Inspiration: "Ordinary People," by John Legend, the covenant of friendship, and silly jokes.
Shout Out: Jordan, thank you for reading.
Author Note: I wanted to write Link as ruler, because Zelda has often been written about as a ruler. ~ZR~
Word Count: 14,487
Chapter 5
Kakariko Village, five days later, Ralph
I am an ordinary man, raised to do an extraordinary thing. By that, I meant I was raised to live for the service of others. My parents were excellent examples of Hylians who lived a life of public ministry. They are both physicians, but they worked in remote locations throughout their careers, helping underserved or disenfranchised people, primarily the poor. They both had opportunities to become rich due to their talents, but they chose a path where the assistance to others was extolled over personal fortunes. I remember as a boy traveling all over Hyrule with my parents, helping, and whenever I could, assisting them with victims who suffered from burns, lung ailments, fractures and the like. It was through them I learned first aide and emergency care. So, it was only natural for me to want to become a doctor when I became of age.
The Royal Physician's Academy was a goal I set for myself when I was eight years old. I knew that seemed quite young for a person to know what they wanted to do with the rest of their life, but I had a little catalyst to my decision making. On one of the trips to the Gerudo Desert, my parents were helping a couple of female soldiers who suffered from heat exhaustion. With them was a young Gerudo girl about my age. The girl was very sick and very dehydrated. I decided then that she was going to be my special 'patient'. I gave her a red potion that my mother had made and fluids to rehydrate her body. A few hours later, I saw that she was doing much better. I was so excited that she wasn't sick anymore, that I took her to go play with me on the nearby sand dunes. I never forgot her smile and her laughter when she got better. That was when I realized I wanted to be a doctor.
As I had my sights set, the Royal Physician's Academy was extremely challenging to get into, with the prestigious institution only allowing fifty applicants in per year. I knew I had to be the best of the best to be a candidate, so I studied like I never studied for anything in my life to score high on the entrance exams. I excelled in school anyway, but I knew with this being the course I wanted to take my life that I had to be focused and serious. In the end, I scored second on the entrance exams, only being beaten by a fellow classmate who had an equal amount of gumption for academics as me.
Academy life was typical for any 'would be' overachiever, with it being highly competitive and the scholars heading the lecture halls expecting excellence from each student. It wasn't enough to get good marks on exams and papers, because everyone did that. To truly stand out, I needed to show and verbalize why I was the best. While in clinical rotations, I often looked for cases that were the most difficult, the most bizarre. I wanted to show that I could accurately and confidently diagnose a patient. This served me well for the most part, but it garnered me a reputation as a know-it-all too unfortunately. It also didn't help that I was considered a 'golden boy' because both my parents were doctors and my sister was studying to become one as well. However, I could always counter with stating I wasn't a noble, so their intended digs often left me unscathed. I didn't let the stigma bother me, but it was annoying that people considered my circumstances more privileged than theirs when it really was quite the opposite. I didn't come from a rich family, I came from a family full of love, and though that may have seemed sentimental, I was proud of that. Even still, my parents expected the best out of me, and I didn't think that accounted for privilege at all. I think it was just hard work.
Anyway, while I was in school I trained to be a medic and it was a good thing too. Last year when that whole horrible ordeal regarding the folly of Hyrule Castle happened, I was able to put my skills to good use. I worked in the medic's bay outside of Hyrule Castle near the entrance of Kakariko Village. It was there I saw case after case of emergent and life threatening situations. It was also there where I met my future wife Saria. I still remember when she was first brought in. She was in terrible shape, and truthfully I thought she was going to die. I also remember thinking she was so incredibly beautiful, even in her weakened state. Full disclosure, I knew that was a vain supposition, but motivation was motivation. It made me want to help her more. It harkened me back to when I was eight and seeing that young Gerudo girl for the first time. It felt like déjà vu.
As the hours passed, there was a doctor that came to see Saria. He told me he was her primary care physician. I had never seen him before, but there was something about him that was familiar, even though his recognition was nil. I thought I knew all the doctors by proxy from the academy. However It seemed I was wrong. Even so, he worked tirelessly to get Saria to a point of stability. I assisted him when I could, and I really admired his work ethic. I watched him closely as he keenly and precisely assessed and reassessed her condition. Before he intervened, Saria was comatosed, sweaty, and undeniably weak. After concocting several of his own blue potions, regulated to her specific biochemistry, he ordered for me to give them to her every two hours until the 'rattling sound' in her lungs disappeared, and her skin colorization normalized. I marveled at the fact that he did what he did without the aid of the Sheikah technology seen at the academy, but I made sure to follow his directions to the letter.
