This is a longer chapter than most. Because its Ouki! Thats why.

This includes a song. The lyrics are from "Nightcore - Price of the Crown". I heard the song and fell in love and found it fits like a glove to what I want.

-Zelda-

The soldiers at the gate set up a tent in the field to which they could rest. The Englishmen presented a liter of tea, some targets were placed, and bows and arrows were prepared. An assembly gathered to watch the contest. Despite the previous talk and the crowds attention, Zelda found herself smiling and having fun. Ouki had a never ending flow of energy, endless things of amusement to talk about, and it seemed his entire purpose to seek enjoyment this day. Thankfully he did not seem to require Zelda to reply or talk, as he talked seemingly to anyone who would listen. Yet it was not annoying as his topics were not empty and devoid of purpose or meaning.

Politics was a stressful thing, but archery and the feel of a bow in her hands was comfortable and fun. She didn't fire a shot, but sat, and just having her bow in her hands made her feel more at ease.

"So, what shall we wager, general?" Zelda inquired.

"Ohhh. Wager. Now that is interesting." Ouki stroked his beard. "Let us wager... that the winner decides the next contest, time and place!"

Zelda raised an eyebrow. "Interesting. I will accept within reason."

"Of course." Ouki smiled. "If you lose, of course."

"I do not plan to."

"Ohhh, such confidence!" Ouki poked his Englishman in the ribs. "What you think? You want to have a go at her?"

"Out of my league, sir."

"Wha- you're supposed to be agreeing with me! What do you think I pay you for?!"

"You pay me?" The Englishman wondered. "I was under the impression I was paid by Qin."

"Ah, shit. That makes him your pet, princess!" Ouki laughed. Then he coughed, "Kiss ass."

Zelda rolled her eyes. "Would you be interested in the first-"

"Don't mind if I do!" Ouki leaped out of the chair, disrobed from his outer robes baring his herculean chest. He briefly posed for the crowd who hooted and hollered and cheered.

"I think I'm going to be sick..." Zelda covered her mouth.

The Englishman whispered, "You do not see men's bare chest often?"

"No, that doesn't bother me. I have never seen a man with that much muscle before. Its revolting." The Englishman chuckled.

Ouki grabbed a bow, posed, and aimed. Changing his mind, he put the bow back, picked up a spear, and chucked it. It went clear through the target. The crowd cheered. The Englishman laughed as Zelda's eye twitched. Ouki turned back, bowed, and said, "How was that, princess?"

"I guess that counts..." Zelda felt her eye twitch some more.

Zelda stood, and aimed. She didn't bother with posing, but the crowd still cheered anyway. It was... not unpleasant for people to be excited and on her side even for something as small as a game.

She fired, and before the arrow even reached its mark she turned around and walked back to her chair. Ouki's eyes grew wide as it hit dead center, and his face grew red. Zelda feared she had angered him, but the energy in him took a different turn.

He screamed, yes, he cursed, yes, but for her. He was loud as anyone else in his excitement. He grabbed the Englishman in one hand and lifted him into the air in front of him to scream in his face. "Did you see that?! Didn't even bother waiting to see it land! Such confidence! Princess, you got some balls on ya!"

"I... thank you?" Zelda didn't know how to answer that.

"How am I ever going to top that!" Ouki exclaimed. "Oh, I'll do it backwards!"

"I do not believe that will work, sir."

"Fine, then I will stick with javelins! Its more interesting that way, anyway! What you think princess?"

"It is... interesting. I will give you that." Zelda smirked.

The targets were moved back several paces. Ouki chucked a javelin, and hit. Zelda fired another shot she didn't wait to see land, and hit. The soldiers cheered louder.

Again the targets were moved back, and again they did their routine. It truly made Zelda marvel at Ouki's skill and strength to be able to throw a spear as far as an arrow can be shot from a longbow. With the targets now back as far as they were, Ouki had to make some serious effort to throw, and Zelda had to consciously focus for a long time and wasn't entirely sure it would hit. It did.

A third time the targets were moved back. The crowd grew quiet as Ouki aimed. By nature of a javelin, he had to take a step forward to help give it momentum, a necessary step Zelda wouldn't argue with. The javelin nicked the side of the target, but still missed.

"Damn." Ouki sighed with a smile. "That was a tough one."

