Agatha was her name. I learned that before I left that night. Her story was a sad one. She was born in Kakariko and then moved to Castletown ages ago to be an apprentice to a Potion Maker. She surpassed her master and decided to pursue her own interests. They took a dark turn and cost her family and friends. By the time she returned to Kakariko, she had learned much of magic and opened shop hoping to live a relatively normal life. But soon she was accused of evil witchcraft because to her ill luck the year she returned a drought and they blamed her.
She sought refuge in her home while everyone pounded on her door blaming her for everything that went wrong until finally people began to forget. She had amazing talent but couldn't reveal it or the rain of hate would continue. Instead she worked secretly with Daniel selling potions and such. She knew even more than he did and I again became an avid student. Of all the people in town, she was probably the only one I could talk to about magic. She taught me magic is neutral. It's the wielder that makes magic dark, not the magic itself.
So after work everyday I go for a lesson with Agatha. I began to look up to her immensely and even found out she'd been friends with my mother. She told me stories of my parents back when they were well known among the citizens of Hyrule.
Things overall seemed to be going well. I liked settling down in a place where there was so much to occupy my mind. Dmitri's life seemed to have taken an up now that he an Malon were official as he called it. I find myself liking her less and less though. I still travel to Lon Lon as well and speak with Zee pretending to like Malon.
I still have visions now and then but nothing life altering really. Saved a couple of kids and there are several dreams I've had but I cant really remember much from them to be of any use. Overall things are really looking up though we're all lacking a bit of adventure anymore. I think we were ready to settle down somewhat. But I didn't like that Dmitri hated coming back which is why I'm about to have the following little chat with Daniel.
"Hey Danny" I said going in for work.
"Hey Saira. I wanted to talk to you actually so this is good timing. I've been going over the figures and you've pretty much paid me off."
"That's even better timing than you know. I need to talk to you about something"
"Should I sit down for this?" he joked. I'd really grown on him over the summer and he'd gone from being a rude jerk or wanted to call the guard on me to a good friend.
"Well, you know I love working here, don't you?"
"Well, let's see, I basically forced you to work for me and haven't heard a single bit of complaint so yeah, I'd agree with you on that"
"As much as I like working here, I really need to get out of Kakariko. We get business here, true but I'm used to a more busy environment."
"Where are you wanting to go?"
"I was hoping Castletown"
"Yikes, its hell trying to get a job there and even harder to find a place to live"
"I can take care of the living part. As for the job, I was hoping maybe you could help me out. You go there a lot. I'll take a job anywhere."
"Hmm, actually I know that my friend at the Potion Shop in Castletown is looking for a bit of help but he's had a lot of offers"
"Anybody with my reputation? Might bring in business"
"I know it has for me" Daniel said with a smile "I'll let him know you're heading to Castletown then"
"Thanks. So, what have we got today?"
After work was done I went to go see Agatha like I always do. She was a bit put out that I was leaving but encouraged me to advance even if I was turning 15 in like two days. I went about to a few shops and bought a new outfit or two with gold that Daniel had started paying me now that my debt was paid off. Link and Dmitri came back in Kakariko fairly late and they joined me up on the roof of our apartment where I was star gazing.
"Am I up there tonight?" Dmitri asked laying beside me.
"Not tonight, but I made a new one for all of us so we're there all the time" I said with a smile. "I got good news."
"Really?"
"Yep. I'm paid off and there's only one place left to go"
"Castletown" they said together.
We stayed about a week more and Vienne even managed to convince Stu to leave the house for a bit so she could throw us a little birthday party. I love her cooking. That's one thing I will miss about living here. Vienne didn't want Dmitri to leave again, but he needed to get away. We all did.
"You guys realize this is our very last stop?" I said as we stood at the drawbridge into Castletown. We'd delayed it for so long it didn't seem like we were really standing here. But it was time.
"I know. It's strange" Dmitri said
"Zee should be here" Link said hopeful.
"What, you plan on breaking into the palace?" I teased
"Done it before according to you"
"Whatever"
"Let's go" Dmitri encouraged.
Our footsteps beat on the wood as we entered a lively music filled busy square. Shops and stands encircled a large courtyard and all the homes lined behind. I think out of all I've seen, this place felt more like a home than anything else. A place I could stay and settle.
