The minions of Evil have long since been dispersed and the Master
Sword rusts within its pedestal once more, forgotten in the shrouds of
myth. Generations have gone by in peace, and even the Sages have passed.
Yet Time has not helped to quench the intentions of Evil. And as the King
gains power, so too doth his own.
An Autumn breeze whispers across a great field, creating gentle emerald waves. A young woman stares into the distance. One hand comes up to replace a wisp of dark hair behind a pointed ear, the other reaches to hold down ruffled skirts. Dying skeins of fiery gold play across the delicate features of face and brow. She sighs and settles down to wait.
It had taken three days of bribery, preparation, and travel across barren desert and over nameless hills, but he had done it. Climbing over the final rise and leaning heavily upon the great rowan staff in his hand, Mavrik Boh couldn't help let out a great heave of relief. "Its over, its finally over. I'm home!" Eyes of clear and contemplative hazel looked out across the land which they had not seen in months, taking everything in
. Below were the rivers and peoples of his boyhood and, gleaming proudly in golden silhouette, stood the great Castle of Hyrule. After brutal months of training in the merciless desert heat, he had finally come home to defend her.
"Mavrik!" A shadow rose against the green, and there stood the secret purpose of his training.
Cupping sun browned hands about his mouth he returned, "Sara!" And then all was forgotten. Sore muscles to longer seemed so bothersome, and a tired soul filled with heart. What fools they would have seemed to any passers by, but there were none there now to see.
"Mavrik!" Saramye squealed again in delight, jumping into open arms.
"I am pleased to see you as well!" he laughed. "I have missed you, my lady." And with that he bowed deeply and elegantly.
"Oh, stop this pompous nonsense before it begins to go to your head!"
"My lady is so kind with her words." He frowned like a little child and lowered his eyes.
"You can't fool me with that sorry act. I thought I taught you better." He looked up suddenly with a wolfish grin. "A young maiden such as yourself should learn to respect her elders."
"Mavrik! Mavrik, no wait! Stop!" She giggled as he playfully scooped her up in his arms, put her over one shoulder and started walking. "You.are.im-possible!"
"And you're worse," he replied with a play at nonchalance, and continued as though she weighed nothing at all.
"Mavrik! My love, stop this at once!" she said, and there were traces of worry in her voice as she said it.
"Not until you learn a little respect." He grinned over his shoulder at her.
"Really, love," her voice changed, suddenly soft and sincere. "You're going to hurt yourself, you look exhausted."
"Alright, alright," he grumbled, yet he was beginning to feel the weariness once more. Setting Saramye beneath a nearby tree, he unshouldered his great knapsack and sat beside her.
"So, tell me of your travels," she asked with child's curiosity, bringing her knees up to her chin and wrapping her arms around them. "Well," he began, running one hand through his hair, "it hasn't been easy, but it'll be worth it once I reach the garrison."
"Defending the kingdom's noblest city, I'm impressed."
"I was counting on it," he smiled.
"Why train in the desert, though? Why not here at home?"
Mavrik looked up at the rapidly failing light. "Come on, lets go home. I'll tell you on the way there."
They left the comfort of the shade and continued northeast. As the came to the bridge where the Zora River flowed into the aqueducts of the capital city Mavrik continued, with Sara making occasional comments as they went.
"Its not that I doubt your story, but I don't understand something."
"What is it, love?"
"Why in Goddess' wisdom would they begin a tradition to honor their enemies?"
"They aren't our enemies any longer, Sara. Desert training works out for everyone: garrison soldiers are up to par with desert troops and ties are forged which keep the peace within the Races." He shrugged. "As far as I'm concerned, if we can keep an eye on them and prevent those desert whores from spawning another Evil King, gain their knowledge, and make everything look honky-dory, why not?"
Saramye shook her head, raven wisps falling into her eyes as she looked up at him and said, "But look where we have come. Look what it has done to our people. The Races don't trust each other anymore, Mavrik.
"Of course we do, Sara, only now we are better informed so that the Great Wars or something like them might never happen again."
"I understand what you are saying, but I still can't help but feel as though all of these so-called alliances will conspire somehow to be our demise."
"Sara, my Talent, you shouldn't worry about these things. Our people are safe. Besides, that's why I came back: to protect you so you wouldn't have to worry."
