Inspiration: Familiar faces and places.

Author note: Thank you to the reviewers Jennell and Arrowie.

Word Count: 4,065


Chapter 2

Sar

My father is known as the great hero. Living in his shadow can be quite hard, but I have learned to manage. Many people think my father should have gone after greatness: marrying the princess and becoming the king. However, my father chose a different path. My father chose the way of simplicity. My mother wasn't a noble woman, she wasn't a woman high born. She was simply a peasant girl who lived on a farm. It was rumored the queen wanted to marry my father, and establish a dynasty of Triforce wielders. However, he rejected the throne, wanting a more simple life. The queen winded up marrying a prince from the land of Balaam and the future of the Nohanseen bloodline lived on. My father didn't like talking about his dealings with the queen in front of my mother because he never wanted to incite jealousy. Even so, my mother knew my father was a sought after man, with the queen being one of many admirers. There were those who were in love with the legacy of my father as opposed to who my father was. My father was a simple man, and when he found a woman who understood that, he settled down.

I remember my parents being a very loving couple. My father seemed to adore my mother and vice versa. My mother was funny, kind, and determined. I think those were the qualities my father admired the most. I am an only child, but it wasn't because my father and mother did not want to have more children. My parents hoped for more children, but every time they tried, my mother lost the babies. I remember my mother crying after every miscarriage. She blamed herself, and it made me so sad for her. Finally, my mother's body gave out when I was fifteen. She was pregnant and she not only lost the baby, but her life. It was the first time I saw my father visibly cry, but the sadness overwhelmed the both of us. My father dedicated the rest of his time raising me. He never remarried because he never wanted to, but he never wavered in sharing who my mother was with me. I remembered a great deal of her too. She was genuine, funny, and beautiful. She was gentle and kind to me, and that directed me to the kind of woman I wanted.

I met Caroline shortly after my mother passed away. Caroline was so much like my mother in that she was funny, kind, and beautiful. We were sixteen. I didn't ask her to marry me until we were twenty-two. Caroline stuck by me, even when I was ridiculous. My father warned me about stringing her along, and constantly reminded me of why it was necessary to keep open communication. I sometimes didn't trust the things my father was saying because he was so introverted. But, Caroline responded well when I implemented the things he suggested. She was vocal about our relationship, and I responded favorably. One year later, we were on our way to being husband and wife. My father helped me from losing what was now the love of my life. Caroline was everything to me and I wanted nothing more than to please her. She also showed she was willing to do whatever it took to please me, so she wasn't selfish. I knew how much she truly loved me.

Currently, I was in the front stables tending to the horses, when a white and beige Gerudo stallion suddenly rode up to the gate with a beautiful green haired rider. I stopped momentarily and stared at the woman atop the horse, only to have an epiphany. She looked exactly like a girl I knew from my past. I remembered when I was a boy, there was this beautiful green haired maiden that came and stayed with my family when my mother was alive. I remember her being bold and courageous, but she was also kind and generous. She played the ocarina, and she was the most lovely creature I had ever seen. I wanted to marry a girl like her, and thankfully I didn't have to venture too far after meeting Caroline.

Caroline reminded me a lot of Miss Aria, though, I wasn't foolish enough to tell her that. Even so, Caroline had a sense of adventure and had traits similar to Miss Aria. Caroline was a dream come true for me. Even so, my biggest concern in getting married was making sure my father was taken care of when I was gone. I knew my father knew how to survive. That was what he did. However, he was Hylian. He suffered from loneliness like everyone else. Mother's death was quite a blow to him, though he would never admit it. He went about his day as he would any other day, but I saw him look at photos of my mother when he thought he was alone. I saw the pain he tried to conceal. I also saw him venture off to the forest alone at times and play his ocarina. Surprisingly, he played this upbeat melody from his childhood a lot. It was almost as though he were trying to call out to someone, but there was no answer. It was… it was very similar to the song Miss Aria taught me years ago. In fact, I think it was the same song. How uncanny. I knew he didn't want to spend the rest of his days alone, but he had no desire to court, even when women were eager for him to show them attention. I wasn't sure what to do with him. However, for some reason, seeing this beautiful woman ride up gave me hope. It was presumptuous, but there was something about her that was conversant. My memory was cycling as her face was starting to register, and with each trot the recollection became greater. Until… it finally came to me. She stopped short of me.

I then stared at her in disbelief. I now knew exactly who she was.

