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LOZ:Twilight Princess: Ch.47 P1 Rev

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----Chapter 47:  The Saddest Tear PART 1


Another two days had passed before Link received word that the Ordonians and the Twili were ready and making their final preparations for the journey home.  They were traveling by the same road part of the way, so they had made the decision to depart together.  The children had asked if Link would ride with them during the first half of their voyage, and their pleading eyes and smiles had been impossible to refuse.

Link was still recovering, sling suspending his immobile arm against his still wrapped chest.  He had just finished dressing by the time a knock rapped against his door that morning.  Link, sitting on the bed and leaning over to secure his boots, stood immediately when he realized it was Princess Zelda who entered.  The chainmail under his tunic pulled at his chest, but he tolerated the weight.  He had intended to simply pile it among Epona’s bundles, but Renado had advised that the extra tightness it would provide might actually prove to further reinforce his ribs and speed his recovery.

Princess Zelda had also returned to her usual appearance.  Her clothes had been noticeably washed, the stain of mud and blood scrubbed but still faint against its whites.  She had reequipped her armor, jewels, and crown.  Her hair had been brushed and braided, and once more she looked like a princess.

She looked at Link silently for a moment, taking in his freshly bathed appearance.  Green tunic weathered and stained in more than one place but somehow still majestic in color.  His hat rested tightly around his ears, hair spilling from its mouth to frame his face.  The bandage on his forehead had been removed, and his bangs hid most of the healing wound and its remaining bruise.  A week since the battle and his cuts and bruises were finally beginning to fade.

Link’s attention, however, had been stolen by her hands, gathered before her skirt where they held a very familiar item.

The Master Sword.

The last time he had seen the legendary blade had been on Eldin field where he had thrust it deep into the bowels of Ganondorf’s evil heart.  He remembered how the tyrant’s eyes had closed slowly as he remained standing in the face of Link’s triumph; the king’s final insult to the hero.  With the reappearance of the sword, Link had to wonder what had happened to its fleshy sheath, but a part of him did not want to know.  It was the part that wished to have the image of Ganondorf living as nothing more than a memory rather than something concrete existing within Hyrule.

Therefore, he did not ask, and Zelda did not offer.

Zelda extended her arms, presenting him with the Master Sword, the sword belonging to the legendary hero.

Link took a step toward her … then another, and the irony of it all struck him then.  So long ago it was supposed to be him offering Princess Zelda the sword of Ordona as tribute, but now, it was the princess who returned his true sword with deepest respect.

“The blade of evil’s bane has once again served its part in protecting Hyrule,” Zelda was saying.  “Just as you have done.  You are part of its legend now.”

Link accepted the sword, and felt the rush of heat, the rush of energy, he had misplaced.  Somehow, the sword reenergized him, and it was strange to think that he had truly become one of the few who had mastered the sword of myth.  The reality of it seemed impossible to grasp.

“Our preparations are complete,” said Zelda.  “We depart as soon as your friends are ready.”

Link nodded.  “I’ll be down in a moment.”

Princess Zelda bowed before turning out the door.  Link admired that about her.  The way she tended to her soldiers, the way she spoke to Shad, the manners she had used even when addressing the once unsympathetic Midna … she treated everyone with respect.  She was truly the princess--and soon the queen--Hyrule deserved.

Zelda had already returned the Master Sword to Link’s sheath, and he slipped it on and adjusted its weight against his back once again.  It was strange how complete it made him feel.  He carried the weight of the world against him, and yet, he felt light as a snowflake.

Link returned to the bedside table and took a last draught of the medicine Renado had left for him.  He then lifted his bow and quiver--recovered from the battlefield--onto one shoulder and grabbed up the remainder of his gear before heading downstairs, where he saw Auru and Ashei helping up the last of the wounded Hylians.  Renado stood at the back, wiping sweat from his brow as he cleared bowls and towels from the back counter, and Link had to wonder how much sleep the shaman had gotten over the past week.  

By the time Auru and Ashei reached the door, the latter called back for Shad, who scuttled to gather his many books into his arms before stumbling after them.  With the house quiet save for Renado, Link took the opportunity to speak with the shaman.  He stepped up quietly to the counter as Renado pitched towels into a bucket.

“I never thanked you,” said Link, and the shaman suddenly looked up from his work, took in Link’s appearance.  The youth was battered and tired but alive with such spirit that it stole all thought from him for a long moment.

