Inspiration: Elizabeth Bathory, The LoZ TP, LoZ LBW, and Loz BotW.

Shout Outs: Soulless Suicune, and Mon Minou thank you for reading

Author Note: There is an itty bity blurb.

Word Count: 16,238

Chapter 4

Two weeks later, Hyrule Castle, Link

Once a week I met with the tacticians in charge of the military. It was an easy role for me to fit into because I was once head of the royal guard when I was designated the First Knight of Hyrule. I learned a great many things when I proctored that position. For instance, I learned to be more organized in emergencies, and better assisted the people in events like mass casualty incidents. Everything was always on a larger scale when it came to the security of Hyrule, and rightly so, because I'll never forget what happened here only but a year ago. It was situations like those that motivated me to keep the securities of the people at the fore of the defense talk. It was best to look at every avenue possible when considering combat stratagems as a tactician and strategist. With safety being my chief duty, I studied and memorized all the maps and typography available to make sure I had a whole schematic of the land properly outfitted. However, some of these maps were out dated. There were so many ways to barter an attack of the land if I wasn't ready, and I always wanted to be ready.

As such, I recently commissioned the royal cartographer to update all the maps of Hyrule as the landscape had changed. There were new cities and towns recently discovered, and the old maps reluctantly excluded the small but ambitious dragon kingdom of Dragon Roost to the north of Death Mountain. I was surprised I never really brought up or contacted the dragon masters on my journeys through Hyrule. Dragon Roost was an abutment to Hyrule for nearly five hundred years. The dragon lords coexisted with the Gorons living in Death Mountain, and for the most part it was a mutually shared and ratified cohabitation. The dragon lords knew they were no match for the Gorons. However, the dragons they cultivated for their industry were. I had to keep my eye on the diplomacy there because that promised to be a problem if the mutual reciprocity was ever out of place. I just hoped the dragon lords had enough sense not to start a scuffle. King Draco seemed like a well-adjusted man, but ambition begets anyone. Perhaps I'll set up a meeting with him in the future.

During the discussions with my men, most of the items disclosed were possible resurgent strategies from probable enemy factions within the borders. Those possibilities included being skeptical of any foreign threats as well. There was a recent surge of foreigners migrating to Hyrule looking for a better life. With what was going on in places like Termina and the Gerudo Desert, I completely understood why people wanted to get away. However, with such migrations the possibility of incivility within the cities increased. This wasn't to say I wasn't a proponent for cultural integration. I was, but I was also aware that some folks hijacked certain aspects of a culture for ill-advised causes. I wasn't stigmatizing just one culture, I meant any culture, even the equestrian elite of Hyrule. No one was immune to corruption. No one.

Another country I kept on my radar was the sea faring land of Baalam. Baalam was a large metropolitan city, with a castle at its epicenter and a number of homes and civil service centers surrounding it. It was a powerful naval kingdom, with ships that sailed all over Hyrule's water ways to proliferate their import and export businesses. Baalam was situated on a large island in the center of the Hylian Grand Sea. It took three days to get there by boat and a few hours by flight via a dragon ride.

Prince Squallous Leonhart was the king-regent ruler of Baalam and he was soon to become king since his father recently passed away. The ceremony for his coronation was to be in four months. In amongst that time, he was supposed to be visiting Hyrule Castle. Though Squallous annoyed me personally, I understood why he was such an important ally. If he struck an alliance with the dragon masters as opposed to Hyrule, a dichotomy of force by air and sea would be deadly for the kingdom as an enemy. Even if the worst case scenario was the issue, Hyrule still had the power of the Triforce, Queen Zelda as the Sage of Time, and the Sacred Realm. None of the earthly terrestrial elements could hold a candle against that. Both Baalam and Dragon Roost were keenly aware who the sovereign of all the lands were. No one could deny the power and the prestige of the mighty Nohanseen bloodline. Even still, there were those who liked to challenge it, and an alliance of land and air would definitely be a challenge.

Presently, my men and I were going over some logistical data gathered, when the subject of the sea faring prince came up. At this round table I had three of my most trusted generals in conference with me: Osfala, Ravio, and Fyrus to discuss the matter.

General Osfala was speaking at this time.

"Sire, what do you plan to do regarding the security situation related to Prince Leonhart's visit? He will undoubtedly have his own guard, but that doesn't dispel our part in making sure he's safe while he's here."

Osfala brought up a good point and one I hadn't considered. The added men in his entourage was going to need housing and supplies. I completely overlooked that feature when preparing for his arrival.

"Well," I started, "perhaps I should inform him to bring only a small contingency with him. That way we won't have to be so unnecessarily inconvenienced."

General Ravio then sat back and grunted at the suggestion.

"If you do that he's going to think you're going to try and kill him," he half-joked. "The man is rumored to be extremely paranoid."

I smirked.

"Don't you think we should give him the benefit of the doubt?" I reasoned. "Power is often a corrosive process."

Ravio shook his head.

"I suppose, but I don't understand why he's coming here in the first place," he said honestly, "it seems like a waste of a trip and time. His coronation is soon after. Why not just rub elbows then?"

"Because nobles like to spend other peoples' money," Fyrus joked. "Haven't you heard?"

The latter general was never a man to mince words, but there was a bigger picture here he wasn't considering.

"That may be true, but an ally is an ally," I replied. "The broader spectrum allays something different."

Fyrus still kept his stance, but nodded anyway.

"I suppose."

Ravio then added. "Do you think this has anything to do with him wanting to test the waters so to speak?"

I looked at him slightly perplexed by his question.

"How do you mean?"

He then elaborated.

"Well it's no secret he wanted to marry her majesty Queen Zelda. Perhaps he's trying to determine how he should proceed in getting into good standings with you sire."

That hardly seemed like the case to me and I quickly went to dismiss the idea.

"I don't think that's much of an issue, his desire in coming here is for a different purpose. That's adolescent trivial stuff."

Fyrus nodded at my utterance.

"I would have to agree, nothing will take the glory and honor away from Queen Zelda, but he is currently affianced to Lady Bathory of Hebra, and she is absolutely stunning to say the least."

Osfala had a bit more to add.

"I have to agree, but not only is she stunning, she is also heir to the illustrious diamond mines all throughout the Hebra Mountains. I'm sure his being affianced to her has something to do with that."

I grinned at his assessment.

"Are you saying he isn't marrying her for love alone Osfala?" I asked with a hint of sarcasm. "Aren't all these marriages about love?"

Osfala scoffed.

"I'm saying there's a lot more convenience to that marriage than her striking good looks. The Bathory Clan is very powerful and very influential, even in Hyrule. Elvira Bathory is about as sharp as any nobleman I've ever seen, and she's a woman. Why do you think she's marrying a man soon to be king? She knows how to get what she wants."

I looked down at the paper I was skimming through when a thought suddenly popped into my head.

"That seems to be a hallmark for all women in power doesn't it?" I said more to myself than any of them. "They'll stop at nothing to garner the man they desire, even at great cost to themselves."

After my utterance, my men suddenly got quiet and looked at me with a hint of discretion. Maybe I spoke a little too candidly. I had to remember that ears were everywhere, even in here. There was a brief silence between the four of us just then.

"That's quite a point you made there sire," Fyrus broke the silence. "Are… you speaking from experience?"

That was a bold assertion on his part.

I took in a deep sigh and remained silent a little longer.

"It doesn't matter," I changed the subject. "Anyway, we'll double security for when the prince comes to visit Hyrule, and request that he only bring a small entourage. We will make sure his lodging and the lodging for his men is the best we can offer. I'll run the specifics by her majesty since she is doing the bulk of the planning. He is going to cause quite a stir when he gets here."

The generals were silent preemptively at my circumvention, but they knew best to just leave the unstated matter alone. I think the unspoken frankness was already there. No need to ignite any unnecessary flames.

"Very true," Fyrus replied, then added, "the gossip mavens are going to have a field day with all the articles to be written about the prince and his soon to be bride."

Ravio glanced over at Fyrus just then.

"Speaking of which," he said, "doesn't Lady Bathory have some business dealings with Lord Filgore?

Fyrus nodded.

"She does," he confirmed, "but not only with him, she also has business ties with a certain Lord Rue Morgue as well."

That certainly piqued my interests.

I leaned forward.

"Really? How so?"

Fyrus explained further.

"There's a rumor going around that she was a financier for the Zora project. She was actually to be one of the main benefactors if it went through."

My eyes narrowed slightly.

"There is no Zora project. That's been dismissed."

Fyrus shrugged.

"I understand that my lord, but I hear she may try to convince you herself," he explained, "apparently there's more to that area than meets the eye."

