TT I can't really say sorry. My legitimate excuse is that my life has been really horrible with school. And will be getting worse as the end of the years turns near. CURSE SCHOOL! CURSE SPANISH CLASS! Ok I feel a little better. Anyway, I'll try and get off of hiatus status again but no guarantees. And for those of you wondering about the sequel to my "Stealing Back the Past" Zelda fic, I'll try and get that up and running but again, no guarantees. In summer my fics will definitely be back again.
Chapter 4Saria hadn't slept well at all. It seemed that an ever-growing darkness was welling up, boiling forth in the image of Link. Nightmares wrapping around her like a scarf too tight on the neck. Spryte wasn't back yet, which worried her a little. It was a strange land after all. But the fairy was tough, it took more than new surroundings to get the better of him.
False morning was bleak and gray; the sun hadn't yet risen to chase the night away. Saria felt too restless to stay in bed any longer. Her sleep seemed more like a bewitched unconsciousness than anything else. Quickly, the girl pulled on her soft leather shoes and cloak before leaving. A walk was what she needed right now.
The town wasn't completely quiet at this hour. Venders were setting up their wares and an occasional patrol clanked down the cobblestone streets. People were friendly to strangers; they tipped their caps or hailed good morn. Saria smiled and returned their greetings. It all seemed so peaceful. But that was like saying that there weren't sharp stones beneath the surface of a smooth river. Almost everyone had a weapon handy, at his or her belt or leaning against the wall, in plain sight to everyone. Saria guessed it was both a custom and a precaution considering the black smog they'd run into yesterday.
"Looking for someone? Or something my lady?" the voice belonged to a young looking male about a half a head taller than Saria. He was dressed in black leather armor lined in blue and dark gray clothes meant for agility but offering light protection. His fair skin complimented his slanted light blue eyes and black hair. A feathered earring hung from his left ear.
"Uh… yes actually. His name is Spryte, you couldn't miss him, he's a bright green glowing fairy-."
The young man leaned forward, "That one will find you. But who is it your heart seeks?" he smiled casually at her expression. He stood up adjusting his belt containing two swords, "My name is Nico. I'm affiliated with what the people call the Holy Ones."
Saria's heart leaped, "Could you take me to him!" she blurted before thinking. An image of the girl she saw riding out of the black mist blinked across her mind, "I mean-! My name is Saria, of the Sage Council in Hyrule. I must speak with Link! Do you know him?" she spoke so fast she wasn't sure if Nico'd understood.
Nico's eyes smiled, "Ah-ha! Link had told me that his dreams had been disturbing as of late. I could take you to him, but does he want to see you is the question." His words hit like a hot knife to butter. Saria wondered if this man was pulling a cruel joke on her. It was painful enough just standing there knowing that Link was somewhere nearby but could not reach him.
"Please." She said slowly, "It is of great importance."
"For the people or you?"
The sage didn't like how he spoke as if he knew her, "Stop asking questions!"
Nico held up his hands in surrender, "Easy, cecdan! If you think you're ready to see him then I'll gladly take you. I read hearts, not minds." And with that he gestured for her to follow him.
Each block of housings seemed longer than the last. Saria's heart beat against her rib cage. Why was she so nervous? Hearts can change over time, Link was forgiving…or was he still?
"You don't forgive and forget easily do you?"
Saria felt her privacy invaded, "Stop that!"
"What? You're saying that all these years and you haven't been able to read hearts? It's one of the natural abilities of the Kokiri. Hmm, that must've faded from you descendants. Duu pyt…"
"Huh? What are you saying? Hey! Don't ignore me!" Saria snatched Nico's arm forcing him to stop, "Are you saying you're a Kokiri? How can that be?"
Nico removed her, "All in good time cecdan." He smiled.
"What does 'cecdan' mean?"
"It means 'sister'. Now do you want to see him or not?" without waiting for an answer he continued down the road. The young man led Saria to a stable across the town. Already the stable boy was running back and forth from the well to the barn. He didn't even acknowledge them as they strode past. Inside the sounds of crunching and horses shifting in their stalls reached her ears.
Abruptly an elfin head poked out from one of the stalls, "Ruo Nico! Fru'c dryd fedr oui?" this was another boy about Nico's age. He had similar dress, but brunette hair pulled back into a small ponytail. His slanted eyes were green, though he smiled, those eyes revealed a darkness only those that have delivered death could have.
"Ah, this is Saria."
