Post by doomsdaylee on May 17, 2009 2:12:28 GMT -5
Of course I will Cinceo, itll just take a little while." Midna assured. Cinceo was silent, unsure of what to do or say. "...Thank you." Midna amended, releasing him.
"I-It's my duty Queen Midna..." Cinceo stumbled over his words at first, his black skin flushing again, now over her embracing him. "And my pleasure." He admitted, moving out of Midna's way.
"Be sure to get those bars finished soon Cinceo. I'd rather not see my castle overlooking rubble." She smiled a little to Cinceo, continueing up to her chambers. Cinceo, more than a little flustered, made his way back down the stairs, heading for his forge in the west wing of the castle when he felt something bump his foot. Blinking curiously, Cinceo plucked the strange shaped, strange feeling stone from the ground. It felt much lighter than the other stones strewn about the ground that had fallen from the castle walls, or the castle ceiling, and it looked darker. Cinceo ran his finger across the incredibly smooth surface of it, tracing what appeared to be intricate lines just below the stones surface, hardly visible against the black of the stone. The edges of one side of the stone seemed sharp and jagged, however, in stark contrast to the rest of the strange rock, as if it had been broken off on one side. The stone felt familiar, for some strange reason that Cinceo couldn't place, and warm, as if alight with a gentle flame from the inside. Cinceo palmed the stone, smiling to himself and making his way back to his forge.
Chapter 3
"Technicalities indeed!" Utane said angrily, kicking a newly repaired door. Although he was only an advisor, normally a very simple job that consisted entirely on giving his oppionion, he was being forced to do work, along with the others. The other fools didn't seem to mind. "Who does she think she is!? We did fine without her, and yet those idiots Oldan and Cinceo insist on getting her back!"
"Careful Utane." Sagol said, approaching the older Twili from behind. Utane wasn't old, by any means but he was a fair deal older than Midna. "Such proclamations may seem treasonous, especially with the former King's warmth still heating the throne. Such thoughts may linger on your execution." Sagol had a habit of speaking in a manner such as this when Midna was out of ear-shot
"Cease that prattling Sagol, and speak normally." The older snapped. If there was one thing Utane couldn't stand about Sagol, it was his preachy way of speech. True, Utane understood him, but it still was irritating to be required to have to decipher his way of talking.
"If you want. What I said wa-"
"I know what you said! It just irritates me. Besides, no one is here to hear."
"Still pretty stupid to take risks." Sagol said simply.
"What do you know?" Utane rolled his eyes. "Such an ungreatful brat. If it were not for me-"
"If it were not for you, the land would not be as accessible, we well know. But, your job, Utane, is forfeit. Look around, Midna has no more use for you." And that. Utane hated that as well. Sagol's know-it-all attitude. However, he was right. "Zant had a use for you. He needed you else where, but he needed you. Midna is using you as a worker, not an advisor." Sagol's eyes glimmered with the dark power Zant had gifted the Twili. Utane was silent, looking over to Sagol. The younger Twilis face was unreadable.
"Zant is dead." Utane responded bluntly, slowly, wondering where Sagol was going with this.
"Zant is, but his message, his ideas, still remain." Sagol spoke with a fervor rivaling how one would speak of his God, "With the Hero."
"The Hero?"
"Yes. One from the Realm of Light. He followed Midna. He's blonde, and he wears a green outfit. He claims that he fought and killed Zant because he was weak, but that he agreed with the King, and would stand against Midna. He wields a blade like I have never seen, one that no one can stand against. He claims he'll give us power beyond Zants wildest dreams if we serve him."
"Is that so? Where does he reside?"
"Outside of town, in a small cave. He plots against Midna, and will soon grant us all power!" Utane was still unconvinced, despite the way that Sagol spoke like this Hero was a God, with such a .
"...Take me to meet him." Utane demanded. This caught Sagol unawares.
"What?"
"Take me to meet this Hero. If he's so great, surely he wouldn't mind proving it himself." Sagol's composure returned as quick as it had dissapeared.
"Of course. Let us be on our way." The Twili male nodded, beginning off away from the city, leading Utane to their new revolutionary leader.
Chapter 4
It had now been a month since Midna had returned, and the industrious people of Umbra had nearly finished rebuilding their city. However, during the midst of all this, Midna had noticed a very disturbing fact. She head heard of whispers through Umbra of betrayal, of people still loyal to Zant. Midna wouldn't have it. She had sent for the three she had heard of, and now sat in her throne room, waiting for them. Cinceo stood by her right hand, Naelroc on his belt loop as usual, and a sword on his hip. Cinceo hoped that he didn't have to use either, but he would if it came down to it. On Midna's left, standing tall, and wearing an expression of aggression hard enough to melt steel, Oldan stood, a broadsword on his back, and a sword and shield over that. Both were readily available, and, unlike Cinceo, Oldan was more than willing to use them.
Before them, after a moment, Utane, Sagol, and a twili female, a cook in the small town by the name of Viera walked into the room.
'Not walked...' Cinceo silently noted. 'More like glided...' Cinceo didn't know how to explain it, but as they made their silent way into the room, they seemed lighter than air, and un-nervingly calm. Even Utane, who was short-tempered, and, on previous occasions of being called before Midna, would make a small racket coming into the room, and demand that the event be done with as soon as possible. But now, he walked with such certainty and silence it sent a chill up Cinceo's spine. Steeling himself, Cinceo donned a stoic mask of indifference, his hand falling to Naelroc's head in a habitual comforting gesture.
"Sagol, Utane, and Viera. Thank you for coming." Midna said calmly, seemingly unshaken by these three specters.
"Of course lady Midna." Utane responded with frightening calmness. "What is it we can do for you?"
"I've heard some..." Midna stopped for a moment, thinking, searching for the right word. "Distrubing rumors of whispers of rebellion, whispers of the former King Zant, coming from you three. Now, I'd like nothing more than to hear from your mouths that these are all false." Midna was attempting to diplomatic, to not offend these three, because she didn't know how much power these three had.
"Of course they are." Viera's responce came in a hiss, quiet and almost unhearable. "After all Lady Midna,"
"we want nothing more," Utane picked up from where Viera left off.
"than to serve you," Sagol continued.
"just as we did before Zant came onto the scene." The three finished in perfect synchronization, sending chills up Cinceo's spine. Midna didn't react to this.
"Is that so?" Oldan asked, his face dropping more and more into anger by the word.
"Than you'd have no problem reswearing your loyalty?" Midna rose a single eyebrow. The three hissed a chuckle in perfect sync, once again causing the blacksmith to shiver.
"Of course not Lady Midna. As we said, your word is law, and your thought is our-" Midna waved a hand, silencing Sagol.
"If you're going to swear your loyalty, than I want you to do it the real way."
"The...real way Lady Midna?" Sagol asked, his voice slowed by confusion.
"You're such a big fan of the "right way" of doing things Utane, you should know the entire thing." Sagol's eyes lit up with recognition.
"Oh! Of course!" Utane stepped forewards.
"I speak for the three of you-"
"No. I want this done singularly. Utane, if you are the speaker, than by all means, speak first."
"I, Utane, solomnly swear on my ancestors that I shall serve The Twilight Queen, Midna, loyally, and without hesitation." Utane swore, falling to one knee, head bowed in Midna's presence. Midna nodded, though she felt something was wrong. Nothing with the oath, Midna knew that, but...something was off. Midna didn't let it show on her face. She knew better than to show when she felt nervous. Next was Sagol, who mirrored Utane's oath with chilling accruacy, matching Utanes pitch, his tone, even his timing in speaking. It was the same with Viera. Midna sighed. This had been a futile waste of time.
"Very well. Thank you all, and I apol-" Cutting Midna off suddenly, was a shrill shriek of terror from one of Midna's female guards. From out of no where. a large, hulking black figure sprung, batting at the female who screamed, throwing her into another guard, three more of the beasts coming from behind it. Shadow Beasts! But that was impossible! Zant was...
"Protect the Princess!" Oldan ordered, drawing his sword and sheild, knowing the speed would be better than the large size, and the sheild was more important for protecting Midna and standing before his Queen. Cinceo stepped forewards, trusting Oldan to keep her safe, drawing Naleroc in one hand, and the short sword in the other. Cinceo ran forewards, the guards forming a loose circle around him and the four, three of the strongest knights running in to help Cinceo. Cinceo let the world around him dissappear, narrowing his attention down to just him, the knights, the beasts, and the one he could never let escape his mind, Midna.
"One per beast, help one another if possible." The knights nodded, pulling out their weapons as they engaged their own enemies. Cinceo nodded, smiling lightly t the Knights ability to conform to a plan so quickly. Suddenly, Cinceo felt an enormous pressure on is chest, as the beast tackled him, pinning the Vassal to the ground, and knocking the blade out of his hand. The sword skittered across the ground away from the vassal, but to far for one of the Guards to retreive it for him. The Shadow beast rose it's right arm, aiming to claw through Cinceo's neck, but Cinceo was to quick, bringing Naelroc up and jamming the top of the head into the monsters chest. The Shadow Beast hissed, jumping back in surprise. Cinceo knew he didn't have much time, rising to his feet, turning, and bolting for his sword, all in the same motion. The monster was upon him within seconds, and leapt, aiming it's claws for Cinceo's back. Cinceo reached out, closing his fingers around the hilt of the blade, whirling onto his back, and blocking the claws with the sword all within seconds. The monster pressed it's calws into the sword, ignoring the pain as it stood over the Vassal. Cinceo's arm shook, the strength of the monster to great as he heard the blade began to crack, despite the blood dripping on Cinceo's chest. From the corner of his eye, Cinceo saw Midna start to rise, a spear seemingly appearing in her hand from behind the throne, but Oldan took the spear from her and gently sit her back down, no doubt teling her to let them handle it. The Shadow Beast lowered it's heard towards Cinceo's, letting out a hiss, gloating in it's assured victory. Suddenly, Cinceo moved his body sharply to 'the right, letting the blade drop, and the monster fall to the ground, it's head nearly hitting the extravagent floor. As it rose it's head to hiss at Cinceo in distaste, it saw Naelroc's head coming towards it's own for a mere split second, before a gruesome crunching sound heralded it's falling. Cinceo rose with a smile, wipeing at the blood on his cloths, than hardened his face again, turning towards the others. Two of the knights had finished with their beasts as well, and now assisted the third with the last one. Just as Cinceo started to go to assist, he heard Midna.
