Taming the Tiger Epilogue

Written to Sleeping Tune/Vineyard (The Vinegarden)

Ganondorf had his long legs stretched out in front of him when Link entered the tent with panic written all over his features. He stopped dead in his tracks when he saw the disguised Gerudo. His fingers wrapped tighter around that damned sword that he always carried. Didn't he ever sheathe the thing?

His eyes flashed from Ganondorf to Zelda's prone figure lying helplessly on the bed. Her face was gaunt and deathly and only her faint breathing gave away the fact that she was still in the world of the living. The Hero bared his teeth as he took a step towards his queen.

The former Dark Lord threw his hand out to stop him. "Don't wake her. She needs her rest."

He stopped mid-stride and gave his enemy a look that said he didn't quite believe him. "She does not look as if she is sleeping. How do I know you didn't kill her?"

The larger man rolled his eyes and took a small looking glass from the table nearby and held it close to her slightly parted lips. The glass fogged over with her breath. "See? She still lives."

Link relaxed visibly and allowed the tip of his sword to graze the ground. "So why are you here?"

"To watch over her." He turned his gaze from the boy to the delicate figure lying on the mattress beside him. He wanted to press his hand to her forehead to see if she was warm enough but dared not do it in front of the Hylian. The action would most likely cause the young man to have a fit of some sort, and he did not feel like dealing with that at the moment.

"That won't be necessary," Link said with a forced calmness that did little to cover his animosity towards the bearer of Power. "I'm here now. I'll take care of her."

"No, you won't," Ganondorf responded wearily. "You're going to tell those men out there that the war is won if they haven't figured it out by now. Filepus is dead."

The knight swallowed loudly at the news. "How?"

"She killed him. Put a knife in his throat." His lips curled in appreciation as he replayed the scene over in his mind.

The boy blinked in disbelief. Ganondorf knew he could never picture his beloved queen doing anything so barbaric. "What was that out there? How did you do that? I saw your magic in the last war, and it was nothing like that."

The Gerudo lifted his broad shoulders in a careless shrug. "It does not matter now. She and I did it together, and the likes of that will most likely never happen again."

"It had something to do with the Triforce, didn't it?"

"Of course," he answered tiredly. Really, the boy could be so dense sometimes. It shamed him to think he had ever been bested by someone so thick-headed. "Now go perform your royal duty, and inform everyone that this ordeal is done."

Link narrowed blue eyes in anger and started to protest but stopped as good sense took hold of him for once. "If you hurt her. . . " he threatened as he backed out of the tent.

Ganondorf only gave him a disgusted sneer and a wave of his large hand in answer.

That night word spread through the camp like wildfire as the story leapt from one mouth to another always growing greater and grander than the previous telling. The queen didn't simply plant a knife in his throat. Oh no, she decapitated him. They had a long and bloody battle that was so fierce sparks flew from their swords though they didn't know how she had come by these newly possessed skills. Then there was that strange mage who had appeared in a whirlwind with billowing thunderclouds that spewed out lighting and hail as it swirled across the valley. On and on the story grew beyond the boundaries of truth into the realm of fantasy and myth.

Ganondorf heard the rumors and retellings of it flying outside the tent as he sat by Zelda's side. She laid there wane and immobile, only occasionally moving a limb and mumbling under her breath. She did not even stir when a cry went up across the whole valley, so loud and fierce Ganondorf swore the Goddesses could hear it in the heavens. Then the drinking and singing and dancing started and that did not wake her either.

The Gerudo began to grow worried. He feared that the Triforce had taken her wits from her and that she might never truly awaken. His hand found hers and held it tenderly for a moment. He withdrew it as he felt himself start to nod off. Eyelids growing heavy, he allowed sleep to take him.

A rustling of sheets awoke him, and he jerked with a start, eyes growing wide to see what had disturbed him. Zelda was sitting up in bed with the golden light of late morning falling over her hair and making it gleam. Some pink had returned to her cheeks as well. Her hands came up to wipe the sleep from her eyes and stretch out over her head. She yawned and looked at him bleary-eyed.

