Paya feels Lila's arms tighten around her waist as she kicks the horse into a gallop. Midna is keeping speed to their left. The light sprinkle of midday rain sings against her face as they race across the ragged surface of Blatchery Plain. Fort Hateno lies only a few minutes' ride away. But the reason for their haste is much closer, Paya glares at the evil Gloom attacking the spiritual dragon Naydra.
A writhing snake-like entity, as long as a mountain is tall. Gray scales, laced with energy, cover its body; they're accented by ice-like bone structures growing from its spine and claws. The ancient dragon roars, its powerful rumble echoes across the plains and in her ears. Thick tendrils of the malefic darkness lash out and bind the dragon to the wet plains. It thrashes and rails almost futilely against the dark strength. A small horde of Bokoblins led by a powerful Moblin are attacking the dragon. Their weapons bounce off the thick scales, but Paya can see a few bare spots where the scales have been knocked off.
She hears Lila's sharp intake of breath, even through the whipping wind. "I can taste it, Paya. The evil in the air... It's stomach churning." She agrees, in her own way. She may not taste it in the air, but she's witnessing the raw power that the Gloom wields as it assaults the sacred beast. It is enough to make her sick as well.
Then they're as close as they can safely take the horses. Paya watches Midna spring from the back of her mount. The Twili unsheathes her scimitars and hits the ground in a graceful roll. She can see the coil and ripple of the woman's muscles as she flows to her feet before dashing towards the combat. Paya slips off of Lila's dark mount and aids the woman in getting down.
She glances back to see Midna moving in a blur of dark skin and flashing steel. Three Bokoblins fall to her blades before the rest notice her presence. "Get me close to her, Paya," Lila orders and the Sheikah steels her resolve. "I need to get a hand on Naydra. Don't worry about the Gloom, I can handle it."
Paya draws the long Eightfold Blade from its sheath on her waist and holds it at the ready. She takes Lila's hand in hers and begins approaching the thrashing dragon. Its icy magics flare and lash out wildly. It's thanks to her own quick reflexes that she deflects the summoned projectiles that arc towards them both. The closer they get to the dragon, the colder the air becomes. Until Paya is shivering and her breath mists with each puff.
"W-were a-almost th-there." She says through chattering teeth. The Gloom seems to have noticed them as well and Paya prepares to strike an incoming tendril. Then a different magic tendril, like shadow and tarnished copper, strikes against the Gloom. She glances over her shoulder to see the strange magic flowing from Lila's back. Another copy of the strange magic appears over her other shoulder.
Paya watches with some measure of awe as the powerful magic begins ripping into the Gloom. Tearing it off the dragon like peeling the rind of an orange. A giant eye forms in the writhing mass of Gloomy Darkness and seems to stare into her very being. The evil magic seems to roar, the very sound shaking her bones in their trappings of flesh.
She watches with growing trepidation as large chunks of the Gloom splinter and splatter onto the surrounding ground. Where they fall, Stal monsters begin to claw out of the wet dirt. There have to be dozens of them. All of their glowing eyes focus on herself and Lila. She turns and lays a hand on Lila's shoulder. "Straight ahead, Lila! I shall buy you time."
Lila only hesitates long enough to pull her down and press a hot kiss to her mouth. "Stay safe Paya." Then she's sprinting forward – on impressively sure feet – towards the dragon. Paya readies her blade, as the risen dead begin to converge on her. She wets her lips as her eyes trace across the small horde. Stalkoblins, Stalmoblins, Stalizalfos and even a Stalnox. She really wishes her Grandmother had taught her their tribal magics.
Just as she prepares to launch into battle, a bolt of scorching fire sears past her right and consumes a chunk of the Stal in an explosive dome of red and orange heat. She looks to her side to see Midna come to a stop beside her. "Paya. We're teaching you magic after this." Midna huffs as she wipes the frosty mix of sweat and water from her brow. Paya can't help but laugh.
"If we get through this, you mean?" She asks before launching into the crowd of skeletal creatures. Her blade hasn't seen battle in many years, but she has carefully honed it and her own form many, many times. Its weight is a familiar friend and the edge easily bites through rusted weapons and brittle bones alike.
She jumps and flits through the animated bones like a lethal wind. So focused is she on the small horde that she is nearly bludgeoned by the massive Stalnox wielding it's own rib as a club. Midna's shout is her only warning and she drops to the floor as the creature cleaves through its own allies, bone and weapons scatter across the field like the rain falling upon them.
