OOC: Sorry MagmarFire and Nathael, but this is narrative only. If you guys are still around when South Hyrule opens, you'll be able to jump back in. Actually, I may be able to get you two back into my story in time for the final part of Fighting Fate. We'll certainly have to see.

Anywho, once again, I ask that NO ONE posts here. If you do, I will ask Draug to delete it and I will judge you less for it.

IC:
It was not often that Hyneria wore a dress. Rarer still was Hyneria crying while wearing a dress. But it wasn't everyday she was in a courtroom going over the details of when her own father had raped her. When she was done retelling her tale, the judge looked over to Seth Aestas, Bow Lieutenant of the Hylian Knights. "Sir Aestas, are you sure she's telling the truth?" he asked. "There is no evidence supporting her story, and five years is a long time to wait."

"Your honor, she was in fear of her life," Seth replied. "And besides, it is not an easy thing for anyone to recall. Hyneria Ikana is my friend, and I swear upon the oaths of my knighthood that she would never lie about something such as rape."

The judge remained quiet for a while. "It has been brought to my attention that this woman and her sister killed nine men."

"Self-defense, Your Honor," came Seth's reply. "I was told that Xokomar hired a group of three mercenaries to kill his daughters. I was also told that the guards at the Ikana Mansion received orders to kill Marisa and Hyneria."

"And you still swear upon your oaths of knighthood that these two women are telling the truth."

"I do."

More silence. As well as a nervous tension. Undoubtedly, the judges next words would carry a verdict and a sentence. "Telling a lie when swearing on such oaths is something no man would dare do," he said at last. "I cannot believe that Sir Aestas would risk his job over such a grave falsehood. Therefore, I find Xokomar Ikana guilty of raping his own child and attempted murder of his daughters. The sentence for such crimes are life in prison. I adjourn this court."

"But those wenches killed!" Xokomar roared, turning red in the face. "They deserve death!"

"Silence!" the judge bellowed, his face also turning red. "They are only guilty of protecting their own lives! Guards, get him out of my courtroom and into prison where he belongs!"

"Revina will be back in Hyrule in a few days!" Xokomar shouted in Sheikah, glaring at Hyneria and Marisa. "She will get me out of prison, and then we'll kill you!" More of his shouting could be heard as guards dragged him out of the building.

A troubled look came over Hyneria's face at her father's words. Seth looked over at Marisa, an inquisitive look on his face. She stood up and said, "Your Honor, I ask that my father not be released under no circumstances unless an order from the King himself is issued."

"I take it he has threatened you?" Marisa nodded her head. "Then it is noted. You three are free to go." The judge turned his attention to the parchment in front of him.

Seth walked over to the witness stand and grabbed Hyneria's elbow, gently helping her out of the seat. "Come on," he said, concern in his voice. "Mom's waiting for us."


In the Aestas household a few days later, Hyneria gave Kantoro a tight hug. "You be good for Aunt Marisa, okay?"

"Yes, Mommy," the little boy replied. "Why aren't you coming with us?"

"I have some things to take care of in North Hyrule. I swear I'll be with you again as soon as I can, okay?" Her son nodded, and Hyneria released him and stood up. She then gave Marisa a hug. "Thank you, Marisa. I couldn't have done this without you."

"Anything for my favorite sister," Marisa said, allowing a grin to form on her lips. "You know how to get a hold of me if you need anything. Bye for now."

"Later."

Hyneria walked out of the door with them, watching them walk off to the Caravan Quarter to catch a ride to Rauru Town. She waved back when Kantoro turned around to wave goodbye, smiling as she did so. Life was looking up again.