"Let's find the Potion Shop. Daniel said my hopeful employer would be waiting on my arrival today" I said
"I still don't see why you need a new job." Dmitri said
"Because I refuse to live your parents and you need a job in order to pay rent"
"There it is Saira" Link said pointing to a building past a crowd of people. We were definitely an odd sight compared to most of the inhabitants I saw. For one, Link wore a bright green tunic and the same hat I'd gotten him years before. He was also clad with his Faery bow and Gerudo quiver not to mention a sword and his silver gauntlets.
Dmitri wore dark brown pants that flared near the bottom and an off-white shirt. His hair had gotten long over the years but nowhere near as long as Link's. He had one pierced ear just like Link but I always thought he pulled if off better. But what was strange was that he had two scimitars as weapons, something not usually seen as men aren't Gerudos.
I probably looked the most normal. I had black leather pants that also flared at the bottom to cover the lace up boots I wore. I had a white blouse with three quarter sleeves and last but not least a long jacket-like thing also of black leather. The only reason it wasn't a jacket was because it had no sleeves. My hair was pulled back and my ponytail was made up of a bunch of smaller braids. I carried no weapons because magic was my weapon although I did have a small dagger tied to my boot that Link insisted wear just in case.
Yep, we were a sight to behold.
We needn't push our way through he crowd because the people parted by themselves. The square was slowly getting silent but we went inside the Potion Shop and ignored the reactions. A bell on the door dinged and the empty shop echoed.
Wow. There was a potion for everything. This stock was, dare I say it, better than Daniel's but I probably know how to make every single one and then some thanks to both Daniel and Agatha's teachings. They both tested my limits and pushed me past them. As we were looking, an elderly man came out from behind several shelves.
"I'll be right with you" he said
"Hey Saira, we're going to have a look around town. Will you be alright?" Link asked
"Yeah go. Meet me at the Temple of Time in two hours" I said
"Where's that?" Dmitri asked
"It's the only big temple in Castletown. You cant miss it"
"Okay, bye love" he said kissing my cheek as the two of them left and the elderly man finished with whatever he was doing.
"Now then, how can I help you miss?"
"I'm Saira. I was sent by Daniel about a job"
"You're Sairalinde?" he asked doubtfully
"None other"
"But you're so young"
"Yes. And?"
"I cannot employ someone so young. You cannot know what Daniel says you know"
The bell dinged and a young couple came in.
"Hello, how can I help you?" the old man said
"Do you sell books on potion making as well as potions" the woman asked
"Yes, what kind of potions are you wanting to make?"
"Household helpers. Little one at home" she said with a sigh.
"I don't have one here but I can get one. Would you like a few test bottles?"
"Certainly"
"Alright. Here's one that uses water from Lake Hylia and a few choice ingredients and will take care of most little messes and stains"
"No it wont" I said just loud enough. "Lake Hylia's water is mainly used for healing potions. That's why people say Mr. Ely, the old man at the lake is still alive"
I looked around in my bag and pulled out a fairly good sized bottle of green liquid.
"Here. This is a Kokiri mix. Soak a cloth and you can clean almost an entire house with it, any surface. Keep it cold and it will last longer"
"Thank you" they said gratefully. "How much?"
"First one's free" I said
They nodded and left
"What do you think you're doing?" he demanded when the door shut
"Keeping you from cheating honest people. For one you have the book on the shelf and two, the potion you were going to seel them is extremely overprices and wouldn't have done anything. Keep your job. I'll find one somewhere else"
"Wait. You passed"
"Passed?" I asked annoyed
"I do a test to all prospective employees. You're the first one to ever pass. Jorge and Andrea are long time friends."
I flipped my head so that the long bangs were off my face.
"You start tomorrow. 8:00 sharp" he said smiling. "Here's ten rupees for the potion, and this was actually left specifically for you. You must have knowledgeable friends"
He flipped two blue rupees to me and handed me a letter with Zee's secret symbol on it. I gave him a grateful smile and strolled out. I was in a good mood now and opened my letter. Zee wanted me to come by the palace the moment I got it. Good thing I told Link and Dmitri two hours. So I headed down the path toward the white castle. I walked up to the thick gate and a guard greeted me
" 'ello love. I'm here to see Princess Zelda" I said flirtatiously.