It took Saria several hours to stabilize, but she was able to pull through. She was breathing much better, and her lungs were clear when I listened to them. I made sure to find the doctor to tell him she was doing okay, because by then he was helping other people. He was pleased to hear her prognosis, and that was when I had to ask him who he was. He told me that Saria was a very special friend of his, as well as his patient. He also told me that he worked at the Seaside Laboratory where he studied aquatic life and ophthalmology for a while. I was puzzled at his background and practice differentiations, because I couldn't wrap my head around a person switching from oceanography, to eye problems, to emergency medicine in the same career setting. How in the world did that work? In any such case, it didn't matter. I brushed my befuddlement aside and continued to marvel more at his knowledge of both alchemy and Hylian physiology. I explained to him that I was training to be a doctor and would greatly appreciate any tips he could give me. He studied me for a moment and smiled, then said: "Don't let the hierarchy of the medical world take your love for your fellow Hylian away from you." I was initially taken aback when he told me that, but I understood the messaging loud and clear.
Later that same night, someone unexpected came to visit Saria... that someone was the great hero. I didn't know he was the hero at the time because he came in hooded and disguised, but Saria's reaction said it all. I had been monitoring her all day, until she finally roused and opened her eyes. When she first saw me, she thought I was the hero because I did bear a very close resemblance to the man. I even played him at the princess's coronation last year. Even so, Saria soon recognized the real hero when she looked his way. Even with him being hooded, she said his name immediately and without deficit. It was then Sir Link, as he was known at the time, had to reveal himself. I was in complete and total shock that the future king of Hyrule was at this young woman's bedside. It made me intrigued as to who she really was. Even so, my initial shock garnered into even more with how they interacted in the next few moments of that encounter. It was apparent to me they cared for each other, because as soon as Saria saw him she held on to him like she never wanted to let him go… and she kissed him. It wasn't just any kiss either, she kissed him. It was very passionate and coming from a very deep place of feeling... of love.
It was then I realized I was witnessing something I shouldn't have been, and opted to leave their presence. I was stunned at their union because I knew Sir Link was engaged to the princess at the time. This was that scandal stuff the gossip mavens wrote and talked about, and I didn't want any part of it. Even to this day, I wasn't completely aware of the true nature of his now majesty and Saria's past relationship.
When the hero left, I promised to keep what happened secret, while Saria rested and eventually got better. When she was back to her full health, it was then I was able to be enchanted by her charming personality. She had a smile that could light up a room, and she told the silliest, most terrible jokes a person could hear, but she loved telling them. She also told me she was a pretty good cook and I should come by once this was all over so she could make me some pancakes as a reward for making her better. She was eventually discharged later that day and went home. Admittedly, I was a little sad to see her go and I couldn't stop thinking about her. So, I decided to take her up on her offer sooner rather than later. The next day I went to go see her in Kakariko Village. When Saria saw I had come to visit her, she greeted me with that same amazing smile and that lovely disposition I was initially charmed by. I knew it was silly, but I was starting to become smitten with her right then and there.
Interestingly enough, Dr. Seaside, who had taken care of her was at her residence and so was an elderly gentleman I met before on another occasion. The elderly gentleman came into one of the doctor's offices I was interning at for a routine check-up. It was funny because he told me he knew the perfect girl that I should be courting. I just grinned at the time and thought it was small talk, but if in 'the perfect girl' he meant Saria I then wholeheartedly agreed with him. As promised, Saria cooked blueberry pancakes for everyone, and she told me more about her tailoring business. Admittedly, I was only half listening because I couldn't get over how beautiful she was. She had this incredibly long emerald green hair that shined in the sun, and these amazing bright blue eyes that sparkled with happiness. She wasn't aware that I was checking her out, but her physique was incredible too. When she spoke she had a natural cadence to her laugh that was infectious. I could tell she was the kind of woman that brought a lot of joy into people's lives, and I couldn't lie, I felt drawn to her immediately and wanted to know more about her.
