehow doubt that."

"E-Excuse me?"

"Ah, I apologize, my Queen. It was an innocent quip. I have noticed how comfortable you two have become. While I advise against it, I know just how you get—"

"Stubborn, you mean."

"Er, your words, not mine." Impa nervously responded, leaving both the women smiling fondly at each other. They knew each other well. Zelda was her own woman, adventurous and sometimes too smart for her own good. Impa was the watchful guardian, always observant and worried for her Queen. The Hylian woman sighed wistfully while crossing her arms, shifting her weight from side to side.

"You don't approve because you do not trust him."

"There's a reason why a pact like this has been impossible for so long. That, and of all the nations who could rally behind us in our time of need, the most unexpected one is first in line. It's all too peculiar for my taste."

"I've known that, too. In the time that Lord Ganondorf has been with us, I've discovered new information. About his cause and of myself. I shall know everything by the end of the night."

"Please, be careful, my Queen." Impa implored, drawing suddenly closer to the Queen. The tall white-haired woman fell to one knee and wrapped her hands around Zelda's tenderly, cradling her porcelain skin within her calloused palms. "No matter where you are in this wide world, speak my name and I will find you. Never forget my teachings nor our bond."

"I could never forget," Zelda replied gingerly, a fond smile on her lips. "Though, I doubt you'd ever let me, even if I try."

The two women laugh heartily and idly converse as those in attendance came up to them, discussing various things. From across the vast ballroom was Ganondorf and Nabooru, standing beside each other while nursing a celebratory goblet. They were secluded, away from the main brunt of the party goers. It was intentional, as Ganondorf was not particularly fond of those eavesdropping on his conversations. The Gerudo King was the first to finish his cup, setting it aside and trading it out for a freshly poured one from a passing waiter. He glanced over at his ever-serious ally, Nabooru, who was still working on her first beverage.

"I am glad to see you were successful in arriving on time. Have you fulfilled your duties?"

"Yes, my Lord." Nabooru replied quietly, turning to the side and feigning her movements. While it appeared that she was wiping something off of Ganondorf's shoulder, she had tucked away a small black velvet pouch into his collar in a snug fashion. She returned to her lounging position against the table behind her that was full of refreshments, sipping away at her concoction slowly. "Your mothers were difficult."

"When are they not." Ganondorf spoke flatly, knowing it wasn't even a question nor was there any use for him to take offense from it. "Was my message clear enough for them?"

"It was absolute, my Lord. They will make no attempts to interrupt your actions here. They are as I am; your devoted ones."

"Mm, good." Ganondorf's spoke quietly, taking a large swig of the dark wine that was within the ornate goblet in his hand. After a moment of silence and some deliberating, the Gerudo King set the cup on the table behind them and began pacing off towards Zelda, but not without a perplexing string of words falling from his lips. "I thank you, Nabooru."

"I," Nabooru began, her expression bright and confused. She was taken aback by his humbled gratitude. It was something she had never seen of in her many years of service to the Dark Lord. She pulled her emotions back in when she caught glimpse of the Sheikah shifting towards her. The Hylian adviser and Gerudo King passed by each other as they switched company. The two advisers—though serious in nature—began conversing rather freely despite how boring it looked to those who passed by. Zelda watched as Ganondorf approached her shortly after, coming to a halt before her.

"Greeting, Zelda. Are you enjoying your festivities thus far?" Ganondorf bellowed, watching as those who were nearby quickly flocked away to other business. They knew how to read the atmosphere, well enough to know when two important people needed their time alone during the ruckus.

"Ah, yes!" Zelda chimed happily, clutching a decorative glass in between her hands. She set it aside quickly as she noticed Ganondorf's hand being offered to her. As per their usual, they tend to walk around as they spoke. It was nothing new for them. She wrapped her dainty fingers around his hand and allowed him to lead her into the open terrace that connected from the ballroom they were in. As they exited to the scenery of grassy fields, Zelda glimpsed towards the fiery Gerudo. "I must thank you for making this possible with me, Ganondorf."

"No, you mustn't. It is a joint effort, after all." The man protested with a smirk, allowing the woman to lead them into the field. It was a perfect day, if there ever was one. It was just entering the evening, the weather was warm with a pleasant breeze, but nothing too drafty or hot. Although it was far too early for Zelda's favored time of the night, the woman still seemed so alive as she floated across the greenery. She released their hands and took a step forward, wrapping her arms behind her back as she breathed in the sweet scent of nature.

"What a wonderful time for celebration." She remarked idly, her impossibly bright sapphire eyes highlighted in the light of the day. Ganondorf was engrossed in thought of how her extravagant eyes couldn't be real gemstones when she spoke again. "You will keep you word, won't you? After things have died down within the ballroom, we will retire together and discuss the past."

"Yes, as you wish, though you will not enjoy this talk. It is a horrendous tale."

"The best of tales have their dark troubles, those without it are too much of a bore for my tastes." She turned and smiled knowingly at the man beside her, as if she were speaking to his bleeding heart. "The light is easy to love, so show me the darkness of our story."

"...I will, in due time." Ganondorf finally responded, a bit surprised at her words. Zelda, at her core, was always the same woman. Technically speaking, this was true as well. Yet, each and every one had their own quirks and personalities. The woman before him was more true to her heart than any other, not to mention she still retained her omnipotent knowledge. She was well rounded, certainly, but beyond all that was how understanding she was. Something was happening with fate which has thrown them off course from their usual 'live-die-live again' cycle. Though he would never have thought it before, this accident with destiny might be the greatest thing to happen.

