Sorry for the delay on this chapter. I only own Myrideen, Tori, Kaden, and Rain

The sun slowly rose over the land of Hyrule with a small entourage made entirely of women rode hard toward the Castle grounds from the west intent on dealing with important business. A tall tan skinned woman wearing white clothing rode at the head her long fiery red hair flowing as the wind rushed past her, the special breed of horse were bred to withstand the harsh conditions of the desert and maintain those speeds for extended periods of time. When Nobooru's party neared Castle town gate they were awestruck by the destruction and many corpses that littered the ground, she had heard about the skirmish that had taken place two days prior and was very curious to meet the new lord of the land as well as this Mage there was so much talk about. As they approached the draw bridge to the city they slowed their canter to a trot, she had been here before and the guards she found at the front gate were far different than they used to be. They stood straight with strength and authority where before they slouched, "This new lord intrigues me" she murmured stopping in front of the guards who stepped closer together crossing the spears. Nobooru raised herself up as much as she could "We have come to speak with the King of Hyrule about the attack on the city."

Myrideen grumbled under his breath, while he had been trying to console Zelda as they nearly lost the three student having spoken to Link at length in private he learned she had a bad habit of blaming herself for things out of her control and she had been very moody especially when he turned his right side to her. He sighed, receiving the cut had apparently woken her motherly instincts, he touched the healing wound lightly before stopping. He wondered just what was going on with her, he had received far worse injuries in the past but never mentioned those to her, his mind stopped cold with that thought. Bingo. His conscience seemed to mock him, with a loud groan his answer hit him full force, and with his new found knowledge he would make sure not to tell her about those. It took a bit of effort but he finally got himself moving again and for the moment he was planning to clear his mind by wandering the halls of the castle, though he was very surprised when he started to pass the concerto room only to hear music floating from behind the door. As his curiosity got the better of him he opened the door slightly revealing the mage from the battle though he was sitting in a chair playing what looked to be a guitar, only it had six strings to the normal five they had, and from the sounds it was producing he was playing it exceedingly well. He had his eyes closed letting the music flow from his finger tips, Deen knew that feeling all to well and as his eye caught the stringed bass in the corner he smiled before moving over to it silently.

He rosined up the bow he took from the wall before drawing it across the large strings, he looked to the mage smiling as his head began to bob up and down. It took Deen a few moments to get the right rhythm and get into the proper scale as the two fell in sync. Sweet melodies flowed from the room as the maids and maidens went to and fro, busily going about their work. Only once did a passer-by stop to listen before entering. Link, who's eyes still shone with battle weariness, his spirits still among the downtrodden, entered briskly as to not disturb the setting. Sighing heavily, he glanced to a nearby desk where lay a small ocarina, taking the delicate instrument brining it up to his lips he began to blow slight tunes until his own voice fell in sync with the other players.

Zelda, who was still reeling from her disbelief, trudged through the castle halls, until she was stopped by the creak of an opening door. Malon, who had finished changing into her formal attire, locked eyes with Zelda as she exited the room. "My dear, what's the matter?" She requited gingerly. Zelda, forcing a meek smile replied, "Yes, Malon I'm perfectly alright". Malon, seeing through Zelda's obvious lie, took the princess's hand, "Come with me". The two briskly moved through the halls talking about future plans such as children and things their husbands had spoken to them about, both stopped abruptly hearing soothing tones rising from the depths of a room they had just passed. The girls pushed the door open ever so slightly peeking inside giggling as though they were little girls, they were entranced by what they saw. Three men, two being battle hardened veterans playing so softly it was startling due to the notes they played, for they betrayed the nature of a warrior. Entering the room with the elegance of dignitaries Zelda took the remaining seat while Malon stood next to her, she could feel the tension leave her body.

Zelda felt bad for the way she had been treating Deen the last few days, having been pushing him away while he supported her in every way. Malon noticed Zelda's sulking, smiling lightly she rested a hand on her sister in laws shoulder, she knew what they were going through as Link and herself were experiencing the same thing. Her smile fell slightly as her mood darkened, Link had told her they would probably riding off to war in the not to far future. Things never seemed to go their way first was Gannondorf failing to raise an army against Hyrule, now they were on the verge of war with a country thousands of leagues away.

