With a satisfied look on his face, Dornan eyed Rel cunningly as she emerged from her room. He watched her every movement, making sure to make her feel as awkward as possible. As she sat beside him, he gave her a rue smile.
"You look well rested." He cooed.
"Don't you have anything better to do?"
"No."
Rel looked around, her eyes lingering on the front door.
"Where is Link?"
"He didn't tell you when you were in bed?"
She returned the statement with a glare.
"He went out." Dornan continued. "Knight business I assume."
The door to the landing was wide open, the bright sunlight pouring in. Although the frost and snow were still very much present, it had stopped falling from the sky, giving way to the warming rays instead. Rel stood, apprehensively making her way out to the balcony. She had to see it with her own eyes to believe it.
"Its finally stopped." She sighed. "Thank the heavens. I thought I was about to be burnt at the stake."
"I wonder if that's what that Gresham character was planning." Dornan pondered out loud. "Though that is giving him too much credit."
"I'd forgotten about him, thankfully." Rel spat. "But you ruined it."
"Too much bliss?"
"Fuck off."
A rustling came from above, startling them. A slab of snow fell from the roof, shattering everywhere as it hit the landing. An exceedingly pale foot dangled down, followed by another. Rel jumped back, trying to avoid the ice that was now flying toward her.
"Oh, for fuck's sake." Dornan hissed, jumping up from his chair.
Moments later, he had his arms wrapped around Fienna's pale legs, carefully lowering her to the balcony floor. With her arms wrapped firmly around Dornan's shoulders, Fienna smiled.
"Your eyes are so beautiful." She chirped. "Such a pretty green."
"Oh, you flatter me."
He carried her the rest of the way inside, like a father figure carrying a small child. Gently, he sat her on the oak table, waiting for an explanation. Fienna's legs dangled over the edge as she waved them happily, her attention elsewhere.
"What were you doing on the roof?" Dornan scoffed. "I mean, really? You could have slipped off and hurt yourself."
Ignoring him, Fienna unwrapped a portion of her dress. A small, round piece of glass emerged, hitting the floor as it rolled out of the fabric. Rolling his eyes, Dornan bent down and picked it up, handing it back to her.
"Be careful with glass." He reprimanded her.
"But I need it."
"What for?"
"We need to go back out in the sun."
Enthusiastically leaping off the surface, Fienna scurried back outside. Knowing that she was trying to make a point, both Dornan and Rel followed her. They found her crouched down, holding the piece of glass in the air.
"Light." She murmured.
"Yes. Light." Dornan replied sarcastically. "We can see that."
"Sometimes you need… just the right amount-" Fienna moved the glass, holding it over a small mass of snow. "In a certain way."
She continued to hold the glass until the sun caught it in just the right way. They watched as the beam melted a portion of the ice, rendering it down to water in moments from the added intensity.
"Dornan, can you hand me some paper?" She continued.
He rifled around inside his coat, retrieving a small sheet of parchment. Fienna reached out, refusing to let the glass move. Once it was in her grasp, she held the paper under the light ray. Moments later, it began to smoke, a small flame erupting soon after.
"And that certain way, can be immensely powerful." She concluded.
Dornan shook his head.
"Am I to believe that you are insinuating that your light magic isn't powerful enough to heal Aurelia, yet if we somehow-" He waved his hands around. "Strengthen it, with MORE light, than she will be healed?"
"Yes!" Fienna beamed.
"Oh, that's fine." Dornan groaned. "Just thought I'd clarify."
Rel looked thoughtful.
"I mean, that makes sense." She shrugged. "The analogy helped."
"And how do we do that?"
"A blessing from Hylia." Fienna finished.
Both Dornan and Rel recoiled.
"I'd rather pull my teeth out." Rel spat.
"How would we even get that?" Dornan interrupted. "She hasn't exactly shown her face!"
"Zelda." Fienna pointed out. "She should know."
"What Zelda is supposed to know could fill a storehouse."
Rel let out a sharp laugh. He hated to admit it, but it warmed Dornan's heart to hear her laugh at one of his jokes. It had been so long since she'd been open with him in any way at all. He'd hoped that their shared intimacy from the previous day wasn't a fluke and that they were back on their way to being friends again.
"I wonder if Zelda realizes that her black-haired friend is in love with her." Rel added.
"Which one, the clown or the woman?"
"Both."
They burst out into laughter.
"It's the woman." Fienna said seriously.
Dornan and Rel stopped for a moment and made eye contact. Once again, they erupted into fits of giggles.
Unbeknownst to the rest of the household, Link had left early in the morning. Auru had slipped him a note as he left the previous evening, though for what purpose he didn't disclose. Like he'd done the previous night, Link met Auru at Telma's, though this time in Rel's garden.
Auru seemed in awe of the place, the plants still steadfast despite the ice. He openly admired the serenity of the space, enjoying the scenery. His fingers gingerly inspected a vine that had remained green despite the weather.
