-Can't Handle the Truth-
The next few days were free of argument and many a night was full of stories and memories. However something was still hanging in the back of Saira's mind so one morning, very early, she snuck out at the house and made her way to the graveyard to speak with Dampe.'
It was early and still dark. A light snow fell and stuck in Saira's hair. When she reached the graveyard, she called for Dampe' but no one came. She figured he was hiding underground so she searched for his gravestone. She found it easy enough but she noticed drag marks behind the stone.
"Drag marks?" she said aloud to herself
She grabbed the stone from behind and pulled with all her might. When she could pull no more, she walked around and found a deep hole.
"What the hell is this?"
Saira summoned a light bead and made it go down the hole. There was a room. Suddenly Saira lost her footing and started falling down landing with a hard thud on the concrete ground. The wind was completely knocked out of her and she had to wait a second before sitting up. She looked up and saw she'd fallen at least twenty feet
Saira stood up and crushed the dust, grass and dirt out of her hair and clothing. Torches lined a hall ahead of her so Saira used magic to light them all and this new sight did not look promising. It was a labyrinth of hallways.
"Oh great" she sighed
Saira started walking down the hallway when she noticed black marks on the floor. She found them every five to ten feet. Seeing no other evidence for a way to go, she followed the marks. The torches dimly lighted the halls but Saira didn't really care to see her surroundings. All she wanted to do was get out of there.
Eventually the marks had led her through many ramps, corridors and rooms until she emerged in a well-lit room with an open chest. Unfortunately the chest was empty.
"Saira?" Someone said
She spun around and Dampe' was floating behind her.
"You startled me," Saira said
"What on earth are you down here for?"
"I kinda fell when I was looking for you"
"Why are you looking for me?" he asked
"I need some answers. You knew my parents and I want to know now"
"What exactly do you want to know?"
"Well, um, what was my mother like, I mean her job, her friends, her likes and dislikes" Saira said "And what was she like when she was my age? And I'd really like to know how she met my job and got the job at the palace"
"Slow down Saira. I'll answer what I can. To start you mother lived for over 1,000 years and I for only 200 so I may not be able to answer everything your heart desires"
"Please try" Saira asked quietly
"Not here. Let's get out of my dingy grave. Follow me"
Dampe' led Saira down yet another hallway but it was going uphill and eventually she saw a light meaning dawn had come. The closer she got she realized it was the windmill. She finally reached a ledge at the top of the windmill and that's where Dampe' stopped.
"Ask away my dear" Dampe' said
"First, how did you meet my mum?"
"I wasn't but a lad when I knew your mother. Not but twelve years old I think. By then your mother was already a mature Elf. From what I remember she was returning from a long expedition. I hate to admit it but I was very much like Dmitri and it's that persona that led Inola to me"
"Were you trying to do a trademark Dmitri stunt?"
"Aye I was. Jumping form roof to roof. However I lost my footing and went falling to the ground. Your mother, bless her heart, stopped me just before I hit the ground head first."
"Sounds very familiar to my relationship with Dmitri"
"Well, a little different considering she was many years older.
"So when or how did my mum get the job at the palace"
"Well the princess was always sneaking out of the palace and Inola ran into her one day having noticed someone exploring the town at night. They were both young and adventurous and to the King's dismay I might add. Well one night, Inola snuck into the palace to see her friend but wasn't too stealthy and ended up breaking an old antique. The princess pleaded with her father to let her work off the damage."
"What about my father? All you told me last time was that he went traveling. I want to know when my parents met and the circumstances"
"Your father was the son of a Lard and Lady of the King's Court but he ran away not wanting to follow in that glorious tradition. I should tell you first your mother worked for nearly every royal family that ruled Hyrule until she finally decided to come home for good. Your dad was finishing his ventures after going on a trip through the other worlds."
"So they were coming back to Kakariko at the same time? How ironic?"
"Well no. They were in Hyrule market. On the circumstances they met I still can't believe they ended up together."
"What do you mean?"
"Your mother liked to travel at night, I don't know why. Well she as taking a shortcut through the alley when your father came up behind her and held a knife to her neck."
"Why?!"