Midna's at her side and pulling her to her feet. "I meant what I said!" The Gerudo warrior shouts before pulling her into a chaste kiss. Then she's being shoved backwards as the giant's fist slams into the space she'd been occupying. Paya turns to face the one-eyed skeleton and its glowing orb stares hatefully at her.
"Fine! You want to face a Sheikah warrior?!" Paya shouts at the creature of darkness. "Then embrace your second death!"
She charges towards it, feet finding easy purchase, despite the mud and bone and weapons on the field. It rears back its fist before arcing it in a wide swing, as if to bat her aside. For a nimble Sheikah like herself, it is an easy feat to leap over its attack. She lands on the thick bone of its arm while it stumbles from the over extension of its own attack.
As the undead being bounces on one foot, its eye falls on her again. She smirks at it, a victorious and savage grin. Then she leaps at its face while jamming her blade into the glowing pupil with a sickening squelch. The force of her attack is enough to send the fiend collapsing in a pile of bones. She kicks off its skull and pulls its eye along with her. It easily slips out of the bony socket and she angles herself in a dive towards the ground.
It's like landing on a balloon, she thinks, as the eye hits the ground and begins to bulge around the sides. Then it pops in a burst of smoke and Malice. Paya rises to her feet, panting and wild eyed. The battlefield is littered with weapons and monster remains. She spots Midna as the Twili cleaves through the last of the revived creatures. Paya then turns around and her blood seems to freeze in its veins.
Lila's hands are on Naydra's face and it looks as if her arms have been frozen to the creature. It has gone deathly still as a golden energy flows from Lila's compass and coats its lithe body. The Gloom has recoiled to bubble and writhe just off to the side. Paya sprints forward, inserting herself between Lila and the mass of evil. She braces herself, both hands on the hilt of her blade. Out of the corner of her eye, she sees Midna move to her side.
The Gloom begins to flow and coalesce into a ball of floating evil. The hair on her arms and neck raise and a shiver shoots down her spine. The intense malevolence in the air seems to become as thick as syrup. Breathing it in is a trial itself. The very sky coats in a bloody crimson. "By the old Gods..." Paya breathes as a humanoid figure forms out of the Gloom.
"What manner of..." Midna's voice is thick with fear and disgust. The Phantom lowers to the ground and lands lightly. It's over twice as tall as Paya herself and that strange gloom radiates from its feet with each step. Its glowing red eyes are locked onto Lila until Paya shifts her grip on the blade. Then it's hateful gaze lands on her. It looks her up and down before it seems to snort dismissively. Its eyes turn on Midna and the creature goes as still.
Silence settles, thick and heavy, broken only by the pittering of the rain and musical sound of Lila's strange magic. Midna shifts her stance, lowering her weapons and standing straight. The Phantom steps back as if struck. It's jaw creaks and works as if struggling to speak. Finally it's voice sounds out. A demonic, rolling sound that grates her ears like a stone dragging through gravel. "M...i...d...n...a..." It speaks the Twili's name slowly, dragging out each letter with sheer effort.
"How..." Paya straightens as well and reaches out to place a comforting hand on Midna's arm. The Twili meets her gaze with wide eyes. Paya motions towards Lila and the expression on Midna's face settles into determination. Paya sucks in a breath as Midna steps between herself and the Phantom. "I don't know you apparition, nor do I understand how you know me..." She lifts her scimitar and angles it towards the Phantom. "But, I am the daughter of the great Ganondorf and Princess of Twilight. You will fall to my hand should you try to harm either of these women. Leave now, or die."
The Phantom takes a half step forward as the sword in its hand falls to the ground. Its other hand lifts slightly as if to reach towards the Twili. Paya lays a hand on Midna's back, on the fabric of her gray Gerudo style chest wrap. She prepares herself to move between the pair should the Phantom attack. She watches from over Midna's shoulder as the Phantom drops its hand and stands straight once more.
"S...t...a...y... A...w...a...y..." The Phantom grounds out before its form melts into the ground and the evil aura disappears with it. The clouds return to their dark grays and Paya's body almost gives out from the release of tension. Midna deflates as well and they both seem to bask in the quiet peace of the rain. Wait... Paya cranes her neck and looks over her shoulder. Naydra is gone and Lila is on her knees. The woman is cradling a body in her lap.
"Lila!" Paya exclaims as she scrambles across the muddy ground. She comes to a sliding stop and falls to her knees at Lila's side.
