Chapter Ten

The morning air was fresh...

Relaxing...

Dark swung his blade, slicing neatly through the wooden post. Tremors ran up his arm but he didn't feel them. The morning light had barely tipped over the horizon, casting the far side of the corral in bright reds and golds.

He spun, avoiding an imaginary blade and dispatched his foe, turning and feinting with the Dark Mastersword before leaping and twisting.

His only audience was the horses as they grazed peacefully in the corral. Some watched him with interest while others kept grazing, swishing their tails lazily.

He heard a twig snap and whirling the blade came up and neatly connected with another. He halted, his eyes fastening upon Richard's face.

"In need of an opponent?" Richard's voice was low and Dark eyed him. He was tall and built, his body all muscle, and by his stance Dark knew he'd be a challenge.

He was in need of a challenge...

He grinned...

"Indeed," he lowered his blade and stepped away. He was dressed in his black leather pants, boots and shirt that was open, letting the cool morning air touch his skin. His hair was pulled back and he flicked a loose strand off of his forehead. Richard was dressed similarly, though he was dressed in browns and grays.

"Shall we begin?" Richard hefted his broadsword and Dark remained still.

He was an old knight of Hyrule, the colors on his shield showing as much. He wouldn't be like the mere soldiers that were before him. No, he would no doubt know the old ways and would prove a challenge but Dark liked challenges, relished them.

Especially when he won...

He smirked and widened his stance. Richard did the same. Dark waited, knowing that the old knight would make his move first.

And he did...

He leapt forward, keeping his sword close while having it up to defend himself. Dark mentally applauded him, for the move forced him to take a step back and be put on the defensive. He blocked the blow, shifting his body and pivoting. Richard's eyes sparked and he turned, swinging the blade towards Dark's head. Dark tensed, ducking the blow and lunging at him. Richard grunted and leapt to the side, momentarily off balance before quickly righting himself.

Dark didn't wait for him to attack again. He rolled to the right, coming behind him and swinging his sword. The knight of Hyrule responded by leaping forward and spinning midway in the air, bringing his heavy sword down and towards Dark's head. Dark had been expecting the move and brought his sword up. The metal sparked as the two blades met and he inwardly grimaced, for his arm had still not fully healed and the man was strong.

Very strong...

Dark grinned...

It must have caught Richard off guard for he saw surprise filter across his face but Dark shoved him backwards. He stumbled and lifted a brow at him but Dark only swung his deadly blade.

Richard blocked it and pivoted, spinning and swinging, preparing to sink the hilt of his blade into the back of Dark's skull but Dark didn't wait for him. He twisted his wrist, locking blades with the old knight and shoved, Richard grunted, taking a step back and pushed. Dark let the momentum take over him, flipping backwards and landing easily on his feet. He remained crouching down, keeping the blade horizontal with the ground.

"You have skill," Richard grunted while sizing him up and Dark grinned. He didn't answer but sprung forward, feinting for his leg and the knight went to block it but Dark leapt over him, kicking off of his blade and flipping, bringing the hilt of his sword down and connecting it with the old man's skull.

Richard grunted and hit the ground while Dark landed behind him, his blade neatly underneath Richard's throat. Richard blinked and looked up at him.

"I have more than that," Dark said with a grin and Richard chuckled but looked him up and down, his brows furrowing.

"You know," he whispered, "I once saw a move like that be done before." Dark stiffened, drawing the blade away as Richard stood, "It was a long, long time ago." He peered closer at him. "It was during a raid along the desert, I was younger, perhaps five years ago." His eyes hardened and he knew, as did Dark. "Only," he stepped closer, "that had been but a boy." Dark stiffened, his fingers curling tighter around the hilt of his Dark Mastersword.

He saw it there...

In the man's eyes...

Judgment...

"You were a mercenary," Richard grumbled and his brown eyes darkened, "You killed all those people." He murmured and Dark stiffened, his eyes flashing a bright red. "Why, what did they ever do to you?" Dark saw his fingers tighten around his blade and he felt his muscles tense on instinct. He slowly shifted his weight, spreading his feet wider apart. The chilling look he gave the knight of Hyrule was a warning, but he saw the look come into Richard's eyes.

