-Zelda-

The last to briefly meet with Lord Dragmire were the twin-witches. They impatiently awaited their turn with patting feet. Once everyone finally returned, they stomped down to discuss what they wished with their son. Zelda did not know what the discussion would entail, and quite frankly did not care. There was something about the two woman that made her uncomfortable.

While the witches were below, though, a moment came for Zelda to speak.

"Everyone, a moment if you will," Zelda requested. Geoffrey bowed and Link shrugged. Once the Guardian and witches were gone long enough, Zelda whispered, "Link was right about the assassin. He is powerful, much more than the Sheikah."

"Including the part about him disappearing?" Link asked.

Zelda nodded. "Including that."

Link grinned. "I knew it." Elder looked at him with a raised eyebrow. "What? I did!"

The Elder sighed. "What did we just discuss...?"

"I did hear there was an assassin," Nabooru commented with dread. "Is there a reason for concern with Lord Dragmire?"

"I do not think so..." Zelda replied. "Lord Dragmire is exposed, but at the same time, he remains untouched. I believe the assassin takes his position seriously or has a purpose behind it."

"Who are you talking about?" Geoffrey asked. "It seems to me you have some idea of who it is."

"I do. I believe the Guardian is my would-be assassi-"

"WHAT!?" Elder, Geoffrey, and Link yelled.

"This cannot be!" Geoffrey exclaimed. His face grew red with sudden rage and restraint. He was unsure how to feel after receiving an incredible gift from the suspect.

Elder shuddered, and the wooden shell crumbled at points. Bark fell, and he almost toppled down. Link rushed over to keep him from collapsing, but the Fae instead left his shell entirely and fell to the floor. From there, the tiny creature fell to his knees.

"Are you sure?" Link asked as he worried over the Fae Elder. His head filled with too many questions for him to even think straight. He wanted to punch someone, but like Geoffrey, he didn't know where to aim his rage. The one thing he did know was he wanted to either punch Zelda for the accusation or protect her if she was correct.

"I-I am," Zelda stuttered. She did not expect such a violent reaction from them. It threw her off greatly.

"Princess," Geoffrey said after regaining his composure, "What you claim is... You must be very sure, because if you are wrong..."

"I am not wrong!" Zelda snapped. "Listen, Link's mistake with the mask may have actually been the greatest blessing in disguise we could have been given. The Goddesses took something designed for evil and used it for good. The assassin entered my room last night, as you know. I saw him with my own eyes. I saw his power in action. I heard his voice. He said one word, but it was enough. He was fully armored, so no skin was exposed, including his face. But the voice... it is perverse. The man down there has the same voice, is fully armored, and guards treasure with powers that are simply incredible."

Zelda was on full alert. "What's more is, so far as I am told, he was once Marked as Link, Lord Dragmire, and I are. As we know to some extent, these Marks come with abilities. Who is to say that this former Marked man does not still retain some power to appear and disappear or a treasure that can do the same? You said it yourself, General: everyone is accounted for... everyone among the Mitagi. So what about someone hidden? Someone not recorded and never accounted for?"

Geoffrey shared a worried glance with Link. "What you say makes sense. If he is what the legends claim, then he would be powerful enough to do as Link witnessed. You are also right to say that the Guardian is unrecorded except for the most secret of texts. He would not have been considered in our search. But do you truly think him so rebellious as to go after you the moment you set foot in his domain? Do you truly think him capable of murdering his own kin? Remember: you are not the only one being targeted in this city. In fact, I have recently received reports that some of the city guard have been found dead, torn apart as if by beasts!"

The Elder Fae recovered and reentered his wooden shell. The shell's eyes glowed once more, and the wood crackled as it repaired itself. Lips formed and said, "He is capable. For who else would rebel... besides the Rebellious Hero?"

They paled as the reality of what they now faced set in. Zelda shuddered. Link unconsciously took a step closer to her.

Elder faced Zelda with pity and sadness ingrained in him. "And who else would hate Wisdom so?"

Elder mused more, "It is a thing I have not considered, but it is a sign of our times. For so many eons, the Champion Spirits were united, and there was strength and peace in Hyrule. Then one Champion fell... and there was war between it and the others. Then at last... all three fell. With the broken unity of the Champion Spirits, all of Hyrule's unity would also be broken for the next five-hundred years."

"General, what shall we do?" Zelda asked.

Geoffrey gathered his thoughts. He looked up in a silent prayer, lips moving without sound, before sighing. "We continue as we have been." Geoffrey said. "He does not know we suspect him, and we should keep it that way. Lord Dragmire remains untouched, as you all saw to him. We should remove him from his watcher's hand as soon as possible, so the trial should be held immediately. During the trial's nights, I will arrange for him to be placed in other cells away from the Guardian."

