-Link-

Normally, Link would be a heavy sleeper. He could sleep through hurricanes and snore loud enough to wake the dead. Because he was always bursting with so much energy, he would collapse in exhaustion when he finally released it all.

This night, however, Link was far from tired. His eyes stayed wide open all night as he laid on the stone floor beside the bed. The three girls were sleeping, even Zelda, but not him. Currently, his energy was overflowing and threatening to release itself, but he had nowhere to aim it. He was like a coiled snake with no prey. He was as attentive as a bird and silent as an owl.

Ganondorf was near, in danger, and just out of his reach.

Zelda was near, in danger, and within reach.

Should he run off to find Ganondorf and leave Zelda to Geoffrey's protection? Should he stay and leave Ganon to his fate? Link couldn't decide. Then there was the matter of who made the strike at Zelda. Link clearly saw the soldier, and he was just within reach when he somehow disappeared. Was it a Sheikah? Was it a Mitagi? The Sheikah lived beneath the city while the Mitagi were in it, leaving Link's focus sandwiched between both. To top it off, this was all in the middle of politics surrounding Ganondorf. Link didn't even know who could be involved in that.

Link gripped the Spear of Nayru tightly and adjusted himself. He ran a hand under his clothes. He felt the scars. They didn't hurt, but where Midna's sword shattered and its shards pierced him tugged gently at his skin

"Midna... Tou..." Link whispered. In a sudden rhythm, he whispered to the air the name of every man in his unit he lost. He remembered their faces, why they had fought, and how they sacrificed not just their lives, but their very purpose for fighting for him. It reminded him of what he had heard from Ouki: the men who died, did so, and passed on their reasons to fight to him.

Link raised his hand and looked at the glowing triangles. In his mind, he saw his friends, and he saw Zelda and Ganon among them.

"I swear," He whispered. "I won't let you two be added to the list."

-Zelda-

After a good night's sleep, Zelda rose. She stretched, felt her back crackle into place, and looked down at the other girls. Sarah curled up protectively around Malon, who looked rather uncomfortable with how tightly she was held. Zelda smirked. A dark part of her mind found it amusing. If only she could capture this moment and show it to them. She imagined the looks on their faces would be positively delicious.

Zelda looked down the other side to find Link staring at the ceiling with wide, bloodshot eyes. His spear was held tightly above him, and he was as straight as a board.

The bloodshot eyes snapped to her. Zelda just about leapt back in fright. Instead, she merely leaned back.

"I take it you have not slept?" Zelda asked. "Or moved..."

"No," Link rasped. His voice sounded hoarse, tired, scratchy.

"Good of you to not fall asleep on duty, then. But if you were careful to not wake us, surely you could have requested another guard to take a shift."

"You wanted only me."

Zelda blinked, remembering her request. She sighed, "My apologies, you are right. Please rise, speak with Geoffrey, and request for another to take over while you get some rest."

"No, no. I'm fine," Link smiled dimly. "All good."

Zelda raised an eyebrow. He did not look fine, but then again, he knew his limits far more than she would.

"At the very least leave so we may change into proper clothing," Zelda insisted. "Granted, we chose more decent nightwear, but this would be scandalous were it under any other circumstance."

"Right," Link nodded. He moved to get up, groaned, and quickly collapsed. "Shit. Can't get up."

Zelda gently sighed, "I swear, monkey... Very well. Stay still." She threw her legs over the bed and squealed the moment her feet touched the stone. She jumped to a rug. "Nayru-Farore-and-Din! It's freezing!"

"You get used to it," Link muttered.

Zelda quickly recovered, reached for his extended hand, and pulled Link up.

The amount Link groaned as he rose and how stiffly he stood did not bode well. He leaned against his spear like a staff to hold himself up.

"Thanks," Link smiled. "I'll be right outside the door."

Zelda watched Link walk out, and it did not please her to see him move as stiffly as Abhdan. Link was decades younger than that old man. A part of her wanted to say something, but she didn't know what. What could she say besides, 'good job'? That was all that he was doing: his job.

Link had never done anything for Zelda before like a job. He never acted for her because it was an order. Keeping him up all night on guard marked the first time Zelda had ever commanded him to do something in their relationship.

