Link arrived home to find the oracles pouring over tomes and as usual, bickering amongst themselves. They seemed to be deeply invested in whatever they were talking about as they didn't even notice when Link entered the room. He mulled in the foyer of the residence, watching them work. There was something admirable about watching Rel when she was in her element, locked in academic rivalry with Dornan. The more he observed her, the more Link knew that Shad had nothing on the oracles.
He approached their work area gingerly, trying not to disturb them.
"What does the book say, Dornan?" Rel strained as she tried to keep her cool.
"It says that the fissures will eventually lead way to-" He read his notes. "Demons? I think that's what it says."
"It's true." Fienna confirmed. "Which is why we need to close them quickly."
Breathing deeply, Rel pinched the bridge of her nose.
"We are merely going in circles." She sighed. "We know this already. I'm going insane."
"So, it would seem." Dornan huffed as he closed the book and pushed it away.
"You should take the demon thing seriously." Link called out from the doorway. "I've cut down more than my fair share."
In unison, the group looked toward Link.
"So, essentially-" Rel began.
"We need to find the sacred ground on which the dark magic stands." Fienna added. "I believe it is in the castle."
"Dornan said something about that, didn't he?"
"I don't remember." Dornan mumbled. "I don't remember much of anything at the moment."
"What's gotten into you?" Rel asked concernedly. "You usually remember everything."
"I know. Don't remind me."
Pulling a chair out, Link took a seat beside Rel.
"And the entrance to the sacred space, or at minimum part of it, is near that village." Dornan pointed out. "At least we know that's safe. For now."
"There's not one, but two light spirits in the area." Link replied. "It's the last thing we need to worry about."
"What about my curse?" Rel asked.
"You need a blessing from Hylia."
"I hoped you wouldn't say that."
"I have a theory about that." Dornan said as his eyes met Link's.
"And what is it?"
"Your lover here-"
Rel's face flushed.
"He has a blessing from Din." Dornan continued, ignoring Rel's embarrassment. "Ask him to tell you how he got it."
"I don't need to. Rel was there." Link shrugged.
"Din threatened to burn him alive." Rel smiled. "I remember it clearly."
Even now, the memory still made Link shudder.
"Has he not shown great acts of strength?" Dornan asked as he started smoking. "The Hylians see Din's place as being one of power. From what I hear, he has saved them more times than they deserve."
Going quiet, Rel thought for a few moments.
"So, do I need to show an act of light?" She asked.
"An act of virtue and divinity." Fienna corrected her.
"Great."
"I wouldn't take that lightly." Dornan murmured. "Considering that his list of deeds is as long as my arm."
"Don't flatter me." Link jumped in, feeling bashful.
"It takes incredible strength to become a master swordsman at seventeen."
"You were seventeen?" Rel fretted. "Oh no- How much catching up do I have to do? I thought you said you were twenty."
"Don't worry about." Link reassured her. "I spoke to Zelda at the castle. She is worried."
"She is?" Dornan winced.
"She wishes to see out the coronation. After that, she told me that we need to prepare to leave."
"Leave to go where?"
"That is yet to be determined. I suggest we prepare ourselves for the worst."
"Should we prepare ourselves for a tea party?" Rel smirked.
"I am telling you!" Dornan shouted. "The last thing I saw was a tea party! Consider yourselves lucky, that's all that I saw. For my dreams had been disturbed of a late, watching this very city burn to the ground while some of your dearest friends were disemboweled alive."
"Is that true?" Link asked gravely.
"Do you seriously think I tell you everything that I see? I've kept my mouth shut as a means of peace- I have seen a great army sweep across the field, marching upon any resistance they see. Zelda's reign may very well be the last."
"Wait-" Link started. "Is that why you are always smoking?"
"Yes." Dornan huffed.
Looking down, Rel said nothing. She tightly laced her fingers together.
"Mark my words, Aurelia." Dornan began. "I've seen you in that ballroom… In a gown sewn from the finest silk in the land. Whoever's blood is on your hands is beyond my knowledge."
"I wish you'd told me this sooner. I only found out a few days ago." Rel said meekly.
"And have you fucking run away again? Make it three for three?"
"I'm here now."
Dornan smiled.
"You've got me there. Consider me thoroughly impressed."
