Warning: Some sexual content

Recommended reading—"A Thousand Sordid Images" by Vyscaria—fandom: Assassin's Creed. I have no knowledge of Assassin's Creed, yet this story is so much like original fiction and is so authentically written that it effortlessly draws in the fandom-blind. Summary: "A gypsy girl of the desert finds herself plunged into the world of the assassins. In pursuing her destiny, she unveils dangerous secrets which force her to question her faith in Allah, her loyalty to her heart, and what it means to be a woman during the Third Crusade." Seriously my favorite fic on this site. If you want a worthwhile read, check it out (it can be found in my rather short Favorite Stories list)!

Chapter 31

Send Her My Love: Part Three

Fi stared into the woods. She had all but forgotten that, a moment ago, her secret wish to kiss the Goddess's hero had almost been fulfilled. Her lips, torn from their pursuit for Link's, were confounded. Too many questions were piling up in her mind.

"Captain?"

Fi shook her head absently. The voice was close; much closer than it had been when she'd stood guard over the Sealed Grounds. Even then, she could almost feel hands hovering over her. Now their presence was even stronger.

"What did you say?" Link asked. A chill shook Fi from her daydream. "Something about forgetting someone?"

Fi cleared her throat. Her tongue felt like lead. Not that she wanted to say much, anyway.

"Oh…" She gazed into the trees. The deepness seemed to be calling to her. If it had arms it would have reached for her; pulled her in. "No." She looked at Link and smiled, but he didn't smile back. "My mind is drifting. I'm hearing things. It's been a long…" She stopped and shrugged. "…Year, I suppose."

Link finally grinned. "I know." He looked at Fi's mouth as if it had unfinished business with his.

Unsure, she looked away. "Maybe I should just turn in for the evening." She brought her gaze back to him. He seemed tentative.

"That may be best…" he said quietly. His eyes communicated something different, however.

What is it that you really want? Fi thought. She longed to know, for something told her that it was the same thing that she wanted.

She sighed, yearning to hear his thoughts, hoping, wishing that a link could be formed between them.

If only she could hear just a few words, no matter how faint.

If only two resolute stares had the power to elicit a telepathic connection; their minds would have been joined on the spot.

But it was not meant to be. The two minds remained disconnected, as did their hands during the pensive walk back to camp.

Fi held her hands behind her back, twisting a thumb in her palm. Every rustle made her jump, every crunch of leaves stole her breath, and every whoosh of the wind made her doubt that the woods really were free of danger.

What am I worried about? We won this land back weeks ago.

As she stepped, she glanced at Link—a pillar of light in the gloom. Her own strength had been enough to defend against every enemy that the surface had to offer. But even if that strength failed, Link was there to protect her. For this, she quickly dismissed her fears.

Hylia's temple was as quiet as the western province. It was not at all the bustling hub of activity that it had been in previous weeks. More and more empyreans were leaving every day. The small number of humans that had survived the war were departing as well, either heading to the desert or the sky. Even the humans who were acclimated to the cold found themselves wanting to leave.

Torches ran along the rim of the chasm but had no one to burn for other than the random visitor. Fi and Link passed them by.

The camp was nearly silent. A new camp had been set up by the Skyview Temple for those who wanted to stay near the construction site. As a result, Hylia's Realm was becoming increasingly deserted. Fi made her way to her tent, not sure why she was bothering to tiptoe. There was almost no one here to disturb. Only a few lonely fires lit the grounds.

"Do you want to sit inside for a little while?" Fi asked, trembling from the cold.

"Sure," Link said, pulling one of the tent flaps aside for her. She bent down and entered. She took a seat on her wooly rug, sighing as it warmed beneath her.

Without a word, Link retrieved some wood from the communal pile in the middle of camp. Soon, a moderate fire was blazing outside, sending waves of heat into the tent. Fi rubbed her arms, thankful for Link's talent for building fires. Being from a realm with a mild climate, fire building was not something that empyreans excelled at.

"Thank you," she breathed, her shivers subsiding at last.

"No problem," Link said, sitting next to her. He watched her for a moment. Firelight danced along every object in the tent. "You sure you're all right?"

"Yes, why?"

"Behind the temple, you seemed distracted."

"Oh…" Fi bit her tongue. "I think I'm just a little anxious."

"For what?" Link asked.

"To leave. To show you Empyrea." She smiled, admiring the light on his face. "And to see the island in the sky."

Link grinned. "Yeah."

"Skyloft," she said. "I love the name that Hylia chose."

"Too bad we can't see it better through the clouds," Link said.

"No matter," Fi said. "We'll be there soon enough."

"When do you want to go?" Link asked.

Fi took a deep breath. The smoldering pine smelled wonderful. It was comforting even if it brought back memories of long, wakeful nights. "Tomorrow," she said with surety.

"Tomorrow?" Link's eyes brightened. "That soon?"

"Why not?"

"There's nothing else that you want to do here?"

"Our work is done," Fi said. "Don't you want to leave?"

"Yes," Link said.

Fi smiled at the keenness in his voice. "Me too."

"I'm glad you invited me to see your home."

"Of course. I didn't want to go without you," Fi said, wondering how much she should be revealing to him. She looked down.

"I've really been looking forward to seeing your city," he said. "And the mountains, and rivers, and…" Fi froze as he looked harder at her. "Everything…"

She peered at Link's hands as they pressed into the wool between them. "Yes, I can hardly wait to show you…everything." The heat against her chest felt so soothing. Curious as to why she could feel the warmth so well, she brought a hand up, noticing that the top of her dress had slipped down even more. She stiffened, slightly alarmed. Surely Link had seen. She looked down. In terms of keeping her covered tonight, her dress had failed miserably.

"You still look cold," Link said, removing his cloak.

"That's all right," she said before he could drape it across her shoulders. "I've warmed up quite a bit thanks to your fire."

"Oh." His cloak dropped to his lap.

"I was wondering what other plans you had," Fi said, her voice lowering, "for after we visit my home, and Skyloft."

"Other plans?"

"Yes. If you have any…"

"Oh, well…" Link started to smile. "I thought maybe we could…decide together. If you want."