"How long have I been a sleep?

"A while."

She looked around herself and scratched her head. "What did I miss?"

"Everything," he answered, relief flooding his voice at seeing her awake and alert.

Zelda took a deep breath and set her crown on her brow. The jewels in their mountings caught the light and gleamed like stars as she tilted her head from side to side to examine it in the mirror in front of her. "Are you sure you want to do this?" she inquired, glancing at his reflection.

"For the fourth time, yes. I am sure," he said irritably as he squirmed in the itchy red robes he wore.

"Alright, " she said as she turned to face him, "I just want to be sure you're certain of your decision. If you are going to back out now is the time."

"No, if I was going to back out I should never have come back."

She stepped towards him and adjusted his robes so that the Sheikah eye could be seen better. Her hands reached up and straightened the cap on his head and the veil in front of his face.

"You're worse than my sisters," Ganondorf breathed, grabbing her wrists and restraining them from rearranging his clothing any more.

"I'm sorry." The queen glanced down at her feet and then back up at him meaningfully. "I just want you to know what you're getting yourself into. You can't do this and then change your mind."

"I know that." He let go of her.

She rested her hands on his shoulders. "I will never be able to bear you children. You will have no sons or daughters. We will never even be able to be together publically, and you will have to wear this disguise for the rest of your life." Her eyes grew large and sober as she spoke, and he knew that the words hurt her to say them. They were the truth though. Everything she said was absolutely and terribly true.

"I know," he said softly, trying not to let anger tinge his voice. It was hard not to let it. It was not her fault that things were the way they were, or at least not entirely her fault. He was as much to blame for it as she was, and that only made him madder. Rage and fury had always been his first line of defense when something wounded him. It was better than helpless sadness.

"And one day, I may have to marry and have children. Can you accept that?" She choked on those last words and tears threatened to fall. The bearer of Wisdom cleared her throat and turned to quickly wipe them away with the sleeve of her dress.

"I can." The former Dark Lord forced his voice to remain steady and strong. He hated the thought of it, but that was the reality of their situation. If he wanted her at all those were the terms they would have to live by. "Can you though?"

"I can if you can," she said with an impish smile, trying to lighten the mood. "And you promise not to try and kill Link again?"

"You ask much of me, milady. That I cannot guarantee." The little bastard was still a thorn in his side with every side-long glance and snide remark. He did not see that relationship improving anytime soon.

"Just try," she commanded impatiently as she smoothed her hands over the front of her skirt.

"I will try." He bowed his head towards her, which was not such a great distance in his current body.

"I suppose that will have to do for now." The queen inspected herself one last time in the mirror and held her hand out for him. "Now let's get this over with, shall we?"

"That sounds like an excellent plan." He offered her his arm, and she slid her hand over the crook of his elbow.

Together they walked out of her chambers and down the hall. The guards fell in behind them, never any wiser that they were guarding a man they'd have once gladly killed. The irony of it did not escape him as he suppressed a thousand quips and barbs that came to mind.

They made their way to the great hall where the Council and nobles had gathered to witness her first true speech since the end of the war. Everyone was still working hard to get everything back to normal, but this was something they had insisted upon. They just had to see this odd new figure who had appeared out of thin air at the last moment.

When they stood outside the huge double oak doors, Zelda gave his arm a firm squeeze and a glance to make sure his resolve was holding. He nodded slightly, and they waited as the doors were pulled open from the inside.

A crier called out Zelda's arrival as Ganondorf's eyes drank in the sight before him. Light was pouring through the stained-glass windows and threw rainbows of color across the tapestries and long table. They depicted sages of the past and the creation of Hyrule by the Goddesses. All of the figures seemed to eye him hatefully as he walked underneath their stern gazes towards the dais at the end. He returned their cold stares right back, daring one of the celestial powers that be to strike him down. The queen paced slowly beside him as they passed by the courtiers who gawked and craned their necks for a better look at the mysterious sorcerer. The sight of them disgusted him as he observed their fine clothes and soft hands. He had seen not a one of them out on the battlefield that day, and it seemed as if any weight they had lost due to the shortage of food had quickly been gained back.