"Thank you for staying, Rel." Fienna interjected. "I am proud of you."
"Now for me to figure out how to show divine… virtue."
"It's not as literal as it would seem. Zelda showed virtue seven years ago by giving herself up." Fienna informed them. "Simply withholding your own desires is virtuous. Then again, it is very contextual, isn't it?"
Rel turned her attention to Dornan.
"Are you alright?"
"No." He huffed. "I will be alright when I am well again! With the most expensive liquor anyone has ever tasted, the largest bushel of herbs and a harp!"
"Perhaps that's what you can wish for? When we find the Hylian's golden relic?"
"A load of horseshit if you ask me." Dornan paused. "I suppose the funeral will be in a few days' time. The coronation should happen soon after."
"Is that right?" Rel asked Link.
"Yes."
"Be wary." Fienna cautioned. "The power of our descendants doesn't discriminate between good and evil. If the magic of this land is governed by darkness, we are all in trouble."
"I've seen it firsthand." Link added. "As always, at the hands of a Gerudo king."
"And it can grant a wish. But it does not come without a price. Hylia wished for someone to save this kingdom. The price was his life."
"I haven't heard this version."
"That surprises me, given that you are his descendant."
Link felt himself freeze.
"Do his memories not live through you?" Fienna asked in a confused tone.
"No." Link answered. "I chose not to relive those memories."
"That's interesting." Fienna paused. "But Zelda did?"
"Yes."
"Very interesting indeed…" She shook her head a few times. "My apologies. I am just thinking. More importantly, where are the flames?"
"I haven't got a fucking clue." Dornan groaned, trying to stand. "I should be grateful for this injury. I prefer to sleep soundly."
"Just remember!" Fienna called out after Dornan. "The fissures exist no matter what! It's the essence of nature that keeps them at bay!"
"Whatever." He spat, hobbling away toward his room. "Fuck the lot of you."
Fienna turned her attention back to Rel and Link.
"I agree with both of you, Rel. That young man at the castle. He is not what he seems."
"It appears that he will be the steward of the kingdom. Did Dornan see that? Perhaps that will change the course of all of this?" Link thought out loud.
"What about the flames?" Rel added as she tapped her fingers on the table. "How can we see them?"
A thought entered Link's mind.
"The temple of time." He burst out.
"There were three torches!" Rel finished.
"I do hope to visit the temple soon." Fienna said calmly. "But for now, we need rest."
Getting out of her seat, Rel rushed to make Fienna some tea. It left Link and Fienna alone. Not knowing what to say to her, Link decided to bring up the topic of his friend. She hummed quietly to herself, adding to the already ethereal aura she seemed to have.
"I see you've become close with my friend, Liom." Link pointed out.
"Oh, yes." She smiled.
"I guess you like being around each other?"
"Yes."
The conversation already felt stilted, much to Link's dismay. He was more invested than he would have liked to admit, given that he wanted what was best for Liom. Feeling like a child, Link grinned, hoping to get to the bottom of it.
"I think Liom- Likes you." Link said proudly.
Unexpectedly, Fienna looked like she was about to cry. She had completely halted the tea making, bringing her hand to her face. Although Link still couldn't tell exactly where her eyes were looking, he knew that she was upset and already had regrets about bringing it up.
"Does that displease you?"
"Yes." She quivered.
Returning with a teacup, Rel gave Link a confused look. He tried to wave it off but was interrupted by Fienna's sniffling.
Link was admittedly disappointed by her revelation, given Liom's confession. He had already thought of trying to change her mind.
"Why does it make you upset?"
"Because I am in love with him."
A sense of surprise, then relief washed over Link.
"Well, that's good to know." He paused. "You should tell him that."
"You're right!" She sprang to her feet. "I should!"
"Not now, Fienna." Rel sighed, handing her the teacup. "The flames."
Fienna sat back down.
"What is this origin of these flames?" Link asked the women. "I think I understand how it works."
Reaching forward, Fienna retrieved a quill, ink and a sheet of parchment.
"The flames of sorrow, destruction and despair were created by a pair of Gerudo witches." Fienna explained as she drew the flames in the shape of a triangle. "They were created as the antithesis of the goddesses' virtues- the seasons, time and secrets."
"Power, wisdom and courage." Link added.