"You mean you want to stay in Empyrea?" Fi asked, curbing a smile.

"Sure," he said, sitting up straight. "I don't care if it's strange for a human to live there."

"If any human is ever going to be welcome in Empyrea, it's you," Fi assured him. "But what about the sky? Don't you want to return to your family? Everyone that you know?"

"A lot of them are dead," he said somberly. "I like the idea of Skyloft. But there's only one place that I want to be, and that's where you are." He leaned in.

Fi did also. "Me?" she asked. "Permanently?"

"Well, for as long as I'm alive," Link said. "I know that isn't very long for you, but…" He shrugged. "It's the best I can do."

Adorable.

Fi's smile broke through. "I'd be honored," she said, "if you stayed with me." The longer she looked at him, the more serious her expression became. Reality couldn't be ignored.

"Empyreans believe in marriage, right?" Link asked.

Fi almost giggled. "Yes, empyreans get married."

"Do they ever marry humans?"

Fi looked up in thought. "Here and there, I suppose. I'm sure there will be quite a few empyrean-human marriages taking place in the desert in the coming weeks." She nodded.

"Oh. Good. I just wanted to make sure."

There was no question as to what he was implying. Even if he hadn't spoken what was on his heart, the truth lay in his eyes.

Do you realize what you're getting into? Fi wished she didn't have to voice her concerns. Thoughts were a much subtler way to discuss awkward subjects.

Then again, they had known each other for a long while, now. What was stopping them from being forthright?

"Do you have any children?" Link asked.

Apparently nothing was standing in the way of his honesty tonight.

"No," Fi said, somewhat amused. "The only way for that to happen would be for me to—"

"Be with a human. I know," Link said.

"Yes… I've experienced a lot, but not that."

"Do you want children?" he asked.

"I'm…not opposed to the idea."

"Neither am I," Link answered. "Well, I want children. At some point."

"I'm glad," Fi said. "You'd make a great father."

"You'd make a great mother."

Fi couldn't tell if he was being truthful, was trying to inspire her or was simply repaying her compliment in kind. She appreciated his kindness, of course, but there were urgent matters that needed addressing.

"What about…" Fi drummed her fingers. "Her Grace?"

"Hylia?" Link asked.

"Yes. I know many of the surface dwellers, and empyreans, and the humans that I've spoken with…" She paused. "…Expect you to stay with her."

Dead silence lingered in the tent for a few moments.

"Hylia?" Link asked again.

Fi's eye twitched as she pondered. Does he really not know?

"Yes, haven't you heard any talk on the subject?"

"Not…really," he muttered softly.

"Noticed the strange looks from people when we're together?"

"Uh, a little."

"It's not that people dislike us, or disapprove of us being friends. We simply contradict what most believe to be the ideal: the Goddess and her hero. Many think that the two of you are meant to be."

"Really?" Link asked, looking bewildered.

"Yes. Now that Hylia's taken a mortal form, she must remain here. But you already knew that."

"That's why we built the Skyview Temple," Link said in agreement.

"You haven't thought about staying with her?"

"I would have told you when you asked the first time," Link explained. "I haven't really thought…" As his voice faded, Fi inched forward. "Well, maybe a tiny bit." He shrugged, his eyes wandering to the fire. "She's really beautiful. And some of the looks she's given me made me wonder…" He looked back at Fi. "It's not like she ever asked me, though."

Fi turned her gaze away. "I've been acquainted with Her Grace through the passing of many ages. You can be certain that she will never force or compel." She looked him straight in the eye. "She will hint, and then wait; give you the chance to make the move."

"She will?"

Fi nodded. "Without a doubt."

"Do you think she…w-wants me?" Link asked, nearly stumbling over the words.

"There is good reason to believe that she does," Fi answered, her forced bluntness making her wince. "I think there are many who feel the same way about you."

"Many?" he asked with a dropping jaw.

Fi sighed. "Link…" She placed a hand over his. "I'm not saying any of this to confuse you, or even to flatter you. I just want you to be aware. That's all."

"Of what options I have?"

"Exactly," Fi replied. "As fond as I may be to…be with you, the truth still stands: like you, Hylia is human. Her body is, anyway. Her imperviousness to fatal injury is vanishing more every day. You saw firsthand her wounds after the final battle." Link nodded. "The Skyview Temple is meant to be her home. Her…permanent…home. She's not leaving." He nodded again. "She must watch over the Sealed Grounds. She will be alone, aside from the surface dwellers. But they're not human."

"Oh," Link said thoughtfully.

"She could use the…protection," Fi said hesitantly. "The assistance." She didn't look at him as she spoke her piece. It was unpleasant but necessary. "Her days are numbered. Both of you will live for only a small fraction of an empyrean life."

"She will live on, though," Link cut in.

"Yes, her spirit will resume its role in the heavenly realm when it's time," Fi added. "But her body, like yours, will die. Do you not want a partner who you can grow old with?"

Link's face suggested that he had never given any thought to the matter.

"I implore you to meditate on this," Fi said gently. "Don't simply cast the notion away. It needs to be seriously considered, as does the possibility of going to the sky…without me." She had a hard time pulling her eyes away from the flames. The fire was the only living thing in the vicinity that she felt she wasn't hurting at the moment.

"Why are you telling me this?" Link asked, his shoulders slumping.

"Because if I don't, I'll feel terrible, as if I withheld something from you, or coerced you to be with me—with someone who's already been with many people. Someone who will go on living long after you're gone. Should I truly be the one to be with you?"

"Your age doesn't make you a bad person," Link said. "Neither does your experience. You can't help that."

"Of course…"

"It just makes you who you are."

Fi grinned. "A fair assessment."

"And who you are is someone who I know pretty well now," he said. "And someone who I'd like to get to know a lot better…" Fi waited. He looked as though he wanted to say more. "In every way."

Oh, my… Fi felt warmth spreading across her face that had nothing to do with the fire.

It wasn't at all that she was inexperienced in the art of flirtation. In fact, she knew a great deal about it. It simply had to do with how odd it felt to hear these words from Link.