Renado circled around the counter and sat wearily in one of the seats.  He looked to Link with happiness covering every feature but his eyes.  “It is I who should thank you, Link.”  Renado looked away, swept in a web of memories.  “You did not see this village before the monsters attacked,” he said, and when he spoke, Link realized that he had never put much thought into how empty Kakariko was.  So many homes and only three villagers.

“It was always a small community, but there were nearly a hundred people living here … and there were many children.”  His last words struck Link hard, knowing the dark weight they carried.  “When the monsters came, I gathered who I could into the sanctuary.  I realized too late that they were taking the children and killing everyone else.”  Renado continued with his story, as if he were recounting some deadly sin he had committed.  He told Link how he had seen the children--Kakarikan children as well as the Ordonians--and had hid Luda away, solely Luda, in the sanctuary’s cellar while he tried to save them.

“I was only able to save your friends, though, and by the time I returned to the sanctuary….”  The vacant look in Renado’s eyes clarified the hard tones Link found in the shaman’s voice, the resounding pang of guilt he had detected.  He had blamed himself for the deaths of everyone in the village and had carried that burden silently all this time.  “My daughter had many friends in the village, and though she hides it well, she hasn’t been the same.”  

A small tear trickled from Renado’s eye, the first Link had ever seen this man shed.  “But the Ordonian children returned what had been taken from her.  Friendship.  She will miss them, I think.  Colin most of all.”

Link grinned, remembering all the resilient smiles the children had worn during their time in Kakariko.  Luda had seen the worst the world had to offer, but she had found friends to stave off the darkness.  

Only in shadow could a torch burn brightest.

Renado finally looked to Link again, and he could see regret etched into his soul.  “The days I saw you, your selflessness, I was reminded how very selfish I had been.  Because of my actions, Luda was the only one to survive the massacre.”

Link was not quite sure how to respond.  He had always seen Renado as a deeply altruistic man, always sacrificing his time to help and guide.  To think that all this time, he had been looking to Link for the guidance the youth had always found in him.  Link could see that Renado thought himself beneath forgiveness for the crimes of which he accused himself, but his story reminded Link of a boy he had known not long ago.

Himself.

In the beginning, he had acted in the same way Renado had: in the service of those closest to him.  Over time, however, he had amended his goals and redeemed himself for thinking so selfishly.  Renado was no different.  Link knew that he could never say anything to heal the hurt or falsify his claim to guilt, but he could ease his weary heart and be the person Renado needed him to be.  Link was realizing more and more that his life had become less about slaying monsters and more about mentoring by example.

“I wouldn’t be alive if it weren’t for you,” said Link.  “Countless soldiers and refugees would have died without your help.  Only a selfless man would have given so many so much of himself.”

Renado’s lips thinned and he examined the young face standing alongside him.  For so long it had been Renado who had reprimanded and guided Link--perhaps in another selfish attempt to atone for his sins through Link.  Now, that same rebellious youth stood before him with wisdom beyond imagining.  He thanked Link for his kindness, and he truly did feel the weight beginning to lift.  He would act per Link’s example for the rest of his life to amend the wrongs he had committed.  

They stepped out into the light of a new day together, but that is where they parted ways.  Link watched as Renado made his way for the sanctuary, and as the shaman disappeared inside, Link found Epona nestled down by the spring.  He whistled, the sound piercing through the air like a rooster crowing the rise of dawn.  Those who heard his whistle knew that soon their hero would rise for one last journey.

He met Epona at the storefront of the rundown market, near the rear of the caravan soon leaving for Castle Town.  As Link packed his belongings into bundles he situated on Epona’s back, going to and from the house to reclaim all the items he had left on his many visits, he watched the others as they made their final preparations.  The general spoke to Princess Zelda at the back of the caravan.  Link did not mean to eavesdrop, but he could piece together from the words drifting over that the princess had put him in charge of seeing the last of their people home … and he was uncomfortable with his princess travelling so far without him.

Near the spring, he spotted the convoy of Twili mounting the horses brought by the general two days ago.  Midna walked among them, surely trying to erase their doubts in the beasts they were required to ride.  After coaxing the last of her people, she turned to the head of their party and patted the mane of the black horse loaned to her.  It was something Link had done several times with Epona to calm her, and he wanted to think perhaps Midna was repeating the gesture from her memory of those times.