She lowered her eyes shyly and smiled. "Thank you. But never mind, I'm just glad you're back." He returned her smile and hugged her with his free arm. The night's first twinkling lights began to appear, cool star glow found the pair climbing the long set of stairs up the base of the mountain and into the sleepy haven above. They nodded to the guard at the gate and continued.
"This place hasn't changed much since I left."
"It never does," she smiled bemused. And it was true. While the rest of the world progressed during the New Age after the Wars and cities grew, Kakariko Village had remained quite unchanged. And why shouldn't it? No one was interested in a humdrum little town while the rest of the world awaited full of new ideas and adventure! Yet to the simple craftsmen and homemakers who called the hamlet home, it was a peaceful retreat from the stressors of the great wide world.
"Here we are. Mama, we're home," she called, pushing open the door. The little cottage they entered was not unlike the rest of the houses in the village. It was small and quaint, with a stove in one corner, great storage jars in another, and a wooden table and chairs in the center of the room.
"There you are, dear. I was beginning to worry," replied a hardy little woman in an apron. Mousy brown hair was tucked haphazardly into a knot at her nape, and her hands were worn from years of washing and ironing. Yet the eyes which looked up proudly at her children were bright as she said, "Hullo, dear."
"Hello, mother. You look just as beautiful as ever." He flashed a disarming smile.
"Oh, you still know how to make an old girl's bones warm, Mavrik. You must be exhausted child! Come warm yourself by the stove. Sara, fetch our guest something to drink before he turns in."
"Really Ademina," he insisted, placing a hand on Sara's elbow as she went to do as her mother asked, "its all right. I feel fine. And before you ask, I'm not thirsty or hungry."
"Humph!" Ademina snorted inelegantly. "Well you'll be sorry in the morning. And don't go helping yourself to my stew in the middle of the night either," she chided playfully.
"Yes, Mother Hen." To Sara he said, "Still as feisty as ever I see."
"She just missed you, that's all."
Mavrik took one hand in his, turned it over and kissed the palm. "Come sit by the fire and conspire with me into the night."
"Why are we whispering?"
"Because it makes things more interesting, don't you think?" he smiled.
She returned it mischievously and replied, "In that case, conspire away, my lord, the night is young and so are we." Making sure her mother was already asleep in the room they shared, Sara settled comfortably on his lap and allowed him to hold her into the late hours until they fell asleep long after.
They awoke late the next morning to sore muscles from sleeping in an awkward position, and a cheery, "Good morning, loves!" from Ademina. Apparently the aches did not allow them to see what was so good about it, and they said so with many a grumble.
"Breakfast is on the table. I hope you still like eggs, Mavrik, I'm afraid that's all the butcher had so early in the morning."
"Eggs, stew, bread - anything Ademina as long as you made it," he yawned.
"Aw, thank you, dearest." She kissed them both lightly on the cheek and was out the door saying, "I have errands to run. Be back by sun down. Have fun you two!"
"She sure is a lively one for its being so early." He rubbed away the sleep from his eyes and sat down. "Yes well, what can I tell you." She sat across from him at the table. Everything was in place from the placemats to the utensils. There was nothing to be done all day once this meal was finished and the dishes washed and they both knew it.
"You're so quiet. Are you alright?"
"Hmm?," she asked dreamily. "Oh fine, just a little groggy is all. Say, I was thinking that perhaps you would be interested in a friendly game of archery after breakfast."
"Friendly" always meant the exact opposite with Sara, and Mavrik knew this only too well. "Sure, I'd love to. But don't be surprised if I win."
"You have gotten cocky for all of your time spent away from here. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised to find that you aren't the only one who has improved."
"Of course not, I was counting on it," he retorted pleasantly.
Thus, they cleaned their plates as quickly as they could and raced outside into the square, past the stone well, up the great steps and into the Shooting Gallery. "Good morning, Sir!"
"Hullo there, Sara!" boomed the burley man behind the counter. "What can I do for you this mornin'?" he asked, placing his wide hands on the counter with a slap.
"One game for each of us, please."
"You got it, lass." He turned around to take two ash bows from the wall, turned back and asked, "Who's the lad?" with a grin.
"Oh, Bard you remember Mavrik, don't you?"
