Inspiration: Suspicion and worry.
Author note: Thank you for reading Ruutea.
Word Count: 4,610
Chapter 3
Saria
Even with my current determination, that certainly was not the reunion I was hoping for. I thought Link would be more willing to see me than he was. His reaction reminded me of the first time I came to visit him. He was cold and distant then too. Queen Zelda helped me to understand that I awakened dormant feelings within him. I understood his caution then, but I didn't understand his cold greeting to me now. He expressed how he felt for me last time. We were painfully honest with each other. He knew me. He had to remember the things he said. He had to remember that kiss… Why was he acting this way? What had I done? What was I not seeing? Raru did warn me not to live in nostalgia. I should have taken more credence in his words.
Even so, I tried to put it out of my mind as I made my decision to stay. I couldn't shy away so soon, though it was tempting. Sar defiantly showed me to a room upstairs in the house. I looked around the familiar environment. Everything was as I remembered: the vaulted ceiling with the long beam across the center. The living room and the dining room were in an open spaced format, with two chairs nestling the hearth… where Link and Malon used to sit together. The stairs led to six bedrooms, three of which Link added on for guests, but the primary rooms were Link's, Sar's, and one of the extra rooms I was going to be staying in. It was the same room I stayed in before. It was unchanged as well. The bed was in the center of the room. There was a dresser, a wardrobe, a small table, and a chair. It had all the accommodations a boarder needed. Sar was carrying my things and placed them down near the dresser. He then turned to face me.
"I'm sorry for my father's behavior," he apologized suddenly. "I think he just has his moments, but he seems to have had them more since my mother died. Don't take him personally."
I merely nodded, still feeling uneasy.
"Do you think this is a good idea though?" I asked anyway. "It's apparent he does not want any guests staying here. Maybe being a recluse is good for him."
Sar fanned me off.
"He says that, but isolation is not good for anyone," Sar said. "I think he will see that once he settles into the idea. Perhaps he will make this a practice again."
I wasn't so sure.
"I don't know… he seemed adamant."
Sar brushed that off too.
"I have the added advantage of knowing him. My father may be stoic, but he isn't a statue. His eyes are a valid mirror. He may say things to ward people off."
I couldn't argue that, then tried to be optimistic.
"Well, if you say so."
Sar then grinned at me.
"I know so," he reassured. "My father is all bark until it is time to bite, and you aren't the type of person he would bite. His defenses were up because he wasn't anticipating a surprise. Most people like surprises, my father, not so much."
That explained a great deal of things.
"Do you think I should have sent a letter first?" I asked.
He gave me an obvious look.
"For him to throw it away without reading it?" he countered.
I stared at him surprised.
"He would do that?"
Sar looked away for a moment.
"When my mother was alive, no," he replied, "but ever since she died, he just hasn't been the same."
I felt for the hero.
He must be so lonely… he was so in love with Malon…
I suddenly wished I had thought this through better.
"You can't blame him," I stated.
There was no disagreement.
"I don't, but cutting himself off from the world is not a solution either."
Sar did have a point.
"True."
There was another quick silence after the somber exchange. However, Sar went to dispel it with a smile. He may have looked like his father, but he had the spirit of his mother. He was such an optimist.
"Enough of this serious talk, I want you to get comfortable. I'm glad you're here and I hope you intend to stay the entire length of time you stated. Although, I do hope in the midst of your business you get a chance to meet Caroline."
His words made me involuntarily blush.
"Caroline?" I pretended. "Who is that?"
Sar shook his head.
"Where are my manners? I forgot to tell you, Caroline is my fiancé."
I appeared surprised.
"You're getting married?"
He nodded.
"In three weeks," he said proudly. "She's perfect. She's a lot like you."
His words made me smile.
"I'm sure you're just being kind."
He shook his head.
"No," he said. "You left a lasting impression on me. Caroline reminds me a bit of you and my mother to be honest."
I didn't know what to say.
"I'm honored you would hold me in such high esteem."
Sar grinned again.
"You really haven't changed," he said more to himself than to me. "Perhaps if my father is lucky, he might fall in love with you."