"I find it a marvel you can throw a spear that far at all," Zelda said. "It is nothing to scoff at."

"Just shoot, princess. See if your skill can back up your confidence." Ouki challenged.

"I take your challenge. We have both done well, but let us see." Zelda replied.

Zelda aimed. The crowd hushed. She held her breath and fired. The arrow fell just short of the target.

"Ah, damn." Ouki leaned forward as she returned. The targets were being moved even further back once more, since it was a tie. "This will be tough."

"We may have to call it a draw. I cannot shoot that far, and no man can throw a spear that far. Not even you." Zelda said.

"Oh? You do not think so?" Ouki smirked. "Let me prove to you the strength of the Mitagi."

Ouki stood, and removed his gauntlets. Zelda only now realized he wore them all the time. She wasn't sure what that had to do with anything, but sure, if he wanted to have another go.

Ouki massaged his arms, flexed, stretched them, and finally picked up a spear. He pointed it at the target so far away they could barely make out the lines on it. "If I hit the target here and now. I win. Yes?"

"Sure. But that must mean I win if you do not."

"Alright! You have proven a good challenge for this old soldier. Now it's exciting!" Ouki flexed his shoulders and popped his neck.

He aimed with the spear. He took a good amount of time aiming and preparing. He took a step forward, two steps, and with a burst of momentum into the second step he twisted at the hips and chucked the spear as hard as he could. The spear flew like a bird right into the target dead center hard enough to knock the target down and create a bang loud enough to be clearly heard all the way back.

Zelda's mouth fell.

The crowd lost their minds. The cheering and stomping made the earth shake. Ouki turned with a wide smile and bowed to the princess as if he was merely performing.

"What do you think, princess?" Ouki questioned jovially.

"I think I underestimated you," Zelda replied. "I knew of your reputation, but I held you to standards I would still expect to be... mortal. You threw a javelin further than my arrows flew, with more accuracy. I know I am skilled for one who has learned archery for so short a time, but your skill makes my prodigal skill childish in comparison."

"Perhaps that is because I am old enough to be your grandfather." Ouki mused. "And I have spent most of it on the battlefield."

"Right."

Ouki sat back in his chair by her and poured himself a new goblet of foreign tea. They were on their third pitcher now. Zelda wondered if he could become drunk on tea as much as he guzzled down by the minute.

Zelda stood and turned to the man. "It would appear I have lost. I concede this contest. As victor, what contest do you have an interest in next?"

Ouki leaned on one elbow and thought for a moment. "Thank you for your praise, princess. Hm... Let us say hawkery tomorrow around midday."

"Hawkery." Zelda repeated. Ouki nodded. "As you wish, but now I must retire for the night. I am starting to feel faint."

"Of course." Ouki saluted. "Princess, I would like to say this has been a good day, with good talk, good tea, and a thrilling game. I also would like to end the day with a gift. You will find it in your tent."

"I am honored by your gift, General Ouki. I look forward to it."

Royal Guard escorted Zelda to her assigned tent. She had forced them to give her space while in Ouki's company. They briefly entered the tent, found no disturbance, and encircled the tent on all sides. Only then did Zelda enter the tent.

Inside the tent was richly furnished with cushions and rugs, and there were chests with clothes and a changing curtain, and a bed. Zelda looked and yet could find no so called gift. She was familiar with the furnishings and the clothes. Seeing it as perhaps a joke, Zelda changed behind the changing curtain.

As she did so, Zelda sensed movement. It was subtle, quiet, created no shadow, yet was undeniable. Tensing, Zelda reached for her sword she kept close. Was this Ouki's gift then? An assassin? She would make him pay dearly for this treason.

A moment passed... another...

Zelda thrust the sword into the curtain.

Hands grabbed her mouth from behind.

Zelda's first instinct was to fight, then scream, but the hands were strong and... oddly feminine.

"There is no need for that, your highness."

Zelda felt her body tense and her eyes widen. Dropping the sword, she turned and embraced Impa in a hug. Impa chuckled and patted her head as Zelda liked.

"You're alive!" Zelda whispered.

