"I know that was hard for you to admit Shad." Link said with a mocking tone. "But I think you might be overthinking it. Surely you can't be struggling with the records that much?"

Looking embarrassed, Shad turned his head away. This was causing him more shame than Link initially thought, something that he admittedly found amusing. Shad removed his glasses and started cleaning the lenses, something that he did when he felt nervous.

"Link, I need you to understand- There is only so much I can read in any given day. Having to figure this out on top of mountains of research about the cycle? It's hard!" Shad exclaimed.

Making a gesture, Shad encouraged Link to follow him.

"I've never seen anything like it." Shad paused before surveying Link's face. "I have no idea where to look anymore. Is it possible that it's the… language of the Twili?"

This comment made Link stop in his tracks. He'd not spoken about this to anyone is years, especially to someone outside of Zelda's inner circle. He could feel the heat rising in his face, his heartbeat drumming in his ears. He must have looked tense, as even Shad took notice.

Observing that he must have looked unapproachable, Link softened his posture.

"I'm sorry Link. I know it's difficult for you." Shad stammered.

"It's fine Shad. Even without seeing the letter, I can tell you with complete confidence that it isn't their language." Link replied calmly.

Shad awkwardly placed his arm around Link's shoulder, in such a way to suggest that he was trying to be comforting. Within moments, Shad was almost pushing Link down the stairs. Link wanted to say good morning to Telma, but Shad was determined to get him into the work room as fast as possible.

Shad's study was a disaster to say the least. The light had slightly improved since the last time Link was there, with two extra oil lamps placed around the table. The warmth and humidity, however, had done nothing but become more consuming, giving the room the feeling of a sauna. Link quickly glanced over the mess, reconsidering his offer to assist. He gave his friend a stern look, which was returned with a shrug of the shoulders.

"You can't contain pure genius." Shad boasted.

"We need to at least try to sort things here. One pile for the cycle, the other for the languages."

Shad folded his arms.

"I guess we could?" Shad asked him sheepishly. "You don't get any credit for this in my book though!"

Link rolled his eyes as he pulled out a chair to take a seat. He grabbed for the first thing on top of the nearest pile, giving it a quick read. He put it to one side and started sorting through the mountain of paper. Looking over Link's shoulder, Shad cleared his throat.

"I've kept a notebook here… somewhere." He flustered. "I think. I've got a separate one for the cycle and another one for the language."

"I'm here for the language part." Link spoke. "Keep it simple. Once the letter is done, we move on."

Shad nodded enthusiastically, taking the seat beside Link. Standing up, Link cleared a space with a sweep of his arm.

"My work!" Shad exclaimed dramatically.

"It's mostly trash." Link insisted as he started ruthlessly purging parchments.

"The castle librarians did an alright job." Shad insisted. "But they missed a lot. Maybe it was on purpose? I made a family tree; do you want to see it?"

"No." Link answered flatly.

Hours had passed and the only thing that the men had achieved was decreasing the pile of garbage on the worktable. He'd started off successfully, but as Link continued to cull more of the garbage, Shad became hostile. Disagreeing with a lot of Link's decisions, they ended up bickering more than making progress. After a full days' worth of proverbial roadblocks and fighting, Link had reached his limit. With an exasperated sigh and a headache, Link rested his face in his hands.

"I've had enough for one day." He said flatly.

"I'm sorry Link, but I cannot just throw out my work! No matter how insignificant it seems, it might be needed for my book. I need to be thorough to get this published."

Losing the last bit of patience he had, Link scowled at Shad.

"This isn't a case of becoming renowned and famous. I was told directly, by Zelda, that this letter is urgent. It is integral to whatever she is planning. As anxious as it makes me, I am trusting in her wisdom." Link paused, gathering his thoughts. "You need to make some choices. What's relevant? I'll come back down when you have an answer for me."