Link had been unaware of the smile sprouting through his lips until Ilia’s voice erased it.  “Talo!” she called, and Link was ready to swing into action … until he realized the boy was running away from their cart only to scurry toward the sanctuary where Renado had emerged.  Link could not hear what the boy said, but the shaman smiled.

Finished with his work, Link leaned against Epona and watched as Rusl tethered a black horse to the wagon.  It shuffled the dirt around with its white calves as Ilia lifted Malo into the carriage and waved for Talo to come along.  Colin and Luda had already said their goodbyes, it seemed, and Beth ran up to throw her arms around the little black-haired girl.  He could hear their giggles as they swore to keep in touch.  Renado folded an arm before his chest and bowed in farewell.  Talo mimicked his gesture and then scampered away toward the carriage before Ilia yelled at him again.  Laughable as always, however, was Barnes, who strode up to the group.  Link could see him begin to say something, only to stop and lower his mask to hide his embarrassment.

When Luda and Beth parted from their embrace and Zelda stepped over to mount her brown and white steed, Link knew.

It was time.

===============

There was no rush to arrive in the forest or desert, so the convoy of Hylians, Ordonians, and Twili rode at a steady pace.  The Hylians rode at the front of the column with two taking up the rear behind Link.  The Ordonian’s carriage strolled along in front of the weary hero, and ahead of them were the many Twili, who had quickly adjusted to the strides of their mounts.  Nearly out of eyesight, were Midna and Zelda, who rode alongside one another at the forefront of the twilight denizens.

It was an unusual pace for Link, who had only ridden the paths of Hyrule in haste, barely giving any thought to the majestic scenery it offered.  Now, as Epona carried him at a soft trot, he wondered what thoughts spun through her head.  Perhaps gratitude at the easy pace.  He hummed a chuckle at the thought, but truly he had come to realize just how much he had demanded of his faithful friend over the course of their journey.  She had never refused him, and he found comfort in that.  He patted her mane and ran his fingers through her hair as his mind carried on how a conversation with Epona might actually unfold.  He snorted a laugh at how ridiculous it would be to hear Epona speak to him.  Conversation like that was impossible, but then again, he did not need words to understand his oldest friend.

Link heard Talo yell something and broke away from his musings to see him pointing toward the wildlife.  He realized the boy had likely only seen goats and squirrels and that sort and nothing like the small but long-legged creatures that skittered around the open fields.  There were also the aggressive kargaroks that perched high in the trees, and whenever they swooped in too low toward the convoy, one of the two archers in the Hylian column would shoot it down and collect it--likely to prepare it for supper later that evening.

A smile hung on Link’s lips when he turned his attention to Colin and Ilia within the wagon.  Both sat comfortably inside, but while Colin was grinning ear to ear and staring out the window, Ilia’s eyes were focused on her toes.  Link drew Epona up to move closer to ask if she was all right, but before they closed the distance, he overheard the excited voices of Talo and Malo and saw the equally pompous expression over Beth’s face.

They were talking about Midna.

Link decided it was best not to advance … but he did not back down just yet either, curious.  He could only make out snippets of their conversation over the creaking wheels of the carriage and the clomping steps of thirty-six horses.

“…so she didn’t look like that the whole time?” Talo was asking.

“…don’t think so … some weird creature … dark … kinda …” he heard Malo reply.

“How did Link…?  I mean, we never knew…” his brother was asking.

“…pretty, though…”

“I guess….”

Link cringed at their words and what Ilia must have been thinking.  He was a little embarrassed, too.  The children had finally learned that Link had not traveled alone as they had thought.  During Link’s recovery one of the adults must have told the story of Midna breaking the barrier around Hyrule Castle; otherwise, they would not have known of her impish body.  Link felt a slight twinge of guilt at having hid Midna from his friends, but had Midna not wanted it that way?  All the times she had asked to remain hidden in his shadow … it all made sense now.  She had been so ashamed of her appearance and the reactions that might have ensued … like the shock and fear that had filled her castle audience.

And Ilia had not taken the news of his travel partner well in the least.

There were … unresolved things between Ilia and him, things that neither of them knew how to approach.  Everything had been far simpler when Ordon had been their one and only world, when everything was certain.  Link had to wonder how life would have unfolded had life just continued as normal … but his normal life had never truly felt normal.  He could not be quite sure which world he belonged to now.  A life in the woods, ignorant to all that transpired beyond the forests, or a life of travel, a life out from under the canopy of the trees.  Did he belong with Ilia in Ordon, spending his days tending the ranch and riding out into the forest with Rusl and Colin, teaching the children how to fish and fend for themselves in the wild, telling his stories of adventure?