But her question would not be answered by Dampe' but by a coming vision. She saw her mother walking down a dark alley where not light shone through any windows. Watching the expressions and movements of her mother gave her an idea of what she was thinking. She saw someone come up behind Inola and put a knife to her back.
"G'day miss. If you value your life, don't turn around. Now slowly hand that ever so heavy purse of yours," A sharp voice said.
"What makes you honestly think I would do that?" she replied without any fear
He dug the knife harder.
"There's always the alternative" he said
Inola watched from the corner of her eye as the man reached for her coin purse. In one swift moment she spun around and pulled a dagger out of her sleeve and held it to the man's throat. His own knife was still at her chest but now he looked at her with interest.
"I've never actually met anyone who fought back before"
The man was extremely handsome. His eyes were an icy gray color like the ocean after a storm. His hair was long and blonde pulled back in a sophisticated ponytail. Saira could see her father's forearm flexing as he still held the knife
"You obviously haven't met that many Hylian elves then" Inola said
"My dear I am one" he said coldly as if he insulted her
Quite unexpectedly he withdrew his dagger and put it away
"Why do you withdraw?" she asked confused
"If I told you the truth, you wouldn't believe me"
"Try me," she said lowering her dagger but not putting it away.
"In all honesty. I find you extremely attractive and rather than rob you I'd like to buy you dinner"
Saira started laughing, and then came out of her vision. Dampe' had a weird expression on his face.
"Sorry. Vision." Saira said
"Oh well"
"Oh wait the vision was about how they met so now I know"
"Well that's good"
"Wow, we've been talking for awhile"
"Yes, you should go be with your brother"
"Not until you answer one last question," Saira said very serious ".How.how.how did they.die?"
If Dampe' held any color in his ghost form, it was gone now. He sighed deeply despite his lack of breath and avoided Saira's gaze as he spoke.
"Nearly 20 years ago, a terrible war consumed our land. Races were at each other's throats. The Forest alone had no part in it and amazingly its neutrality was respected. Your brother was born here in Kakariko but since your parents were being hunted, they thought he would be safe in the forest and thus your brother grew up there"
"Why didn't my parents stay in Kokiri?"
"Your mother and father were helping in the war. Both were excellent fighters. And since your dad was a shape shifter he could spy on the enemy disguised as one of them."
"But my mum could have left. Others could have fought"
"Saira, what are your main talents?" Dampe asked grimly
"Um well I'm a great shape shifter and I can heal-oh I see. My mum could heal everyone," Saira whispered
"Exactly. However about three and a half years after they left Link, you were conceived. Fate was against your parents, I'm sad to say. Someone found out about your father and revealed his disguise. Your mother found out shortly after but not quick enough to flee the enemy. When she was on her way to Kokiri, the enemy caught up to her and injured her beyond healing"
"Dampe' you keep saying 'the enemy' instead of who. I'm only going to ask you once. Who killed my parents?"
Warm tears began to flow down Saira's cheeks as she spoke.
"G-G-Gan-Ganondorf" he stuttered
Saria felt as if someone had punched her in the stomach. All these years she'd been filled with an odd hatred for Ganondorf and now she knew. As Voldemort had killed Harry's parents, Ganondorf had killed hers.
Saira couldn't handle it anymore. Without another word she jumped down and ran out of the windmill. It was still early but the sky shone bright. Saira continued to run past all the shapes and house in the simple village and down the steps. She finally stopped in front of the broken drawbridge that would go to the market and castle but she was reluctant to take those few more steps.
"YOU BASTARD!!!" she yelled hoarsely "YOU KILLED MY PARENTS!"
Saira tried to cross the bridge but a force field blocked her. Summoning all the power she could, she hurled bolts of fire and ice at it.
Meanwhile Link and Legolas were sparring in the house. Liz came into the room looking worried. They stopped and looked at her
"Elizabeth, is everything okay?" Legolas asked
"No, I don't think so. There is anger, hate and sadness but too much, too much. Has anybody seen Saira?"
"No I haven't seen her since last night" Link said
Legolas turned very serious "where does she like to go around here?"
