The group in castle town had decided to leave through different exits, given that they were prone to being followed. Zelda seemed especially vigilant, and it was obvious why she was feeling that way. Her absence would be noticeable by the time the evening rolled around and even more so if they were gone for the predicted three days. She silently mused over what that would mean for her return.
If Zelda were being honest with herself, she knew she was joining the group with ulterior motives. As much as she needed guidance for the kingdom, she desperately needed to know what her own future looked like. How long would this predicted war go for? How many people would stand loyally by her side and what would come of it?
Even though she'd proven to be trustworthy so far, Zelda couldn't help but wonder if Rel would defect and join the supposed Gerudo resistance. Auru was making good work of keeping an eye on that one and he reported nothing nefarious as of yet.
An endless number of questions swelled through Zelda's mind, and she was lost in thought as they made their way through the streets on horseback. She decided to leave by the southern gates as it was the most time effective option.
Thankfully, there were few people out and about as the rain started falling.
Rel had joined Dornan on the back of a grey horse, leaving through the eastern gates.
"Are you sure you're alright to ride?" Rel asked Dornan as they were about to take off.
"I'll live." He deadpanned. "As long as we reach Farore tonight."
Already knowing the way, Dornan took off in the direction of Ordon village. Feeling the rain soaking her hair, Rel lifted her hood, though it didn't help much as the wind sprayed water droplets into her face. She'd forgotten to take anything to help her stomach and hoped that that issue wouldn't arise during the journey.
Shortly after they trekked south, they found Liom, Fienna and Zelda, all of whom had stopped.
"Why have we stopped?" Dornan asked.
"Once we get to Faron, I want everyone to follow me." Fienna insisted. "I know that both of you have visited there before, but I have a feeling that they're going to put up a fight."
"They?" Zelda asked.
"Din, Farore and Nayru." Rel answered.
Unable to believe what he was hearing, Liom couldn't help but speak up.
"You're joking right?"
"Absolutely not." Fienna said cheerily.
"Why would they put up a fight?"
All three oracles looked at Zelda.
"We will explain later." Rel said dismissively.
"We are wasting precious daylight, given that it is dark enough already." Dornan interjected. "I suggest we leave before anyone can catch up to us."
Before anyone could speak a word, Dornan and Rel's horse took off at speed. Knowing that they had no other option, the rest of the party followed them.
The journey was hazardous and difficult and grew even more so as the sun set.
It was well into the evening when they arrived at Faron woods, and it was chaotic to say the least. The usually calm forest was in a state of fury, the storm whipping the trees into a frenzy. Stray leaves and branches fell indiscriminately, scaring the horses in the process. Despite this, Rel could feel that something was array. She had become somewhat familiar with these woods and the atmosphere on this evening was not right. It seemed as though the woods were warning them to stay away.
"Rel, do you feel that?" Fienna called out.
"Yes."
"It seems we are expected."
It was Fienna's turn to take the reins. She tapped Liom on the shoulder and got down from the saddle. Even as she did it herself, Liom wanted to help Fienna, wishing to gain her favor in anyway possible.
Zelda was almost completely lost in thought, surveying the area. She was fascinated by the woods, taking in the grandeur of the trees and their canopies. She found herself trying to feel the energy that Fienna and Rel were talking about.
"Is this your first time?" Rel asked Zelda. "Here, in the forest?"
She nodded. "It is my first time this close to Ordon village. I've never been here before if I'm being quite honest."
"You've not been to the temple of time?" Dornan questioned her sternly. "That seems odd, given that you are wise and learned, does it not?'
"I have not."
"You will not like the state of it, Dornan." Rel said quietly to him.
"I don't doubt it."
Unable to see clearly, Fienna looked down at her hands. Moments later, an orb of light appeared in her palm. Liom jumped slightly as it materialized. She held it gracefully, smiling as she glanced at Liom's expression.
"I'm still not accustomed to- this." He said as he gestured to Fienna's hand.
"That's strange. Because Zelda was able to summon arrows of light many years ago." Fienna said casually.
"I did." Zelda answered. "I know you think me cowardly, but I have fought my fair share of battles."
Zelda looked at Rel as she expressed this.
"I don't doubt it." Dornan repeated flatly.
The horses were feeling whatever it was that Rel and Fienna were, given that they were now upset and refusing to walk any further. It was evident that the entire group were to now dismount and make the remainder of the journey on foot.
The moment Rel's feet hit the ground, she could feel a familiar sense of vertigo. She rushed off to a nearby bush, resting her hands on her knees. Dornan gave her a knowing glance as she stumbled off to the side.
"Rel?" Liom called out.
As soon as her name was mentioned, Rel emptied the contents of her stomach into the bush. Even with the cacophony of noise from the storm, they were still able to hear her retching. With a sense of embarrassment, she tried to conceal herself from view.
"Aurelia, are you alright?" Zelda echoed Liom.