I sat back a little unsettled with this news. Why in the world were the nobles so obsessed with Zora's Domain? What the hell was going on up there? Was King Zora in on this too? I may need to take an impromptu trip up that way if that was the case.

"When did she decide she was going to do this?" I asked with a hint of sarcasm. "This is news to me."

Osfala interjected at his time.

"Apparently she was going to try at the nobles dinner this month," he said, "she seems to be Filgore and Rue Morgue's secret weapon."

I scoffed softly.

"We'll see about that."

Osfala raised his hands in surrender.

"I'm just the messenger sire, you do as you see fit."

I took in a deep sigh, realizing the Zora ordeal was going to be a bigger problem than I thought. These nobles were relentless.

"That's fine, I'll deal with it when the time comes," I changed the subject, "what's next on the agenda?"

There was a brief stall on their end to move on.

"Sire if you have any concerns..." Osfala trailed.

I paused, but then shook my head. I didn't want to this information to go beyond this room. So to down play it, I needed to move beyond it. I couldn't act as though I was bothered by it.

"Don't worry about that now," I said, "if I have any questions I know where to find you. Let's move on."

The three men looked between each other with a brief bit of hesitation before unanimously dropping the matter. They knew there was no getting beyond the subject once my mind was made up.

"Very well, the next item on the docket is pensions for upcoming retiring veterans," Ravio stated, but then his voice began to trail on my end as he read off a scroll.

I was no longer completely listening, the Zora ordeal was obviously still on my mind. What business was truly going on up there, and why was Bathory involved? What was so important that they wanted that land so badly? It seemed Squallous Leonhart's soon to be wife was a little more ambitious than I thought. There was certainly a great deal more to the Lady of Hebra than ideas of love and marriage. Lady Bathory's current ploys were proof of that.

What are you up to my lady? What?

~SSS~

One week later, Saria

After getting back from our honeymoon a couple weeks ago, Ralph and I settled into our new home life in Ordon. Ordon was a tiny village nestled in a remote location far south of Hyrule Castle. This village once held a huge significance for me. In fact, it was surprising that with everything that happened to me here that I didn't want to stay as far away from this place as possible. However, I knew that staying away wasn't going to make my past go away. It was still there and I still had to deal with it. Besides, there was another important place not far from the village I wanted to be close to, the Sacred Forest Meadow. The Sacred Forest Meadow was a hallowed area of trees and sprites, where the wind literally whispered symphonies into the air. I remember going there as a child and listening to the music on the wind for hours. In fact, I believe that was how I learned my song... Saria's Song. Some of my most cherished memories took place there.

Next to the meadow was the enchanting forest of the Kokiri. The Kokiri Forest was where I lived my former life. Some of my dearest friends still lived there. I hadn't been to see them in what seemed like ages and I needed to go back and tell them all the things I had accomplished. It made me feel nostalgic, but I also relished in the idea that I was a short walk away from my past. It was the perfect median of my life now and what I once was. More so, beyond all the convenient affiliations, Ordon village was an important part of my Hylian history. My first moments of becoming a Hylian happened right here, and though some of those moments were painful, I couldn't just leave it because it was difficult to face at times. In any such case, facing those memories only sought to make me stronger.

Even so, the town of Ordon was a much different place now than what it was a few years ago. Many of the people I knew from six years back had moved away. The overall changes were like night and day. It literally went from a secretive, covert hideaway, to a small bubbling farming community, with many of the new residents being city folks wanting to get away from the hustle and bustle of Hyrule Castle Town. There were twelve or so new families that moved to the village, with thirty-six families making the total sum. It was very small and quaint, and though I loved it, I wasn't sure how well Ralph was going to adjust to it with his work being so far away.

Hyrule Castle was a one hour ride by singular horseback and a three hour carriage ride by slow trek. However, my husband reassured me that he had a contingency plan for the problem in the interim. He stated that he would work with the Seaside Laboratory doctor, Dr. Seaside, for the next six months. Dr. Seaside now lived in Kakariko Village after his laboratory at Lake Hylia was no longer a sufficient space for him. Ralph planned to establish a practice that was more financially conducive in Hyrule Castle Town when the opportunity presented itself, but for now he was content with the good doctor. I was pleased in hearing this because Dr. Seaside was a very special friend of mine. That man helped me through some very dark times in my life, and he recognized Ralph's talents in biological alchemy. Ralph excelled at making mixtures to help people. My husband often joked that that would be the catalyst to make us rich. I knew he wasn't serious, but I told him not to worry about us being rich. Life was uncanny and rich enough.

I learned a great many things about medicine from Ralph. He always had a way of using a simile, or making a metaphor about life from something pertaining to his practice of medicine. For instance, he liked to explain the roadways leading into Hyrule Castle as the arteries and veins leading into and away from a person's heart. When things got too complicated however, I told him he had to break it down for me because I wasn't as astute to medical jargon as he was. So, he simplified things for me, and I appreciated his patience in doing so. It often made me wonder what he saw in me. I felt like such a simpleton when he spoke so intelligently and so eloquently all the time. I even asked him ever so often, and he would just say, "It's because you're so genuine Sar," but genuine with what?

I had to question that because Ralph still didn't know very much about me. I never disclosed my past to him and he had no idea I was once a sage or that I was once a Kokiri. He had no idea that I once had some sketchy dealings with some very unsavory people. So... what did he see in me? He had no idea that I lost all my memories and I had to regain them again with Link's help. He really knew very little about me, and it seemed unfair to him that I was such a black box when I was now his wife. However, though he didn't seem to have an issue with it, I knew his family did.

When I first met Ralph's family, I wasn't aware I was going to be in for an interrogation that evening, especially from his sister Gertrude. I remember walking into his family's home feeling confident and being greeted warmly, but that immediate ambiance left when we sat down and had supper. Ralph's father and mother immediately started asking me about my parents, my upbringing, where I went to school, why I was a seamstress, and many other things. I had no real answers for them and I felt like an insignificant fool by the end of the night. I couldn't properly respond to their questioning because I had no answers that would properly suit them. How in the world would I tell them my father was a tree? How were they supposed to believe that I was older than all of them, but only appeared to be a young twenty-six year old Hylian? How would they respond to me once being a sage and protecting Hyrule? They would think I was mad, but the truth was often stranger than fiction.

Even so, that night was pretty terrible for me, though Ralph thought nothing of it, and I hadn't even started on the attitude of his sister Gertrude. I didn't realize how close Gertrude was to her brother, he seemed to be more of her pride and joy than even his parents. Like her brother, Gertrude was a medical doctor, but she recently graduated from school and hadn't yet began her practice. In any such case, she still had a very high expectation of the woman her brother was courting. I'm guessing he spoke a great deal about me to her because she seemed very eager to me meet me when we initially got acquainted, but as the evening progressed she was less and less impressed. She even gave her brother 'the look' a few times throughout the night. Gertrude probably thought I was too simple for her brother, who was a handsome doctor. I even overheard her a few times talking to him throughout the course of our courtship, saying, "It wouldn't be a bad thing if you reconsidered your choice." I was initially hurt by her words, but afterwards I understood where she was coming from.

Ralph could see that his family's disapproval of me bothered me, but he often reassured me that he loved me and he was going to marry me anyway. I looked at him surprised when he said the word 'marriage' because I was hardly expecting anything like that. However, it was only a few months later when he asked me. I reluctantly said yes for various reasons, but I was more shocked that he even asked me at all. I didn't feel that I was good enough for his family, and besides that I was still dealing with my feelings for Link.

It was no secret that I still loved Link, and I think even Ralph knew that. However, even with that knowledge Ralph still pursued me. My guess was that he wanted to help me forget the future king of Hyrule… or perhaps that was what made me so attractive to him. I couldn't think of anything else. There were times he would ask about my relationship with Link and I told him simply he was an old friend. Ralph sometimes would stare at me and say: "It's not often when someone's childhood friend is the great hero of the land Saria." I suppose he was right, but I never elaborated more than I felt I should, though Ralph desired me to delve a little deeper, until one day he just asked me flat out was Link my former lover. I told him we never had a sexual relationship, but that I did love him very much. I wasn't sure Ralph believed me, so suddenly in return he confessed a few sordid things about his own past, thinking this was going to change what I previously disclosed to him. When Ralph saw it didn't, he instantly regretted spilling the deku nuts about his past stents with several different Gerudo girls… and their 'treatment' of him. I just laughed, thinking with all the other stuff I wasn't telling him, erotic Gerudo girl bedtime stories were nothing to be jealous of.