"Well the potion shop, the graveyard to talk to-oh no"
Link ran out of the room. Legolas and Liz exchanged a momentary glance before chasing after him. Link went straight to the graveyard and shouted for Dampe.' They saw him float up through his tombstone.
"Dampe' where's Saira?" Link demanded
"We were talking and then she just ran away. I don't know where she went"
"What did you talk about?" Liz cut in
Dampe' didn't answer and Liz noticed he began floating away from Link.
"Your mum and dad" he said reluctantly
"No! Dampe'!"
Liz was now being pounded with waves of anger and hate and every emotion flowing through Saira. She could practically see what Saira was seeing as if she were in her head. There was too much emotion
"COME OUT AND FIGHT ME YOU COWARD!!!" Saira screamed
"Calm down child" A voice said from behind. Evangeline stepped though a cloud of smoke.
"Finally decided to face me?"
"Face you. Haha. My girl I could destroy you with a snap of my fingers"
"I'd like to see that!" Saira launched a bolt of ice at her. However a wall of light erupted from Evangeline's hand absorbed the ice
"You'll need more than ice to defeat me" she said calmly
She walked closer to Saira but Saira did not want to waste her energy and magic on her but on Ganondorf. She now stood face to face with Serenity's killer but something was holding her back from inside.
"Finally able to fight me or you give up already?"
"You wont kill me so I don't need to waste magic on you"
"What makes you think I wont kill you?"
"Because I have this little magic locket that only I can open and your boss wants what is inside."
Saira pulled out her dagger from her belt and in that instant where Evangeline pulled away it slashed across her forearm. Evangeline yelled and receded grasping her bloody arm. Saira heard yelling behind her and turned to see Legolas, Liz, Sut, and Dmitri running down the stairs. When she looked back Evangeline was gone. She felt a twinge of satisfaction from hurting Evangeline, but her anger still surged through her so she went at the force field again.
Soon she felt strong arms pulling her away. She gave up feeling very weak all of a sudden from using so much magic at one time and fell into Legolas' arms crying uncontrollably. His grip didn't loosen at all as he calmed her down by whispering in her ear.
"Link, why cant I get through?" Saira asked, "I could before"
"I don't know. Shiek must have done something," he answered truthfully
Once Saira had calmed down completely a vision was sparked and she fell to her knees. Her vision took place in the village. Vienne was at the well when a dark cloaked figured drew a dagger and plunged it into her chest. They disappeared and Vienne fell to the ground
"VIENNE!!" Saira screamed as it ended. She got to her feet and ran with alarming speed despite her weakened state and ran to the village. From the entrance, Saira saw it all again only this time, Dmitri was watching it too
""MUM!!"
Together they ran to her side. Saira tried to heal her but the blade must have been magical because it had no effect. Vienne was barely breathing as Stu joined them
"Stuart. Dmitri. I love you both" Those were her last words before her eyes shut and hands fell from Saira and Dmitri's grip.
In all the years Saira knew Dmitri, she couldn't remember him ever crying, but cry he did. Stu pulled Saira and Dmitri away then he Legolas and Link carried Vienne's body away. Dmitri just stared at the bloody grass. Saira wrapped her arms around him and he returned the embrace crying into her shoulder. Saria could also feel tears but hers were of guilt.
Saira didn't know how long she sat there with Dmitri but she wouldn't leave him. Saira fell asleep against the wall with Dmitri also asleep in her lap. They woke at sunset and Dmitri looked up at Saira.
"I knew the moment I saw you fall," he confessed
"Then why did you stop?"
"Doubt"
"I never wanted it to happen. I loved Vienne as my own mother"
"I know you did Saira. I don't blame you. I never would and never will. I'm just sorry you had to see it more than once"
Dmitri sat up and hugged Saira again
"C'mon I might start crying again if we stay here," he said
He stood up and held out his hand to help Saira up. They walked to the house together. Legolas, Liz and Link were sitting on the couch. Stu was locked in his bedroom mourning.
For the remainder of that night Dmitri and Saira were inseparable. She even slept in his room. Liz sensed that Saira's presence with him soothed his mind and kept him from losing control.
