Secrets

Secrets

The Seventh Sage had found him and loved him. Now, once they joined completely… Freedom will come. No more imprisonment—the power shall flow.

The dark wind whispered against the floor of a cavern of bones and ashes. Soon…it would be free and the Black Power will soar… The Legend is coming to fruition… Soon…

* * *

Rhaea couldn't believe she had found some actual living Hylians near the forest by the lake. According the warrior, who hadn't given her his name, this is where he was from and there were no people left. Obviously, he hadn't looked hard enough because she had found them and now she was going to do her performance for them.

Rhaea laughed as the musicians began to play. Dalan had always been good with weapons and metals. She had always been a dancer. She began to dance to the lively music of the village players and she closed her eyes letting the music flow through her as the children watched and danced as well. The adults clapping to the rhythm of the music.

If only there was someone who could play the ocarina like that warrior had.

Rhaea forced him from her mind. After the dance she would go to the lake to fish. She smiled at the thought and continued her dance, bringing laughter to the people around her.

As the sun was beginning to set, the small waves of the lake washing over her toes, Rhaea was whistling to the tune that the warrior had played on his ocarina several weeks ago. She hadn't found Dalan either, but she knew he was alive and well. She just felt it. Her bare feet were becoming wrinkled because of the water, but she didn't let it bother her as she cast again, searching for another fish for her dinner.

Link stared at the woman still fishing at Lake Hylia strangely. She wore a golden tunic with brown tight breeches. Her dark hair was glowing with the light of the fading sun and to her right was a bag full of clothing and to the left of her was several small fish. When she began to whistle, Link smiled…until he recognized the tune. It was the same song he played on his ocarina when he had met the faery woman, Rhaea. He silently approached her and as she turned he saw the shimmer of iridescent light on her wings. He felt like laughing. Who would have thought he would run into her again after meeting her brother?

He smiled as he heard her whistle the song of his ocarina in perfect harmony. It sounded beautiful. Link wondered if she was the dancer that he'd heard of in the gossip. He smiled. He certainly hoped she was. He silently approached her from behind until he was only five steps away. He pulled out the ocarina and began to play the tune with her whistling.

Rhaea thought at first that the music came from her mind, but after a few moments she suddenly went silent. She could feel the heat of a body close behind her and the music from the ocarina echoing near her ear. She stiffened, her body clenching and suddenly filling with heat. Could it possibly be…?

She turned and stared into the stormy eyes that continued to play on the ocarina. He stopped for one moment and whispered, "Dance for me, Rhaea."

Her heart pounded in her chest. "I don't have my dancing clothes on," she whispered in return.

He smiled. "Dance for me anyway."

Rhaea nodded as he smiled and lifted the ocarina to his lips once more, his eyes glowing.

As soon as the music began, Rhaea began to move the sweet sound of the wind over the lake and the soothing music of the ocarina played by the warrior. He eyes shimmered as he watched her graceful movements to the music, her limbs and body shifting with the music, her eyes hooded as she watched him play.

The song he played bonded the two of them. The music sank into her soul, possessing her body to move with it perfectly. He watched her movements and the song of his soul merged with her. They were one song, one dance, one life. Her movements were like that of a leaf dancing in the wind, her wings shimmering with the light of the setting sun as she gazed at him, her eyes lost in his. His eyes locked with hers as they continued their beautifully perfect duet, the people coming out of their secret homes to see the amazing spectacle before them. The strange dancer from another land, her golden eyes locked onto the stormy blue eyes of the musician who played the sweet music. The people watched spellbound until the music began to fade.

Rhaea slowed to a stop and Link lingered on the final note. He smiled at her and she smiled back unsure of the sensations inside of her that he was causing. He had been deluding himself when he had said that he hadn't fallen for her. The faery woman had captured his heart and merged his soul with hers with one dance. He had never thought anyone would be able to hear and understand that song—let alone dance to it. It was the song of his soul…

Suddenly, one of the people watching cried out. The trance that held Link and Rhaea snapped as they turned to the running woman who approached him. He was confused. There had never been any people living near Lake Hylia. They had all died in the Great War…hadn't they?

"Korin! Korin is that you? Is it really you?" the woman cried as she ran to Link, holding her cloak closely around her. Link lifted an eyebrow as her confused face transformed into one of pure joy. "Oh, it is you, Korin!" She threw herself into Link's arms. "Oh, I had thought you were dead!"

Rhaea lifted an eyebrow and stared at him. "Your name is Korin?"

Link blinked down at the woman grabbing onto him and looked up at Rhaea. He shook his head. "No. I am not Korin. My name is Link." He looked around at the people before him and shook his head as the woman began to release him in shock. "Who are these people, Rhaea?"