"Is that so! Mavrik you dog, I haven't seen you 'round these parts in years! Not since yer dad used to bring you in for practice when you were just a lad!"
"Yes, it has been quite a while, hasn't it?" He reached over the counter and clasped the great man by the forearm, as was custom.
"I should say so! Where have you been, lad?"
"The desert," he replied casually as he checked and tested his bow.
"The desert!? With all them whores? What for?"
"Training for the garrison troops." "When did you join the army? Well, never mind that, you keep your eyes on those desert wenches an' look out for us, ya 'ear?"
"Actually," Mavrik began, but Sara interrupted him.
"There's no need for that anymore, haven't you heard? Under the Treaty of Lei all our soldiers train with them. We steal their technique, keep a tight fist on all of their movements, and backstab them with their own knowledge if necessary." With that she turned and began to aim at the targets on the far wall.
Neither of the men missed her tempered sarcasm. "What was that all abou'?" Bard asked cautiously in hushed tones.
"She thinks that the treaty is being abused and that some great evil will come of it," Mavrik returned.
"Ah." The older man nodded sagely. "I wouldn't doubt our Sara's warnin's, if you take my meaning. She's developed quite the queer habit of knowin' things afore their time."
"Its only her worry, that's all."
"Aye," he consented, "could be. But I don't think so. Every so often she says somethin' to me that makes me wonder." He spread his arms wide and shrugged. "Perhaps you're right, lad. A lady's feelin's are nothing to toy with. So you best take care of 'er," he warned gruffly.
"As always, good friend." Mavrik knew that that was just the big man's way of coming across.
"Well, are we going to have at it or what, my desrei." It was a mockery, it meant "desert king".*
"I'm going to make you eat those words, mystic," he challenged.
"I think she's goin' ta give you a run fer yer money there, Mavrik. Be careful, she's not half as bad as she looks."
"Thank you for the complement, my lord Master (.)," Sara retorted with an elegant bow.
"Go get her, lad," Bard encouraged. "Make her eat those words and pay for the use of my facilities!"
"Yes, sir!" Mavrik replied with a smile. Both archers set their weapons and the competition began. "Ah, young love," thought the burley man dreamily to himself.
It was around noon when Ademina went to the well to begin the wash. Heaving the great bucket over the side, she dropped it into the water with a plop. As she bent for the clothes in the basket at her feet and braced herself against the stone as she stumbled. "Ooh! Steady old girl," she said to herself. But as her hands reached for the bucket she stumbled once more and this time noticed that there were great ripples in the water. Again the earth shook and this time with more force. And then, just as suddenly as the strange quakes began, they ceased.
"Well, I wonder what that was all about." The little woman shrugged away her curiosity and continued about her task.
Within the Shooting Gallery, Mavrik was watching Sara aim at one of his arrows on the bull's-eye mark when they stumbled and the arrow shot into the hay just at their feet. "Whoa! Careful," Mavrik said, placing a hand underneath her elbow to help her up.
"I should tell you the same!" she laughed.
"What was that all abou'?" Bard boomed from one of the back rooms.
"Well that was strange." She bent to retrieve the fallen arrow.
"I think that's enough archery for one day. Lets get some lunch."
"Giving up so soon?" Sara asked with laughing eyes.
"It was a stalemate, Sara," Mavrik corrected, rolling his own. "Besides, you can't tell me that your stomach isn't feeling as empty as mine."
"Very true, my love, very true." She turned from the counter where she had returned the bows and kissed him. "You're paying," she said suddenly as a child who is playing tag, and ran out the door.
"Hey! Sara!" He took a step after her, paused to haphazardly drop a few colorful rupees on the counter, and left with a loud, "Bye, thanks, Bard!"
"Sara? Sara where the -. Sara where are you!"
"Boo!" She jumped out at him from behind the corner of the brick gallery and giggled.
"Child!" Mavrik chided lovingly.
"No more so than you are!" came the obvious retort.
"Come here you!"
"Mavrik, no!" Sara gasped between choked laughter as he tickled her ribs. "Stop. Stop. Mavrik wait!"
"That's not going to work on me Sara."
"No, seriously! Are those horses?"
"Huh?"