Deen, Tori, and Link finally notices the presense of the two women, ending the small performance on soft notes before lowering their instruments. Deen and Link moved to their wives soft smiles on their faces, Tori on the other hand seemed to fade into the background believing he had no place among the nobility of the land. The atmosphere of the room changed as the once sorrowful ambience turned affectionate, he wished to leave but they blocked the door, so instead he turned away from the scene. They all turned as there was a knock at the door "You may enter."

A servant poked his head bowing low "Your majesties', the king requests your presense" the servant noticed Tori in the corner of the room "Master Calin, your presense is required as well" he said before leaving hastily.

Deen helped Zelda up from the chair giving her a light kiss before letting her and Malon out of the room with Link, Tori and himself on their heels. Deen dropped back striding next to Tori who had a pensive expression "Master Calin." Looking to the Noble Tori wondered what this was about, Deen continued "Do you know of the The knight's Edict?"

Tori shook his head "No sir I do not."

Deen nodded "Very well, I will tell you about something. According to the Edict anyone can be knighted under certain circumstances, the one that receives the most prestige and highest rank is saving royalty." Deen laughed lightly as Tori tripped over his feet with the words full impact hit him, "Now with that thought in mind, I want you to consider my offer to be a Royal Knight of the court. As such you will have more freedoms than you do now."

Tori looked to him confusion written all over his face, he was being offered a chance to climb out of being a commoner and he was hesitating. Its not that he wanted to he held down by his station, he had concerns about being a knight, "I have a few questions about that. Will I still be tied to the Circle, will I be able to use my powers as I see fit?"

Deen chuckled, he knew that was coming "No, you will not be tied to the Circle, and yes you will be able to use your powers as you want." Before he could let Tori celebrate "But you will be called to service when we have need of you. One of the benefits is you will live in the Castle and be seen as a noble."

Tori nodded taking it all in, he could handle being called to fight, and by choosing this position he could practice how he wanted. He looked to Deen "I wish to become a Royal Knight."

Deen smiled stopping placing his hands on Tori's shoulders "After the meeting you will be taken for your new wardrobe, and to prepare for the Knighting ceremony."

They started walking again trying to catch up with the others. Before long they came to the throne room where Link and the others were waiting, Zelda had donned her princess demeanor lacing her arm through Deen's, Link and Malon were silent, Tori did his best to appear regal, Deen stood straighter wearing the cloak of authority and supremacy. With Zelda on his arm he moved to the head of the small group opening the doors drawing all attention to them offsetting the foreign dignitaries. The air was alive with tension, Zelda watched her husband from the corner of her eye, how he remained calm while she was dancing on the inside was beyond her. She recognized Nobooru but what startled her was the moment the Gerudo woman locked eyes with Deen she immediately lowered her head, Zelda frowned, this warrior woman walked all over her father last time she was here and now she deferred to her husband.

Deen took his place standing next to Zelda, Link took his next to the king. The dark skinned woman drew a dagger from under her robes charging Deen with unrivaled speed intent on driving the blade in to his heart, Deen's eyes narrowed as she charged him lowering his head signaling to Tori, who thrust his hand wrapping her in weaves of air lift her off the ground. The king stood outraged "Traitor! You come under the guise of peace and try to assassinate my son in law. Seize them!" he roared.

The Gerudo women took up arms ready to fight but a ring of fire appeared around them, the Hyrulian's backed away from the flames as Deen strode forward "Your majesty if I may."

The king gave him a sideways glance "What do you have in mind?"

"I would like to hear why she tried to take my life." Zelda had gotten out of her chair trying to rush to his side but was stopped by Malon.

The King nodded "Very well. Proceed."

"Have your warriors throw their weapons away" he barked out "and they will spared" all of them looked to their leader throwing their weapons down when she nodded reluctantly. "Master Calin, if you will", Tori nodded extinguishing the flames and lowering Nobooru "Why is it you wish to kill me" he asked.

She growled out "I have my reasons."

He nodded looking to a servant "Fetch my sword, arm and shin guards" the man bowed before turning and running out of the room.

She looked to him in confusion then anger "I see your an arrogant coward! Going to kill me when I can't defend myself" she snarled. She looked to the mage who still had her bound, he had removed the weapon from her hand so she couldn't harm anyone. Looking back to the man, if her words had any effect on him he didn't show it instead he stepped forward invading her personal space. Her fingers itched to drive her dagger into his chest but as he stepped close enough leaning in almost pressing his nose to her's staring right into her eyes.