"Miss Aria!" I exclaimed shocked.

The lovely rider bowed, then disembarked and greeted me with the biggest smile I ever did see. Her thick green hair flowed all the way down to her waist. I could never forget that hair even if I tried.

"Good evening Master Sar, you remembered," she said playfully.

I walked up to her and welcomed her.

"You remembered too! How could I forget you? You're the only person I ever knew who had that color hair. You left quite the impression."

She giggled.

"That's my trademark, and I must have," she said. "The last time I saw you was thirteen years ago."

I nodded, not being able to get over how beautiful she still was. She hadn't aged a day. In fact, she seemed to look younger than her last visit, which was baffling to me, because she had to be close to my father's age. Whatever she was doing, it was working wonders on her. I then gave her a quick once over.

"Was your journey far?"

She nodded.

"Quite far actually, I'm exhausted."

She didn't appear to be.

"Well, you should definitely rest," I suggested. "Though, you look like you haven't been traveling even a day," I complimented.

The flattery didn't go unnoticed.

"That's very kind of you. Thank you."

"You're more than welcome," I replied. There was a brief silence where she looked around. "So, what brings you to Lon Lon Ranch?" I asked.

Aria was temporarily lost in her thoughts. She was staring beyond me for a moment.

"It's changed so much," she said absently to herself.

She had to be noting the expansion.

"That was all due to the hard work of my parents," I said.

She nodded.

"Indeed."

I gave her another once over.

"You are so beautiful," I just let slip.

Her cheeks warmed and she looked back at me

"You're just full of commendations, aren't you?"

I shrugged.

"It can't be helped, I'm just trying to determine if you really are from this world or not," I joked. "I have my suspicions that you're really an enchantress. I just need the confirmation."

Aria grinned.

"An enchantress? Me? No. But who knows, perhaps my mysterious nature will have more of an unveiling to you," she joked back. "Perhaps this will be the visit where all your questions are answered."

I admired her amiable disposition and shook my head.

"I know you're humoring me, but a part of me thinks there is a bit of truth there." I then added. "I still can't believe you're really here. It's so wonderful to see you."

She clasped her hands together.

"You're really too kind, but you're going on and on about me, and look at you," she redirected. "You're a grown man now. When I last saw you, you were just a lad."

I looked down and got a bit flushed.

"Yes… well, you know time and everything."

She giggled at my blushing.

"Indeed I do."

I then went to grab the reins of her horse.

"So anyway, what brings you to Lon Lon Ranch?" I asked again. "How can I be of service to you?"

Her stallion was friendly like before. Aria looked beyond me to the large ranch house in the distance.

"I have some business in Castle Town over the next several months and I hoped to get some lodging for an extended period of time," she explained. "Kind of like before."

I nodded and started walking her horse to the stable.

"If it were up to me I would say yes with no questions asked, but after my mother passed away, my father doesn't do too much in terms of lodging for boarders."

Aria paused at the divulgence. She stared at me stunned.

"Your mother passed away?" she repeated. "Miss Malon?"

I had forgotten that she wasn't aware. I said the words so casually, I assumed everyone knew. It had been so long now. I just nodded.

"Yes," I replied.

Aria looked at me concerned.

"When?"

"Eight years ago," I replied, I was quiet for a moment. "It still hurts to think about, but the time has lessened the wound."

She then paused.

"Then maybe you shouldn't ask your father," she stated suddenly. "I… I could find another place for lodging. I don't want to impose."

I shook my head.

"You are not an imposition," I insisted. "Let me speak to my father and see what he says. Besides, it would be nice to have a boarder brighten up the place. Just the two of us here is kind of boring."

She was still hesitant.

"But even so, I won't be alarmed at all if he says no."

Her reasoning was fair enough, but I think my father would actually be glad to see her. He took a liking to her last time. Well, after his suspicions diminished, but he was obliging just the same.

"Just wait here and I'll go get him," I said.

With that, I turned and hurried towards the main entrance into the ranch. My father was working on the far side near the windmill, shoveling and tying hay. Aria stood at the front gate watching after me. I imagine she was concerned considering the news I just gave her, but I think her fears would soon be lessened. My father would never believe who was here. I think this was just the surprise he needed.