"As for us," Geoffrey continued," We should be more vigilant than ever. The nobles must be warned of the assassin's power and to trust no one in full armor. Even among your own guard, every soldier is to be without a helmet so that we may recognize their face. Only those whose face I know myself will be chosen to be in the castle at any time." Geoffrey turned his attention to Nabooru. "My lady, I recommend you stay in a room adjacent to the Princess and myself for your safety."

Nabooru blinked, surprised by his courtesy. She expected to be left out of his thoughts since she was a Majora. She nodded. "Thank you, I am honored."

Geoffrey's face was stone in response. "The girls will be placed in other rooms away from the Princess, and only Link and a few guards will be present. None will lay down; all will always at guard."

"How long do you expect the trial will take?" Nabooru asked.

Geoffrey shrugged. "Depends on how long it takes before a resolution is made. Lord Ouki Mitagi ordered for Lord Dragmire to be judged here, and the elders will carry that out. With the accusation of demonhood, the priests here will be after him, so I would expect the high priest to be against you as well. Some will demand immediate execution... others, I cannot say. I do not believe I am overstepping my thoughts to assume you are a staunch opposer to this view?"

"You are not."

"Then how long it takes depends on how long you and they remain stubborn. And whether or not the Princess chooses a side."

Zelda gulped. She avoided their gaze.

Nabooru looked hard at Geoffrey. "You are not taking a side?"

"I..." Geoffrey hesitated. "I will not, not anymore. I have seen Ganondorf myself, and I do not judge him to have the desire to hurt Lord Ouki. He is deeply saddened by what happened. I believe him evil, but he is also a victim. If he is to die, I accept it. If he is to live, I can only pray for him. I believe him to be possessed, and unless you have a Savior capable of banishing demons as my birthplace does, I do not have much hope for him."

The Elder sighed again. "This will be... troubling."

"Amen," Geoffrey murmured. He looked between the group. "If I may make a suggestion: let us take a short rest. I will send word to the nobles that we will be ready to begin the trial this day. We may gather in the main hall when it begins. In the meantime, eat, drink, rest your head, and collect your thoughts."

"A short nap does sound pleasant," Zelda whispered.

-Later-

Men were heard walking by outside the room, and Zelda's eyes snapped open. Nothing actually happened, but Zelda was now awake and didn't want to go back to sleep. Her head was swimming with so many fears and conflicts she dreamed she was physically crushed beneath them.

In her dreams, she was on a ledge with the hell realms beneath her and the dead dragging her down by the ankles. She saw Ryo further away from the ledge waiting for her to get up so he may kick her down again. She saw a hawk circling the air with the armor of the Rebellious hero, waiting for her to make a mistake to strike at. She saw the Majora force a bloody conflict on all nations as she proclaimed Ganondorf Dragmire to the executioner's axe. She saw the Mitagi turn against her when she spared Ganondorf instead. She saw Sarah killed, Malon raped, and Link's head on a pike. She saw herself chained to ruins, stripped, and beaten by faceless men who endlessly debated their options.

It was not a good sleep.

Zelda stumbled over to her side table in a hazy blur. She looked at her reflection in the water basin, and without further ado, dunked her face to the ears. The cold water was sharp, and her senses snapped to attention. The cobwebs around her mind disappeared with the abysmal images.

"Rough nap?" Link asked.

Zelda groaned into the water. Of course Link was here, she thought, and seeing her in this condition. She lifted her head out and looked at herself properly. Despite her dislike for her own beauty, Zelda studied herself and found she was far from beautiful right now. She thought she looked horrid, like an elderly version of herself, wrinkled and worn down with burdens. The wrinkles could have just been water ripples, though. Zelda didn't know anymore.

"Yes," Zelda whispered. "How long?"

"Not long," Link said. "The candle mark shows not even an hour yet."

Zelda sighed wearily. Her body felt worn down and she shook her head. She hadn't even kept an hour of sleep. This did not bode well. "Why are men walking outside the door? This area is supposed to be sealed off."

"Princess..." Link approached. His voice was gentle and concerned. "That was me. You have been in and out of consciousness for a while. I left and returned with the water you just... splashed around in."

"Oh. I- Thanks," Zelda mumbled, surprised by the gesture.

"Yeah... kinda actually meant for you to drink that though..."

"Of course, you did," Zelda scoffed with a smile.

"Sure you don't want to continue splashing around?" He teased. "Perhaps take a bird bath?"

"Sure as realms not with you watching, monkey." Zelda rolled her eyes. Link smiled innocently in return. "Yeah, you smile like you don't know what you just suggested. By all rights, you should be executed for even thinking such things."

He put a hand to his chest as if injured, and he showed mock shock and awe. "I!? Me!? I will have you know, Princess, you are the one taking a perfectly innocent suggestion and assuming perversion behind it. It's almost like you are the one with such thoughts. I am fully capable of being blindfolded-"

"Uh-huh."

"-against my will and-"

"And I'm going to stop you right there before you come up with another perverted suggestion. Know your place, monkey."

"And that place is right here." Link smiled genuinely this time.

Zelda raised an eyebrow. "Oh really?" Link nodded. "I have a better idea." Zelda took him by the hand.