"That's right, princess. I am. I'm filled with joy to see you alive and well, as well. Let me look at you." Zelda took a step back. Impa lowered herself on a knee to get a good look at the young girl. She smiled widely. There wasn't a dry eye between them. "You have grown so much, young one. I heard of your return, how you brought legends from the mountains and retook the throne, how you alone erected a wall of vines to stop two armies."

"It was... hard." Zelda swallowed. "You were not there... I was alone."

"I know, and I am so sorry for leaving you. I would do anything to make it up to you and to take away the burden of bloodshed you had to go through."

"Don't." Zelda hardened her voice. For a brief moment the vulnerable girl only Impa knew disappeared and in her place was the princess. "I made my choice. I accept the consequences... to do so otherwise would leave me powerless again, and I am no longer powerless. Not anymore."

"You are right." Impa bowed. "You have grown strong. So very strong, and completely on your own. I am proud of you, my princess."

Zelda blushed furiously and her mind blanked. Perhaps it was normal in some families to hear pride from a mother-figure, but it was entirely absent in Zelda's life. The only person who ever took pride in her was Impa, who was both leader of a shadow clan, minister in service to Zelda, and the closest thing to a mother figure Zelda knew. It was warming yet always threw her off. How can one respond to something entirely alien? Zelda knew no girls her own age, so she had no example to go by in answering either.

"I... yes." Zelda muttered. "I have power now, but it's not near enough. I have only stepped into the game against Ryo... it will take much more to compete with him."

"And that is why you hope to gain Ouki's support, I take it." Impa guessed.

Zelda nodded.

"A good move, but there is one problem to consider." Impa mused. "Ouki Mitagi does not represent the entire Mitagi clan. He is merely a branch clan member who gained fame as a general. The main clan is shadowed by his prestige, but they hold worthy vassals as well."

Zelda considered the information. It did not make Ouki any less worthy in her eyes, but if there was more strength in the Mitagi clan, then she would need to extend her reach further. But there were still questions left unanswered.

"And you are the gift Ouki mentioned to me? What is your connection with him?"

"Ah... well. I am his gift to you. Whether he accepts you or not, he respects my wishes to see you in secret. The Mitagi and Sheikah have long been close." Impa looked at the guards standing just outside the tent. "We have fled to the Mitagi. Many of those loyal to you are safe. Zant may find us, but even he would not dare and try to go after us there. I know this may not make sense but-"

"No, it fits. I have gained an ally who teaches me much about the history and secrets of King Shorlin, including the relationships he forged. You know of the Fae?"

Impa smiled in memory. "Ah, yes. I had hoped you would meet with them safely."

"Well, they informed me of how close the Mitagi, Sheikah were. I did not consider it as a possibility at the time, but for you to say you have fled to the Mitagi makes sense. Will you be able to return to the capital?"

"Not yet, I'm afraid. Zant's spies are everywhere..."

"Are you sure? I spoke with Reida. She informs me Zant has grown fanatical and changed his attention to me."

"Lady Reida?!" Impa gasped. "I... she is well, then?"

Zelda nodded. "No thanks to your treatment."

"I make no apology."

"I am not asking for one. It is between you and her. I do however require that you reconcile with her at the earliest convenience. I won't have two vessels bickering needlessly."

"I will, princess. If you trust her word, then Zant turning his eyes on you is dangerous. Zant is powerful... As a fighter he is far more skilled than I. You should increase the strength of your security. I will see if I can sneak in an agent as well... but watch your back princess. My ability to move is limited with Zant on the loose."

"I will." Zelda sighed. "I have gained allies and am increasing the security of the palace. You know me... I have always been a light sleeper."

"Zelda?" Impa whispered.

"Hm?"

"Why don't you finish getting dressed for sleep and we can catch up?" Impa smiled knowingly.

Zelda looked down at herself and blushed furiously. She had not finished. "Y-yes... I had difficulty with the knots."

Impa chuckled. "You may have grown, my princess, but you are still in some ways that street urchin I met years ago. Look at you being bested by a string." Zelda huffed in annoyance.

-Next Day-

Impa disappeared by morning, and Zelda rose. She looked to the sun with a lighter heart, feeling comforted that her one true friend was safe and sound. She had not expected it, but it was a pleasant surprise. There was much more to the political undercurrent of Qin than met the eye, and it seemed that she had stumbled upon intricacies left behind by her ancestors.