Link approached him gently.
"Do you see anything you like?" Link asked him.
"Yes." Auru murmured. "I am amazed at how these plants are still so- alive."
"You need to ask Rel."
"I should have known the lady oracle was responsible for this."
"The way you say that, it makes her sound like she's in trouble."
With a smile, Auru stopped looking at the plants.
"I suppose it does."
Link waited a few moments.
"Is she in trouble?" he asked apprehensively.
"Thankfully not." Auru paused. "This visit is for you."
"Oh?" Link paused. "You couldn't say it at the meetings?"
Auru shook his head. He waited a few moments before retrieving a few pieces of parchment from his robes. He flicked through the pages, checking for something. He seemed satisfied enough, extending the papers toward Link.
Confused, Link took the bundle, eyeing it carefully.
"What's this?"
"Letters. From your uncle."
He continued to survey the pieces of parchment, looking them over as if expecting them to catch on fire.
"Why?" Is all Link asked.
"I believe he wishes to discuss inheritance." Auru suggested. "For the sake of your privacy, I did not read them."
"Oh."
With a tender expression, Auru lifted his hood. He gave one last look to the garden before leaving toward the entrance to Telma's.
Turning the pages over, Link couldn't bring himself to read them. He'd only ever vaguely been aware of his uncle's existence, and it came as a huge shock for him to make any contact at all. He couldn't even remember whose side of the family his uncle belonged to. Strangely, he felt no inkling at all to read the letters, to even see what they were about. Not knowing what to do, he folded them up and put them in his pocket.
Telma noticed right away that something seemed off as Link made his way through the main area of the pub. He kept his head down, silently musing over what he might read in his uncles' words, if he chose to even read them at all.
With a sharp whistle, Telma caught Link's attention.
"You just met with the old man." She called out. "What's wrong?"
Knowing that he simply couldn't walk away, Link conceded defeat, heading straight for the counter.
Telma placed a mug of water in front of him.
"You look like you've seen a ghost." She smiled.
"Maybe I have." He murmured back.
"Explain."
Link fished around in his pocket, sliding the papers across the surface. Curiously, Telma surveyed them.
"Love letters from a secret admirer?" She joked.
"No. From my uncle. Apparently."
"Really?" Telma paused. "Well, what do they say?"
Shaking his head, Link cast his eyes down.
"I haven't read them. Auru just handed them to me outside."
"Did he say what they were about?"
"Inheritance."
"This could be your lucky day."
"It doesn't feel very lucky."
Telma picked up the bundle.
"Well, I suppose we could get a smart person like Shad to read it over." She suggested, observing his expression.
"Anything seems like a better idea than reading them. It just feels- strange."
Shrugging, Telma pulled them in her direction. She slid them into her apron before returning to her usual glass polishing task.
"Do you want something stronger?" Telma joked. "I won't judge you."
"I've enough on my mind already."
She gave him a sly look.
"You look well rested. Probably the first time I've seen that in months."
Link shrugged.
She continued to watch him, trying to gauge his reaction.
"I heard that Rel just upped and left."
"And I brought her back."
"Why did she leave?"
"Someone said something to her that upset her."
"Hmmm." Telma hummed, smirking. "Maybe when Shad reads these letters, you can ask him what he said to her?"
With a stern look, Link's eyes met Telma's. She lifted an eyebrow, putting her hands on her hips.
"I might ask him." Link said flatly.
"What are you making over there, some sort of tea?" Dornan asked, making his way toward Rel.
"What do you think?" Rel shot back, rolling her eyes.
"Ah."
He looked over her shoulder, watching as she stirred a dark, foul-smelling liquid in a pot. Dornan leaned around Rel, sticking his finger into the water. He gave his finger a taste.
"That isn't water, it's wine." He observed.
"It's better to be safe than sorry." Rel shrugged.
"Can you even- carry?" Dornan paused. "After what happened?"
"It's better to be safe than sorry."
Dornan winced.
"You seem to be more affected by it than I am these days." Rel observed.
"I'm not completely made of stone."
"Just mostly."
As the liquid simmered, they both remained quiet, watching it closely. As usual, Dornan somehow pulled his pipe out of nowhere, using the fire from the stove to light it. He inhaled deeply, blowing the smoke away from Rel.
"What do we do now?" Dornan pondered. "What do we do?"
"I don't even know where to start." Rel sighed. "I've thought about it endlessly since I woke up."
"It looks like we have to start with a blessing from Hylia."
"Get the worst thing out of the way first."
Letting out a laugh, Dornan wheezed as he exhaled.
"You're not pulling any punches with Zelda, are you?"
"And why should I? If she'd have been here instead of chasing Fienna, I might have avoided being thrown in prison. That trial was a farce, as admitted by the men at the castle."