It was as if he'd just made a naughty confession. Still, like any human, he was difficult to read. She didn't know what he was feeling.

If he knew what I was thinking, he would be blushing, too.

His innocent yet mature words were a turn-on. Fi took a breath, suddenly feeling as though the already small space was closing in on her. She hoped he would take some sort of initiative. His manner had become bolder in the last few minutes. Perhaps he would advance upon her…

She wouldn't fight if he did. His watchful, blue eyes were gorgeous. His body looked as amazing as always beneath his tunic. His lips looked appealing.

He, as a whole, was quite a temptation. She looked him over, not caring that she was being forward. His expression proved that he had taken notice.

She wondered how he would react if she were to reach up and carefully guide him down to the floor. What would he do if she kissed him? Maybe shy away. He was so young… Perhaps it wasn't the time to be thinking about such things.

Then again, it would be wonderfully pleasurable to show the hero that ecstasy went far beyond a hard-earned triumph in battle.

How incredible it would be to finally get under all of that thick material…to see if those arms really were as wonderfully defined as they seemed.

Maybe it really had been too long since her last encounter—

"Are you all right?" Link asked. "You seem a little out of breath."

She gave a little laugh. "It must be the heat," she said. "The fire appears to be climbing."

"That's because I build a good fire," he said happily.

You're right about that. "Yes, you do." Fi chewed her lip for a few seconds. "It's cozy in here, and so cold out there. It would be silly for you to have to stand out there and build another fire for your tent across camp…" She offered him a desirous look. "Would you like to stay here for the night?"

"Here?"

"Yes. It's up to you—"

But Link had come forward and placed a soft kiss on her forehead before she could say any more. The brush of his mouth against her skin sent a pleasant jolt through her body. She shut her eyes and turned her nose to bury it in his blond hair. The way he became rigid against her made her tense, as well.

Neither of them moved. Fi sat with her cheek pressed to Link's, looking over his shoulder at the swirling flames.

Her closeness to him was incredibly satisfying in itself, but she ached for more. When her fingers came up to trail through his hair, she thought she heard him gasp. Her fingers curled as she rubbed them against his head.

He was responding to her touch. The almost unnoticeable rise in his body temperature, detectable only to someone as sensitive to subtleties as Fi, indicated at least some level of excitement.

But he was conflicted. No expertise was needed to see that.

She might have been experienced and willing, but he was young and unfledged. Fi knew that if she took the lead, he would probably follow, but that didn't mean that he was ready to do it. She much preferred to have the man take control, anyway. In time he would be ready to assume the role. He was not even twenty years old yet.

"Thank you for a nice evening," Fi said, scooting back. Link's eyes dropped as she let go. "I think I'd like to go to sleep, though." Link nodded. "You can stay here if you like. This rug is quite comfortable."

"Thanks," Link said before peeking through the doorway. "I might go back to my own tent, though."

Fi cocked her head. "Oh?" Her heart sped up. Had she offended him?

"Yes, well…" He dragged both hands across his neck. "I need to pack up my stuff, anyway." The grin that stretched the corner of his mouth was a reassuring sight.

Fi sighed. "Yes, I suppose we do need to do that."

"The snow is on its way," Link said, crawling toward the exit. "We can leave our belongings on the surface for a little while, but leather won't withstand extreme cold and moisture for long."

"A lot of cleanup needs to take place. All of these tents need to be dismantled. There are piles of abandoned scrap material here, and near the new temple. We can always come back and help Hylia with it."

"Definitely," Link said. He glanced at her over his shoulder and flashed a smile. He stayed there for several seconds as if to allow Fi to enjoy him for a moment. She gladly took the opportunity.

"See you in the morning, then?" she asked. He nodded, pushed the flap to the side and stepped out into the night. She stared at the empty space where Link had been, disappointed that he'd left but excited for what the morning would bring.

She was more tired than she'd realized. She laid her head down, rehearsing what she planned to say to Hylia the following day. Fi's duties had been fulfilled, but she still needed to ask for permission to leave her post at the Sealed Grounds.

With a huge smile on her face and a contented breath, her eyes slid shut. It didn't take long for her sleepy mind to give way to unconsciousness.

But a peaceful state was out of her reach. She was caught somewhere between asleep and awake; a place where her mind reveled in turmoil.

The darkness that she had pushed away for weeks was rising up again. It was taking shape, growing into a corporeal form. It loomed, standing over her, whispering. It dragged a finger from her face to her shoulder.

"Captain Fi?"

She stirred, semi-asleep, rolling from one side of the rug to the other.

"Who is calling me?" she asked, tossing her head.

"Wake up."

"Is it you?" she asked.

"Ghirahim."

"Ghirahim," she breathed. She felt a soft chill.

"Ghirahim…"

"Mm…" She curled up against the sudden sensation. She opened her eyes to see the roof of her tent.

"Come outside."

Fi sat up with a start. She gaped at the doorway. The fire was still red-hot. She held her breath, having thought that a dream had been responsible for the voice.

"Outside?" She leaned onto her hands. "For what?"

"I have something for you."

She gasped. The voice was no longer in her head. She scrambled for the door, shoved through the opening and slowly rose to her full height.

She hadn't fully stood up yet when her sight was met by a tall figure. His heavy boots were the only clue that she needed to know who he was.

Looking him in the eye, Fi froze like a deer caught in the ravenous gaze of a predator.

Her hands began to heat up. The response was a reflex; not at all something that she had willed. She squeezed her hands into fists to hide what instinct had forced upon her, but the demon had already seen it.

The fire sparked and popped between them, lighting Ghirahim's face enough for Fi to see that he was grinning. What was he smiling at? She looked down. Her almost bare chest, of course. Her dress had shifted enough to show much more than just a modest amount of cleavage.

Wearing this dress had turned out to be the worst decision she'd made in a long time.

Centuries old or not, it was still embarrassing for a strange man to see her unclothed. Luckily the dark was there to aid her, affording her a thin veil for her rosy face.

Adjusting her dress and rewrapping her cloak, she squared her shoulders.