"Arrogant coward am I?" He reached down picking up the dagger twirling it in his hands "A coward would take your own weapon and run it through your heart. I'm going to give you a chance to kill me." Ignoring Zelda's scream he glared "but if you fail you will swear fealty to the Al' mere family. If you decline I will have you put to death, imprison those you brought and slaughter those from your home land" his eyes narrowed with the threat.

Nobooru was ready to die but as he threatened her home, her sisters, and their children she had no choice but to accept the duel "What will happen to them if I die" she said defeated.

He straightened "They will be set free with either my, or your death" the servant entered the room carrying the black sheathed sword. Deen turned walking a few feet back tying the weapon to his back he turned "Master Calin, Release her", when she was free "what is your weapon of choice?" He asked while attaching his armored gauntlets and shin guards.

She moved over picking up a Scimitar taking it out of the sheath she took her stance ready to fight. When he didn't take a stance she rushed him, going straight for the kill, her eyes widened as he blocked the strike. She jumped back trying to rethink her strategy, and was unprepared for the speed in which he charged throwing a predictable combination. It took everything she had to fend him off, she studied his form as he finally slid into a stance, Nobooru had no idea how to fight an opponent like this. She growled rushing him again hoping to catch him off guard, he shifted the motion in his favor as he rushed her in return. She brought the sword down for an overhead strike, he grabbed the handle of her sword with both hands before she could bring it down, stepping in to her his back against her chest he hooked his right leg behind her left and removed his right hand from the handle of the sword before driving his elbow into her stomach.

She tripped over his leg, rolling away trying to get her breath back she looked at him standing there in the same posture, holding her sword above his head elbow stretch out as if he was frozen in time. She coughed hard, the hit hurt like hell. When he stood straight tossing her sword away he sighed "That was about half" he turned away "this fight is over." Nobooru gritted her teeth grabbing the dagger near her she stood rushing him, she was just about drive the weapon into his back when he turned and with the lighting speed his own sword he disarmed her bringing the weapon close to her neck.

She dropped to her knees head lowered "A Gerudo is worth her word" she glared up at him "I swear loyalty to you, my arrogant and cowardly lord ." she said with disdain.

Deen sheathed his sword "Arrogance shows disrespect not only to yourself but to those around you. Arrogance makes you blind, an arrogant man would have fallen to you sword. I have confidence, in which I show respect to my opponent. I understand all aspects of my abilities and those I must fight. As for being a coward your referring to my threatening your people." His face softened a little "It was a bluff, I played your emotions against you, watching your eyes when your party was about to burned alive gave me what I needed. I would never harm innocent women and children."

Nobooru's jaw dropped, he not only beaten her hands down in combat but he swindled her as well. She was angry, she was depressed, she felt a million things but he did nothing, the Gerudo's hadn't she looked up to him as he kneeled in front of her. Gannondorf came from her people and was pillaged to man kind he was one of the reasons she hated men more than most of the others, though this man, she thought is what a man should be. She lowered her head adjusting her posture so she rested on her knees bowing to him "Forgive my impertinence my lord."

Deen stood "Rise and speak your name."

She stood head lowered "Nobooru of the Gerudo tribe."

Deen nodded "I am Myrideen Al 'mere, husband to Zelda Helene Al 'mere and future ruler of Hyrule" he extended his hand "I wish to express my gratitude to you."

She took his hand and giving him a confused look "Gratitude? For trying to kill you?"

He chuckled "No, for assisting my brother and looking after him when he was here fighting to removed Gannondorf from the land."

Link stepped forward smiling "Its been a while Nobooru."

Her jaw dropped looking back and forth between the two "Brother? Link is your brother?"

He nodded "Yes, my younger brother in fact. He told me how you helped him in his quest and for that you have my thanks" he smiled.

Now she felt even worse, not only had she lost but she had tried to kill the brother of one of her closest allies. Deen stepped back taking a shaken Zelda in his arms who clung to him, Link chuckled as he comforted Zelda and the dead fish expression on Nobooru's face. Gathering herself she looked up "I guess you wish to know why I attack you." When he nodded she continued "Oracle" she said loudly. They watched an eldered woman moved up the aisle aided by two younger women, when they reached her, Nobooru bowed kissing her hand, "this is the Oracle of our land. She has given me a prophecy one that I was afraid of. She told me when the time comes the Gerudo must ride to Hyrule's aid or we face destruction. The Dragon would rise and free our people, exoneration them of their past crimes." She looked down "That my daughter would marry the Dragon's son."