Link almost stomped up the stairs on his way to the bar. He hadn't seen sunlight the entire day, so he was pleased to see the last traces of the light peering through the windows. It was evidently a quiet evening, with very few people inside. Telma, however, was purposefully keeping herself busy. She was polishing a glass as Dr. Borville was chewing her ear off about something.

"You were late on payment last time!" Borville shouted at Telma. "I expect it in a timelier fashion!"

"Mmmhmmm." Telma hummed.

Taking his usual stool, Link sat down without a word. He tried to give Telma a knowing look, but she was looking elsewhere in an attempt to drown out Borville.

"I mean it woman!" Borville grumbled before storming out.

"Have a good night." Telma said quietly in his wake.

Once he was out of the pub, Telma let out a sigh of relief. She finally acknowledged Link, giving him a cheeky smirk.

"That sounded interesting." Link joked. "Did you really skimp out on paying him?"

Leaning back, Telma stretched her neck.

"He was paid. Just not enough for his liking." She said as she placed the polish glass on the counter.

"Why was he here?" Link asked curiously, suspecting that it might be about Rel.

"I asked him to remove Rel's stiches. She's definitely a fighter! She's in good health." Telma said as her eyes fluttered a few times.

"Are you alright Telma?"

Placing the cloth over her shoulder, Telma put her hands on her hips.

"It's just- I've gotten to know Rel over the last few weeks. I think I'm going to miss her when she is gone."

"It will be alright Telma. I'm sure she is grateful for your help and will remember you when she leaves for- where is she going?"

The sound of one of the stools being pulled out snapped the pair out of their conversation. Sure enough, it was Rel. With a slight limp, she sat down beside Link, who greeted her with a nod.

"I do believe you're talking about me." She said amusedly.

Link threw his hands up in a mock shrugging gesture as Telma looked down sadly.

"I actually wanted to speak with you about this Telma."

There was her accent again. Link could tell that she was speaking in a way to try and hide it, but he couldn't help but notice the way she pronounced her 'e' sounds. It was admittedly endearing, especially coming from such an exotic looking woman.

"Just get it over with!" Telma exasperated. "I'm going to miss you."

"Telma, I am grateful for your help. You've acted like the mother I never had. I cannot in good conscience pick up and leave without payment." Rel continued.

Throwing her hands up, Telma tried to shoo Rel away.

"No Rel. It's fine. I don't expect payment from you. Don't let that doctor get to you. He is a jerk."

Link laughed.

Shaking her head, Rel talked over her.

"I disagree Telma. I have an ulterior motive. I have decided to stay here and I need somewhere to sleep. I want to offer my services to you around your tavern. From tomorrow, I'm going to help. I am adequate at most tasks. I am confident in cooking, cleaning and serving patrons. It's the least I can do." Rel finished.

Listening to the exchange, Link looked between their faces, examining their expressions.

"That won't be completely nec-" Telma said with a handwave.

"I'll start tomorrow morning!" Rel announced. "And I'll stay in the same room if that is alright?"

Telma looked at Link and shrugged her shoulders.

"Great! What wine do you have?" Rel asked with a cheery tone.

Relenting, Telma realised that she would have no say in the matter. She leant down and retrieved a bottle of wine from under the counter and plonked it in between Rel and Link. Link quickly glanced at Rel who seemed unfazed.

"I save this for special occasions." Telma paused and started counting on her fingers. "So it's been here for at least seven years."

Telma retrieved another glass and placed one in front of Rel.

"I'll pour a glass for both of you. You'll need to share."

"I won't say no to that." Link smiled.

Telma apprehensively removed the cork from the bottle, pointing it away from her face. She very carefully poured them a glass each before taking a swig from the bottle herself. Her face contorted from the taste as she stashed it below the counter.

"That's-" Telma coughed. "Strong."

Link grabbed his glass, keen to try to the wine. Rel grabbed hers and gave him a smile. As they were about to take a sip, Shad pulled one of the bar stools out and sat beside Rel.

"Oh! Are we having an after-work drink? Where's mine?" He asked enthusiastically.