One thought she had was just how much did Ryo know of this? Did he know of the relationships between the Sheikah, Mitagi, Dragmire, Majora, and Fae? Did he always try to gain Ouki's attention because of Ouki's power or because of his place in this string of relationships?

This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

Just how strong and complicated a web did Shorlin make to hold up Qin? What was he trying to make?

Whatever it was, Zelda stumbled upon it. No... she was brought into it, led into it. It was the Sheikah who found her, told her the stories, told her how to find the Fae, and through them found the Majora. Every step of this started with Impa and the Sheikah.

Zelda looked down at the mark on her hand. Perhaps the Fae Elder was right... there was a touch of destiny. She was born with this mark, born with this birthright and bloodline, born to lead a kingdom where a foundation of strength had been planted like a seed. Now she only needed to have faith.

"Captain." Zelda looked to her Royal Guard. "There was an intruder in my tent last night."

"What?!" He exclaimed in panic. Zelda put up a hand to calm him.

"It is well. It was a good surprise. I am pleased with it. A good night in good company, but I cannot ignore how the intruder made it past all of you and your inspection. Take into consideration that the Sheikah split between those loyal to me and those that want me dead."

Zelda sent a messenger to inform General Ouki she was up and around, and would be at the main tent when he is ready. She found the Englishman already standing at attention with tea brewing in the background. Before long, Ouki strode in and joined them. Breakfast was presented to them together. It was a bit of an unusual setting to her. Her idea of sharing a meal involved eating at the same table, but their separate chairs came with separate small tables of their own. The view of the plains was also not the most interesting spectacle, being a battlefield so many times in history that it lost its lushness to acidic blood. Ouki though, seemed perfectly jovial and at ease, as always.

"I wish you a blessed morning, princess. I trust you found my gift?" Ouki wondered as he started on his meal.

"I enjoyed it greatly. I am most pleased." Zelda gave him a rare smile she did not have to force. "I must admit, compared to the gifts I have been given of late, yours has impressed me with its simplicity and... understanding of the one to whom it was to be received."

"Excellent! Most excellent. Princess, have you ever tried hawkery?"

"I cannot say that I have."

"Have you ever handled a hawk?"

Zelda shook her head.

"Well! No time like today to give it your first try!" Ouki jumped up with enthusiasm.

Zelda looked at his uneaten food. "Uh, do you not plan to-"

"Nah, just have it given to the men." Ouki waved it off.

"I shall hand your remaining food out, sir." The Englishman bowed. He sneakily took a bit into his pocket.

Zelda hastily finished her own food and rose to catch up with the already departing Ouki. She could berate him on his rudeness to rush her, but the thought of trying something new was too tasty. "What is entailed in hawkery, General?"

"Hawkery is a sport of using a tamed bird of prey to hunt for you, and seeing who catches the bigger fish, so to speak. If you have never touched a bird of prey before, then it is best we begin with that before anything else. I have a number of birds for you to choose from. Choose and I will give it to you as a gift." Ouki motioned to a nearby tent they were walking to. The tent was wide open to reveal a number of large cages in which were stands with birds.

The first thing that struck her were the sheer size of them. They were much larger the average pigeon or crow she saw. They were taller than chickens and just as plump, only it was obviously not flesh for the sake of fat juicy meat, but flesh for the purpose of strong muscles to fly far and tear their prey.

Ouki brought her to the cages and motioned to them. "The first thing to know is that they do not technically smell fear. The idea of smelling fear comes from how predators do not care how afraid you are, they will take advantage of everything you give them. They can sense hesitation and weakness, and in this they lose respect."

"Sound like born politicians."

Ouki chuckled. "Indeed. Second, they eat meat. Small prey mostly. Birds of prey will fight larger animals to defend themselves, but they do not like it. Can you guess why?"

"Too dangerous."

"Right. Everything comes down to risk and reward. Is it worth a meal to fight a bear? Or is it worth a meal to snag a mouse? The answer is obvious." He glanced at her. "The same can be said for armies. Armies of equal size are winnable, but what is the cost? It is this reason why large scale battles are rare even in these years of endless war. Merely by putting a large army in the area keeps enemies at bay, no matter their size. You want victories, princess? Fight battles you know you can win. Go for the mice."