The other leaned against the stall railing, "Greetings, my name is Mitchell." In one hand Mitchell held a currycomb, apparently in the middle of grooming his horse, "Link's in the back with the girls." Their accents were frustrating to Saria. She felt she should know it yet she didn't. Nico promptly led her down the long isle, "That joker is also affiliated." He told her.
"He doesn't seem the type."
"Oh trust me he is."
On their way they ran into yet another similarly dressed male. One difference was that his clothing was more for stealth and magery. His skin was a heavy tan, semi long hair silver, matching his eyes. He didn't say anything, giving them a simple nod. Piercing silver eyes lingering on Saria for a split second before breaking. The sageling continued watching him over her shoulder, "Who was that?"
"That was Carth. One of the more silent type but he's a good friend. Never will let you down. The methods he uses may not be what you want always but hey, can't complain."
"Ouihk uha! Link, there's someone here to see you." Nico loudly announced over a ruckus. Apparently a horse was misbehaving.
"Good morning!" a woman with garnet red hair and eyes exited the stall, her body covered with a loose cloak, "Oh hello there." Nico addressed her as Rhia. Next came out a pale skinned girl came out, dark purple hair with silver ties in the locks. Her name was Liada.
"Ayyaaa! Epona doesn't want to take her medicine!" a young female complained as she stepped out of the stall. She froze when she saw Saria. The sage didn't blink. This girl, about 16 years old, was in the spitting image of Link. The one she'd seen yesterday…
"And this here is Jahina. We call her Jay. She's-."
"-my daughter." A frighteningly familiar voice finished. Link closed the gate behind him, patting his horse on the muzzle before wiping his hands off. He seemed different… mature maybe. The years had not been kind to him. He no longer wore his Kokiri tunic or hat, which Navi had always hid in.
"Good morning, Saria. Who else travels with you?" No smile, not even a question to her well-being, just simple courtesy. Saria wished she could melt into the earth and disappear from how heavy Link's gaze fell upon her. It was almost painful.
"Ehh…. Ruto, Zelda, Impa, Nabooru and me."
Appearing out of nowhere came a high squeak, "Ack! Did you have to bring that brat of a fish with you?" Navi certainly hadn't changed.
"She insisted." Saria swallowed the pain balling up in her throat. Why did she have to be so weak? As Nico had done, Link's daughter Jay reached out a comforting hand. Her smile was so much like his when he was showing concern.
"Her Highness has been having visions… well perhaps you should speak with her yourself!" that came out a little more harsh than she wanted. This was a mess.
Link picked up a black floor lengthed sleeveless coat and put it on before slinging his sword across his back, "Then that I will. By the way, I think Spryte is slacking off in being stealthy." He popped the cork of a bottle in hand, allowing the fairy to escape.
"Spryte! Oh thank goodness! Link! How could you! This didn't help me sleep last night!" Saria was both relieved, and angry. Jay backed away, sensing the pent up emotions finding a crack in the dam. It was all twisted up into a deadly snake.
"Don't yell at my father!" the blonde stood between them, her eyes burning.
Betrayed.
Saria felt this so suddenly when she saw the beautiful girl that she couldn't take it anymore.
"This was a mistake!" she screamed then ran out of the stables. It didn't matter where her destination was. As long as it was away from that person that had haunted her dreams every night for the past fifteen years. She hated him, to the bitter end she hated him. Abandoning and betraying her! She loved him!
Saria dug her heels into the grass. What was she thinking? It wasn't him it was her! This was a total and complete mess.
The sage sank to her knees and pressed her hands against her face. Tears of self-pity trickled through her fingers.
"Such drama." Said Spryte. He seemed to be smiling, but not in jest. He allowed her to sit there and pour her heart of hurt out. But he knew she would never be fully healed till she worked things out with Link.
Saria sat for a long time staring out at the endless grasslands. The green blades rippled like a green lake. The wind dried her tears and calmed her spirit. Here, was the closest thing to the forest.
"You ready now?" Link had stood next to her for a few minutes without her noticing. Some of that concern had returned to his deep blue eyes.
No. She thought.
"Yes. Sorry for the outburst." She stood and dusted off her clothes. Without another word they returned to town, Link a few steps ahead of his old friend. Saria felt very lonely suddenly. She wanted to take Link's hand in hers. But she couldn't… not now that he had a daughter.
000
Hmm… need to work on these scenes. I'll try and get the next chapter up soon. I bid thee to review please!
