"Inheritance?" Link muttered. "Why?"
"Because you're my only living heir."
"You have a son, do you not?"
"If he lives, he will be taken care of by Zelda and her people."
"Is this a trick, or some sort of bribe?" Rel interrupted.
"This is me looking after my own blood girl." Robern snapped.
"Don't talk to her that way. Consider yourself lucky that we aren't being as inconsiderate as you were." Link rebutted.
"I was inconsiderate because you barged into my house! And now my other nephew is gone!"
"Other nephew?" Dornan finally spoke. "Oh goody."
"You know him well." Rel answered.
"Oh."
In an uncharacteristic fashion, Dornan shut his mouth, not making any sort of quip or remark. Rel's tone of voice was enough to suggest that it was Kalen and given everything that was happening, the last thing he needed was to explain himself and his relations to anyone.
Without an invite, Robern sat down. He folded his arms and let out a sigh.
"I promised my wife I would work on my temper." He mumbled.
Rel and Dornan looked at Link expectantly.
"What?" he asked as they glanced at one another.
The room became uncomfortably silent as Robern scowled, not looking anywhere in particular. The visitor busied himself with surveying everything in the room. After realizing that everyone was staring at him, Robern relented.
"Well?" He asked Link.
"Well, what?"
"What do you have to say about that!"
"I don't want anything from you." Link paused. "This means nothing to me."
"Hmph." Robern scoffed. "Glad that's out of the way then."
Link could have sworn that his uncle almost looked sad. He was a difficult man to read, and it was obvious that he was hiding whatever he was feeling under a veil of aggression and stoicism. Considering that he probably expected a different response, Link remained apprehensive and observant. So many thoughts raced through his mind, never fully forming.
Feeling the conversation already reaching a stalemate, Dornan took the responsibility of keeping it flowing.
"Didn't you say that you had something else to talk about?" He deadpanned. "I cannot wait to hear about that, considering how well this conversation went."
"Enough of your wit." Robern snapped. "I came here to also ask if any of you know about anything- odd- that's been happening."
"And why should be help you?" Rel chided him. "Given that the last time I saw you, you have me by the hair."
Still finding it hard to create any coherent thoughts, Link was finding it difficult to concentrate. The words of the conversation happening around him almost seemed to fade in and out. In a state of dissociation, he simply waited for everyone else to keep talking, trying to latch onto anything that made sense.
"You've seen a blight in some plants, haven't you?" Fienna chimed in. "That's why you came here today."
Robern raised an eyebrow as he glanced at Fienna.
"That was a good guess." He said with a hesitant expression. "Far too good."
Rel's body tensed as the words left his lips.
"Is this true?" She asked Robern.
"Yes." Robern answered as he fished around in his pocket.
He produced a handkerchief, throwing it into the center of the table. Moments later he pulled another piece of linen out of another pocket, slamming it down beside the other. Grabbing them with haste, Rel opened the first cloth bundle. Her face fell as she looked at it closely. She knew exactly what this was.
Like the stems of the flowers outside the castle walls and in Ordon, this plant was rotten, with a liquid-like quality. The wilted petals of the flower looked as if all life had been drained from them, slowly and painfully. Feeling it deep within her soul, Rel closed her eyes for a moment, hoping that she would miraculously breathe life back into this poor plant.
Instead, it remained wilted and miserable.
With a disappointed expression, she slid the cloth toward Link. He looked it over.
"There's more." Rel said quietly. "Another one."
Dornan grabbed the second linen parcel. He unwrapped it with the stem of his pipe, screwing up his face as he did so. Using his fingertip, he touched the small puddle of liquid that the flower was resting in. Within seconds he was feeling uneasy. The last time he remembered feeling this way was when he woke up with a knife wound to the neck.
Gasping, Fienna refused to look at it. She covered her mouth with her hands, taking shallow breaths.
"The smell is turning my stomach." She shuddered.
"More?" Robern blinked. "This isn't some seasonal blight. I thought it might have been because of the snowstorm. But even after the snow had melted and the rain returned, there were more like this."
