-Kanyou, Zelda-

Zelda could go to the throne room, but she decided she could afford a moment. When Link went out of sight, she turned around, re-entered the doctor's room, and looked down at the girl on the bed.

Zelda knew the moment she laid eyes on Solitare that she was a Sheikah. The blood stained clothes piled in the corner was the first clue. The second clue was the small tattoo of an eye behind her ear. Every Sheikah had one somewhere on them.

"Princess?" The doctor questioned.

"How long will she sleep?" Zelda asked.

"Off and on for most of the day. May I ask why?"

"That is inconvenient. I wish to speak with her."

Zelda looked around. She saw on the doctor's desk an ink well and paper. She approached it, hastily wrote a message, folded it up, and slipped it into Solitare's bed. With that done, she departed for the throne room.

Zelda pushed the ornate throne room doors open. For this meeting, Zelda had called all of the generals not fighting on the front lines. The palace was a few days from their borders by horse, so they could afford to be here.

Duke Hyou, Ousen Mitagi, Mou Gou, Geoffrey, and Moubu were the High Generals present. This meant they had the authority to lead other generals and armies greater than even one-hundred thousand. Technically, the only rank higher was Commander-in-Chief, who held authority over all Qin military affairs.

Duke Hyou was a man who reminded Zelda much of Ouki Mitagi. Both were loud, boisterous, despised formality, and strong fighters. The Duke lacked the prowess of the Mitagi, but he made up for it with a fierceness that rivaled Moubu. Hyou was unique amongst the generals for his capabilities of a strategist while in the middle of the battlefield, rather than observing a fight from the distance. His hair was naturally red, as opposed to the Dragmire's unnatural red, and he had a long beard and mustache. He held a never-ending grin and bore razor sharp teeth he whittled to a point. Duke Hyou didn't side with any faction.

Ousen Mitagi was a mystery. He kept his face hidden behind a black mask since he started his military career, and he has never been seen without it. His track record on the battlefield was the greatest in all of Qin, without a single loss, but he also fought the least. Ousen never fought without the absolute certainty he would win. His personality was as empty and black as the mask he wore. He rarely spoke outside of military commands that demand absolute obedience. All in all, he was impossible to read, but Zelda felt she could read him just slightly. His eyes reminded her of Ryo. He didn't side with any faction, but Zelda felt he was dangerously ambitious.

Mou Gou was the oldest High General remaining, and for a reason. He practiced war by the book. He had the greatest grasp of the basics, and so he never made mistakes. But at the same time, he never extended himself beyond what he knew would work. He never tried new things, he wasn't overly aggressive, but he was amongst their most talented in defense. He was a general with a long, strong, solid career. Mou Gou did not side with any faction.

Geoffrey was Ouki Mitagi's protégé and followed him into war for years. Geoffrey worked his way up to general by his own merit, but he was still an unknown because he never left Ouki's side. Ouki's last will for Geoffrey was for him to take his place, so Zelda would respect that. Ouki had told her once that Geoffrey would be a guiding light, should he fall. It was almost prophetic that Ouki would die so soon after telling her. Zelda hoped to have Geoffrey's support, but she was also uncertain. She had Ouki in her faction but had yet to meet with Geoffrey without the overpowering presence of Ouki.

Moubu was Ryo's personal High General. He was known as the Dog of Qin because when he found a target, he was relentless. His offensive strength stood unrivaled short of Hyou, but lacked in strategy. As a result, he tended to rely on others for it. It was no surprise then that Ryo's personal strategist and head of the officer academy would be his advisor on the battlefield. Zelda recently heard a rumor that Moubu was raising a son with the strength of Moubu, the charisma of Ryo, and the strategic mind of Ryo's personal strategist, Shou Hei Kun. If the rumor was true, then this teenager would be a truly powerful presence in the future and a great boon for Qin.