In any such case, my life was pretty straight forward now, and though there were some issues, it wasn't something that I couldn't deal with. That was why during the night of my wedding I wasn't surprised that Gertrude was so suspicious of Link coming to visit me. If she had any idea he was the king she would have flipped her lid. Ralph too always got a little quiet when I talked about Link, so I worked to keep his mentioning at a minimum. Currently, I was working on a menu for supper tonight. I was thinking potatoes and roasted cuckoo. I always liked having dinner prepared and ready for Ralph before he came home. He always looked so appreciative of the effort I put forth when I cooked for him.

While I was in the middle of peeling some potatoes there was a sudden knock on my door.

"Come in!" I called without looking or asking to see who it was.

The door opened a second later, and in stepped Gertrude. Though she was fresh out of medical school, she was currently unemployed. So until she found a practice to join, she often came to help me set up my home or brought me some fabric for some clothes she would like me to make. Today, it looked as though she was coming to see if she could help me.

"Hey Sar," she said, "how's the unpacking going?"

I looked over at her and smiled.

"It's going pretty good," I said, "I stopped for a moment to make dinner."

Gertrude looked around.

"I imagine there isn't much more to do," she said.

I shook my head.

"There isn't," I said, "just the glass goblets and everything else should be squared away."

She nodded and grinned at me.

"So, how are you adjusting to married life?" she asked afterwards. "Is it as fun as you thought?"

I returned her smile.

"Truthfully, I love it," I said honestly, "I couldn't ask for a better husband in Ralph and I love keeping a home."

Her smile broadened.

"That better be the answer," she joked, then added, "but seriously, I've never seen my brother so happy. He's beaming like a lantern all the time, he's like a whole different person."

I chuckled.

"He's a pretty special man," I said seriously, "I'm glad I met him."

Gertrude's features warmed a little.

"I'm glad you did too," she stated, then paused for a moment and added, "I… I wasn't very fair to you when I first met you. I made some assumptions I shouldn't have and was quick to judge you. My problem is and always has been that I'm very protective of my younger brother. He means the world to me and my family. However, I really hope you and I can be friends. I was wrong for thinking you weren't right for him when he truly loves you."

I looked at her surprised and was dumbstruck for a moment at her statements. I was hardly expecting an apology regarding the matter.

"I… I can understand where you were coming from," I replied. "He is your brother and you just want what's best for him, but... thank you. Thank you for giving me a chance. I too hope we can be friends."

Gertrude looked beyond relieved when she saw I was open to her suggestion. She then came over to where I was sitting and sat down at the table.

"Did you need help getting supper ready?" she asked.

I shook my head.

"I have it, but if you don't mind sweeping that would be super helpful."

She nodded and stood up.

"Of course," she replied and went to get the broom.

Gertrude then went about the room and started sweeping the floor. I paused for a moment to watch her, grateful she was trying to have us work out with a clean slate. However, I wondered if there was something else bothering her considering what she should have been doing with her time. She was a physician now and I was certain her occupation was in high demand. Why hadn't she found a position yet? I'm sure any established doctor in Castle Town would jump at hiring a brand new fresh faced doctor. I decided I was going to inquire about that.

"So… how's the job search going?" I asked.

Gertrude grunted, as if on command, but kept sweeping.

"It's going," she replied with a sigh.

I paused and studied her for a moment.

"What's wrong?"

It seemed to be the cue she was looking for.

"I just… I'm just not sure what area of practice I want to be involved in."

I gave her a thoughtful look.

"Well, what are you interested in doing?"

She shrugged.

"That's the thing, I'm still not sure and school is over."

"You could always work with one doctor and see how you like their methods before going out on your own," I suggested.

She paused sweeping to look at me.

"I suppose you're right, but I still don't know what kind of physician I want to be. I finished medical school, yes, but I still don't know what aspect of the Hylian body that intrigues me the most."

I shrugged.

"Can't you become a general practitioner if that's the case? You don't have to do a special area of study if that isn't where your heart is."

Gertrude sighed.

"True," she then added, "I was thinking of taking a fellowship in Dragon Roost because there is a doctor there studying the long term effects of the fire pits on citizens who've been working in them. Blacksmiths lungs are in pretty bad condition, and even only after a short period of time."

I nodded, not sure I was the right person to give her the go ahead about where to take her life, but I wanted to be encouraging if I could.

"It seems to me you've already made your decision. You just need to push yourself to do it."

Gertrude nodded.

"I guess," she then added, "why am I so indecisive? Why does it always take me longer to make a decision than my brother?"

Those were obvious rhetorical questions, so I didn't answer.

She went on.

"He's younger than me and he finished school first. He's younger than me and he got married first, he's younger than me and so much more decisive than I am. Why can't I be that way?"

I simply grinned.

"I think it's because you over think things a little. Sometimes you have to let things be and take a chance."

She looked over at me and bit her lower lip.

"I think you're right," she then gave me a quick once over, "is that how you've done things Sar? You've taken risks?"

I raised a brow and could tell her so many things. I wouldn't be sitting here talking to her today if I didn't take a risk.

"I've taken plenty," I replied, "some good, some bad, but if I hadn't, I never would have met Ralph."

That was true.

She looked at me thoughtfully.

"That's a good point, you know what… I think I am going to take that fellowship with Dr. Firebrim, it would be a wonderful experience and I've always wanted to see Dragon Roost."

I nodded.

"It sounds like it would be pretty incredible."

She started sweeping again.

"Besides, I'm tired of this village," she disclosed, "I want to see the world. When I was in school there was so much studying that I couldn't see straight, but now I can do anything, I just need to put my mind to it."

I grinned, having a completely different perspective. I had seen so much in the past few years that a peaceful and quiet life was just what I needed, though I would love to see Dragon Roost myself. I heard the palace there was a place of wonder. However, I could understand Gertrude's point of view. She was twenty-eight, unwed, beautiful, and well educated. Why shouldn't she have her own adventure? She had a very favored position whether she realized it or not.

"It looks like you've made your decision," I replied, "now you just have to follow through with it."

Gertrude nodded more to herself than to me.

"I have, and I will… thanks for listening to me rant."

I chuckled slightly and continued with peeling the potatoes in the bowl on the table.

"I wouldn't call you wanting advice on your future a rant. It's a huge step."

Gertrude paused again.

"Or…" she started suddenly, "maybe I'll take a fellowship in Baalam. Some of the best pulmonologists in Hyrule work there."

I let my head fall back and just full out laughed this time.

"You're right," I stated, "you are indecisive!"

She in turn laughed as well.

"I told you!" she joked.

I shook my head and went back to my potato peeling.

"I give up."

Gertrude went back to sweeping.

"Anyway, enough about me, and maybe I'm just thinking about Baalam because Prince Leonhart is coming to visit in a few weeks."

I looked at her puzzled.

"Prince Leonhart?"

She went on casually.

"Yeah, he's visiting the castle to congratulate the king and queen on their marriage and we peasants are all invited to watch. I know… what a terrible life royalty leads."

I didn't have much to say regarding that. Being an official certainly wasn't everything it was mapped out to be. It was much harder than most people thought.

"That sounds very boring," I replied, then added without thinking, "Link is going to hate that."

Gertrude glanced over at me just then.

"Link?" she repeated.

I shook my head, forgetting who I was speaking with for a moment.

"The king," I said more simply.

Gertrude looked at me thoughtfully just then.

"I guess maybe he would, being that he isn't a noble by birthright," she then added. "Nice observation."

I didn't reply and there was a brief silence between us afterwards.

"How do you think his majesty is going to do?" she asked suddenly. "Do you think he's going to be a good king?"

I knew I couldn't be as slippery as I was a second ago.

"Well, if he's any bit the king as he is the hero he'll be fantastic."

My reply seemed sensible enough.

"That's one way of looking at it, but do you think he has the experience to be a good leader? Don't get me wrong, I know he was the hero, but does he have the gumption to take on court life? The nobles are pretty cutthroat even under an experienced king."

I stared at her for a moment, feeling she suffered from the same kind of stigma too many other people did. They assumed court life and noble blood equaled qualifications. If that were the case then why were there still so many problems in the land? Nobles are generally interested in what makes them richer not what makes Hyrule safer.

"I don't think him not being born to a rich family matters," I said. "It wasn't a noble who vanquished Ganondorf, it was a brave peasant boy with a heart of purity. His courage is what makes him so great. He doesn't need experience in how to scam people and deceive individuals to be an effective leader. He can do anything he puts his mind to. He's the most loyal, genuine person a countryman could ask for. He would die for his people if it meant saving Hyrule. If you ask me Hyrule is lucky to even have him dwelling in her walls, let alone as her king."

Gertrude looked at me surprised by the conviction in my voice. Maybe I didn't do a very good job masking my feelings, but she had no idea where my admiration for Link was coming from. She could merely assume it was simply hero worship. Even so, she was studying me now.

