Morning arrived too slowly, a surprising factor for Link. He had anticipated it to arrive promptly, for it to lighten his rented room with its unwanted glow. With it, it brought a new life for him, albeit temporary, so long as he waited for his chance to strike. But until the moment he could plunge the Master Sword through the muscled chest of his foe, Ganondorf would still walk, and Link would be at his side as an ally. As the young Hylian lay in bed, his half-lidded eyes observed the creases and cracks in the wall beyond, its sign of wear and tear. Every detail was mapped out and imprinted upon his mind, as though it would be worthy enough to remember. Yet it was nothing more than a miniscule thing. This inn would eventually fade out of his memory bank, unnoticed and unrecognized if he ever were to return to Ambergates. Heck, it might even look entirely foreign, a new place to explore.

The coo of mourning doves filtered in through the thin glass of his window, their loving chatter fitting for the lovely morning. The sun was full and bright, the sky a deep blue, and not a single cloud flitting through the heavens. Ruffled blonde locks obscured Link's vision of the activity beyond the inn, not that he cared. While the hour was early, life was bustling, as was to be expected in a big city such as this.

Begrudgingly stumbling out of bed, his reluctance was evident as Link prepared himself to face the day as quickly as possible, even as his feet dragged. He bathed, put on fresh clothes, and piled up all of his belongings. This was his last day at the inn, and he felt no remorse in leaving it. At the same time, he would rather remain instead of going to the wretched homestead of Ganondorf. A gauntlet-clad palm brushed against the made bed, Link shouldering his small bag containing everything he owned during his travels, aside from the items stashed away in Epona's saddlebags. Lingering for a moment longer, the former hero turned his back on the spruced-up room, quietly shutting the door behind himself with a forlorn click.

-x-

As much as he would have favored waiting for perhaps an hour or so, Link found that such a possibility was not in his future. Heart sinking with dismay, a bitter sense of jealousy entered him as he looked at Ganondorf and Epona. It so appeared the Gerudo had enticed the mare, normally loyal to only her master, into enjoying his company as well, the rust-colored horse daintily taking part of a carrot out of his open palm. Ganondorf, noticing Link emerge from the inn, smiled over at him in a friendly manner that took Link aback. He was so accustomed to the cold sneers and cocky smirks that tamed those dark lips, thus seeing such a warm expression was baffling. Epona whickered to her master over her treat, shaking her head as she tossed her mane about.

"I had wondered if you were to show, Link," chuckled Ganondorf as he patted the muscled neck of the mare, Epona acknowledging him with a snort, now finished with her snack and losing interest fast. But despite this lack, she remained comfortably at the King's flank, observing Link's approach with innocent brown eyes. Tempted to glare at her for her betrayal, Link instead focused his attention upon Ganondorf. His expression did not bear as much friendliness as his newfound ally, rather seems rather set in a borderline gloomy look. But he held firm, managing a slight smile.

"I had wanted to pay the innkeeper a little extra for keeping me, so I had stuck around longer than I expected. Sorry," he apologized in an uneasy chuckle, not knowing how well he would get used to this. Speaking in such a friendly manner to a man who was supposed to be his enemy.
No, he reminded himself silently.
Ganondorf remained his enemy, even if he had formed a momentary truce, even if the Gerudo did not realize this fact. Soon he would annihilate him, wipe him from the face of this country and let peace wash over it once more. Zelda would be proud of him.

Reassured by the thought, Link put on a more so believable smile, stepping up to Epona as he patted her snout. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed a large stallion tied to a nearby post, recognizing it as Ganondorf's own steed. Apparently, he had not come only on foot. The horse was pitch black, its hooves gleaming with new, silver horseshoes and its eyes a blazing red, just a hue off from the red-orange of its mane and tail, resembling a blazing fire. It was large enough to be suitable for the larger man, and its ferocious look just as fitting. Link shivered at the feral, predator gleam to the horse's eyes, turning back to look into the cat-like irises of Ganondorf.

But there, he did not find that predatory hunger. Rather, it was… Warmth?
He did not remark upon it, leaving it be.
All of these strange changes were most likely just being procured from the baffled part of his brain, unable to accept what was happening. He doubted that such a look would arrive from Ganondorf.

Fingers curling around the mare's reins, he gave the older man a tight smile.
"I'm ready to go when you are."
Expecting some kind of magical portal to whisk them off to wherever Ganondorf was taking residence, the Gerudo man, yet again, surprised Link as he instead headed to the horse that was waiting for him.
"Good. Then we shall be departing now," decided Ganondorf, untying the reins from the sturdy, wooden post as he hefted himself in a smooth, graceful motion onto the back of his own horse. The man, as he should, being of royal blood, held himself in a regal manner. Link felt insignificant compared to the older as he stood place in Epona's saddle, settling himself in as he clucked for her to move, the mare trotting over to the stallion's side, clearly acquainted the horse already.

Ganondorf spared Link a glance, a look of thought flickering across his expression. The look was gone too fast for Link to register what the man was thinking, the Gerudo stirring his stallion into motion, melting into the crowds as Link urged Epona to follow suit.

This would be a strange and peculiar trip.

AUTHOR'S NOTE:

Sorry for the lack of a remark last chapter, I had been very tired and hadn't thought much beyond writing xD; I do appreciate the feedback and love I have been getting for this story, you guys that are following me, whether you review or not, are the reason why I update! Prepare yourselves for some interesting traveling scenes, because I'm going to do this fic's title proud. C;

~XOXO ZOMBIE