"Seasons, time and secrets." Rel corrected him, reiterating what Fienna had just said.
"Yes." Fienna replied.
"Why were they created?"
"Because light cannot exist without shadow. Dawn cannot exist without twilight."
"You know about that?" Link asked, trying to remain calm.
"Of course. The voices of the people sing out to me, even now." Fienna chimed as she drew the three triangles, the symbol of the goddesses.
"So how are these flames… lit?"
"In Dornan's country, there lived a queen, long ago. Her name was Anbi. Her love was taken from her. The sea claimed him, and he was lost for many years. Every night she would light a torch. The flame would act as a beacon in the darkness, guiding him home." She scribbled down the image of a black building. "She even went so far as to try and build a tower. A tower so grand that no one could possibly miss it."
"Dornan mentioned that to me."
"Indeed. The Gerudo witches, they saw the sheer level of divinity created from this act. The thought of her love not returning created so much sorrow for the queen, that the flame went out."
"And the other flames?"
"The flame of destruction was also lit." Fienna continued as she started scrawling a map. "Here, in Rel's homeland of Holodrum. A general betrayed his leader and kidnapped Rel's ancestor, a dancer and also an oracle. Like us."
"Hence why we honor her by continuing the tradition of performance." Rel shrugged. "Very obviously, I do not."
"Her departure caused the land to decay. Thus, the flame of destruction was lit."
"And what happens when all of the flames are lit?" Link asked gravely. "I think I already know."
"They are granted their wish." Fienna said with finality.
Liom arrived on the morning of the funeral, bringing with him a package of clothing.
As what had become usual, Rel seemed distant and distracted, with Link hoping that it wasn't a sign that her feelings had changed. Even now he still yearned for more alone time with her, though he was grateful that she still slept soundly beside him every night. His mind danced along the boundary of feeling selfish and dutiful, something that he was struggling with of a late. Zelda seemed increasingly worried about the impending coronation and the aftermath, and all Link could think of was bedding a beautiful woman. The notion seemed laughable, given the circumstances.
Placing the package on the oak table, Liom pushed it in Rel's direction. She returned the gesture with a confused look.
"What is this?"
"It is your dress for the coronation ceremony and reception."
Link smirked. "I've never seen you wear a dress before, Rel."
"She's too tall." Dornan teased. "The hem will sit above her ankles."
"Hey!" Rel spat. "Link has seen me wear a skirt!"
"And the hem sat far above your ankles." Link pointed out.
"You can wear one of mine." Fienna shrugged as she was drawing on a sheet of parchment.
Link had taken notice of how much she had been drawing since their last conversation. There seemed to be a never-ending source of inspiration for Fienna as she scrawled endlessly.
Admittedly, Link was very taken with the drawings, recognizing some of the images. He would have loved to sit down and have Fienna explain her work but was waiting for a less chaotic time.
"Anything you wear will sit above my knees." Rel blushed.
"It's a very specific style." Liom explained. "People were worried."
"What about?"
"You tend to wear things that are very form fitting."
Link let out a laugh.
"Sorry." He chuckled. "You do."
"I see." Rel replied.
Once again, this was a short visit, with Liom needing to leave rather quickly.
"I must go. Things at the castle are unsettled to say the least."
"Are you attending the funeral?" Link asked him.
"No. It is Zelda and Theron only." Liom explained. "Which is fair."
"I know this is a redundant question, but how is she?"
"Worried."
It was pouring with rain on the day of the coronation, much to Rel's delight. She seemed to thrive in gloomy weather and loved being outside whenever it reared its head. Even at the slightest hint of a storm, Rel was outdoors on the balcony, waiting for it to begin. She claimed that there was something in the air, the way it felt electric and heavy, that made her feel alive and as she described, useful.
Sadly, most of her garden had also become victim to the fire, the only thing left standing being the plum tree. Its dark branches stood steadfast, representing resilience and a desire for new life to bloom. After all the rubble had been cleared and a scaffolding system erected, she was back across the way trying to tend to the plants.
Dornan was still sleeping soundly when Rel let herself back in. Fienna had left that morning to do whatever it was that she doing, leaving Link to wait for Rel alone. He watched her as she dripped water onto the floorboards, removing her cloak and boots. He smiled at her as she undressed herself.