"Where?" Link finally asked. "Where did you find this?"
"Tell me what it is first." Robern growled. "I know that you know what this is."
He looked directly at Rel as he finished.
Refusing to speak, she touched Link's leg.
"These plants have been poisoned by slivers of shadow. Destructive magic is seeping into the foundations of nature due to the reckless nature of certain brat at the castle." Dornan explained.
"What?" Robern demanded. "I told you to cut back on your wit."
"He's telling the truth." Link exasperated. "For fuck's sake, now tell us where you found them."
"East. In the Eldin Province. I found that one-" He pointed to the one that Rel was holding. "Near the base of the mountain. And that one-" He gestured to Dornan. "At an almost abandoned village, northwest of my estate."
"Why hasn't the light spirit prevented this?" Fienna wondered out loud. "Why?"
"You believe in that nonsense?" Robern scoffed.
"You'd be best to take our word for it." Dornan clapped back.
Tensing his hands, Robern waited a few moments before speaking.
"This has something to do with my son." He admitted. "I fucking know it does."
"How?"
"Because he was playing with this- and then the other boy showed up."
"When was that?" Rel asked.
"Summer." Robern confirmed.
"The one who attacked Rel." Fienna murmured. "Indeed."
"I don't know if I have the energy to close another fissure, let alone two." She whispered. "What are we going to do?"
"What are you two whispering?" Robern interrupted.
"We're discussing how to close the fissures." Fienna confirmed. "But why hasn't the light spirit prevented this?"
"Perhaps the light spirit is injured?" Rel asked Fienna. "Like the spirit of winter?"
"The spirit of winter." She continued whispering to herself. "And light…"
Fienna tiptoed to one of the cupboards in the main room. She busied herself searching for something as the rest of the group remained seated. The sound of things being moved around echoed throughout the room.
"Is that girl alright?" Robern asked.
"She's fine." Dornan answered. "She just does this sometimes."
Folding his arms again, Robern turned his attention back to Link. He noticed Rel's hand sitting on Link's leg.
"This must be new. You weren't like this when you visited me." He observed, his tone condescending. "You did a piss poor job of hiding it though."
"Enough." Link spat. "You're visiting me."
"You're right." Robern waited a few moments. "Now what?"
"Do we even know it's a fissure?" Rel asked Link. "Perhaps we can intervene? Before it opens."
Link hadn't thought of that. The idea that there were signs before a fissure opened was one they hadn't considered yet.
"We could be lucky." Link glanced at Robern. "Did you see anything?"
"Out of the ordinary? Not really. One of the village girls showed me this."
"We will need to go and check."
With a loud thud, Fienna placed a jar of water in front of Link. Her hair was dusty and had a few cobwebs hanging off it as she removed her hands from the container.
"We will be needing this." She smiled. "Just in case."
"A jar of water? You lot are insane." Robern scoffed.
"This is water from the Eldin Spring. You'll be needing this if you wish to save any crops that are infected."
"Really?"
"Yes."
Robern pinched the bridge of his nose. "First the frontier war, then the fucking twilight. Rotten… nature? What's next? Another war?"
Shifting uncomfortably, Dornan removed his pipe from between his teeth. His thoughts had lingered on his previous visions, given that they had been all but absent of a late.
"You're not that far off." Dornan added.
"The frontier war?" Link asked as his attention began to wane again.
"The frontier war was when your parents died." Robern interjected.
"I know."
"You're the spitting image of your mother. My sister."
"He's the spitting image of you." Dornan pointed out.
"He really is, isn't he?" Fienna observed.
"I don't see it." Rel huffed.
"I know that!" Robern burst out. "I looked for you for years and I couldn't find you. When they brought a child to my doorstep, I assumed it was- well- you."
Robern looked at Link.
"Did you not try to find me?" Link asked calmly.
"Every day for years boy." Robern said gruffly. "Fucking years."
Link looked away.
"You believe me bad and that's fine. I'm not the friendliest of people. I served in that war until the very end. I watched my best friend die and countless others. At least I got a nice estate and wife out of it." He paused. "At least, I thought that was my reward. So, imagine my surprise when the castle people showed up and told me I had to take this child. Always with the ulterior motives."