He turned his head forward as they drew close to the end of the hall where Zelda's throne sat and a seat for him had been placed to the right of the large chair. She let her hand slip free of his arm and ascended the steps by herself to stand before her court. He waited in front of the long table that seated all of them. There had not been enough fine furniture left to seat them all according to their respective stations. The thought pleased him to no end.

She stood with her back straight and her shoulders thrown back defiantly as her violet eyes swept over the whole room, judging and condemning in that one gaze. Link stood to her left just out of direct eyesight. The Gerudo and Hero glared at each other, neither backing down. Ganondorf felt the hairs rise on the back of his neck from the pressure building in the room. Their pieces were reacting to their emotions. A stern glance at both of them from Zelda quelled it and put an end to the silent confrontation.

"Dear Council and gentle friends," she started, "I thank you for your attendance. I know that things are still being set aright, and I appreciate the tremendous effort and aid you are giving during these difficult times. The war, though brief as it was, exacted a terrible toll on our beautiful Hyrule. The price would have been even higher had it not been for Hyrule's greatest knight, Sir Link of Ordon."

Applause went up as the boy stepped forward and bowed his head sheepishly, cheeks going bright red in embarrassment. His eyes went to the queen in a silent plea to let him sink back into the background. She gave him a gentle smile and silently dismissed him. He stepped backwards away from the curious eyes of the gentry.

"However, even Sir Link's valiant deeds and work were not enough to win the war for us. We were sorely outnumbered, and I will not lie, our supplies were running short. Our soldiers fought on courageously no matter what was asked of them. They were willing to fight and die for their country, and they made me proud to be Hylian. Still, it was not enough. Things were looking dire on that day those few weeks ago. It seemed as if all was lost despite all our struggle and bravery. I feared the worst."

She paused for dramatic effect, and Ganondorf saw his cue. He climbed the steps to stand by her side.

"Then this man beside me showed up." She placed her hand on his shoulder and gave him a look so full of admiration and hero-worship that it took everything in him not to burst out cackling. He could clearly read through the charade she was putting on. She would sooner spit at him than look at him like that. Still, it amused him beyond measure to see these fools lap it up.

"He came from out of nowhere as the stories tell. He came to me in a cloud of smoke, and at first I was afraid of this apparition before me. His powers and magic were unlike any I had encountered before. Despite my initial fear of him, I knew from the marking on his robes that he was a member of the long-lost Sheikah tribe who were the ancient protectors of my house from days long gone by. He had been sent by the Goddesses to assure my safety and Hyrule's." Her voice rang out clear and true, and every face was turned towards her in utter rapture as if she were some siren singing to men lost at sea. Of course, the Hylians would believe any explanation that involved them being divinely favored by the Goddesses. They already thought themselves the chosen children of the deities. Why should they not intervene to ensure that their favorite race was protected? The thought turned his stomach, but for once, their arrogance played to his advantage.

"And then . . .then he summoned forth the Guardians of Light, the spirits of old who once guarded this land against evil. A great bird and a great boar he brought forth from the earth, and they crushed the Holodrummers underfoot like ants." She clenched her fist in front of her for emphasis. "Our enemies scattered before them like leaves in the wind, and finally, he took me to face that villain Filepus. He instilled in me the strength and skill to finish the king of Holodrum. He blessed my hand with the speed necessary to make an end of that terrible man and the awful war he caused."

No, Zelda, he thought admirably, I had no part in that. You did that all on your own. He felt the strangest sense of pride watching her stand there in front of all of these men who had doubted her rule as a young woman. Why he felt it he did not know, but he did. He had never been the kind to be able to empathize with others or feel affection so easily. She was stronger than he had given her credit for.

"It is because of this man," she took his hand in hers and lifted them into the air, "that Hyrule still stands. It is because of this man that our beloved homeland is safe once more and her people at peace. I present to the Council and Court the Sheikah mage, Agahnim, savior of the Kingdom and my new High Chancellor."