"Why are you here?" she asked, her breath misting as she spoke.

"I promised I would return," he said evenly. His voice was as smooth as ever.

"It's been a long time," Fi said, crossing her arms over her chest.

"I waited until it was time," the demon said.

"You did?"

"Yes."

Fi looked down at herself. Her legs were uncovered below her robe. "Why is now the time?"

"You are ready to move on," Ghirahim said, "or so I assume."

"Oh." Fi nodded weakly. "You waited until you knew I was ready to leave?" He nodded. "So you must be aware that I plan on leaving with someone."

"The human?" Ghirahim's dark eyes sparkled in the firelight as he tilted his head. He brushed his long, preened hair off of his shoulder. "Don't be absurd."

Fi lifted an eyebrow. "What?"

"You—with a human? Really, now."

"Yes, really. He's exceptional. What's wrong with that?"

"No need to be so defensive," the demon mildly reprimanded.

"Well—"

"Of course, your need to be defensive simply means that you feel you have something to defend," Ghirahim said.

Fi tapered her eyes. "What are you saying?"

"I am merely saying that you, my lady…" He started to walk around the fire. Unmoving, Fi watched his every step. "…Are too intelligent not to know that he does not belong with you, or to you."

She scoffed. "Excuse me?"

"You know of what I speak," the demon said. "Leave the human alone."

"Who are you to decide what is right for a complete stranger? For me?"

"You are not a complete stranger." Ghirahim stopped by her side. Fi looked up at him. He reached into her cloak to find her hands. He untwisted her arms and wrapped his fingers around hers. "We are not strangers. We know each other well."

Fi fought the urge to back up. "No, we don't."

"How much time have I spent exploring your thoughts? How many hours have you delved into mine?" As his stare intensified, Fi's softened. What he was saying was true.

They had opened themselves up to one another; allowed each other to examine, probe and rummage. Out of all mental connections Fi had ever made, this one was the strongest, the clearest, and the most effortless.

There had been times when she would look forward to his presence in her mind. Guarding the empty grounds in Hylia's realm was lonely. His voice always brought something enjoyable to the drudgery.

Enjoyable… Yes, she enjoyed their conversations. In fact, they made her smile.

She blinked as the realization set in—her enemy brought a smile to her face.

Her head dropped as she felt a stab of guilt.

"The iniquity which drags you down does not exist because of me, but because of the human. Let him go."

"I can't do that," Fi said.

"Your guilt is justified. The human belongs with the woman. Let them be."

"It's not what he wants." Fi felt the sting of tears in her eyes.

"He does want it," the demon stated, "and you know it." Fi's disbelief clung with fervor. "Don't take his future from him to satisfy your own lusts."

"That's not my intention at all," Fi said, her voice cracking.

"Emotion overtakes you because it is true. You are taking something that belongs to someone else. Your leader, no less." Fi sniffed and looked away. The demon's face inched closer. "An empyrean with a human will bring only bitterness." He paused. "Look at me." She listened. "You are a warm hand and he is a snowflake. If you claim him as your own he will melt, disappearing in seconds as if he never existed. And when he is gone, you will live on, knowing full well that you used him."

"I would never use him," Fi insisted, a tear trickling down her face.

"You cry because there is an unmistakable truth to my words." He wiped away the wetness on her face. "Wouldn't you agree?"

Fi closed her eyes and breathed. Even the lightest touch of his finger felt amazing.

"I don't know," Fi admitted. She felt the demon's hands tighten over hers.

"You do know," Ghirahim insisted. "You belong with someone as long-lived as you. Someone eternal. It is only fair."

"Fair?" Fi asked. "How do you know he wouldn't be happy spending his life with me, no matter how short of a time it may be?"

"Perhaps he would be," the demon said, "but can you carry on with the weight of his loss on your conscience?"

"What loss?"

"The loss of the life that he should have had," Ghirahim said with admonishment in his voice. Fi wanted to recoil under the heaviness of it.

"You're doing the very thing that you accuse me of," she said.

The demon appeared amused. "And what is it that you believe I am doing?"

"Leading me astray. Stealing me from someone whom I have a right to be with."

"I do not wish to lead you astray," the demon said. "Quite the opposite."

"What do you want?" Fi asked, beginning to fidget.

"I told you weeks ago: you."

"Why me?" she asked, shaking her head.

"You are special," he replied.

"I don't understand," Fi said. "Why would you want to be with someone of my kind? Wouldn't that make you a traitor? Require you to leave?" Fi studied his face, gleaning the answer herself. "That is what you want, then. To leave."

"Only if it is with you," the demon said, looking upon her amorously.

"Please tell me what it is that you need me for," Fi said.

Analyzing his movements, Fi sensed Ghirahim's confidence diminishing. He looked in the direction of the Sealed Grounds. She shuddered. "It isn't safe for you to be out here," she said, attracting his waning attention. "If anyone were to discover you—" She paused. "Why don't you come inside?"

They looked at one another. Fairly certain that he was waiting for her, Fi backed up. As soon as she crouched to enter the tent, he followed.

It seemed even warmer inside than it had before. Maybe it was because it was getting colder outside. Whatever the case, the air inside, made warmer by two bodies, was approaching a steamy temperature.

The atmosphere was cozy. The soft glow reminded Fi of a lazy afternoon under an empyrean sun.

She let her cloak fall from her shoulders; it hung loosely across her chest and arms. She wasn't sure why, but she didn't mind Ghirahim's stare.

"Are you going to tell me?" she asked, sitting on her heels.

The demon focused on her face. "Yes." It seemed to be a struggle for him not to ogle her. She didn't care.

"All right." She waited with open ears.

"As I've said previously, I've been selected for an important position. It's momentous, paramount…"

"What is it?"

"I am to become the delegate of my king." Fi sat quietly. "Act in his stead during his…absence."

Fi took a moment to digest what he'd told her. "What does that entail?"

"Heading the government of my people," he said distantly. "Being his mouthpiece. Carrying out his orders, for better or for worse."

Fi blinked, finding it bizarre to hear this sort of talk from her enemy. "And this isn't something that you want? Do you have a choice?"