"She gets ill on the road." Dornan explained. "She will be fine in a few moments."
Standing tall, Rel made her way back to the group, despite her trembling.
"I will lead the way." Fienna said with a smile.
Not left with much of a choice, everyone else started following Fienna into the pitch-black woods. The orb of light she'd created acted as a comforting beacon to group, an emblem of light in the darkness.
They remained silent, save for the sound of the rustling trees and the rain.
"Dornan, how is your father?" Fienna chirped happily. "I have not seen him in many years."
Letting out a laugh, Dornan replied. "Really? This is where you want to have a friendly catch up?"
"Here is as good as anywhere else." She shrugged.
"He is fine. Though he wasn't too pleased with me having to leave."
"That's a shame."
"Indeed. I've considered writing to him to mobilize a small force, to help with whatever is going to happen here."
"I don't know if that is necessary. They defeated a great force last time with less than 100 men."
"That is true." Zelda added.
"Is it wise to rely on a single person to save the day again?" Dornan asked her flatly.
"I helped last time." Liom added. "We stormed the castle."
They reached a thick veil of trees and vines. Liom lifted his sword, making a motion that he was about to cut them down.
"It's best not to do that." Rel informed him calmly. "They're feeling temperamental enough as is."
He put his sword back in its sheath. Rel simply started moving the vines out of the way, making sure to take the time to be as gentle as possible. Liom eventually took to holding them out of the way, letting everyone through the opening. This time, Dornan walked side by side with Fienna as the continued.
"The village nearby, is that where Just Link is from?" Fienna continued.
"It is." Rel answered.
"I suppose you like it there, don't you Rel? You've always liked small villages."
"That's what I said!" Dornan laughed.
"No! You said that I like quaint villages, after you called me a whore!" Rel huffed.
"You know I was just trying to get a rise out of you."
"How is your lip?"
"Don't remind me!"
Liom and Zelda followed them quietly, listening to their conversation. The oracles continued chattering amongst themselves as they delved deeper into the forest. The conversation ranged from reminiscing to speculation, and nothing seemed off limits to them. With a keen ear, Zelda listened to them talk to each other, looking for any sign that they might betray her. Even now, she knew she was being paranoid and that this line of thinking was useless to her cause. But the words of Ashei still remained in her memories.
It was almost midnight by the time they reached the lost woods. They stopped as Fienna raised hand, her orb of light flickering as they halted. She took a moment to survey their surroundings before nodding to herself.
Rel could feel her eyelids becoming heavy as she tried to concentrate on Fienna's light. Figuring that it was most likely from lack of rest and their travelling, Rel tried to focus her eyesight. As she did so, the sound around her began to drop and she became acutely aware of her own heartbeat. Every drop of rain was audible as it hit her skin and clothing, along with her breaths. It was as if everything was moving in a slower motion, time standing still.
"Welcome back." A stern voice said in greeting at Rel. "I see you brought your friends."
Amongst a clearing in the trees, a single torch appeared in front of the group. It was an ancient pedestal, engraved with patterns that had been lost to the sands of time. Great, gnarled tree roots tangled its frame, holding it tall.
However, it was not alight with a flame, but hundreds of golden sparks. The wind whipped it in every direction, the sparks dancing along with the movement. They looked like a swarm of fireflies, dancing in the breeze on a warm summer's night. It was admittedly a beautiful sight to behold as it stood steadfast against the warring elements of the woods.
As the leader of the group, Fienna was the first to step forward.
The torch, in spite of the wind suddenly burnt upright. After a few moments, the wind changed direction, the sparks following. It looked as if it were pointing her in that direction.
Realizing this, Fienna merrily took off in the direction of the trail of stars. Rel knew that this wasn't an earthly fire, having recognized this dust from her experiences with the sacred realm.
As the remainder of the group stepped forward, it went upright again.
This time, Dornan set forth.
Surprisingly, the sparks changed direction, pointing him in a different way.
Figuring that he had nothing to lose, Dornan quickly set off, shrugging as he waved goodbye to Rel. She was happy to see a little part of his personality showing through regardless of everything that had traversed that morning.
Next it was Zelda's turn. Making eye contact, Rel gave her a nod, silently permitting her to enter the grove. It seemed redundant, given that Zelda was the queen of this land, but it was a respectful gesture, nonetheless.
Liom and Rel were left alone, looking at each other. With a shrug, Liom stepped forward, in an attempt to find his direction.
The sparks turned red, emitting an aura of caution.
"I'm sorry Liom, but I think they want you to stay here." Rel explained.
"Shit." He replied. "Where could I go?"
Rel thought for a moment.
"I do not know when we will return- But there is an old hut nearby that appears to be abandoned. You could sleep there. In the morning, you could go across the bridge to Ordon. They will welcome any friend of Link."
"Link? He might kill me."
"He will understand."
"I'll stay as close as possible." Liom replied. "I can't break my promise."
He took a step back.