After another silent moment passed, Ganondorf was brought back to his senses when he felt the pressure of something against his collar bone. Molten gold eyes dripped down his front to gaze at the source. It was the parcel Nabooru had delivered from the homeland. A breath escaped him as he remembered the request. The Gerudo woman proved her loyalty to him time and again, but he truly thanked her for this errand. While Zelda busied herself with admiring the skyline, Ganondorf pulled the dark crushed-velvet pouch out by it's drawstring. It fit neatly into his palm, small and innocent in nature. The man cleared his throat as he stepped forward, causing Zelda to face him.

"My tradition," he began quietly, his eyes cast away from the woman as a strange knot formed within his stomach. "I told you that I was uncertain if it would be included."

"Yes, and it's quite alright that you decided against it. I didn't want to force you to do anything."

"You are not capable of that, Zelda." Ganondorf quipped playfully, an amused grin on his face. The woman immediately frowned but was quick to return her expression to a curious one, as she knew he was leading up to something. "My tradition had no need to be introduced into the ceremony. While we have many traditions, I was not prepared to bring the Gerudo ways into our coronation of peace. It would be a tiring all-day affair. Though, there is a simple enough tradition that I can indulge in now that we are secluded."

Ganondorf seemed strained, which initially worried Zelda. The man was a thing of power and absolution, not a doubting thing. She wondered what it was that he held off from the ceremony, though if she had to guess, it had to do with whatever he held so tightly in his palm. She was soon offered the dark pouch, to which she accepted gracefully. She glanced up and tilted her head.

"May I open it?"

"You may."

"Ah, thank you, Ganondorf...I wish I had known that gift giving was a tradition. If you would have told me, I would have produced something for you—" Zelda was silenced by the small glinting light that plummeted into her soft palm from the bag. A single tear of fire rested in her hand, a vibrant ruby stone with such radiant clarity. It was attached to an elegant thin chain of gold, long enough to drape across her chest or rest easily between her collarbones if she chose. Her eyes were fixated with the gift, her mind blank of thought. She was dumbfounded and speechless, a rare thing for the Queen of Hyrule.

"Is it...to your liking, my Lady?" Ganondorf finally asked, breaking the silence with a hesitant tone. Zelda immediately ripped her eyes away from the glistening jewelry to meet his gaze. She wasn't sure what was more memorizing, the gift or the man before her. He had so many layers to him, and while he was still somewhat of a mystery, he was ready to spill all for her so that she could know the truth. That meant more than anything else could. Knowledge was the most important thing to Wisdom, and giving up a bit of his upper hand in information meant he was succumbing part of his Power for her. A tightness formed in her chest at the thought. "Zelda?"

"Ganondorf, I—"

A loud crackle snapped through the air, making the two rulers tense involuntarily. Zelda glanced around nervously, fear of an attack occurring during their time of celebration. She was so consumed with gazing around that she hadn't noticed the shifting pool of shadows beneath their feet. Ganondorf, however, was quick to noticed their natural shadows morph into something unusual. Noticing a flicker of energy spouting by their feet, the Gerudo King wrapped an arm around Zelda's waist and tugged her tightly against his chest. Without a word, he kicked backwards, sending them a safe distance away from the inky mess of darkness which formed. He set her down as soon as he deemed it safe—he knew she was capable of defending herself—and took a half-step towards the black mass on the grass that was no bigger than a few feet across. The Gerudo made sure none were in the immediate area before he continued, knowing if any hear him, it could mean serious consequences. His right hand rose, palm extended, as he took a more daunting stance.

"Who dares to slither in my shadows?" Ganondorf called out, as if the pooling ooze was sentient. Zelda remained silent, watching as the Gerudo demanded information. "The dark arts are mastered by few, and those few are all within my family."

"Kekekekeh~" An inverted cackle echoed within the breeze, sending shivers down Zelda's spine. With blinding speeds, the mass practically vanished from sight. Ganondorf remained tense and ready for an attack, but that laughter happened again, this time from behind. Both rulers quickly spun around fast enough to see a dark spear shooting towards them. While Zelda was dainty enough to swiftly dodge away from its trajectory, she noticed how little the Gerudo King's body moved. In fact, he hadn't budged an inch. Fear seeped into her usual cheery blues and a strange horror began to take root.

"Ganondorf!" She called out, her tone imploring him to move. He clearly wasn't hindered, he could plainly see the lance speeding towards him, and he certainly must have heard her wail. Yet, there he remained, stoic in the setting light of the sky. Just as the darkened weapon was about to pierce his chest, Ganondorf threw forward his hands. The spear went motionless, floating carelessly in the air before him. The Hylian woman gaped in awe at the sight. He was holding the weapon there with invisible string, like that of a puppeteer. A glowing dark purple aura glowed through his palms, and then she knew. He was a masterful puppeteer, but his trade was the dark arts and his toys were the shadows and demons themselves. He hadn't lied to her, he had been honest when saying he was the man of legend, yet it hadn't occurred to her until this moment. He was the man who contorted the darkness, the one who held dominance over the shadows. It was on the day of the Hylian-Gerudo pact that Zelda realized the darkest parts of the Gerudo King Ganondorf and the power he was capable of.