She sucks in a breath... she... recognizes the body in Lila's arms. From the vision she'd seen earlier that morning. A fair-skinned Hylian man with pale gold – almost white – hair shaped in a match of Lila's with two thick braids bound in blue instead of red. He has a strong, sharp jawline with Master Link's soft eyes and nose. His lips remind her of Midna's.
He's dressed in a well-fitted, silken tunic, the clothing is snow white and trimmed with gold fibers. He's wearing fine black boots and dark woolen trousers. A strange bright blue tear dangles from his left pointed ear.
Lila's fingers are gently stroking the side of his face and Paya can see a smile on her face. A strange warmth that she's never seen before. Midna's at Lila's other side in a moment and a sharp gasp sounds from the Twili. "Lila... Is this... It is?" Lila nods fiercely as a bubbly laugh sounds from the woman. Paya meets Midna's bright vermilion eyes with a confused draw of her brow. "You do not know? I suppose the Sheikah legends would fail to mention him... Paya this is-"
A soft groan sounds from the fainted man and his eyes flicker open. His irises are a crystalline blue, with flecks of gold scattered through them. He reaches up and wipes the rain from his face as his eyes seem to adjust. The first thing he sees is Lila and he takes a sharp breath. "Mom?" He asks in a voice that sounds light and musical, like the tinkling of wind chimes.
/-/
"Mom?" The voice fills her ears and Lila covers her mouth as a choked sob escapes her throat. Her eyes sting with tears from emotions that both are and aren't her own. She lets out a watery laugh as her son sits up. My baby boy... "Wait... your eyes! Oh no..." Lila shakes her head before throwing herself at him.
He catches her in his arms as she squeezes him with all of her might. She feels him grunt but clings to him anyway. "I'm so happy..." She cries out as he returns the firm embrace. She leans back again with a sharp gasp. Her hands cup his cheeks. "Are you okay? Are you still wounded?"
"N-no... I'm alright... I'm okay Mom," He pulls her into another tight embrace. "Thanks to you... I'm perfectly fine."
"Can... Will someone please explain what's happening?" Paya asks, her voice is thick with confusion and concern. She feels the arms around her stiffen.
"Are you... Impa is that you? Wait, Mother! You're here too?" Her sweet baby boy sounds so confused. Wait... Mother? Midna sucks in a breath just as Lila leans back.
"Mother?!" They both question in unison.
"Oh dear..." Her son's voice is wavering and weak. "I believe things have gone very far out of control. You seem to remember me at least, right Mom?"
Lila hesitates before shaking her head and replying, "I'm not the same woman you knew, but... A piece of me recognizes you, enough for me to know." She strokes his smooth cheeks with delicate fingers. "You're still my son, my sweet Ikana."
He lets out an equally watery laugh and brings their foreheads together. "Of course," His shoulders shake with laughter, "Of course you would remember, even beyond death. That's such a you thing to do Mom."
Lila presses her lips to his forehead and pulls his face into her chest. "You're my son, my child... I'll always know you."
She holds him quietly and he's kind enough to indulge her. They sit together for what could be minutes or hours. Until the intense emotions in her chest slowly settle. She finally moves again to press her lips to his head. Then she hears movement and two different hands settle on her shoulders. Reluctantly she lets Ikana go and allows the other two women to aid her to her feet. Then only one of them is supporting her, she thinks it's Paya holding her exhausted weight. The other steps forward and she hears the soft grunt as Ikala is pulled to his feet.
"Mother?" Midna asks again with a voice that's soft and emotional. Lila leans her head against Paya's and can't help the smile that pulls at her lips. Even in another life, she and Midna seem to have found each other. She's convinced that it can't be a coincidence that Midna appeared here now, when and where she did.
"I... Yes. You're the very image of my mother Midna, Queen of the Twili. Or... she was. I think that I have been asleep for... quite some time." Ikala explains with a soft chuckle.
"Well, you have certainly grown into a fine young man," Midna states and Lila melts at the warmth in her tone. She squeezes Paya's arm and turns her head to kiss the woman's cheek. She just doesn't have the space to contain her emotion. "I am not the same woman you once knew, either... But I would like to get to know you again, Ikana."
"That... I would like that very much, Mother- er... Midna?" His embarrassed and shy sounding chuckle makes her giggle.
"Mother... I can hardly... I am okay with Mother." Midna states firmly then she pauses, before adding, "If that is what you'd prefer, Ikana. I will not pressure you either way, nor will I be hurt should you feel uncomfortable."
"Ha... You already sound so much like her. Or like you? This is all very strange," Ikana laughs then she hears movement followed by silence.