I stared at him stunned.
He said that out loud?
"Master Sar, now really…"
I didn't know what to say.
"Call me presumptuous, but I think you might be just what he needs," he went on. "I sensed that from you the last time you were here. You brought all of my family happiness. Maybe if he lets you, you can teach him your song like you taught me. Though, he plays a song similar to it. It's uncanny, it's like it's the same melody or something."
I pursed my lips together when he uttered that.
You have no idea Sar…it is the same melody…
"Who knows, maybe he will," I said anyway.
He helped me get settled in my more by reorienting me to the room before taking his leave.
"You can hang your clothes in the wardrobe." He opened the doors to check the hinges. "The dresser is clear, so don't worry about not using it. The mirror is a bit scratched, but you can see yourself clearly." He looked around the room one more time before looking back at me. "That's about it."
I nodded.
"Thank you."
His grin returned.
"Good night Miss Aria, and welcome back," he said sincerely.
His kindness was unparalleled.
"Goodnight to you as well. You've been an exceptional host."
Sar thought nothing of it.
"I don't want your efforts to be in vain."
I went to reassure him.
"It hasn't been thus far. Seeing you again has been worth it."
With that, Sar headed for the door. However, before he left, I stopped him.
"Master Sar wait."
He then turned to look at me.
"Yes?"
Afterwards, I went to my satchel and pulled out my coin purse. From it, I removed six electrum rupees. I handed them to him with no respite.
"Give this to your father as soon as possible. I don't want him thinking I'm a liar or a squelcher. A deal is a deal."
Sar stared down at the money in mild disbelief. He still couldn't fathom the amount.
"I can't believe you traveled all this way alone coined to the gullet," he said. "You have to promise me you'll be careful with whatever it is you're trying to do. Hyrule can be dangerous when explored alone. You could have been robbed."
I appreciated his concern, but no mortal from this realm could subdue me. My sage powers would overwhelm a Hylian, with the exception of the Triforce wielders Link and Queen Zelda. Even so, I took his concern with a grain of salt.
"I'll be sure to remember your advice."
Sar grinned again.
"And, I'll make sure father gets this Miss Aria," he reassured. "I'll put it in a place where I know he'll see it."
I was comforted by that.
"Thank you."
"No problem," he replied.
Afterward, Sar took his leave and closed the door. I sat down on the bed and sighed, confused with what to do next. My whole point of coming here was to see Link. But, if he no longer had a desire to see me, maybe I should think about going back to the Sacred Realm. I wasn't sure what to do, but a good night's sleep would probably do me some good. I put my concerns aside for now and decided to get ready for bed. I hoped tomorrow would be a better day.
~SSS~
Later that night, Link
Something was amiss. I was not sure what, but something was amiss. I couldn't say anything in front of my son, but there had to be a reason Saria left the Sacred Realm to come and seek me out. Perhaps she was sent by the queen. Had Ganondorf escaped? Was something sinister looming on the horizon? I was not sure, but Saria's presence had to mean something. I hoped when Sar left in the morning I could have a candid conversation with her. Sar planned on spending the day with his fiancé, he planned it earlier this week. That would be the perfect opportunity to speak with Saria alone. However, that was only if she didn't have business elsewhere herself. She said she was trying to keep a low profile… a low profile from what? From who? I needed to know what was truly going on.
I probably shouldn't have come off so cold, but I didn't want my son to get the wrong impression. Malon's death still haunted me, but Saria's departure hurt me too. When I saw her riding away from me last time, it broke my heart… seeing her again just brought it all back. I lost two women I loved, and now one was back, but for only a short period of time. I didn't want to feel that again. I didn't want to love her only to lose her again. It was driving me mad that I couldn't protect the people closest to me, except Sar, except my son. I didn't want to get close to her again. I didn't want to kiss, or hold her again. I didn't want to feel anything for her again, knowing she couldn't stay. Seeing Saria in that Hylian disguise was already hard enough. I couldn't tempt myself to fall for her charms. I needed to keep her at a distance, but now she was right under my roof. How was I supposed to ward her off when she was only an arm's length away? I hoped it was something more serious. I hoped it was more than her wanting to see me just to see me. I couldn't take having my heart broken again… not again.