"Do you really think that though?" Dornan mused. "Because she is here now and is being treated like a child."
Rel paused.
"You're right."
"We simply need to coax Hylia out- of her." Dornan continued.
A surge of warmth ran through Rel's veins.
"How are we supposed to pledge loyalty to someone who won't even fight her own battles."
"In all fairness, Zelda actually used her own sword seven years ago." Dornan shrugged.
"I suppose even the worst of us can learn from our own mistakes."
"You really don't like her, do you?"
"And you do?"
Dornan laughed. "I do what needs to be done."
"I still don't know why we are expected to fix this." Rel sighed.
"History repeats Aurelia. The center of our power is here. We've no other choice if we wish to protect our sacred space. Surely protecting the three of us is imperative to you?"
"We would do best by not continuing this cursed bloodline."
"I don't disagree with you."
Rel reached for the pot as it started to boil over, removing it from the flame. She and Dornan watched as it settled. Using a spoon, Rel stirred it before testing it.
"I don't know what I thought it would taste like." She said through a sneered expression. "But it's awful."
Dornan eyed her.
"You're good at that." He observed. "The healing."
"Really?" She blinked. "You're not mocking me, are you?"
"Yes. And you know how much I hate admitting that." Dornan said as he shook his head.
"Once I'm done with this. I'm going to make some more medicine. There's good money in the pain relief and sleeping combination."
With a shrew smile, Dornan nudged Rel.
"Be careful next time."
"Be careful with the tavern boy."
"Good guess."
After almost a full day's worth of reflecting, Link finally felt able to make his way back home. Admittedly, he was waiting patiently for Shad, who was supposed to be visiting that day. It was on brand for him to be late and Link gave up waiting for him, knowing that he would probably find him the following day.
Telma gave him a clap on the shoulder as he made to leave, promising to have the matter of the letters followed up as soon as possible.
"Make sure that Rel doesn't leave again." She said with a sly grin. "Or I won't keep it a secret this time."
"I don't think she will."
Link left, rubbing his hands together as he made the short walk across the lane. The snow remained, but like everyone else in town, Link was grateful that it was no longer falling from the sky. The sun during the day was a welcome reprieve from the bitterly cold nights, though he liked the coziness it afforded him with Rel.
He found himself fantasizing about his warm bed with the added addition of the object of his affections, scantily clad beneath the sheets. Link hoped that his other house guests weren't going to be home, wanting Rel to be in his arms as soon as possible.
Sadly, his desire was short lived. Much to his dismay, both Dornan and Fienna were present as he walked through to the door. The entrance to the landing was open, with Fienna standing on the edge of the balcony, looking up at the sky. She seemed to be concentrating as she watched the stars, the first time they'd been visible in weeks.
Dornan was sitting in front of the fireplace, looking over the book he'd taken from Link's collection. He seemed to be keeping notes on the page, writing directly into the book as he tried to decipher the symbols.
Link approached him with a sigh.
"Find anything?" He asked, breaking Dornan's concentration.
"Love potions."
"Doubtful." Link answered as his gaze landed on Fienna. "Is she alright?"
"It seems we need a blessing from Hylia." Dornan answered. "She's trying to figure out how we get that."
"Zelda."
"Oh, we know."
"When was the last time that Zelda was able to draw upon her memories?" Fienna chimed in from the balcony.
"Seven years ago." Link answered her. "During a time of significant danger."
"I thought as much." She murmured, turning her attention back to the stars.
At the end of the table sat Rel, wrapped in a blanket. She looked up at him tentatively, a slight smile spread across her lips. She seemed to be distributing liquids into smaller jars, looking up every few moments to keep an eye on what was happening in the room. Link made his way to her side, taking the seat closest to her.
"Why were you gone for so long?" Dornan called out as his eyes remained on the page. "There wasn't any meeting today."
Link saw no point in lying.
"I met with Auru, across the road."
"Ah." Dornan said loudly. "What for? Our combined knowledge of the divine is greater than anything he could tell you."
"It wasn't about that. He gave me some letters. From my uncle."
"Your uncle?" Rel pondered. "I remember you mentioning him."
Dornan lowered the book as he gave Link a shrewd expression.
"What does he want?"
"I don't know. I didn't read them." Link shrugged. "I gave them to Telma. Apparently, they're about inheritance."
"Oh! I can help with that."
"You can?"
Closing the book, Dornan sat upright. He tucked it into his cloak, which was sitting beside him on the lounge chair.
"Of course." Dornan said calmly. "It's one of my skills."
He looked around until his eyes landed on Fienna. Knowing that she was being watched, Fienna turned around, her wraith-like expression glowing in the moonlight.
"Say, Fienna… Where is that boy that you like?"
"He would have finished his duty by now. So, most likely, the western gates."
"Go find him."
"I like that idea." She smiled, gliding back inside.