Hearing him, Telma slammed a tankard of water in front of Shad. Looking defeated, Shad rested his chin on his hand and started pouting. Rel took a sip from her glass carefully as Link took a full gulp.

Link agreed with Telma, this wine was so weathered that it felt like drinking kerosene. He had to force himself to swallow the mouthful, trying not to cough.

Shad attempted to chat to Link, who promptly waved him away. He wasn't in the mood to have a friendly talk with Shad, especially after a full day of bickering. Link directed his attention at Rel, who wasn't focusing on anything in particular.

"So, Rel. Are you feeling alright?" Link asked her awkwardly.

"Oh- yes. Thank you for asking. It's still a little difficult to walk for long periods of time. But I will be fine." She answered.

Silence.

Noticing the awkward tension between them, Link decided to ask her about herself.

"What brings you to Hyrule?" He asked her carefully.

"Who said I am not from Hyrule?" Rel countered with a smirk.

"For a start, you have an accent." Link pointed out.

"Very good. Not many people would have noticed."

Feeling a little relieved, Link relaxed somewhat. He didn't want to make her feel unwelcome or to scare her off. He continued.

"Your clothing is well made, but the style is a little different to here."

"Impressive." Rel grinned. "Perceptive."

"Your hair colour is unique and most obviously, your ears." Link finished.

Rel gave him a small clap.

"You are correct, I am not of Hyrule. Do my ears really stick out?" She said as her hands snapped over them.

"Not at all, that's the problem." Link answered.

Rolling her eyes, Rel let out a small laugh. She took a sip of her wine. Not wanting the conversation to stall, Link took the lead.

"So where do you come from?" He probed her.

"No country in particular." She joked back.

Sensing that this was a deflection, Link decided to slow down. Before anyone could notice, Shad had stopped pouting and turned to their conversation.

"Oh! A neighboring country? Which one?" He asked enthusiastically.

Rel glared at him sideways.

"It's not important." She said gruffly.

Link raised his eyebrows, trying to give Shad a hint, which he ignored.

"Do they celebrate midsummer festivals where you are from?" Shad continued.

Placing her glass down, Rel turned her full attention to Shad. She did not look impressed.

"We invented midsummer celebrations." She asserted. "I'm not sure how watered down your celebrations are. But whatever you do, you should think twice about whose beliefs you are assuming."

"Oh- Uh- What do you mean?" Shad asked her.

"That your festival has only been observed for a short while." Rel answered.

Telma laughed very loudly and deliberately from behind the counter. Elegantly taking her glass in her hand again, Rel turned back to Link with a soft expression. Link attempted to hide his amusement by placing his hand over his mouth.

"So…" Link finally said. "How do you celebrate midsummer?"

"Midsummer, or solstice as we say, is a time of reflection and new beginnings. We take in the beauty of nature and thank the spirits for their hard work." Rel pondered. "I look forward to the smell of fragrant herbs and blooming flowers."

"I see." Link replied. "Anything else?"

"Maybe some dancing, but even on the best of days I am not fit for it." She said with a grin.

"Me neither!" Link declared, raising his glass. "Here's to not being able to dance."

"Surely your wife would be upset about that?" She asked him with a perplexed tone before taking a sip.

Link inhaled and subsequently choked on his mouthful of wine. Sitting up quickly, Shad start laughing. Telma raised an eyebrow and tried to hide her smirk. Although she was amused, Rel remained perplexed.

"What's so funny?" She asked Shad.

Making a point to act dramatically, Shad smacked his hand onto the counter.

"Link doesn't have a wife. This moody, brooding gentleman couldn't find one if he tried."

Feeling his face flush, Link turned away.

"What an unkind thing to say about your friend." Rel said dryly.

"I've concluded that Link is pining for some lost maiden or an old flame. He has had no luck with women. He didn't even notice when his childhood friend Ilia was smitten with him." Shad paused for dramatic effect. "Myself, being a proper gentleman with a sensitive disposition, won her heart for myself."