My son would never understand how deep this was, and I planned to keep it that way. Once he was gone I would speak with Saria, let her know what our boundaries were, and not pass them at all. I couldn't let her get close to me, and I could not get close to her. No touching. No kissing. Nothing. There would be absolutely no physical contact between us. I mean it. I couldn't tempt myself to let my guard down. I couldn't allow her to get close to me. Not now, not ever again.
You have to put your foot down Link...
Firm in my resolve, I turned off the lantern on my nightstand and laid down in my bed. Tomorrow was going to be a long day.
~SSS~
The next morning
I woke up at dawn, the way I usually did, and started getting things ready for the day. I washed up and then headed downstairs, but was surprised to find Sar and Saria already sitting down at the table having breakfast. They got up before me? Did they even go to sleep? This was unexpected. Even so, there were boiled cuckoos eggs and fresh bread with churned butter at the table. Sar and Saria were talking while they were eating and it seemed to be a joyful conversation. Their smiles were an apparent indicator. When they heard me come downstairs, they both stood for some odd reason. Saria curtsied, and my son gave me a respectful nod.
I gave him a wayward look.
"I'm not the king, you don't have to stand for me," I said.
Sar chuckled.
"True, but why not give you a little more respect?" he asked rhetorically.
Saria just looked between us and said nothing. Her grin widened.
"Well, at ease," I said sarcastically and sat down.
Saria immediately grabbed the plate in front of me and placed two eggs on it with a sizeable piece of fresh bread. She then handed it back to me. I stared at it reluctantly for a moment, but took it anyway. It already seemed to be starting.
"Thank you," I said gruffly.
My son chuckled.
"Is your back hurting?" he asked. "Or, did you get up on the wrong side of the bed?"
I didn't bother to answer. I merely shook my head and started buttering my bread.
Sar chuckled again.
"My goddess, you're turning into a grouch," he teased.
Saria then glanced over at me and kept in a controlled giggle.
"Now really Sar, be nice to your father," she said sensibly.
I had no reply to that. My son was right.
"When are you going to meet Caroline?" I asked, changing the subject.
Sar shrugged.
"After breakfast," he replied. "We have the whole day mapped out."
Saria swooned a little.
"That sounds so romantic," she said. "What do you have planned?"
Sar's smile widened.
"Well, we're going to go to Zora Falls and have lunch there, then watch the star shower atop mount Lanayru."
Saria rested her cheek in her palm.
"There's a star shower tonight?" she asked.
My son nodded.
"Yes indeed," he said. "If you happen to be on Hyrule Field after dark, watch the heavens. The star shower is out of this world."
Saria was even more enraptured.
"That sounds magical."
I was growing tired of this nonsense.
"Yes, magical," I added sarcastically, then changed the subject again. "Who's chaperoning the two of you?"
There was a brief silence before Sar spoke. He rolled his eyes at my question.
"Caroline's father is accompanying us," he stated. "I already considered that."
I wasn't concerned if he thought I was being overbearing.
"Good. If anything happens where he cannot stay with you, I expect you to be home before sundown. I want nothing dishonorable to happen between you two."
Sar gave an obnoxious stare to Saria, who in turn giggled again. However, she agreed with me.
"Your father is right my dear," she said. "You'll be grateful you kept your courtship free of reproach."
My son audibly sighed, apparently not wanting to hear this.
"Yes sir, yes ma'am," Sar muttered. He then finished downing his water and stood up. He stretched. "Thanks for cooking breakfast Miss Aria. The bread was perfect. It was just like mother's."
Saria fanned off his compliments.
"It was my pleasure."
My ears perked at the compliment he gave Saria, because he was right, the bread was perfect like Malon's. However, it was also perfect like we had in the forest too. With that, Sar got up, grabbed his satchel and took his leave.
"I'll see you later father," he said. "Miss Aria, enjoy your day, but don't miss the star shower later."
Saria smiled.
"I'll be sure not to," she reassured.
Sar then exited, but not before I gave him an important reminder. I had more pressing things on my mind.