"You cant fool me, lass. People come here all the time wanting to see the princess"
"Does this help?" I said slipping my letter of permission through the gate since her signature and seal was inside. He examined it thoroughly then whistled. The gate started opening and I stepped through.
"Follow the path and it will lead you straight to the front doors. Just show any guards your letter and you'll be fine."
I smiled and headed up the path. I was stopped by no less than six guards just going the short distance from the gate to the castle. Finally I knocked on the oak doors and they creaked open to reveal a squat little maid.
"Hi, I'm here to see Zeh–Princess Zelda" I corrected after she glared at me. "I've been summoned"
"Come in"
Holy crap! This place is HUGE and I'm only in the foyer. You see pictures but in real life its totally different A candle chandelier hung above me. A magnificent stairway was through an opening. Two sets of doors were on either side of me as well.
"Wait here. Don't touch anything" the maid said sternly before waddling off. I was tempted to use magic to make her fall flat on her chubby face but decided against it. After a minute or so I rested with the idea to get a better look at the portraits on the surrounding walls.
Zelda was certainly beautiful when dressed up. Her mother and father definitely passed on their regal appearance. I heard footsteps but didn't turn around.
"Who are you?" someone asked
I turned and faced none other than the King of Hyrule himself. I bowed respectfully before I spoke.
"Sairalinde Trinity originally of Kokiri Forest, your majesty. Princess Zelda summoned me"
"For what?"
"I know not, your majesty"
"Saira?" Zee called from the stairs. "Good, I was hoping you got the letter today"
"Sweetheart, who is she?"
"Saira is someone I met at Lon Lon Ranch and with quite the reputation throughout Hyrule. Her brother and friend were exploring Hyrule, and have earned several titles and nicknames. She herself is an honorary Zora and Gerudo as well as highly welcomed among the Gorons." Zelda explained. "She is also the last Hylian Seer"
I froze and couldn't get any words of protest out of my mouth. I hadn't even told Link or Dmitri I was the last one. They'd be more protective than they already are.
"This is the last?" the king asked disbelieving.
Zelda gave a nudge as if to say 'prove it' I hate having to prove it because I hate using my power of predicting slightly into the future. I like being surprised.
"Uh, Uh, yes. I'm the last. Uh, w-would you like a small demonstration. A-after all. I can only get visions when the great goddesses give me one, b-but I'm rather good at predicting a little" I probably sound so retarded with my stutter.
"I think a demonstration would be wonderful
"Okay" I rarely use my intuition skills. I like surprises as I said. I blame that on Dmitri's unpredictability. I concentrated and small quick images came to me. Everything else was silent
"Saira" Zee said snapping me back
"Watch your step on your way to dinner. Zelda, your favorite music box will fall off your desk and break but I think my brother could fix it. He's good at fixing things. And if I'm not mistaken, Talon of Lon Lon Ranch will ride up just about ...now"
And right on cue the sound of hoof beats went past the front gate. King Daphne sent the maid to go check but I knew Talon so I went too. He smiled surprised before heading around the corner.
"Don't fall asleep or Malon'll have your hide!" I called before going back into the presence of Zee and her father.
"You know Mr. Talon?" King Daphne asked
"Very well. My brother Link my friend Dmitri and I stayed there for awhile. We helped out and worked. They still do sometimes and we go to ride and visit."
"You seem to have been all over. Why don't you join us for dinner tonight and tell more of your exploits?"
"I'd be honored"
The king bowed and went his separate way.
"I've never been so nervous and trust me when I saw I've been in some nervy situations"
"You did fine. I hear you got a job working for the Potion Shop"
"Well, somebody's got to pay the rent. But you knew already" I said
"I just knew you were going. Dmitri's got a big mouth. But shouldn't it be Link's position to get the job. After all, he is the oldest"
"Yeah, he's been trying. He just doesn't know where he could. But I don't mind working. It gets me through the day" I said. "But I'm sure that my new job is not why you asked me here, so Zee, why am I here?"