There was a burst of outrage at the statement, many opposed the idea of arranging a marriage between the unborn son of royalty and a daughter of thievery. Deen how ever looked rather curious on the matter, the room fell silent as he raised his hand the two Gerudo women brought the old woman forward. When they stopped the woman seemed to look at every one in the room, her gaze lingered on Link and Zelda longer than most, but when her eyes beheld Deen she raised her hand trying to point to the man in front of her, everyone in the room could tell it was all she could do to make her point know. She spoke in a tongue that no one of Hyrulian birth knew, Nobooru, wide eyed turned to her speaking is the same tongue. The woman nodded motioning for Nobooru to translate, she turned "The oracle wishes you to step forward."

Deen nodded extracting himself form Zelda's clutches stepping close to her she motioned him down, he obliged kneeling down so he was around eye level with her he was shocked to learn she was blind, her eyes were covered with a white film, the Creator took earthly sight from her and gave her spiritual sight in return. She took his hand in hers running her fingers gingerly over where the mark of the dragon was, Link, Malon, the king, Nobooru, and the rest of the Gerudo women watched in astonishment as the silver dragon appeared on his arm. She continued to study the mark speaking in the same language.

"She says, The mark of the dragon. The creator has bestowed great honor on you, our legends mention one called the dragon. It is said he would bring destruction to the Gerudo, before the true king of our people would come to power. The prince of Hyrule will wed the Princess of Thievery, uniting the land once again."

He looked to Nobooru who looked down trodden after speaking those words, he saw something in the old woman's, she expected something of him something only he could offer. He remembered something he found buried deep in the catacombs below the vacant city of Annex. He was sent there as part of a guard unit, as well as his knowledge of history. As he was searching he came across a graveyard, he decided to have a look around. As he searched the ruins one head stone stood out to him, it seemed untouched by time, but as he read the inscription it faded ending with the stone shattering. He stood hoping it was right, looking to Nobooru he spoke "You know the truth, do you not."

Her eyes widened "How..."

He looked to the other women and spoke "You have been lied to about the origins of your people." They stared, some with confusion, others with hatred but he continued "All of you are children of Hyrule."

The king rose from his seat "Myrideen, what are you saying" he said anger tinging his voice.

"Your forefather" rounding on the him "exiled a band of female thieves to the desert hoping they would die only they flourished." He turned to the women of the Gerudo, who sported looks of confusion from the youth, and looks of sorrow from the elders, Deen continued "A scribe who over saw the records of the event was told to destroy all evidence and records. When he died he had the truth carved on his grave hoping someone would finally right the wrongs of the corrupt king. I found his grave and learned the truth, he had them cursed so they would only bare girls."

The king stood in outrage "Hold your tongue! You know nothing of.."

Deen roared about him "Their time in exile should have ended when they assisted in the defeat of Gannondorf! You knew the truth" he lowered his voice "yet you were content in your seat of power to let them continue to rot in the desert." He turned to them "I will rectify the mistakes and corruption my people have wrought on to you. We are on the verge of war, it's time to put away our differences and forgive past mistakes. In order to survive we must band together, unite and become one people once again."

Zelda looked to her father angry and sorrowful, hearing that she was directly connected to such cruelty. Looking to her husband she smiled, he was trying to heal the land and fix the problems that were rooted deeply in the royal family. Link, himself was livid how could the king, no the bloodline he fought for be so cruel, he moved next to Deen bowing in front of the oracle and Nobooru "Forgive me" he looked up to them "I will fight to see that you compensated for what you have endured."

The oracle spoke "She says, she is not sad, but happy that the truth has finally come to the land of water. With your words you have broken our people, will you make an oath to promise your son to our future queen?"

Zelda, spoke up anger tainting her voice "Why would we promise our child to you?"

Deen mulled this over in his head searching for the right words. He knew he had to move properly here or else lose the support of the Gerudo and his family. Looking up to the old woman he decided to speak from his heart "I cannot promise his heart to her, and I would never force my own flesh and blood to do something against their will. We can attempt to bring them together, but as I said I cannot promise he will take to it."

The old woman smiled widely "She says, that is the response she wanted. Our children are our future and if we take that and their freedom from them, we will have no future." She turned to leave "Call on us when it is time to ride for war, we the Gerudo pledge our loyalty to you my lord" with that the oracle and most of the women left. Nobooru watched the leave before turning to Deen "Until this time, I resented men using them only for pleasure. You show me that men are worth trusting, believing in, and loving. I find the thought of one day calling you brother appealing" she said her cheeks lightly dusted red before kissing his cheek.