"No! Don't let it-!" To late. The Shadow Beast saw that it's allies had fallen, and let out an ear-splitting howl. The howl froze the knights, as well as Cinceo. The monster used this moment to its advantage, turning, and leaping over the guards, running out of the castle, seeming satisfied with doing what little damage to the Twili it had caused. Cinceo regained his composure, and the ability to move, and looked back to Midna.
"What is it M'lady?" He asked. Midna said nothing, pointing at the Shadow Beast he had fallen with a look that seemed to be a mix of fear and disgust. A sickening crack called Cinceos attention to that very spot, and Cinceo nearly collapsed in shock. "I-Impossible!!" Was the only word that came to mind. The skull, or, rather, what was left of it, of the shadow beast he had beaten, was repairing, knitting itself back together, cracking and popping as he did, in a manner that was to much for more than one of the guards, and sent them out of the room to empty their stoumachs. Cinceo felt woozy for a moment, but stood strong, moving in between the thing and Midna. After nearly a full moment, the beast rose, in perfect syncronization with the other two, and barreled through the guards, one leaping over them as the first had. Cinceo let out a breath of relief that the whole thing was over, but swore he'd never be able to get to sleep again after seeing that. He approached Midna again, who was hunched over, elbows on her legs, and face in her hands. It almost looked like she was crying. But, not Midna. Impossible! Their strong leader?
"M-M'lady?" Cinceo said, his voice full of concern.
"You alright, your Highness?" Oldan asked, a second behind.
"It...It can't be..." She whispered into her hands. "He...He's dead...Me and..." She shook her head, biting her lip.
"M'lady!"
"I...I need..." She rose suddenly. "I need a moment!" She choked out, moving gracefully, but swiftly to her room, trying not to run and alert her guards. Cinceo made a fist, his fingernails digging into his palm, leaving little crescent moons. Whatever had happened back in the world of light...Cinceo looked down.
"I've...got to find out...I've got to fix this for Midna." He whispered to himself. Cinceo was jolted out of his trance-like state by Oldan clapping a hand on his shoulder.
"Cinceo, go talk to her." The general told him.
"Oldan?"
"I'd do it, but look around. We've got three missing things." The general motioned to the area before the throne, where Sagol, Utane, and Viera had been standing before the Shadow Beasts attack. Now, they were nowhere to be found. "I'm going to go hunt them down, I think they've got some questions to anwser. Go talk to Queen Midna in the meanwhile." Oldan nodded to Cinceo. Cinceo took a breath, and nodded back, heading down the hallway, and after Midna.
Chapter 5
"Midna?" Cinceo asked, standing before the door of her chambers. He bit his lip, knocking the large double doors. "Queen Midna..." Still, silence on the other side. "...Queen Midna, it's only me. I want to speak with you..."
"...Cinceo..." The tone was disapproving, like she didn't want to speak with him, and thought it wrong he wanted to speak with her.
"Queen Midna, I'm your vassal, that means-"
"I know what it means." The voice was quiet, not angry, not sad, just quiet.
"I know you do, I just want to say it... Just please...humor me." There was silence, Cinceo decided to simply continue. "As a vassal, I am your loyal servant, I trade my freedom, my service, my life to you in exchange for when you saved me."
"...I hardly saved you Cinceo." The voice came with a small chuckle. "My parents provided a place to stay, rest, and food."
"It was more than I had. And besides, even if you didn't, I care about your well being Midna, not the Queen's well being.." Cinceo made a fist, hoping he could get through to her. "I just want to know what's bothering you. Maybe I can hel-"
"You can't help." Midna cut him off. "I have to deal with this on my own..."
"Forgive me for saying, Midna, but I don't think you can." This was met by a sound within. "I want to help you out Midna, Queen or no Queen. I want to hel-" Suddenly, the door swung open, Midna sanding there, a wild, frantic look in her eyes. She grabbed the front of Cinceo's shirt, pulling him into her room, and closing the door. There was an edge of woeful anger to her voice, like Cinceo had killed her pet bird. Her eyes bore into his, signs of her crying plain on her face. The fact she had been crying alone shocked Cinceo.
"Do you want to know what it is!?" She exclaimed, never looking away from his eyes. "In the world of Light, Hyrule, I..." She ground her teeth. "I made a...close friend in the world of Light. He and I faught to defeat Zant, and had worked together for a very long time, and lived very closely and I miss him! And, to compound this long-" Midna cut herself off, deciding to reword herself. 'This missing him, Zant's Shadow Beast lackies have returned. He and I only were able to beat them together, by working together. You faught them! They won't die unless killed right! So now, not only do I miss the Hero of Hyrule a great deal, but now I have to fear for my people, for the fact we no longer have a Hero from the world of light to help me kill either these beasts OR Zant himself, should he truly be back!" She exclaimed, seeming close to tears again. She was frantic, worry, sorrow and anger mixing in her voice.
"M-Midna." Cinceo said slowly. "I...I'm sorry..I had...no idea."
"That's the idea." Midna turned her back to Cinceo. "People can't see how weak I look, they need to see a strong queen, one who fears nothing, and faces the future with a strong heart, unafraid of what's to come." She said slowly.
"You are strong Midna." Cinceo assured.
"I know that!" Midna smirked over her shoulder, suddenly masking the pain she had just bore to her friend. "But it doesn't look like that does it?"
"...You've become very good at hiding it Midna." Cinceo said gently. Midna looked forewards, looking out the window again at the city, the people going about their days with little care in their lives, trusing her to keep them safe. Cinceo walked up to her, not quite beside her, but more so than he normally did. As private as this moment between them, Cinceo still wanted to be proper.
"Haven't I?" She responded. "You know, you haven't helped me deal with this problem."
"Yeah, I know. I can lea-"
"No...No, that's ok. You can stay here. I want have someone to smack if I get upset." Midna smiled to her vassal.
"Alright."
"What's happened with Sagol's little group?" Midna asked after a moment.
"...I'm not su-" Cinceo began. Midna shot him a look.
"Did you miss the "Strong Heart Queen" section of our little back and forth there? I can deal with business now or any time. So come on, out with it." Cinceo sighed, and held back a smile about Midna.
"They dissapeared. Oldan is sending a group out to find them. He said he wanted to come up here, but he had to attend to business first."
"He's right." Midna nodded. "Though I'm glad you did come here. If Zant is back, he'll need supporters before he can do anything, and I fear those three are the start of it."
"Mmm." Cinceo nodded, both continueing to look out the window as another moment of nearly akward silence passed.
"Hey, Cinceo?" Midna began.
"Yea-" Cinceo stopped, cleared his throat, and tried again. "Yes, my Queen?" Midna smiled a little at this.
"Can you do me a favor?"
"Do I have a choice?" Cinceo asked, meaning it sarcastically, but looking to his Queen with an innocent look in his eye. Midna smirked a little.
"No, not really."
"Than I guess I must." More sarcasm.
"First, knock that off." The command was serious, but spoken with a light tone.
"Do I have a choice?" He cocked his head, the sarcastic tone never leaving his voice, causing Midna to smack the back of his head lightly, and both to chuckle. The whole exchange more a joke between friends than a show of disrespect from vassal to master. "Fine, Alright. Second M'lady?"
"Tell Oldan if he ever holds me back again, I'm going to smack him, than demote him to a page so fast it'll make his head spin." Cinceo smiled and nodded. He figured this was a joke, judging by her tone of voice, but he wasn't sure. "If I may, Queen Midna, I'd like to continue in the forge."
"Yes, you can go. Be sure to pass on my message, alright?
"Of course M'lady." Cinceo inclined his head, turning around, and making his way out of her room, thinking to himself that he made a difference. He didn't know if it was true or not.
Back in Cinceo's forge, he grunted, wiping the sweat from his forehead. The fire burned feircly, engulfing the long peice of metal he was currently hammering away at, folding and hammering, folding and hammering, the repatition comforting to him. He knew it'd almost be time to add in his secret ingrediant, and his gift would be compleate. Cinceo listened to Naelroc ringing out, the sound like a bell to him. Clang....Clang....Clang... He pulled out the metal with a pair of tongs and dipped it into a bucket of water that lay beside him, listening to the loud hiss. The sphymony of the forge went on to the next movement.
Chapter 6
Umbra was turned upside-down, looking for the trio, knights looking through every home in the city. However, dispite a full day of hunting for them, no traces of the suspected betrayers were found. Cinceo frowned, biting the inside of his lip, pacing the throne room. Midna watched him walking back and forth, his face, normally upturned in the confident smile the Twili frquently wore now in a worried frown. Interesting how even his walk seemed different now that he was worried. His steps were shorter, quicker together, and his hands were interlaced behind his waist, the blacksmith bent slightly at the hips, looking at the floor. Midna shook her head.
"Cinceo, for Godesses sake calm down." Midna said with a small smile, amused that the roles were suddenly reversed. Cinceo gave the Queen a look, a way of saying "You're telling me this?" to her, yet, keeping it between them.
"I can't, my Queen. The fact we can't find three people is quite frankly, upsetting."
"Well, go work in the forge than. That always calms you down."