Perhaps he belonged in the city helping to rebuild Hyrule with the Group or even among the princess’s knights.  What if the princess asked to induct him into her service after their voyage?  He tried to imagine himself in a knight’s armor, a silver sheen across his torso and head, red and blue sashes and banners binding him.  He remembered how uncomfortable and unfamiliar the armor Rusl had given him had made him feel and wondered if the armor of a proper knight felt just as tight and constricting.

Then a startling thought occurred.  What if Midna had asked if he could join their entourage because she wanted to request that he return to the Twilight with her?  He had once promised her that he would follow her anywhere.  Would she ask that of him?  To leave his world and follow her into the Twilight once more?  With the Mirror rebuilt and forever bridging their two worlds, though, they would be able to see each other from time to time even if he did not go with her.

If he chose a life full of travel, reaching out beyond even the borders of Hyrule, it warmed his heart to know that he could return and call upon the magic of the Mirror of Twilight to see Midna, to have the ability to know without a doubt that she and her people were safe and well.

It was true that he had a lot to consider, a decision to make as to where his road would lead--or even end--after they arrived at the Arbiter’s Grounds … but his thoughts would have to be put on hold.  The sky had grown darker since he had fallen into his deliberations.  Ahead, a Hylian broke formation to ride back along the column and spread the word that they would soon be breaking to camp for the night.

As they continued forward, Link looked up and saw the moon beginning to take dominance over the sky, the bright crescent cradling its shadow counterpart.

===============

Laughter and smoke rose from the encampment.  Several tents had been erected, one from the Ordonian wagon and the others taken from a cart the Hylians had fueled with provisions for their long road.  At the center of their camp rose the fire which housed the burning kargaroks.  As Rusl tended the soldiers’ game, another Hylian passed out bits of bread and dried vegetables.  The Ordonians and Hylians sat closest to the fire, while the Twili remained at a distance.  Midna had apologized for the appearance of disrespect her people had shown to their ways and attempt to include them by the fire, explaining that most Twili did not enjoy the heat of an orange flame.

The Twili kept to themselves mostly and also refused the food offered to them, making their camp under the stars and next to the small lake close by.  It was not necessarily a lake as it was perhaps a pond or something in between, but its shallow waters stretched far and deep enough that a wooden bridge had been constructed.  They had crossed this bridge before making camp in the southern fields of Hyrule, which meant that Link would be parting ways with the Ordonians tomorrow; they would continue on the road south while Link split off with the royal entourage to the east.

Link and Zelda had been among the first to nestle down next to the fire, Rusl and the soldiers had insisted on that.  Zelda sat on a tree stump with her back to the tents as she sipped from a waterskin.  Link had situated himself with Epona opposite the princess.  He gratefully leaned against her strong body for support and, instead of eating his vegetables, he offered them up to her.

Once everyone had settled in, the Hylians took up seats sporadically around the fire, most sitting in close proximity to their princess but allowing the children from Ordon room to sit and lay closest to the warming fire.  Colin, Ilia, and Beth sat off Link’s right and the young brothers were lying to his left, their excited conversation with two of the soldiers interrupted only when Rusl prodded them with a plate of carved meat.  Their food was nearly devoured by the time Rusl had cut the rest of the birds into enough helpings to feed the surrounding group.

Colin’s mouth watered at the smell of the freshly roasted meat and bit into the wing immediately.  Beth curled her nose at first, but after following Colin’s example and biting into it, she found that she quite liked kargarok meat.  Ilia, though she accepted her helping with a kind thank you, merely nibbled at it as she had with the bread and vegetables.  Link and Zelda were next to receive a serving, the princess having waved Rusl off moments ago in order for the children to be fed first.  Zelda removed her gloves before taking the meat into her delicate fingers.

Link leaned forward to accept his plate and set it down on the ground, but before he could dig into its succulent flavors, pain suddenly stabbed his side.  He sucked in a loud breath as his hand darted to gingerly cover his hidden wound.  Several eyes had turned his way, each with the same unvoiced question floating in their gaze.  As the pain ebbed, Link waved off their concern with a nod and returned to his meal … which had vanished.