Rhaea smiled. "They are your people, Link. You said all the Hylians died in the Great War, or so you had heard. But I found the survivors. The live in the woods to the north of the lake, beyond the boundary."

The woman holding onto Link slowly released him and stared at him in confusion. Link turned his gaze away from Rhaea to the woman before him. Her eyes were wide with bewilderment. "You're not Korin?"

Link shook his head, sadly. "I am sorry. I am not this Korin. My name is Link."

Her eyes went wide again. "Link? Link? Not…no…couldn't be. You died with your mother. That was why Korin left. Because his wife and son had died. You couldn't be…" Her eyes widened even more when she realized that the man before her was the age that the baby boy named Link would be and that Korin would not be so young if he was alive… "Dear Spirits!" she cried. "It's Link! Dear Spirits! Everyone thought you had died with your mother!"

Link stiffened. This couldn't be. He had told no one in the world but Zelda and…Rhaea. But how could this woman think he was someone else, unless…? Link shook his head. "You have me confused with someone else. My mother died trying to save my life. She gave me to the Great Tree in Kokiri Forest. I grew there until I grew too much. Then I left. I can't be…"

The woman's eyes filled with tears. "My brother was a man named Korin. He was the mayor of the Hylians. He was the one leading us in the war, until one night spies entered our village and burned down his home with his wife Leylia and his son Link still inside. Korin was so devastated he left the village and we all scattered while the enemy destroyed our homes. You look exactly like Korin did in those days."

Link swallowed harshly. He reached for his ocarina and played Saria's Song. He had to find out. He had to know now. As the song ended the sweet leafy voice flitted through his mind.

Link! My it has been a long time! What is it, my friend?

Saria, can you ask the Great Tree something for me?

Certainly, Link! Anything for you. What do you want me to ask it?

Who was my mother?

There was silence from Saria as she recovered from her shock. Link, why do you want to know that now?

Link clenched his teeth and tensed. Please, Saria. Ask the Great Tree now. I have to know this. There is someone here who is claiming to be my aunt.

That's impossible, Link. All the Hylians are dead.

No they aren't. Link took a deep breath. Please, Saria.

Very well. I'm going.

There was silence as Link waited. Rhaea lightly placed her hand on Link's shoulder. He turned to the faery woman and saw her small smile. Suddenly, he wasn't afraid of the truth anymore. He looked at the surviving Hylian people and his heart clenched. Did he belong here with them?

The Great Tree will speak to you now, Link.

Link nodded. Thank you, Saria.

Anytime, Link.

Link waited for the Great Tree to speak.

Link.

Link looked up and answered. I am here, Great Tree. Who am I? You told me how I came into the Kokiri, but you never told me who were my parents… What was the name of my mother? Who was she?

The Great Tree smiled into Link's mind. She was a magnificent ocarina player and she was absolutely beautiful. But her body was badly burnt when she brought you to me. I knew she wouldn't survive the night.

What was her name? Link pleaded.

The Great Tree sighed sadly. She was Leylia, the wife of Korin. He was a great warrior and leader for the Hylian people. He was also the last man to know the Forbidden Language. No one ever found out what happened to him.

Link was completely confused. Forbidden Language? What do you mean?

It is the language the Legend of Zelda is written in. Do not worry about it, Link. Until the Eighth Sage appears there is no need to worry. Good bye, my child.

NO! Link shouted but the Great Tree had severed the connection. Link stared into the darkness of the lake. Night had fallen. What did the Great Tree mean the Legend of Zelda? The Eighth Sage? Forbidden Language? Link shook his head. He would worry about it later. Though the sense of something sinister was beginning to grow within his mind. He turned to the woman staring expectantly at him and he gave a small smile.

She gave a small cry and threw herself into his arms. Link couldn't believe it. He finally had a family… He turned to the Pryderi. But he saw her slowly moving away, her bag and staff in hand. She was leaving! He couldn't let her go… "Rhaea!"

Rhaea turned and saw the warrior named Link approach her. She smiled slightly and said, "Yes? I must leave."

Link smiled. "Why so soon? Stay here a while longer and after I would appreciate it if you came with me to Kokiri Forest. There are some questions I need answered." Link lifted his hand, palm up and his stormy eyes flashed. "Please, Rhaea. Join me."

Rhaea stared at the roughened, strong hand before her and then turned her gaze to the handsome man who offered it. Only he could play the music of her soul. She smiled and took his hand. Link grinned and they walked back to the group of people who led the way to the hidden village.