"I'd rather be by your side. Besides, my arms are still sore from earlier today."
"Than stop complaining and relax." Midna smiled a little.
"...You're enjoying this, aren't you, my Queen?" Cinceo asked, shooting her a glance.
"Immensly." She chuckled.
"Well, with all due respect, my Queen, you ca-"
"Queen Midna!" A voice from the hallway cut off Cinceo's witty response. "We found someone!"
"Bring him in, quickly." The queen was suddenly all business. Cinceo swallowed his apprehentions, standing beside and slightly ahead of her, Naelroc within easy reach, knowing a blade was much less useful than Naelroc in his hands. The doors opened, and two gaurds dragged in an injured Twili, fear in his eyes.
"We found him speaking with Sagol, and he tried to run with him when we came." Midna stood, and when Cinceo moved to stop her, shot him a look that made him recoil in surprise. She wasn't going to be stopped again, and if this was one of the people who was conspireing with her most hated enemy, he was going to tell her everything, by any means nessicary. The vassal recoiling had apparently scared the Twili, who struggled to get away. Midna faced him. He looked young, a teenager.
"What's your name?"
"I-I'm" He gulped. "I-I'm..." Midna took a breath, calming herself.
"Calm down. I'm not going to hurt you. Co-opperate, and you can return home, unharmed." Midna promised. "Now, let's try again." She said softly. "What is your name?"
"...I'm...Ninak, wise Queen." Midna ignored the wise queen bit, giving a look to an elderly Twili who kept the records that Midna had.
"Ninak is a theif whom has known no home, my Queen."
"Ah, I see..." Midna put a hand to her chin, stepping away from the theif. Umbra, while for the most part was a thriving, bustleing city, had it's share problems and theives, just as any other. Was this why this young male was betraying her? "Tell me Ninak, what were you and Sagol discussing?"
"...We were...speaking about...a hero."
"A hero?" Midna asked.
"Yes. One who carried on Zant's ideals." The theif said. "N-not that I agree with them! That's just what we were talking about!" Ninak amended, a little to hastily.
"Don't worry, you're not being accused of anthing Ninak." Midna assured. "Now, tell me more."
"He didn't say much before you guys showed up, but he did say he had defeated Zant because he was weak, and had come to our realm from the world of light, to spread the ideals Zant had." When Midna heard this, her emotions had suddenly become jumbled. This hero, there was no way it could've been...She had mixed parts anger, worry and sorrow.
"What is this Hero's name?" Midna demanded, the worry and anger mixing in her voice, her eyes sharp on Ninak's.
"H-He never said." The theif shook his head, looking away from Midna. "I swear." Midna took a breath, her eyes leaving Ninak, turning in favor of the ever-twilight sky.
"Very well...Cinceo." Cinceo had been waiting for his name to be called.
"Yes, My Queen?"
"I want you to take Ninak. Bring him to an empty room, than go and find him some food."
"W-What?" Ninak looked up to the queen with wide eyes, shocked at the Queen's kindness.
"If you think it wise, My Lady." Cinceo bowed, and when he rose, looked to Ninak. "Come with me." He told the theif, bringing him down the hall, offering his shoulder, due to Ninaks injured leg. Ninak looked to Cinceo as they made their way towards Ninak's new room.
"Why?" Ninak asked.
"You'll need to be more specific." Cinceo responed, looking forewards.
"Why would she do this for me? I'm just a theif, and Sagol sa-"
"Let me cut you off there. First off, ignore whatever Sagol says. He's a liar. And, to anwser your other question, because our Queen is a benevolent one. Almost as kind to her people as she is beautiful." Cinceo said, his eyes looking ahead, not really seeing as he spoke of Midna.
"...You really care for her." Ninak said, more of a statement than a question. Cinceo nodded, than realised what he said, his head snapping to Ninak, anger in his eyes. "Don't worry, I won't say anything. I'm a theif, I break the rules all the time!"
"...Yeah..Thanks.."
"Don't say thanks. This is a down payment. You owe me hammer boy." Cinceo looked to Ninak, meeting the theives eyes. "Hey, I'm resting here until Midna kicks me out, but I'm still a theif. I gotta make sure I can eat after I'm useful to her."
"She'll still be kind to you than." Cinceo told Ninak, opening the door to his room. The Blacksmith brought him to the bed. "I'll be going than, I'll be back with your food soon." He told him, walking from the room, thinking about their conversation. He made his way to the kitchen, and drew in a sharp gasp at what he saw.
Chapter 7
Midna put her fingers on her temples, rubbing gently in attempt to sooth the headache that had sprung up at her thinking of what was going on with this "hero." In her mind, there was no possible way it could be who she thought, but... Who else? Unless he was lieing. Which was entirely possible. Even probable. Midna nodded to herself, agreeing with her own attempt to make herself feel better. She decided she'd ask Ninak about it next time she spoke with the theif. Suddenly, cutting into her tranquility:
"My Queen!!" Cinceo's nearly panicked voice came from the hall, the vassal soon following his voice, running into the throne room. "My Queen, Alran has been murdered!" At this news, Midna jumped from the throne, getting to her feet.
"What!?" She cried, looking the blacksmiths eyes. His eyes were frantic, but not hystaric. Cinceo was in control, but he was worried, maybe scared. Midna couldn't tell. "Where? Take me to him."
"At once." Cinceo nodded, taking her hand, and running with her to the kitchen, where he had found the cook, dead with a sword wound in the back. It looked like he had been stabbed just to the right of the spine, three times, and judgeing by the blood, he had bled out. Cinceo knelt to the fallen cook's side, examining the body for anything else wrong, but Midna stood strait.
"Cinceo." She whispered. "Stand up, slowly." Cinceo looked up, baffled at the Queen's command, but did as she commanded, slowly rising. "We're in a trap. Don't show that you know."
"Why do you think that? Queen Midna?"
"This is a kitchen in a castle, full of people snacking and cooking at any time. How could he have bled to death in such an area? Why wouldn't have anyone helped him?" She looked to Cinceo, keeping her voice down. She than spoke in a normal tone of voice. "Poor Alran, He was a good, loyal man. It is a shame that he had to die in such a disrespectful death. Cinceo, please call someone to take the body to a proper end." She told him.
"M-My Quee-"
"I'll notify the family myself." Midna told him, her eyes sharp, commanding. Midna smirked a little, she knew that Cinceo knew very well that this was not the request that it sounded like. This was an ordr. Midna wanted to be in the room alone. Well, alone with the killer. Or, would that be killers? Midna would find out soon. Cinceo knelt down, picking up the body, and bringing it out of the room. Midna waited until she knew Cinceo was out of earshot, and cleared her throat.
"Alright. I know you are there. Do not insult my intelligence by thinking I don't. Now, come out, and let me see the murderers who killed my favorite pastry chef." She said, a serious look on her face. She was serious, that was her favorite pastry chef, and she wanted to find out who was betraying her. From the corner of the room, a male came from the shadows. His face was black, as black as the night sky. His hair had been covered in a hood, and his body by a cloak, both making him blend into the darkness. He smirked, and the aged way his face looked told Midna that he was a leader of some sort. More than likely, someone with a great deal of respect from the forces that Sagol and Utane had amassed. Midna had always suspected that they had more than just a few workers. But for them to have corrupted an assassin? Or worse, trained one? She shook her head. No, not one. They woldn't send anyone respected unless there were more. Why would they send a leader with no troops to lead? "How many of there are you?"
"There is only one, Queen Midna." The Assasin responded, a sly grin on his face. Her eyes were highly active, going from his eyes, to his arms, to his hands, to his waist, to his legs, than to her sides. She wasn't buying his lie.
"I see. Very decent of you, an assassin, to murder one of my chefs, suddenly make the whole of my kitchen staff, not to mention the people who come here for snacks, dissapere, but face me himself, alone." Midna said with a sweet smile, mocking the assassin. Suddenly, she spun, catching the wrist of another assassin that had snuck behind her, and attempted to stab her in the top of the spine. Midna let the momentum of the stab carry the would-be killer, dragging her foot across the floor, catching his foot, and using his momentum to flip the assassin on his back, taking his knife, and standing ready. She didn't know how many of them there were, but she'd fight all of them. The leader frowned, but pulled a Sai from his cloak, lunging at Midna. Midna dodged by leaning to the right, turning into a single spin as she got behind him, trying to slice his back, her robes fell around her softly, making her fighting seem more like a graceful, deadly dance. The assassin grunted, grinding his teeth as the knife sliced through his back, leaving a shallow, but still painful, line. He spun, going to stab the Queen in the belly, but Midna brought her blade down, slicing into one of his knuckles, catching the sai at one of the loops, just before the middle blade hit her belly. The assassin grinned through the pain as the two blades shook, each testing their strength against the other, a battle the assassin was sure he'd win. From behind Midna, the second assassin, the one from whom she had taken the knife, had risen, snuck behind Midna, and was preparing to wrap his hands around her neck. Midna suddenly let her blade rise, letting her body fall and roll to the left. The leader hadn't expected this movement, and had no time to stop himself before he had killed his subordinate. As the assassin fell, the leader glared at Midna, suddenly lunging, aiming a strike for her heart. Midna smirked, ducking down, just as a third assassin slashed where her head was a few moments ago. She rolled forewards, knocking the leader over, than went back to her feet, turning and going to slice the leader, who rolled out of the way. Midna felt her fatiuge catching up with her, the adrenaline ebbing out of her veins. The assassins, however, smirked, their bodies seeming uneffected by the fighting. Midna suddenly lunged, deciding to end this as fast as she could, her blade sinking fataly into the third assassin. The leader grinned even wider, taking in a deep breath. And, just as soon as Midna saw him, the leader started to let out a screech.