Behind the High Generals stood the regular generals, with ranks ranging from ten-thousand to one-thousand men. Further still were the officers, commanders of five-hundred to one-hundred men. Lastly, there was Link, leader of his few remaining men after an initial hundred-man rank. Zelda scanned the room briefly, hoping to see Ganondorf Dragmire lurking in the far back away from people. But alas, he was not there. She knew he wouldn't be, but she couldn't help but hope.

Ganondorf was a troubling thought. Zelda had received the report that he would be taken to the Mitagi's personal fortress for a military tribunal. She was requested to attend, although it was understandable if she did not. A messenger was sent to the the mountains to tell the Majora to send an ambassador as well. When she was done speaking, Zelda would have to go and see to that... There was so much for her to attend to, suddenly.

"High Generals of Qin!" Zelda announced. "As you know, Zhao invaded under the leadership of Harken Dragmire. Harken Dragmire has history with General Ouki Mitagi, so the invasion was taken as a personal challenge. Ouki Mitagi lead a campaign with General Moubu, Commander Kei Ki, and Commander Matsubi." The three men in question stood, and those in attendance gave their applause. "The Zhao invasion tore at our northern land, and they sieged the fortress of Bayou. Ouki arrived in time and pushed the army of Zhao back. Zhao responded with everything at their disposal, including using the Dragmire champion's strength and summoning a demon."

The generals and commanders murmured amongst themselves, and Zelda gave them a moment to process her words. It was a troubling thing to hear, certainly.

"Yes, a demon. You heard me correctly. General Geoffrey personally witnessed the creature and can attest to its strength."

"I can, your highness," Geoffrey said with a bow. "It was truly a great demon of fire and shadow, in both sight and might."

Zelda continued, "And despite this, Ouki personally slew the demon." There was a great applause. "And on the final day, General Ouki and General Moubu pushed the Zhao towards the mountains, squeezed them in, and went for the kill." Zelda paused. "Only to be trapped themselves by a second Zhao army."

Duke Hyou bowed his head. He stood and said, "I saw it too late to come to his aid, though I was near. I accept part of the blame."

"Not at all, General Hyou," Zelda replied. "No one knew. No one could have known Zhao had sent a second army, but they did. They tricked us all. From what I understand, Harken's army had attacked northern Qin and blinded us to the mountains between both nations so they could sneak an army through. We knew Harken would be leading an army a full year ago, but he was a distraction. I am told it would take a full year for an army to pass through those very mountains. It was a trap from the very beginning. This second army was led by a man previously unheard of, but who has become a High General of Zhao overnight: Riboku. It was Riboku who plotted it all. Trapped between two generals, one being a Dragmire... Ouki Mitagi fell in battle."

The men's expressions were grim and set. They heard this much at least.

"A great shadow has fallen over Qin," Zelda said. "The Pillar of Qin, the symbol of our military strength has fallen. You all should know what this means. We are wounded, we are bleeding, and the other nations will notice. Zhao, Gerudo, Zora, Gorondis, Lorule, and Termina will definitely notice. We border Zhao, Gerudo, Lorule, and Termina, so I don't need to tell you to expect our enemies to come for us. Whether they be commanders, lesser officers, or full generals, expect our borders to be tested and pushed in. I want you, on your return to the borders, to ensure all villages nearby are brought inwards for their safety. Then, I need you all to put your full focus in ensuring that we do not lose a single inch of ground! Now is not the time for weakness! We have lost Ouki, but with the falling of one generation comes the rise of another! The new generation of Qin's military must be ready for whatever comes at us, and we must show the other nations that we are as firm as ever!"

The generals saluted and there was a round of applause from the commanders and soldiers.

Zelda exhaled. She was getting well versed in public speeches. She accepted the salute and ordered for them to get to it. Everyone marched out.