"When did you find out- about me?"
"I'd heard tales of the deeds of a blond, left-handed kid. He was from out west."
"That could have been anyone."
"A master swordsman at seventeen?" Robern boasted proudly. "No, I think not. You are my blood."
Robern lifted his left hand, removing the glove that was covering his fingers. He waved his hand slowly, showing the group a dark stain on the side of his palm. It was a notion that Link was familiar with and he couldn't help but smile slightly as he recognized it.
"Every time I write the ink stains my fucking hand." He continued.
Link laughed. "But your sword?"
"They made me change! I was shocked that they didn't make you!" Robern took a deep breath. "The moment I laid eyes on you in that tavern, I knew it was you. I always expected this- wanted this- to be a happier occasion."
"I see."
Sensing that Link was still uncomfortable, Robern softened his expression. "The king promised me that I would be free if I saw through the sixteen years. I'm still not free."
Before anyone else could speak, Dornan's face went white. He started breathing heavily, clutching at his chest. Wanting to make a quick escape, he tried to move his chair. Instead, he keeled over. Springing into action, Rel rushed to his side.
With a wave of his hand, Dornan stood up. Seconds later, he was vomiting onto the floorboards. The bile was black and tar like, as it had been on the night of the fire.
The jar of spring water started glowing as Dornan clutched his neck. The stab wound was now a dark blue hue, with small veins extending from the center. His pallor was pale, sweat pouring down his face. With gritted teeth, Dornan touched the scar that had been left by the wound.
"No!" Rel gasped.
"Him too?" Link asked.
"Yes. Only Farore-"
"We need to go to the temple of time, now."
"No." Dornan strained. "Go check if there are more of these fissures. That would make two provinces- After that the flow of time-"
"I had a feeling." Fienna said quietly. "I thought that I'd stemmed it."
Robern stood. "I suppose that answers that question. I guess I'll be going to look for these, fissures?"
"Yes." Rel nodded. "They will look like veins or cracks, depending on how fast they've advanced. The fissures will expel what appears to be steam."
"Fine." Robern answered, pushing his chair back. "I'll go find Jarren."
"We don't know how many days we will be gone."
"Do I just meet you back here?"
"Link-" Dornan gasped. "Go with Uncle Ass."
Link frowned.
"Out of the question." He shot back. "The last time I let her go with someone else, she was arrested and put through a trial."
The unmistakable mark of Din started burning on Link's wrist. It was the first time it had done this since they'd been by the sea in one another's embrace. He'd mistakenly almost forgot about it, as Din was very clearly trying to send him a message.
"I think Din is trying to tell me something." Link winced through the searing pain.
"I'll take them to the temple." Fienna offered, unmoved by the drama happening in front of her eyes. "I can find the way."
"What is happening?" Robern asked in disbelief. "Who are you people?"
Fienna looked at Robern, her light grey eyes quivering.
"You are of an ancient bloodline." She said in an ethereal voice. "Your sister and every mother before her, bore a descendant of the first man who saved this kingdom. You stand in the presence of divinity beyond your mortal comprehension."
"What?" He gasped.
"Another time." Fienna said sharply as her face softened, her smile reappearing. "For now, I must take my friend to the temple of time."
"Send for Liom." Link instructed Rel. "I'd feel a lot better knowing that he is with you."
"I will." Rel nodded as she gripped Dornan's shoulders.
Knowing that there was no other way out of this, Link relented, leaving for his room. He didn't like the idea of sending Rel off without his presence, but Din's mark was telling him something. Pondering over this notion, Link got dressed, making sure to include a chain shirt and bracers. His sword was in his hand as he left the room.
Robern was waiting for him by the door. He let out a proud chuckle as he gave Link a quick glance.
"Now that's a fighter." Robern said happily. "Fuck that knight bullshit."