With one last look, Rel walked into the woods as the sparks returned to their golden hue. She closed her eyes, trying to shield them from the sting of the rain and wind. Taking a step forward, she felt weightless and calm.
When Rel opened her eyes again, she found herself transported to a beautiful clearing. There was a small campfire on completely dry ground, with two bedrolls prepared. The clouds were gone, giving a clear view of the night sky. Without thinking, she tilted her head upward, gazing at the sea of stars before her. After the initial amazement, it took Rel a moment to realize where she was.
She'd somehow stepped into the makeshift campground that she and Link had made on their first night alone together, on their journey out west to Ruffilio.
Giving into her exhaustion, Rel sat down. As soon as her body touched the grass, a bed of flowers burst to life. The flowers comforted her, protecting her body from the coarse pasture. Feeling safe, Rel laid flat on her back, her eyelids heavy and sleepy.
"Aurelia!" A woman's voice called out from the void. "I swear, we need to nail you to the floor!"
The voice carried around the clearing.
Lifting her hands, Rel covered her eyes. She shut them tight as the voice became louder, echoing throughout her thoughts.
"Aurelia, where are you?"
Spreading her fingers, Rel peeked through the gaps.
"I don't want to go. I don't want to go." She whispered to herself over and over.
The door to Rel's room swung open. A woman with fair skin and copper hair walked in with her hands on her hips. Her amber eyes darted around the room as she looked for any sign of the troublesome child that had evaded her for hours. The woman bent over, looking under the bed. With a sigh she shook her head as she watched Rel curl up into a ball.
"Aurelia." She groaned. "I know you're under there, come out."
Rel crawled out from under the bed, her expression shamed and scared. She put both her hands behind her back and started rocking back and forth. She refused to look at the woman's face, instead, concentrating on a spot on the floor as her weight shifted from heel to toe.
"What do you have to say for yourself!" The woman continued. "You cannot just- Not come to the ceremony! It is imperative that you attend!"
"Being Din's chosen sounds scary." Rel explained, her voice quivering. "I don't want to know."
Rel looked down at her feet, tears forming in her eyes.
The woman sighed again.
"Aurelia." She said quietly. "I know it sounds scary. But it is a great honor to be chosen by Din. You know why she blesses one of us, right?"
"Because she can't trust the Hylians?" Rel huffed.
The woman laughed. "That is a very simple way of looking at it."
"I don't think Din would choose me anyway."
"Why is that?"
"Because I can't dance!" Rel exasperated as she tried to turn on the spot.
"That's not too important though." The woman explained. "Din chooses one of us based off our heart- how strong we are there. She chooses someone with fire in her veins. Someone with intelligence and intimidation. That sounds exactly like you."
"Hey!"
"What's wrong with that, Aurelia?"
"I'm not fiery and scary. I swear!"
A soft smile crossed the woman's lips as she put her hand on Rel's head.
"Don't run away again." She smiled. "Just, come with me."
Realizing that she had just seen a memory, Rel opened her eyes.
"That was the first time." Rel thought out loud.
The flowerbed swayed in the breeze, picking up a few petals.
In the blink of an eye, the scene changed.
A beautiful manor house stood before her, its stained-glass windows casting an array of colours in the sun.
She'd seen it on the way from the harbor, standing tall against the surrounding stone wall. A man dressed in a green and black uniform had picked Rel up from the ship and was escorting her to the very place that seemed so intimidating. She was acutely aware of the firm grip he had on her arm as they moved through any open areas. He dragged her to a waiting horse and carriage.
Even if Rel wanted to run, she wouldn't know where to go. Lynna City was far bigger than Horon City. Everywhere she looked she saw merchants, civilians, swordsmen and even knights. As they approached the manor house, Rel could also see the remnants of a tower that had once stood tall, its dark hue standing as a stark contrast to the bright streets.
The temple women were displeased with Rel's progress in performing arts. After much negotiation, Rel promised to forgo traveling as a performer in lieu of academics instead. It was rare for the oracle to not lead the way for performance, and they weren't sure what to do with Rel instead. The logistics of her returning to the temple every three months were to be discussed soon.
The cart they were travelling in came to a halt.
The man in the green and black uniform tugged on Rel's arm, motioning for her to get out of the carriage. She reluctantly followed as he took her to the door of the house and ushered her inside.
Once inside, she looked around, in absolute awe of the décor.
Every last inch of the walls was covered in paintings and tapestries, all as grand and beautiful as one another. Rel's first instinct was to reach out her hand and touch the nearest art piece, though she was distracted by another tug of the arm.
Two grand staircases led to a second level balcony. It was here that she laid eyes on her peer, another oracle, for the first time.
Even at age thirteen, this boy exuded confidence and charisma. Anyone who glanced at him would have mistaken him for older. Rel had to admit that he was the most handsome boy she'd ever laid eyes on as her eyes traced his features.
"Is that her?" the boy asked flatly.