-Later-

Zelda sat before a list of scrolls. One by one, she went through them, made notes, and made decisions. Normally, work like this would be done by Ryo, but ever since she told him the name of the man who killed Ouki Mitagi, he had disappeared. A messenger did confirm Ryo was in his estate, but he had stopped appearing publicly. The only notice Zelda received from him was that he was busy, and a Sheikah reported that letters were sent from his estate by the dozen. Whatever Ryo was doing, he was pouring himself into it with a vengeance.

Despite their rivalry, Zelda wished he was in the palace. It was a startling thought for her to have, but she needed to decide which she hated more: him doing her work, or her. She couldn't decide.

Behind her, Zelda's favored concubine and personal servant, Sarah, was doting on Ganondorf's ward, Malon. Zelda took temporary custody of the red-head while Ganondorf was away at war. She even introduced her to Abhdan. The old man was a bit perverted, but his constant good spirits, laughter, and endless stockpile of jokes managed to bring a smile out of the little girl. So far as Zelda could tell, it was an accomplishment. Malon had yet to say a word, and she was always sad. Apparently, being mute in the throes of emotion was a common Dragmire thing.

"There!" Sarah declared. "All done! What do you think?"

Malon looked at herself in a little, handheld mirror. She turned her head a few times to better examine Sarah's work. Zelda turned enough to see, too. Sarah gave Malon's red head a pair of bangs and a braid down the back. Malon scrunched her mouth at it, uncertain.

"Sarah, what have we discussed about mirrors?" Zelda asked patiently.

"No mirrors, I know, but it's just for her. I promise I'll take it with me."

"So long as you do... what design is that?"

"Oh, well, the braid is a commoner braid. You've probably never seen it among the nobility, but peasants use it all the time to keep their hair out of the way. The bangs, though, are not done by commoners, but I have seen it among nobility. I thought I would try both. Our favorite little red-head is a commoner raised by a king! I think it fits."

"She doesn't look pleased by it."

"She hasn't said 'no' though," Sarah hummed.

Zelda looked at Sarah, completely deadpan. "She hasn't said anything... at any point."

Malon ran her fingers through her hair and destroyed the work Sarah did. Sarah gaped and looked between the two girls. "I swear! You two know how to ruin anything! I thought it looked nice. If we are taking her with us to see Lord Dragmire, she should look a little bit nice."

Zelda smirked. "I try, but I do agree with your point. Malon, let Sarah do your hair. Wear it at least for a little while; you might grow to like it. If you find you still don't, you can always change it later," Zelda said with finality and returned to her work.

"Zelda, don't you have someone else to do that for you?" Sarah asked.

"Yes, I do. Plenty of people."

"Then... why? Why tarry?"

"You know me. I want to play an active role, at least in the beginning. I am only giving my own thoughts and impressions. I am not stamping them with the seal of the king, so it isn't binding. Some of the accomplishments these men did in the war were extraordinary and some less so. So far, I have come across no less than five officers who are forced to retire because they lost both of their arms... I want my ministers know I want them taken care of and helped into a new position they can live on with. I also have to consider how everyone will be paid. My treasury is brimming from taxes, but those taxes are meant for government work... not our army. I have to figure out how to pay all those who fought. In many cases, I will need to allocate bonus forms of payment, like land and special rights. But where will the land come from? The land would have to be stripped away either from my own or a minister's, and they fight enough in court over that very topic. I can't just give away huge chunks of my country to every soldier," Zelda sighed. She put down her quill and rubbed at her temples. "This is giving me a headache..."

"Then why don't you stop? You've done a whole pile of them. We should get ready to depart."

"Yeah... I have. Very well, I will do one more."

"Princess..."

"One more," Zelda repeated. She picked up a scroll and looked at it. "This one is Link's. I'm uncertain how to pay him back for his accomplishments. Ouki already did much of it, like promoting him to a one-hundred man officer, but since then, Link only went on to do greater and greater things in the war."

"Why not give him some land? You already did give him a bit so he could join the army legally," Sarah proposed.