"Out of all the beings in Hyrule, you have befriended the races and they accept you and your friendly relations with the other nations"
"Spit it out. What are you getting at?"
"My father knew of you before you came. He wishes to end the tense peace and have all the races come together finally"
I waved my hand impatiently
"He wants to ask you to help in this endeavor and he's hoping your celebrity will help"
I stood there taking in what she said
"Zee, I have seen every inch of Hyrule. I have trudged through three foot snow, and lied under the scorching hot sun of the desert. But you're asking me to do it again right when I'm ready to finally settle down and call one permanent place my home"
"I know Saira, but will you at least consider it?"
I sighed. "I will consider it but do not hold out. I should get back before Link gets worried"
"Don't forget about dinner tonight"
"I wont but so you know, I'm not dressing up"
"Didn't expect you to. Tell Link I said help" she added quickly
"When do you plan on saying hello to Link yourself" I asked with no smile. "Link likes you more than a little and when he finds out you're the unattainable princess, he's going to be hurt worse than death"
"I'll tell him soon. I'll let you get settled first"
"If you don't, I will. Bye Zee"
I walked out and headed down the path. The guards remembered me and didn't bother to stop me but suddenly I found myself stopped staring at a dead end path. No guards were looking so I veered off to the stack a boulders.
I could sense powerful magic behind it and unfortunately Dmitri had taught me to give into the temptation of curiosity. I opened my bag and expertly mixed two ingredients and shook them. Then I wedged the small bottled concoction under a boulder.
But the explosion will be loud. I think a good silencing bubble will do the trick. I muttered a spell and a tiny light flickering just for a moment showing a force field around the boulder. I used one more spell to break the bottle and what should have been a deafening explisn was all silence. The ground shook but most people would just assume Death Mountain was rumbling against.
Once the dust settled I saw a small tunnel with a faint light coming through. I've done dumber things. Exploring a tunnel doesn't seem all that bad. I got on all fours and crawled through until I reached a square room identical to the Great Faery's lair up on Death Mountain. It was such serenity.
It was tiled everywhere with the same white marble and torches, not to mention the beautiful hexagonal pool. One thing that really sold it as a Great Faery dwelling was the annoying background music that seemed to echo off the walls with no source.
I knew what to do since it was how Link saved me. I pulled a small wood carved flute I got from Dampེ for my 15th birthday just before I left. After playing the royal song I heard the high-pitched laugh of the beauteous Faery who emerged. She floated there for a moment while I stood waiting.
"Sairalinde Trinity, what brings thee here?"
"Not sure. Felt a little drawn"
"Well, that would be my doing. I brought you here to talk about Zelda's request"
"What about it?"
"As you mature, more choices will be put before you. You will also be forced to decide which is more important to you. Zelda wishes you to accompany her because of your friendly relations but on the day of your 18th year, a journey will be placed before you that could show you two new worlds"
"Riddles. That's all you higher being ever give me. Speak words I can understand"
But suddenly a light blinded me and I found myself outside of the cave looking at my destroyed boulders. I got up and rubbed my sore butt. Note to self, avoid pissing off Faeries.
I went to the main gate and they let me ot without a word. I was running late so I jogged back into the market towards the Temple. However I couldn't help but stop and laugh as I saw Link and Dmitri running there too. They saw me and realized we were all late and trying to beat the other.
Link sat on the steps and Dmitri lay next to him. I walked up breathing a little harder but still smiling.
"Get the job?" Dmitri asked
"Yep. Start tomorrow"
"It's still early in the day. We should find a place to stay" Link said getting up yanking Dmitri with him. "Zee said there were a few rentable places near a game shop. We should try there first"
Finding a place to stay was an easy task because the three of us had spent a lot of time sleeping out in the middle of Hyrule Field. We luckily found a two bedroom flat. I thad a small kitchen and room for a small table. There was a minuscule living area but large enough for our taste. The two bedrooms were nothing to brag about. One was slightly larger than the other so I let Link and Dmitri share that one while I claimed the other. One bathroom was it so it was very lucky I wasn't like most girls
We emptied my magic bag and spent a long time situating our things. There were several arguments about why I got a room to myself but I think they knew and just wanted to fight. Around 6:00 I told them I was going out. Link wanted to follow but just then something crashed inside.