"I never thought to look at it that way," she replied softly.

I went back to peeling my potatoes and again didn't reply right away.

"Most people don't."

I saw her raise her brow from the periphery of my eye just then.

"With the way you were talking I would swear you knew him personally or something, but that would be impossible… wouldn't it?"

I think she was trying to convince more herself than me, but her suspension of disbelief wouldn't allow her to delve too deeply on the subject.

You have no idea...

"Don't we all think we know our public officials?" I joked. "Don't we all feel like we can just talk to the king?"

She couldn't argue me there.

"True," she replied, then fanned off her brief concern. "Anyway, I suppose you're right for having so much faith in him. If he guides the country much in the same manner as he guided us through those dark days of Ganondorf, he'll make an exceptional king."

I simply nodded, not wanting to discuss this too much longer. I was pretty sensitive when it came to Link, and rightly so, I still cared for him a great deal. There was another silence that engulfed us and this time I think Gertrude could sense I just wanted to finish cooking in peace, so she changed the subject.

"Well, I think you helped me decide what I want to do in terms of employment," she said finally, going back to her initial subject, "I think Dragon Roost is calling."

I simply grinned.

"You better answer then."

She nodded.

"I will, and thanks again for listening."

"You're welcome."

With that, she put the broom down and took her leave. I waited for her exit before I paused and thought once again about what she said about Link. I hoped he was doing well. I hoped he knew I was rooting for him to be the peoples' champion. I hoped he knew that even in the remotest corners of the world that there were ones who wanted to see him succeed. Even green haired peasant girls who promised to pretend to act as a noble on their best friend's wedding day. I took in a deep sigh wishing I could speak with my friend once again.

Link… I miss you… so much.

~SSS~

One week later, Hyrule Castle Grand Hall, Link

"Zelda I really don't see the need of having to come here with you when you could simply speak for my absence," I said quietly as I walked down the hall to the grand dining room with my wife.

Zelda sighed.

"Darling this is tradition. I know this isn't important to you right now, and truthfully this isn't that important to me either, but this is part of court life. The noble's pay a large tithe to dine with us once a month."

I groaned softly and rolled my eyes.

"It's a stupid tradition," I muttered, "and one I'm going to end if I have any say on it."

Zelda closed her eyes for a moment.

"Link please…" she whispered.

I shook my head.

"This unnecessary opulence is obscene. I don't care if the nobles spend ten thousand rupees for their places at the table. The only reason they come here is for a royal favor, and if you ask me I call that bribery. The court is the place for their concerns, like everyone else."

Zelda stopped for a moment, turned, and stared into my eyes.

"I understand your concerns, and in many ways you are right, but sometimes you need not think every noble is your enemy Link. There are some good men who happen to be wealthy benefactors for the people, and with that should come certain perks."

I scoffed slightly.

"So poignant class distinction? You're for this?"

She looked at me at a loss.

"Do you honestly think I care about that? I married you for Hylia's sake!"

I grunted.

"Thanks for doing me the favor," I said sarcastically.

Her beautiful eyes searched my face.

"Link…" she whispered, "please, you're not being fair. Let's not quarrel. I'm not your enemy, I understand your concerns, and you have valid points, but this needs to be done. And say what you will, but paying ten to fifty thousand rupees is a great deal of money to sit at a table for a plate of food and to speak with the royal family."

I looked away.

"You're making my point for me. They could just as easily save their money and their time."

She nodded.

"You're right, and if nothing comes of this we can be absolved from it."

I wasn't reassured by that promise.

"We'll see."

There was a brief silence between us, with Zelda slightly pleading with me with her eyes. I didn't stare directly into them, but I could tell from her expression she wanted me to conform. Even if it was just for one night, she wanted me to do this for her. However, hers weren't the only eyes on me. From the corner of my field of vision I could see the courtier waiting by the dining room door in the distance staring at us. I knew we looked like we had to be quarreling from his vantage point and all that was going to do was feed the gossip mavens. Gossip seemed to be the biggest secondary occupation of the servants living in the castle. There wasn't a day where a whisper wasn't fancied for some social or even monetary gain. The look on his face just frustrated me more.

I hated this fish bowl.

I hated it.

However, for Zelda's sake I would endure it for one evening, but if there was any political shoulder bucking, I wasn't going to subject myself to such nonsense. I was going to leave whether Zelda wanted me there or not. I was not about to be bombarded with the usual business when the usual business was supposed to take place in court like every other citizen.

"Shall we go now?" Zelda whispered softly.

I took in a deep sigh and looked away, but then finally nodded.

"Yes."

Zelda stared at me for a moment longer and touched my shoulder, but then resumed her forward facing position and waited for me to do the same. I hesitated as a last stance, but then got in step and proceeded us forward. When we got to the door the courtier bowed, pretending that all was well and he hadn't been watching us.

"Good evening your majesties," he greeted.

"Good evening," Zelda and I said in unison.

The messenger stood once again.

"Shall I announce your presence now, or would you like a moment longer to speak?" he asked.

I didn't appreciate his obvious instigation. I wanted to get this over with.

"You can announce us now, and keep the ornate introductions brief."

I saw the look of surprise pop up on Zelda's face. I could only imagine what she was thinking. The courtier too looked surprised, but wisely said nothing. Afterwards, he opened the door, walked in ahead of us, and announced us.

"It is with great honor that I present to you his and her royal excellencies': King Link and Queen Zelda of Hyrule."

We then walked in together and as promised one hundred nobles were standing at their seated positions at the table. The ones closer to where Zelda and I were sitting obviously paid more… more money meant more access I guess. I wonder how King Daphnes I dealt with this. Anyway, Zelda and I walked towards the table arm in arm, and right away I noticed who was sitting closer to me and my wife: Lord Filgore and Lord Rue Morgue, but there was another much younger, much prettier face adjacent to Lord Rue Morgue, and that was Lady Bathory.

The raven haired beauty was stunning with her crystal violet eyes, slender aquiline nose, pouty red lips, and her mane of perfect straight platinum black hair. Her ivory skin was only slightly darker than the snows of the Hebra Mountains that her family excavated their diamond fortune. She could definitely turn heads in her own right, especially in the skin tight dark blue gown she was wearing. With her now being affianced to the Prince of Baalam, she was sure to make headway with her clout. I was certain that that was why she was here tonight. A future royal wanting to rub shoulders with present royals. Her constituents must have thought this little beauty was going to tame the kingly beast. It seemed General Fyrus was right, she was in league with either Filgore or Rue Morgue, perhaps even both.

This promises to be annoying, I was already regretting my turn on my stance.

When Zelda and I approached and sat down that was when the others sat down. The nobles who had spoken to me a couple weeks ago already had their eyes on me, but more noteworthy was Lady Bathory's alluring gaze in my wife's direction. Perhaps her tactic was to address who she perceived was the nicer of the two. Lady Bathory had no idea who she was dealing with in Zelda. Zelda had lived this court life the whole of her life, she knew her way well around this arena; like could perceive like very well, and that was no insult on Zelda's behalf.

"Good evening your majesties," Lady Bathory said in her cool soft whispery voice, "you honor us with your presence."

Zelda grinned and nodded politely.

"Thank you my lady," she replied.

Lady Bathory then turned her brilliant eyes on me.

"Sire you look exceptional tonight," she complimented.

I simply nodded.

"Thank you," I replied, then added, "and congratulations on your engagement to Prince Leonhart."

Lady Bathory smiled radiantly at my mentioning that.

"Thank you your majesty," she said, "I was beyond the moon when he asked me to be his bride."

Filgore next to her chimed in.

"As any sane woman would be in your circumstances. Prince Leonhart is quite the catch."

She giggled sweetly.

"Why thank you Dinivane, you're making me blush, and yes, he certainly is."

A few laughed at their brief interaction, which unfortunately encouraged Filgore further.

"The only persons who don't care or wouldn't care about such a grand joyous occasion are peasants, or... people with peasant-like thinking."

There was a brief hush while a few others gasped at his bold remarks, and it didn't take a genius to know he was directing those impertinent words towards me. I decided I'd be baited into the banter just once for the sake of sport. If he wanted to discuss class distinctions, then by all means let's have a discussion.

"I think that's a rather linear, narrow minded way of looking at things my lord," I replied. "I think the peasants will care very much. You see, the peasants in Baalam will be the ones who'll get the greatest increase in their taxes for the prince's joyous occasion."

It was tit for tat because a few chuckled as well, but there were those who were put off by my remarks also. One noble at the way end of the table even commented on it.