"No," he said dryly.

"How is it that you have no choice?"

"Do you know anything about my king?"

"I know that he is destructive and reckless. I know very little about what life is like under his rule."

"He has little interaction with his people," Ghirahim said. "We exist because we are his. If we were not, he would destroy us." Fi nodded. "We are for his benefit. We are his army. If he did not need us, he would eradicate us."

"How do you pledge your life to someone whose only aim is to use you?"

"He is still our king," the demon stated. "Surely you understand unconditional loyalty."

"To a loving leader, yes," Fi said. "Not to someone who would see to my death without a second thought if he was to profit from it."

Ghirahim just shook his head and looked at his hands.

"Do you not want it because you feel you're unfit to hold a higher position of authority?"

"I am a captain. I have no fear of governing."

"If you cannot decline the request of your king, yet you are wholly committed to him, then what will you do?" Fi waited until the demon met her gaze once more. She saw distress in his eyes.

"That is why I am here," the demon said. She leaned in. "It is not power or responsibility that I dread." He looked away. "It is my king."

Fi tried to lock eyes with him but his gaze seemed to run from her. She suddenly felt pity for him.

"There is only one way out of this," he said quietly.

"What is it?" Fi asked, intrigued.

"To do what is asked of me…" Ghirahim's voice lowered. Fi had to strain to hear him over the crackling of the fire. "I must connect with him."

"Connect? What do you mean?" Fi asked.

"It is…hard to explain," the demon said. Fi took his hand, encouraging him to continue. He stared at her kind gesture for a moment. "I will be bound to him. Perhaps for eternity."

Fi's jaw dropped. "What?"

"Yes." The demon glared past her.

"Bound like a…slave?" The last word almost didn't make it out of her mouth.

"I cannot be sure," he said. She squeezed his hand. "I am not prepared for this."

"And the only way to avoid this is…?"

"To be bound to someone else," he said.

"In…marriage?"

"Yes."

"I don't understand," Fi said. "If your king has chosen you, and your well-being means nothing to him, why would your marriage stand in his way?"

"Marriage in my realm is not merely a physical union, but a spiritual one," Ghirahim said. "To be wed is to be joined in body and mind. If someone else is already a part of me, it will impede what he needs to do. What he requires of me is an unadulterated connection." He took a breath. "I must be his, and his alone."

Fi's thoughts reeled as she listened. "I still don't understand."

"Neither do I."

"But…when you said that you wanted to fly away with me…" His stern expression made Fi's heart flutter. "You were referring to marriage?" It took a few seconds, but the demon nodded. "You've come to ask me to marry you?"

This time he didn't respond, but instead massaged her hand. She loosened her muscles, allowing him to freely move her fingers. Another chill coursed through her.

She didn't know what to say or do. Everything that he had said was incomprehensible.

"Ghirahim…" she whispered. He raised his eyes at the unsolicited sound of his name. She had succeeded in drawing his attention. But that was not all.

Out of all the instances that she had spoken his name, none had ever made her feel this good. She promptly realized that the truth must have shown on her face.

She turned her head as a cautious hand stroked her cheek before browsing the length of her neck. She shut her eyes, feeling his fingertips on her shoulder.

She felt her cloak being pulled away from her. Her eyes opened as she was left with nothing but her dress.

He looked her over with great concentration. She didn't move, granting him permission.

She tried to read his mind but her own cloud of emotion blocked her path. She almost spoke, but was hushed as he cupped her face in his hands. He drew her to him.

Fi gasped, taken aback by his boldness. But her short moment of rigidness was followed by a steady release; she melted in his arms. As his hands left her face, she opened her mouth, inviting him in. He quickly obliged.

She reached for his chest and found heavy material. She grasped it, rubbing her hands on the firm muscles beneath. She pulled him closer, deepening the kiss. The more of his tongue she felt, the more she wanted. It was long and marvelously flexible. She wondered if all demons shared this feature.

Her reason was leaving her, swallowed up in a surge of desire. Every movement of her hands and face was matched by the demon's, every sound and breath answered with more exploration.

As the motion of their bodies blended together, they sank to the softness of the rug. Fi wrapped her arms around Ghirahim's back, enjoying the weight of his body on her own. When he pushed his way between her knees, she welcomed him.

His tongue against her neck made her pant. With narrow eyes she looked to the roof. He was playing, experimenting, and she had no problem being his test subject.

"I always thought empyreans were beautiful creatures," she heard him say. She responded with a moan. He pulled back and smiled at her. The orange glow flickered all around them. "You are curious, aren't you?"

She gaped at him, her eyes moving to his mouth.

"You know what I mean." His smirk was playful.

Fi would've blushed if she hadn't been so turned on. She watched as his tongue, so dark and lithe, ran between his teeth.

"Would you like me to?" he asked.

Fi laced her fingers into his hair and pulled his head down, meeting him with a wide-open mouth, tilting her head to find the best angle. She was ravenous, and she wanted him to know it.

When he separated from her she was gasping. Her back arched as he traveled downward. She felt the bottom of her dress leave her legs behind and settle above her stomach. Her pulse sped up as her undergarment was swiftly removed.

Heat from the fire poured in, caressing her bare skin. Feeling exposed, she tensed. She felt her knees massaged by warm hands. She started to relax under his touch. Her legs finally parted again. The demon began to tenderly leave a soft trail of kisses along the inside of her thigh. As he made his way down, her eyes got wider.

In one swift motion of spirited cruelty, he teased her most sensitive areas before continuing his trek up her other thigh.

Fi dug her fingernails into the rug. She thought her heart might explode. Was her enemy really doing this? And was she truly enjoying it?

She mouthed his name over and over again as he nibbled her skin on his way back down. She swallowed, trying to keep a handle on her excitement.

With a desperate look on her face, she watched as the demon worked his magic. The sensation that filled her as his tongue went to work was indescribable. The cry that left her as her head fell back was beyond her control. As if she had sent out a signal for more, she was mercilessly ravished, overwhelmed and overcome in the most delicious way possible. Among her enamored ramblings was a 'thank you' to the Goddesses for the thick material which made up the walls of her tent.