"Aurelia of the temple of seasons." The man confirmed.
"Your clothes are awful." The boy called out.
Whatever positive feelings Rel had toward the boy had been all but forgotten.
"What's wrong with my clothes?" She snapped back.
"They make you look like a shapeless wet nurse." He smirked back.
Later on, Rel found herself in the garden of the manor house, crawling around. She noticed that one of the fruit trees was starting to decay, something that the house gardener had most likely overlooked. She touched the spot gently, running her fingers over the bark.
"What are you doing?" Dornan spat. "You've been here for weeks, and you still won't follow instruction."
"Your apricot tree is dying." Rel said matter-of-factly.
"No, it isn't."
Rel made a gesture with her hand, telling Dornan to get down on the grass. He reluctantly followed, crouching beside her.
"This part here." Rel said with a point. "Is starting to decay."
"Oh well." Dornan said sarcastically. "We can always get a new one."
"No need."
Placing her hands on the decayed segment of the tree, Rel waited a few moments. A vein of light slowly crept up the trunk, glowing ethereally as it spread out. Moments later, she removed her hands. The tree looked fresh and vibrant.
"What the fuck?" Dornan gasped quietly.
"The essence of nature runs into every living thing." Rel explained. "It is as simple as redirecting it."
"That's incredible. I mean, I'd read about it in the documents, but I didn't think you could bring something dead back to life."
"Only plants." Rel speculated. "I wouldn't know about animals, let alone people."
A devilish smile crossed Dornan's face.
"So, you can just change the season at will?"
"Theoretically yes."
"So do it!"
"And face Din's wrath? I think not. Would you willingly stop time?"
"You raise a good point." Dornan shrugged. "I do not wish to anger father time."
Years passed in the blink of an eye.
The princess of Hyrule was to arrive any day now, for she had been invited and sent for with haste. Rel had been instructed by Dornan intensely on how to behave around royalty, having practiced the hand gestures and bows. He'd bought her an entirely new wardrobe's worth of clothing, choosing colours that he believed complimented her hair and skin tone. Rel was admittedly pleased with this, as she'd been envious of the women she saw in the streets. Her simple temple clothing wasn't enticing, let alone fit to be in the presence of a foreign princess. Dornan had given it to her for her seventeenth birthday despite it still being months away.
"I'll try not to look at her ears." Rel muttered to Dornan.
"Do not fucking do that." He sighed.
"Fine." She smirked.
"Besides, that handsome Sir Raven you like so much has the ears. Just pretend that they're attached to him."
"Does she also have blond hair?"
"Yes."
Rel blushed.
"When will Fienna be here?" Rel asked, attempting to change the subject.
"Who knows?"
Seated at a dining table, Rel sat opposite Fienna who had arrived earlier that day. She was sitting uncomfortably with her elbows hovering over the edge of the table, gripping her cutlery tightly. Ignoring all table rules, Fienna was eating the vegetables happily, poking them with her fork.
"I can't fucking take either of you anywhere." Dornan hissed. "Really, in the presence of our foreign envoy?"
Rel and Fienna were on the roof of the garden house. They were laying low, watching as Dornan escorted Princess Zelda around his garden. He held his arm out for her in a gentlemanly fashion and she took it gracefully.
Neither of them seemed to be in good spirits.
The following day Dornan was nowhere to be seen. It was clear that whatever he'd spoken to Zelda about the previous day still weighed heavily on his mind. Although she tried to keep her curiosity at bay, Rel couldn't help it. She needed to know what Dornan had told Zelda.
She looked for Dornan in every room of the house, unable to find him. She made her way out to the stables.
Brushing a red mare, Dornan didn't even look up when she came into the room. He remained focused on grooming this horse, a new addition that Rel didn't recognize.
"She's beautiful." Rel gushed as she approached Dornan and the horse. "When did you get her?"
"Today. As a gift to myself."
"You've been in a bad mood since yesterday, what happened?"
"I merely told Princess Zelda of my vision of the future."
"Are you sure you're alright?"
"Stop pestering me!" Dornan snapped at her.
"No! I'm not leaving until you tell me what's wrong."
He paused before returning to brushing the red mare's mane. Rel tried to keep the conversation flowing.
"Does she have a name?"
Dornan side eyed Rel before smirking to himself.
"She does now. Meet Aurelia."
Back in the present, under the veil of darkness, Rel sat up. She gripped the sides of her head with her hands, trying to stop the voices echoing in her mind.
"Stop!" She cried out. "What is happening?"
"One should recognize their own life." A melodic voice echoed.
Rel stopped. She didn't recognize this voice.
"Who are you?" She whispered.
"I am the light in the darkness. The shimmering stars in the sky. I am the creator of the sword. Many monuments were built in my honor. Some know me as the white goddess- or perhaps the goddess of time. I've had many titles."
Her mind racing, Rel tried to think of all the histories she'd read.
"You've set foot upon my shores for the first time in hundreds of years. I need to know you- inside and out."