"His majesty is right," the noble replied, "Prince Squallous is known for his tax hikes for his parties. It's a terrible practice when you truly think about it."

The noble next to him was shaking his head.

"And that is why I'm proud to be a citizen of Hyrule," the other stated. "Lady Bathory be sure to tell your future husband that taxing his citizens out of existence is not a good idea."

Lady Bathory grinned and raised a brow.

"I'll be sure to make mention of it."

More nobles laughed at the exchange, but a smug Filgore set to counter.

"That mindset is why the peasants are where they are and the nobles are where they are in their stations of life. If a feeble minded individual can't or won't understand the need or the splendor of an old time ritual then they deserved to be taxed until their eyes hurt. Tradition is a part of history. There is more to life than tilling land and scooping up cow dung."

The disgust in his voice couldn't be masked. Filgore really believed those idiotic words coming out of his mouth. I almost looked at him in complete disbelief... almost, but I realized who I was dealing with here. This was Dinivane Filgore, one of the most out of touch people in Hyrule. His extreme wealth afforded him a lifestyle he couldn't or wouldn't feel empathy for another Hylian-being. He truly believed he was superior to others because of his bank account. I wasn't going to let his obvious prejudice go unchallenged.

I leaned forward slightly on the table.

"Have you ever tilled your own land my lord?" I asked. "Have you ever went to bed hungry? Have you ever had to work in the scorching hot sun for the penance that went into your pocket? How can a person enjoy the finer things of life when they constantly have to struggle to survive? You speak of tradition and rituals, but of the most common and greatest of the traditions should be the taking care of one's fellow man. Who would be there to till your land, build your houses, and make your food if it wasn't an insignificant peasant? If you would like the ignorant peasants of Baalam to appreciate the finer things in life the way you do Lord Filgore, perhaps you can ease their consciences and pay their taxes for them when the time comes. That way they can be just as happy as you."

There was an immediate hush over the dinner table after my rally. It was obvious I struck a chord with some, but it was still sobering for others for the right reasons. As I looked down this table of the rich and wealthy, many of them seemed to be out of touch with the common man. I was technically one of these wealthy Hylians now too, but it really surprised me with how low some of them thought and saw peasants. This was already turning into something I was growing to despise, and the previous conversation before coming here only made things worse. All this before the first course was even served.

I should have had my supper brought to my room...

Zelda was keeping her face staid, but I wasn't sure if I was embarrassing her or not. Maybe she was seeing now I wasn't an asset to this world the way she thought I could be. I knew she wasn't like any of them, but she tolerated this nonsense, and that kind of tolerance was perplexing to me if she was truly concerned about the welfare of all her people. Even so, I also knew that the nobles were important for the overall commerce of the economy. Zelda was gifted to have the wisdom to see things from all sides. I simply was a man of courage, just courage.

Lady Bathory was studying me with her hypnotic violet gaze just then. I sensed she perceived she was going to have to use a different approach from the snobbery her brethren next to her just exhibited.

"I completely agree with you sire," she said softly suddenly. "How can we speak of tradition when we are choking the life blood out of the people who work the hardest in our country? We can't, and because of your strong words sire I am going to have my wedding financed completely with my own money so that no taxes are levied on the people of Baalam, my soon to be people."

Everyone around her looked at her surprised, even me.

However, Zelda replied before I could.

"Really my lady? You garnered that idea from his majesty's words just now?"

Lady Bathory merely nodded.

"Right is right your majesty."

Zelda moaned thoughtfully.

"Well bravo, that's very wise and generous of you. From one queen to a future queen, it is extremely important to rally the love and honor of your people. The last thing you would want to do is make it seem as if you don't have their best interests at heart."

Lady Bathory nodded again graciously.

"Such wise words from such a beautiful lady," she complimented, "thank you your majesty."

"Likewise," Zelda said in return.

There was a brief silence on my end while I observed the two women, but many of the other nobles were talking in amongst themselves. I admittedly felt out of place, but I tried not to let it show. Zelda glanced over at me and grinned, I must have gained her approval from that last exchange. From time to time she would take my hand into hers when she felt I was disconnecting from the conversation. Her expression was serene but also unreadable, she made stoicism an art, and in this arena, it served her well. Lady Bathory was looking our way when she concluded whatever she concluded with Lord Filgore just now. He probably knew it was in his best interest to allow the lady next to him to proceed forward with whatever they were devising instead of him.

Lady Bathory then spoke up once again.

"Sire, I was just reading about the infamous Shadow Temple," she said to me as a clever off shod of interest towards me, "and besides all the dead bodies, spiders, ghouls, and redeads, you must tell me how you went down into such a place with your sanity still intact."

A few down the table chuckled at her delivery, but I just stared at her for a moment and grinned. I did appreciate her efforts at trying to connect with me. Her attempts at diplomacy would make her an effective queen one day.

"Courage," I said, verbalizing my previous thought process, "just plain old courage."

Lady Bathory smiled at the simplicity of the statement.

"Courage?" she repeated.

I nodded.

"Yes."

Her smile widened.

"Well, I admire you greatly for your service your majesty. You must ask Farore to give a little of that to all of us tonight. Though, it is not the bottom of an unsavory well or a haunted graveyard, I need a little courage of my own.

I studied her facial expression for a moment.

"And why is that?"

She looked across the table at Lord Rue Morgue who hadn't addressed me at all, and then Lord Filgore before looking back at me. It seemed that was her cue.

"For I am here as an ambassador to two of my dear friends, Lord Filgore and Lord Rue Morgue."

I let out and audible groan and raised a brow when she finally verbalized her intentions.

Here we go...

Lady Bathory's smile turned a little seductive with my reaction, and she thought to tease me on it.

"Don't sound so enthusiastic your majesty," she said with open sarcasm, "you'll make these halls come down with your bravado."

A few of the nobles laughed at her statement and even Zelda chuckled a little. I just glanced over at my wife and simply grinned. I had to admit that Lady Bathory was very charming.

"You'll have to forgive me my lady," I directed my attention back to her, "but I'm weary of your… friends."

Surprisingly, I garnered more genuine laughter from my response than I was expecting. Even so, Lady Bathory was not deterred.

"Not surprising at all, they have about as much tact as a tektite. I witnessed it here tonight myself."

There were a few more chuckles at her jest, but I wanted her to get on with this so I could dismiss this proposal like I had done previously with the others. Her beauty wasn't going to change the fact that the answer was still no. I sat back and waited patiently.

Lady Bathory went on.

"As you already know Lord Filgore has spoken to you already regarding the acquisition of some land near Zora's Domain. While this is a subject you already made a ruling on in court, I would like to state my reasons as to why this acquisition is beneficial for all parties involved."

I gave her a knowing.

"So I'm guessing you were a shareholder in whatever they promised?" I perceived.

Lady Bathory nodded, and I suddenly that flirty smile of hers wasn't so charming anymore.

"Yes, I am."

I narrowed my eyes slightly with how she worded that.

Not 'I was' but 'I am'... they still think they're going to move forward with this nonsense.

I made sure to be clear with my next statement.

"If you would like to make a claim regarding anything related to this matter you can see me in court," I replied, "request an audience with me and you can ask me then."

There was a slight look of surprise in Lady Bathory's eyes, one where she darted them back to Zelda. Why was she looking at Zelda?

"Oh… really?"

I guess she thought the queen was going to interject in her behalf, but unsurprisingly Zelda nodded in agreement with me.

"I'm afraid that is the ruling of the day madam. That is the king's word and it shall be obeyed. Besides, this is not a place for politics."

There was some audible murmuring when Zelda uttered those words because it was obvious that this pay for play tactic had been a cultural dispensary for favors for years in the ruling aristocracy. Her words seemed like an oxymoron to them. However, there was a new king and queen in charge and this bloated entitlement was about to end. The surprise never left Lady Bathory's face.

"But your majesty the point of these dinners is to-" she tried.

"I know the point of these dinners my lady and that is not how I operate," I interrupted her point blank. "In fact, I was just telling my queen how unnecessary and inconvenient of an arrangement this is for you all and for me. Anything you ask me can be mandated in court."

After my saying that, that low murmur first instituted, turned into a much louder murmur fluctuating across the table. It was apparent they didn't agree with me, and as such I didn't care. I didn't want to be a part of this ridiculousness anyway. Did they really think they were above the law? Did they really think they played by a different set of rules? Did they really believe words of mandate didn't affect them? I guess not, but they were in for a real surprise with me. With that, and to everyone's surprise, even Zelda's, I stood up from the table ready to take my leave. I was done with this. I was sick of the entitlement of the aristocracy. In that moment, I really felt like I didn't belong here. I wasn't a noble. I wasn't the man that storybooks wrote about who lived in an ivory tower… even though ironically I was a man living in the ivory tower if that made any sense. I just wanted out of here, I just wanted peace, and even though Zelda's eyes were begging for me to take my seat and just deal with it, I wasn't going to allow her to stop me again.