The unclad pair stretched across the rug, face-to-face and bathed in sweat. Breathing hard, their mouths joined once more. Fi had no more moans or groans left in her, except for one.

"Mmmm," she sighed, stroking the demon's pure white hair. He returned the favor, freeing her eyes of the violet strands that had become matted on her forehead during the frenzy.

Fi laid her head down and grinned. The demon started to smile as he brushed his fingers down her cheek. She looked at his strong shoulders as he held himself above her, relishing the feel of his body against hers. With her legs wrapped firmly around him, she could feel everything he had to offer.

Warm, strong and muscular, he offered a lot. And he did it well.

Fi held his face. "In all of my experience, I have never felt anything like this." She chuckled in spite of herself. Before tonight she never would have believed that her enemy's arms could feel so gratifying. Or safe.

"Because you've never experienced a demon before," Ghirahim replied. She couldn't seem to tire of his suave accent in her head. "I want to keep holding you like this," he said. He came down to kiss her again. "I wish that this would never end."

Fi was at risk of losing her breath all over again. "I have enjoyed this…"

"Come with me," he said. His tongue played with hers as he freely gave her his thoughts.

The exchange itself was pleasurable, as if every word stroked her before entering her mind. "I would like to…"

"Then please do." The demon surprised her by lightly massaging her breast. She started to writhe, amazed that she wanted him a second time. How magnificent his touch felt.

An intense lovemaking session would normally leave her satiated. To her astonishment, however, she desired more. She grasped the back of his head, begging with her eyes.

"Will you come with me?" he asked. "Will you stay with me?" He pulled back just enough to bite her lip. She gave a little cry. "Will you marry me?" he asked aloud.

Fi stopped moving. All of a sudden, guilt was all she was able to feel—guilt for allowing this to take place.

Was this really happening? She looked down, viewing her naked body beneath the demon's.

"I… I don't know," she said with a stutter.

Ghirahim's face twisted with concern. "What do you mean?"

"I just…I'm empyrean, you're a demon… My home… Link." She felt shame wash over her. She could barely even speak.

The demon rose up, a look of discontent crossing his face. Fi quivered, suspecting that she may have to defend herself at any moment. Her palms tingled.

"Have you not made up your mind?" he asked. His voice was thick.

"I can't…" Fi started to say. "I just can't."

The demon eased away from her to recover his clothing. He dressed with a curious urgency. Fi watched with zealous eyes.

"You can't…" he repeated, slipping his boots on.

"I'm leaving," she said, covering herself with her cloak. "I've already made the commitment."

"Will you not reconsider?" the demon asked.

The shattered look on his face made her heart ache. She rubbed her forehead, feeling terrible that she had indulged in such pleasure, only to deny the one who had given it to her. "I don't know," was all she could say.

Fi understood Ghirahim's annoyed expression. Even she was annoyed—fed up with herself for not having the means to provide him with what he deserved.

But did he deserve anything good from her? Was she wrong to think that he did? What was she even doing? Being selfish? Foolish? Idiotic?

She reached her hand out, but he withdrew. He turned to look at the fire.

Silence took over as Fi struggled to find something to say. She looked down, knowing that her frank words to Link paled in comparison to the disappointment she'd just delivered to Ghirahim.

"I'm sorry," she added.

"I don't want your apology." The words were spoken through gritted teeth. He slowly turned his eyes back to Fi. "I want you."

She didn't know why she was having such trouble communicating. Perhaps it was how strange it felt to be at odds with someone who just minutes before had blown her mind.

Analyze, think, say something helpful! she told herself.

"If all you need is someone to marry," she said, "why not find a demoness? Anyone will do, correct?" The satisfaction she felt from her well-meaning suggestion faded as soon as she saw his face sour.

"What do you take me for?" he asked. "Do you honestly believe that I have not considered that option?"

"I… No," Fi said, sighing.

"Marriage is to be venerated like a god. It is final." He glanced away. "I do not wish to share it with anyone other than the one whom I have chosen."

"Chosen…" Fi muttered under her breath. "I'm honored, but—"

The demon moved to the door. He turned. "If you are honored, then perhaps you will change your mind. I believe you may regret it if you don't." He slipped out into the night without another sound.

Fi was alone again.

Was that a threat? she thought.

She poked through the small chest by her bed. She pulled a loose linen shirt over her head, shocked by what she had just done. There was no getting around it—she felt awful.

She considered following the demon, but decided against it. What else could she possibly say? This evening had been incredible, but she couldn't go with him.

And what would Link do if he found out? Maybe she should go to him; be honest; discuss her concerns with him one more time.

He's probably asleep. She was short on sleep, herself, and even more exhausted after that little tryst... She laid down, her body still floating. Relaxing came easily this time, as did sleep.

The next thing she knew, the chirping and chittering of small creatures was dragging her from her slumber. Rubbing her eyes, she yawned. Sitting up, she noticed that Link's fire had completely gone out. Between that and the bright light coming through the door, she knew that she must have slept for hours.

She wasn't surprised. Unbridled passion could wear anyone out. As she dressed in her long robe, she rehashed last night's carnal activities in her mind.

Maybe it would turn out to be a dream. She grinned. Her arms and legs were entirely too sore. In addition, her abdominal muscles were burning. What other proof was needed?

Her growling stomach provided further evidence that she had exerted excessive energy. Or perhaps it was due more to her skipping dinner last night.

She shrugged. Real or imagined, she was not going to give herself over to the wiles of a demon ever again.

Wrapping her shoulders and stepping into her shoes, she entered the sunlight. Squinting, she combed her fingers through her hair. Glancing around, she surmised that the camp was most definitely uninhabited, save for a few people. Everyone had moved on, and she couldn't wait to do the same.

She could worry about her belongings later. The thought of packing bags right now didn't interest her. Neither did the idea of warming up a pot of water for her usual morning wash. Waking up Link sounded much more appealing. As dependable as that boy was, he was a heavy sleeper. Seeing him regularly in the mornings was something she very much looked forward to.