Overcome with exhaustion and fear once more, Rel was on her back, the flowers cushioning her fall.
"All good deeds are reborn from suffering." The voice continued.
"Word from Hyrule is that a self-appointed Gerudo King has built an army of dark interlopers. He has spearheaded an invasion, killing anyone in his way. He claims to harness the power of Din."
"Ridiculous." Dornan snapped back, his pipe in hand. "You know full well that the power of the goddesses does not discriminate against good or evil. If it is being harnessed, it means that the Hylians have failed to protect it. Again."
"Are you to try and tell me that Aurelia and her people have nothing to do with it?"
"That is exactly what I am telling you."
"That is preposterous!"
"Your notion is what is preposterous!" Dornan boomed.
"Are you to try and convince me that her bloodline isn't cursed?"
"It is Hylia's bloodline that is cursed! We have witnessed time and time again as history repeats, their complete and utter failure to protect what our ancestors created."
The nameless man who was arguing with Dornan was wearing the signature robes of the scholars at Hyrule castle.
"Then why aren't the Gerudo people rising against this man?" The scholar snapped.
"Because you killed them, remember?"
"We killed the boys to prevent this from happening!"
"Well, it's fucking happening again, isn't it!?" Dornan shouted. "Get the fuck out of my sight."
Rel was watching from a crack in the door to this room, hearing the accusations that were being thrown at her about her kin. It wasn't the first time she'd heard such musings from the visiting Hylians. They'd pointed to her hair and whispered about her speculative heritage when Zelda had made the journey east.
"Our only hope is a young man. Hylia's chosen- But he has disappeared into the darkness, accompanied by the princess of the Twilight."
"Raven's ancestor?" Dornan asked, surprised.
"Whatever your legend says- We care not. Can we rely on you for help?"
"No." Dornan smirked. "Not this time. Perhaps in a few years?"
The scholar left in a huff, slamming his chair under the table.
"Your legend warns us of sorrow, destruction and despair." The scholar hissed. "If your oracle of power is as powerful as you say she is- She is the harbinger of destruction."
"The conclusion of a child." Dornan said dismissively. "That would make me the bringer of sorrow then, wouldn't it?"
"One can assume."
"Well, have fun." Dornan finished. "If your kingdom survives this, expect to see us within the decade."
The voices became so loud in Rel's mind that it began to hurt. She squeezed her eyes shut.
"Get out of my head!" She gasped.
"You have brought destruction to my land." The mysterious voice informed her.
"I have not!" Rel said through gritted teeth. "I am here, fixing this destruction!"
"Are you? Or are you lying to me?"
"How dare you!"
"I sense darkness within you. You are stalked by a shadow. It follows you wherever you go."
"I was cursed."
Music swelled in Rel's ears. She was now in a lively establishment, people surrounding her. They were all chatting amongst themselves, a usual occurrence for a tavern on a rest day.
Once again, she had accompanied Dornan to a drinking den, watching as he skillfully picked out the men that he wanted to seduce. She was sitting at the end of the bar, drinking her own goblet of wine.
Her best friend tapped her on the shoulder.
"Why the glum face?" He asked her playfully.
"I heard one of the men say that I would be perfect, if it weren't for my height." She deadpanned.
Dornan let out a laugh. "You are exceedingly beautiful and that is all they focus on?"
"Don't remind me. I even tried the kohl method with my eyes."
She showed Dornan her eyes.
"They look stunning." He admired. "They look… yellow with that enhancement."
"Dornan." A man's voice said in greeting.
His eyes landed on the dark-haired man that greeted him.
"If it isn't Val." Dornan smiled. "To what do we owe the pleasure?"
Dornan had left again, leaving this new addition alone with Rel.
"You're tall for a woman." He said flatly.
"You're short for a man." Rel snapped back.
Images swirled again.
"How was Val?" Dornan grinned.
"Terrible. It's how I imagine a dead fish would feel."
"Do you women really just lay there and take it?"
"Is that not what we are supposed to do?"
"Oh, Aurelia. You must take what you want."
The man named Val was trying to stand over Rel, his fists balled and tense. Broken glass littered the floor, the remnants of a bottle he'd shattered in anger. He had pushed her against a wall. Rel tried to remain steadfast, refusing to surrender. She stared him down, ready to strike at any chance.
"What if my wife finds out?" He hissed in her face.
"That sounds like an indiscretion that you need to approach on your own." Rel said calmly, trying to think fast. "I most certainly do not wish to see you again. We have no ties."
"Are you pregnant?"
"Not that I am aware of."
Rel tried to sidestep the man but was blocked by his arm.
"Dornan fucking told me that you weren't going to be a bother! Why did he lie to me?"
The realization hit Rel with untold weight. Her heart sank.
"What do you mean?"
"Dornan lied to me."