Not this time.

I'm over this nonsense...

"I'm afraid I'm going to have to take my leave," I announced abruptly. "I'm not much for the social scene tonight my lords and ladies, but have a wonderful time with each other and with her majesty. Just think of it as one less peasant brain to deal with."

Everyone was staring at me shocked now and even more so when I turned and headed for the exit. When I was at the door, I turned one last time to catch Zelda staring at me with that same imploring, pleading gaze as when I was at the table, but my mind was made up.

"I'm sorry Zelda," I whispered to myself.

Afterwards, I made my departure.

~SSS~

Zelda

I sat there in mild disbelief at what just happened. I understood that Link wanted to make a point, but there was a time when diplomacy was more important than one's ego. Why couldn't Link see that? Why was he so insistent that the world had to see things his way to be right? There was more than one way to reach an end goal. I normally would let this pass, but I needed to make amends. There were some nobles in this room, like Lord Iwata-san, Lord Auonuma-san, and Lord Filsa-mie who were good men, working hard to make things right with Hyrule. Link would know that if he wasn't so shortsighted. I was going to have to make amends while also lessening the damage his exit caused.

I stood up and cleared my throat before I spoke.

"I… I am exceedingly sorry my lords and ladies. My… my husband has never been one for pomp and circumstance, but he means well. A hero often only sees things from the view point of the people most vulnerable."

Lady Bathory simply sat back and interlaced her fingers at my words.

"There's no need to apologize for his majesty my lady," she said, then smiled snidely. "We know exactly what kind of man he is."

I stared into Lady Bathory's eyes and stiffened slightly at the intended dig, but I wasn't going to let this licentious creature win. However, what Link did was exactly what they were expecting him to do. He walked out. He ran away, and they wanted him to run. They wanted to see if he was as ill bred as they all assumed him to be. They wanted him to feel as though he had no place here. Why couldn't he see that?

I must do something about this...

I curtsied slightly before I hurried to discharge myself.

"Please excuse me my lords and ladies, I will return shortly."

With that, I made my quick departure. I was trying to make it appear as if I wasn't scuttling, but I couldn't help but have a little pep in my step. When I exited the dining hall the room erupted with talk. I wasn't surprised and I expected such. The courtier just outside the door was looking after me with open curiosity as I hurried down the hall to my bedroom chamber.

"My lady! My lady are you alright?" he called to me.

I didn't stop to answer him, and in fact his voice made me scuttle faster. When I finally arrived at my chamber, I opened the door, completely ignoring the guard outside of it, and rushed in. The guard looked at me shocked momentarily, but not as shocked as when I closed the door on him before he could ask what was wrong, and there, standing at the table in the middle of the room with his back facing me, was my husband. There was no doubt that he heard me come in, but he was deliberately ignoring me due to my abrupt entrance. He had to know I wasn't pleased with his preemptive departure. There was a tense silence between us before I broke it. I walked over to him and tapped his shoulder tersely to get his attention. Link let out an audible groan before he turned around to face me. He already knew what I was going to say and was immediately defensive.

"Yes?" he greeted.

I looked into his eyes incredulously.

"Have you gone mad? Why in the world did you just give up and leave like that?! That's what they wanted from you!"

He rolled his eyes in disgust.

"I could care less about what they think, and I didn't give up anything! They see me as nothing more than a well dressed peasant my lady. They don't respect me at all, so why should I care about appeasing those grimy bastards?!"

I looked at him with open frustration.

"This isn't about respect, this is about winning the psychological game Link."

He shook his head and scoffed.

"Give me a break! I'm not here to play games with these people Zelda I'm here to rule! If they can't accept that, that isn't my problem!"

I took a step towards him.

"I understand that, but whether you want to accept it or not, the nobles are also your servants and you need to know how to interact with them. Not everything can be seen from a peasant's point of view!"

He cut his eyes to me just then.

"What do you mean by that?" he demanded. "Are you insinuating that's the only way I see things?"

I groaned in frustration and shook my head no.

"Of course not."

Link still had more to say in that regard.

"And speaking of which, you didn't even take up for me when that spineless bastard Filgore insulted me in front of you! What the hell is that all about Zelda?! I thought you would defend my honor!"

I wasn't going to back down from that.

"Of course I'll defend your honor, but think Link! Think! This has nothing to do with you actually being a peasant! It has everything to do with you understanding what a king's role is in the court. It is more than looking at things in the black and white. There are many shades of grey in politics. You have to adapt to a new world of thinking Link! There's no question about that!"

He stared into my eyes as though he were looking at his enemy right now.

"That isn't who I am, and that isn't who you married," he said to me with quiet defiance. "If you wanted a puppet then you should have married Prince Squallous."

I looked into his eyes in complete disbelief.

"You haven't heard a word I said," I whispered.

Link gave me a long once over.

"And you obviously haven't heard me either. Let me make myself very clear with you Zelda: I am who I am and I am not changing. When a noble makes the comments that Filgore made, and you think it's more practical to just sit there and smile like a statue, then you're no longer a person for the people, you're a person for the theater! That's all they want in there is theater! I don't care about rubbing shoulders with them, and I don't care what they think about me. If those are two important things for you Zelda, then you made a huge mistake in marrying me. If all you want to do is mold somebody, then I'm not that man."

I stared into his eyes taken aback.

"I… I wasn't saying that at all, of course I don't want to mold you, but all I want you to understand is, is that every noble isn't your enemy."

Link no longer cared to have this discussion in that moment and turned away once again.

"I'm not going back to that dining room Zelda," he said with a hint of finality, "if that was your purpose in coming here, then you've failed."

I winced slightly at the hostility of his tone and stepped back. I was not anticipating this.

"Link…"

His back was to me and he shook his head in disappointment.

"I thought you were in my corner Zelda," he muttered more to himself than to me. "I thought out of all the people in that room you understood where I was coming from."

I shook my head.

"That isn't fair," I whispered, "you can't do this to me. You know I'm in your corner! I do understand where you're coming from! I'll always understand where you're coming from!"

He turned his head and looked at me from his periphery just then.

"Yet you come in here defending their cause to me?" he countered. "Is that how that works?"

I looked at him at a loss.

"That's not why I was saying what I said! I was trying to get you to be more mindful of how the political process works in the court! I wasn't defending their cause to you! Link I… I… I love you!"

He let out another irritated groan and turned back around to look at me full on when I said that. I stared right back into his eyes defiantly. He was so openly frustrated with this conversation that he looked away from me when my gaze became too much for him.

"Why did you marry me?" he asked quietly. "Why put yourself through this when you could have had any man you wanted?"

I pursed my lips together and looked to the ground for a moment.

"You know why I married you."

I knew he was going to look up at me when I said that and that was why I avoided his gaze. I couldn't face him. I couldn't face my guilt. There was a particularly heavy silence in that moment.

"Yes…" he said cryptically finally, "yes, I know why you married me, and if that's your only reason Zelda, then that's just pathetic."

I looked away when my conscience temporarily got the best of me.

"I told you… I would do anything for Hyrule… anything," I whispered.

Link was giving me a long hard stare and I couldn't say a thing. I hated that we were so unhappy together when it should have been the opposite for us. I hated that we had fallen so low.

"And you have."

Afterwards, he turned from facing me once more and let his head hang low when he rested his hands on the table again. I stared at him with open remorse and he looked like a man defeated just then, but that wasn't who he was inside. He was so much greater than that. If he would just let me be his shield, I could guard him. If he would just let me love him and protect him the way I wanted to, we would be an unstoppable duo. However, he couldn't… he won't... and he can't. He can't seem to forget. He can't seem to let go. He can't seem to move on from that… that girl. That Saria. Everything was just fine until she came back into his life and stole his heart from me. I felt the jealousy starting to course inside of me, but I shook my head.

No, no, I'm not going to be bitter. I will not allow the memory of someone else deter me from what's necessary for Hyrule.

"Please just go," he whispered to me, "I'm done talking about this."

However, I didn't budge.

"Well, I'm not."

He sighed.

"Just go… just go and make them happy."

My heart skipped a beat at his utterance.

"Them?"

He nodded.

"Yes Zelda, them, the whole reason you came in here in the first place."

I clasped both my hands together in front of my dress and I walked up to him. I didn't want this. I didn't want him thinking he was alone. However, Link didn't even turn to face me though he heard my approach. Instead, he allowed me to turn him around when I prompted him to do so. I cupped his beautiful face between my hands and felt my eyes fill with tears. I loved him so much.