"You can't go to a coronation looking like that." He teased. "You're drenched and dirty."
She slicked her hair off her face.
"I was planning on washing my hair anyway." She insisted.
"I pre-empted this." Link shrugged. "The tub is full of warm water."
"Thank you." Rel flushed.
Link could hear the sound of Rel's soft footsteps on the floorboards in the bathroom as she walked around. Like he'd done months earlier, Link couldn't help but imagine what she looked like behind the door. It was true that he had seen her before, much to his delight, but it seemed so long ago now. Naturally, after everything that had occurred in such a short space of time, it was a given that things would be put on hold. The last real moment they'd had together was as he was undressing Rel on the night of the disaster at Telma's.
What was he left to do?
Feeling a sense of boldness, Link stood and strode toward the bathroom door. He didn't even bother to knock.
"Do you need any help?" he asked quietly.
Rel was standing in a state of undress, her wet hair hanging over her shoulders. She started to ring it out as Link stood in the doorway, making no secret of admiring her body. She gave him a rue smile.
"Do I need help?" She answered with a smile. "No."
Link's face fell.
"I've barely seen you since- Well, everything." Link mumbled.
"Perhaps we can wait until later?" Rel asked, putting emphasis on the word 'later'.
"I suppose."
"Later."
With one last look and knowing that they didn't have much time anyway, Link reluctantly set out to put on his ceremonial armor. He somehow had to wear an even fancier version of what he was usually required to dress in, and it would take longer to prepare. This set seemed even flimsier than the normal decorative armor and did nothing to protect Link from the elements. Even with the cape he was already starting to shiver, and it was morning. He didn't even know how he was going to make it to the late evening and hoped that there would be a source of warmth in the throne room.
Dornan was up and dressed by now, though he seemed quiet and apprehensive. He of course looked stunning, dressed in his usual dark colour scheme. Noticing that his scar had healed, Link admired it.
"Have you seen your eye?" Link asked, pointing to his own face.
"No. I haven't looked in a mirror since it happened." Dornan sighed.
"Maybe you should."
With an admonished look on his face, Dornan stood up. He opened one of the drawers around them, retrieving a hand mirror. Closing his eyes, he slowly lifted the mirror until it was level with his face. Link could see that his eyelids were twitching as Dornan willed himself to open them.
After a few more moments, Dornan's eyes snapped open. He took a few more moments to adjust, looking at the scar over his eye.
"My word." He muttered.
"You look fine." Link shrugged.
"I look better than fine. I am somehow better looking than I was before."
"Humble as always."
Dornan made no secret of admiring himself as Link fastened his sword to his hip. As he turned around, it hit the table with a loud thud.
"Fuck." Link mumbled, yanking it out of the way.
"Surely a swordsman such as yourself should have seen that coming?" Dornan asked as he continued to stare at his own reflection.
"Wearing your sword on your hip is stupid." Link grumbled. "I wear mine on my back. I've never worn this metal junk either."
"How would you protect yourself then?"
"Light chainmail is enough for me."
"What if you get hit?"
"The secret is to not get hit."
Finally putting the mirror down, Dornan looked around.
"Fuck this. I'm going downstairs for a drink."
Before Link could answer, Dornan had taken off, stomping down the stairs. Link gave the flat a quick once over, checking to see who was still home. It appeared that Fienna had already left and there wasn't any sign that she was returning.
Rel had quietly made her way to their room without Link noticing.
After feeling satisfied that no one else was home, Link turned around to find Rel sticking her head out of their bedroom door. Since Link had seen her in the bathroom, she'd applied a dark colour to her eyelids and a red contour to her cheek. Her eyes looked even more striking than usual, and Link was completely drawn to them.
"I do need help with this dress." Rel mumbled. "It ties up at the back- My corsets have a busk."
"I don't know what that is." Link shrugged.
"It means I can adjust it from the front."
She opened the door to show Link the dress in question. It was a conservative dark green number, with long billowing sleeves and a simple straight skirt. Link found himself worrying if Rel would be cold, given that the neckline sloped around her shoulders, revealing them to the elements.
He let out a laugh at Rel's uncomfortable expression.
"I'm sorry." He apologized. "It's just that you look so pouty having to wear that."
"As I should!" She exasperated. "I feel like my entire crotch is exposed!"