Rhaea stared out into the dark horizon from the balcony and wrapped her arms around herself to ward away the chill breeze. The lake looked so beautiful in the darkness with the reflection of the moon glowing on it. The fires from the village burned brightly beneath her and the dances of celebration continued. When the rest of the village found out who the warrior was, the celebration had broken out. She had seen his face when surrounded by the survivors of his family. The man had never been part of a family before. He never knew what it felt like to have parents or anyone else to care for him. He had always cared for himself, always alone. Now he was wrapped within a celebration in his honor. She giggled. He must be amazed at being surrounded by such loving and caring people. Rhaea sighed and wrapped her arms more closely around herself. If only she could find her own family.

Suddenly two arms wrapped themselves around her. She stiffened but before she could turn to face the man who had dared to take such liberties, she heard a familiar chuckle. She relaxed and turned her head to face the stormy blue eyes. He smiled and turned his face to the view. She also turned back to face the shimmering silver lake and the huge moon that hung above it.

"Beautiful, isn't it?" she whispered to the man who held her. She did not know why she didn't demand that he release her. It almost seemed natural to have his arms wrapped around her body and she leaning against him.

"Not as beautiful as the faery in my arms."

Rhaea turned her gaze to meet the dark blue ones and he smiled slightly. She blinked in confusion then giggled nervously. The fire that was glowing in his eyes was making her burn with a sensation she had never felt before. Her body clenched and heat began to pool in her. What was he doing to her? "Me? More beautiful than the lake beneath the silver moon?" Rhaea chuckled. "Link, now you're just being foolish."

Link turned the woman to face him and he smiled down at her. She only blinked up at him in confusion, her eyes slowly widening as he bent his head forward and over hers. His lips grazed hers and he whispered against them. "You are the foolish one, Rhaea."

Link's kiss was tender and persuasive, his lips taunted and teased. Rhaea could only grab onto his tunic for dear life as her knees went weak. He wrapped his arms around her and pressed her close as he continued his gentle torture. He had never felt so intensely for a woman before and he had never had to tread so carefully with one either. The faery in his arms was a flighty cautious one, even though he could taste the passion inside her. Slowly his kiss became more and more demanding and less coaxing, testing at first until he could no longer control the sensations inside of him.

Rhaea had no idea what was happening before. She had never been kissed before now—

Dalan had made sure of that—but as Link tasted her, his tongue coaxing her to part her lips, Rhaea began to fall into a sea of sensation and pleasure…and she never wanted to turn back. She let the kiss take her away.

Just as soft as he had thought she would be. He could sense her surprise and then her willingness. She melted against him as if she were meant for him. Link drew in a sharp breath and deepened the kiss, pressing her lips apart. They parted willingly as he thrust his tongue into the hot cavern of her mouth. She tasted like sweet wine, intoxicating. Link drank deeply from her, as if he couldn't get enough of her delicious nectar.

Rhaea had never expected this. She could taste the male musk of him and his scent invaded her nostrils as she tried to breathe. All she could do was clutch to him and press closer, imitating what he did with his tongue with her own. She heard him groan. Rhaea shivered. His arms wrapped themselves around her tightly, pressing her closer.

They kissed each other breathless and even then continued. It was as if they could not get enough of each other. Rhaea's scent of honey was all Link could breathe. He could not think. All he could do was kiss her. Rhaea did not know when one kiss began and another ended. All she knew was that she wanted to drown into him. Wanted to drown in the Hyrule warrior that played the ocarina like the soul of the ocarina itself.

A soft cough sounded behind them and Link slowly pulled away. He turned his head and his uncle stood before them with a large grin and an even larger mustache. Rhaea was still completely disoriented, the dazed look in her eyes and her swollen lips making the Hylian grin even more widely. He turned to Link with a chuckle. "Well, my boy. They're asking for you downstairs. Shouldn't you both join the celebration instead of making a spectacle of yourselves on the balcony of my home?"

Link laughed as Rhaea turned a bright red. "We will be down shortly, Uncle." The man nodded and went down the stairs. Link turned to Rhaea and gave her a small teasing smile as her face continued to burn brightly. But suddenly his expression turned serious.

"Rhaea?"

She looked up; her face still flushed with embarrassment and saw his serious expression. Her blush faded as she stared at the man before. "Yes? What is it?"

Link turned to the lake, leaned over the balcony and gave a small sigh. His eyes grew distant as she moved to stand beside him and look into the stormy eyes. "The day after tomorrow we must leave here. I must go to the Kokiri Forest to speak with the Great Tree. I must find out what the Forbidden Language is. What is the 'Legend of Zelda'? What does either have to do with my father? Who and what is the Eighth Sage?" Link turned to the glowing amber eyes. "I have to find out what is going on." Link slowly straightened and smiled down at the woman staring at him so intently, her eyes shining for him. Who was she?

Link took out his hand for her to take. She stared down at his strong hands for a moment and then looked up at him with shimmering eyes. She took his hand and they followed his uncle down the stairs and to the midst of the celebration.