Using her hands, Rel pushed Val off. He returned the gesture with a firm backhand to Rel's face. Thinking quickly, Rel threw her head into his face, hitting his nose. The impact was enough to shock both of them as she tried to rush away from him.
"No!" Val called out.
He grabbed the length of her hair, pulling her back. Crying out in pain, Rel wrapped her hand around his, trying to yank it from her hair. Val overpowered her, pulling her back.
"You impudent- fucking bitch." He gasped as Rel fought back.
He placed his hand over her mouth, which she returned with a hard bite of his fingers.
Rel tried to take off at speed. Val caught up to her again, this time dragging her to the floor. He'd managed to flip her over until she was on her back. As Rel tried to kick him off, she felt a sharp pain in her abdomen- and another. Hot liquid spilt from the wound as Val raised his hands above his head again, readying another strike. He held in his hand a large shard of glass, its glint tinged with that of blood.
The scene changed.
"I could have you killed." Dornan spat at Val. "Attacking my friend with a glass bottle- With no evidence of self-defense!"
Averting her gaze from the entire process, Rel's eyes remained firmly on the floorboards. The same way they had when she hid at the temple. The wounds to her abdomen had been tended too quickly, healed by the power of light that Fienna could harness.
"Why? She's just a whore from Holodrum." Val answered. "They're beneath us and they know it."
Rel calmly packed her favourite clothing. As usual, she had been called back to the temple of seasons, but this time she had no intention of returning to Labrynna.
After much coaxing, it was evident that Dornan had in fact asked one of his friends to entertain Rel for an evening. What he hadn't intended on was for that friend to turn on her like he'd done. The truth was revealed as Val was questioned. The only thing he seemed concerned with was his wife finding out about his several affairs.
"Why are you tormenting me?" Rel cried out in the present. "Making me relive the most awful things!"
"Because my gift is born of suffering." The ethereal voice sang out. "You know naught but a fraction of what it takes to receive my blessing."
"Hylia." Rel breathed.
"So, you do remember my name?" Hylia answered.
Dornan stormed through the foyer of his home, throwing open every door as he went. Fienna trailed close behind him, tears in her eyes.
"Where the fuck is she?" He demanded. "She was supposed to be back by now!"
"I don't think Rel is coming back." Fienna sobbed.
"I will fucking murder that man!"
Having left the temple of seasons, Rel had set up a small home on the outskirts of Horon City. She'd covered every last surface of wood with plants of some variety and had made a small library of borrowed books.
One evening in Autumn of the previous year, Rel had opened a bottle of wine. She was reading quietly when a soft knock was heard on her front door.
Her brow furrowed. Not many people knew where she lived.
In the night stood one of the men she recognized from Dornan's house. He wore the signature green and black colours. In his hand he held a letter. One quick glance at the envelope was enough to tell Rel that it was Dornan's handwriting.
"Aurelia." The man said softly. "You may want to read this."
"If it's from Dornan, I have no interest." She said calmly as she tried to close the door.
"Read it. It's important. It's about his vision. You are in danger."
"Danger? He didn't protect me before and he won't now."
The images swirled again.
The next memory was quick. Like her incident with Val, Rel was ashamed to find another man kneeling over her with a knife. Though, this time was different. Cold waves coursed through her veins.
Now she stood in Telma's Pub. It was in its old state, before the fire had destroyed it. She was sifting through the books in Shad's workroom when a letter fell out of the pages. Not caring what Shad thought, Rel opened the letter. She tried to read it, but it looked like it was in another language- or perhaps a cipher? It took her a few moments of rearranging the letters in her mind before she realized that it was, in fact, a very simple cipher, most likely created by a child.
She found a book about ciphers and left it open on the front page. Until then, she was going to commit the letter to memory.
Laying low in Telma's pub was easy, as no one here seemed to be rather perceptive. Surely someone would think of informing law enforcement on what had happened on the day she arrived, but it appeared that wasn't happening for now.
She found herself becoming distracted whenever the blond man who was helping Shad was present. It started with a few stolen glances every now and then and she could have sworn that he was looking at her too. Over the next few weeks, Rel caught herself wishing that he would stay longer whenever he came in for a meal.
After another stolen moment, Telma gave Rel a knowing smile.
The night they left castle town and slept by the fire passed in the blink of an eye.
Waking up in an unfamiliar bed usually would have scared Rel. But she was lying side by side with someone she felt safe with. He had done the gentlemanly thing, trying to sleep on the floor and making sure she was comfortable with their arrangement. What he didn't know was that after waking in the middle of the night, her heart was pounding as she watched him sleep. She had to stop herself from climbing on top of him and tasting his lips- But what would he think of that? A tall woman who is too forward might scare him off, the same thing that happened with every other man.
"He needs to move on!" Shad's words carried in her thoughts.
"I can't deal with the shame." Rel said as tears fell from her eyes in the present. "Don't make me relive this."