"I'll be fine Link. The goddesses like us, remember. Plus, I'm 15. You've got to give me a little freedom"
"Last time I gave you freedom was when we went to gerudo Fortress and you ended up with pierced ears and a tattoo. Yeah I know about the tattoo and look, you have three piercings on one ear and two with the little upper part pierced on the other."
"Yeah, but if I remember right" I paused lifting up his sleeve revealing an arm band tattoo. "You got one too. Bye Link"
I headed back up to the castle but this time I wasn't stopped. The rude made led me into the dining room where Zee, King Daphne and Queen Jocelyn sat. I felt horribly underdress, but its not like I had anything to dress up in.
"Saira, have a seat" Zee said motioning at the chair nearest her. I sat down not knowing exactly what I should say.
"So, this is the young Hylian Seer?" the queen asked Zee
"Yes"
"You're practically legend" she continued to me. "All people talk about now is how a band of three friends have become a part of all the races. I do believe you're an honorary Zora and Gerudo. My, what a contradiction"
"Not nearly as much as my friend Dmitri" I said with a smirk
"Do tell"
"Well, not too long ago, Dmitri discovered that his father was a Sheikah and now he wants to rejoin the Sheikah, or did before they pissed him off."
"What's the contradiction?" King Daphne asked as the first course was brought out.
"I think about three years ago we went back to Gerudo Fortress, well not really to the Fortress. We were sneaking out to the Spirit Temple. Anyway, Gerudos prize thieving skills and he was able to pick the locks to get us into the deepest part of the temple. They were impressed and rewarded him with a Gerudo scimitar" I had to lie because people shouldn't know about the Black Gem.
"Ah, yes. Word reached our ears this morning that the two heavily armed men came into the square accompanied by a young blonde girl I'm assuming is you"
"Yes"
"Why don't you carry any weapons?" the Queen asked curiously
"I prefer magic so I only carry a small boot dagger"
"How old are you?" King Daphne asked
"Fifteen"
"And you fight your battles with magic?"
"Not necessarily. I use my magic to help Link and Dmitri. I'm more defensive"
"What kind of magic do you know?"
"Depends. I know a little bit of everything."
It may as well have been an interrogation save for the fact they were all so nice. But all night while I was regaling them with our adventures, I could tell King Daphne was just itching to ask me about the adventure he wanted me to go on with Zelda. Ah, here it comes, a sigh from the king that silences the table.
"Now, Saira. What would say to traveling a little bit more. I'm mean you're an adventurous girl. At only fifteen you cant be ready to settle down yet"
"Actually, your majesty, I just secured a job at the Potion Shop and put down a rent payment for a flat for my brother, Dmitri and I."
"That's quite a responsible move." the queen commented.
"Your majesty, Zee, I mean Zelda has told me of what you wish me to do. If I hadn't just gotten ready to settle, I would but I cant get a job one day and the very next say, sorry I got a better offer, course I don't even know if you are offering anything"
"What would you like?" King Daphne said quickly.
"Tell me exactly what you need of me first" I said as politely as I could.
"It's simple. Zelda is going to travel to all the major nations and ask them to sign a new peace treaty. We would like you to accompany her to help along the persuasion. She leaves in two months that way all the rulers are informed that she will be arriving."
"I don't think I can. I need to support myself and if I bail out on my new employer what will that say about my character"
"But you are leaving on a will of the king" Queen Jocelyn said.
"I know that. But my conscience would still haunt me."
"Father, why don't you speak with the Potion Maker and explain the situation and also you should pay for Saira's flat while she is away or at least help her brother find a job so that he may pay for it." Zee suggested. I gave her a smile.
"Sounds reasonable"
"And you should pay her for her services as well" Zee added
"Zelda"
"Father" she returned.
He sighed. "All right. If you agree I will do all that we have spoken of here."
"How long will we be gone for?"
"At least 2 months" Zee said knowing how long traveling and negotiations took"
I sighed knowing I'd probably have to agree sometime. "I'll do it, but when its over I would like a break from traveling and be able to work and live in peace"
"It is done" King Daphne said
"Then I'll be adieu for tonight. I have some things to get done"
"I'll walk you out" Zee said as we both rose from our seats. Once we left the room I heaved another sigh.