There was nothing like a brand new day. As she began making her way two rows over and fifteen tents down, everything that the demon had burdened her with the night before started to lift. She walked with a spring in her step. She was going to greet Link, speak what was on her heart, visit Skyview to request permission to leave the surface, and then go.

With him. Finally. She took a deep breath of wintery air.

She could already see the embers outside of his tent, coupled with a hint of smoke. She was sure that his tent must have been as comfortable as hers.

The sky through the thin cloud cover was a bright blue. Fi smiled, refreshed and enthusiastic. She passed a number of empty tents before sidling up to Link's and opening the flap.

"Good morning," she sang, kneeling down. Her smile fizzled.

An empty tent. "Odd…" she said. She observed his slept-in bed. Why he had never called for his own wool rug, being as high-ranking as he was, was beyond her.

Link had undoubtedly been here; not long ago, either. Fi stood and scanned the camp.

She spotted a solitary empyrean soldier one row over, bent over a large leather bag. "Have you seen Link?" Fi shouted to her. Straightening, the soldier saluted her captain, but shook her head.

Fi pursed her lips. He had to be nearby. Hylia's temple was a likely place, especially if he fancied a morning prayer.

But she soon discovered that the temple was as empty as his tent.

At once she walked to the mess hall, her pace gradually increasing. Not nearly as many soldiers occupied the area as the previous night. Fi interrupted their casual conversations to question each and every one of them. They all gave the same report: "I haven't seen him since yesterday."

Fi suddenly felt an iciness creep into her stomach. Ignoring her hunger, she set off northward to Skyview, calling his name the entire way. The two-mile walk never seemed so arduous.

The noise of the building site intensified as she navigated her way through the trees. Emerging, she looked up, floored by the towering walls of stone.

Men and women were everywhere. Some were on ladders; most were on the roof. Fi walked up the front steps, studying the fine details of the portico as she went. Pillars surrounded the outside of the temple. They were topped by a roof which sheltered the porch area.

The work that had been done here was astounding, but Fi was much too distracted to fully appreciate it.

The second she located Hylia, Fi slowed. Whispering a few confidence-boosting words to herself, she approached the divine woman.

Hylia sat under the portico, curled in the thickest fleece, her golden hair spilling down her back. Her golden harp lay in her hands. She was quietly overseeing the construction of her home. With nervousness that Fi hoped was imperceptible, she walked up to the Goddess Incarnate.

"Your Grace," Fi said with a bow.

Hylia turned to her. "Commander. Good morning." She smiled.

"The temple is breathtaking," Fi said.

"It is, indeed," Hylia said proudly. "I am quite blessed to have such talented and dedicated men and women." Her blue eyes dropped. "I believe they are more than ready to return home, however."

Fi nodded. "As am I, Your Grace," she noted, thankful for the segue. "Do I have your permission to leave my post at the Sealed Grounds?"

Hylia gave a knowing smile. "Certainly, Commander."

"Thank you," Fi said. She wanted to leave, but she stilled herself. "May I ask…" Hylia's gaze came back to her. "Have you seen…Link?"

The pale woman's eyes changed. "Link?"

"Yes. I wish to speak with him." Fi folded her hands. "I am not sure where he is."

"I spoke with him yesterday afternoon when the sun was setting," Hylia said.

"Was that the last time, Your Grace?" Fi asked.

"Yes. He did not return this morning. Was he planning to leave?"

"Not without me, Your Grace," Fi said softly.

Hylia nodded. "He has yet to go to the sky. No one can ascend without my assistance. He must be here."

"He has no reason to leave without warning. I fear he may be missing, Your Grace."

"Missing?" Hylia asked. "I would assume that if Link were to leave, it would be on his own volition."

Fi didn't respond at first. What was Hylia implying? "You aren't concerned, Your Grace?"

"No," she said.

"Has he notified you of…anything?" Fi asked, trying to keep a professional tone.

"No. However, I have already released him of his responsibilities. He has been free to go for weeks now. If he has chosen to leave, then he is not at fault."

"I am not sure that he has left by choice," Fi said, the worry in her voice beginning too show.

"If he was here yesterday, then I am confident that he is close by," Hylia said.

Fi was staggered by the woman's apparent calmness over the matter. Was Hylia privy to something that she wasn't?

"Do not fret for him," Hylia said kindly. "If he wishes to return, then he will."

The finality in Hylia's voice convinced Fi not to say any more. Still, authority did not equate to accuracy, even for the Goddess Reborn. Fi nodded, apologized for being bothersome, and left with little consolation.

Link was not at the camp, nor was he anywhere in Hylia's Realm from what Fi could tell. He did not appear to be at the newly built temple. He could not have gone to the sky, or even Empyrea; not without the help of Hylia or herself.

Was he hiding? Purposely avoiding her? Had she offended him that deeply with her advice to aid Hylia? Maybe he had taken her guidance to heart and didn't want to tell her. Perhaps Hylia knew this, and felt the same.

Fi couldn't picture her leader lying, though. Neither was Link the type to run away from a difficult situation.

He was still on the surface, but where? Maybe he was in the woods around the Sealed Grounds. Had he decided to head to the desert with the other humans? Had he gone to Lake Floria? None of these seemed likely, but they were possibilities.

Losing her appetite, Fi jogged back to her tent. She gathered a pair of leather gloves and a second cloak for warmth. She could be out all day, and Faron Field could get very windy and cold.

The path that led away from Hylia's Realm was long and vacant. Birds sang and the sun shined through the cloud cover, but Fi felt terribly alone. She called for Link several times, but received nothing in response other than the whistling of a frigid breeze.

Minutes came and went. The trees began to change as the Faron Woods gave way to open field. Standing on a hill, Fi saw several outcrops of trees dotting the landscape. She sighed, running her gaze from one side of the horizon to the other. Knowing Link and how fast he could move, he could be anywhere.

If he's run to catch up with the group travelling to the desert… The thought made Fi angry. Actually, it made her blood boil. If he had left without telling her, and he was perfectly fine…

Then again, what if he wasn't? The 'missing' theory popped back into her head.