Rel saddled up Dornan's horse, her namesake, and took off into the night. She wore the cloak that Link had picked out for her, as one last reminder of what she'd experienced here in Hyrule. She could hear Dornan's jeering in her mind as she took off, but perhaps this was the last time that she needed to do this? Maybe they'd finally forget about her and leave her in peace.
The snow outside the inn was shin deep by now and it was all her fault. Link picked her up and dragged her back to the wall she'd been leaning on earlier.
"It doesn't matter what I want." His words echoed.
"Tell me now!"
Feeling her knees become weak, Rel gripped his collar tightly as Link kissed her. He watched her undress.
"Enough!" Present Rel called out. "Stay out of my private memories!"
"If you are to receive my blessing, you must unmake and rebuild what is dear to you." Hylia informed her. "My sword was melted down in the searing fires of Din, beaten by the wind of Farore and reborn from the drowning water of Nayru."
"Is that what I need from you?" Rel admonished. "A sword?"
"Are you worthy of my sword?"
"Hylia- Please."
"The first person to receive my blessing rose from the ashes, when all hope was lost. He proved virtuous by way of showing resilience in the face of suffering."
"What are you saying? That I must- Be imprisoned to receive your help?"
"Aurelia." Dornan's voice whispered as she opened her eyes.
"Dornan?" she answered, blinking. "Where are we?"
"I think we are at the temple of time." He answered. "We found you collapsed at the end of the lost woods."
Before them stood the temple of time in its current dilapidated state. Fienna looked shocked as she observed the structure, gasping at the stone fragments that had fallen from the building. Her eyes appeared to be glassy and tearful as she reached forward, touching the steps.
"Why?" She admonished. "Why is it like this?"
"Ask Zelda." Rel answered.
Zelda was standing back, her expression unreadable and pale. Holding her hand to her chest, Zelda gingerly stepped forward.
"I remember." She murmured. "Long ago- The old me. Hundreds of years ago."
"Oh, now she is going to fall into a strange trance." Dornan said playfully. "It appears you are not the only one, Aurelia."
"What about you?" Rel asked Dornan. "Did you see anything?"
"The faces of the slaughtered."
"That's grim."
Dornan helped Rel to her feet.
"I suppose we go inside?" He asked Rel. "They're waiting for us."
As had happened during her last visit, the moment Rel's foot hit the main foyer of the temple, the walls illuminated.
Emerging from a veil of mist, Din stepped forward. She was followed shortly after by Nayru and Farore. Zelda gasped as the three goddesses stood in front of her, their spectral presence a testament to the unity and power of her allies. Even after millennia, these women stood together, unified in their shared vision and power.
"Oh my." Dornan breathed as Nayru stood before him. "It appears we meet again."
Nayru returned his comment with a smile.
"You are hurt." She said calmly.
"Yes."
The unmistakable Fiery red hair of Din stood juxtaposed against the white marble of the temple of the past. With her commanding presence and fierce amber eyes, she silently garnered their attention.
Farore's ghostly manifestation was not lost on the group. Her eyes landed on Fienna as her ashen hair flowed like water, moving on its own.
"How it pleases me to see our three descendants." Din said in greeting. "Though it would appear that you do not bear good news."
Dornan and Rel looked at one another.
"We do not." Rel confirmed. "For Nayru's descendant has been attacked as I was."
Farore gasped.
"We came here, seeking help." Dornan confirmed. "Aurelia tells me that Farore was able to stem the progress of her affliction."
"I can stem the progress, as I did with you." She reassured them. "But I see my descendant is here with you, was she not able to help either of you?"
Rel shook her head.
"I tried." Fienna added. "But it appears that both have been bound by a shadow curse."
"Are you not able to unbind them?"
"No." Fienna paused. "Rel needs a blessing from Hylia."
The three goddesses recoiled. Din made her way to the front, looking over Rel's shoulders.
"My sisters, we are joined by the Queen of Hyrule." She observed. "Step forward."
Zelda did as she was told, making her way to the front. She stood firm in front of the three goddesses, holding her own in their presence. The queen removed the hood of her cloak, allowing her blond hair to cascade over her shoulders. Her blue eyes met Din's and Zelda hoped that she would appear confident and strong in the company of the goddess of power.
"Queen Zelda of Hyrule. This is the first time you have visited us. Why?" Din asked her.
"Because I am in need of your guidance." She answered softly.
"Did Nayru not grant you the power of wisdom?"
"She did."
"Are you not able to call upon it now?"
"No."
"Why?"
"I do not know." Zelda murmured. "But I am lost. A great evil has poisoned the heart of this land. I've been told of a great war- Citizens dying. I cannot allow this in good faith to happen."
"You have neglected to protect this sacred space." Din said calmly. "You need to look within yourself Zelda and ask yourself why this continues to happen."
"I will try. I thank the oracles for their continued loyalty and guidance. But I stand before you- begging- pleading that you will help me."
Din opened her mouth to speak but was interrupted.
"You are too harsh, Din."