As surely as she was Hylian, there was the sound of hooves clopping on the dirt. A man clad in the silver mail of the garrison troops rode in through the gates. His mount bore the crest of the royal family embroidered on its (pre-saddle blanket thingy).
"You there!" the rider called to Ademina who was still by the well.
She turned, quite startled. "Yes, sir, how might I be of help?" she finally
answered.
"Would you happen to know one Mavrik Boh? He is a soldier just released from training, I was told that he often travels this way."
"I am not quite sure who you speak of, sir," she lied. "What business might this pertain to?"
"None of your own, madam - with all due respect," he tacked on.
"Then I am afraid - "
"I am Mavrik Boh, soldier." He stepped out from behind the Gallery where Sara was still concealed.
"Do you always hide from royal messengers?" the rider asked suspiciously.
"Are you always this rude to women and your fellow soldiers?" came the impatient retort.
"Fair enough," he conceded. "You have been summoned by His Majesty. You are to report to duty at once. The Commander expects all soldiers are to be at the garrison before nightfall." And with that he turned his mount and rode off as unexpectedly as he had come.
"Love, what was that all about? Must you go already?" came Sara's voice in solemn tones. She stepped out into the square dejectedly.
"I suppose so." Then, seeing her expression, "Please don't be sad, Sara. I'm sure they'll let me leave soon."
"Yes, of course," she replied numbly, and Mavrik couldn't help but notice how determined she seemed not to cry and the way she refused to look at him. Silently he held out his arms to her as on the morning before, but there was no joy in the embrace.
"I'm sorry, Sara. I'll make it up to you when I return, I promise."
"Its alright, it can't be helped," she tried.
"There's time left yet until he has to leave," her mother offered, but she only nodded silently into Mavrik's shoulder.
He looked to Ademina for guidance, some sort of sign as to what he should do. She shrugged and looked away. "Come on, I have something I want to show you," he said finally.
Sara looked up hopefully and followed after him. He led her through the square, past her home, up the steps and onto a ledge where the old watchtower stood. It was useless now save for sightseers and stargazers late at night. And the thing which Mavrik wanted to show her she had always seen. When they reached the top of the climb there was a perfect unobscured view of the now slowly sinking sun as it passed beneath the mountain. Rent clouds of soft pink and lilac accented brilliant gold, silhouetting the landscape in dreamy hues.
In the midst of all of this beauty came Mavrik's kind embrace. "Do you see that, Sara?" Entwining her fingers with his own he guided he hand to trace the shadow of the mountain.
"Mmhmm."
"See how the sun keeps the cold away from Death?"
"Mavrik, what are you talking ab -"
He kissed her lightly into silence. "The sun, Sara, Farore's gift to this earth. The Mother Goddess who gave us life. I was like that mountain before I knew that things more brilliant than the sun existed," he looked into her eyes purposefully. "For that I intend to thank you. I was so full of hate, dark as the shadow under that mountain there," he continued, reminiscing. "When I was in the desert, whenever I felt overwhelmed I looked towards Death Mountain and thought of you."
She laughed at the inappropriate irony in the name as well as for the blush in her cheeks. Mavrik laughed as well. "The name doesn't fit, I know. But, my point is - " He sighed in frustration. "Sara I just want you to know that I feel as though I could live my life without the company of any other living thing except you. I just.I don't know what I would do without you."
Do you truly mean that? She thought. But what she said was, "Love, even when you are not with me, I am with you in every aspect save in physical presence. You will never lose me, Mavrik. Never again."
He smiled sheepishly. He loved everything about this girl. Her honesty and devotion, the way her smile made her eyes light up.
It was a long time before their lips parted or she let him leave of her embrace.
That night Mavrik left while she slept. Knowing he would be delayed, he reason was 'Better a scolding from the commander than a tear from her eyes.' "Thank you, Ademina."
"No, thank you, dearest. I think she's better off this way," the older woman corrected as they watched her daughter's body slowly rise and fall to the rhythm of sweet sleep.
"Yeah," came the sigh.
She paused and then, "And what about you, Mavrik?"
He smiled sadly. "Me? Oh I suppose its like Sara said: I have no choice." He shrugged. "No. This was my choice."
"Now now, don't go beating yourself up about it. Besides," she soothed, "we're both very proud of your choices, Mavrik. They've made you into the man you are. And what a fine lad we have, too!"