He knew what he was about to do...

"Breakfast!" It was Zelda's sweet voice and he snapped his head around as his fierce eyes caught hers. He saw her chin lift in anger, but he also saw the light tinge of pink along her creamy cheeks as well. She stood by the corner of the ranch house, against the lone tree that stood there why they were farther up along the wall. "Come in and eat before it gets cold!" He could still see the welt along her forehead but she'd quickly recovered, rising early and helping Malon despite Malon's protests.

She was strong...

But he saw how pale her cheeks were, how she moved slowly so as to not make her head ache and something surged up within him so violently that his breath caught.

It was the need to protect...

To cherish...

The same sensation had overwhelmed him the night before and he clamped his jaw, taking a step towards her but he felt more than saw what Richard's face looked like when he spoke.

"Do not harm her Highness," he growled and Dark halted, "you may look like the Hero of Time, may be helping her but I saw what you did, what you are." His voce dropped to a low, chilling whisper, "And I will not allow her to be hurt." With that he strode past Dark's motionless form and paused by Zelda, dipping his head politely but Zelda frowned, her eyes going to Dark.

She knew something was wrong...

Dark merely turned and headed for the barn, hoping that she would follow Richard back or that Richard would haul her back but he heard her sharp voice and knew that she'd rebuffed the old knight.

He opened the door and stepped inside, going for his saddle. He sheathed his blade and drew out a fresh shirt, pulling the other over his head. He heard her come in but didn't turn to face her.

"Dark? Are you alright?" He could hear the concern in her voice and glanced over his shoulder at her. Her eyes were on his side where bruises covered the flesh.

He'd gotten them saving her...

The thought made him gnash his teeth together but then her blue eyes came up to his and he halted.

They were dark...

Desire in the depths...

"Dark?" She called again and he blinked, dimly remembering she'd asked him a question but turned his back on her once more, pulling the fresh shirt over his head. His fingers reached up and did the strings, keeping the shirt secure around his neck.

"Go eat," he growled, hoping that his harsh tone would make her retreat but he should have known better. He felt her chin lift into the air, felt her anger, felt how her eyes would spark.

And couldn't help but grin...

"Not until you tell me what's wrong," she snapped in a retort and he chuckled, though the sound was devoid of mirth.

"Now what," he swiveled to face her, "would give you such an idea?" His lips were pulled up in a smirk but it faltered when she gave him a look he'd never seen before. It was a simple look, but the way her eyes glimmered, how her mouth turned up, it said it all without words.

"Don't be stupid," her mouth said the words but it was her face that made his gut tightened, "Now what's wrong?" She stepped closer and he stiffened.

How had she'd been able to do it?

She'd seen past his defenses, as if they were flimsy pieces of clothing instead of the steel plates that he wore like a suit of armor that never faltered, never let him down.

Unless he was around her...

"You're imagining things," he growled and turned back around to his saddle.

"Am I? I think not, you've been acting funny since last night after—" She caught herself and he looked over his shoulder to see her cheeks flush again.

"After I kissed you," he murmured and the sudden urge to do it again had him turning around. He saw her eyes widen and she took a step back even as he took one forward.

"Why," she swallowed before continuing, "did you do it?" He smirked and drew closer.

"Because I wanted to," he murmured and he'd wanted to, and more, so much more, but he restrained himself. He was beginning to lose himself, lose this battle but he smirked inwardly.

What the hell...

He didn't have anything to lose...

He reached out and grabbed her before she could run and brought her in close, crushing her against his chest and she gasped, her blue eyes going wide.

"Dark—" she started again but he cut her off.

"And I want to do it again," he whispered and tilted her chin up, his fingers keeping her from looking away. "And again, and again." He lowered his head but then the door opened.

"Hey you two it's getting cold come on already—" Malon halted when she saw them, her eyes going wide from surprise and Zelda yelped. Dark smirked again but withdrew, his demeanor calm and unaffected.

"Very well," he murmured and walked past her.

Ignoring the twinge of annoyance at being interrupted...