Fienna and Rel had swapped places. Dornan was looking slightly better as Fienna's delicate hand hovered over his neck. Whatever she was doing was at least making him slightly more comfortable. It was obvious to Link that Dornan just wanted to hide, hating that the attention was focused on him. With a quick nodding gesture, Dornan directed Link's attention to outside on the landing.
Looking out to the balcony, Link could see Rel as she watched the street below. She was leaning on the railing, calming herself after the sudden outburst from Dornan. Even now, when she looked up Link, he couldn't help but notice how the sun complimented her hair and eyes.
"Give me a moment, will you?" Link asked Robern.
"Fine."
Link made his way to the landing and for the first time, closed the doors behind him. He was at her side moments later, with his back against the railing. Rel didn't shift her gaze, instead, continuing to watch the street below.
"Link, I've been meaning to talk to you about something." She asked quietly. "For a while now, as you know."
Feeling his stomach turn, Link tried to calm his nerves. He finally met her gaze, concentrating on the beautiful hues of gold and green in her irises.
"This- What we are doing." Rel started.
Link's heart sank, despair filling his mind. Did Rel want to end whatever it was that they had He braced himself for the worst.
Rel continued.
"I- I don't know how to describe it. I never thought that I could lo- That I could care so deeply about a man after- Well, I haven't told you. Not yet."
"You've lost your train of thought." Link said, using all his self-control to remain stoic.
"I'm sorry. For a while, even before I went to Ordon to spend time with you, I felt something for you. Desire is probably the right word. Smitten."
"Rel-"
"Wait." She said with a hand gesture. "I need to say this- Or maybe it's too soon."
"Just say it."
"I wanted to ask you, all this time, if- if you think we could be together?"
Her face flushed as she turned away from Link.
"What?" Link stammered. "What do you mean?"
Rel's face contorted in pain.
"Oh." She sighed.
"I thought we were together?" Link panicked. "Are we not together?"
Blinking a few times, Rel finally relaxed. She exhaled deeply as she came to the realization that her fears were unfounded. As she smiled to herself, Link pulled her into a deep embrace. He held her face gently before bringing his lips to hers, a gesture that she reciprocated.
"I don't think I could live without you." She said quietly. "Everything is about to come to a head. Before we leave, I wanted to make sure that we were on the same page."
"Are you sure you don't want me to go with you?" Link urged her. "Just say the word."
"I think we will be fine." Rel paused. "Your friend is trustworthy."
"That makes me feel better."
"Knowing that your friend is keeping watch over us?"
"Knowing that you feel so deeply for me."
"I- I didn't want to scare you off."
"I've face far scarier things than a beautiful woman telling me that she can't live without me."
"Is it too soon?"
"No."
With a final embrace and another kiss, they parted. Link came back to reality, remembering that he had to leave. Reluctantly, he said his goodbyes to Rel.
Dornan was still keeled over when Link opened the doors. He would have preferred to stay behind and help but knew that Robern was waiting for him. Link met Robern at the foot of the stairs at street level.
With folded arms, Robern looked Link up and down. He didn't say anything as he rolled his eyes.
"What's your problem?" Link asked abruptly, adjusting his travelling cloak.
"You've got a bad temper." Robern replied, mimicking Link's tone.
"And you don't?"
"Ha!" Robern laughed back. "You've got me there!"
"You seem in better spirits."
"Probably because I'm not holding onto some dark secret anymore." Robern paused. "It feels like, a little piece of my sister is back."
Taken aback by the disclosure, Link watched his uncle as he walked on ahead. They took off at a brisk pace, heading toward the nearest stable. The sky was becoming gloomy as the day progressed, a heavy feeling weighing down the air. Dark clouds were gathering on the horizon. The oncoming rain was absolutely going to slow down their journey.
"You'll need to use a different horse." Robern suggested. "Like your woman, there aren't many red headed horses about. Someone will recognize it."
"Fine."
"Fine." Robern mocked Link.
As he finished the sentence, Robern's rock hard façade faded. It was the first time Link had seen the man show the slightest hint of any emotion other than anger. He let out a laugh.
"What's funny?" Link asked sharply.
"So, you like red hair huh?" Robern joked. "Can't say I blame you."