He smiled again. "Thanks, mom." Thus, he departed with a peck to her cheek.
"Good speed, love. Goddess Blessing," she whispered behind him.
An Autumn breeze whispers across a great field, creating gentle emerald waves. A young woman stares into the distance. One hand comes up to replace a wisp of dark hair behind a pointed ear, the other reaches to hold down ruffled skirts. Dying skeins of fiery gold play across the delicate features of face and brow. She sighs and settles down to wait.
It had taken three days of bribery, preparation, and travel across barren desert and over nameless hills, but he had done it. Climbing over the final rise and leaning heavily upon the great rowan staff in his hand, Mavrik Boh couldn't help let out a great heave of relief. "Its over, its finally over. I'm home!" Eyes of clear and contemplative hazel looked out across the land which they had not seen in months, taking everything in
. Below were the rivers and peoples of his boyhood and, gleaming proudly in golden silhouette, stood the great Castle of Hyrule. After brutal months of training in the merciless desert heat, he had finally come home to defend her.
"Mavrik!" A shadow rose against the green, and there stood the secret purpose of his training.
Cupping sun browned hands about his mouth he returned, "Sara!" And then all was forgotten. Sore muscles to longer seemed so bothersome, and a tired soul filled with heart. What fools they would have seemed to any passers by, but there were none there now to see.
"Mavrik!" Saramye squealed again in delight, jumping into open arms.
"I am pleased to see you as well!" he laughed. "I have missed you, my lady." And with that he bowed deeply and elegantly.
"Oh, stop this pompous nonsense before it begins to go to your head!"
"My lady is so kind with her words." He frowned like a little child and lowered his eyes.
"You can't fool me with that sorry act. I thought I taught you better." He looked up suddenly with a wolfish grin. "A young maiden such as yourself should learn to respect her elders."
"Mavrik! Mavrik, no wait! Stop!" She giggled as he playfully scooped her up in his arms, put her over one shoulder and started walking. "You.are.im-possible!"
"And you're worse," he replied with a play at nonchalance, and continued as though she weighed nothing at all.
"Mavrik! My love, stop this at once!" she said, and there were traces of worry in her voice as she said it.
"Not until you learn a little respect." He grinned over his shoulder at her.
"Really, love," her voice changed, suddenly soft and sincere. "You're going to hurt yourself, you look exhausted."
"Alright, alright," he grumbled, yet he was beginning to feel the weariness once more. Setting Saramye beneath a nearby tree, he unshouldered his great knapsack and sat beside her.
"So, tell me of your travels," she asked with child's curiosity, bringing her knees up to her chin and wrapping her arms around them. "Well," he began, running one hand through his hair, "it hasn't been easy, but it'll be worth it once I reach the garrison."
"Defending the kingdom's noblest city, I'm impressed."
"I was counting on it," he smiled.
"Why train in the desert, though? Why not here at home?"
Mavrik looked up at the rapidly failing light. "Come on, lets go home. I'll tell you on the way there."
They left the comfort of the shade and continued northeast. As the came to the bridge where the Zora River flowed into the aqueducts of the capital city Mavrik continued, with Sara making occasional comments as they went.
"Its not that I doubt your story, but I don't understand something."
"What is it, love?"
"Why in Goddess' wisdom would they begin a tradition to honor their enemies?"
"They aren't our enemies any longer, Sara. Desert training works out for everyone: garrison soldiers are up to par with desert troops and ties are forged which keep the peace within the Races." He shrugged. "As far as I'm concerned, if we can keep an eye on them and prevent those desert whores from spawning another Evil King, gain their knowledge, and make everything look honky-dory, why not?"
Saramye shook her head, raven wisps falling into her eyes as she looked up at him and said, "But look where we have come. Look what it has done to our people. The Races don't trust each other anymore, Mavrik.
"Of course we do, Sara, only now we are better informed so that the Great Wars or something like them might never happen again."
"I understand what you are saying, but I still can't help but feel as though all of these so-called alliances will conspire somehow to be our demise."
"Sara, my Talent, you shouldn't worry about these things. Our people are safe. Besides, that's why I came back: to protect you so you wouldn't have to worry."