Shad lifted his hand and smugly pointed to the wedding band on his finger. It was well made, a rare quality for a village girl's husband. Feeling his heartbeat in his ears for the second time that day, Link finished the entire glass of wine in one gulp. Despite the tears forming in the corners of his eyes, Link refused to show any emotion.

Noticing the tension from this small exchange, Rel cleared her throat. She opened her mouth to speak but was interrupted by the clap of a damp towel connecting with Shad's face.

Surely enough, Telma was the culprit. She wore an irritated expression.

"Shad, you've not learned a single thing about humility is almost a decade." She hissed.

Looking worried, Rel leaned in closer to Link.

"I apologise. I didn't know it was a point of contention."

"Not to worry." Link said with a wave. "Would you like another drink?"

With the smallest hint of a smile, Rel accepted the offer.

The conversation started to flow more freely after the damp cloth incident. With hurt pride, Shad retreated to his own inner world, not returning to their conversation. Link appreciated the effort Rel was putting in, although her tone remained quite formal.

"How old are you?" Link asked her quietly.

"Twenty Four in autumn." Rel answered.

"I thought you were going to deflect that one! Isn't it impolite to ask a lady her age?"

"It is?" Rel asked, confused. "Why?"

"You know, I've never thought about it." Link mused. "I was twenty four in spring."

"What a strange custom."

"You're an educated woman aren't you?" Link asked her, leaning his cheek on his hand. "I can tell. It's the way you speak and what you speak about that gave it away."

"I love reading." Rel admitted. "Much to my peop- family's dismay."

"What do you like reading? I have a library at home."

Rel's eyes widened and she beamed, evidently excited.

"Really?" She asked with optimism. "What do you read?"

Link thought for a moment.

"Anything really. It changes all the time. At the moment, I prefer history."

"Oh! I will have to visit sometime!" Rel exclaimed. "I would love to see what you have."

They continued to converse over the subject for quite a while. Rel was more than happy to talk about books in great detail, even offering some recommendations. Link, however, wondered if he would even be able to find these titles, granted that she was from another country.

Rel continued to open up as a couple more hours passed. The lights began to die down as the last few patrons filtered out the door. Shad had fallen asleep with his head in his hands.

Tidying up, Telma emptied the remainder of the wine bottle into their glasses. Both of them knew that this was the hint to wrap it up as they finished their drinks. Telma cleared her throat.

"Apologies young people, but this mature lady needs her beauty sleep." She yawned. "Bedtime."

Placing her glass down on the counter, Rel stood up.

"I will also require my beauty sleep." She said quietly. "Thank you for making me feel welcome Link."

Without thinking, Link stood up to move the bar stool for her. Rel gave him a surprised look.

"It's polite." He said reassured her.

The gesture was not lost on Rel, who bade him a quick goodnight. Telma watched Rel as she made her way up stairs. Link sat down on his stool again and started tracing the patterns of the wood with his fingers. Sensing that Telma was looking at him, he looked at her.

"What?" he asked her sheepishly.

"Nothing." Telma insisted before grinning widely.

"What?" Link repeated.

Telma placed the damp cloth on Shad's head.

For the first time in weeks, Link had a somewhat restful sleep. He valued his alone time at home, but wasn't unhappy with the interaction last night. Link valued deep conversation, so it was nice to wear himself out that way. He decided to stay in bed for a few extra moments, hoping to get more rest.

Telma was in the midst of her usual morning routine, this time showing Rel the workings of the bar. Rel was still walking with a slight limp, though she insisted that it wouldn't be too much of an issue when she was working. She wore her hair off her face, as well as sleeveless blouse. Telma appreciated that she came ready for a hard days work, but still wasn't entirely comfortable with the situation.

"Telma, I promised I would help. As far as I'm concerned, I have a debt." Rel explained.

"I don't want you to hurt yourself." Telma insisted. "I'll have you on light duties."