She searched the room, moving things aside and looking around for something only she could find. After a few moments of being watched by the group, Fienna found a dark coat, the same colour as the knight's blue. She threaded her arms through the sleeves and without another word, left through the front door.
"Where did she get that?" Link asked, his eyes trailing her exit.
"Inside one of these cupboards." Dornan shrugged. "Now tell me, where can I find these letters?"
"Telma most likely took them down to the work room."
"That's a good start."
With a yawn, Dornan stood up and stretched. He threw his cloak around his shoulders, following in Fienna's footsteps.
"Do not do anything I wouldn't do." He continued, making eye contact with Rel.
"I'm not that stupid." She snapped back.
He returned the comment with a smile, closing the door to finally leave them alone.
Rel finished fastening the jars, tying them off with string.
"These are for the apothecary." She explained as she gently pushed them aside.
Unbeknownst to the other house guests, Link had slipped his hand onto Rel's thigh, carefully concealed by the blanket that she had wrapped around her.
"We aren't getting as much alone time as I would have hoped." Link sighed.
"Sorry about that." Rel replied as his hand slid further toward her. "We are better together."
"I know we are."
"I meant the oracles."
"That's a shame."
His hand was met with hers as Rel threaded her fingers through his.
"Does Dornan mind looking over those letters?"
"Not at all." Rel smiled. "He genuinely enjoys paperwork."
"How long will it take him?"
Rel gave him a rye expression as Link lifted her hand, bringing it to his lips. She felt her skin prickling as the warmth of his skin met her own. Her breath hitched, something she was becoming accustomed to, as his gaze landed on her.
"You didn't tell me when you left- this morning." Rel chided him playfully.
"You looked so beautiful and peaceful, I didn't want to disturb you."
"Beautiful?"
"Yes." Link paused. "As I said, we aren't as alone as I would have hoped. Since returning."
"I apologize." Rel sighed.
"Well, we're alone now. We better make the most of it."
Before she could protest, Link pulled Rel to her feet.
They moved through the motions much slower this time, the sense of urgency forgotten as they became more comfortable in each other's embrace. Rel was surprisingly confident and assertive, something that Link was beginning to fully appreciate during their intimate moments. He'd taken his time undressing her, lest they have another button incident.
She'd finally relented, letting him kiss her as she lay flush against the bed. He shivered as she ran her hands over his body.
"You should bring back the armor." She whispered.
"No thank you." He scoffed. "Getting it on is hard enough."
She ran her hands over his body before bringing his lips to hers.
A bell chimed nearby, loudly.
Dropping his hands, Link sat up.
The chiming became more frequent and louder, forewarning an impending danger.
"What is that?" Rel asked as she followed his lead.
A few shouts carried over the echoing of the bell. Knowing that something was wrong, Link threw his shirt back on, followed by his boots. With her blouse still unbuttoned, Rel used her hand to look through the curtains.
An orange glow lit her skin as she realized what was happening.
"Telma's!" She cried out. "A fire!"
With impressive speed, Rel leapt into action. She threw open the door to their room as Link trailed after her.
The smell of smoke wafted through the residence as Link grabbed her by the shoulder.
"Stand back." He told her.
Link ran down the stairs first.
The street was a sight to behold. A crowd of people were standing around the road, creating a hazard as they watched the fire rip through the wooden building. Using his hands, Link pushed people out of the way, forcing his way to the front. Link hissed through his teeth as he struggled to get through the throng of people who were standing around doing nothing.
"Move!" He shouted at someone who walked into his path.
The entrance below street level was billowing smoke. The door was kicked open by none other than Darpa, who was helping Telma out, her arm slung over his shoulders. She coughed violently as Darpa lowered her to the cobblestones, patting her on the back.
Link made himself known.
"Link!" Darpa wheezed. "Thank fuck!"
"Is everyone out!?"
"I don't know." Telma rasped. "Kalen went for the back- the horses."
Link's heart raced as he considered rescuing Epona.
Like he'd done, Rel pushed her way to the front. She crouched down beside Telma.
"Are you alright?" She fretted. "Where is Dornan?"
"I don't know."
Rel's eyes snapped to Link.
Thankfully, Kalen had gotten out. He ran from the side of the building, hunched over as he gasped for breath.
"The horses- They're out."
Kalen's focus landed on Rel.
"I don't know if he-"
"Dornan?"
Kalen nodded.
"He was downstairs-" Telma started, cut off by Rel.
Without warning, Rel leapt to her feet, dashing for the front entrance. Link grabbed her, the force of the momentum almost knocking him over. Darpa made his way over to them.
"He's still in there?" Darpa asked gravely.
Ash started floating down from the sky as the fire blazed.
Letting go of Rel, Link gave Darpa a quick look. With a silent understanding, they both threw themselves into action, kicking what was left of the front entrance down. The blaze was unbearably hot as they fell into what was left of Telma's dining room.