She lowered her eyes shyly and smiled. "Thank you. But never mind, I'm just glad you're back." He returned her smile and hugged her with his free arm. The night's first twinkling lights began to appear, cool star glow found the pair climbing the long set of stairs up the base of the mountain and into the sleepy haven above. They nodded to the guard at the gate and continued.
"This place hasn't changed much since I left."
"It never does," she smiled bemused. And it was true. While the rest of the world progressed during the New Age after the Wars and cities grew, Kakariko Village had remained quite unchanged. And why shouldn't it? No one was interested in a humdrum little town while the rest of the world awaited full of new ideas and adventure! Yet to the simple craftsmen and homemakers who called the hamlet home, it was a peaceful retreat from the stressors of the great wide world.
"Here we are. Mama, we're home," she called, pushing open the door. The little cottage they entered was not unlike the rest of the houses in the village. It was small and quaint, with a stove in one corner, great storage jars in another, and a wooden table and chairs in the center of the room.
"There you are, dear. I was beginning to worry," replied a hardy little woman in an apron. Mousy brown hair was tucked haphazardly into a knot at her nape, and her hands were worn from years of washing and ironing. Yet the eyes which looked up proudly at her children were bright as she said, "Hullo, dear."
"Hello, mother. You look just as beautiful as ever." He flashed a disarming smile.
"Oh, you still know how to make an old girl's bones warm, Mavrik. You must be exhausted child! Come warm yourself by the stove. Sara, fetch our guest something to drink before he turns in."
"Really Ademina," he insisted, placing a hand on Sara's elbow as she went to do as her mother asked, "its all right. I feel fine. And before you ask, I'm not thirsty or hungry."
"Humph!" Ademina snorted inelegantly. "Well you'll be sorry in the morning. And don't go helping yourself to my stew in the middle of the night either," she chided playfully.
"Yes, Mother Hen." To Sara he said, "Still as feisty as ever I see."
"She just missed you, that's all."
Mavrik took one hand in his, turned it over and kissed the palm. "Come sit by the fire and conspire with me into the night."
"Why are we whispering?"
"Because it makes things more interesting, don't you think?" he smiled.
She returned it mischievously and replied, "In that case, conspire away, my lord, the night is young and so are we." Making sure her mother was already asleep in the room they shared, Sara settled comfortably on his lap and allowed him to hold her into the late hours until they fell asleep long after.
They awoke late the next morning to sore muscles from sleeping in an awkward position, and a cheery, "Good morning, loves!" from Ademina. Apparently the aches did not allow them to see what was so good about it, and they said so with many a grumble.
"Breakfast is on the table. I hope you still like eggs, Mavrik, I'm afraid that's all the butcher had so early in the morning."
"Eggs, stew, bread - anything Ademina as long as you made it," he yawned.
"Aw, thank you, dearest." She kissed them both lightly on the cheek and was out the door saying, "I have errands to run. Be back by sun down. Have fun you two!"
"She sure is a lively one for its being so early." He rubbed away the sleep from his eyes and sat down. "Yes well, what can I tell you." She sat across from him at the table. Everything was in place from the placemats to the utensils. There was nothing to be done all day once this meal was finished and the dishes washed and they both knew it.
"You're so quiet. Are you alright?"
"Hmm?," she asked dreamily. "Oh fine, just a little groggy is all. Say, I was thinking that perhaps you would be interested in a friendly game of archery after breakfast."
"Friendly" always meant the exact opposite with Sara, and Mavrik knew this only too well. "Sure, I'd love to. But don't be surprised if I win."
"You have gotten cocky for all of your time spent away from here. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised to find that you aren't the only one who has improved."
"Of course not, I was counting on it," he retorted pleasantly.
Thus, they cleaned their plates as quickly as they could and raced outside into the square, past the stone well, up the great steps and into the Shooting Gallery. "Good morning, Sir!"
"Hullo there, Sara!" boomed the burley man behind the counter. "What can I do for you this mornin'?" he asked, placing his wide hands on the counter with a slap.
"One game for each of us, please."
"You got it, lass." He turned around to take two ash bows from the wall, turned back and asked, "Who's the lad?" with a grin.
"Oh, Bard you remember Mavrik, don't you?"
"Is that so! Mavrik you dog, I haven't seen you 'round these parts in years! Not since yer dad used to bring you in for practice when you were just a lad!"