Without a word, Rel began preparing the bar for the day. Telma watched as she skillfully went through the tasks.

"I see you know what you're doing." Telma said with a surprised tone.

"I do." Rel answered with a calm expression. "You don't need to worry."

Watching her, Telma considered that Rel might have been raised in a similar establishment. It wasn't uncommon for these businesses to be passed down the family line. Maybe she was actually a serving girl looking for work? Whatever it was, Telma was happy to have her around.

"Telma?" Rel asked quietly. "Are you alright?"

"I'm fine. Just thinking about… things."

Her face softening, Rel stopped what she was doing.

"You don't need to worry. I won't cause any trouble."

"I'll take your word for it."

She sat down at the counter and watched Rel go about the morning tasks. She'd never really taken a seat on the opposite side of the counter and reflected on how strange it felt. Rel reached toward Telma's shoulder and took her signature cleaning cloth.

"I guess I won't have anything to do until nightfall." Telma sighed.

Rel started polishing the two wine glasses that had been left behind from last night.

"I saw you talking with Link and Shad last night. Did you make friends?" Telma asked her with a slight grin.

"I did become acquainted with them, yes." Rel answered, making sure to keep her tone measured. "I do find the one with the glasses to be a little annoying."

Telma chuckled loudly.

"Shad is an acquired taste. I am acutely aware of his less than desirable traits. He has been a patron of mine for over a decade. Even with experience I find him frustrating."

"Oh good. I feel less guilty for saying it." Rel laughed.

Telma nodded enthusiastically and gave Rel a sly look. Feeling her eyes on her, Rel turned to face Telma.

"What's wrong?" Rel asked innocently.

Telma said nothing, continuing the look.

"And?" Telma asked expectantly.

"And?" Rel mimicked her tone. "And what!"

"You tell me." Telma answered.

"The other one. The taller blond man. He seems interesting and… confusing."

"In what way?"

"How does such a handsome man not have a wife?" Rel asked after a few moments.

Telma tried to keep a straight face, stifling laughter.

"What!" Rel exclaimed. "You would think the same thing!"

"Don't let Shad hear you say that. He was always proud that he was taller and more handsome than Link."

Both women laughed.

"So he caught your eye?" Telma asked slyly.

"Uh- no?" Rel asked flatly. "Why?"

"Oh, nothing." She mused.

A few people walked in the front door, no doubt looking for breakfast. At that, Telma stood up to help with the morning patrons.

An hour or so had passed by the time Link made his way into the main area of the pub. Shad was sitting at the counter with a book in his hands. By the unimpressed look on Telma's face, he was up to his usual antics. Link did, however, see a new face in the corner of the room. It was Liom, in civilian clothes, similar to what Link was wearing. On passing glance, he looked like an inconspicuous traveler. He gave Link a small wave before tucking into a full breakfast. Link took a seat beside Shad.

Telma gave Rel a sideways glance which was returned with quiet giggling.

Rel went back to what she was doing. The entire situation felt odd, and Link couldn't quite put his finger on it. He watched her for a few moments, her face a portrait of composure and calm. His concentration was broken when Rel placed a large jug of water in front of him.

Without a word, she went back to work. Link tried to make sense of her situation. It seemed odd that a mere serving girl would be so educated, let alone have so much knowledge of other cultures. Then again, it made sense for someone to come in search for work at the busiest time of the year. Perhaps she would leave by the colder months and he would never see her again.

"Are you watching Rel?" Shad whispered in his ear.

"Huh?" Link replied.

"I hope you're ready for more work today. You won't have time to watch beautiful girls." Shad smirked.

Link glared at him.

"If our progress is as fruitful as yesterday, we will still be chasing this up in ten years."

Shad looked offended.

"You wouldn't have found that city if I didn't help you." Link jeered.

"I'll have you know Link, no one believed me about the city in the sky and you saw it yourself!" Shad exclaimed. "Surely you would have learned to trust me by now."