Walking toward her, Link motioned for Rel to turn around. He placed his gloved hands on her shoulders, straightening her posture. Rel found her breathing becoming shallow as his fingers touched her skin, gently sliding down her back. She lifted her hair up, making sure that it wouldn't get caught in the lace as his fingers gently pulled it.
"Make sure to tie it up- tight." She instructed him. "I don't like feeling as though my organs aren't snug."
Link did just as she said, lacing her dress tightly. He found himself getting lost in the idea that he should be unlacing this dress and throwing it onto the floor. Instead, he focused on finishing the task, one painstakingly small loop after the other. He felt a sense of guilt as his eyes traced the scars on Rel's back.
Feeling satisfied, Rel dropped her hair as Link's hands lingered on her shoulders.
"You should get going." she said through an uneven breath. "The queen wouldn't forgive me if I kept you."
He leaned down, close to her ear.
"You're right." Link whispered. "I hope to see you later."
"You will." Rel replied before he could finish.
She turned around slowly, looking him in the eyes. Link planted a soft kiss on her forehead as he let go of her shoulders. It pained him greatly to have to leave her like this, but Rel was right, he was expected to be there early, and Zelda was anxious enough as is.
Link arrived early, searching for Zelda amidst a sea of onlookers. He was found by Liom and sequestered into a corridor, leading to the throne room. Liom gave Link a quick look over, making sure that everything was in place.
"I don't see the point." Link said glumly. "We are outnumbered as is."
"The people out there don't see it that way." Liom rebutted. "They love Zelda."
"And we're supposed to just act normal?"
"Yes."
Looking as regal as ever, Zelda sat on her father's throne. She wore a grand white gown, with gold embroidery and a long train. Its tapestry told the story of the kings and queens before her, each stitch existing with purpose. In better times, Zelda would have felt an overwhelming sense of pride at wearing the gown but given that she was on the boundary of betrayal, she remained guarded and solemn.
The ceremony almost seemed normal, given the inner turmoil that the kingdom had faced recently. The newly appointed steward, Ezra, stood near her, along with Gresham and the other treacherous advisors. Link resented that they were even invited, let alone present on this occasion. They could enact their betrayal at any moment and now would make a grand gesture.
Noblemen and women from every corner of Hyrule were present, all observing the ceremony with awe and admiration. Link kept his eyes placed squarely on Zelda as the crown was placed on her head. Her expression remained neutral and unmoved as she held her head high.
Theron, who had been the arbitrator in Rel's trial was commandeering the coronation and he did so with quiet respect and dignity. As he'd done with the trial, he followed protocol closely.
The anointment was the last aspect of the ceremony. With a careful hand, Theron dipped his fingers into a fragrant oil before touching it to Zelda's forehead. She swore to the statue of the goddesses that adorned the throne room that she would uphold their order and protect kingdom with her life.
As soon as the ceremony started, it ended.
Zelda remained on the throne as her circle dispersed.
It was late afternoon by the time coronation ceremony had ended and Link knew that they weren't in the clear, not even by a long shot. He knew that this was just the beginning of a long line of customs and traditions.
It was customary for every lord and lady to give their well wishes to the queen. Link felt especially uncomfortable, given that Ezra was by Zelda's side as this happened. She was calmly introducing all the well-wishers to him, given that he was now officially the steward of the throne. He seemed disinterested and unbothered, something that shocked the knights. Ashei was particularly unhappy with his attitude.
Insisting that she could handle it, Link finally left Zelda's side.
He cast a quick glance out toward the crowd, looking for a head of auburn hair. He was able to spot Dornan who gave him a quick nod in acknowledgement. Knowing that he wouldn't be free for at least a couple more hours, Link turned his attention back to the throng of people, standing off to the side.
A pair of familiar blue eyes landed on his and Link realized who was staring at him.
It was Lord Robern from the eastern estate, with his man at arms, Jarren. They were both dressed in expensive, fancy-looking clothing, with their swords at their sides. Robern made a point of folding his arms as Link made eye contact with him.
Not wanting to indulge in any conflict, Link saw this as his sign to walk away.
The sun set early, giving way for a small band of musicians to set up in the far corner of the throne room. They played music softly as a background for the conversations happening within the halls.