In the morning they buried Vienne in the same garden area as Inola and Artanis. Saira and Link felt it was right because she was really the only mother they had ever known. Dmitri went alone into his room and Saira took this opportunity to buy him something to maybe cheer him up a bit and returned only moments before he woke
"Have a nice sleep?" Saira asked
"Could be better"
"Are you holding up okay?"
"Yeah I suppose. What about you?" he asked
"I thought my heartache had ended for this year."
"Thank you" he said
"For what?"
"For being here. For being my friend"
"You've done the same for me for years now"
He smiled for the first time since it happened
"I can't believe I'm about to say this but I want to go back to school"
Saira sniffed and laughed slightly. Liz came in a sat down with them
"Are you guys doing okay?"
"Better" they said together
Liz gave Dmitri a helpful talk about when her mother died
"Does the pain ever go away?" he asked
"Unfortunately no but it's the pain that helps remind us. It's late and I'm going to hit the hay. Night you two"
They all headed to their rooms except Saira who went to Dmitri's. When she thought he was asleep she went out and climbed onto the roof. She sat there and cried until she could cry no more. She felt Dmitri sit next to her
"I thought you were asleep," she said
"Woke up and heard you crying but I cant figure out why"
"Deep down Dmitri, I thought you were the one in danger"
"Why me? There's nothing special about me," he said
"You're my best friend and everyone that hates me knows that"
"I thought Liz was your best friend," he said with a hint of sadness in his voice.
"True Liz is my friend. Technically for over a thousand years, but that was Serenity's life. In this life, I'm a 15-year-old girl and you're my best friend. Together me and you have seen all of Hyrule and done some pretty stupid stuff if you remember"
"Aye, I do very well. We've done all sorts. It's because of you I'm still alive'
"Likewise" Saira said, "As long as we're together we're invincible"
Dmitri laughed. Saira pulled something from her robes, "Here"
It was a silver pocket watch with a picture of her, Link, and Dmitri when they were kids and with Vienne and Stu in the background.
"When did you get this?" he asked
"While you slept. May it mark the time of our unique friendship and remind you of Vienne"
Dmitri hugged Saira and wound the watch. Then they retreated back to the room with no nightmares to haunt them.
The next few days were free of argument and many a night was full of stories and memories. However something was still hanging in the back of Saira's mind so one morning, very early, she snuck out at the house and made her way to the graveyard to speak with Dampe.'
It was early and still dark. A light snow fell and stuck in Saira's hair. When she reached the graveyard, she called for Dampe' but no one came. She figured he was hiding underground so she searched for his gravestone. She found it easy enough but she noticed drag marks behind the stone.
"Drag marks?" she said aloud to herself
She grabbed the stone from behind and pulled with all her might. When she could pull no more, she walked around and found a deep hole.
"What the hell is this?"
Saira summoned a light bead and made it go down the hole. There was a room. Suddenly Saira lost her footing and started falling down landing with a hard thud on the concrete ground. The wind was completely knocked out of her and she had to wait a second before sitting up. She looked up and saw she'd fallen at least twenty feet
Saira stood up and crushed the dust, grass and dirt out of her hair and clothing. Torches lined a hall ahead of her so Saira used magic to light them all and this new sight did not look promising. It was a labyrinth of hallways.
"Oh great" she sighed
Saira started walking down the hallway when she noticed black marks on the floor. She found them every five to ten feet. Seeing no other evidence for a way to go, she followed the marks. The torches dimly lighted the halls but Saira didn't really care to see her surroundings. All she wanted to do was get out of there.
Eventually the marks had led her through many ramps, corridors and rooms until she emerged in a well-lit room with an open chest. Unfortunately the chest was empty.
"Saira?" Someone said
She spun around and Dampe' was floating behind her.
"You startled me," Saira said
"What on earth are you down here for?"
"I kinda fell when I was looking for you"
"Why are you looking for me?" he asked
"I need some answers. You knew my parents and I want to know now"
"What exactly do you want to know?"