A plate of food was placed gently in front of Link. Sure enough, it was Rel who served it. Shad grabbed a fork and went to take some of Link's food. Moving swiftly, Rel moved the plate out of Shad's reach. His pride hurt, Shad slumped down and started sulking. Rel smiled and placed a smaller plate in front of Shad.

"So." Link took a deep breath. "Where are we starting today?"

"The same place as yesterday. We look at languages." Shad replied, his mouth full.

Link dropped his fork and placed his head in his hands.

"So, what exactly am I looking for Shad? Surely you have a book or something, anything, that has a glossary of languages."

"Well… If you put it that way." Shad said with a smirk. "I suppose I can find something."

"What have you roped me into?" Link hissed.

"You still have such a bad temper!" Shad cried. "Surely after all this time you would have learned to control it."

"I actually found something yesterday. It's a book on ancient languages."

"Fine! It sounds like a better start than yesterday."

"And I will continue creating… maps of the souls."

"Sounds good to me."

Between mouthfuls of food, Shad reached into his pocket. He retrieved a crumpled-up piece of paper and handed it to Link.

"Here's a copy of the letter." Shad mumbled. "I wouldn't want to give you the original."

Link gave it a quick glance. It seemed to be a good copy, though he wasn't entirely sure, considering that the only other time he read anything that was written by Shad was on the night Rel had made her dramatic entrance to the pub. As if reading his mind, Rel was in front of him, clearing his plate.

"Thank you, Rel.," Link said absentmindedly.

"You never thank Telma." Shad snorted. "Why did you thank Rel?"

Both Link and Rel shot daggers at Shad. Finally taking the hint, he closed his mouth and looked away.

"I think we should discuss this in my work room." Shad announced suddenly.

Noticing that Shad was feeling flustered, Link agreed with him. They were talking about it out in the open, which seemed like a contradiction, given the weight of this task they were given. They both stood up to make their way downstairs.

Liom gave Link another wave, motioning for him to come over. Taking a seat beside him in the booth, Link greeted his childhood friend with a handshake. He seemed to be unsettled, something that Link rarely saw in this man.

"Link, I'm not sure if you are aware, but I have some unsettling news." Liom said quietly.

After examining Liom's expression, a sense of unease washed over Link. He gave Liom a quizzical look.

"I have no idea what you are talking about, but you're among friend's here." Link reassured him. "Spit it out."

"On the day of the fire, weeks ago… There was an apparent, incident." Liom said apprehensively. "Two of our men, the guards, were found dead."

"Are you sure?" Link asked, his eyes wide.

"Absolutely."

"Murder, in such peaceful times?"

Liom nodded in affirmation.

"They weren't victims of the fire?"

"No Link. Their throats were cut cleanly. One of them had several stab wounds. We are waiting for any witnesses to come forward." Liom finished.

Link's mind immediately jumped to Rel. He glanced at her as she worked behind the bar, trying to imagine her being responsible for it. The idea seemed ludicrous, considering Rel was also hurt in the same incident.

"It has been unsettling." Liom explained. "But, both men had black veins. It almost looked like the flesh was rotting."

Another memory from that day came to Link. He remembered how Borville had described a black tinge to the wound, assuming it was necrotic. Link folded his arms, taking in all the new information. He would be a fool to believe that Rel and the guards were attacked by different people. It was far too much of a coincidence. His mind jumped to the dagger that she carried with her. On inspection, Link thought her weapon to be more decorative than useful.

Noticing that Link was deep in thought, Liom waved his hand in front of his face.

"Sorry." Link said quietly. "Are there any witnesses at this stage?"

"We have a couple of civilians. That's about it." Liom explained.

Feeling a sense of relief, Link relaxed somewhat. If Telma's new employee was somehow responsible, someone would have recognized her by now. She stood out from the crowd, her hair not helping.

"Don't worry Link. It is being investigated as we speak." Liom reassured him.

Shad was standing behind Link at this point.

"Come Link! We have work to do!" Shad exclaimed with enthusiasm.