The rain had finally stopped as the evening rolled around, creating an even colder atmosphere that drove even the most explorative guests inside and out of the gardens. The cloud cover remained so dark that it obscured the moonlight. The only light in the gardens was from the braziers that hadn't been drenched by the storm but beyond that, it was pitch black.
At his wits end with the pompous conversations of the elite, Link excused himself.
He bee lined straight for Dornan, who he could see from where he was standing. Dornan was holding two goblets of wine in his hands, raising one as Link greeted him.
"Long may Queen Zelda reign." He said sarcastically. "Or for however long before we are forced out."
"This whole thing is a farce." Link scoffed.
"Oh, don't remind me. I considered not even coming until I realized that smarmy little prick would be here."
Dornan glanced in the direction of Ezra, who was looking bored as he sat beside Zelda.
"It's him." Dornan concluded. "He is the one who attacked Aurelia."
"I don't doubt it." Link looked around. "Speaking of which-"
"She's hiding in that corner over there." Dornan gestured with his head. "And a few of the men here have their eyes on her."
Following Dornan's gesture, Link's gaze drifted to the corner. Sure enough, Rel was leaning against it with her hands behind her back. Much to Link's dismay, he could see there were men who were openly admiring her, trying to get her attention.
Link instantly felt angry, watching as they believed they could win her affection.
"Don't worry." Dornan smiled as he finished one of the wine goblets. "I'm sure I could change at least one of their minds."
"You would do that?"
Dornan laughed. "Depends on how drunk I am."
"Oh-"
"Go." Dornan insisted. "I can wrangle Fienna. Until then, I will enjoy this party."
Gladly following Dornan's suggestion, Link made his way toward Rel. She was still leaning against the wall, her eyes downcast, ignoring everything going on around her. Not wanting to draw any attention to them, Link stepped past one of her admirers. He gave her a half bow before making sure that the other men had turned their attention elsewhere. Feeling satisfied, Link stood beside Rel, folding his arms.
"Try to pretend that you aren't completely bored out of your mind." He teased her. "I can't stand to see you looking so sad."
A slight smile touched her lips.
"Are you alright?" Link asked her.
"Not only is that boy here, but that bastard Lord Robern." Rel sighed.
Link glanced around, finding Lord Robern in the crowd.
"You're telling me." Link answered. "I cannot stand these ceremonies on the best of days, let alone in the company of such awful people."
"It doesn't sit right with me."
"Nor I." Link paused. "He must feel pretty pleased with himself, given that his kid is sitting beside Zelda."
"I don't think that." Rel mused. "He's taken more of an interest in you."
"He has?"
"Yes. He hasn't stopped looking at you all day."
Link smiled. "I haven't stopped looking for you all day."
[REDACTED DUE TO RULES. REDACTED CONTENT ON AO3]
Despite having partaken in most conversations happening that evening, Dornan was still feeling despondent and bored. He'd not been the same since he was attacked in the tavern and the weight of that night kept him feeling down. He was painfully aware of the similarities between his and Rel's attack and it wasn't lost on him that they were most likely perpetrated by the same person. In fact, he knew that it was the same person.
He'd spent the evening listening out for any disparaging information regarding the steward, Ezra. It was obvious that he had something to hold over Zelda's head, regardless of the venom he'd poisoned the counsellors with. There was no way he would be present otherwise.
And what was Gresham's interest in this child? The man had brown hair and grey eyes. He wasn't one of the desert dwellers, so what could it be? Perhaps he'd been promised some sort of property agreement, given that Ezra was a lord's son.
With another two full goblets of wine, Dornan stepped away. Even he couldn't stand the inane chatter any longer.
The lightest sound of metal hitting stone caught his attention. He looked down at his feet and saw a silver hairpin.
Looking around, Dornan's eyes finally landed on Rel's face. She started waving her hand vigorously, motioning for him to come over. He did just that, smirking as he greeted his friend.
"Dornan!" Rel hissed. "I'm leaving."
Dornan observed her hair, noticing that it was slightly out of place.
"Your hair is disheveled." He said before taking a sip of his wine. "And your dress is wet."
"All the more reason for me to leave."
"I see." He cooed. "I couldn't find you."
"I was busy."
"Busy doing what?"
Her face flushed.