Chapter 8
The leader started to let out a loud screech, freezing Midna to the spot. It was the sound that the Shadow beasts had made when reviving their fallen allies. His face had split as he cried, widening and starting to become a shadow beast. Midna didn't know if she could hold off three shadow beasts by herself for long enough for someone to show up. However, just as she thought this, just before the Leader had let out enough of a cry to wake his allies, a wooshing came to Midna's ears. Naelroc flew threw the air, the handle catching the lead Shadow Beast in the head, silencing the call, and knocking him to the floor. Cinceo blew past Midna, leaping onto the fallen creature, covering his mouth with his hand as he ripped a peice of the cloak from the assassin, wrapping it tighly around his mouth. Cinceo kept his hand around the assassin's wrists. The assassin struggled, his body shifting back to that of a Twili.
"Thank you for your timely assistance Cinceo. But I'd like to ask you to refrain from throwing your hammer in the kitchen." Midna said with a laugh of relief. "Bring him away from his friends, into a room so we can speak with him without him screaming at us." Cinceo nodded, dragging him into the living hall, pushing the assassin into one of the rooms, waiting for Midna to enter, than closing the door behind him.
"You've come at just the right time, assassin." Midna said with a pleasant smile. "You see, I've been wondering what your masters were planning."
"They're planning your death." He snapped back darkly, a small smirk on his face.
"Obviously if they're sending such frighteningly competent assassins after me." She responded, a small, coy smirk on her face. The assassin barked a single laugh.
"You make the mistake of thinking I have fear of you. I know you, little Queen. You won't resort to torture to get your awnsers. You're to soft-hearted."
"Am I?" Midna asked, raising a single brow. She nodded to Cinceo, who covered the Assassins mouth. Midna opened the door. "Oldan!" She called. "Would you come here for a moment?" As the General walked into the room, Midna turned to the Assassin with a smirk. "You see, Assassin." She said, smirking as the expression on Oldan's face darkened. "I may not like torture, but I have been known to turn a blind eye to certain things that benefit me. And General Oldan here has no such constraints against harming those who would try to kill his friends. As a matter of fact, the only reason he hasn't attacked you as of right now is because I am in the room."
"If I may interupt, my Queen." Oldan interjected. "The only reason is because you are speaking to him, otherwise, my hands would be around his neck right now." Midna smirked, crossing her arms, raising a brow again, this time in victory. The Assassin barked another laugh.
"You can't bluff me little girl." The assassin taunted. "I know you won't have this in your castle!"
"I suppose you're right." She said with a sigh. "I cannot bluff you. Come Cinceo, let's leave Oldan alone with our guest."
"Hey, Cinc, can I borrow Naelroc for a little bit?" Oldan asked, opening his hand for the heavy hammer.
"Sure." Cinceo said, slowly relinquishing his hammer, always hesitent to part with his tool. The Queen and Vassal left from the room, closing the door behind them, and leaving Oldan to his dirty work.
When Midna and Cinceo returned, the Assassin looked horrible. Oldan had worked out all of his frustraitions on the Assassin, and gotten his vengance on Midna's behalf. Naelroc had been used to frightening effect, and the Assassin had decided to talk. Oldan had left to clean off Naelroc before he returned it, leaving Cinceo and Midna with the Assassin.
"So, how was your chat with Oldan?" Midna asked with that dark humor she tended to fall on. The assassin was silent, his head dropping. "Now than, I'd like to talk to you about Sagol and this 'Hero' I keep hearing about. First thing is first, how many of you are there? And are any specialised?"
"...Fifty-eight people. Twelve cooks, Six Assasins, including me, twenty gaurds, and the rest are a mix of servants and normal people."
"Sagol is the leader?"
"No, The Hero is. He leads us."
"This hero again...." Cinceo said quietly, looking to Midna.
"Who is this hero?" Midna asked, a small bit of desperation fading into her eyes.
"The hero is a great warrior, an adventurer from another world, one who is unmatched by any of our men."
"What's their name?"
"He weilds a great sword, one that gleams with a powerful, burning light."
"His name!" Minda demanded, getting a little frantic. "What is his name!?"
"He is a great archer, and a superb rider, able to tame the Twilight birds when he first came."
"His name!!?"
"His name...is Link."
Chapter 9
"L-L-Link?" Midna stuttered, shocked. It couldn't be! "You're lieing!!" She shouted, outraged that such a thing could be said. "How DARE you say that!!?"
"The truth hurts, doesn't it, Queen Midna?" The assassin said with a little smirk. As the words left his mouth, Midna slapped him across the face, her hair rising as the magic within her flared in anger. Cinceo put a hand on her forearm, the touch of her close friend calming the Queen, but not by much. The assassin started chuckling. This chuckle grew in volume, slowly at first, but soon became a loud, booming laugh. "You idiot woman! Think about it for a moment! How else could I know the hero of the world of lights name!? The hero himself told us! He said he remembered you, and that this was because of you!" Midna grit her teeth, the comment sinking in and hitting a nerve. Cinceo balled his fist, tempted to strike the man, but he didn't, not without Midna's say so. Instead, he decided to try to change to subject.
"How are you and your men turning into Shadow Beasts? I thought one had to stay a shadow Beast." Cinceo asked through gritted teeth, trying to hold back his anger. The assassin simply grinned widly.
"Perhaps weak ones, such as you would. But with the power of the Her-" The assassin stopped, remembered Midna's reaction, and grinned. "I'm sorry, Link's power," Midna gritted her teeth, eyes narrowing. "we can turn our shapes back and forth at will. It truly makes us the greatest assassins." He grinned. "Now, I suggest you let me go, now, oh stupid queen." Midna narrowed her eyes, a hateful glint in her eyes.
"And why would I do that?"
"If you don't, the war will start now." This caught Midna's attention, curiosity and anger leaking into her voice.
"War? What are you babbleing about?"
"If I do not return by tommorow, Link will start his war. He will begin attacking this castle, and he will not stop until you are dead, and the Twilight Realm is under it's rightful control." Midna grit her teeth, infuriated beyond reason over these lies of Link being here, and fighting against her.
"Than we'll just have to take that chance. Cinceo!"
"Yes, my Queen?"
"Take him to the dungeon." She said turning. "The next I want to see of him is a broken man or a skeleton, whatever comes first." She said coldly. Cinceo was shocked. Midna had never used the dungeon, much less to such a horrible extent. However, he was her vassal, and sworn to do as she commanded.
The next day, Midna had called for Cinceo once again. Cinceo went into her room quietly, unsure of what to expect.
"Thank you for coming so quickly Cinceo." Midna told him as he entered her room, shutting the door behind him. Midna was doing what she always seemed to be doing when he entered, and looking out her window to her people.
"Not at all, my Queen." Cinceo said respectfully, bowing his head slighly. "What can I do for you?"
"You can drop the act Cinceo, we're alone. I don't need a vassal right now, I need a friend."
"Alright Midna. What do you need?" Cinceo obayed his Queen's orders, hearing the confliction in her voice.
"...I'm questioning myself Cinceo." Midna said, not looking at him. "Did I do right with that Assassin?" Cinceo chuckled, drawing Midna's glare. "This is not a laughing matter Cinceo. I reacted out of anger, and I don't think I did right."
"I'm the wrong person to ask, Midna, if you want me to tell you locking that guy up for the rest of his life was wrong, or reacting out of anger. He was a fool Assassin that deserved no better than that for attacking you."
"He used to be one of my people." Midna said.
"Used to." He echoed, approaching his Queen. "But he cast his fate with this Hero they claim they have."
"I still don't feel right..." She said quietly.
"...Midna, I sense there's something else." Cinceo said quietly. When Midna was silent, Cinceo prompted again. "As you said Midna...we're alone... You can trust me. You know that."
"I do Cinceo..." She took in a breath. "I fear...I doomed my people... I fear that if that Assassin wasn't lying, and Link truly is there leader, I don't know if I'll be able to fight him...or watch him get hurt." The worry in her voice that her enemy could truly be Link showed a level of familiarity and care for him that stung Cinceo's heart. However he didn't show it.
"My Queen, I'm sure all of it was a lie. The war...Link..." Midna couldn't help but notice the slightly bitter way he said Link's name. "All of it. Have faith, Midna. You're a wonderful Queen..." Midna was silent once more, debating with herself which point to argue, before settling with.
"You don't know that Cinceo. I've only been Queen for a few months, and already so many of them are turning against me."
"Foolishness." Cinceo said, dismissing the traitors. "That's all it is." At that moment, a frantic knock came to the door.
"My Queen! I have urgent news!" Midna looked to Cinceo, nodding towards the door. Cinceo obayed the silent command, and opened the door for the messenger, and stood before Midna.
As the messenger burst in, he got a questioning look in his eye of vassal and Queen alone in her room like this, but went on about his important business.
"My Queen! The scouts you had sent out have reported of a large group of Twili coming! With them are Shadow Beasts and a... And a..."
"And a what, messenger? Don't be afraid to tell me." Midna assured gently.
"I-It's not that, My Queen. I don't know what it is! It kind of looked like us, but it's skin was pale, and it had pointy ears. He wore a green outfit and hat, and he-"
"Link!" Midna exclaimed, her voice's emotion hard to place. It sounded happy, worried, sad, angry, and mournful all at once.
"A...Link, my Queen?"
"Link..." Cinceo whispered, his voice only to simple to place. Anger. Anger and envy.
"Which direction, and how far away?" Midna asked of the messenger.
"To the North, mearly ten miles."
"I understand. Thank you, and I ask that you get this message to the city, and make sure they take shelter in their homes. "
"At once my Queen." The messenger nodded, turning and leaving the room, just as Midna sank slowly on her bed, visibly shaken.
"It...it is him.."