He watched paralyzed and wide-eyed as the fools actually clapped for him. They got to their feet and applauded him even more loudly than they had for the Hero. His body went rigid from the shock of it. He could not have spoken if he wanted to, and he was grateful for the feel of Zelda's hand around his and her beaming smile. He was standing before the Hylian court, and they were cheering for him. He was standing beside the Hylian queen as her most trusted advisor. He, Ganon Mandrag the Scourge of Hyrule, was standing in Hyrule Castle as neither her conqueror nor in chains. It was surreal. It was foreign and alien, and it felt wrong. Yes, it felt wrong. He had dreamed of this moment so differently that he could not fathom it any other way. His palms grew slick with sweat.

The queen let his hand go, and he made his way to the stool at her right. She took a seat and began to speak of matters of state. Ganondorf tried to listen as best he could, but he could only stare at her in wonderment with a foreboding feeling settling in his stomach. This was not what he had wanted. He would have never imagined this in a thousand years, but here he was seated beside the queen of Hyrule as her ally.

She was beautiful as she composed her regal features and spoke in that cold, detached voice that he had once so hated. She was magnificent in her element. He blinked and felt sick as that dark part of himself that he had glimpsed during their joining reared up inside of him. The demon-lord burned in the back of his brain. It laughed as he looked upon her. It craved her still. Its lust for her essence and abilities had only grown and nothing but her would slake the thirst. It demanded that he do as it wished. It screamed in his blood and mind to take what was hers and make it his, and the want for it only increased when he looked at the boy standing there guarding her. The wildness of it scared Ganondorf and intoxicated him. The allure of it was overwhelming.

He looked at her again and listened to her voice. He watched her as she leaned back in her chair with her golden hair falling over her white shoulders and framing that beautiful face carved of ivory and starlight. The demon calmed as he studied Zelda. His voice faded, and the madness lessened though it remained to pulse faintly in his veins. He could feel himself regaining control as she gave him a small, secret smile. She was his, and that was enough at the time being. It had to be.

That night Ganondorf snuck into her chambers under a cloak of shadows and the sleep that lay heavily upon the castle. She greeted him without startling, expecting him to come. Zelda only seemed mildly annoyed that he had waited so long.

She looped her arms around his neck and pulled him down for a kiss as they fell back onto the bed together. Their clothes were swiftly shed and flung into a pile in a corner of the room. Their limbs tangled together, and their bodies moved in unison with her nails digging into his back until they were both spent and tired. Sleep dragged her under shortly after as she nestled her head against his chest and breathed softly against his skin.

He stared up into the darkness as he let his fingers trail down her naked back. His eyes found her face and were able to only trace the outline of her features. He could do this for a little while, for her, for this Zelda he could play this game and live this lie. But not forever, the demon said ominously in the back of his mind. And he knew then that it spoke the truth. The Gerudo could do this and endure this for this lifetime, but not forever.

It's through. It took me two years to write, but it's done. FINALLY.

This is likely to be the happiest ending you're ever going to get out of me for this pairing. I just can't ever picture it ending well for them. Things will always revert back to their natural state in the end.

Something that I learned in writing this is the usefulness of outlines. I really should have done that more with this story and that's a good bit of the reason why updates were so spaced out. With The Bright Side of Darkness, the story line was so straightforward that I knew exactly how things were going to play out in my head. Taming the Tiger was much more problematic in that way since I didn't know exactly where I was going with this. However, I still feel like Taming the Tiger was an improvement over the BSoD. I like to think that my characterization of Zelda was more even handed and plausible. It's still very flawed and needs improvement.

Anyways, thanks for sticking with me for so long. I truly am grateful, and I appreciate everyone who has read this and reviewed it. I couldn't have done it without you guys. I hope you enjoyed the ride. I know I did even though it was frustrating at times.

I think from now on I might just stick with one-shots, lol. I doubt it though since my one-shots always turn into full-blown stories.