"Aurelia!" Dornan teased. "Here? On the night of this somber occasion? Where?"
"In the garden. And we were disturbed." She flustered.
"The rain." Dornan observed. "Very well. I'll block my ears on returning."
"Surely there is some naïve boy here that you can spend some time with."
"I don't feel like it."
"That's not like you at all."
"Don't remind me."
Shoving a goblet of wine into Rel's hands, Dornan shrugged off his cloak. He used his free hand to throw it around Rel's shoulders before taking the goblet off her again.
"Don't catch a chill." Dornan crooned. "I care for you deeply."
"I know."
"Have fun."
Rel disappeared into the pouring rain as Dornan watched her. Satisfied that she was safe and, on her way home, he returned to the crowd of people.
Once back inside, he searched for Link, finding him near the throne. Dornan motioned for Link to follow him, taking him to the same place he'd just said goodbye to Rel.
"Aurelia has already departed." Dornan confirmed. "After you both disappeared."
Link shrugged.
"I suppose you will be following her?"
"I have goodbyes to attend to first."
Dornan tapped his finger on one of the goblets.
"There is someone you should speak to before you leave."
"Who?"
"A lord by the name of Robern wishes to speak with you. He says it's urgent."
A loud crack of thunder sounded in the distance.
"I won't be doing that." Link refused. "I never want to speak to that man again."
"Hmmm." Dornan paused. "Aurelia is waiting for you, don't take long."
It took Link longer than he would have hoped to say his goodbyes and the fact that his mind was elsewhere didn't help his frustrations. He made sure to tie up any loose ends before leaving, except for Robern.
The only friend he didn't bid farewell to was Liom, who Link hoped had found his love after their meeting.
[REDACTED DUE TO RULES. REDACTED CONENT ON AO3]
On waking the following morning, Link noticed that his armor, clothing and Rel's dress were now placed neatly at the foot of their bed. It was safe to assume that Rel had placed everything there, as she'd done on previous occasions. It was one of the many, small thoughtful gestures that he was learning about her as they spent more time together. Rel had gotten up earlier, making sure to kiss him gently as she got out of bed.
Sleepily, Link sat up in their bed, his eyes out of focus. His head felt heavy and aching as he felt around, looking for something to wear. It was still rather cold and he wasn't wearing anything. Feeling a slight shiver, Link found pants and a shirt.
He stretched as he got out of bed, reaching for the door handle.
Looking down, he saw a few sheets of paper on the floor, unsure if they had anything written on them. Noticing how strange it seemed, Link simply shrugged as he turned the doorknob. He kicked them out of the way, avoiding a slipping hazard.
Three pairs of eyes stared at Link as he blinked his own, trying to adjust them to the light. He recognized Rel and Dornan who were giving him wide eyed expressions. What he hadn't expected was the addition of Shad, who was speechless. He'd stopped mid movement as Rel blushed.
Raising her hands, Rel buried her face in them.
"Why did Link just come out of Rel's room?
Link froze, realizing that the voice belonged to Shad. He looked toward his friend who was holding a cup of tea.
"Fuck." Link mumbled.
"Uh-"
"I wrote you some notes Link." Dornan chuckled. "They were under the door."
He burst out laughing.
Knowing that there was no point in lying, Link proudly took the seat beside Rel, folding his arms. Rel looked between the spaces of her fingers, her embarrassment still so overwhelming that she couldn't face anyone.
Shad placed the teacup down gently.
"So, Link." He said awkwardly. "You didn't say what you were doing in Rel's room."
"It was my room first." He answered calmly.
"Sure." Shad paused. "So, what were you doing all night?"
"Sleeping."
"What a rude thing to ask someone." Rel added.
Pinching the bridge of his nose, Link sighed deeply as he leaned forward.
"I'm going to the apothecary." Rel mumbled as she retrieved her cloak.
Without another word, she slipped her boots on and left the men who were still in a state of shock. Dornan was of course giggling to himself as Shad looked everywhere in the room except at Link.
Shad cleared his throat.
"How long has that been going on?"
"Not as long as it could have- considering that you told her I was in love with another woman."
"So, it was you!" Dornan gasped. "You truly fucked that one up."
"But you were-" Shad started.
"Seven years ago!" Link snapped. "Stay out of my personal life!"