"Mice aren't much." Zelda replied.

"Perhaps they aren't, but people don't look at the size of the victories, but the fact that you have won. Just win. And win. And win. And keep on winning. Before long the mice have turned to elephants."

"So is that your secret?" Zelda smirked.

"Damnit, I should stop talking." Ouki laughed. "Pick your hawk, Princess! Before I ruin my reputation more."

"I can hardly choose. I know nothing of hawks." Zelda looked from one to another. They were in a variety of brown and red colors predominantly.

"It's about feeling. Which hawk responds and resonates with you. It's a relationship as much as any other. Here. Let me show you. Open the cages."

Ouki stood before the cages and put his hands together behind his back. Instantly Zelda quivered in fear, as his jovial demeaner disappeared. In its place were eyes that saw the death of thousands and the rise of fall of nations, in his posture was military discipline and strength, and in his studying gaze was the will to discern and judge. He bore the weight of armies and a nation on his shoulders and it seemed as though it was but a light burden to him.

Just as Zelda sensed the change in him, so did the birds. All of them stopped what they were doing to look at him eye to eye. They were mesmerized by him.

Ouki extended one hand forward. Most of the hawks hesitated or took a step back on their pedestal, but one leaned forward. Ouki brought his arm to the bird, and it took a step forward onto his arm. It flapped its wings, wide and strong, to balance itself. Its claws clamped down on his arm, but he showed no sign of pain. Ouki slowly turned to present the bird to Zelda.

"As you can see. It was not about bowing to their feet nor looking down at them, but having respect of mutual high standards. Expect cooperation and they will respond, but also do not expect the impossible. Just as you expect them to stand proud on your arm, they expect you to hold them up... and they are heavy. And do not demand cooperation, for they are proud. Respect is earned and given, not taken by force."

Zelda nodded, thoughtfully. His words reminded her of what her brother's fiancé said to her. Prisoner though she was, she was willing to hold Zelda to high standards rather than low ones... Expecting Zelda to do her best.

"I see." Zelda mused. "Does that hurt?"

"Not at all. I've had bigger jabs from mosquitoes. The bird isn't piercing my skin, but merely placing the blade of its claw against my skin. It isn't its fault half of its foot is sharp, but it is gentle and skilled with it enough to not do more than a small scratch without meaning to." He eyed her arms. "I do not think you can handle the weight of a fully mature one, so let's try a younger one."

Ouki and Zelda moved to a set of cages with smaller, younger birds. Zelda looked over them. They were fine birds with strong breeding. Of course he wouldn't bring anything short of the best for royalty, that would just be impolite.

"So many cages... it's almost as if you predicted we would be standing here." Zelda eyed him.

"My lady, are you insinuating I rigged our game just so I could present these birds to you? I have no need to rig a game." He looked down at her. "I simply win them. That is not me being arrogant, that is me being confident. As I told you of the mice, win the small victories. When you keep winning, you inspire confidence both from your men, but in yourself. I beat you at archery with a spear because I have done it before. I have done it a hundred times before. A thousand times. A thousand victories... Win a thousand times and winning is no longer a matter of pride, but a matter of fact."

Zelda nodded thoughtfully. "But doesn't it take only one loss to destroy a man?"

"Too true. One day I will lose... and for men in my occupation. It might be my last."

On the table were a number of leather gauntlets. Ouki showed her how to strap them on and ran her through some of the practical ways of handling a hawk. Then when he felt she was ready to take a first step, Zelda extended her hand towards them. To her disappointment the hawks were unresponsive. Ouki did not react though, so Zelda waited. After a while, one young hawk became curious and took a step across its stand to her. Zelda placed her arm near it, and once again the young hawk responded with curiosity. It gazed at her for a long time, then took one tentative step forward onto her arm. Zelda felt it place its weight on her, measure the strength of her arm as a branch, and then release itself from its stand to firmly place itself on her.

It flapped its wings to steady itself. The wings startled Zelda, and she flinched. Her sudden movement startled the hawkling, and the two would have descended into a spiral of confusion until the hawk fell if Ouki had not grabbed Zelda's arm to steady her.

"Steady, princess. Be slow to react. Not all sudden movements are a threat. Hawks... people... all things want to be safe and steady. Give it a moment to settle. Stay firm and it will calm."