Recognizing the voice right away, Rel's gaze landed on the wings of the foyer.
"Hylia." She whispered.
"I see Hylia has finally graced us with her presence." Din said flatly. "How long has it been, five hundred years?"
"A speck of dust in the eons that we have lived." Hylia replied.
This goddess exuded brightness and a sense of purity. Her platinum blond hair cascaded to the floor, floating as she walked delicately into the center of the room. She was adorned in long, white robes that seemed to shine on their own, catching light from places unseen. Like Zelda, she had light blue eyes that emitted years of eons of wisdom and compassion.
"To what do we owe the pleasure?" Din asked her.
"Your priestess is in need of my help." Hylia observed. "I visited her memories. She can tell you."
Rel shuddered. The recollection was fresh in her mind, having had to relive some of the most traumatic moments of her life, in the name of the suffering that Hylia demanded. She reflected on the words that had been spoken to her, considering how literal the conditions were. In what way was Rel expected to suffer? What could she possibly break down and build up again in the name of virtue?
"It is true." Rel murmured. "She showed me moments from my life that- That I had locked away."
"And it appears that your charge is in need of my blessing." Din smiled. "For she feels powerless."
"Then, this should be a simple exchange?" Hylia questioned her. "An eye for an eye, so to speak?"
Shaking her head, Din spoke. "I have already given my blessing to someone else."
"Who?"
"Your chosen hero. Considering that you sent him to his death, I felt he needed my help."
"Once." Hylia faltered.
"And I've not trusted you since."
"And I should trust you? Given that I gave you the duty of protecting my golden relic! How does it keep splitting? Are you not upholding your duty?"
"You want to speak of duty?" Din rebutted. "My people were slaughtered and banished! My sisters lent me their power to build our own homeland! Away from your insolence. Your golden relic wouldn't exist without us."
"Insolence?" Hylia admonished.
Nayru and Farore stepped to the side, allowing Din to charge forward. Holding her arm out, Din materialized a weapon. Flecks of dust came together, forming into a grand metal spear. Din held it proudly, her stance suggesting that she was ready to fight. She pointed the spear tip directly at Hylia.
In the blink of an eye, the mortal group were transported out of the room and ushered to the entrance of the temple. They could still hear the voices of the goddesses.
"What did you tell her?" Din demanded. "What did you tell my descendant?"
Hylia held her hands together. Moments later, they parted, a sword emerging in an orb of light. Once it had come together, Hylia held the sword in her hand, returning Din's assertion.
"The same thing that I showed him." Hylia retorted. "My blessing comes from suffering! If your descendant is to receive my blessing, she must be beaten down and reborn in the fames of suffering!"
"A punishment!"
"A test of virtue!"
"I don't think you will be getting any guidance here tonight, Zelda." Dornan whispered to her as the tensions rose.
Nayru and Farore steered the group to the feet of the temple stairs.
"Our time runs out." Nayru said sadly. "For I wish we could offer you more advice."
"I will stem the progress of your curse." Farore smiled at Dornan.
"What about me?" Zelda asked sadly. "I've come all this way."
"In time." Nayru reassured her. "Your path appears to be leading you to the same destination. Perhaps it is not you who can change the course of this page of history?"
"Hylia has destined you to fail- For the grounds on which the castle stands are infected." Farore reiterated. "The flames burn within its walls. Until they are extinguished, and the threat removed, we are destined for darkness."
"The steward?" Zelda asked her.
"The steward. A wolf in sheep's clothing."
Farore made her way to Dornan.
"Show me your wound."
"Are we to fight a war?" Zelda asked as Farore held her hands over Dornan's neck.
Nayru gave her a heartbreaking expression. "A motion of events has been set forth that cannot be undone."
"We are doomed to this war." Zelda repeated.
"Every generation must fight."
"I need anything-"
"Sleep well knowing that your position is respected and that they know who you are. For without you, all hope is lost."
Farore lifted her hands, releasing Dornan from her grasp.
"I've used the last of my strength. I will return to the void in hopes of recovery." She said gravely. "You cannot allow this to happen again Fienna, for I do not know how long I will be at rest."
Fienna bowed. "I understand."
The sound of steel clashing rang throughout the walls of the temple.
"Fight your own battle!" Din's voice carried across the floors.
Farore waved her hand.
The following morning was sunny and calm, a far cry from the chaotic weather of the previous evening. The chirping birds sang Rel into consciousness as she opened her eyes.
Rel was familiar with this proverbial dance but at least she knew that they were back and safe. She sat up slowly, her head feeling as though it was twice its normal weight. Dornan and Fienna were lying either side of her, nestled closely against her skin.
Already seated, Zelda gazed sadly at the three oracles.
"Zelda?" Rel asked quietly.
"The three of you- Are so close to one another." Zelda said quietly. "It is enviable."
She returned the comment with a soft smile.
Dornan was next to stir.
"I tortured a man in that one." He burst out. "Wait! I saw something."