A strange sucking and cracking sound broke into the night air, and Link turned to find his perfectly cooked bird leg dangling from Epona’s mouth.  Malo and Talo giggled at the sight, and their laugh infected the entire group, rolling around the campfire until even the princess and dejected Ilia were in tears from mirth.  

By the time Link had wrestled the leg free of Epona’s teeth and offered her another vegetable, Midna strolled up to their circle behind Zelda.  She grinned, having seen the commotion on her way over.  Link realized he was laughing, too, which hurt.  Meat in hand, he clutched at his side and tried to calm his laughter, which only made the children giggle all the more.  When Link looked across the campfire and saw Midna, however, all traces of his merriment immediately faded.  It was strange how the sight of her now made him anxious.  He could not help staring at her, though, as if drinking in everything about her would ensure she would stay with him forever.

Even though she had previously told Rusl that her people would not eat the kargarok meat, he still offered some to her in respect.  Surprisingly, she accepted and sat next to Princess Zelda.  Midna could sense all the eyes on her as she took her place among them and their laughter subsided.  Perhaps they had all thought she would keep to herself as she had mostly done in Kakariko.  She tried to ignore the stares as she picked away a string of meat and put it in her mouth.  

Link watched her eat, reminded of the time she had refused the moldorm meat in the desert.  He remembered imagining the way in which she might eat.  Her expression was blank as she chewed, so whether she did or did not like the taste, he could not tell, leaving him to wonder once more what Twili even ate.  

The others had returned to their meals and previous conversations after a few moments, and after exchanging a soft word with Zelda, the Twilight Princess unconsciously turned her gaze upon Link.  Their eyes locked for that small moment and Midna’s small, knowing smile made an appearance, a smile that told Link everything he wanted--and perhaps did not wish to know.  He could read reassurance in her eyes and lips, that she was happy and thankful to share this moment with him among friends instead of hiding in the shadows.  But he could also see a kind of lingering sadness.  It was faint and well hidden, but through their time together Link had grown accustomed to Midna’s every gesture.  He did not know her exact thoughts, but the hint of distress in her gaze unsettled him.  

He looked away and discovered his appetite had lost itself.  He set the meat down and leaned back against Epona, offering her another vegetable.

“Link, will you tell us a story about your adventure?” piped an excited Talo.

The request startled Link.  His lips parted to answer, but he could not think of what to say.  He looked around and saw that all the children and a few of the Hylians passed him curious looks.  

“Tell us about when you helped the Gorons,” prodded Talo.

“What about the night you brought Ilia and that Zora kid to Kakariko?” suggested Malo.  “That Telma lady said you were really amazing.”

Link’s journey across Hyrule had been like something out of one of Rusl’s stories he had heard growing up in Ordon, and the way they begged and pleaded reminded him of the way he used to ask Rusl for bedtime stories.

Then Beth joined in.  “Tell us how you saved Colin from the monsters!”

Link’s heart caught in his throat.

“No, I know, what about the Master Sword?  Will you tell us how you found it?” countered Talo.

That night still existed as a blurry mess of images in Link’s memory.  He had been driven mad by the magic of Zant, on the verge of losing his sanity.  The only thing he could remember from that night was the lingering voice of Midna guiding him and the blinding, burning light that had saved his soul.

His eyes landed on Midna again as she slowly chewed another bite.  She was not looking at him, perhaps lost in her own memories of the same night.

These were things Link could not bring himself to talk about.  To the children, the thought of his journey was thrilling, but the memories were plagued with pain … both physical and emotional.

Rusl came to his rescue.  “I think it’s time for bed.”

The children, save for Colin, met this with a barrage of complaints, which Rusl could not quiet.  A voice as gentle as the breeze swam through the encampment then, rinsing away the unruly voices of the children.  They looked around in search of the singing hum, which rose louder while remaining soft.  Link, however, did not need to question the source, having heard it before.  He looked toward Princess Zelda as she brought life to the same melody she had sung for the wounded knight in Kakariko.  Now, he could hear the words, but they were alien to him and sounded very ancient.

Even with unintelligible words, the melody soothed the children as they looked to her and listened, enthralled.  After a few verses, their eyes began to droop, and in another few moments, they were snoring.

Link heard a familiar giggle then and looked over at Midna.  He had not heard her laugh for a long while and to hear it breathe the same melody as it had before her transformation filled him with joy.  She met his gaze and he could see that the sadness in her eyes had fled for the moment.