"Yes, it has been quite a while, hasn't it?" He reached over the counter and clasped the great man by the forearm, as was custom.
"I should say so! Where have you been, lad?"
"The desert," he replied casually as he checked and tested his bow.
"The desert!? With all them whores? What for?"
"Training for the garrison troops." "When did you join the army? Well, never mind that, you keep your eyes on those desert wenches an' look out for us, ya 'ear?"
"Actually," Mavrik began, but Sara interrupted him.
"There's no need for that anymore, haven't you heard? Under the Treaty of Lei all our soldiers train with them. We steal their technique, keep a tight fist on all of their movements, and backstab them with their own knowledge if necessary." With that she turned and began to aim at the targets on the far wall.
Neither of the men missed her tempered sarcasm. "What was that all abou'?" Bard asked cautiously in hushed tones.
"She thinks that the treaty is being abused and that some great evil will come of it," Mavrik returned.
"Ah." The older man nodded sagely. "I wouldn't doubt our Sara's warnin's, if you take my meaning. She's developed quite the queer habit of knowin' things afore their time."
"Its only her worry, that's all."
"Aye," he consented, "could be. But I don't think so. Every so often she says somethin' to me that makes me wonder." He spread his arms wide and shrugged. "Perhaps you're right, lad. A lady's feelin's are nothing to toy with. So you best take care of 'er," he warned gruffly.
"As always, good friend." Mavrik knew that that was just the big man's way of coming across.
"Well, are we going to have at it or what, my desrei." It was a mockery, it meant "desert king".*
"I'm going to make you eat those words, mystic," he challenged.
"I think she's goin' ta give you a run fer yer money there, Mavrik. Be careful, she's not half as bad as she looks."
"Thank you for the complement, my lord Master (.)," Sara retorted with an elegant bow.
"Go get her, lad," Bard encouraged. "Make her eat those words and pay for the use of my facilities!"
"Yes, sir!" Mavrik replied with a smile. Both archers set their weapons and the competition began. "Ah, young love," thought the burley man dreamily to himself.
It was around noon when Ademina went to the well to begin the wash. Heaving the great bucket over the side, she dropped it into the water with a plop. As she bent for the clothes in the basket at her feet and braced herself against the stone as she stumbled. "Ooh! Steady old girl," she said to herself. But as her hands reached for the bucket she stumbled once more and this time noticed that there were great ripples in the water. Again the earth shook and this time with more force. And then, just as suddenly as the strange quakes began, they ceased.
"Well, I wonder what that was all about." The little woman shrugged away her curiosity and continued about her task.
Within the Shooting Gallery, Mavrik was watching Sara aim at one of his arrows on the bull's-eye mark when they stumbled and the arrow shot into the hay just at their feet. "Whoa! Careful," Mavrik said, placing a hand underneath her elbow to help her up.
"I should tell you the same!" she laughed.
"What was that all abou'?" Bard boomed from one of the back rooms.
"Well that was strange." She bent to retrieve the fallen arrow.
"I think that's enough archery for one day. Lets get some lunch."
"Giving up so soon?" Sara asked with laughing eyes.
"It was a stalemate, Sara," Mavrik corrected, rolling his own. "Besides, you can't tell me that your stomach isn't feeling as empty as mine."
"Very true, my love, very true." She turned from the counter where she had returned the bows and kissed him. "You're paying," she said suddenly as a child who is playing tag, and ran out the door.
"Hey! Sara!" He took a step after her, paused to haphazardly drop a few colorful rupees on the counter, and left with a loud, "Bye, thanks, Bard!"
"Sara? Sara where the -. Sara where are you!"
"Boo!" She jumped out at him from behind the corner of the brick gallery and giggled.
"Child!" Mavrik chided lovingly.
"No more so than you are!" came the obvious retort.
"Come here you!"
"Mavrik, no!" Sara gasped between choked laughter as he tickled her ribs. "Stop. Stop. Mavrik wait!"
"That's not going to work on me Sara."
"No, seriously! Are those horses?"
"Huh?"
As surely as she was Hylian, there was the sound of hooves clopping on the dirt. A man clad in the silver mail of the garrison troops rode in through the gates. His mount bore the crest of the royal family embroidered on its (pre-saddle blanket thingy).