Zelda gulped and tensed. True to his word, the hawking stopped panicking. It looked at her curiously and flexed its wings. Zelda struggled to hold it up with its movements, but as Ouki said, so long as she provided a steady foundation the bird did nothing more than be curious and test the boundaries of what it could and could not do.

"Good. Excellent." Ouki nodded. He smiled. "Ready for that contest now?"

Zelda chuckled. "I shall pass. No point in humiliating myself. I find learning this to be far too enjoyable." Zelda stared as Ouki's expression turned sad. Not just sad, but sad without reservations. It was like the massive man was a child being denied sweets. He was certainly a man of wisdom, strength, and eccentricities... especially the latter. "But if it makes you feel any better... I will forfeit and say you win. Under the same rules as before."

"So I pick the contest for tomorrow then?" Ouki chirped up visibly. Once more Zelda was stunned by the change in his demeaner. Now he looked like a dog with a stick to play with. She could only nod. "Excellent! Then it shall be... music!"

"Music." Zelda repeated, not expecting it. She really should learn to stop being surprised with him. "I was not aware you were a man of artistic talent."

"What can I say? No battles, I get bored."

"I see. I presume the hawk is mine to keep?"

Ouki nodded. "Why don't you name her?"

"Her?"

"Indeed. It is female. You can tell by the pattern under its chin."

Zelda did not see what pattern he was referring to, but the hawk was a beautiful one none of the less. It had a grey belly with a darkish brown back and wing. Its eyebrows extended off its face toward its feet in two long cords giving her an elegant, noble look.

"Andim." Zelda decided. A noble bird deserved a name befitting someone of honor. Her horse was named after a legend. Her bird would be no less specially named, even if the legend would only be known to a few. "She will be named Andim."

Ouki raised an eyebrow. It was not a word he knew, nor was it a name he had ever heard. "Andim... A curious name. Sounds rather masculine to me. Are you sure you do not want a more feminine name?"

"Perhaps it is, I admit, but I can think of no greater honor for her."

"Then it is a good name." He smiled. His eyes watched Zelda's arm lower, and Andim became uncomfortable with the idea of her branch wavering. "Getting tired there?"

"She doesn't weigh much, but I find it difficult to keep her up for such a time." Zelda admitted. She moved Andim to the table, and the bird all but leaped away. Ouki chuckled while Zelda felt mildly insulted by how desperate the bird was to get off.

Ouki said, "I will pass along a hawk master to help teach you until you are comfortable on your own. For now let us tag her feet and rest."

They did so. Zelda picked a stand and had it sent to her tent. A more long-term arm gauntlet was selected for her after measuring her arm, and Ouki handed her something he called 'weights' so she could develop a stronger arm.

They spent the rest of the day discussing hawk training in-depth, and relaxing. Over the course of the day she felt a smile come on once or twice. The man was full of energy and excitement, it was hard not to be enamored with the stories. He could make something small seem something grand from how he spoke. He reminded her a bit of Link, and considered that perhaps they were the same kind of person. People with thrill and fun and excitement existed more than she thought, and perhaps it was also their similar drive and need for excitement that would make Ouki a general, and make Link desire to be one.

Most of all, Zelda found she could feel safe around Ouki. He wore his emotions on his skin. He could be a bit eccentric and unpredictable, but he did not seem to bother hiding his opinion on things. He openly disagreed with Zelda on some matters and agreed on others, regardless of her standing as princess. She felt she could know where she stood with him.

The day ended well. Andim was kept in the hawkery tent for now, and a master was being contacted to come and teach her how to properly be Andim's owner. Zelda returned to her tent. There was no Impa unfortunately, despite her hope, but she chose to not let it get her down. Despite her nature... she would take a word from Ouki's scroll and not overthink it. This was not her court. This was not a normal discussion or talk she seemed to have with Ouki, as Ouki's approach to matters was casual to the extreme, lacking structure, and chaotically spontaneous. She had done her best to adapt to Ouki, and it seemed to be paying off. She judged his view of her to be open and welcoming, as she wanted it to stay.

Just like Andim. In fact, approaching Ouki had proven to be remarkably similar to the approach he wanted her to take with birds.

Zelda looked to Andim's stand in her tent.