"Well, um, what was my mother like, I mean her job, her friends, her likes and dislikes" Saira said "And what was she like when she was my age? And I'd really like to know how she met my job and got the job at the palace"
"Slow down Saira. I'll answer what I can. To start you mother lived for over 1,000 years and I for only 200 so I may not be able to answer everything your heart desires"
"Please try" Saira asked quietly
"Not here. Let's get out of my dingy grave. Follow me"
Dampe' led Saira down yet another hallway but it was going uphill and eventually she saw a light meaning dawn had come. The closer she got she realized it was the windmill. She finally reached a ledge at the top of the windmill and that's where Dampe' stopped.
"Ask away my dear" Dampe' said
"First, how did you meet my mum?"
"I wasn't but a lad when I knew your mother. Not but twelve years old I think. By then your mother was already a mature Elf. From what I remember she was returning from a long expedition. I hate to admit it but I was very much like Dmitri and it's that persona that led Inola to me"
"Were you trying to do a trademark Dmitri stunt?"
"Aye I was. Jumping form roof to roof. However I lost my footing and went falling to the ground. Your mother, bless her heart, stopped me just before I hit the ground head first."
"Sounds very familiar to my relationship with Dmitri"
"Well, a little different considering she was many years older.
"So when or how did my mum get the job at the palace"
"Well the princess was always sneaking out of the palace and Inola ran into her one day having noticed someone exploring the town at night. They were both young and adventurous and to the King's dismay I might add. Well one night, Inola snuck into the palace to see her friend but wasn't too stealthy and ended up breaking an old antique. The princess pleaded with her father to let her work off the damage."
"What about my father? All you told me last time was that he went traveling. I want to know when my parents met and the circumstances"
"Your father was the son of a Lard and Lady of the King's Court but he ran away not wanting to follow in that glorious tradition. I should tell you first your mother worked for nearly every royal family that ruled Hyrule until she finally decided to come home for good. Your dad was finishing his ventures after going on a trip through the other worlds."
"So they were coming back to Kakariko at the same time? How ironic?"
"Well no. They were in Hyrule market. On the circumstances they met I still can't believe they ended up together."
"What do you mean?"
"Your mother liked to travel at night, I don't know why. Well she as taking a shortcut through the alley when your father came up behind her and held a knife to her neck."
"Why?!"
But her question would not be answered by Dampe' but by a coming vision. She saw her mother walking down a dark alley where not light shone through any windows. Watching the expressions and movements of her mother gave her an idea of what she was thinking. She saw someone come up behind Inola and put a knife to her back.
"G'day miss. If you value your life, don't turn around. Now slowly hand that ever so heavy purse of yours," A sharp voice said.
"What makes you honestly think I would do that?" she replied without any fear
He dug the knife harder.
"There's always the alternative" he said
Inola watched from the corner of her eye as the man reached for her coin purse. In one swift moment she spun around and pulled a dagger out of her sleeve and held it to the man's throat. His own knife was still at her chest but now he looked at her with interest.
"I've never actually met anyone who fought back before"
The man was extremely handsome. His eyes were an icy gray color like the ocean after a storm. His hair was long and blonde pulled back in a sophisticated ponytail. Saira could see her father's forearm flexing as he still held the knife
"You obviously haven't met that many Hylian elves then" Inola said
"My dear I am one" he said coldly as if he insulted her
Quite unexpectedly he withdrew his dagger and put it away
"Why do you withdraw?" she asked confused
"If I told you the truth, you wouldn't believe me"
"Try me," she said lowering her dagger but not putting it away.
"In all honesty. I find you extremely attractive and rather than rob you I'd like to buy you dinner"
Saira started laughing, and then came out of her vision. Dampe' had a weird expression on his face.
"Sorry. Vision." Saira said
"Oh well"
"Oh wait the vision was about how they met so now I know"
"Well that's good"
"Wow, we've been talking for awhile"
"Yes, you should go be with your brother"
"Not until you answer one last question," Saira said very serious ".How.how.how did they.die?"
If Dampe' held any color in his ghost form, it was gone now. He sighed deeply despite his lack of breath and avoided Saira's gaze as he spoke.
"Nearly 20 years ago, a terrible war consumed our land. Races were at each other's throats. The Forest alone had no part in it and amazingly its neutrality was respected. Your brother was born here in Kakariko but since your parents were being hunted, they thought he would be safe in the forest and thus your brother grew up there"
"Why didn't my parents stay in Kokiri?"