"Please," I whispered with a broken voice, "I'm not your enemy Link. I know you think I am in some way, but I'm not. I only want to protect you."

He closed his eyes at my words.

"Zelda…"

I wasn't going to let him negate that.

"I'm not," I insisted.

He then took my hands from his face and held onto them gently, caressing my knuckles in a soothing way. Afterwards, he turned them palm side up and kissed them tenderly and sighed.

"I know you're not my enemy Zelda, and I'm sorry for making you feel that way," he whispered. "Honestly, I'm just tired and I don't feel like dealing with their nonsense tonight. I promise in the future I will be more open to what you're telling me."

My eyes refilled and spilled over and when he saw I was still upset. That was when he took me in his arms and wrapped me in a tight hug. For whatever reason his words didn't console me right away.

"Come on… please don't cry."

His words just made me sob more and I held onto him tightly.

"How can I not? You hate me."

He shook his head and stroked my back.

"I don't hate you," he promised.

I didn't believe him and pulled back to look into his eyes.

"You're lying," I whispered, "you're lying because you think this is what I want to hear."

He shook his head again.

"That's not true."

My bottom lip began to quiver as more tears filled my eyes.

"Admit it," I went on, "I know deep down you still think I'm some kind of monster. I know you think I'm some kind of witch because of what happened to you."

Link's breathing intensified for a moment when he realized what I was bringing up.

"Stop this," he warned.

I looked into his eyes defiantly and continued anyway.

"Because of what happened with you, you and Sar-" I tried but I was interrupted abruptly.

Before I could finish Link pressed his lips against mine in a very fervent way. I knew this was his way of negating what I was trying to say, and I was growing tired of him doing so. He always avoided talking about this by diverting me in some way. However, he soon surprised me more when he lifted me up into his arms and carried me over to the bed. His mouth was hungry and focused when we landed softly down on the mattress from our standing position. Suddenly, the skirts to my dress were up, while my undergarments underneath it abruptly came down. He kissed me deeper when he undressed himself at his pants, and then a moment later I felt his huge member suddenly go inside me to shush me. I whimpered in surprise and pleasure as he interlaced his fingers with mine and started thrusting me gently in that incredible rhythm he knew I loved so much. I looked at him shocked, but said nothing as I could barely contain the pleasure that came out of me in ripples. I kissed him harder when he went in deeper, and unfortunately it wasn't too much longer until the intensity of the sex had me climaxing. I wanted it to last longer, but I think he did it that way on purpose. I think he did it just to shut me up. It was supposed to be that intense, deep, and quick, and as quickly as it started, it was over.

I was breathing hard while I stared into his eyes, and though I was now satisfied physically, that still didn't address the apparent lizalfos in the room. That still didn't negate the fact that he didn't love me like I loved him. That still didn't absolve the truth that he wished I was someone else. I wasn't sure how much longer he could substitute sex for love like this, because he knew as well as I that it wasn't the same thing. Even so, I laid there spent, and before I could say anything, he was up and dressing himself. I sat up slowly as I watched him, and got myself together as well. Afterwards, I got off the bed and ran a hand through my hair to appropriate my appearance. There was a long silence between us following that before he finally spoke up again.

"You should probably get back to them," he said quietly.

I didn't know why his words made me blush, but I said nothing in return, so he went on.

"Just… just tell them I needed your help with some correspondence or something, and that was why you were gone so long," he uttered, then paused and added, "and.. I'm sorry if I was out of line a moment ago. I didn't know what else to do."

My eyes widened.

"Out of line? Link… you're my husband."

He took in a deep sigh.

"I still didn't ask," he whispered.

Does he really think he needs to?

I was going to nip this in the bud.

"And I didn't say no," I whispered back. "Besides, you… you know I always want you. You never have to ask."

He paused, but only nodded afterwards.

"Thank you for that, and please make my apologies to everyone at dinner. It won't happen again."

This transition was so strange, but I nodded anyway.

"I will," I said, and with nothing else left to discuss, I took my leave and headed back to the grand hall.

I didn't know what to make of what just happened. It made no sense. One moment we were arguing, the next we were having sex. However, one thing was for certain, and that certainty was that King Link was a very... very unpredictable man.

I just don't know how to process all this... I have no idea.

With that, I returned to the grand hall.

~SSS~

One hour later: Link

After Zelda left, I changed into my pajamas and sat down at the table in the center of the room to go over some overlooked correspondence. I stared at one letter for ten minutes before I realized it was time to just let the activity go and put the cares of the day away. There was nothing more I could do for today, today was essentially over. Regarding the previous venture, it had been an hour since Zelda left, and she was still in the grand hall entertaining the nobles at dinner. I imagine she was apologizing for me a hundred times over. Or… maybe she wasn't and was defending my honor to them instead. I could hope.

One thing was for sure, the noble political arena was definitely not for me. It just reminded me of how small of a box I truly lived in now. I sat back in the chair and sighed as I contemplated this. Realizing what I gave up for this life was starting to make me bitter, and I was fighting that tendency constantly. However, tonight… tonight I felt like I was in a losing battle, especially with Zelda coming in here engaging me like she did. 'Why did you leave?' 'You let them win!' 'That's what they wanted!' It was maddening. I understood her point of view, but once… just once, I wish she could see things from my point of view. I wish she wasn't doing everything for duty. Not everything is for a goddamn protocol or contingency plan.

"Why doesn't she understand me?" I muttered to myself.

In that moment, I felt this gnawing sense of loss. That was when I realized how much I missed my old life, how much I missed my freedom. I missed riding the open fields without a care on Epona. I missed sitting quietly in the forests and thinking about my life. I missed my friends who truly understood me. I missed Malon and her great big smile and her calling me 'fairy boy' as a tease. She was married now with a beautiful baby girl. But most of all I missed… Saria. I really and truly missed her.

I didn't realize seeing her this past time was going to leave such a lasting impression on me. She looked so beautiful in that white dress with her hair up and flowers surrounding it. Her smile was radiant and her laugh was like music. She was just so perfect. I closed my eyes just then and groaned in frustration when an indecent thought about her went through my head. Admittedly, this was happening more frequently now since her wedding. The past few nights in bed with Zelda have been haunting for me. Even this recent encounter, I was envisioning Saria underneath me... Saria's voice moaning and saying my name... Saria's body orgasming all over me. However, I knew those thoughts were wrong. I should not be thinking about another woman when I'm making love to my wife. That isn't right. Even if I'm not saying Saria's name anymore, I am still imagining her here with me, and Zelda doesn't deserve that… no woman deserves that. The whole idea is wrong. I can't desire another man's wife.

I can't.

I won't.

I am not that kind of person.

I am not.

"She's off limits," I told myself out loud, "she's married Link, and so are you."

I was trying not to think about Saria period because of that fact, but she was always here in my thoughts. She was always here in my heart. She was a constant reminder of why I loved and missed my past life so much. I loved her… no, I still fucking love her, I can't have her, and it's so goddamn unfair. It was just a flood of memories that ran through me all at once. I remember my first visit with her to the Sacred Forest Meadow and how it became our special place. It became even more special when she awakened as a sage and I rescued her from it. I remember when she gave me my fairy ocarina, and when she taught me her song… her beautiful song. It was conversant of the trees, the woodlands, the flowers, and happy times. I just remember playing her song and just being happy to talk to her again.

When that thought process went through my head, I perked suddenly at the recollection.

Wait a minute... am I still able to…?

My thoughts trailed when I suddenly got up from the table and went to the closet on the other side. In a box, hidden in the back under some other clothing, I kept the fairy ocarina Saria had given to me when I was a child. I never departed from it even when I had the Ocarina of Time. I had an inkling about it suddenly and now I wanted to use it. I took the suede box out of its hiding place and opened it to stare at the reclusive relic. I dusted it off when I picked it up and immediately I felt that old feeling I had when I was a child again.

"Maybe… just maybe…" I whispered to myself.

I closed the closet door with the instrument now in hand and walked over to the terrace on the side of the room. I walked out on the balcony and was met with a sudden cool stiff breeze from the night air. It was chilly, but bearable. Directly south was the road leading to Faron, and more importantly Ordon Village farther south of it. I cut my gaze from the distance and stared down at the ocarina for a moment longer.

"I just want to talk to you again Saria," I reassured myself, "I just want to hear your voice and have an oasis from this deceptive world I'm living in. That's all… that's all."