"You there!" the rider called to Ademina who was still by the well.
She turned, quite startled. "Yes, sir, how might I be of help?" she finally
answered.
"Would you happen to know one Mavrik Boh? He is a soldier just released from training, I was told that he often travels this way."
"I am not quite sure who you speak of, sir," she lied. "What business might this pertain to?"
"None of your own, madam - with all due respect," he tacked on.
"Then I am afraid - "
"I am Mavrik Boh, soldier." He stepped out from behind the Gallery where Sara was still concealed.
"Do you always hide from royal messengers?" the rider asked suspiciously.
"Are you always this rude to women and your fellow soldiers?" came the impatient retort.
"Fair enough," he conceded. "You have been summoned by His Majesty. You are to report to duty at once. The Commander expects all soldiers are to be at the garrison before nightfall." And with that he turned his mount and rode off as unexpectedly as he had come.
"Love, what was that all about? Must you go already?" came Sara's voice in solemn tones. She stepped out into the square dejectedly.
"I suppose so." Then, seeing her expression, "Please don't be sad, Sara. I'm sure they'll let me leave soon."
"Yes, of course," she replied numbly, and Mavrik couldn't help but notice how determined she seemed not to cry and the way she refused to look at him. Silently he held out his arms to her as on the morning before, but there was no joy in the embrace.
"I'm sorry, Sara. I'll make it up to you when I return, I promise."
"Its alright, it can't be helped," she tried.
"There's time left yet until he has to leave," her mother offered, but she only nodded silently into Mavrik's shoulder.
He looked to Ademina for guidance, some sort of sign as to what he should do. She shrugged and looked away. "Come on, I have something I want to show you," he said finally.
Sara looked up hopefully and followed after him. He led her through the square, past her home, up the steps and onto a ledge where the old watchtower stood. It was useless now save for sightseers and stargazers late at night. And the thing which Mavrik wanted to show her she had always seen. When they reached the top of the climb there was a perfect unobscured view of the now slowly sinking sun as it passed beneath the mountain. Rent clouds of soft pink and lilac accented brilliant gold, silhouetting the landscape in dreamy hues.
In the midst of all of this beauty came Mavrik's kind embrace. "Do you see that, Sara?" Entwining her fingers with his own he guided he hand to trace the shadow of the mountain.
"Mmhmm."
"See how the sun keeps the cold away from Death?"
"Mavrik, what are you talking ab -"
He kissed her lightly into silence. "The sun, Sara, Farore's gift to this earth. The Mother Goddess who gave us life. I was like that mountain before I knew that things more brilliant than the sun existed," he looked into her eyes purposefully. "For that I intend to thank you. I was so full of hate, dark as the shadow under that mountain there," he continued, reminiscing. "When I was in the desert, whenever I felt overwhelmed I looked towards Death Mountain and thought of you."
She laughed at the inappropriate irony in the name as well as for the blush in her cheeks. Mavrik laughed as well. "The name doesn't fit, I know. But, my point is - " He sighed in frustration. "Sara I just want you to know that I feel as though I could live my life without the company of any other living thing except you. I just.I don't know what I would do without you."
Do you truly mean that? She thought. But what she said was, "Love, even when you are not with me, I am with you in every aspect save in physical presence. You will never lose me, Mavrik. Never again."
He smiled sheepishly. He loved everything about this girl. Her honesty and devotion, the way her smile made her eyes light up.
It was a long time before their lips parted or she let him leave of her embrace.
That night Mavrik left while she slept. Knowing he would be delayed, he reason was 'Better a scolding from the commander than a tear from her eyes.' "Thank you, Ademina."
"No, thank you, dearest. I think she's better off this way," the older woman corrected as they watched her daughter's body slowly rise and fall to the rhythm of sweet sleep.
"Yeah," came the sigh.
She paused and then, "And what about you, Mavrik?"
He smiled sadly. "Me? Oh I suppose its like Sara said: I have no choice." He shrugged. "No. This was my choice."
"Now now, don't go beating yourself up about it. Besides," she soothed, "we're both very proud of your choices, Mavrik. They've made you into the man you are. And what a fine lad we have, too!"
He smiled again. "Thanks, mom." Thus, he departed with a peck to her cheek.
"Good speed, love. Goddess Blessing," she whispered behind him.