"Midna..." Cinceo said slowly, touching her shoulder gently. Midna looked to him, sorrow in her eyes. "I see you're in pain, but for the sake of your people...We must go and meet them head-on..."
"I-It's my duty Queen Midna..." Cinceo stumbled over his words at first, his black skin flushing again, now over her embracing him. "And my pleasure." He admitted, moving out of Midna's way.
"Be sure to get those bars finished soon Cinceo. I'd rather not see my castle overlooking rubble." She smiled a little to Cinceo, continueing up to her chambers. Cinceo, more than a little flustered, made his way back down the stairs, heading for his forge in the west wing of the castle when he felt something bump his foot. Blinking curiously, Cinceo plucked the strange shaped, strange feeling stone from the ground. It felt much lighter than the other stones strewn about the ground that had fallen from the castle walls, or the castle ceiling, and it looked darker. Cinceo ran his finger across the incredibly smooth surface of it, tracing what appeared to be intricate lines just below the stones surface, hardly visible against the black of the stone. The edges of one side of the stone seemed sharp and jagged, however, in stark contrast to the rest of the strange rock, as if it had been broken off on one side. The stone felt familiar, for some strange reason that Cinceo couldn't place, and warm, as if alight with a gentle flame from the inside. Cinceo palmed the stone, smiling to himself and making his way back to his forge.
Chapter 3
"Technicalities indeed!" Utane said angrily, kicking a newly repaired door. Although he was only an advisor, normally a very simple job that consisted entirely on giving his oppionion, he was being forced to do work, along with the others. The other fools didn't seem to mind. "Who does she think she is!? We did fine without her, and yet those idiots Oldan and Cinceo insist on getting her back!"
"Careful Utane." Sagol said, approaching the older Twili from behind. Utane wasn't old, by any means but he was a fair deal older than Midna. "Such proclamations may seem treasonous, especially with the former King's warmth still heating the throne. Such thoughts may linger on your execution." Sagol had a habit of speaking in a manner such as this when Midna was out of ear-shot
"Cease that prattling Sagol, and speak normally." The older snapped. If there was one thing Utane couldn't stand about Sagol, it was his preachy way of speech. True, Utane understood him, but it still was irritating to be required to have to decipher his way of talking.
"If you want. What I said wa-"
"I know what you said! It just irritates me. Besides, no one is here to hear."
"Still pretty stupid to take risks." Sagol said simply.
"What do you know?" Utane rolled his eyes. "Such an ungreatful brat. If it were not for me-"
"If it were not for you, the land would not be as accessible, we well know. But, your job, Utane, is forfeit. Look around, Midna has no more use for you." And that. Utane hated that as well. Sagol's know-it-all attitude. However, he was right. "Zant had a use for you. He needed you else where, but he needed you. Midna is using you as a worker, not an advisor." Sagol's eyes glimmered with the dark power Zant had gifted the Twili. Utane was silent, looking over to Sagol. The younger Twilis face was unreadable.
"Zant is dead." Utane responded bluntly, slowly, wondering where Sagol was going with this.
"Zant is, but his message, his ideas, still remain." Sagol spoke with a fervor rivaling how one would speak of his God, "With the Hero."
"The Hero?"
"Yes. One from the Realm of Light. He followed Midna. He's blonde, and he wears a green outfit. He claims that he fought and killed Zant because he was weak, but that he agreed with the King, and would stand against Midna. He wields a blade like I have never seen, one that no one can stand against. He claims he'll give us power beyond Zants wildest dreams if we serve him."
"Is that so? Where does he reside?"
"Outside of town, in a small cave. He plots against Midna, and will soon grant us all power!" Utane was still unconvinced, despite the way that Sagol spoke like this Hero was a God, with such a .
"...Take me to meet him." Utane demanded. This caught Sagol unawares.
"What?"
"Take me to meet this Hero. If he's so great, surely he wouldn't mind proving it himself." Sagol's composure returned as quick as it had dissapeared.
"Of course. Let us be on our way." The Twili male nodded, beginning off away from the city, leading Utane to their new revolutionary leader.
Chapter 4
It had now been a month since Midna had returned, and the industrious people of Umbra had nearly finished rebuilding their city. However, during the midst of all this, Midna had noticed a very disturbing fact. She head heard of whispers through Umbra of betrayal, of people still loyal to Zant. Midna wouldn't have it. She had sent for the three she had heard of, and now sat in her throne room, waiting for them. Cinceo stood by her right hand, Naelroc on his belt loop as usual, and a sword on his hip. Cinceo hoped that he didn't have to use either, but he would if it came down to it. On Midna's left, standing tall, and wearing an expression of aggression hard enough to melt steel, Oldan stood, a broadsword on his back, and a sword and shield over that. Both were readily available, and, unlike Cinceo, Oldan was more than willing to use them.
Before them, after a moment, Utane, Sagol, and a twili female, a cook in the small town by the name of Viera walked into the room.
'Not walked...' Cinceo silently noted. 'More like glided...' Cinceo didn't know how to explain it, but as they made their silent way into the room, they seemed lighter than air, and un-nervingly calm. Even Utane, who was short-tempered, and, on previous occasions of being called before Midna, would make a small racket coming into the room, and demand that the event be done with as soon as possible. But now, he walked with such certainty and silence it sent a chill up Cinceo's spine. Steeling himself, Cinceo donned a stoic mask of indifference, his hand falling to Naelroc's head in a habitual comforting gesture.
"Sagol, Utane, and Viera. Thank you for coming." Midna said calmly, seemingly unshaken by these three specters.
"Of course lady Midna." Utane responded with frightening calmness. "What is it we can do for you?"
"I've heard some..." Midna stopped for a moment, thinking, searching for the right word. "Distrubing rumors of whispers of rebellion, whispers of the former King Zant, coming from you three. Now, I'd like nothing more than to hear from your mouths that these are all false." Midna was attempting to diplomatic, to not offend these three, because she didn't know how much power these three had.
"Of course they are." Viera's responce came in a hiss, quiet and almost unhearable. "After all Lady Midna,"
"we want nothing more," Utane picked up from where Viera left off.
"than to serve you," Sagol continued.
"just as we did before Zant came onto the scene." The three finished in perfect synchronization, sending chills up Cinceo's spine. Midna didn't react to this.
"Is that so?" Oldan asked, his face dropping more and more into anger by the word.
"Than you'd have no problem reswearing your loyalty?" Midna rose a single eyebrow. The three hissed a chuckle in perfect sync, once again causing the blacksmith to shiver.
"Of course not Lady Midna. As we said, your word is law, and your thought is our-" Midna waved a hand, silencing Sagol.
"If you're going to swear your loyalty, than I want you to do it the real way."
"The...real way Lady Midna?" Sagol asked, his voice slowed by confusion.
"You're such a big fan of the "right way" of doing things Utane, you should know the entire thing." Sagol's eyes lit up with recognition.
"Oh! Of course!" Utane stepped forewards.
"I speak for the three of you-"
"No. I want this done singularly. Utane, if you are the speaker, than by all means, speak first."
"I, Utane, solomnly swear on my ancestors that I shall serve The Twilight Queen, Midna, loyally, and without hesitation." Utane swore, falling to one knee, head bowed in Midna's presence. Midna nodded, though she felt something was wrong. Nothing with the oath, Midna knew that, but...something was off. Midna didn't let it show on her face. She knew better than to show when she felt nervous. Next was Sagol, who mirrored Utane's oath with chilling accruacy, matching Utanes pitch, his tone, even his timing in speaking. It was the same with Viera. Midna sighed. This had been a futile waste of time.
"Very well. Thank you all, and I apol-" Cutting Midna off suddenly, was a shrill shriek of terror from one of Midna's female guards. From out of no where. a large, hulking black figure sprung, batting at the female who screamed, throwing her into another guard, three more of the beasts coming from behind it. Shadow Beasts! But that was impossible! Zant was...
"Protect the Princess!" Oldan ordered, drawing his sword and sheild, knowing the speed would be better than the large size, and the sheild was more important for protecting Midna and standing before his Queen. Cinceo stepped forewards, trusting Oldan to keep her safe, drawing Naleroc in one hand, and the short sword in the other. Cinceo ran forewards, the guards forming a loose circle around him and the four, three of the strongest knights running in to help Cinceo. Cinceo let the world around him dissappear, narrowing his attention down to just him, the knights, the beasts, and the one he could never let escape his mind, Midna.
"One per beast, help one another if possible." The knights nodded, pulling out their weapons as they engaged their own enemies. Cinceo nodded, smiling lightly t the Knights ability to conform to a plan so quickly. Suddenly, Cinceo felt an enormous pressure on is chest, as the beast tackled him, pinning the Vassal to the ground, and knocking the blade out of his hand. The sword skittered across the ground away from the vassal, but to far for one of the Guards to retreive it for him. The Shadow beast rose it's right arm, aiming to claw through Cinceo's neck, but Cinceo was to quick, bringing Naelroc up and jamming the top of the head into the monsters chest. The Shadow Beast hissed, jumping back in surprise. Cinceo knew he didn't have much time, rising to his feet, turning, and bolting for his sword, all in the same motion. The monster was upon him within seconds, and leapt, aiming it's claws for Cinceo's back. Cinceo reached out, closing his fingers around the hilt of the blade, whirling onto his back, and blocking the claws with the sword all within seconds. The monster pressed it's calws into the sword, ignoring the pain as it stood over the Vassal. Cinceo's arm shook, the strength of the monster to great as he heard the blade began to crack, despite the blood dripping on Cinceo's chest. From the corner of his eye, Cinceo saw Midna start to rise, a spear seemingly appearing in her hand from behind the throne, but Oldan took the spear from her and gently sit her back down, no doubt teling her to let them handle it. The Shadow Beast lowered it's heard towards Cinceo's, letting out a hiss, gloating in it's assured victory. Suddenly, Cinceo moved his body sharply to 'the right, letting the blade drop, and the monster fall to the ground, it's head nearly hitting the extravagent floor. As it rose it's head to hiss at Cinceo in distaste, it saw Naelroc's head coming towards it's own for a mere split second, before a gruesome crunching sound heralded it's falling. Cinceo rose with a smile, wipeing at the blood on his cloths, than hardened his face again, turning towards the others. Two of the knights had finished with their beasts as well, and now assisted the third with the last one. Just as Cinceo started to go to assist, he heard Midna.