"They're hugging," Paya whispers in her ear. "It looks like they're crying too." Lila's heart twists in her chest and she clings more tightly to the Sheikah. She feels Paya's other hand rest on hers and offer a comforting pat. Silence reigns for a long beat.
"Mother... Mom..." Ikana says following more splashing steps. "I'm so happy to see you both again. Even though it feels like I've only just said farewell. Oh! I've been so terribly rude. You look very much like a woman I knew, Impa... But I suspect, from your expression, that I have missed the mark."
"It's quite alright," Paya states with a light if somewhat strained voice. "My name is Paya. My Grandmother's name is Impa though, and I've been told that I look strikingly similar to her when she was my age."
"I see. Well, it is a pleasure to meet you Paya. I am Ikana du Twilight. First King of Akkala," Lila grins despite herself as she feels the pair shaking hands. She reaches out to touch his arm. Her son. She has a son! "Now that we're all acquainted, I should very much like to be out of this rain. It doesn't seem to be letting up anytime soon."
"Of course!" Paya states brightly. "A friend of ours, Calip, has a house just past the fort there. It may be slightly cramped, but we'll make it work."
"Yes please..." Lila sighs as her exhaustion finally starts to take root. She feels lightheaded and weak. "I would like to sit down and have a glass of tea."
"I shall fetch the horses, Hililini." Midna states and then her footsteps are soon lost in the gentle patter of rain.
"How are you feeling Ikana, truly?" Lila questions while reaching up to touch his face once again. "I am to understand that you were wounded? Have you recovered?"
"I am much recovered. My long slumber was not for nothing. I feel wonderful, if a little chilled." She feels the smile on his face as she brushes his lips with her thumb. A soft puff of breath escapes her lips along with a disbelieving sound.
"My son... Paya, I have a son..." Lila breathes out and she hears the quiet laugh just as she feels the Sheikah's shaking shoulders.
"So you do... He's quite the handsome creature. He looks very much like Link," Paya states and Lila sucks in a breath. Her twin... He's going to be so surprised when he finds out.
"Yes, I've heard that quite often as well. Something we have in common Miss Paya." Lila can't help the snort of laughter at his polite tone.
"Miss Paya," Lila teases before leaning into the slightly taller woman and kissing her jaw. "You're Miss Paya now."
"Lila!" Paya huffs out, embarrassment thick in her voice.
"Mom!" Ikana's equally scandalized gasp is immediately followed by a long sigh. "I see that some things never change."
"There's nothing wrong with me showing affection to my... well, one of my..." She pauses and taps at her chin. "I suppose we haven't really had that talk yet..."
"That's all well and good, but do you have to do it in front of me?" Her son lets out another heaving sigh. "You know what? I should just be grateful. It could be so much worse. There was that one time when Ina- ...oh... right... Have you- Mom... Have you found my sisters yet?"
"Sisters?" Paya questions then sucks in a breath. "Dinraal and Farosh..."
"Yeah, I was thinking the same thing Paya," Lila mutters before shaking her head. "I'm sorry son, but you were the first. We know roughly where to find them though, so it's only a matter of time."
"That's something at least... Ah, here comes Mother now."
Lila loses track of the time from there. Her exhaustion and dizziness make riding Ashei a nausea inducing experience. She's grateful that her son is strong enough to keep her steady as they ride at a light trot. Before she's realized it, they're at the cabin and she's being ushered inside. Magic prickles her skin and then her clothes and body are dried. She's still shivering though, as a sneeze wracks her form.
Ikana guides her to a bed and tucks her into a heavy woolen blanket. She settles in while the sounds of life carry on around her. Someone starts a fire, someone else seems to be shifting around some furniture. The last person's weight dips the edge of the bed as gentle, calloused fingers brush across her cheek. Lila nuzzles into the hand and soon finds herself drifting off as the gentle touch lulls her to sleep.
Then she's gently being shaken awake and she feels soft lips on her brow. "Lila," Paya mutters out in a gentle tone. "Hey... would you like some tea and soup?"
"Paya..." Lila breathes the name and sniffles through her stuffy nose. "That sounds wonderful, my sweet shadow." Then she reaches up and searches out Paya's face. Finally she finds the warm cheeks and soft curves, then pulls the woman lower and captures her lips in a gentle, slow kiss. Paya almost melts against her, seemingly deflating. "I love you." Lila breathes against thin lips.