They watched on as the Gerudo's left the room, the king was angry that Deen had spoken over him and he was ready to berate him for it, before he could a coughing fit seized him. Zelda, rushed to his side patting him of the back trying to loosen what ever it was that was lodged in his lungs, what the those in the room did not know was the king had been suffering an illness for the last few years. Tori recognized the symptoms as Atheria, a deadly disease that claimed his grand parents, stepping forward he spoke "Your highness, if I may. How long have you been Ill?"

The king studied him "Who are you to ask a king such a question?" He asked, a hint of aggression in his voice at being questioned.

"My name is Tarsus Calin, though you may call me Tori. I believe you have Atheria" he said. The statement drew a gasp from Zelda, he continued "My grand parents were taken by it this past Winter, and from what I can see you share the same symptoms."

The king frowned, he never wished for them to find out but he had no choice now as this Commoner knew "My personal surgeon confirmed Atheria." Zelda, helped him to his seat before another fit seized him, he lowered his hand from his mouth revealing blood "By his word I have no more than two weeks, a month at the most" he smiled softly. Looking up to his son in law, yes he was angry with him but he did what nobody ever dared to do stand up to him, hold him accountable for his past mistakes, he was proud to pass his throne to the young man. All eyes turned to the king as he prepared to speak, "As I do not have much time left I wish to say, before loosing my powers of speech, I am honored that you Myrideen Al 'mere will take my place as ruler of Hyrule. You will lead this country better than I ever could." He took a deep breath "The succession ceremony will be held as soon as possible", Deen attempted to protest but was waved to silence "it is time for a true king to take the reigns. Now, if you all will please leave me I wish to be alone for a while."

The mood turned solemn as every one filed out of the throne room Zelda, for her part tried to stay with her father but Deen being by far physically stronger had no issues pulling her out of the room. Link closed the door behind him just before Deen released her, Zelda for her part was angry rounding on him with mixed tears of sadness and anger before slapping him as hard as she could. He had to admit the strike stung, but he loved her so he stood his ground "Why Deen, why" she screamed at him.

He merely shook his head "Zelda, you of all people should know there are forces at work here that are far beyond our control. In regards to the Gerudo" he sighed running a hand through his hair "I had been planning on bringing them back to Hyrule if they wished. We need all the allies we can gather, the Gerudo are strong, fiercely loyal, and have skills that we will have need of. Being a people of thieves they will be perfect intelligence gatherers. As for the earlier discussion, I didn't speak for the needs of politic's but from my own heart and the needs of our unborn child. I did what I thought was right."

Zelda growled "What about what I think? How could you ever think of giving our child to them?"

Deen frowned "I didn't give him to them, and I never will" he crossed his arms "I merely told them we would give it a chance to see if they would come together. If they don't then there is nothing that can be done about it."

She glared stepping closer to him "Is that supposed to appease me?"

"No, its not. I am a man of my word and I will not go back on it" he stared into her eyes for a moment before sighing "it's not about me agreeing to them is it, its about your father isn't it" he said softly.

She frowned "I have not the slightest idea of what your talking about" she lied.

"Your a terrible lair princess" he said with a chuckle, wrapping her in his arms before she could react "I'm worried about him too." She struggled for a few moments before finally going limp and crying into his chest, Link turned away trying to hide tears of his own. The king was like a second father to him, he was a second father to him, he felt the pain that Zelda did, he wondered for a moment how he would feel if his actual father were dying and his heart shattered. Malon had seen his defeated look, she had only spoken to the king once when she was a little girl. She had come with her father to deliver milk as well as other goods, having gotten lost the king found her escorted her back to the stables where he stayed with her till Talon was finished with his work.

She pulled him to her before he lost control sobbing into her shoulder, Tori felt like an outsider but looking at the expression on Deen and Malon's faces he could tell they felt the same. He knew of but did not know the king like the other two, he wished there was something he could do but magic had no effect on illnesses. He felt so powerless, he was supposed to be a knight of the court and there was nothing he could do. They were all broken out of their reverie as a familiar voice speaking a strange language drifted through the halls "Deen, aki detu ne" the voice yelled.

Tori raised a brow "What is that" he asked."

"Ha she nu" he yelled back. Not long after Tori watched a Blue haired, purple eye beauty step around the corner, she wore her traditional priestess outfit Tori couldn't help but stare being used to Alturan women the sight of the Vapatian girl was almost too much for him to handle.