"No! Don't let it-!" To late. The Shadow Beast saw that it's allies had fallen, and let out an ear-splitting howl. The howl froze the knights, as well as Cinceo. The monster used this moment to its advantage, turning, and leaping over the guards, running out of the castle, seeming satisfied with doing what little damage to the Twili it had caused. Cinceo regained his composure, and the ability to move, and looked back to Midna.
"What is it M'lady?" He asked. Midna said nothing, pointing at the Shadow Beast he had fallen with a look that seemed to be a mix of fear and disgust. A sickening crack called Cinceos attention to that very spot, and Cinceo nearly collapsed in shock. "I-Impossible!!" Was the only word that came to mind. The skull, or, rather, what was left of it, of the shadow beast he had beaten, was repairing, knitting itself back together, cracking and popping as he did, in a manner that was to much for more than one of the guards, and sent them out of the room to empty their stoumachs. Cinceo felt woozy for a moment, but stood strong, moving in between the thing and Midna. After nearly a full moment, the beast rose, in perfect syncronization with the other two, and barreled through the guards, one leaping over them as the first had. Cinceo let out a breath of relief that the whole thing was over, but swore he'd never be able to get to sleep again after seeing that. He approached Midna again, who was hunched over, elbows on her legs, and face in her hands. It almost looked like she was crying. But, not Midna. Impossible! Their strong leader?
"M-M'lady?" Cinceo said, his voice full of concern.
"You alright, your Highness?" Oldan asked, a second behind.
"It...It can't be..." She whispered into her hands. "He...He's dead...Me and..." She shook her head, biting her lip.
"M'lady!"
"I...I need..." She rose suddenly. "I need a moment!" She choked out, moving gracefully, but swiftly to her room, trying not to run and alert her guards. Cinceo made a fist, his fingernails digging into his palm, leaving little crescent moons. Whatever had happened back in the world of light...Cinceo looked down.
"I've...got to find out...I've got to fix this for Midna." He whispered to himself. Cinceo was jolted out of his trance-like state by Oldan clapping a hand on his shoulder.
"Cinceo, go talk to her." The general told him.
"Oldan?"
"I'd do it, but look around. We've got three missing things." The general motioned to the area before the throne, where Sagol, Utane, and Viera had been standing before the Shadow Beasts attack. Now, they were nowhere to be found. "I'm going to go hunt them down, I think they've got some questions to anwser. Go talk to Queen Midna in the meanwhile." Oldan nodded to Cinceo. Cinceo took a breath, and nodded back, heading down the hallway, and after Midna.
Chapter 5
"Midna?" Cinceo asked, standing before the door of her chambers. He bit his lip, knocking the large double doors. "Queen Midna..." Still, silence on the other side. "...Queen Midna, it's only me. I want to speak with you..."
"...Cinceo..." The tone was disapproving, like she didn't want to speak with him, and thought it wrong he wanted to speak with her.
"Queen Midna, I'm your vassal, that means-"
"I know what it means." The voice was quiet, not angry, not sad, just quiet.
"I know you do, I just want to say it... Just please...humor me." There was silence, Cinceo decided to simply continue. "As a vassal, I am your loyal servant, I trade my freedom, my service, my life to you in exchange for when you saved me."
"...I hardly saved you Cinceo." The voice came with a small chuckle. "My parents provided a place to stay, rest, and food."
"It was more than I had. And besides, even if you didn't, I care about your well being Midna, not the Queen's well being.." Cinceo made a fist, hoping he could get through to her. "I just want to know what's bothering you. Maybe I can hel-"
"You can't help." Midna cut him off. "I have to deal with this on my own..."
"Forgive me for saying, Midna, but I don't think you can." This was met by a sound within. "I want to help you out Midna, Queen or no Queen. I want to hel-" Suddenly, the door swung open, Midna sanding there, a wild, frantic look in her eyes. She grabbed the front of Cinceo's shirt, pulling him into her room, and closing the door. There was an edge of woeful anger to her voice, like Cinceo had killed her pet bird. Her eyes bore into his, signs of her crying plain on her face. The fact she had been crying alone shocked Cinceo.
"Do you want to know what it is!?" She exclaimed, never looking away from his eyes. "In the world of Light, Hyrule, I..." She ground her teeth. "I made a...close friend in the world of Light. He and I faught to defeat Zant, and had worked together for a very long time, and lived very closely and I miss him! And, to compound this long-" Midna cut herself off, deciding to reword herself. 'This missing him, Zant's Shadow Beast lackies have returned. He and I only were able to beat them together, by working together. You faught them! They won't die unless killed right! So now, not only do I miss the Hero of Hyrule a great deal, but now I have to fear for my people, for the fact we no longer have a Hero from the world of light to help me kill either these beasts OR Zant himself, should he truly be back!" She exclaimed, seeming close to tears again. She was frantic, worry, sorrow and anger mixing in her voice.
"M-Midna." Cinceo said slowly. "I...I'm sorry..I had...no idea."
"That's the idea." Midna turned her back to Cinceo. "People can't see how weak I look, they need to see a strong queen, one who fears nothing, and faces the future with a strong heart, unafraid of what's to come." She said slowly.
"You are strong Midna." Cinceo assured.
"I know that!" Midna smirked over her shoulder, suddenly masking the pain she had just bore to her friend. "But it doesn't look like that does it?"
"...You've become very good at hiding it Midna." Cinceo said gently. Midna looked forewards, looking out the window again at the city, the people going about their days with little care in their lives, trusing her to keep them safe. Cinceo walked up to her, not quite beside her, but more so than he normally did. As private as this moment between them, Cinceo still wanted to be proper.
"Haven't I?" She responded. "You know, you haven't helped me deal with this problem."
"Yeah, I know. I can lea-"
"No...No, that's ok. You can stay here. I want have someone to smack if I get upset." Midna smiled to her vassal.
"Alright."
"What's happened with Sagol's little group?" Midna asked after a moment.
"...I'm not su-" Cinceo began. Midna shot him a look.
"Did you miss the "Strong Heart Queen" section of our little back and forth there? I can deal with business now or any time. So come on, out with it." Cinceo sighed, and held back a smile about Midna.
"They dissapeared. Oldan is sending a group out to find them. He said he wanted to come up here, but he had to attend to business first."
"He's right." Midna nodded. "Though I'm glad you did come here. If Zant is back, he'll need supporters before he can do anything, and I fear those three are the start of it."
"Mmm." Cinceo nodded, both continueing to look out the window as another moment of nearly akward silence passed.
"Hey, Cinceo?" Midna began.
"Yea-" Cinceo stopped, cleared his throat, and tried again. "Yes, my Queen?" Midna smiled a little at this.
"Can you do me a favor?"
"Do I have a choice?" Cinceo asked, meaning it sarcastically, but looking to his Queen with an innocent look in his eye. Midna smirked a little.
"No, not really."
"Than I guess I must." More sarcasm.
"First, knock that off." The command was serious, but spoken with a light tone.
"Do I have a choice?" He cocked his head, the sarcastic tone never leaving his voice, causing Midna to smack the back of his head lightly, and both to chuckle. The whole exchange more a joke between friends than a show of disrespect from vassal to master. "Fine, Alright. Second M'lady?"
"Tell Oldan if he ever holds me back again, I'm going to smack him, than demote him to a page so fast it'll make his head spin." Cinceo smiled and nodded. He figured this was a joke, judging by her tone of voice, but he wasn't sure. "If I may, Queen Midna, I'd like to continue in the forge."
"Yes, you can go. Be sure to pass on my message, alright?
"Of course M'lady." Cinceo inclined his head, turning around, and making his way out of her room, thinking to himself that he made a difference. He didn't know if it was true or not.
Back in Cinceo's forge, he grunted, wiping the sweat from his forehead. The fire burned feircly, engulfing the long peice of metal he was currently hammering away at, folding and hammering, folding and hammering, the repatition comforting to him. He knew it'd almost be time to add in his secret ingrediant, and his gift would be compleate. Cinceo listened to Naelroc ringing out, the sound like a bell to him. Clang....Clang....Clang... He pulled out the metal with a pair of tongs and dipped it into a bucket of water that lay beside him, listening to the loud hiss. The sphymony of the forge went on to the next movement.
Chapter 6
Umbra was turned upside-down, looking for the trio, knights looking through every home in the city. However, dispite a full day of hunting for them, no traces of the suspected betrayers were found. Cinceo frowned, biting the inside of his lip, pacing the throne room. Midna watched him walking back and forth, his face, normally upturned in the confident smile the Twili frquently wore now in a worried frown. Interesting how even his walk seemed different now that he was worried. His steps were shorter, quicker together, and his hands were interlaced behind his waist, the blacksmith bent slightly at the hips, looking at the floor. Midna shook her head.
"Cinceo, for Godesses sake calm down." Midna said with a small smile, amused that the roles were suddenly reversed. Cinceo gave the Queen a look, a way of saying "You're telling me this?" to her, yet, keeping it between them.
"I can't, my Queen. The fact we can't find three people is quite frankly, upsetting."
"Well, go work in the forge than. That always calms you down."
"I'd rather be by your side. Besides, my arms are still sore from earlier today."
"Than stop complaining and relax." Midna smiled a little.