Paya's hand covers her jawline while her lips part. The taste of mint and apple fills her senses as she squirms quietly under Paya's mouth. Then the Sheikah is pulling away, leaving her breathless and panting. "I'll prepare you a bowl..." Paya says through a similarly breathless tone. Then her presence is gone and Lila's pulling the blanket tighter around her form. It's warm and comfortable and safe.
She hears the door open and gentle steps across the floor. "Hey Takatani," Midna's voice fills the space despite her low whisper. The only other noise being the crackle of a fire. "The rain has finally let up and the road looks pretty clear. We should think about pressing on to the village soon."
"I was thinking the same thing. We could make it shortly after dark, if we pressed hard," Paya's reply is just as quiet. She hears Midna's steps across the wood floor. "Is Ikana still chopping wood?"
"Yeah, he should be done in a few minutes. How has Lila been?" The sound of wood on metal fills the space, then followed by the light splashing of liquid.
"She's a little stuffy sounding, but seems pretty well otherwise," Paya's warm tone makes her smile into the blankets she's pulled against her face. "I just woke her for lunch."
"Oh? Well all the better then," Midna's amused tone carries a serious undertone that makes Lila's stomach flop. She hears the sound of something hitting a table. "Let's just set this here, and then you come here." She feels the weight of two bodies sitting on the bed. Then a cold hand is brushing across her brow and Midna says, "We should talk while we have a moment to ourselves. I... I have to admit that despite what happened last night. I am unsure of where we stand, with each other."
"Oh..." Paya breathes out as Lila sits up. She reaches for Midna, any part of her, and holds tight to the hand that slips into her own. She grasps for Paya's hand as the Sheikah states, "I think I made my feelings clear earlier, but I did want to talk to you about it as well, Lila."
"What... What are your feelings on everything Lila?" Midna's shy – almost meek – tone doesn't suit her at all, Lila thinks. "As far as... us?"
"I... I don't... I'm... I don't know how I'm supposed to choose..." Lila admits while valiantly fighting back her tears. "I love you, Paya... But also... I feel like Midna belongs here too. She... Ikana calls her Mother..." Somehow she can't find an explanation that fits any better.
"Lila... No one is asking you to choose," Paya replies as her hand falls on Midna's and her own joined hands. "Midna and I spoke earlier and... I am open to exploring a relationship, with her. With..." She waits as Paya takes a few deep, steadying breaths. "With both of you. Sorry... It's just... kind of embarrassing."
Lila isn't sure how to respond. She's too busy trying to comprehend what she's just heard. She hadn't... She hadn't thought that... She'd imagined such a thing, and after last night, she may have even been hopeful. But imaging and hoping is one thing... Yet, here they are... Both of them, and they want to...
"-think she is just trying to wrap her mind around it," Midna's voice sounds over the fading ringing in her ears.
"I just... I thought- I mean... I just thought she'd want this," The concern and dejection in Paya's tone is breaking her heart. She just can't seem to make her jaw work. Come on Lila, she thinks, say something!
"It is too soon to feel so dejected. Let Lila-va speak her heart. I am certain th-"
"Yes!" Finally, Lila cheers internally. "By Hylia, yes!" She clears her throat as an embarrassed warmth fills her cheeks. "That is to say... I am indeed open to trying. I couldn't be more open, in fact." She snaps her mouth shut and clears her throat again.
After an uncomfortably long silence Midna finally asks, "Are you certain? It is just that... I have only been in this time for less than a week. You and Paya have known each other for the better part of six years. I wouldn't want to be a burden, or come between you."
"Midna..." Paya's voice is soft and heartfelt. Thick with emotion that Lila can't properly read at the moment.
"I am completely sure," Lila states firmly as she maneuvers around the bed, until she's straddling Midna's lap. She captures Twili's face between her hands and pulls their foreheads together. "You make me feel competent, strong, and even... normal again. In these few days, not once have you questioned whether I can do something. You've been there when I needed aid, but otherwise allow me space to live for myself. I feel like the competent Hero I was supposed to be when I'm around you."
Then she feels the bed shift under them and Paya's pulling them into a gentle embrace. "And you, Miss Paya..." Lila mutters as she cuddles into the embrace. She leans her head against Paya's chest. "You're so caring and gentle and kind. You're constantly looking after me and trying to take care of me. But I don't feel as suffocated, or small, as when others do it. I know that you... You aren't doing it out of obligation. You don't constantly go out of your way for me because you have to, or because you think I'm weak. You just do all the things that you do, because you want to. Because you seem to like taking care of me."