Zelda narrowed her eyes at the thought. She had, hadn't she? Perhaps that was a bit of a mistake on her part. A prince with land only validated him further. The last thing Zelda wanted to do was give him enough so he could border off against her. She wanted to ensure he was happy with his portion, but if she gave him more land, it would only be a security risk against her.

Zelda just remembered: she had promised to talk with Link after the speech.

"Zelda... why do you look angry?" Sarah whispered.

Zelda blinked. Did she look angry? She shook her thoughts away and composed herself. "I am not angry," She said. "All is well, Sarah. I'm just frustrated. I have a lot on my mind." Zelda glanced at Sarah and back to the scroll. "But perhaps you can assist me."

"Oh?"

"You are of a similar mind to him. Simple. Uncomplicated."

"Uh... Is that a compliment or an insult?" Sarah asked slowly. Malon shrugged.

Zelda ignored the question. "What kind of things would please you, should you be in his place?"

Sarah hummed in thought. She put her hands to work on Malon's hair again, fixing it from the mess Malon had made of it. "He was happy with small gestures last time, yes?" Zelda nodded. "So keep it small, but tailor-made to him. If he accomplished a great deal after his promotion... perhaps another one? I don't know how ranks work, whether he has to fulfill a certain amount of time, or pay for a promotion, or what. But it's a thought."

Zelda considered it. Many officers and commanders were promoted easily just for their bloodline and connections, so all things considered, Zelda could tell her ministers she wanted him promoted several times over. However, she also thought about how Link was. He would feel cheated. Zelda wanted him to achieve his dream and become a strong asset, but she also wanted him to reach it properly and fulfill both of them.

Zelda wrote her recommendation and stamped the scroll with the seal of the king. "Congratulations, Link, new officer of three-hundred."

"So you are promoting him?"

"Yeah, but a small one. Just one step up. He needs to learn his way up, not spoon fed like so many others. If he continues to perform well, other generals will notice and give him promotions too."

With that done, Zelda picked up the scrolls, left the room, and passed them to a minister to go through. While Zelda was out there, Solitare approached her. The Sheikah had a limp in her stride and flinched periodically.

"Should you be up?" Zelda questioned.

"Doctor says I should walk a little bit," The Sheikah replied. She pulled out the paper Zelda had left her. "Also, you left me this. You wished to talk with me?"

"Preferably, with you resting. You didn't need to impose yourself like this."

"My liege calls, I come," The Sheikah replied. She bowed a tiny bit. She couldn't bend far with her injuries.

"Very well... If you insist." Zelda glanced around. There was no one important near. She whispered, "I have some orders for you."

"I am your loyal servant, your highness."

"I want you to stay in Link's unit. Observe him. Make sure he stays loyal."

Solitare blinked in surprise. "L-link? W-why would you think he is disloyal? He has done great things, and all in the name of Qin. He cares deeply for his people, his friends, and for you. He speaks well of you and only smiles when he thinks of you."

"Be that as it may, I still want you to watch him. I have... reasons... to be wary of him. Reasons I cannot explain," Zelda said. She knew she was imposing now. She didn't know the nature of the friendship this Sheikah had with Link, but the position was perfect. Zelda needed this to set her mind at ease. "Let me be clear: Link is a friend, perhaps one of the few true friends I have... so I want you to protect him with your life, if need be. I want to make sure he never becomes an enemy, because if he does, he can become a serious danger to me and the throne. His potential as friend or foe is equally great."

Solitare gulped. She stared, terrified, at Zelda as she processed what was asked of her. Finally, she nodded. "I will watch him, protect him, and report on him if he turns against you."

"Good... I pray only he never does."

"As do I. But Princess, if I may impose a thought..."

"Go ahead."

"Do you truly consider him a friend if you are suspicious? Would it not distance you from your friend and turn him into the very enemy you fear if you treat him like one?"

Zelda gaped slightly. It was a good thought, one that left her speechless. Nonetheless, Solitare bowed and departed back to the doctor's room. Zelda stood firm in the hall, alone, and it felt cold, even to her.

