xx--ingie--xx

Xxx 51 xxX
I watched him from the shadows of the Temple of Time, admiring his strong, composed stance. Night had fallen, and the gentle torchlight illuminated his figure, softening the starch white of his clothing. His loose, plain tunic lacked any kind of decorative stitching, and a white sash had replaced the usual belt. Such humble attire had been specially made for this very occasion, when Link faced the judgment of the Three Golden Goddesses themselves.
This was his Rite of Kingship, the first and most important step toward coronation.
He had formed a mental barrier to help him focus completely on the ceremony, so while I could not sense his thoughts, and though he showed no outward sign of it, I knew he was nervous—very nervous. Months of battling his inner darkness had wounded Link's confidence and left him questioning his worth. Even despite the Council's unanimous decision to conduct the Rite of Kingship, Link had found little sleep the previous

Xxx 50 xxX
I stood on my balcony, cradling a mug of hot tea as I savored the calm, fresh autumn morning. The stormy weather that plagued Hyrule during Ashton's tyranny had slowly begun to disperse. Patches of a perfect blue sky peeked through the clouds, and the earthy smell of crushed leaves filled the air. Even the birds seemed to sing a more joyful tune. Before Ashton forced his way back into my life, I had taken these everyday hints of beauty for granted. That morning I took the time to appreciate them, viewing them as hopeful signs that life would return to the way it had been, the way it was meant to be.
I had risen a few hours ago, finding myself tired yet unable to sleep. I had rested my eyes a while, listening to Link's slow, steady breaths, but sleep continued to elude me. Soon the added hunger forced me out of bed, and I threw on my robe to find an attendant and request a breakfast tray. Impa had delivered it herself, much to my delight, and the two of us had shared a

Fortitude
Chapter XLIX
"Link!"
"Brother!"
I relinquished my hold on Link, stepping back while the Sages gathered around to express their joy at his recovery—and our victory. Nabooru snatched him first, kissing him square on the mouth and embracing him with a laugh. Ruto grabbed his face and kissed each cheek before Darunia lifted him off the ground in a crushing Goron hug. By the time Impa rescued him for a gentler embrace, Nabooru had remembered one other living soul still watched us from the shadows.
"What should we do with this scum?"
We turned to see Ashton stumble forward, hissing when Nabooru forced him to his knees. She snatched a fistful of his hair, keeping him still with a scimitar held to his throat. He did not bother to struggle but cradled his blackened, maimed hand, which clearly caused him great pain. He looked so pathetic I might have pitied him, but any sympathy I once held for him had long been spent.
"Bind his hands," I growled.
"Use my cloak," Link adde

Fortitude
Chapter XLVIII
"NOOO!"
My anguished scream tore through the chamber, echoed by Ashton's cries of pain.
"LINK!" I struggled wildly against Nassir, forgetting his previous threats as my terror consumed me.
Then the dark portal orb suddenly pulsed with light, and three more figures appeared in the room—Impa, Darunia, and Nabooru.
"Help him!" I cried. Impa had already vanished, but Nabooru and Darunia rushed to Link's side. Before Nassir could interfere, I whipped the knife from my wrist and stabbed him in the side. I knew it wouldn't kill him, and how it harmed Link hardly mattered anymore.
He gave a startled cry and loosened his grip on my neck, allowing me to break away and rush toward Link. Nabooru and Darunia had tentatively taken his arms, supporting him. They looked up as I ran toward them, clearly unsure how to help him.
"Zel—da—" Link struggled to speak between short, shallow gasps as I dropped down beside him.
"Shh," I soothed,

Fortitude
Chapter XLVII
I woke to silence and darkness, too disoriented to recall how I had gotten there. Slowly I sat up, groaning as my head gave a painful throb. Every move brought a wave of nausea, and I clutched my stomach as I fought the urge to retch.
As my mind began to clear, my thoughts quickly turned to my son. I forgot my discomfort and tried to calm myself, seeking his little presence within me. Immediately I sensed his distress, an echo of my own.
It's all right, I soothed, relieved to feel his anxiety fade. I'll keep you safe...
"…Sleep well, dearest?"
My eyes flew open to find Ashton sitting just a few steps away, vaguely illuminated in the weak violet light. He observed me with a cold expression, and hurriedly I backed away, my hand still pressed to my abdomen.
"What is this place?" I snapped, hearing the quiver in my voice.
He grinned, pleased to see me unsettled.
"Not very cozy, is it? I do hope the lighting improves, at least. I want