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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 sens

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, fi

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 snatch

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 h

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, vag