-The Next Day-

Next morning, Zelda departed with a small escort for the city of Mitagi. She sent a messenger to bring Link so he may join her.

Link came running out the front gate and nearly jumped into the caravan before a guard stopped him. "Zelda!" He called.

"Let him join us," Zelda said. "But first, Link, what is with the spear?"

"It was entrusted to me by Ouki," Link explained. "I haven't let it go since."

Zelda's eyes widened briefly. Ouki Mitagi left Link his weapon? That was interesting.

"Link, I... You may join me if you leave the spear with one of my guards, otherwise please find a horse."

Link looked between the open carriage and the guard who was stepping forward. He did not want to leave behind the spear entrusted to him, but he also wanted to spend some time with his friend. A bit unwillingly, Link handed the spear to Zelda's Royal Guard and requested a short sword in exchange.

"I assure you, I will protect the Spear of Nayru with my life!" The man said.

"You don't have to go that far..." Link muttered.

Link climbed into the carriage with the girls and closed the door. Zelda called for the caravan to move out and meet with Geoffrey's army. From there, they would all head to Mitagi.

"It's been some time since we've talked properly," Zelda said. "I apologize for not talking with you the prior night as I said I would, there was much that required my attention before I could depart."

"It's fine, it's fine," Link smiled. He greeted Sarah and looked at Malon. "Who're you?"

"Her name is Malon. She is Lord Dragmire's ward and is a Dragmire herself."

"Really?!" Now that he was paying attention, she did have hair like Ganondorf. "Another Dragmire! I'm glad! I thought there were only two left... How did you and Ganon meet?" Link asked the girl.

A long moment passed.

"She doesn't speak," Sarah whispered.

"Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't know you were mute."

"Malon is not mute, she is mourning," Zelda explained. "It is the way of the Dragmire to be rendered silent when in deep emotion. In time, I am sure Malon will speak, but until then, we should be patient and find ways to include her without treating her like she is not there."

"I see," Link patted Malon on the head gently. The girl blushed under the sudden attention from everyone. "I'm sorry for your troubles. Feel free to cry, if the need comes. I've done my fair share of crying the last couple weeks."

The carriage left the capital's gates and went into the countryside towards Genyuu Pass. Sarah and Malon looked out the window and gaped. Zelda and Link had been before, but they looked out anyways.

Genyuu Pass was a wall reaching between two mountains' peaks. It was the biggest project in all of Qin, equal to the full construction of a fortress.

"I've been to this wall four times now, and it never ceases to impress," Zelda commented. "Did you know King Shorlin measured its height by shooting arrows? If an arrow could pass over its height, he ordered to make it taller. Eventually, only the greatest archer in the land could shoot over it. We have since invented bows that can shoot further than before, but the wall's height is still impressive and designed to be impossible to siege. No ladder can reach its peak, and only the greatest of bows can launch arrows over."

"Didn't know that. That's pretty cool," Link replied.

"Just trying to look at its peak makes me dizzy!" Sarah exclaimed, laughing.

"Now that I think about it... when was the last time you left the capital, Princess?" Link wondered.

"Hm... It has been some time, certainly," Zelda said. "I mostly relax by going to the Fae Grove or flying Andim from the walls. I have ridden my horse... but never far. I can only conclude the last time I truly left the capital was the last time I went here. I have not passed beyond these gates... in many years."

"Then we should enjoy this," Link smiled. Zelda returned the smile, looked out the window, and relaxed.

The last time Zelda had been on this side of the gate was as a refugee. Now it was as a Princess. Time certainly changed her in the last several years. Before, she had been a child. Now, she was well into her teenage years. Before, she had nothing. Now, she had friends, armies, and a nation at her back.

Zelda gave a silent prayer of thanks to Nayru and turned her attention to Link. They had a great deal to talk about.

(edited by RealCoolDude u/10495976/)