"...You're enjoying this, aren't you, my Queen?" Cinceo asked, shooting her a glance.
"Immensly." She chuckled.
"Well, with all due respect, my Queen, you ca-"
"Queen Midna!" A voice from the hallway cut off Cinceo's witty response. "We found someone!"
"Bring him in, quickly." The queen was suddenly all business. Cinceo swallowed his apprehentions, standing beside and slightly ahead of her, Naelroc within easy reach, knowing a blade was much less useful than Naelroc in his hands. The doors opened, and two gaurds dragged in an injured Twili, fear in his eyes.
"We found him speaking with Sagol, and he tried to run with him when we came." Midna stood, and when Cinceo moved to stop her, shot him a look that made him recoil in surprise. She wasn't going to be stopped again, and if this was one of the people who was conspireing with her most hated enemy, he was going to tell her everything, by any means nessicary. The vassal recoiling had apparently scared the Twili, who struggled to get away. Midna faced him. He looked young, a teenager.
"What's your name?"
"I-I'm" He gulped. "I-I'm..." Midna took a breath, calming herself.
"Calm down. I'm not going to hurt you. Co-opperate, and you can return home, unharmed." Midna promised. "Now, let's try again." She said softly. "What is your name?"
"...I'm...Ninak, wise Queen." Midna ignored the wise queen bit, giving a look to an elderly Twili who kept the records that Midna had.
"Ninak is a theif whom has known no home, my Queen."
"Ah, I see..." Midna put a hand to her chin, stepping away from the theif. Umbra, while for the most part was a thriving, bustleing city, had it's share problems and theives, just as any other. Was this why this young male was betraying her? "Tell me Ninak, what were you and Sagol discussing?"
"...We were...speaking about...a hero."
"A hero?" Midna asked.
"Yes. One who carried on Zant's ideals." The theif said. "N-not that I agree with them! That's just what we were talking about!" Ninak amended, a little to hastily.
"Don't worry, you're not being accused of anthing Ninak." Midna assured. "Now, tell me more."
"He didn't say much before you guys showed up, but he did say he had defeated Zant because he was weak, and had come to our realm from the world of light, to spread the ideals Zant had." When Midna heard this, her emotions had suddenly become jumbled. This hero, there was no way it could've been...She had mixed parts anger, worry and sorrow.
"What is this Hero's name?" Midna demanded, the worry and anger mixing in her voice, her eyes sharp on Ninak's.
"H-He never said." The theif shook his head, looking away from Midna. "I swear." Midna took a breath, her eyes leaving Ninak, turning in favor of the ever-twilight sky.
"Very well...Cinceo." Cinceo had been waiting for his name to be called.
"Yes, My Queen?"
"I want you to take Ninak. Bring him to an empty room, than go and find him some food."
"W-What?" Ninak looked up to the queen with wide eyes, shocked at the Queen's kindness.
"If you think it wise, My Lady." Cinceo bowed, and when he rose, looked to Ninak. "Come with me." He told the theif, bringing him down the hall, offering his shoulder, due to Ninaks injured leg. Ninak looked to Cinceo as they made their way towards Ninak's new room.
"Why?" Ninak asked.
"You'll need to be more specific." Cinceo responed, looking forewards.
"Why would she do this for me? I'm just a theif, and Sagol sa-"
"Let me cut you off there. First off, ignore whatever Sagol says. He's a liar. And, to anwser your other question, because our Queen is a benevolent one. Almost as kind to her people as she is beautiful." Cinceo said, his eyes looking ahead, not really seeing as he spoke of Midna.
"...You really care for her." Ninak said, more of a statement than a question. Cinceo nodded, than realised what he said, his head snapping to Ninak, anger in his eyes. "Don't worry, I won't say anything. I'm a theif, I break the rules all the time!"
"...Yeah..Thanks.."
"Don't say thanks. This is a down payment. You owe me hammer boy." Cinceo looked to Ninak, meeting the theives eyes. "Hey, I'm resting here until Midna kicks me out, but I'm still a theif. I gotta make sure I can eat after I'm useful to her."
"She'll still be kind to you than." Cinceo told Ninak, opening the door to his room. The Blacksmith brought him to the bed. "I'll be going than, I'll be back with your food soon." He told him, walking from the room, thinking about their conversation. He made his way to the kitchen, and drew in a sharp gasp at what he saw.
Chapter 7
Midna put her fingers on her temples, rubbing gently in attempt to sooth the headache that had sprung up at her thinking of what was going on with this "hero." In her mind, there was no possible way it could be who she thought, but... Who else? Unless he was lieing. Which was entirely possible. Even probable. Midna nodded to herself, agreeing with her own attempt to make herself feel better. She decided she'd ask Ninak about it next time she spoke with the theif. Suddenly, cutting into her tranquility:
"My Queen!!" Cinceo's nearly panicked voice came from the hall, the vassal soon following his voice, running into the throne room. "My Queen, Alran has been murdered!" At this news, Midna jumped from the throne, getting to her feet.
"What!?" She cried, looking the blacksmiths eyes. His eyes were frantic, but not hystaric. Cinceo was in control, but he was worried, maybe scared. Midna couldn't tell. "Where? Take me to him."
"At once." Cinceo nodded, taking her hand, and running with her to the kitchen, where he had found the cook, dead with a sword wound in the back. It looked like he had been stabbed just to the right of the spine, three times, and judgeing by the blood, he had bled out. Cinceo knelt to the fallen cook's side, examining the body for anything else wrong, but Midna stood strait.
"Cinceo." She whispered. "Stand up, slowly." Cinceo looked up, baffled at the Queen's command, but did as she commanded, slowly rising. "We're in a trap. Don't show that you know."
"Why do you think that? Queen Midna?"
"This is a kitchen in a castle, full of people snacking and cooking at any time. How could he have bled to death in such an area? Why wouldn't have anyone helped him?" She looked to Cinceo, keeping her voice down. She than spoke in a normal tone of voice. "Poor Alran, He was a good, loyal man. It is a shame that he had to die in such a disrespectful death. Cinceo, please call someone to take the body to a proper end." She told him.
"M-My Quee-"
"I'll notify the family myself." Midna told him, her eyes sharp, commanding. Midna smirked a little, she knew that Cinceo knew very well that this was not the request that it sounded like. This was an ordr. Midna wanted to be in the room alone. Well, alone with the killer. Or, would that be killers? Midna would find out soon. Cinceo knelt down, picking up the body, and bringing it out of the room. Midna waited until she knew Cinceo was out of earshot, and cleared her throat.
"Alright. I know you are there. Do not insult my intelligence by thinking I don't. Now, come out, and let me see the murderers who killed my favorite pastry chef." She said, a serious look on her face. She was serious, that was her favorite pastry chef, and she wanted to find out who was betraying her. From the corner of the room, a male came from the shadows. His face was black, as black as the night sky. His hair had been covered in a hood, and his body by a cloak, both making him blend into the darkness. He smirked, and the aged way his face looked told Midna that he was a leader of some sort. More than likely, someone with a great deal of respect from the forces that Sagol and Utane had amassed. Midna had always suspected that they had more than just a few workers. But for them to have corrupted an assassin? Or worse, trained one? She shook her head. No, not one. They woldn't send anyone respected unless there were more. Why would they send a leader with no troops to lead? "How many of there are you?"
"There is only one, Queen Midna." The Assasin responded, a sly grin on his face. Her eyes were highly active, going from his eyes, to his arms, to his hands, to his waist, to his legs, than to her sides. She wasn't buying his lie.
"I see. Very decent of you, an assassin, to murder one of my chefs, suddenly make the whole of my kitchen staff, not to mention the people who come here for snacks, dissapere, but face me himself, alone." Midna said with a sweet smile, mocking the assassin. Suddenly, she spun, catching the wrist of another assassin that had snuck behind her, and attempted to stab her in the top of the spine. Midna let the momentum of the stab carry the would-be killer, dragging her foot across the floor, catching his foot, and using his momentum to flip the assassin on his back, taking his knife, and standing ready. She didn't know how many of them there were, but she'd fight all of them. The leader frowned, but pulled a Sai from his cloak, lunging at Midna. Midna dodged by leaning to the right, turning into a single spin as she got behind him, trying to slice his back, her robes fell around her softly, making her fighting seem more like a graceful, deadly dance. The assassin grunted, grinding his teeth as the knife sliced through his back, leaving a shallow, but still painful, line. He spun, going to stab the Queen in the belly, but Midna brought her blade down, slicing into one of his knuckles, catching the sai at one of the loops, just before the middle blade hit her belly. The assassin grinned through the pain as the two blades shook, each testing their strength against the other, a battle the assassin was sure he'd win. From behind Midna, the second assassin, the one from whom she had taken the knife, had risen, snuck behind Midna, and was preparing to wrap his hands around her neck. Midna suddenly let her blade rise, letting her body fall and roll to the left. The leader hadn't expected this movement, and had no time to stop himself before he had killed his subordinate. As the assassin fell, the leader glared at Midna, suddenly lunging, aiming a strike for her heart. Midna smirked, ducking down, just as a third assassin slashed where her head was a few moments ago. She rolled forewards, knocking the leader over, than went back to her feet, turning and going to slice the leader, who rolled out of the way. Midna felt her fatiuge catching up with her, the adrenaline ebbing out of her veins. The assassins, however, smirked, their bodies seeming uneffected by the fighting. Midna suddenly lunged, deciding to end this as fast as she could, her blade sinking fataly into the third assassin. The leader grinned even wider, taking in a deep breath. And, just as soon as Midna saw him, the leader started to let out a screech.