Afterwards, I took in a deep breath, placed the much too small relic against my lips, closed my eyes, and softly played Saria's Song. The notes echoed quietly in the wind, and carried through like a melodious symphony. I played it because I knew it would make me calm. I knew it would give me the solace I needed and desired. However, most of all I was hoping I would be able to speak with her through it again. But… I wasn't certain if that power was only granted to her because she was at one time a sage or if it was because she was a Kokiri. I had no idea. I just knew that if she could hear this and that if she could answer me, then I believed she would do so.

I continued to play.

Please Saria… if you can still communicate with me, please answer me.

~SSS~

Ordon Village, Saria

Ralph had returned home several hours earlier and I was cleaning up the last remnants of supper. It was nice that he was so happy and eager to come home, but his mood was slightly sullied because of a very sick patient he was taking care of. He was still at the stage in his career that every patient was the be all end all or he would never be satisfied, and this one today was particularly eventful. He was telling me about how he felt powerless to help her because her condition was terminal. I told him he was doing a great service for Hylian-kind and he should be grateful he could impact her life in some way. Ralph should never think his help isn't warranted. People need him.

"Darling did you want some coffee or tea?" I asked.

Ralph groaned at the question and didn't give it very much thought.

"No, I'm good, thank you though."

I just grinned and finished cleaning up the kitchen. I was in the middle of wiping the table down when suddenly something very strange happened and my ears suddenly perked. That wasn't usual for my ears to just stand on end, unless something truly interesting was about to happen. Lo and behold, there was a sound, a cadence… a song that unexpectedly rippled through the air. At first I thought I was hearing things, but no, that was definitely a song playing, and not just any song, but my song. The song I taught Link so many years. Who in the world was playing it now and why? I already had an idea.

I looked over at my husband who was reading his medical reports and felt my heart skip a beat when I realized what this could mean. I quickly wiped my hands on my apron and picked up a casket of trash to dispose of it outside. I needed a diversion of some kind to make sure this wasn't some crazy fluke.

"I'll be right back," I called to Ralph, "I'm going to incinerate the trash, it's full."

When I said that, Ralph then looked over at me surprised.

"What?" he asked.

I realized how ridiculous I sounded right now.

"I'm going to incinerate the trash," I repeated.

He gave me an offhanded look.

"You're going to incinerate the trash now?" he asked. "Why would you do that now? It's late, and besides that's my job, and I'll do it tomorrow."

I shook my head and unwisely got defensive just then.

"No," I said, "I'll just do it now."

Again, Ralph looked at me taken aback and studied me for a moment, but then sighed.

"Fine, if it's bothering you that much, I'll just do it tonight," he said about to get up from his chair, "I don't want you off in the woods alone at night."

I groaned involuntarily at his words.

"Look it's not a big deal," I insisted, "I told you I'll take care of it, so I'll take care of it. I know how to burn trash."

I then rolled my eyes and went out the door. Ralph was dumbstruck by my behavior, but instead of me waiting for his rebuttal I hurried down the road to get away. I probably looked like a mad woman to him, but I couldn't think of a more elegant exit. Besides that, my heart was pounding so fast I thought it was going to come out of my chest. I hurried with the casket in hand down the road past the entrance to an impasse that led to the main roadway of the village. Past that was an alcove adjacent to the main road. Inside the niche was a beautiful spring and it looked completely uninhabited. Without giving it a second thought, I hurried into the alcove and placed the casket down so I could now focus. The song was still playing and my heart was still pounding. I was so nervous because I had a feeling I knew who was calling me. There was only one ocarina other than the Ocarina of Time that could communicate with me telepathically and that was my fairy ocarina. The only person who had that ocarina was Link. I stopped delaying and finally concentrated so I could respond to it.

"Hello?" I said quietly, almost terrified to speak to it.

There was a brief pause before an answer.

"Saria?" the male voice replied.

I gasped and nodded in disbelief to no one in particular, then placed my hand over my heart.

"Link?" I whispered back.

There was another brief pause on his end.

"Yes it's me," he said, "it's Link."

I couldn't have felt happier in that moment.

"I can't believe it's really you," I whispered, barely able to keep my tears back.

He spoke again.

"Is that really you?" he asked. "I'm not just dreaming am I?"

I shook my head and I didn't know why. There was no one here.

"Yes it's me," I said, "it's Saria."

There was another intermittent pause in the transmission before he spoke again.

"It really is you…" he said, "it's so good to hear your voice. Anyway, I'm sorry if this is an inconvenient time for you, but I had to talk to you," he explained, "everything is so disjointed and confusing right now."

I felt the tears finally fill my eyes when he said that.

"I'm so glad you did," I replied, "I feel like I haven't spoken to you in so long, and I'm sorry to hear things are crazy at the castle."

There was another brief pause.

"Yes…" he trailed, "it is unfortunate, but somehow they'll end up working out."

I smiled, feeling completely surreal right now.

"I knew they would," I replied, "you aren't the type to give up."

Another break took place in the transmission.

"Yes... goddesses… I miss you Sar," he confessed, "I miss you so much."

I felt my heart skip a beat with how he said that.

"I miss you too…" I replied, "more than you'll ever know Link."

There was a mild stutter in the current. I wasn't sure if it was because he paused or the energy used was the fluctuating wind. But I did manage to hear what he said next.

"I really want- to see- you again," he said, through the breaking communication, "I have- so many things to tell- you."

His stilted words made me smile, but I was cautious.

"That's wonderful and all, but I don't know if I can," I said honestly, "I'm so busy with house work and helping Ralph with his practice, I just don't have the time. Besides, how would you get away anyway? You're the king."

The transmission was still a bit choppy.

"I told you I- would always make t-ime for you, I wasn't- lying about that," he said, "I'll find- a way… please, I -need to see you. You- have- no- idea how much… I need a friend right now."

I got a little concerned with how he said that, but it could have just been that I was missing some pieces of his message.

He needs a friend? I wondered. What's going on?

"What's happening?" I asked. "Are you okay?"

He never answered my questions.

"Will you promise to meet me?" he deflected. "I want to see you face to face Saria."

There was a yearning in his voice I became familiar with after we got reacquainted, but I knew there was nothing I could do to quell it with my present circumstances. If I saw him again, it would no doubt be a very emotional, very compromising situation for the both of us, so why put ourselves through that? Even so, I still hesitated with saying no.

"I…" I trailed at his request, "I… I-"

"Please," he interrupted, "we could meet up at the Sacred Forest Meadow in the middle of next week."

I froze when he was so direct and so precise.

I didn't answer.

Something is telling me this isn't a good idea, I thought, it's just going to make the longing we have for each other that much worse.

Link was still waiting for my answer.

"Saria?" his voice inquired.

I bit my lower lip, knowing I should say no, but I didn't. The reality was I wanted to see him. I felt like I needed to see him. Besides, it would be one time, just one time… one time and no one would have to know.

Nothing's going to happen, I reassured myself, Link would never do anything dishonorable and he did say he needed a friend. I can't just abandon him when he feels like he has nobody.

It was then I made a quick decision.

"A-Al-Alright," I stammered my reply, "the middle of next week it is."

There was another brief pause, but he sounded relived when I answered.

"Thank you," he replied gratefully, "and I promise I won't act like I did the last time we were there."

I closed my eyes and let the tears fall finally from the brief memory.

"It's okay," I replied, "I would never hold anything against you."

Link didn't answer to that right away.

"I know that," he said finally, "So then I'll see you next week… alright?"

Once again, I nodded.

"Alright," I replied.

"Thanks Saria," he said, "you won't regret this, I promise."

My bottom lip started trembling again and I immediately pursed them together.

I certainly hope not, I thought.

"I know," I said to him with a hint of finality, "goodnight."

"Goodnight," he replied.

With that, the transmission was cut off and he was gone, but I was left shaken. I dropped on my knees and covered my mouth because I was so overwhelmed by what just happened. I sobbed gently into my hands and couldn't reign in my emotions for whatever reason. It was then not too far off I heard quick foot steps outside the alcove entrance. I was sure it was Ralph looking for me, but I was too choked up to let him know of my whereabouts. Instead, he found me a few moments later when he heard me crying. He immediately came to my aide.

"Saria?" he soothed worried. "Hey, what's going on? Why did you run off like that? Why are you crying?"

I never answered him and I held onto him tighter as I sobbed into his chest.

I can't believe it, I thought, I can't believe I'll actually see Link again.

"Saria?" he inquired once more.

I shook my head.

"It's nothing," I said, clearly showing otherwise, and I couldn't stop crying.

It felt like it had been too long.

Far far too long.

"Saria..." he trailed, taking me in his arms, "honey are you alright?"

I buried my head in his chest and didn't answer. I couldn't console myself for whatever reason.

I was finally going to see my dearest friend again.

The nest chapter will be up soon.