"Bird of Qin..." Zelda mumbled. "Seems the name is aptly taken." Did Ouki choose hawkery to teach her how to handle him, to teach her of how he was? To see whether or not she could be a good 'handler' for the great 'Bird of Qin'? Was it all a test? Zelda scoffed. "Of course it's a test. Man fooled me for a moment... making me think he didn't have hidden messages or agendas."

She listened to the people around the tent. Ouki's energy pooled into his troops as well. Zelda could feel the camaraderie and fellowship his army had, its sharing of joy and brotherhood. It was utterly alien.

Despite the day no doubt being a test or lesson, Zelda felt completely relaxed by the idea. Ouki was a fun man whose test encouraged growth... and looking back on it Zelda felt if there were more tests and 'contests' like these, she looked forward to them.

"So this is what it's like to have fun." Zelda mused.

She had seen it from the Fae Grove, but that fun was unnatural. It was innocent and ignorant in a world devoid of innocence. The fun Zelda was presented with from Ouki was not ignorant of the worlds darkness, nor hid from it in denial, but explored what the world had to offer.

-Third Day-

Following breakfast Zelda was presented with a number of musical instruments. Some were what she had seen before, but others were more... exotic. Rudra-veena, ocarina, morchang, mayuri, yazh, sarangi, bulbul tarang, ejuk, pena, nagfani, lute, mridangam, drum, panpipe, bells, guzheng, and last of all one called a harp.

"I have never heard or seen most of these." Zelda said as she surveyed the table.

"They come from foreign lands and have been collected over generations by my clan. I'm sorry, but I can't afford to give them as gifts. My clan would be most unhappy if they knew these artifacts were missing."

"We best not anger them then. I certainly will not say anything of this." Zelda smirked. She stroked her hand over the strings of some of them and they made sounds ranging from soft to high-pitched to deep.

Ouki inquired, "Are you familiar with any?"

She was familiar with the ocarina, harp, and guzheng. The rest were alien to her. "Some, but though I wish it were so, this is one talent I lack."

"Oh, you need not fear. I will not tell my clan anything of your... performance." He smirked as well.

Were it anyone else, it might have been a slight against her. Zelda chuckled. "Thank you, General."

The ocarina was decent for traveling but lacked finesse and variety of melody. The harp was a good handheld instrument with a larger variety of melody. The guzhend was an instrument of larger size, but still small enough to be placed on the lap without discomfort. It's larger si allowed more room for strings and it had a larger variety of pitch.

"I will select the guzhend. I see no reason to sacrifice beauty and finesse when I am not going anywhere." Zelda put on silk gloves before delicately picking up the guzhend.

"A tactical choice. I can respect that." Ouki nodded.

Ouki Mitagi surveyed the instruments, and hesitated. He looked to Zelda, and Zelda stilled when she saw the sharp seriousness in his demeaner.

"High Princess Zelda, granddaughter of King Shorlin. I know of my reputation, and what power my open support would bring to your faction against any who would dispute your rule. Though these last days, including today, have been enjoyable, no doubt we both want something to gain from this." Zelda gulped under his heavy scrutiny. He took heavy strides up to her, and stood before her. She nearly cowered at the size of him. He was even taller and more vast in presence than Ganondorf Dragmire. Ouki was the champion of Qin. He had bested hundreds of battles, taken hundreds of cities, and with a word could command the entire army of Qin. The world shook and stopped to stare every time he walked out his front door, and the seven nations gulped and feared who he would unleash his blade against. There was not a soul in all of Hyrule who had not been made to mourn by his blade. "So what I want to know is this: What is your ambition? What is your goal? Am I merely to be a pet of yours, or would my service suit a purpose?"

Zelda closed her eyes a moment to settle and harden her beating heart. The man had shifted from jubilant man-child to a mountainous god of war in a moment. He did not lift a finger, did not touch a weapon, did not have an aggressive stance, nor raised his voice. If anything he lowered his voice. And yet the sensation of death, the complete lack of hesitation to kill, that poured from him like a wind made the world around them to still and turn its attention to them.

"My ambition..." Zelda steeled her voice and looked him in the eye as best she could. It was a statement she had made before, and she would probably wind up saying it repeatedly. It was what she stood for. It was her life's goal, even if it resulted in her death. "Is to take the seeds of destiny Great- Grandfather King Shorlin planted and bring it to its ultimate resolution: The unification of Hyrule."