"Is that why you kept that young man as an indentured servant?" Link spat.
"Servant?" Robern laughed again. "I gave that ingrate a home and kept him safe. Good luck to the half Gerudo bastard if he thinks he doesn't need me."
"Charming."
"Do you know what we were ordered to do to the Gerudo boys?" Robern asked as he stopped his momentum.
"What?" Link asked, slowing his pace.
"Slit their throats." Robern shook. "During the war- I've enough blood on my hands. That's why I gave that bastard a home."
Shocked, Link stopped.
"By orders of the king." Robern continued. "Every last boy was ordered to be put to death. I see it- Even now- At night. Their expressions haunt me."
"I didn't know the extent." Link murmured.
"No one does. Those of us who weren't killed- Either hit the bottle or became unfeeling bastards, like me."
"Ruffilio-" Link started.
"I'd rather plunge a knife through my own heart than set foot in that place- I can't."
"You and I both."
"I'd heard rumors that the place was destroyed. I was fucking furious when I found that to be untrue."
Remembering the incident with Ruffilio, Link was lost for words. Noticing this, Robern decided to change the subject.
"So, how long have you been in love with the Gerudo woman?" Robern asked with a sly smile.
"She's not from here." Link snapped back. "And that isn't your concern."
"Just trying to bond with my nephew."
"Don't go crazy."
They started walking again, an awkward silence falling. Robern cleared his throat.
"They didn't' make you change hands?" Robern asked him curiously.
"For my sword?" Link reached for the weapon strapped to his back. "No."
"That's odd." Robern observed as he stroked his beard.
"After everything I've done for this cursed place? Zelda would be making a stretch if she asked for such a small favor."
"You refer to the queen by her first name? Amazing."
"After everything I've done?"
"You've got me there. Imagine my pride, knowing that it was my nephew who fixed everything."
They arrived at the stable where Robern was boarding his horse. His demeanor completely changed as Robern negotiated with the stable owner to keep his own horse for another night as well as a fair price for two black stallions. Neither horse looked particularly remarkable, a good fit for their ride. Both were fitted with riding gear as the hour rolled into the afternoon.
"How fast can you ride?" Robern asked Link.
"Try me."
They left through the eastern gate, galloping within moments.
Fienna had made good work of sending for Liom, somehow getting a message to him faster than anyone could have managed. He arrived by the late afternoon, dressed in civilian clothing.
He arrived to find Rel and Fienna tending to Dornan, who had broken out into a pale sweat again. His breathing was labored and heavy, his complexion sullen. Rel had taken to laying him flat on the floorboards, fanning his face with her hands. In between waiting for Liom to arrive, Fienna was dripping the Eldin spring water onto Dornan's forehead, trying to cool him down. The water was glowing, as it did the night that Rel needed its aid.
"That's not a good sign." Rel observed, glancing at the spring water. "It only does that in the presence of a shadow spirit."
Fienna looked grave.
"Is this what it was like for you?" Dornan rasped.
"Yes." Rel answered. "This isn't the worst of it."
"Oh good."
Approaching the group cautiously, Liom tapped Fienna on the shoulder.
"Is he alright?"
"No." Fienna replied. "Someone has attempted to bind him with a shadow curse."
"A what?" Liom frowned.
"A shadow curse." Fienna reiterated.
They were interrupted by the arrival of another.
Dressed in her travelling gear, Zelda stood in the doorway, observing what was happening in front of her. She glanced over the makeshift hospital bed on the floor, watching as Fienna and Rel tended to Dornan.
"Oh my." She gasped.
Thinking quickly, Fienna took the jar of spring water, unscrewing the lid. She then unceremoniously poured the entire contents over Dornan's head.
"What the fuck was that?" Dornan demanded. "Are you trying to torture me!?"
"Do you feel cooler?" Fienna asked quietly.
"I feel pissed off more than anything."
Putting her hand to his forehead, Rel felt Dornan's temperature. The warmth disparity was evident right away.
"He has cooled down considerably." Rel observed. "I suppose we need to refill that jar."