"But you're always alone! What other conclusion could I have drawn?"
"That I was waiting for the right girl!"
"I'm sorry!"
"Oh dear." Dornan added.
Link took another deep breath.
"What is this visit for?" He asked through gritted teeth.
"Dornan needed help with a letter or something? A few weeks ago?"
"Oh, that." Dornan confirmed. "I think letter went up in flames, along with everything else across the road."
"I thought it was Link's letter."
"It was. From my uncle apparently."
The front door opened gently, Fienna walking in moments later. She still wore her clothing from the previous night and a warm smile. Seeing the men, she gave them a quick greeting before heading for the bathroom.
"I wonder where she was." Dornan said sarcastically. "I'll never figure it out."
"Did you all go to the coronation?" Shad asked, changing the subject.
"Unfortunately, yes." Link added.
"Alright Mr. broody!"
"A masquerade of anticipation." Dornan said cryptically.
"What do you mean?"
"I think you'd best to head home to Ordon." Link explained. "Which I sorely miss."
"There has been talk of closing the gates." Admitted Shad. "We've heard inklings."
"It would be best to believe them." Dornan concluded.
"Are you leaving?"
"Not yet."
A heavy fist knocked on the front door, causing it to shake in its hinges. Shad jumped slightly as it happened again.
Already losing his temper, Link got up from his chair. He was at the door moments later.
"This place is a fucking asylum!"
He threw it open.
Standing there, eye level with Link was Lord Robern, who was holding his fist midair.
"What?" Link stammered.
"Morning." Robern mumbled. "Clearly I found the right place."
"How did you find my house?"
"I followed the fairy girl."
"Well, you followed her to the wrong house. Get the fuck out."
Robern stuck his foot out, blocking the momentum of the door.
"No, you don't!" Robern snapped. "I've got more than one thing to talk to you about!"
"Too bad."
"Fine."
Extending his arm, Robern forced the door back open.
"At least tell me if you got my letter!"
"What letter?"
"About your inheritance you ingrate!"
The men fell quiet, taking what Robern had just admitted into consideration.
"What?" Link stammered.
Link took a step back.
"I sent you three letters and I personally handed one to the wiseman myself."
Adjusting his glasses, Shad knew it was time to bow out.
"I'll take your advice Link. I'll head back now."
Shad scurried away, closing the door as he left.
Remaining stunned, Link merely looked at Robern.
"You're my uncle?"
"Obviously!" Robern spat. "Surely you figured it out when you came barging into my house!"
"That's an interesting development." Dornan said sarcastically. "I can't wait to see where this goes."
The doorknob turned again.
With a handful of empty glass bottles, Rel looked up. She stopped dead in her tracks as she realized who was standing in her home.
"What is he doing here?" She asked firmly.
"It appears that this is your lover's uncle." Dornan answered her.
"There's no way-"
"Can you all just sit down so we can talk?"
Still in a state of wordlessness, Link took a seat at the far end of the table, as far away from Robern as he could get. Rel soon followed, placing the glass jars in the center of the surface before taking the seat closet to Link.
Becoming privy to the racket of doors opening and closing, Fienna left the bathroom wrapped in a far too big dressing gown.
"I thought someone was being arrested." She spoke quietly.
"No." Dornan deadpanned. "Instead, it appears that Aurelia's lover's long-lost uncle has tracked us down, as he was following you through the streets from the coronation party. He was the one who sent the letters about inheritance. Someone tell me if I've missed anything."
"That makes sense." Fienna shrugged. "I knew someone was trailing me on the way home this morning."
"I followed you because he wouldn't talk to me." Robern growled as he pointed to Link. "Did you even read my letters?"
"No." Link admitted. "I left them in the tavern across the road before it burnt to the ground."
"Telma's Pub?" Robern asked. "That's a shame. That place was great."
Feeing awkward, Link looked to Rel. She was already tense, folding her arms tightly. Link couldn't blame her either. The last time she was in the direct presence of this man, she was treated harshly and pushed around. Wanting to reassure her, Link put his hand on her thigh.
"I knew it." Robern scoffed.
"What do you want?" Rel demanded. "Or have you lost the wind in your sails without your man at arms pushing around women?"
"I'm here for two things."
"Start."
Robern pointed to Link again. "We need to discuss your inheritance."