VVVV

Zelda cleared her throat, ignoring the imploring look Malon gave her and tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. She was fidgeting and knew it but she couldn't help it.

That moron, that devil, that insufferable...

Her thoughts kept going on and on and she gave Malon a sheepish smile, praying that she wouldn't ask her anything and to Malon's credit she didn't and they left the barn to cross to the house. The dining table had Thomas, Richard and Malon's father, Talon around it. Talon was interested in something Richard had said and Zelda frowned, expecting to see Dark there. He wasn't and she felt irked at him but halted when he appeared from another doorway. He didn't grin at her, his face remaining emotionless, but his eyes...

They shimmered and gleamed at her...

Her fingers curled into a fist even as she felt her cheeks flush and she resisted the urge to sink her fist into his handsome and demonic face.

"Here, I'm sure you're hungry." Malon stepped past her and grabbed a plate, offering it to her. Zelda gave her a smile of thanks while lowering down into a chair next to Richard, ignoring Dark who took the seat opposite her.

"I am, and it smells delicious." Malon flushed slightly from embarrassment at Zelda's words but grinned nonetheless. The meal was made up of toast, pancakes, eggs and fresh milk. Apples and strawberries had been brought out and Zelda could tell that this was a rare treat for them indeed and guilt that they thought that they had to go through all this trouble just because she was a princess had her biting her lip. She opened her mouth to say something but paused, for she didn't want to insult them after everything they had done and decided to keep quiet instead, vowing to repay them as soon as she could.

"Did you sleep well, Princess?" Richard asked as he buttered a slab of toast. Zelda nodded, looking over at Talon and Malon.

"Yes, I was quite comfortable." The words had barely left her lips when she saw Dark's lips twitch at the corners. Her own thinned and she reacted before she could think and kicked him underneath the table.

He jolted slightly, his brows furrowing as discomfort settled across his face but she glanced at him, her lips turned upwards in a sweet smile. He glowered at her but then lifted one smooth brow and she quickly looked away, not liking how her insides kept twisting about.

"So, tell me about yourselves." This was directed at Talon and Malon, who had taken the seat beside her father, who was positioned at the head of the table. Malon's eyes looked to her father who cleared his throat, slightly uncomfortable, but answered her question anyway.

"Well, Malon's mother and I built this ranch together. She always loved the animals and I loved her. Two years after the ranch was built she had Malon," he turned his head and smiled lovingly at her, "and we were happy until she sadly passed away." He reached out and squeezed Malon's hand and she squeezed his in return.

"I'm sorry for your loss," Zelda murmured and Malon gave her a small smile.

"She died when I was very young, but I always remember her smile." Malon's own lips spread wider and she looked over at Richard and Thomas. "And what about you?" Her question was directed at Thomas. "Where are your parents?"

Thomas stilled, his eyes cast at the table and he set the fork he'd been holding down. Richard's eyes grew hard and he looked over at Dark, who was looking quizzically at Thomas.

"They died in a raiding party when I was only a small child." His voice was soft and Zelda felt her heart squeeze. He looked too young to have such a sad and weary expression on his face.

"Oh," Malon's face pinched in regret, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to bring up bad memories." She murmured but Thomas shook his head slowly.

"We lived along the edge of the desert but I don't really remember it. Just a dark shadow falling over the village...and a man...he...he was the shadow. I remember my father." Thomas slowly looked up but his eyes fixed on the far wall. "He tried to fight him off, but..." He trailed off and didn't finish.

Zelda saw Richard swivel his eyes back around and Zelda frowned, following his gaze and halted when her eyes came to rest on Dark. He was looking at the boy, but his face was utterly chilling. His body was like a statue, unmoving, and realization donned on her.

It had been Dark...

A moment later Dark stood swiftly, his face a mask of ice, before leaving in a whirl of black.

And they watched him go...

VVVV

"Keep up, Hero!" Zabine called from above their heads and Link narrowed his eyes while leaning over Ripper's neck. The Shadow horse snorted and gnawed at the bit, straining against Link's steady but firm hand.