Chapter 8
The leader started to let out a loud screech, freezing Midna to the spot. It was the sound that the Shadow beasts had made when reviving their fallen allies. His face had split as he cried, widening and starting to become a shadow beast. Midna didn't know if she could hold off three shadow beasts by herself for long enough for someone to show up. However, just as she thought this, just before the Leader had let out enough of a cry to wake his allies, a wooshing came to Midna's ears. Naelroc flew threw the air, the handle catching the lead Shadow Beast in the head, silencing the call, and knocking him to the floor. Cinceo blew past Midna, leaping onto the fallen creature, covering his mouth with his hand as he ripped a peice of the cloak from the assassin, wrapping it tighly around his mouth. Cinceo kept his hand around the assassin's wrists. The assassin struggled, his body shifting back to that of a Twili.
"Thank you for your timely assistance Cinceo. But I'd like to ask you to refrain from throwing your hammer in the kitchen." Midna said with a laugh of relief. "Bring him away from his friends, into a room so we can speak with him without him screaming at us." Cinceo nodded, dragging him into the living hall, pushing the assassin into one of the rooms, waiting for Midna to enter, than closing the door behind him.
"You've come at just the right time, assassin." Midna said with a pleasant smile. "You see, I've been wondering what your masters were planning."
"They're planning your death." He snapped back darkly, a small smirk on his face.
"Obviously if they're sending such frighteningly competent assassins after me." She responded, a small, coy smirk on her face. The assassin barked a single laugh.
"You make the mistake of thinking I have fear of you. I know you, little Queen. You won't resort to torture to get your awnsers. You're to soft-hearted."
"Am I?" Midna asked, raising a single brow. She nodded to Cinceo, who covered the Assassins mouth. Midna opened the door. "Oldan!" She called. "Would you come here for a moment?" As the General walked into the room, Midna turned to the Assassin with a smirk. "You see, Assassin." She said, smirking as the expression on Oldan's face darkened. "I may not like torture, but I have been known to turn a blind eye to certain things that benefit me. And General Oldan here has no such constraints against harming those who would try to kill his friends. As a matter of fact, the only reason he hasn't attacked you as of right now is because I am in the room."
"If I may interupt, my Queen." Oldan interjected. "The only reason is because you are speaking to him, otherwise, my hands would be around his neck right now." Midna smirked, crossing her arms, raising a brow again, this time in victory. The Assassin barked another laugh.
"You can't bluff me little girl." The assassin taunted. "I know you won't have this in your castle!"
"I suppose you're right." She said with a sigh. "I cannot bluff you. Come Cinceo, let's leave Oldan alone with our guest."
"Hey, Cinc, can I borrow Naelroc for a little bit?" Oldan asked, opening his hand for the heavy hammer.
"Sure." Cinceo said, slowly relinquishing his hammer, always hesitent to part with his tool. The Queen and Vassal left from the room, closing the door behind them, and leaving Oldan to his dirty work.
When Midna and Cinceo returned, the Assassin looked horrible. Oldan had worked out all of his frustraitions on the Assassin, and gotten his vengance on Midna's behalf. Naelroc had been used to frightening effect, and the Assassin had decided to talk. Oldan had left to clean off Naelroc before he returned it, leaving Cinceo and Midna with the Assassin.
"So, how was your chat with Oldan?" Midna asked with that dark humor she tended to fall on. The assassin was silent, his head dropping. "Now than, I'd like to talk to you about Sagol and this 'Hero' I keep hearing about. First thing is first, how many of you are there? And are any specialised?"
"...Fifty-eight people. Twelve cooks, Six Assasins, including me, twenty gaurds, and the rest are a mix of servants and normal people."
"Sagol is the leader?"
"No, The Hero is. He leads us."
"This hero again...." Cinceo said quietly, looking to Midna.
"Who is this hero?" Midna asked, a small bit of desperation fading into her eyes.
"The hero is a great warrior, an adventurer from another world, one who is unmatched by any of our men."
"What's their name?"
"He weilds a great sword, one that gleams with a powerful, burning light."
"His name!" Minda demanded, getting a little frantic. "What is his name!?"
"He is a great archer, and a superb rider, able to tame the Twilight birds when he first came."
"His name!!?"
"His name...is Link."
Chapter 9
"L-L-Link?" Midna stuttered, shocked. It couldn't be! "You're lieing!!" She shouted, outraged that such a thing could be said. "How DARE you say that!!?"
"The truth hurts, doesn't it, Queen Midna?" The assassin said with a little smirk. As the words left his mouth, Midna slapped him across the face, her hair rising as the magic within her flared in anger. Cinceo put a hand on her forearm, the touch of her close friend calming the Queen, but not by much. The assassin started chuckling. This chuckle grew in volume, slowly at first, but soon became a loud, booming laugh. "You idiot woman! Think about it for a moment! How else could I know the hero of the world of lights name!? The hero himself told us! He said he remembered you, and that this was because of you!" Midna grit her teeth, the comment sinking in and hitting a nerve. Cinceo balled his fist, tempted to strike the man, but he didn't, not without Midna's say so. Instead, he decided to try to change to subject.
"How are you and your men turning into Shadow Beasts? I thought one had to stay a shadow Beast." Cinceo asked through gritted teeth, trying to hold back his anger. The assassin simply grinned widly.
"Perhaps weak ones, such as you would. But with the power of the Her-" The assassin stopped, remembered Midna's reaction, and grinned. "I'm sorry, Link's power," Midna gritted her teeth, eyes narrowing. "we can turn our shapes back and forth at will. It truly makes us the greatest assassins." He grinned. "Now, I suggest you let me go, now, oh stupid queen." Midna narrowed her eyes, a hateful glint in her eyes.
"And why would I do that?"
"If you don't, the war will start now." This caught Midna's attention, curiosity and anger leaking into her voice.
"War? What are you babbleing about?"
"If I do not return by tommorow, Link will start his war. He will begin attacking this castle, and he will not stop until you are dead, and the Twilight Realm is under it's rightful control." Midna grit her teeth, infuriated beyond reason over these lies of Link being here, and fighting against her.
"Than we'll just have to take that chance. Cinceo!"
"Yes, my Queen?"
"Take him to the dungeon." She said turning. "The next I want to see of him is a broken man or a skeleton, whatever comes first." She said coldly. Cinceo was shocked. Midna had never used the dungeon, much less to such a horrible extent. However, he was her vassal, and sworn to do as she commanded.
The next day, Midna had called for Cinceo once again. Cinceo went into her room quietly, unsure of what to expect.
"Thank you for coming so quickly Cinceo." Midna told him as he entered her room, shutting the door behind him. Midna was doing what she always seemed to be doing when he entered, and looking out her window to her people.
"Not at all, my Queen." Cinceo said respectfully, bowing his head slighly. "What can I do for you?"
"You can drop the act Cinceo, we're alone. I don't need a vassal right now, I need a friend."
"Alright Midna. What do you need?" Cinceo obayed his Queen's orders, hearing the confliction in her voice.
"...I'm questioning myself Cinceo." Midna said, not looking at him. "Did I do right with that Assassin?" Cinceo chuckled, drawing Midna's glare. "This is not a laughing matter Cinceo. I reacted out of anger, and I don't think I did right."
"I'm the wrong person to ask, Midna, if you want me to tell you locking that guy up for the rest of his life was wrong, or reacting out of anger. He was a fool Assassin that deserved no better than that for attacking you."
"He used to be one of my people." Midna said.
"Used to." He echoed, approaching his Queen. "But he cast his fate with this Hero they claim they have."
"I still don't feel right..." She said quietly.
"...Midna, I sense there's something else." Cinceo said quietly. When Midna was silent, Cinceo prompted again. "As you said Midna...we're alone... You can trust me. You know that."
"I do Cinceo..." She took in a breath. "I fear...I doomed my people... I fear that if that Assassin wasn't lying, and Link truly is there leader, I don't know if I'll be able to fight him...or watch him get hurt." The worry in her voice that her enemy could truly be Link showed a level of familiarity and care for him that stung Cinceo's heart. However he didn't show it.
"My Queen, I'm sure all of it was a lie. The war...Link..." Midna couldn't help but notice the slightly bitter way he said Link's name. "All of it. Have faith, Midna. You're a wonderful Queen..." Midna was silent once more, debating with herself which point to argue, before settling with.
"You don't know that Cinceo. I've only been Queen for a few months, and already so many of them are turning against me."
"Foolishness." Cinceo said, dismissing the traitors. "That's all it is." At that moment, a frantic knock came to the door.
"My Queen! I have urgent news!" Midna looked to Cinceo, nodding towards the door. Cinceo obayed the silent command, and opened the door for the messenger, and stood before Midna.
As the messenger burst in, he got a questioning look in his eye of vassal and Queen alone in her room like this, but went on about his important business.
"My Queen! The scouts you had sent out have reported of a large group of Twili coming! With them are Shadow Beasts and a... And a..."
"And a what, messenger? Don't be afraid to tell me." Midna assured gently.
"I-It's not that, My Queen. I don't know what it is! It kind of looked like us, but it's skin was pale, and it had pointy ears. He wore a green outfit and hat, and he-"
"Link!" Midna exclaimed, her voice's emotion hard to place. It sounded happy, worried, sad, angry, and mournful all at once.
"A...Link, my Queen?"
"Link..." Cinceo whispered, his voice only to simple to place. Anger. Anger and envy.
"Which direction, and how far away?" Midna asked of the messenger.
"To the North, mearly ten miles."
"I understand. Thank you, and I ask that you get this message to the city, and make sure they take shelter in their homes. "
"At once my Queen." The messenger nodded, turning and leaving the room, just as Midna sank slowly on her bed, visibly shaken.
"It...it is him.."
"Midna..." Cinceo said slowly, touching her shoulder gently. Midna looked to him, sorrow in her eyes. "I see you're in pain, but for the sake of your people...We must go and meet them head-on..."