Keeping his hand at the level of his eyes, Link ran for the hallway that led downstairs. A beam had fallen from the ceiling, too hot to move with their hands as it glowed orange. It blocked the narrow path that they needed to proceed. Darpa had caught up with him, coughing deeply as smoke enveloped the hallway.
The men threw themselves shoulder first into the beam, breaking it easily. It shattered into several pieces, leaving nothing to break their fall. With what was seemingly the last of his strength, Link lifted his head, ignoring the pain from the heavy landing.
Dornan was laying face first, his torso stretched across the hall. It was obvious that he'd stopped as he tried to exit the basement.
Unable to tell if he was breathing, Link crawled toward Dornan. He lifted him up by the shoulder, dragging him forward. Darpa followed, throwing Dornan's other arm over his own. They headed back toward the way they came, though their visibility was almost completely obscured by a thick cloud of smoke.
Link became dizzy from the lack of clear air. His eyes burned as he willed himself to put one foot in front of the other. He could feel himself slowing down despite all their efforts.
Suddenly, a flood of water rained down from what was left of the ceiling. The water drenched the three men, absolutely soaking them to their bones. It was as if a main pipe had burst, acting as if a waterfall had opened above them. The pressure of the rainwater was so heavy that it almost knocked them down. Darpa coughed loudly before gasping for air.
The glow of the fire dimmed exceptionally fast, quelled by the sudden flooding rain. It was so quick that it was almost as if the blaze hadn't even been there in the first place. The waterfall like motion slowed until it started falling like normal rain. Link looked up through the large holes in the ceiling. Where the moon had been minutes earlier was now obscured with dark rain clouds.
Both in complete shock at what had just unfolded, Darpa and Link dragged Dornan outside.
Heavy rain was now pouring from the sky, creating flash flooding in the streets.
"What has happened here?" A commanding voice called out.
The villagers were either bowing or dispersing as a white horse arrived.
Zelda had arrived on horseback, trailed by Ashei. She started issuing commands as she shielded her face from the rain.
"The area, below that residence-" She pointed to Link's flat. "Is empty. Take him there."
Link and Darpa dragged Dornan in the direction of the shop front. Link kicked the door open, its lock rotted from years of neglect. It swung open easily, giving way for them to get Dornan out of the rain.
"We need light!" Darpa called out.
Within moments, Kalen was inside the room, looking for the lamps. He managed to light one of them, despite how long it had been sitting there unused. It was a miracle there was any oil left at all. Darpa deposited Dornan onto the dusty table in the centre of the room.
With the addition of the lamp light, Dornan's condition became evident. In the darkness, they hadn't noticed the gash that had been carved into his neck. Kalen pulled a dirty cloth off an opposite surface, holding it firm over Dornan's neck.
"Where did that storm come from?" Darpa gasped in amazement. "That was the luckiest thing I've ever seen!"
Feeling an immense sense of guilt, Link rushed back outside to look for Rel. He hated having to leave her on the street. Once he was back outside, in the pouring rain, he found her crouched down with Telma.
Even Zelda had given up maintaining a sense of regalness, remaining drenched with the rest of the onlookers.
"Is he-" Rel cried as Link met her side. "Is he dead?"
Link pulled Rel to her feet, embracing her as he tried to calm her. He gripped her face with his hands, looking into her eyes.
"Don't worry about that." He tried to reassure her. "What about you? Are you alright?"
"I'm fine."
"The rainstorm? Was that you?"
"Yes."
"That- was fucking amazing." Link choked out before coughing forcefully.
No one had noticed that Fienna had joined the crowd, pushing hersef to the front. She threw herself into Rel's side, her clothing soaked and waterlogged. Her ashen hair stuck to her face as looked up at her friend.
"Is anyone hurt?" She queried.
"Dornan-" Rel started, pointing toward the shop front. "He's hurt-"
"The one below us." Link reiterated.
Rel followed Fienna as she dashed toward the doorway.
Zelda was now inside, watching the scene unfold before her. Kalen had rolled Dornan onto his side, running his knuckles down his chest. Thankfully, Dornan was finally breathing, though it was laboured and heavy. Link met Zelda's side.
"Liom arrived moments ago. I have sent him to fetch a doctor." Zelda explained.
Fienna glided to Dornan's makeshift bed side, looking him over. Trying to hold back her tears, Rel stood close by, watching Fienna closely.
"These wounds are serious." Fienna said gravely. "I can try my best, but I will need help… And light."
"Someone fetch a torch." Zelda instructed.
Darpa rifled around in the remnants of the shop front, finding a plank of wood. With a shrug, he wrapped an old rag around the tip. He used the only light to create an ember.
"Done." He wheezed as the fumes from the latest flame caught in his throat.
"That's good enough." Fienna smiled.
Holding the torch, Darpa illuminated Fienna's work area.