"Don't take the red Gerudo stallion!" I called to him before the door closed behind him. I got no reply, but I knew he heard me. The red Gerudo stallion was the wildest horse we had. Sar was not strong enough of a rider to handle him yet. I just hoped he wouldn't be disobedient. "That boy."
Saria giggled again and started cleaning Sar's seating area. I would normally make him do that, but it seemed he found an easy way out today.
"He's seems so excited about today," Saria said suddenly.
I nodded.
"He is," I replied. "He and Caroline have planned this day for weeks. Their wedding is soon, but they haven't seen much of each other lately."
Saria nodded.
"I see," she said, and went to wash the dishes.
I stared after her, then looked down again at the perfectly made food. The bread really looked and smelled wonderful. However, I didn't want this to become a routine. I didn't want her waking up before dawn to cook, clean, or do anything else for Sar or me. I decided to make that the subject of our next conversation.
"I was going to make breakfast," I informed her.
She shrugged and didn't seem concerned.
"I was already up. It was no bother. I enjoyed it."
This was exactly what I did not want. I sighed, trying to ward off my frustration, but felt it coming on anyway.
"That's not my point."
She heard the curtness in my voice and turned to look me straight in the eyes.
"What is your point?" she asked softly.
That stare… she was going to get me with that gaze and those beautiful eyes. They almost looked like jewels. She really was stunning.
"My point is, I can take care of this."
Her gaze never faltered.
"Oh, well then would… would it be okay if I asked you in the future if I could get up and prepare you breakfast?"
I pursed my lips together. How was I supposed to respond to that?
"Saria…"
She appeared hopeful.
"Could I?" she asked anyway.
I didn't answer right away, but didn't have a real cause for complaint. I was acting more cross than anything. I digressed.
"I… I suppose."
She smiled.
"Perfect," she replied, then turned back to finish washing the dishes.
I gave her a quick once over and noticed she was dressed in woodland clothes. She was wearing a dark green long sleeved undershirt with a black leather, short sleeved tunic over it. She had on matching black leather pants and long stemmed brown boots with heels. She was dressed like a warrior, but it was very becoming on her attractive physique. Her long green hair was in a ponytail, but the tresses still lingered down to her waist. That attire didn't give me the sense that she was going to do 'business' in Castle Town, at least, not the business of merchants. What was she up to?
"I thought you were heading out today," I said suddenly. "Didn't you speak of business in Castle Town?"
Saria nodded.
"I will be and I do," she said. "My business isn't until later. Castle Town gates don't open until seven." She then turned back around to look at me. Afterwards, she walked back over to the table and sat back down. I stared at her hard, as she took a piece of bread and placed some butter on it. She noticed my gaze. "What's the matter?"
I was trying my hardest to stay calm.
"Is that even a real question?" I countered.
She looked at me surprised, but she appeared serene.
"Link… why are you so-?"
"Why are you here?" I interrupted poignantly. "What do you want?"
Saria heard the glint in my voice and stared at me for a long time.
"I don't want anything from you Link," she replied. "I just wanted to see you."
My breathing increased.
"Why?" I demanded.
Her eyes searched my face.
"Why wouldn't I?"
I looked away for a moment.
"Were you sent by the queen?" I redirected.
She shook her head.
"No."
"Is something going on with the Sacred Realm?" I went on.
She shook her head again.
"No."
"Is there a new threat to the world?"
It was the same as before.
"No."
I was losing my patience.
"Then why are you here?"
She studied me for a moment. She finally got to get her question out.
"Why are you so angry?" she whispered.
Her soft tone got under my skin. I swallowed hard.
"I… I don't know," I said honestly.
Saria had a look of compassion in her eyes.
"Link…"
She then reached over to grab my hand, but I resisted her.
"No… no," I whispered. "I can't."
Her expression deepened.
"You can't what?" she asked.
I closed my eyes.
"Saria, please don't do this," I begged. "It took me a long time to get past what I felt for you. Don't come here to rekindle it again."
She bit her lower lip.
"I don't want to hurt you," she whispered. "That would never be something I would want. But… I've never stopped thinking about you Link. How could I ever stop thinking about you?"