"Link!" she shouted. Her voice echoed through the field. "Link!" She looked behind her, to the sides, and across the grassy expanse. She even looked up, wondering if he had somehow left this realm altogether.

Her eyes shot back down as a frightening thought came to her.

The demon…

Fi stared at the ground. "Din, what have I done?"

What if it was him? What if he had caused this? What if Link had entered the realm of the...demons?

Then it would have been her fault… Fi absentmindedly rubbed her chest, feeling guilty all over again. She should've gone to Link last night. Or maybe she should have gone with the demon.

Her eyes watered. She felt as helpless as she did hopeless.

As she started to run, she felt ridiculous. There was a good chance that she was simply being paranoid. Link could easily show up, chuckling and poking fun at her for making such a fuss over him.

The further she ran from Hylia's realm the more lost she felt. Could he really be out here? Maybe she should wait for him back at camp.

No… She couldn't sit idly and do nothing.

The outline of the sun could be seen traveling from east to west over the clouds. Morning turned to afternoon. Fi's voice was raspy from yelling. By nightfall, she could do nothing more than whisper.

The cold didn't help. Her lungs ached from it, and her throat burned. Through the darkness she wandered until she took shelter beneath some trees. She stumbled, careworn and half-blinded by lack of moonlight.

Wearied, she crawled to a tree trunk and leaned against it. Hugging her knees, she shivered. She was famished, thirsty and freezing.

She wrung her hands in frustration, having found not a single trace of the desert-bound humans and empyreans. She thought of Link, upset that her efforts had resulted in nothing.

"Where are you?" She opened her mind. "Ghirahim?" She heard nothing. "Ghirahim?"

Still nothing. Heavyhearted, she curled up on the ground, dozing off to disturbing images of Link in trouble, hurt or dead.

"Maybe I'm worrying over nothing," she breathed. She rapidly dropped into a restless sleep.

She dreamed of the demon. She could hear his voice and feel his touch. She wanted him near. She craved him.

"Ghirahim," she groaned in her sleep.

"I am here."

Fi awoke with a gasp.

With an empty but heavy body she rose. It was another day.

If she returned to Hylia's realm, maybe Link would be there, ready to erase all of her vexation with a smile.

Her head was as cloudy as the sky as she walked back east. She didn't know how many miles she had covered, nor did she care. The walkway through the woods led her back but offered little else.

She couldn't seem to get the demon out of her head. He wasn't speaking to her, yet all she could see was him. She felt like crying but swallowed back the urge.

She passed Hylia's temple. Nothing. She roamed through the camp. No one. She checked the mess hall. Not a soul. She started for Skyview.

"You will not find him there."

Fi's spent eyes came up.

"Ghirahim?" she called with a gravelly voice. Silence followed. "Where are you? Where is he? What's going on!" Still nothing. Tears finally fell as she gave in to her rage. Resentment welled up inside of her as she hugged herself.

An empyrean? A scholar? She certainly didn't feel like one right now. A failure and a coward was more like it. Had her selfishness led to this?

The demon knew something, and she was going to find out what it was.

Into the wilderness she went once more, but this time yelling more than one name.

Morning, to afternoon, to night. Over and over the sun came up and went down, yielding to bitter cold and darkness. Her dreams were dominated by the demon as she shivered under her cloak.

Every so often she would kneel beside a stream and drink. She prayed for help from the Goddesses. Why were they holding out on her?

Water sustained her but she needed more. She knew that eventually her thinning, semi-immortal body would succumb to starvation. She had to eat.

Still attempting to contact Ghirahim, Fi continued west.

She climbed a hill and surveyed the land. Were her eyes playing tricks on her? The edge of something, glistening and blue, stood out from its green surroundings. She thought for a moment.

"The Lanayru Sand Sea," she said, reminding herself that she wasn't crazy—yet. She focused though the blurriness. Yes, there was the shipyard and the mining facility. She had been there before, many years ago. There was the enormous Sandship, most likely still captained by Skipper—a rather nice robot. Very old, just like her. Many of his race knew Fi well, having fought beside her over the past year.

She stood atop the hill and observed the activity for several minutes. Perhaps they could help her somehow.

Probably not, she thought dismally. Not a scrap of food would be there. She would have to go fishing, but she was already so tired and weak. The idea of it made her lightheaded. They would most certainly help her, of course…

Amid her brooding, she sensed movement out of the corner of her eye. Heading north from the mining facility was a group of travelers. Fi's eyes widened.

Rejuvenated by the sight, she ran down the hill toward the migrating flock. There were at least a few dozen of them. Humans, empyreans—this was the group that was journeying to the desert.

She sprinted, screaming to them with every exhale. One after another, the members of the group stopped and turned.

Gathering around, they welcomed her.

"Have you seen Link? Is he with you?" Fi asked, panting.

The men and women exchanged looks. "No," several of them stated. More disappointed than ever, she thanked them and turned to go.

One woman barely had enough time to place a satchel in Fi's hands before she took off again. The sun was setting, and she was determined to cover as much of the Lanayru Province as she could before dark.

But it was useless. No one inhabited this part of the surface. The desert was further north. Fi couldn't fathom why anyone would want to live there besides the gorons.

Specks of white appeared before her, twirling in the wind. The first snowfall of the year. The flurry became heavier, covering the ground within an hour.

Once again she found herself curling up under a tree. She had grown accustomed to cold nights, but this night was positively frigid. She hadn't eaten in days and had lost weight, causing her to feel even colder.

She had to build a fire, but she had nothing with which to do it. She searched the bag she was given—meat that had been hunted by one of the men, and bread. No flint or anything of the sort. She should have asked…

Fi dug around in the snow for a suitable piece of wood, a stick and some leaves. After finding what she needed, she located a rock, carved a groove into the wood, crushed the dead leaves onto it and began to grudgingly build a friction fire. She rubbed her numb hands together and spun the stick into the groove as fast as she could. She tried to direct her tears of anger away from her pathetic attempt at wilderness survival.

She kneaded her forehead as her face scrunched in anguish.

Then, she felt a hand on her shoulder.