Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters, locations, or elements that are found in other Nintendo Zelda games.
"Sarsa, you know, I was getting ready to leave town earlier tonight," Link mentioned casually during a break in the conversation. He was sitting at the dining room in Sahasrahla's hut, the two of them midway through a meal of grilled rabbit. It had been a long couple of days for Link, but hearing the in-depth account of the past made him realize he was someone special. He had the power to fix previous mistakes to make a better future.
"I am surprised you've lasted this long," Sahasrahla joked, chuckling as took a sip of Lon Lon wine. Link laughed as well, but it wasn't a big secret how safe he felt in Torrhes. He had a feeling the discussion was going to turn Hero of Time business, so he changed the topic.
"It is a shame about Aryll, though. She was pretty devastated earlier after Mr. Boratti died."
"My daughter is a special girl. I am sure she will be fine. But you... why would you want to leave all of this?" the old man responded, bringing the conversation back to Link.
"Well, my friends were taken away from me, you know, Malon and Kafei," Link rambled. He really didn't want the conversation to focus on him.
"You really liked her, didn't you?"
"She was just a girl. I never really got the chance to know her. Kind of like how I never got to know Aryll and Ingo being together. She seemed really upset earlier. How come you didn't invite her over for dinner?"
"You know, Link, you did have me as a hostage. I didn't have the chance."
The old man laughed again before continuing, "besides, Aryll and I haven't been getting along that well lately."
Link looked up curiously at Sahasrahla. Aryll had mentioned earlier that day that she was feeling neglected by her father, in favor of "the princess". Link had never seen a close relationship between the father and daughter, and instead it seemed very business-like. He wasn't sure whether it was time to mention it, but sensing an awkward pause in the conversation, he spoke up.
"I think she is just jealous that you were spending time with Zelda instead of her," Link remarked. After a few seconds of silence, he spoke again, "or she was just emotional over Ingo."
"No, young lad, you were right about Zelda. But I considered it my duty to keep tabs on Harkinian," the old man responded, setting his knife and fork down on his plate and letting out a deep sigh. He took a deep swig of his wine, finishing what was in his glass.
"What do you mean? What does one have to do with the other?" Link asked, also putting his silverware down.
"Harkinian is the rightful ruler of Hyrule, and when I found out he had a daughter 20 years ago, I wanted to make sure she could be a capable leader."
Sahasrahla let out a gleaming smile that showed a few missing teeth. Link then remembered a small detail from the old man's story.
"Did you suggest her name be Zelda, like you suggested mine be Link?" he asked.
"No, I'm afraid not," the old man replied curtly before he stood up. He lost his balance and held onto the table. Link wasn't sure whether to laugh or not, so he sat and watched as Sahasrahla picked up the plates. Sometimes the old man acted foolish for his entertainment, but as he was 74, he could also have had too much wine for his age.
"Well Link, I've done enough talking today for the both of us. I think we could both use some rest," the old man said, indicating that Link should leave.
"Thank you very much for the meal and the stories. By the way, what happened with Zelda?" Link asked.
"She left earlier today back for Hyrule. We all must do our god-given duties, eh Link?" Sahasrahla joked, picking up the dishes and walking toward the sink. "I'll see you tomorrow, I hope," he called from the kitchen.
Link still had so many questions. Never before had he had such an open talk with Sahasrahla, although, as he thought about it more, he realized he never asked properly. He always took his time with the old man for granted. They often joked and told fantastic stories, but rarely had Link relied on his mentor for the past. In his lifetime, the extent of which he got from the old man was bits and pieces about Link's parents He knew he would ask more the following day, and satisfied with his quench for answers, he walked out of the hut.
It was late, and no one was outside. The moon was high above Torrhes, and as he walked, Link looked up toward the stars. So much had changed since the last time he got a good view of the sky, just two nights prior when he saw the town ablaze. He knew there were answers out there, just as there would be adventures and new stories out there. Link would have to leave Torrhes soon, but he decided he would wait, at least until his birthday.
Link was so deep in thought that he didn't notice the figure approaching him. Perhaps in paranoia, he pulled out the sword he was carrying, but lowered it once he realized who it was.
"Queen Ambi, what are you doing here?" Link asked in shock. She was alone, and clutched her large purple overcoat, seemingly for protection. Her graying hair was kept under a tight hat, and her wrinkled skin confirmed Link's earlier suspicions - that she was much older than he thought she was.
"Oh Link, I'm glad you're safe. Is your father around?" replied Ambi, queen of Arcadia. Link looked at her puzzlingly, unsure if he heard her correctly. She looked nervous, and after several moments realized her mistake.
"I mean Sahasrahla," the queen stated, forcing a light chuckle.
"Yea, I was just with him," Link remarked, hoping that would placate the monarch. However, Ambi stayed, waiting in the darkness next to Link. Link continued speaking, unsure what she wanted.
"Do you want me to walk with you to his hut?"
"Oh, no. I was just thinking of what I am going to say. I do really love this village," Ambi rambled. As much as Link wanted to go home, his curiousity got the best of him.
"Queen Ambi, what is wrong?" Link asked, his mind contemplating a myriad of possibilities. She looked at him and smiled.
"Thank you, young boy. I am sorry, I am just unfamiliar how to handle this."
Link thought he knew what this was about. After the Hyrulian sneak attack with the train, not to mention his two friends being held hostage, he figured there was a major collapse in relations between the countries. He looked at her differently than he had the previous night. Now that he knew she wasn't the rightful successor to the throne, she suddenly seemed so much more vulnerable. He could only imagine the pressure she was under as head of state.
Thinking it would make her feel better, Link spoke up. "It's alright Ambi, your secret is safe with me - Sarsa told me."
She looked at him dirtily when he addressed her, but forced a smile and replied.
"I am just unfamiliar with family issues. After he died..."
She paused when Link had a look of confusion on his face.
"Link, I am sorry, but what were you referring to?" Queen Ambi asked. Link looked around, making sure no one was listening. There was no around Torrhes, and aside from a rustling in the bushes, it was quiet.
He whispered, "It's fine, just how you weren't supposed to be the ruler of Arcadia. Harkinian was, by blood."
The queen's eyes grew wide and fearful. She brushed her hands at her side and walked toward Sahasrahla's house.
"That's right. Now you should get to bed young lad. These are dangerous times," she called back.
Link wasn't sure what he had done - perhaps Sahasrahla wasn't supposed to tell anyone? he thought. He followed her advice and headed to his hut. He laid down on his bed, and had the first sound sleep in several weeks.