Dornan's condition was not looking good, at least from what Link could see. The patch of skin between his forehead and left ear was blistered and bleeding and that didn't even compare to the wound on his neck. His clothing had protected his body from the brunt of the fire damage, but the damage to his internal organs was immeasurable at this stage.
Fienna went directly for the gash, holding her hands over the skin.
Rain pelted the windows as they all stood in silence, watching as Fienna's fingers glowed. She took a deep breath before closing her eyes.
After a few moments, Dornan shuddered, his eyes snapping open as he coughed aggressively. He gasped for breath as tried to move but was held down by Kalen. Fienna moved her hands away, making room for Dornan to roll onto his side. Second later, he spat out black, tar like vomit.
Zelda gasped as he ejected the black bile.
The sight was rather grim.
"Where the fuck am I?" Dornan panted.
Rel let out a sigh of relief, joining his side. She ran her hand over his forehead.
"You're in the abandoned store." Rel explained gently. "Do you remember what happened?"
"Fuck no."
"You are lucky to be alive." Zelda cautioned.
"What happened?"
"Dornan, I need you to sleep for a while." Fienna added.
"I'm awake now!" Dornan started. "Wai-"
Fienna delicately put her hand on Dornan's forehead. Within moments, he stopped moving and was fast asleep as his head hit the table with a loud thud.
"He's out cold, for now." Fienna explained. "But this will only last a while. I don't doubt that the pain will wake him up again. He needs some sort of pain medicine. And herbs."
"I've got medicinal sleeping draught upstairs!" Rel exclaimed.
She rushed out the door, disappearing into the pouring rain. Her footsteps echoed throughout the room as she fumbled around in the room above them.
A short statured man belted his knuckles on the door as he shook his head. It was of course, Dr. Borville, who had gotten to the shop front in record time from his home at Lake Hylia. He was accompanied by a Zora female who was unfazed by the rain.
"You're lucky that I wanted to go drinking tonight!" He spat as he pushed past Zelda and Link. "Otherwise I would have told you all where to go!"
He slammed his bag on the ground, dispersing a cloud of dust. Adjusting his glasses, he squinted at Dornan before landing his eyes on Fienna.
"First the snow. Now torrential rain! I hate this place!"
He took a moment to survey everyone in the room.
"Clearly this is more serious than I thought, if Zelda is here." He murmured. "Forgiveness, Princess."
Soaked to her bones, Rel had let herself back in. Her arms were full of glass jars, herbs and a large jug of water. She placed them down on the same surface as Dornan, stepping gingerly around Fienna.
Borville frowned as he watched Fienna's hands glow.
"What is going on here?" He demanded.
"Can you please check his lungs?" She asked merrily. "As you can see, I'm taking care of the superficial wounds."
The female Zora lifted Borville up. He began examining Dornan's chest, pressing his ear to his sternum.
"His lungs aren't good." Borville observed. "It almost sounds like he is drowning."
"He smokes." Rel interjected. "I doubt his lungs would be any good on the best of days."
"Idiot." Borville paused. "You'll want to keep him asleep."
"Here." Rel shoved a small glass bottle into his hand. "It's a medicinal draught."
Holding the bottle close to his eye, Borville swirled it around gently.
"It's the right one alright. Good consistency."
Fienna had moved to Dornan's eye.
"I'm sorry, the neck wound took a lot longer than it should have." She frowned.
"Hmm?" Borville hummed. "Open his mouth, would you?"
The female Zora stepped forward, gently opening Dornan's mouth. She kept his lips out of the way as Borville poured the draught down his throat.
"Metu, make sure he swallows all of it."
Metu nodded.
"I will meet you upstairs." Zelda whispered to Link. "I won't be leaving."
Delicately, Zelda stepped out into the storm as Liom entered the building.
"I suppose the entire kingdom will be spectators for this, won't they!?" Borville snapped. "Most of you need to get out! Now!"
"Everyone, upstairs." Rel commanded, ushering Link, Darpa, Liom and Kalen outside.
The inside of Link's home was drenched from corner to corner, with an entire group of people wringing their clothing out and trying to get warm. The rain was coming down so heavily that it was leaking through the doors to the landing, merely adding to an already hazardous situation. Rel found some spare linen, wedging it into the minute space that the water was getting through.
Link crouched down in front of the fireplace, a sudden chill causing him to shake as he warmed his hands. In the light, he was finally able to see himself. His hands were stained dark, as well as a few cuts and grazes being present on his skin. His breathing was more effected than anything else. He struggled to take in deep breaths as he tried to calm his nerves. He mind drifted to Rel and how he wanted to comfort her. Instead, he watched as she assisted Telma.
In a similar state, Darpa sat down in front of the fire.
Coughing deeply, Telma shivered as she sat at the table. Rel threw a blanket over her immediately, rubbing her shoulders in comfort.