For the first time since he'd been downed, Dornan was able to move on his own. He slowly sat up, resting his body weight on his elbows.
"How do you feel?" Rel continued.
"Like shit." Dornan spat.
Not even caring for Zelda's presence, Dornan sat slowly.
"I feel awful. The worst I've ever felt in my life." Dornan shook. "Is this- Is this what happened to you?"
"Yes." Rel answered.
"I'm sorry." He breathed. "I didn't know it was this bad."
"This is your punishment for not listening to me the first time."
Turning his head, Dornan looked at Zelda.
"Queen." He said flatly. "Good day."
"I do hope I am not imposing." Zelda said softly. "But when Liom told me he was assisting you with something, I felt the urge to join him."
"Shouldn't you stay in the castle?" Rel asked curiously. "I mean no disrespect, but surely a three-day absence will reflect poorly, given what you have told us recently."
"Aurelia has made an accurate observation." Dornan agreed.
"It is too late." Zelda answered. "They have already made their decision."
"Really?"
"Yes." Zelda paused. "I have been invited to tea in three days' time. I believe I will be handed conditions of surrender."
"Tea? As in a tea party?" Rel blinked.
"I told you!" Dornan snapped. "Everything falls to pieces after that!"
"In what way?"
Dornan made a motion that he was attempting to stand. Rushing to his side, Liom helped Dornan to his feet, helping him remain steady.
With a deep breath, Dornan looked at Zelda once more.
She gave him a small nod.
"Very well. I couldn't keep it from you forever and it appears I am now no longer committing treason if I tell you." He said quietly. "Aurelia, you may wish to pay attention to this."
Rel followed him, standing to meet his gaze.
"Fienna, you may wish to pay close attention too, given your nature." Dornan continued as Liom let go. "You remember the message, that I told you on my seventeenth birthday, Aurelia?"
Thinking for a moment, Rel delved into her memories.
"Vaguely." She murmured. "I recall that you foresaw grave danger for this kingdom and that's all you really told me. We assumed at first that it was the twilight."
"Yes. I kept it vague, but I have seen it clearly, more times than I could possibly count."
"Dornan, please."
"The grave danger that I foresaw for this kingdom was the enactment of the rites."
Without thinking, Rel's fists tensed. It was the first time any of them had directly addressed the rites.
"Surely that is not a shock at this point." Rel pointed out. "The flame of destruction is already burning."
"I saw that too." Dornan stopped to collect his thoughts.
"Tell them everything, Dornan." Zelda added. "Please."
He took another moment to collect his thoughts.
"It begins with the ousting of Zelda, as we know. This seems to be inevitable no matter what course of action we take. I'd hoped that your relationship was a sign that divergence was possible. But that appears to be another red herring."
Rel quickly glanced at Zelda before returning her attention to Dornan.
"The men up at the castle will mobilize soldiers, creating a force that will burn down villages and kill innocent people in their wake."
"Why?" Rel interrupted. "Forgive me, Queen, but surely staying at the castle would be a better option than leaving?"
"I wish it were that simple." Zelda replied.
"If Zelda were to remain at the castle, she would be murdered." Dornan said simply.
"Murdered?"
"And if Zelda were to perish, we would have no hope." Fienna chimed in. "For if Hylia has no living descendant, all possibility is gone. Her death would usher in centuries of malice. The kingdom would have no prosperity. Those who do not fall would live in an age of despair."
"The flame-" Rel began.
"As you can see, we need to keep her alive." Dornan continued. "Fienna is right. That flame would burn at the death of Hylia's descendant."
"I finally understand." Rel muttered. "I thought it just- Court politics."
"I know." Dornan paused. "And I apologize."
He looked down, his eyes dark and distant.
"What else Dornan?" Rel continued.
"The army will be looking for Zelda. They won't stop until they have her head. Anyone who is outwardly loyal to her will be slaughtered. They will start with the smaller municipalities, claiming land for the new ruler of Hyrule- Most likely the steward. That is- If he and Gresham can decide amongst themselves who is pulling the strings. It appears there is a Gerudo faction gathering under our noses. Whose side they are on, we do not know."