The feeling of a knife in her gut returned. Her first order to Link was for him to lay on a cold, stone floor, all while knowing it was so. She could have requested shifts. Geoffrey had even offered a female bodyguard for her decency, yet she wanted only Link. She felt more assurance with him, but Zelda knew herself better than that. She had wanted only him to stand guard all night because she knew in the back of her mind he would do it. She wanted to punish him for his failure with the assassin.

Knowing Link, he knew that she was punishing him. Rather than being humiliated or angry, he was thankful, focused, and stupidly loyal to follow her request like the simpleton he is. Zelda felt the knife lodged in her gut turn to ice and spread into her veins. She shivered.

"For the first time I've truly ordered him to do something... I truly am an Ice Witch," Zelda whispered.

She looked back at the girls to see they were still fast asleep. Normally, Sarah was a light sleeper, and while Zelda knew nothing of Malon's sleeping habits, she was still out cold too. Zelda could clearly see the stress in their sleeping expressions. The assassin's attack had taken a toll on everyone.

Zelda roused the girls, and they all changed into proper attire for the day. Zelda planned to spend most of the day outside, and so clothed appropriately to deal with the heat. Most noble women would wear a dress of some sort no matter what, but Zelda preferred the clothing of men. They were far more comfortable and practical, though not as beautiful.

Zelda turned around and saw herself. She hated what she saw.

"Sarah," Zelda said as she left the changing curtain, thoroughly annoyed.

"Yes, Zelda?" Sarah questioned.

"There's a full-length mirror back there. Please throw it out. If you can't, have Link destroy it."

"Oh!" Sarah rushed into her own clothing and skipped over. "I am so sorry! I should have checked and-"

Zelda waved it off. "No, no. No apologies are necessary. You have nothing to be sorry for. We had a stressful day yesterday. We were not expecting an attempt on my life. Our only thought was toward resting. Now we have taken a little bit of rest and will continue to do so safely in Lord Geoffrey's care. We will let the guards do their jobs and wait for the Majora to arrive."

Zelda saw Malon fretting out of the corner of her eye. "Though, with the time we have for ourselves, I am sure we can take some to see Lord Dragmire and assess his care and treatment for ourselves." Malon's composure lifted immediately. "I trust Geoffrey would have the honor of giving Lord Dragmire the dignity given to a king, even as a prisoner, but I cannot help but wonder if his relationship with Ouki led him to bias. I also wonder about the respect the rest of the Mitagi would offer. As such, it would be prudent to see for ourselves, would it not?"

"A wonderful idea, your highness!" Sarah squealed.

The girls finished dressing and walked out. Link stood, waiting by the door.

"We all good?" Link asked, still in a rough voice.

"We are. Thank you for waiting," Zelda replied.

"Waiting?" Link eyed them, now noticing their clothes were suited for outdoor use. "Where are we going? Surely you don't expect to go out anywhere? Least of all without a full guard."

"You are right to be worried. As said, I will speak with Geoffrey. I also want to meet with the Mitagi elders and the Sheikah Shadowmaster."

"Like Ousen?"

Zelda grimaced, "Now that I am calm, I remember he is on the frontlines in the war. He may have left assassins behind, but this is not likely with his attention elsewhere."

"So our options are limited."

"Or less than. The elders may seek to grab the throne without him... possibly betraying their own Lord. I am sorry, but until we have something to go on, the attempt on my life could have been orchestrated by anyone as much as no one. I mean, he could have acted alone as a rogue."

The thought made Link frown. The possibilities did not sit well with him.

The group headed towards the center of the castle. Geoffrey was already downstairs, and the castle was in a flurry of activity. With all the skill of a high general, he orchestrated officers and commanders within the castle as well as he would on the battlefield. Men ran in and out of the banquet hall full of Mitagi officers. It was loud.

"How did we not hear all of this?" Sarah wondered.

"He would have purposefully not wanted us to hear, it seems," Zelda figured. She entered the banquet hall. "Lord Geoffrey, I can see you have been busy, and I would like to hear of your work, but first I have a request. It seems in my rush last night, I failed to ask for a series of guards on shift to allow Link proper rest."

"Of course, your highness," Geoffrey bowed. "I shall personally handpick them. Is there anything else?"

"No. Please, tell me. What of your progress, and what is your plan?"

"I do not know if you know, but the Mitagi keep every soldier and every weapon recorded. No soldier is accepted without being recorded, and no weapon is allowed without being recorded. While we have forges, the forges are carefully controlled to decide the flow of weapons into our military."