~SSS~

Saria

My pretense must have been affective because Sar believed my response with no questions asked. I had to make sure I didn't incur any unnecessary suspicion. I couldn't just come out of nowhere, after years of being away, and know everything that was going on in his life. That would raise too many questions. Sar already thought of me as an enchantress, I didn't need to give him more fodder. Link was already going to be enough of a challenge when he saw me. He would be more aware of what I was capable of, knowing my true purpose in life over his son. Even still, I was nervous. It had been so long and my anticipation was tantamount. The dusky sun was lowering over the mountains in the distance as evening began to make its way over Lon Lon Ranch. It was still a peaceful, beautiful place, and from the looks of things, the ranch had expanded beyond just horses. I heard the sounds of goats and a few cows in the neighboring stable nearby. The landmass had increased a great deal as well. There were now three siphoned off areas for the animals. I assumed the biggest free range area was for the horses. The second biggest was probably for the cows. And, the smallest free range area was probably for the goats. I understood the business tactic here, and saw the potential in diversifying the cattle. Perhaps the goats and cows could bring in a more substantial income when they multiplied.

Not a bad idea…

Soon, I saw Sar walking back with his father in the distance. Link seemed to be listening to his son as he nodded while Sar spoke expediently. I couldn't lie, my heart stirred a little when I saw the hero again. Even though he was older, he was still the most handsome man in the world to me. His sky blue eyes were just as piercing now as they were when he was ten years old. There were a few lines that creviced his eyes and etched his face, but it only made him appear mature. He was probably too beautiful in his youth anyway. The age seemed to allow his true masculinity to show. His golden blonde hair was greying at the sides slightly, and he wore a full beard now, which had hints of grey in it too. His facial hair was trimmed and neat along with the tresses on his head. His tunics had been traded for overalls and bastion shirts. He looked like a farmer… a very handsome farmer. Link walked up with his son slightly ahead of him. His forty-three years looked good on him.

I think he's more handsome now, than when I saw him last time…

Link stopped short of me and gave me a brief once over. Sar was still reveling in his excitement.

"You see," he said triumphantly. "I told you father. I told you it was her."

Link nodded and stared me straight in the eyes just then.

"You were right," he admitted, then directed his next question to me. "Miss Aria was it?"

I nodded. It seemed he was gauging the situation for his son.

"Yes sir," I said.

Link kept with the ruse.

"It's been a long time," he said.

I nodded again.

"It has."

The hero's eyes searched my face.

"How are you?"

I smiled and did a small curtsy.

"I'm very well, thank you," I looked beyond them for a moment. "I see you expanded the ranch."

Link turned slightly to have the dusky sunset hit his magnificent eyes.

"Yeah," he said, "it's a work in progress. I believe the future will be in goat herding, or perhaps cow rearing."

I grinned.

"It sounds like a smart move to me."

Link then turned back and gave me another quick once over.

"Right… what brings you here Miss Aria?"

His tone had a hint of suspicion in it now, but I think I understood why.

"I was hoping I could board with you for a few months, as I have some business to attend to in town," I explained. "However, if it's an inconvenience for you, then I understand why it can't be accommodated."

Sar dispelled that notion quickly.

"We can accommodate you," he interjected immediately. "It's just my father and I here."

Link didn't seem to have the same ideas, and was more cautious. He merely glanced at his son.

"Let's not be presumptuous," he said to Sar, then directed to me, "are you sure you wouldn't be more comfortable at an inn in town? You would be in the epicenter of where you would need to do business."

I paused at his reply. I sensed more than just suspicion here. I sensed a lack of trust, which admittedly was surprising. Link knew me. Link knew who I was. Why was he proceeding this way? Did I do something wrong? Was he angry at me from last time still? I studied him for a moment.

Why is he trying to deflect? Is he not happy to see me? Does he not want me here?

"Uh… well, I suppose I could do that," I said. "I just thought you still took boarders here like you did in the past."

Now it was Link's turn to study me.

"You said you would be staying for how long?"

I had no qualms.

"Six months."

Link took in a deep sigh.

"That's a great deal of time. I haven't had a boarder stay here since my wife died," he said. "She was the one who handled that sort of thing."

The hero really was trying to dissuade me. Apparently, he had his reasons for not wanting visitors, but I most certainly didn't think I belonged in that category. I was going to speak up to negate it, but Sar did so for me in my stead.

"Father, it isn't as if Miss Aria is a stranger," he stated. "We know her. She has been our guest before. It would be rude to simply send her away when she came so far to see us."

I glanced over at Link who looked more frustrated with his son than anything.