"And if they conquer this kingdom, we are next, aren't we?"
"You are correct, Aurelia. Labrynna has the means to fight back, but Holodrum would be ripe for the taking."
Rel cast her eyes down, a great sense of sadness washing over her.
"And what of your musings earlier? About me?"
Dornan shifted uncomfortably as Zelda looked away.
"I saw your hands covered in blood, on the night of your marriage." Dornan mused.
"My marriage?"
"Yes. One way or another, you will be taken by them. Be it voluntary or forced, you will be taken."
"Taken?" Rel gasped.
"Your sorrow- Will ignite the thirds and final flame." Dornan whispered. "I'm sorry."
Fienna rushed toward Rel, holding her by the waist.
"Rel we can change this." She said indignantly. "Nothing is set in stone. Some things have happened that Dornan did not foresee! This is a good sign!"
"Is this true Dornan?" Rel asked sadly.
"It is." He managed a weak smile. "But Fienna is right. There are some things I did not see coming."
"Like what?"
"I never expected you to have a male companion." Dornan smirked. "You surprised even me."
Rel took in the information, silently considering what had been disclosed.
"So, what do we do now?" She asked Dornan.
"I assume the tea party will be when Zelda is exiled. As she suggested." Dornan shrugged. "It's a safe bet. I suppose we need to figure out who is most loyal to her- And keep her safe."
"Ruffilio?" Rel asked, turning to Zelda. "Where Link is from?"
Shaking his head, Dornan looked to the east.
"Perhaps your lover's uncle could house us? Is he loyal to Zelda?"
"Lover's uncle?" Zelda asked, confused.
"Ask him." Rel said firmly.
As quickly as his face lit up, Dornan's expression fell once more.
"Aurelia, in all my visions. There was snow. Heavy, heavy snow."
"But I returned the season to normal." Rel said quietly. "Even with the curse."
"I know. And I know it pains you deeply." Dornan continued. "But there are some things we need to trust. Even if it goes against our values."
Rel thought for a moment.
"Alright." She reassured Dornan. "Very well. Let's get on with it."
"You aren't going to fight me on this?"
"No. I've changed, remember?"
Dornan returned the comment with a weak smile. He shooed Liom's hands away as he adjusted his shirt.
"To what do we owe the pleasure of the Queen's visit?" He asked without skipping a beat.
"I wish to join you, on your journey to the temple of time." Zelda announced.
The group looked at her.
"We don't know what to say." Rel said carefully. "Are you sure?"
"Yes." Zelda paused. "I have a feeling you need my help. In what way, I don't know."
Rel and Dornan gave each other a look that only they knew the meaning of.
"Very well-" Rel began. "Follow us."
Once prepared, the group set out for the stables, which were a considerable distance since Telma's had been destroyed.
There were quite a few people out and about, making it difficult for them to not draw any attention to themselves. Zelda was of course wearing her plainest travelling clothing, making sure to keep her face concealed from view as people glanced in her direction. Rel had also chosen to wear her plainer clothes too, given that her hair was enough of a distraction as is.
They reached the stable by the late afternoon, readying the horses to leave. Knowing that there was no other option, Rel approached Epona. Thankfully, Epona was happy to see her and didn't give any resistance when she was being saddled up.
"Hello Epona." Rel murmured as she scratched her. "I'm glad you remember me."
Zelda seemed surprised.
"Link's horse is familiar with you." She observed.
"Somewhat." Rel answered.
Dornan laughed.
Liom had saddled up his own horse and was planning on taking Fienna with him.
"Aurelia, it will be faster if you join me." Dornan suggested.
"What about Epona?" Rel said sadly as she petted her.
"She will be fine."
Robern and Link had covered a considerable amount of ground as the headed northeast. They had reached the upper Eldin region as the sun was setting behind the storm clouds and it was admittedly further than Link thought they would travel.