Zelda's gaze drifted over the group as Ashei joined her.
"What happened?" She asked calmly.
"Fire." Rel snapped.
"The sarcasm is not needed." Ashei sighed.
"Telma." Zelda continued. "I will see to it that your establishment is rebuilt."
"I'm not worried about that." Telma replied. "It's what to do between now and then that has me worried."
"I will take care of it. Please, leave it to me."
"We will never get a moments peace in this mad house." Link murmured as he sat down next to Telma.
Rel threw a warm, dry linen onto his head. He used it to dry his skin and hair.
The sky flashed moments before thunder shook the entire building.
"I suppose that will take care of the snow." Telma coughed. "First snow, now a flood."
"I do hope that it doesn't lead to a flood." Zelda said calmly as her eyes locked with Rel's.
"I wouldn't worry about that." Rel replied. "For at least the fire is extinguished."
Zelda sensed that she was being challenged.
"What do you worry about, Aurelia?"
"An attempted throat cutting and an act of arson." Rel answered. "It seems like a strange coincidence, does it not?"
Link was taken aback by the formality of Rel's words. She'd rarely used this tone around him anymore.
"You would be a fool to believe otherwise. Princess." She finished.
"Forgive me, Aurelia, but I need you to explain this to me." Zelda encouraged. "Is this related to your trial?"
Rel gave Zelda a sharp expression.
"This is very much related to that farce of a trial that your court oversaw in your absence." Rel seethed.
Shocked was an understatement. The entire group waiting for Rel to continue, observing as she held her own in front of royalty.
Zelda remained calm as she surveyed Rel's expression. They silently dared one another to speak.
"Speak plainly, Aurelia." Zelda said carefully. "Say exactly what you mean."
"How can you expect us to pledge loyalty to your cause after this?"
"Because it is our shared sacred space that is at risk. We all long for the same outcome."
"And how can I trust you to protect our divinity? Given everything that has happened."
"I would hope that the greater good conquers all."
"My duty is to protect Din's creation and defend her honour. Has it not been continually perverted in your pursuit of the greater good?"
"It is your people's descendants that have perverted Din's power."
"My people sit at a temple in Holodrum, protecting Din's creation. We are the wardens of nature. As a warden of light, you'd do best to reflect on your ideals."
"You are all descended from the same race."
"And you are descended from cowardice."
With a silent sorrow, Zelda relented. Wordlessly, she sat down, refusing to look at anyone in the room.
"I will compensate you." Zelda sighed.
"I do not ask for compensation." Rel spat. "I ask for you to be a leader. To look to the future and prevent this from happening again."
"We are all victims of fate."
"The only victim of fate is the person who sits idly."
"I can not change the future unless we address what is happening in front of us."
"You and I can both agree on that." Rel said calmly. "And for that reason, you have our reluctant assistance."
"You couldn't have simply said that to begin with?" Ashei snapped at Rel. "Your insolence is astounding."
"If you speak to me like that in my own home again, I will throw you out by your hair." Rel shot back.
Telma stifled a laugh.
"You may have Link under whatever spell it is that you cast, but I do not trust you. You will turn your back on us the moment that your Gerudo kin say the word."
"I can make you leave." Link warned her. "Show some manners."
"You keep bringing this up." Rel started. "And I find the notion ridiculous."
"I bring it up because- We have cause to believe that Ezra wishes to bring together the Gerudo descendants- acting as their leader." Ashei fumbled. "We cannot allow that to happen!"
"Once my father is gone, they will enact their plan." Zelda added. "They believe it will be easier to dispose of me."
"And this is where you have lost me." Rel laughed. "This means nothing to me. You've said nothing to me about caretaking the land. The flow of time is next."
"Forgive me, Aurelia." Zelda murmured. "I'm trying- I need your help."
Rel's postured softened on hearing Zelda's tone of voice. She quickly glanced at Link before turning her attention back to the princess.
"I've already offered you our help. You have our guidance. And hopefully our gifts."
"I am indebted to you." Zelda finished before looking at Telma. "And you, Telma. I will see to it that you are housed accordingly. Please, give me some time."
Before anyone could say anything, Zelda stood from her seat. She dragged her damp cloak behind her, giving the house guests a dignified goodbye. Her eyes lingered on Link for a short while before she stopped at the door.
"We will need to reconvene." She said sadly. "I apologize for imposing on your home, Link."
Zelda departed.
"You did well." Telma reassured Rel.
"You can stay here." Rel suggested.
"We will."
"I'll chase down Zelda." Darpa sighed as he reluctantly moved from his spot near the fireplace. "Liom, Link- Keep an eye on things here."
Darpa excused himself, saying goodbye to the group as he rushed out. Taking a seat, Rel rested her face on her hands. With a gentle touch, Link placed his hand on Rel's shoulder.
"I'm proud of you." He whispered in her ear. "Keep our bed warm."