They'd set out that morning, following the tree line until reaching dust covered plains. They were the color of ash and it seemed as if the air was sucking the life out of the surrounding area. Midna was ahead of him, keeping Arwin under any easy hand as she guided them through the massive dunes.

Coming upon a twisting, slipping path Midna pulled Arwin to a halt and dismounted, patting his hide. Link did the same, stepping closer to her so that she could hear him over the roar of the dust as it whipped through the air.

"How much farther?!" He shouted and she shook her head, stepping closer and removing the scarf he'd given her so that her lips brushed his ear when she spoke.

"Only a few more miles, there's an outpost before we reach the Forbidden Lands." She pulled away but that didn't stop how his gut tightened with having her so close.

"Come on kitties, let's not keep ourselves waiting," chirped Zabine who hovered a few feet above them. Midna glowered at him while flicking her scarf back into place.

"The winds weren't supposed to be this bad." She twisted, looking about. "You don't think—" Her words were cut off when the sand dune behind them burst. The Shadow horse screamed, rearing up and sidestepping and Link grabbed onto Midna to steady them.

"What—" That was all he got out of his mouth before the dust settled and what it revealed had him shoving Midna onto Arwin's back.

It was like a giant worm with yellow skin and red pinchers. It squealed and rose up into the air, its large body thrashing as it came down. The ground trembled and Link was almost knocked off of his feet as dust rained down on him. A bright light shot off above him and Zabine lowered his hands, his eyes bright with excitement.

"Better get a move on kitties, seems like he doesn't like to play nice." Zabine called out while snapping his fingers. Blue electricity leapt about his palms, glowing brighter until he seemed to hold balls of electricity.

Link leapt atop Ripper and the Shadow horse needed no encouragement as they raced away. Midna was ahead, easily keeping her balance, while Zabine brought up the rear. Another bolt of lightning shot out and struck the worm, causing it to shriek and crash into another dune.

Dust rained down on them, obscuring Link's vision and he choked on it. He raised his arm to help shield his face but nearly toppled from the saddle as Ripper started to climb. Leaning forward he clutched at the saddle but Ripper screamed, momentarily losing his balance and sliding down the dune of ash.

Link righted himself in the saddle, twisting and leaning so that Ripper could balance but he reared, lashing out at something Link couldn't see. They toppled back and Link swore, leaping from the saddle to land hard on his side.

He didn't feel the pain and rolled clear of Ripper's flailing body. A large figure shot past them and Link realized that it was the worm.

"Link!" It was faint but he recognized it. It was farther ahead of him and picking himself up he mounted Ripper and turned him. Kicking him in the sides they sprung forward, the ash beginning to settle as they tore after the worm.

Midna was ahead of him and so was the worm. It's large, twisting body covered the ground with surprising speed until it was almost on top of her. Link's gut tightened but Zabine appeared out of the air, sweeping down on the worm that was easily twice the size of their Shadow horses.

It shrieked, pulling back and swelling up. Arching its back it reared up and knocked Zabine off. He cried out, falling backwards and landing in a dune of ash that surrounded him in a gray cloud.

Midna shouted something but he couldn't hear it and Arwin whinnied, tossing his head and rearing. The worm's pinchers clicked together as it sprung forward, smashing into Arwin. The Shadow horse screamed as it was pushed out and Midna hit the sand.

Without thinking Link yanked on Ripper's head, steering them up a dune that rose up beside the monstrous worm. It rose up into the air, and from Link's viewpoint he saw its deadly, little eyes that gleamed with triumph. He drew his sword, wishing for a moment that it was the Mastersword, and guiding them along the edge tensed his muscles and stood in the saddle.

He balanced for a moment and for a split second his eyes met Midna's. They were wide and filled with fear and he felt his heart thumping wildly inside his chest with the exhilaration of battle.

He smiled at her...

Then leapt...

VVVV

They finished breakfast in silence, making little conversations that never lasted longer than a few minutes.

Zelda didn't feel like eating...

Her mind was on anything but eating...

She poked at the meal until finally it was over. She helped Malon with the dishes, despite her protests, and was helping Malon with the horses. They were fine animals and Zelda enjoyed them, but she couldn't get Dark out of her mind.