"I didn't really have a choice in there, did I?"
"Not really. Course you're probably the only person I know who would think of defying a King" Zee said with a smirk.
"I'll see you in two months I guess."
"Hopefully sooner."
I nodded and made my way back home where I found Link and Dmitri playing cards on the floor next to the couch.
"Bit late, isn't it Saira?" Link asked suspiciously
"Did you follow me?" I questioned
"We know you headed up to the palace" Dmitri said casually.
"Yeah, what were you heading that way for?"
"None of your business. Remember I know people outside of the two of you"
"Not if we have anything to say about it" Dmitri muttered as I went in my room and fell asleep.
I woke up and saw that I had a good 5 minutes before I was supposed to be at the Potion Shop. I scrambled out of bed and pulled on a skirt and a blouse that tied around the back before muttering some spell words and my hair began doing itself as I grabbed my bag and slipped on some sandals arriving at the door just before the Potion Maker saw that I was late.
"Early. That's good" he said putting the key in the lock.
I smirked. "Yeah. I didn't catch your name yesterday."
"Sam" he said before immediately going on about all my responsibilities, my schedule and other such things. I couldn't get a word in otherwise. Finally while he took a breath I set to telling him what I needed to
"Sam. Uh I know I haven't even started yet but in two months I need two months off"
He looked at me as though I were daft. "I do hope you're joking."
"The King should be by sometime this week to explain"
"The King?" he laughed. "Yeah, I'm sure."
"Okay, don't believe me if you want" I said casually. "I'll just get to work then"
Sam liked to test my knowledge, that's for sure. Out of nowhere he'd ask me random questions, but I'd learned well and had every answer he desired. In all honestly I loved the hustle and bustle of the business. People were always coming and going and I'd turned into quite the little merchant.
I'd look out the window now and to find Dmitri in the square entertaining tourists with Link but putting on sword fights. On my break I went out to see they'd made quite a killing. Dmitri saw me in the crowd and made a signal to Link to stop. He walked up to me and extended a hand as Link sat back and pulled out an ocarina.
"Dmitri, no. I don't wanna dance"
"Yes, you do, love. Dance with me"
The crowd cheered and I spun out and took a bow before we started a slow waltz. That's one thing I will always thank Vienne for, teaching Dmitri and I to dance. After a bit we got other couples in the square dancing. But they more wanted to watch than do so Dmitri asked Link to play a fast beat so once again Dmitri and I could play our tapping game.
Course Sam showed up in the middle with an irritated expression. I gave Dmitri a look of goodbye and headed back.
"Your break ended five minutes ago."
"Sorry. We were having a bit of fun"
"Yes, I saw. But you work for me now. Daniel may have let you get away with that but here you have work."
"I finished everything and I've been watching. No one has been in at all"
"You finished all the potions, all the stocking and visited all the merchant carts that came through today"
"Yeah" I said easily. "I even got you a good deal on an Athame should someone need a new one. And I got a good stock of incense"
Sam didn't believe me so he had to go look inside for himself and I'd already priced it and set it out. I stood in the doorway and he looked back and gave me a smile.
"Well, I apologize."
The door dinged behind me and I turned to see a dark cloaked figure enter with two more behind him. I bowed as he waved his hand and exited immediately. Sam looked confused but quickly realized it was the visitor I'd spoken of.
I don't know what was said but all I know is Sam was telling me I got two months off when I needed it when he exited and then told me I was to go back inside. King Daphne was sitting inside waiting for me.
"Your rent is paid up for half a year but not where you're living. My goddess child, you were trying to fit three people in a one bedroom flat."
"Zelda talked to you didn't she?"
He nodded. "It's right up the road. Three bedroom, kitchen, the works"
"Thank you, your majesty."
"Two months, remember" he said before putting his cloak back on and heading out.
I bowed and let him go as Sam reentered the room.
"Your life is truly interesting, I'll give you that" he said suddenly coughing extremely hoarsely.
"sam, are you alright"
He tried to nod but he fell back against the wall unable to stop. Blood seeped between the hand he was coughing into.
"Sam!" I cried.