"Six months is a long time," Link reiterated, "and you're getting married in a few weeks. You won't even be here for the duration of her visit. Your logic is prejudiced."

Sar shrugged.

"So what. So you'll have to be hospitable on your own for a little while. It won't hurt you father. Besides, you could use the companionship when I'm gone. You're becoming more and more of a recluse. It isn't healthy to become a hermit."

Link grunted at his son's reply and it did make me involuntarily chuckle. The hero then glanced over at me.

"You really want to board here?" he asked.

I nodded, then decided to sweeten the offer.

"I'll pay you six electrum rupees," I said. "One electrum rupee per month of stay.

Both Link and Sar stared at me taken aback.

"60,000 rupees?" Sar said incredulously. "You're willing to pay 60,000 rupees to stay here?"

I nodded again, then glanced at Link, who was staring at me hard.

"That's a great deal of money Miss Aria," he said.

I stared into his eyes.

"I know," I replied, "but to me you and Sar are worth every rupee."

Sar looked convinced.

"Father, that could take care of funding operations for at least a year. You could hire some hands to help with the work. You wouldn't have to go at this alone, or expect only me to be there for you."

Link pursed his lips together and was still hesitant.

"That sounds well and good, but I still don't understand why you would choose to stay here versus an inn in the city."

I gave the hero a wayward look.

Is he serious? Does… does he not remember those words he uttered to me? Does he not know why I would even come all this way? Has he forgotten how I feel about him?

"I want to keep a low profile," I replied. "Being in the country keeps me away from 'certain royal' establishments, but it seems your mind is already made up." I then turned to Sar. "Thank you for asking, but it is clear your father is weary of strangers… or even people he once knew."

Link caught the glint in my voice, but I took a step back now. It was apparent I grossly overestimated him wanting to see me. Him playing my song was only a fleeting vocation apparently. I put too much stock into him playing it so often. I thought he missed me. I thought that was his cue to show me he wanted to see me again. So much for that. However, Sar appeared incensed at his father's lack of cordiality. He didn't see what the issue was, but he had no idea the depth of his father's and my relationship.

"Father, I think you are being overly cautious for no reason," Sar said. "This could be beneficial for all of us. Think about how you are making Miss Aria feel right now."

Link groaned and cut his eyes to his son before fixing his eyes on me.

"This isn't a good idea," he insisted.

"I disagree," Sar replied.

At that point, Link had had enough.

"The answer is no Sar," he said.

Even so, Sar didn't back down.

"You know if mother were alive she wouldn't want you treating guests this way! You're being unreasonable!"

There was a brief silence, where I think Sar's words really got under Link's skin. The mentioning of Malon was obviously a sensitive subject. I was certain Link did not want to discuss such things in front of me. The hero looked more annoyed than anything, and as such, he digressed.

"Fine," he said finally, "you take care of the contract then, and you make sure she's accommodated the way she needs to be. I'm done."

With that, Link turned and stalked towards the house frustratingly. He was more aggravated than anything. Sar and I watched stunned, and suddenly I wished I were back in the Sacred Realm. This was not what I was anticipating.

What is this all about? Why is he so angry with me?

"Maybe… maybe this wasn't such a good idea," I said more to myself than to Sar.

Sar sighed.

"It's not you," he said anyway, "he's just dealing with his frustrations in his own way."

That was more than obvious.

"I suppose."

Sar glanced my way.

"Don't let his bark frighten you," he said. "He's actually a very kind person. I admire him for his generosity in helping others."

I didn't doubt that at all. Even so, I stared at the closed door, a little unsettled.

I know that Sar… I know… but what is this hostility towards me? What does it truly mean?

"Your… your father is a great man," I said anyway. "Perhaps he is tired of being reminded of his greatness."

Sar fanned my words off.

"I would agree with that if there was a sound basis for it," he said. "However, even a humble man appreciates being considered great. I think it would break my father if people forgot his heroism completely. Don't let his current grumpiness define him. So, what do you say? Do you still want to stay?"

I appreciated all of Sar's words. He was making great points. Link would never want to forget that he was the hero. There was a since of pride that resided with that. Just because he was grouchy didn't mean he was any less of the man he once was, and that included him being my friend. Considering everything Sar suggested to me, it was then I made my decision.

I am a sage. A sage does not scare easily. If Link really does not want me here, he is going to have to tell me himself. I think a few months in my company might be good for him. At least… I hope so…


Thank you for reading.