"Your mother and father were helping in the war. Both were excellent fighters. And since your dad was a shape shifter he could spy on the enemy disguised as one of them."
"But my mum could have left. Others could have fought"
"Saira, what are your main talents?" Dampe asked grimly
"Um well I'm a great shape shifter and I can heal-oh I see. My mum could heal everyone," Saira whispered
"Exactly. However about three and a half years after they left Link, you were conceived. Fate was against your parents, I'm sad to say. Someone found out about your father and revealed his disguise. Your mother found out shortly after but not quick enough to flee the enemy. When she was on her way to Kokiri, the enemy caught up to her and injured her beyond healing"
"Dampe' you keep saying 'the enemy' instead of who. I'm only going to ask you once. Who killed my parents?"
Warm tears began to flow down Saira's cheeks as she spoke.
"G-G-Gan-Ganondorf" he stuttered
Saria felt as if someone had punched her in the stomach. All these years she'd been filled with an odd hatred for Ganondorf and now she knew. As Voldemort had killed Harry's parents, Ganondorf had killed hers.
Saira couldn't handle it anymore. Without another word she jumped down and ran out of the windmill. It was still early but the sky shone bright. Saira continued to run past all the shapes and house in the simple village and down the steps. She finally stopped in front of the broken drawbridge that would go to the market and castle but she was reluctant to take those few more steps.
"YOU BASTARD!!!" she yelled hoarsely "YOU KILLED MY PARENTS!"
Saira tried to cross the bridge but a force field blocked her. Summoning all the power she could, she hurled bolts of fire and ice at it.
Meanwhile Link and Legolas were sparring in the house. Liz came into the room looking worried. They stopped and looked at her
"Elizabeth, is everything okay?" Legolas asked
"No, I don't think so. There is anger, hate and sadness but too much, too much. Has anybody seen Saira?"
"No I haven't seen her since last night" Link said
Legolas turned very serious "where does she like to go around here?"
"Well the potion shop, the graveyard to talk to-oh no"
Link ran out of the room. Legolas and Liz exchanged a momentary glance before chasing after him. Link went straight to the graveyard and shouted for Dampe.' They saw him float up through his tombstone.
"Dampe' where's Saira?" Link demanded
"We were talking and then she just ran away. I don't know where she went"
"What did you talk about?" Liz cut in
Dampe' didn't answer and Liz noticed he began floating away from Link.
"Your mum and dad" he said reluctantly
"No! Dampe'!"
Liz was now being pounded with waves of anger and hate and every emotion flowing through Saira. She could practically see what Saira was seeing as if she were in her head. There was too much emotion
"COME OUT AND FIGHT ME YOU COWARD!!!" Saira screamed
"Calm down child" A voice said from behind. Evangeline stepped though a cloud of smoke.
"Finally decided to face me?"
"Face you. Haha. My girl I could destroy you with a snap of my fingers"
"I'd like to see that!" Saira launched a bolt of ice at her. However a wall of light erupted from Evangeline's hand absorbed the ice
"You'll need more than ice to defeat me" she said calmly
She walked closer to Saira but Saira did not want to waste her energy and magic on her but on Ganondorf. She now stood face to face with Serenity's killer but something was holding her back from inside.
"Finally able to fight me or you give up already?"
"You wont kill me so I don't need to waste magic on you"
"What makes you think I wont kill you?"
"Because I have this little magic locket that only I can open and your boss wants what is inside."
Saira pulled out her dagger from her belt and in that instant where Evangeline pulled away it slashed across her forearm. Evangeline yelled and receded grasping her bloody arm. Saira heard yelling behind her and turned to see Legolas, Liz, Sut, and Dmitri running down the stairs. When she looked back Evangeline was gone. She felt a twinge of satisfaction from hurting Evangeline, but her anger still surged through her so she went at the force field again.
Soon she felt strong arms pulling her away. She gave up feeling very weak all of a sudden from using so much magic at one time and fell into Legolas' arms crying uncontrollably. His grip didn't loosen at all as he calmed her down by whispering in her ear.