"Here's your new horse, his name is Dude." She led a magnificent buckskin from his stall. He perked his ears at her and snorted, lifting his head into the air and Malon chuckled. "He's a little high and mighty, but he's the fastest and strongest horse we have." She offered her the reins and Zelda took them, smiling her thanks.

"He's magnificent." At her compliment Dude lowered his head, his intelligent brown eyes looking at her.

"Oh, I think he's starting to warm up to you." Malon grinned wider as her eyes softened with fondness. "I remember when Link first tamed Epona. She never liked strangers and refused to come up to him. I had to teach him my mother's song in order for him to get close to her. After that she wouldn't leave his side and she'd follow him anywhere."

Zelda felt a light twinge and silently admitted that she was jealous of this girl. She was pretty, carefree and shared so many memories with Link.

They were memories that never dealt with battle or saving Hyrule. They were simple and unspoiled and Zelda inwardly sighed. Reaching out she took Malon's hand and squeezed it.

"Thank you, for everything that you've done." Her words made Malon shrug her shoulders.

"I'm glad that I could help, but," she reached out and touched Dude's bridal, "I need to get a saddle for him. Um, do you ride side saddle or—"

Zelda's laughter interrupted her and she shook her head no.

"I never liked that." She chuckled and Malon joined her.

"I wasn't sure, but I was worried that you did and we weren't going to have the right saddle." Her words made Zelda shake her head.

"No, you've already done more than enough. When I return to the castle I'll make sure to return the favor." Malon nodded and took the reins Zelda handed her.

"Just as long as you make sure Father doesn't fall asleep delivering milk, we'll call it even." Her cheerful words made Zelda smile and she nodded. Malon turned away, leading Dude back towards the stalls and Zelda turned and headed out towards the large corral. She scanned the surrounding area but found that he wasn't there.

She spotted Stryder standing beside a building that rose up into the air. Curious, she followed the dirt path that led around the coral. When she got closer Stryder turned his head and snorted, stamping his foot.

"Hey boy, where's your friend?" She asked and the horse turned his head and looked at the door. Zelda gave him a lopsided grin and pushed it open. Crates lined a far wall along with other things like shovels and such. Dark stood in one corner, his back to her and she frowned. He was fixing his leather brace but didn't look at her.

"Dark?" She ventured, for his aura was cold and lifeless but he still didn't turn.

"You should go." He replied calmly but it was the calm that barely concealed the anger underneath. Zelda swallowed and stepped up behind him, reaching up and touching his shoulder. He stopped and she gently squeezed.

"Dark?" Her soft question made him shudder and she could feel the rage in his tightly coiled muscles.

"You shouldn't be here," he growled but she tightened her hold on him.

"But I am." She stepped around so that she faced him. "And I'm not leaving." Her voice was soft but firm and he glowered down at her. His crimson eyes shimmered with flames that threatened to scorch her but she didn't back down.

"It was me." He hissed. "It was me who raided that village, it was me who killed that boy's father, it was me who—" He stopped abruptly and she wanted to reach up and touch his face but he pulled back. "This is aggravating!" He shouted and whirled. "Damn that bastard! If he hadn't of been poisoned then this wouldn't be happening! I wouldn't have this guilt, I wouldn't feel this way!" His words were like daggers but she just stared at him, waiting quietly for him to finish. He stopped, placing his hands on top of one of the crates, and took in a small breath of air.

Silence...

Then he began...

"When I was younger, everyone tried to kill me. I remember starving and knocking on the door of a farmer. I asked for a meal and told him I'd work to help pay it off. He took one look at me and grabbed his pitchfork. His pitchfork! I ran but I was so weak that I didn't get far and collapsed. He beat me," his fingers curled into fists, "and threw me out into the gutter. I survived and more than once I would venture into Castle Town at night, trying to barter with my shield and sword for supplies but no one would take them. It was after I'd left Mildred, thinking that I was strong enough to make it on my own. In one of my visits they recognized who I was, screaming and shouting "demon" as they chased me through the streets. I was cornered and would have been killed but there had also been a group of mercenaries passing through town. They saved me, took me in and taught me how to fight." He laughed but it was humorless. "Mercenaries of all people, but I suppose they saw my potential when I took down half the guards despite being sick and half starved. I stayed with them and became a mercenary myself and we killed. I killed." He turned back to face her. "And I enjoyed it, enjoyed the fear in their eyes when I killed them." His words were chillingly calm, freezing her blood, but that didn't stop her from crossing to him.