"Uh? What?" He asked, bewildered.

Zelda pushed him out the room and slammed the door in his face. "That's your place. I need to change." She smiled wickedly on hearing his groan. She heard him and understood what he implied about 'his place,' but she needed to change and prepare for the meeting. But the gesture was still appreciated.

She changed for the official occasion and departed the room. Guards were already on point and ready to escort her.

"Ready?" Link asked.

"Not really, no," Zelda admitted." But unfortunately, things tend to happen without my permission."

Link rolled his eyes. The guards then escorted Zelda to the main hall. The Majora were already waiting and were assembled at one side. Zelda shared a respectful nod with Nabooru before taking her place where Geoffrey showed her. Zelda would not be sitting on the throne, as she was not the Lord of Mitagi, but she would still be placed at a seat of honor in nearby.

The Mitagi and Sheikah Shadowmaster would not arrive for a short time, since Zelda and the Majora were the ones who were early. Despite this, the Mitagi nobles assembled at the opposite side before long. A few priests showed up as predicted, too. The Elder Fae stood far to the corner, and Link stood behind Zelda's seat.

Geoffrey stepped in the hall's center and bowed. "Gentlemen, ladies. You are all here at the behest of the now deceased Lord Ouki Mitagi. Were he alive, he would be the one standing before you, but as it is, I must stand in his place. I do not like it, but I will honor his wish in making Ganondorf Dragmire, king of Majora, accountable for his actions. Whether he is returned home with a full pardon or is executed, I will play no part in the decision."

Following Geoffrey's words, a Mitagi elder raised his hand. After being recognized, he rose and said, "First of all, let me say that it is a true gift for the High Princess, the Heir Apparent of Qin, to give up her time and energy to honor us with her presence. It is my greatest regret that problems have arisen that present the Mitagi in a bad light... problems that would directly involve her. Princess, I offer my apologies on behalf of the Mitagi."

"Your apology is accepted," Zelda nodded.

"With that said, I wish to pose a question before the council," The Mitagi elder continued. "Allow me to speak plainly, as the door is shut, and I trust what I say will not be spread."

"You may," Geoffrey said.

"Then do we not have an issue with priorities?" The Mitagi asked. "The life of our princess, the Heir Apparent of the four-hundred cities united under Qin, of millions upon millions of lives, is in danger from an unknown assailant. One elder of the Mitagi was killed, or at the very least, kidnapped. And even as we speak, this killing is spreading to the people. The guards kept the peace, but now the guards are being found dead. The people are noticing and are afraid. Our messengers and speakers are spreading the word that we are handling the murderer, but in truth we are not. With so many lives at stake, the life of our princess, the life of our Majora guests, the security of the Mitagi, and the security of Qin is at stake. Is it wise that we devote all our time and focus to holding judgement over a single man? Would it not be wiser to stabilize this war that is unfolding around us?"

Nabooru stood and said, "This man is not just a man! He is our king!"

Geoffrey put a hand out. "No one is implying anything else. You are correct, Lord Mitagi. Our judgement in priorities is questionable. I have no words to comfort your concern, but I believe that as much as you are valid, you are also invalid. We have the guests you have mentioned. The Majora and Princess of Qin are here, and they are here for a purpose. The sooner we finish this trial, the sooner we, the Mitagi, can devote all of our focus and energy to security. Because following the trial, no matter the decision made, the Princess and Majora will no longer have a reason to stay and will depart."

Geoffrey was not done. "While, let us say, we do as you say. We dismiss King Dragmire's wellbeing and the trial. He continues to rot in our deepest prison, the Majora continue to demand our focus and security, and the Princess continues to demand our focus and attention to provide her security. We will be unable to focus our efforts in any meaningful way because we are so busy on the defensive. We will be unable to turn to the offensive in any meaningful way. So allow me to say that it is true: we need to handle our security as soon as possible. But to do so properly, we must first remove the obstacle preventing us from creating any focus."

Everyone went silent at his words, and the Mitagi elder sat. Geoffrey looked at them all and saw no one had any more argument against the trial.

Nabooru was first to break the silence. "Then allow me to also speak on behalf of the Majora. We are honored to be here as your guests and at the recognition this trial offers. We prefer that mercy be given without the need for a trial but understand these are special circumstances. We appreciate the respect of being allowed to speak for ourselves as equals. We stood with the Princess at her lowest moment and appreciate the support given in turn."

Zelda swallowed hard. Ganondorf had stood with her even without the support of his council or people. Nabooru purposefully reminded her of this. Whether Ganondorf was guilty or not, to have him or the Majora punished in any way would prove the hatred of old right. The Majora would see it as a betrayal of the worst kind. Zelda clenched her fists to hide her shaking.

Geoffrey looked between all sides again and saw no one was rising or wishing to speak more. "Then Sheikah, if you will have the Guardian bring Lord Ganondorf Dragmire before us, let us proceed."