She smiled faintly.
"I'm going to watch Dornan." Link said out loud. "You can stay here if you'd like, Liom."
"I'll come with you." Liom shrugged. "I'm still dressed for the occasion."
Kalen had taken one of the lounge chairs, right by the fire and was making himself comfortable. Confused, Telma looked around, searching for somewhere to rest.
"There's another room here, Telma." Rel reassured her. "You can sleep in that bed."
Unprompted, Rel ushered Telma away.
With his first spare moment in hours, Link ducked out to change into some dry clothing. He threw a clean shirt to Liom, who accepted it willingly. He wondered if it would even be of use, given that the rain was still pelting the roof and windows.
Link bid Kalen a quick farewell before finally leaving.
He entered the store downstairs, with the addition of his sword. He managed to stay relatively dry, given how hard the rain was still coming down. It was pooling in the crevices of the streets, the storm water drains filling quickly. Borville, Metu and Fienna were still working, though they appeared far less frantic than earlier. Liom followed shortly after, wearing fresh clothing.
Borville was sceptical about Fienna's ability, unsure of how she'd closed the wound on Dornan's neck. He insisted on working on Dornan's burns, despite Fienna's protests. She insisted that he would be left with a scar if given traditional treatments, but Borville wouldn't hear any of it.
Metu stood off to the side, keeping track of Dornan's breathing. She was busy measuring out small portions of the medicinal draught that Rel had brought downstairs.
With grave concern, Fienna's attention lingered on the neck wound. She seemed uncomfortable with how long it took to heal and was concerned about the darkness of the scar. Exhausted, she fell backwards. Liom rushed to break her fall.
"He will need round the clock monitoring, for weeks!" Borville huffed. "Despite what my white-haired friend might tell you."
"I will keep a close eye on his neck." Fienna murmured. "Very close."
"Liom and I figured that we would relieve you of your duty. We volunteered for night shift." Link shrugged. "We will take turns."
Standing Fienna upright, Liom nodded in agreement.
"That's for the best." Borville explained, pointing to Dornan. "He can't be moved, not yet."
"I divided the sleeping draught into smaller potions." Metu explained. "You need to pour this down his throat every few hours."
Link dusted off a bench that was tucked into a corner. He lifted himself up, wrapping his arms around his sword.
"I'll be here." He said calmly.
"As will I." Liom reiterated.
Helping Borville clean up, Metu handed the small bottles to Liom. She picked up Borville's bag as he stormed out.
"Goodnight." She said politely. "If you need our assistance, do not hesitate to ask."
"Wait!" Fienna chimed in.
"Yes?" Metu asked concernedly.
"Could I visit you sometime? I'd like to know what life is like for a freshwater Zora."
She blinked a few times.
"I suppose you can. I don't see any harm."
"Thank you."
With Borville and Metu having departed, Fienna swayed again.
"I'm sorry." She started. "I'm going to go upstairs and sleep."
"You don't need to be sorry." Liom reassured her. "You did a great thing."
"Thank you." She smiled.
Link sat back and watched them bid farewell to one another. Despite his tiredness, he still looked for any signs of affection between them. He'd heard hints from his other friends regarding their relationship and wanted to be one of the first to know if something did happen. Selfishly, Link hoped that Liom would be the first to stay awake so that he could try and get some sleep.
Ushering her gently, Liom said goodbye to Fienna as he lightly closed the door in her wake. He gestured toward Dornan.
"Is he asleep?"
"Out cold." Link answered.
"I see." Liom trailed off.
Immediately, Link knew that something was on Liom's mind.
"Just spit it out." Link teased. "We've got all night."
Liom thought for a few moments.
"I- Uh-" He stammered.
Link raised his eyebrows.
"I didn't understand… The way- the way I've seen you look at Rel."
Blindsided by the forwardness of the statement, Link tried to remain calm. He considered how attentive and astute Liom was, it didn't surprise him that he noticed.
"Don't worry!" Liom continued. "I haven't said anything to anyone, and I won't. Darpa is none the wiser, he still thinks he has a chance."
"I see." Link murmured, his mind racing.
"I didn't understand, but that girl, Fienna- She's wonderful. She's hauntingly beautiful."
"She is."
"I think I'm in love with her." Liom confessed.
"Are you going to tell her?"
"I think I will! I just don't know when."
"It's pretty soon."
"We don't all leave things down to the last hair." Liom joked.
Link paused. "I deserved that."
"You did. Why did you drag your feet about it anyway? It was obvious that she reciprocated your feelings."
"How did you figure that out?"
"Because I've seen you like this before."
It hadn't occurred to Link that he hadn't thought of another woman in months. Liom was right.
"I can stay up." Liom finished "Try and get some sleep."
Considering Liom's words, Link let them play out in his mind. With his arms wrapped around his sword, Link curled up, falling asleep.