He watched her, his blood red eyes never leaving hers. She stopped in front of him and she was surprised at how calm she was. He'd just told her that he enjoyed shedding blood, enjoyed killing mercilessly but there was something underneath that bloody, dark exterior.

And she'd seen it...

"I don't care what you did in the past, Dark," and she didn't, for that wasn't the Dark that stood before her, "you did what you had to in order to survive." Her words made a twisted smile appear about his lips.

"But I enjoyed it." He whispered and she lifted her chin.

"But you don't now, do you?" She replied and her words made his face and eyes darken.

"And do you know why?" He hissed while stepping closer. "It's because Link's emotions are becoming mine." He reached up and framed her face, bringing her onto her tiptoes and she gasped, her bones melting at the simple, yet intimate touch, "And when we find that cure," he lowered his head and nibbled her bottom lip, causing her to quiver and a slight whimper escaped her lips, "I'm not going to feel a single damn thing for you."

She didn't have time to react to his words before he plundered her mouth with his. His teeth slid along her lips, his tongue caressing places that left her weak and she clutched at his arms, her head swimming. He brought his arm around her waist and against him. She couldn't help the moan that escaped her throat and he pivoted, pushing her up against the crates. She stumbled against them, scrambling to get her balance but he seemed to be devouring her.

And she didn't care...

Then he pulled back and her breaths came in quick gasps as she looked up at him, her whole body dazed.

"Not a single. Damn. Thing." His eyes blazed and he released her, causing her to all but collapse on the crates. She blinked and watched as he turned and left, leaving the door wide open as he mounted Stryder.

His eyes met hers...

Then he was gone...

VVVV

For a moment he was flying...

The wind whipped past him as the worm wiggled underneath him, its pulpous body bulging. He narrowed his eyes and grasping the sword with both of his hands sank it into the worm's back. It screamed and rose up, thrashing and throwing dust and ash everywhere. The jarring force nearly knocked him off but he drove the blade deeper until he felt it break through the hard skin that covered the worm. Its angry cry turned to one of pain and he felt the blade find its mark.

It slid past the skin and sank into the worm's brain, causing it to squeal and fall back. Link pulled the blade free and leapt off, twisting and falling through the air until he landed on another dune. The worm thrashed; the attempts now slow and feeble as it died.

Then it was still...

Link stood and noticed that he was breathing heavily but his heart stopped when he saw her. She was lying on the ground, a gruesome bash on her head and he dropped the sword.

"Midna!" He shouted and streaked towards her. Falling to his knees he scooped her up into his arms, brushing her fiery hair back off of her face. "Midna, Midna are you alright? Midna?!" He wanted to shake her, wake her up, but she groaned.

He was never so happy to hear such a sound in all his life...

He sent up a breathless prayer and wrapped her in a tight embrace, rocking them back and forth. He heard her mutter something by his ear but he found that he was shaking.

"Midna?" He pulled back and was relieved to see her brilliant eyes were open. They were slightly dazed and she blinked, focusing on his face.

"Link?" Her voice was slurred but he smiled, gently touching her cheek and picking clumps of ash off of her face.

"I'm here, you hit your head pretty hard." He gently sat her up and she groaned, closing her eyes and grabbing his arm. At first her grip was weak but it tightened and he could have happily gotten to his feet and danced but refrained from it.

"Where's the worm?" She asked but lifted her head and saw its disintegrating carcass. "Oh," she leaned against him and he hugged her again, breathing in her alluring scent.

"I'm so glad you're okay," he whispered and she hummed a reply.

"Me too," she snuggled in closer and he felt his heart do a happy kick inside his chest.