In this moment, Midna was completely at ease with the world, truly as happy as Link had ever seen her, and it set his heart at ease with a smile.

===============
Okay, this whole limit on text file size is annoying. Just a little over 21 pages, and again I must cut her in half. Found a good midway point, though, so tune in to the next part linked below.

This chapter is so nerve-wracking to release, the MOST nerve-wracking actually, because of the iconic Twilight Princess moment it holds at the end. The Mirror Chamber sequence was so entralling to write because I got so into it, but when revising it it just didn't have the full emotion I wanted. It was halfway there, so I dabbled a little more and got it better, and hopefully acceptable to all you devoted diehard TP fans and amazing readers!

I would suggest only reading on after you read, as it will spoil some things in the chapter that were not in the game......

I felt it was important to address what happened to Ganondorf's body, even though it is left still to the reader's imagination of what happened. With the Master Sword returned to the Temple in the end of the game, I'm sure it was on some of our minds what happened to the ole demon. ^_^

Also, we have a great moment added for Renado that I think really extends his character and gives backstory. I think this scene really adds to his depth of character and makes him more than just a mentor-cardboard-cutout. With that, I think it's interesting to realize that not many protagonists are also mentor figures, which Link turns out to become all throughout his journey, or that's at least how I chose to develop him, and we see that in this scene.

The campfire scene I thought was a great addition, to add in and make it real that happiness has indeed returned to Hyrule. I thought it a great moment to add and liven the spirits of our heroes before his spirits are completely crushed. I do this throughout the chapter really, lifting his hope, letting him realize that as long as the mirror's around he has nothing to worry about ... and then BAM.

I love the moment between Link and Colin here, something I always imagined. In the game we only see Colin looking out, but I always imagined that a scene much like this could have played out right before the game cuts to him alone. It also brings the journey of Link's first sword full circle, passed on to a new hero, which I believe was Nintendo's full intent to show that the legend was continuing and being passed to the next generation. This is so important to the theme of the series, and even the thing that lives in all Zelda fans. As we grow older and have our own kids (for me it's my nephews) we pass on our love and passion of this game, and this scene is a great testament to that love.

Most of the book thus far was told by Link, Midna, Zelda, and Ganondorf's POVs, but it was great to switch into Rusl and Colin's POV for a short time with the Ordonian homecoming scenes. I thoroughly enjoyed writing the reunion of everyone (and including poor Fado!!!). I rearranged Rusl and Colin's reunion (the only one altered) to give that surprise of oh the baby's here! I didn't think it important to name the girl, but from the colour of the blanket, I did make the sex concrete "fact." I can't justify naming this character. That's not for me to do. I love the moment Rusl has here.

You'll also see the inclusion of the Ballad of Twilight. I remember a reader saying that they were disappointed that this melody from the howling stones was the only one original to the game, but one I had left out, so I thought this would be the perfect solution.

As you'll notice there are several "tears" shed by different characters throughout the chapter, (Renado, Ilia, and Rusl) each showing a different reason why people cry, like guilt, hope, and happiness) culminating in the saddest tear from Midna. I thought this a great theme for the chapter since we all know how it ends.

Having the Twili was a great addition to the chapter. It produces some hanging dread, I think, Link seeing all these guys leaving and knowing that Midna will soon do the same.

I don't know what to say about the final moments, only that they were some of the hardest and best moments I've had writing this. It made my heart beat faster and made the dread seep into my heart. It was both heartwarming to make it this far, but also heartbreaking in how I had to end it. But it was the perfect bittersweet ending when I played the game, and it is still a great way to end the story of the Twilight Princess.

Now, a note on shipping. I have NEVER confirmed in this novel that Link and Midna are "in love" or whether they are just the BEST of friends. It was a fine line to tread, and I hope I've done okay so far. I'm still dancing on that line in the last two chapters, but I've always thought it important to leave it up to the reader to decide whether it was the deepest friendship or unrequitted love that they felt for each other. I left it open like this because I also leave it open for the possibility for ZeLink and LIlia shippers, as I think that's only fair.

At any rate, I hope you enjoy the chapter. Sorry this one took so long, but I HAD to get it right and be comfortable with it before I posted it.

With much love and care to all you incredible TP fans and amazing supporters of this novel,
^_^

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© 2012 - 2024 Stephonika-W-Kaye
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Zelink5's avatar
Amazing again! How do you possibly come up with this?! This is amazing!