"Why would you go this far?" Zelda asked. "It seems a little unnecessary. Even Ryo wouldn't go that far."

"This fortress acts as the border guard against the Gerudo, and the Gerudo are as crafty and strong as they are numerous. They are not above using spies and agents as skilled as any Sheikah. This is partially why the Mitagi accept the Sheikah as guests. The attempts to weaken this fortress are many. The Mitagi lack skill in deception and combat it in their own way. Thankfully, it helps you a great deal, as well. You see, your highness, we have the assassin's spear in our possession. All we must do is look at the records to see who it belongs to, who had requested it from the armory, and then whether the person in question had been in the barracks or not at the appropriate hour."

Zelda smiled widely as Geoffrey laid out the plan. "Brilliant! In this way you will find our assassin."

"At the very least, it will offer us a path forward," Geoffrey agreed. "I do not know what plans you have for today, but I insist you stay where I can ensure your safety."

Zelda smirked, "I cannot make promises."

Geoffrey sighed. He had a feeling Zelda would be difficult and strong-willed. "Then please, tell me your plans so that I may work with you, rather than against you."

"I wish to meet with the Mitagi elders, Sheikah Shadowmaster, and to see to the health of the imprisoned King Ganondorf Dragmire."

Geoffrey's composure darkened at Ganondorf's name. Zelda expected as much. She called him 'King' Dragmire to remind the Englishman of just who the prisoner was and how serious their situation was.

"I understand why you would think darkly of him," Zelda said. "You are a witness, and if I understand the air correctly, you feel King Dragmire played a role in General Ouki's death. Is that right?"

Geoffrey was silent for a moment. He straightened and said, "It is my own problem, your highness. It is true. I am... biased. However, I was a knight in my first home and a general in my second. I swear my loyalty, honesty, and honor to you, no matter my personal history with King Dragmire."

"Good."

"With that said, I insist on bringing the Mitagi Elders here, as well as the Sheikah Shadowmaster. They will come if called. In fact, messengers arrived shortly after you did, wanting to hear of your health. I have told them all you are well, but they still wish to meet with you personally. They are concerned."

"Are they now?"

Zelda shared a glance with Link. She had wondered why the Sheikah and Mitagi were not reaching for her last night. For the princess to be attacked, there should have been many messengers running to her side. It seemed Geoffrey had held them back. Zelda did not think it was because he wanted to do her ill, but rather because the houses' loyalties were in question. It was better to meet on her terms.

"I wish for you to stay," Geoffrey insisted. "Allow the Mitagi and Sheikah to come to you, on your terms, under my eyes and protection. Though both are under suspect, it would not be in your best interest to leave them feeling rejected. Show them you are cautious, but not of them. Once my investigation bears fruit, we may take the necessary steps."

"Very well," Zelda agreed.

Messengers were sent out to the Mitagi elders and Sheikah. Zelda figured it would not be long. This may have been the castle of the Mitagi head, but the other elders would have mansions nearby. Meanwhile, the Sheikah would have pathways branching from their sanctum under the city. Others lived in old Sheikah places or pretended to be normal people. In all fairness, Zelda had no idea where they were or how they lived. The Sheikah were always near, always invisible, and visible only when they wished.

The Majora would arrive soon. Zelda guessed either late that day or tomorrow. Once settled, then they would begin the talk on what options lay in store for King Dragmire and their cracking alliance.

Zelda was impressed. A single night had passed, and Geoffrey was already on top of everything. He handled her defense and offense towards finding the assassin well, all while keeping an eye on the end goal. He had a clear perspective of the battlefield and their resources, to use a general's terms. He adapted to the urban environment with the eyes of a bird. She would expect nothing less from the Bird of Qin's pupil.

Geoffrey looked past Zelda to Link, who was staying in hand's reach. "Actually, if you would not mind, while we wait, I believe Link may be of assistance."

"Oh?" Zelda wondered. Link gulped. A few of the officers gave their attention, and they were very large and very muscular. Link was growing as well, but he had a feeling he would always be a bit on the scrawny side. Seeing so many men who could break him like a twig was a little nerve wrecking.

"If I may address your servant directly," Geoffrey bowed slightly.

"Go ahead," Zelda said.

"Oi..." Link narrowed his eyes at her. He whispered, "When did I become your servant?"