"Many have tried. All have failed. While many kingdoms want peace and security, no one would just roll over and let another rule over them. What makes you think you are any better?"

"Because this is not an empty promise, nor a road I tread lightly. I will do what it takes to end this war, and prevent another five hundred years of bloodshed... even if it means launching a war of such scale and bloodshed that it will border on the genocidal."

Ouki's eyes widened slightly. "Such a path... you will not be liked, princess. History will deem you as a psychopath. People will call you a monster."

"Monster. Hero. Sane. Insane. Perhaps I am both, perhaps I am neither. Titles mean nothing to me." Zelda dismissed it. "I have a job to do, and I will do it. I need you, General Ouki. Not only to secure my position in Qin, but to be at the head of my war against the six kingdoms."

Ouki's eyes widened a tiny bit more. She had his full attention. "I see." Ouki said neutrally.

Zelda gulped as his eyes further studied her. Then in the blink of an eye he was smiling widely and loudly proclaiming, "Then the harp it is!"

"Wha?" Zelda blinked, bewildered as Ouki picked up a golden harp and walked past her towards the main tent. "What does that have to do with choosing a harp?"

Ouki did not answer. Zelda sighed and joined him.

"Care to go first, princess?" Ouki offered.

"Yes... be prepared for something underwhelming." Zelda set up her instrument.

"How bad can it be?" Ouki smirked.

-Three minutes later-

Ouki stared wide-eyed at her. He was almost speechless. Almost. "Oh."

Zelda avoided eye contact.

He cleared his throat. "Well... princess. I assure you, what just happened will not leave the two of us. Isn't that right, English?"

"R-right, sir." The Englishman stammered, his eyes also wide.

"Looks like I lose already." Zelda concluded. She rose and sat in her chair. "So what is the next contest?"

"Not yet, princess. I still have a turn to play."

"Can we just move on?"

"No, no, I insist." Zelda glared at him. He smiled widely. "Please."

"As you wish." Zelda allowed.

Ouki cleared his throat and presented the harp in his hands. "This was King Shorlin's harp. It was given to the Mitagi for safe keeping... and this was his song passed down to me..."

Ouki looked at the harp in reminiscence. He remembered the day King Shorlin sung for him in private audience. He remembered the song. He remembered the words King Shorlin uttered.

"King Shorlin did not believe in the strength of his son or grandson." Ouki explained. "He said the two would not be able to understand his vision... and so he left out certain messages he wished to pass down. Instead he left the message with me... so that I might choose whom it is to be passed on to."

Zelda felt her breath catch in her throat. Did he mean what she thought he meant?

"Listen well, High Princess Zelda." Ouki said.

"The stars are very beautiful, above the palace walls,

they shine with equal splendor still above far humbler halls.

I watch them from my window, but their bright entrancing glow,

reminds me of the freedom I gave up so long ago.

The royal circlet of bright gold rests lightly on my brow,

I once thought only of the rights this circlet would endow.

But once I took the crown to which I had been schooled and bred,

I found it heavy on the heart, though light upon the head.

Although I am the head of state,

in truth I am the least,

the true king knows his people fed, before he sits to feast.

The good king knows his people safe, before he takes his rest,

thinks twice and thrice and yet again, before he makes request.

For they are all my children, all, that I swore to defend,

it is my duty to become both king and trusted friend

and of my children high and low, from beggar to above,

the dearest are my Heralds, who return my care with love.

The dearest are my Heralds, swift to spring to my command.

Who give me aid and fellowship, who always understand

that land and people first have needs that I may not deny

so I must send my dearest friends to danger - and to die.

A friend,

a love,

a child,

it matters not, I know indeed,

that I must sacrifice them all if there should be the need.

They know and they forgive me - doing more than I require,

with willing minds and loving hearts go straight to grasp the fire.

These tears that burn my eyes are all the tears the king can't shed,

the tears I weep in silence as I mourn my Heralds dead.

Oh gods that dwell beyond the stars, if you can hear my cry

and if you have compassion,

let me send no more to die!

But If I must, if I must war, and if I must conquer,

Then let it be known I accept the conquered,

As my children equal to all."