The horses were becoming fatigued from the long ride and both men understood that they were nearing the end of their day, though it was far earlier than they would have liked. Link understood the limitations, despite being frustrated about having to call the night early. It didn't help that there was loud thunder rolling in overhead, scaring the horses.
Knowing the area, given that it was his domain, Robern knew where they could spend the night.
He directed them to one of Hyrule's conveniently located inns.
After boarding the horses, they went inside. Robern, familiar to the person behind the counter, negotiated a good price for their rooms. Once that business was taken care of, they found themselves in the dining room. Sitting at opposite ends of the same table, both men said nothing, awkwardly avoiding each other's gaze. Robern left for a short while, returning with two drinks. The rain started pouring on the roof as Link enjoyed the ambience.
Conceding defeat, Robern was the first to speak.
"Cheer up. Usually, people who find their lost family are happier."
Robern slid one of the mugs in front of Link. He said nothing.
"Cat got your tongue?" Robern chuckled to himself.
"Why are you doing this?" Link blurted out.
Robern raised an eyebrow.
"Doing what, boy?"
"Trying to, as you would say, 'bond' with me?"
"What's that supposed to mean?" Robern laughed.
"You know what it means."
Slamming his mug down, Robern leaned back.
"Because you are my sister's son you halfwit." He scoffed. "What other reason do I need?"
"You've never contacted me before."
"I didn't fucking know where you were, did I? I was told you were dead- Then I find out you were in the same academy I was in the whole time. I tracked you down to there and you ran away."
"I found a better place." Link shrugged.
"Where do you live now?"
"Ordon village. I'm a farmer."
Robern let out a sharp laugh.
"Well, you'll be lord of whatever parcel of land I leave you."
"What if I don't want it?"
"I'll die knowing that I kept my promise to my beloved sister."
Link thought for a moment.
"What about your promise to Zelda?" He asked his uncle. "Are you not loyal to her?"
"I'm loyal to my family." Robern paused. "If you ever need somewhere to stay-"
"After the reception we received last time?"
"You and another stranger broke into my fucking house!"
"Fine. I'm sorry." Link sighed. "Are you happy now?"
"Yes actually." Robern smiled. "You can bring your Gerudo woman with you too."
"I told you, she's not from here."
"Where is she from?"
"I'd prefer to let her tell you."
They went quiet again.
"You look troubled." Robern observed. "What's on your mind?"
"I never thought I'd be doing this again." Link murmured.
"This?"
"Running around- Darkness, magic. Doing Zelda's bidding."
"Ah." Robern paused, stroking his beard. "It appears that both of us are still entangled in this nonsense. They fed me the lie that I would be free eventually. I already told you."
"I was forced into it. After everything that happened- I was given the life that so many young men wanted. Knighted. Given respect wherever I went. Girls fawning over the armor. But I couldn't live that way. I left on my twentieth birthday. Zelda begged me not to go, but I just wanted to go home. I went back to Ordon. I much prefer farming to politics and royal bullshit." Link stopped and gave his uncle a quick glance. "Sorry for rambling."
"Keep going." Robern urged him. "How did you end up in this again?"
"Right. Link took a sip of his drink. "I was sent for at the beginning of summer. Instead of just asking me, I was drip fed information. It was a whirlwind to say the least. I was going to ignore their requests for help until a woman fell through the door at Telma's."
"Your lover?"
Link nodded. "I agreed to help Zelda with this in exchange for anything I wanted."
"Sounds about right." Robern paused. "I am aware that something is happening- In the court."
"What do you know?"
"Enough to have had my men on high alert."
"Interesting."
"The brother of my son. He came to my house, claiming that he wanted to be king someday. Everyone else laughed it off, but I believe him."
"Isn't he indisposed?"
"So, it would seem. He's never been my son. Not really."
Feeling himself hit a proverbial wall, Link finished his mug in one mouthful. He didn't look up or say anything to Robern as he took in the quiet atmosphere of where they were. The gravity of everything Link had learned that day was starting to weigh heavily on him, coupled with the anxiety he had for Rel travelling without him.
"She will be fine." Robern shrugged. "I can see that you are worried."
"Thanks." Link paused. "I hope so."