I closed my eyes, frustrated with myself.
"Saria… I can't," I said.
She shook her head.
"You can't what?"
I looked at her.
"I can't do this. I can't get hurt again. You, then Malon, then you again."
She shook her head.
"I would never hurt you," she promised. "Never."
My frustration was mounting.
"You're missing my point," I replied. "I just want to take care of my son."
She reached for me once more, but this time I let her touch my hand. She interlaced her fingers with mine.
"Your son is grown Link," she whispered. "He's going to be married very soon. You don't need to worry about him anymore. You should probably start thinking about yourself."
I knew her points were valid, but I didn't want to hear this.
"He still needs me," I said.
She nodded.
"He will always need you, but Caroline will soon take your place. He isn't going to be around the way he is now."
I then stared at her.
"And neither will you in six months," I countered. "You're going to be gone too."
She had no rebuttal, but she did have a caveat.
"True… but at least you'll have someone who is strictly here for you."
Her words moved me for a moment, but not enough. I stood up from the table and let her hand go.
"I knew this was a bad idea," I realized. "I knew you staying here was going to be nothing but trouble, and as a consequence, I want you gone before Sar gets back. He has an attachment to you that he has held onto since you first came into his life. I want you to leave."
Saria sat back and stared up at me. There was a hint of defiance in her eyes. She then furtively pulled her collar down and showed she was wearing a necklace made of seashells. The same one Sar made for her years ago. The same one I gave to her in the Sacred Forest Meadow the night I confessed my feelings for her. I had to admit, I wasn't expecting her to show me that.
"He has the same attachment to me that his father has for me," she said boldly. "I heard you playing my song. I know you miss me the way I miss you. You told me I was-"
"Stop it!" I snapped. "Stop this! I don't want this! I don't want something temporary Saria! I want something real, and you know this is only going to end up hurting us both!"
She looked at me determined.
"So you haven't been thinking about me?" she countered.
I felt my throat tighten. That question was a trap. She knew it and I knew it. I didn't answer.
"I want you gone," I redirected. "I don't want you to stay here."
Saria narrowed her eyes slightly.
"I'm afraid I can't do that. I already have a contract to stay here. You had your son do it, remember? I have already paid in full. You can't get rid of me that easily."
I took a step back from the table. I felt an anger and a frustration I did not know I could feel, not because of her, but because I knew she was right. Because I knew this was only going to lead to heartache in the end.
"Don't do this Saria," I warned.
She then stood up.
"Don't do what?" she asked. "Don't be there for you? Don't care for you?"
I stared into her eyes and felt at a loss.
"Don't do this," I begged. "Don't come in and out of my life like this."
She then came from around the table to where I was standing, but I stepped back as she approached me. However, my reluctance didn't deter her. She walked right up to me, until we were face to face. I had to admit she looked so beautiful up close. She reached up and caressed my cheek.
"If I had a choice to be with you forever, I would," she whispered. "You know that."
My heart stopped for a second.
"Saria-"
She then silenced me with her forefinger.
"It's okay," she whispered. "I'm going to go to Castle Town so you can be alone and think. I don't want to hinder you. I only want to help you. That's all I ever want to be for you Link." I stared into her beautiful eyes dumbstruck for a moment. She then reached up and kissed me on the cheek. "I'm your ally, not your enemy. I would never hurt you," she whispered in my ear.
Her voice was like electricity through my body. I was trying so hard not to respond. I was pretty good with my self-control, but she was hitting that threshold. I was tempted to steal a kiss, but it would only complicate things more. So instead, I avoided her eyes. With that, she pulled away and stepped back. I didn't know what else to say to her, so I said nothing.
Saria smiled at me again.
"I'll see you later," she said, then turned to take her leave. At the entrance, she grabbed her satchel and left through the front door.
I stared after her, confused with my actions. I knew I wanted her here. I knew I wanted her next to me. I knew I still cared for her. So, what was I doing? What was I trying to accomplish by pushing her away? Is a short term love affair better than no love at all? What am I thinking?
What have you done Link? What have you done?
Thank you for reading.