"Yeah, I'm okay too, thanks for asking." The voice was sarcastic and Link raised his eyes to see Zabine there. He was covered from head to foot in ash and his eyes glimmered. Midna chuckled and the sound was infectious, causing his own lips to spread wide in a grin. Zabine only huffed and clapped his hands, his carpet appearing out the air at his call. He climbed on board and glared at Link.

"Let's get a move on, kitties, before another one shows up." Link nodded at his words, for he didn't want to see another one of those overstuffed caterpillars, and stood. Midna tilted but she brushed him off.

"I can ride." She retorted but there wasn't enough steel in her voice to convince him.

"Here, let me." He didn't really give her time to answer and swept her up into his arms. She grasped the front of his tunic, giving him her best glare but it was no use and he put her in Ripper's saddle. Tying Arwin behind them he climbed up too and steadied her with his arms.

"I'm fine, really." She huffed but he only grinned. When they started riding he saw her face grow slightly pale and she leaned against him. "Okay," she whispered, "maybe not." He touched her back, urging her to rest against him and she did. Her eyes closed and he guided Ripper with one hand as they followed after Zabine.

Hours later they made camp and Midna had fallen asleep. He gently pulled her from the saddle and laid her on her bedroll. She mumbled something again but he noticed that when her eyes opened they were clearer.

"I'll make the food, you tend to the Shadow horses." Zabine said and Link was slightly irked at him, for the odd little Twili was acting strange. Link did as he bid though and took care of their mounts. Whispering praises to them he rubbed them down and fed them and Ripper bumped him affectionately with his head. He patted his cheek and smoothed his mane down with his fingers.

"You did good today," Link whispered and smiled at him, "thank you." The Shadow horse snorted his reply and went back to eating. Link joined Zabine and Midna by the fire, for the sky had darkened considerably and the temperature had dropped.

"Here," Zabine said stiffly and handed him a bowl that smelled different, but still gave off a pleasant aroma. Link didn't complain however and sat down beside him. The Twili glared at him before standing.

"I'll be going to check on the borders." He looked at Midna, who was slowly feeding herself but she didn't meet his eyes before he turned and left. Link frowned, confused, but decided that he wasn't going to ask.

She set the bowl down and he saw her eyes glaze over as she held her head. He set his own bowl down and scooted closer.

"Are you alright? Let me see." He reached up and found that it was already bandaged.

"Zabine looked at it already." She murmured but he saw the pain on her face even though she was trying to hide it.

"Here." He shifted so that he was behind her. "This might help with the headache," he reached up and lightly brushed her hair over her shoulder. She glanced back at him but he avoided her eyes. He gently started rubbing her shoulders, his fingers firm but tender on her skin. Her eyes closed and he felt her tightly strung muscles relax.

"Oh," she breathed and leaned into his hands. He swallowed and couldn't help the tingles that raced up from his palms to his arms.

"Does it feel better?" He asked and she nodded.

"The pain...it's slipping away." She sighed and he smiled, pleasure surging up inside him that he was able to help her.

"Good," he continued to rub, his breathing becoming faster as he kept touching her smooth skin. He scooted a little closer so that he could rub better and he felt her shiver. "Oh, I'm sorry the wind must be cold." He leaned forward so that his cheek brushed her arm so that he could grab his cloak but he halted when her fingers touched his arm.

"No," she hesitantly turned her face and looked at him, "that wasn't why." His breath caught in his lungs and it was suddenly so quiet. His heart beat faster and he slowly sat up but didn't pull back.

She was so close...

The firelight played over her captivating skin and he reached up, smoothing her silky hair back and off of her face. She didn't flinch or draw away and he saw her eyes smolder.

"Link."

The way she said his name...

It was as if she were calling him home...

He cupped her cheek, his thumb playing over her bottom lip and they parted to reveal the tips of her fangs and he wondered what they would feel like if he ran his tongue over them. The urge made his gut clench and he knew what he would do next.

But he didn't care...

He lowered his head...

And kissed her...

AUTHOR NOTE: Chapter Ten! Please review!