"Link, why cant I get through?" Saira asked, "I could before"
"I don't know. Shiek must have done something," he answered truthfully
Once Saira had calmed down completely a vision was sparked and she fell to her knees. Her vision took place in the village. Vienne was at the well when a dark cloaked figured drew a dagger and plunged it into her chest. They disappeared and Vienne fell to the ground
"VIENNE!!" Saira screamed as it ended. She got to her feet and ran with alarming speed despite her weakened state and ran to the village. From the entrance, Saira saw it all again only this time, Dmitri was watching it too
""MUM!!"
Together they ran to her side. Saira tried to heal her but the blade must have been magical because it had no effect. Vienne was barely breathing as Stu joined them
"Stuart. Dmitri. I love you both" Those were her last words before her eyes shut and hands fell from Saira and Dmitri's grip.
In all the years Saira knew Dmitri, she couldn't remember him ever crying, but cry he did. Stu pulled Saira and Dmitri away then he Legolas and Link carried Vienne's body away. Dmitri just stared at the bloody grass. Saira wrapped her arms around him and he returned the embrace crying into her shoulder. Saria could also feel tears but hers were of guilt.
Saira didn't know how long she sat there with Dmitri but she wouldn't leave him. Saira fell asleep against the wall with Dmitri also asleep in her lap. They woke at sunset and Dmitri looked up at Saira.
"I knew the moment I saw you fall," he confessed
"Then why did you stop?"
"Doubt"
"I never wanted it to happen. I loved Vienne as my own mother"
"I know you did Saira. I don't blame you. I never would and never will. I'm just sorry you had to see it more than once"
Dmitri sat up and hugged Saira again
"C'mon I might start crying again if we stay here," he said
He stood up and held out his hand to help Saira up. They walked to the house together. Legolas, Liz and Link were sitting on the couch. Stu was locked in his bedroom mourning.
For the remainder of that night Dmitri and Saira were inseparable. She even slept in his room. Liz sensed that Saira's presence with him soothed his mind and kept him from losing control.
In the morning they buried Vienne in the same garden area as Inola and Artanis. Saira and Link felt it was right because she was really the only mother they had ever known. Dmitri went alone into his room and Saira took this opportunity to buy him something to maybe cheer him up a bit and returned only moments before he woke
"Have a nice sleep?" Saira asked
"Could be better"
"Are you holding up okay?"
"Yeah I suppose. What about you?" he asked
"I thought my heartache had ended for this year."
"Thank you" he said
"For what?"
"For being here. For being my friend"
"You've done the same for me for years now"
He smiled for the first time since it happened
"I can't believe I'm about to say this but I want to go back to school"
Saira sniffed and laughed slightly. Liz came in a sat down with them
"Are you guys doing okay?"
"Better" they said together
Liz gave Dmitri a helpful talk about when her mother died
"Does the pain ever go away?" he asked
"Unfortunately no but it's the pain that helps remind us. It's late and I'm going to hit the hay. Night you two"
They all headed to their rooms except Saira who went to Dmitri's. When she thought he was asleep she went out and climbed onto the roof. She sat there and cried until she could cry no more. She felt Dmitri sit next to her
"I thought you were asleep," she said
"Woke up and heard you crying but I cant figure out why"
"Deep down Dmitri, I thought you were the one in danger"
"Why me? There's nothing special about me," he said
"You're my best friend and everyone that hates me knows that"
"I thought Liz was your best friend," he said with a hint of sadness in his voice.
"True Liz is my friend. Technically for over a thousand years, but that was Serenity's life. In this life, I'm a 15-year-old girl and you're my best friend. Together me and you have seen all of Hyrule and done some pretty stupid stuff if you remember"
"Aye, I do very well. We've done all sorts. It's because of you I'm still alive'
"Likewise" Saira said, "As long as we're together we're invincible"
Dmitri laughed. Saira pulled something from her robes, "Here"
It was a silver pocket watch with a picture of her, Link, and Dmitri when they were kids and with Vienne and Stu in the background.
"When did you get this?" he asked
"While you slept. May it mark the time of our unique friendship and remind you of Vienne"
Dmitri hugged Saira and wound the watch. Then they retreated back to the room with no nightmares to haunt them.