"Of course I do," Paya breathes as her hand rubs small circles into her back. "You're my hero, just like Link. But... I think you're even more amazing. You have as many, if not more, reasons to be angry and hateful. Instead, you go out of your way to be kind and polite and put others first. I've watched you for a long time, Lila. I know when you're upset or frustrated, but you never show it. You work so hard, all of the time, to be a hero. Link stopped trying so hard, once his job was done. But you go on as if your job is never done. As if you haven't already done enough. If I can spend the rest of my life trying to give a little bit of that sacrifice and effort back to you... then it will be a good life, I think."
"As for you, Miss Midna," Paya teases and Lila can't help but snort. Midna shakes with soft laughter of her own. "It's true that we don't know much about each other. But you've yet to be anything but respectful. Especially... last night... I am glad that we shared that. Then this morning too... I think you're just gorgeous and I admire your strength. Both outside and in. You're dealing with so much, but you're taking it all in stride and you've kept moving forward under strain that would have long since broken lesser people. That's enough to tell me that you're somebody worth my time. I feel like you might just be the type of person that I would be lucky to fall in love with. Certainly one worth trying for."
Lila can feel the splash of tears on her legs. She brushes at the wet trails with her thumbs as Paya moves her arms to encircle Midna between them. Lila leans forward and presses gentle kisses to the woman's cheeks and she can hear Paya doing the same to the top of her head.
"Lila... I- I feel complete around you. I think that you are the most amazing woman I have ever met. Paya says that I am struggling with great things, but you... you have faced trials that would shatter me. That are enough to shatter anyone. But here you are, still being your amazing self," Midna's hands cup her cheeks and pull her into a light kiss. "You have always been a Hero. Not because you have great power, but because you have a strong, beautiful heart. You give and give, Lila. Constantly you give of yourself, because there is just so much strength in you. I know that if the world were to fall, you would build it up once more, stone by stone. And you would do so with a smile on your face. I know it's true, my soul knows it's true."
Now Lila is crying. Hot tears sting her eyes and sobs wrack her body as she falls into Midna, clinging to her like she'll die if she lets go. The Twili embraces her and lithe fingers begin to brush through Lila's hair. She nuzzles into Midna's throat as the woman speaks once more.
"Paya... Ever since I was old enough to walk, I was taught to hate the Sheikah. Taught that they are liars, backstabbers, and murderous wretches. Then I met Purah. While she is certainly an... interesting woman, she is also – and more importantly – a good woman." Midna's hand on her back moves and Lila feels more shifting movement. "I realized that Sheikah aren't all as awful as I thought." Then Paya is pressed against her back and she can hear the distinct sound of a kiss. "Then I met you and you were so painfully Sheikah. I immediately did not want anything to do with you. But I tried anyway, for Lila's sake."
There's a long pause as she feels Midna moving and hears the sound of light kisses once more. "I am so glad that I did. You have proven yourself to be the very best of your people. I know what you sacrificed, to join Lila. We all do. It is the bravest thing anyone could do. I know what it is to feel alone, Paya... I wasn't given a choice. But you were and you sacrificed everything for the smallest chance to be happy. Not just that, but because it was right. It is thanks to you that Ikana is free. You have righted a wrong that has been festering for an unknowable amount of time. You are courageous and wise and strong. You have the heart of a hero, and I am blessed to have the chance to fall in love with you."
Lila can't take any more. She lifts her head and pulls both of their foreheads against hers and she kisses each soundly. They both taste of salty tears. "Mine," She mutters in a soft voice. "You're both mine now. I'm never letting you go."
"I wouldn't want to be anywhere else," Paya breathes as the woman kisses her again.
"You are mine as well, Lila," Then Paya's lips are replaced with Midna's. Lila thinks she might be drowning again. Then they're parting. She feels movement though the silence stretches for a beat, then another... then an- She hears Paya's muffled moan and she realizes the pair have been kissing the whole time. They part with a wet smack and panting breath. "You're so beautiful, Paya."
"Midna!" Paya chides despite the smile Lila can hear in her voice. "We should probably get to the food..." Despite her words, no one makes a move..
Lila can feel the growing tension in the air. She wets her lips as their shared breath becomes hotter and her own shallow breaths become steadily quicker. The sound of the door opening slices through air, just as Lila finally cracks and pulls Midna into a searing kiss. "I've fini- Oh, for the love of Nayru, not again."
Lila lets her head fall against Midna's shoulder as she breaks down into laughter. She can hear Midna let out a long sigh as Paya makes an embarrassed groan.