Zelda stamped her heel on Link's foot. Unlike other guards, he wasn't wearing metal boots or heavy leather. He could only afford commoner shoes or sandals. She smiled as he whimpered.

"Link, this woman you saw in the alley yesterday, would you remember her face if you were to confront her again?" Zelda asked.

"Sure," Link replied. He looked between Geoffrey and Zelda in confusion. "... But she told me she hadn't seen anything."

"To be fair, you are far too trusting for your own good," Zelda asserted. "It makes you a good ally, but a horrible interrogator. You're more likely to give the comfy chair and fluffy pillows than a whip."

"What is she, a chicken?"

Geoffrey inserted himself, "Link, I need you to recall the woman. Is there anything we can use to track her? Markings or tattoos?"

"No."

"Was her clothing rich or poor? Was she adorned with jewelry?"

"Er- neither. Nothing I would expect from a noble, but also not filthy."

"So wealthy enough to take care of herself, then. What direction was she coming from? What direction was she going? What street was she on?"

"Err..."

"Would you be able to point it out if you look for the street?"

"Sure, I can find my way back." Link recalled the path he took from there to the palace and where the street in question was. He could picture it visibly, but he didn't know what the name of the street was.

"Good, good." Geoffrey didn't feel it was much, but it would be enough to go down this one thread of thought. "If I may borrow the services of your servant, Princess, I would like to task him with tracking the woman down."

Zelda nodded, so Geoffrey called out into the room, "Ouhon Mitagi! I have orders for you! Present yourself."

Out of the crowd, a young man stepped forward. Unlike the rest of those present, he was lean, almost feminine in his appearance. He was beautiful, clean, and lacking any scars from war. His black hair was in a pony-tail down his back. In his hand was a spear as thin and pointed as an arrow. It followed the traditional spear design, unlike Link's glaive. Ouhon saluted Zelda and then Geoffrey. His salute was sharp, crisp, and his back was held straight as a board.

Link didn't like him. He had the same look in his eyes as the Zora centurion. He was also tall.

"Princess, may I present Ouhon, son of Ousen." Geoffrey briefly motioned to the new man. "Ouhon, there is an elderly woman who may have witnessed the assassin. The assassin disappeared after turning a corner, and Link saw her there instead. However, the woman claimed to have not seen anyone. This leads to one of many realities. One: she is in league with him, or two: he is far more skilled than we know. Your mission is to assist Link in finding the woman. When you find her, investigate, so that we discern the truth."

"Understood," Ouhon saluted. "If I may speculate, General, I think there is reason to believe we may run into the assassin, should he be allied with this woman."

"A good thought. If you believe you are in unnecessary danger, retreat."

"Also, do we have permission to interrogate the woman?"

"Should the place be safe, discern for yourself if it is wise. Be aware, she may be guilty as an accomplish, but she may be innocent of the crime." Geoffrey looked from Ouhon to Link. "Is that understood?"

Link nodded, "Yes, sir."

Ouhon saluted Geoffrey and turned to Link. "Then, 'Link,' is it? Shall I meet you at the front gate when you are ready to begin?"

Link stared at Ouhon, disgruntled with his perfect posture, perfect hair, and perfect height. The man was even perfectly respectful, proper, and serious. Link gave a begging glance to Zelda, who smiled knowingly. Link really didn't want to go with him, but Zelda wasn't going to budge.

Link sighed, "I'm ready now."

"You... what?" Ouhon scanned him up and down. Link normally didn't feel poor or like a slave. A lot of people in nobility, the princess, no less, gave him honor and respect. Sadly, moments like this reminded him of his standing. "You aren't going to prepare? Put on armor?... Clean yourself?"

Zelda snickered, and Sarah struggled not to laugh. Link felt his ears turn red in embarrassment.

"I-I don't have any armor," Link said, forlorn. "What you see is what you get."

Ouhon stared at Link in open shock. But even in shock, he was perfectly composed. Link wanted to punch that perfect face: a single fist connected to that perfect jawline. He wanted to do something to unsettle Ouhon, even something as simple as shifting a single perfect hair out of place. The man was like a tall, beautiful, porcelain doll, where ever freckle was placed just right.

"I... see..." The man said slowly. "Then shall I meet you after I prepare? I need to freshen up and suit up in armor."

'THIS ISN'T FRESHENED UP!?' Link wanted to scream. 'Din, Nayru, and Farore! Where does he think he has a speck of dirt on him?!'