Even so, during that same visit another unexpected visitor showed up. Again, like before, it was the great hero Link. This time I knew it wasn't a coincidence and the previous encounter between them had more significance than he initially let on. He seemed genuinely surprised to see me there, but not as surprised as I was to see him. I walked up to him and greeted him immediately, but he still seemed bewildered by my presence and that was when Saria interjected herself on my behalf. Strangely enough, my attention was then diverted by Dr. Seaside so the hero could take Saria on some special rendezvous for a couple hours. The doctor adroitly pulled me away so he could show me how he made his blue potions, but I was keenly aware of what was going on and how long the two of them were actually gone. When Saria returned, four hours had passed and she ran straight to her room, not speaking to anyone. She looked like she had been crying. I was a little taken aback by her behavior, but then I knew there was something more to what was going on. I then perceptively took my leave, but even though I knew something emotional had happened, I couldn't stop thinking about Saria and what her affiliation was with the hero.
I waited a few days, but then I called on Saria again to see if she was alright. She was surprised to see me, but I noticed she looked better, even though I could tell there was a sadness in her eyes now. I never brought up Link and I simply offered her my friendship if she wanted it. She hesitated at first, but soon after she agreed. I took it slow, coming to visit her once a week for the first month then increased it to two times a week the following month and so forth and so on. In that time, she slowly got out of her shell and she told me things regarding her fears and what she would like to do with her seamstress business. I found it puzzling that she never brought up her family, but I never asked. She spoke of the elderly gentleman a great deal as well as the doctor, but never her mother and her father. I naturally assumed something terrible must have happened to them and she didn't want to discuss it. Even so, even then I knew I was falling in love with her.
I actually remember the night I told her. It was six months into our courtship and at this point I was coming to see her almost every day. It was a beautiful evening, the stars lit up the sky like diamonds and I couldn't think of a better opportunity to tell her, so I told her. However, her reaction was a little strange if anything. When I told her I loved her, she looked at me terrified for some odd reason. I didn't understand it, and to this day I still didn't understand it. She just stepped back and stared at me for a long time before dismissing herself. However, I didn't just let her walk away. I took hold of her elbow and pulled her back to me and wanted to know why she was so scared. She seemed even more frightened by my actions. I asked her what was wrong and all she whispered in return was, "I can't, I just can't," and she ran away. I couldn't lie, I was dumbstruck.
After that incident, I didn't visit her for a few days because I figured she needed some time and some space to figure what she wanted out. However, to my surprise, I was a little caught off guard when she came looking for me. She came to visit me at my small villa at the newly excavated region of Eldin Province. I wasn't sure how I felt about seeing her after she ran away like she did, but I was willing to hear her out. It was then she confessed to me that she still had very deep feelings for Link, which wasn't surprising to me at all. Even so, she told me she loved me too and didn't want to stop seeing me. I was happy to hear she was still willing to give us a chance, but I really needed to know how 'deep' those feelings for Link were. I didn't want her courting me if she still loved another man. So, I probed her on it as best I could, and she was honest with me and that was all I could ask for.
Following that breakthrough, the next few months felt more perfect than I could imagine, and it was clear to me that Saria was the woman I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. I talked about her constantly to my sister Gertrude, who was eager to meet her, as well as my mother and father. So, I arranged for them to meet her. Saria was nervous but confident about meeting my family, and that was what I loved about her. She seemed to relish a challenge. Even so, the evening didn't go exactly as planned, and my parents and sister weren't as enthused by the end of it. I know they all expected me to marry a doctor, but I wasn't in love with a doctor. I was in love with Saria, and in my mind she was perfect. I didn't need a carbon copy of me to be happy. What I loved about her was that she was happy living a simple life and that was all I wanted.
A month later, I asked her to marry me even against the discretionary advice of my parents. Saria was even willing to let me go for the sake of me keeping in my good standings with my mother and father, and that only made me want her more. I told her that the only person deciding whether or not we were getting married was her. She looked at me surprised, but then afterwards she said yes, and that was that. I appreciated my sister and my mother and father, but they were suffering from the same kind of stigma that the nobles had for peasants. They were assuming things about Saria because she wasn't what they considered 'good enough' for me. I could understand if Saria showed some signs of concern to them, but she was always nothing but wonderful and obliging to my parents. I hoped they looked beyond her being 'just a seamstress' and saw her for who she was.
The wedding was only a short time ago, about a month or so now, and thus far married life had been good. I appreciated all the effort Saria made in keeping and maintaining our home, and I loved coming home to a delicious meal and a pretty face. The only concern I had was that strange behavior she exhibited last week regarding the trash incident. I still didn't understand why she was so defensive about me taking the garbage out to incinerate it, or why she needed it done right then. What was even more odd was that she didn't even go to the right area to burn the trash. She instead went to the spring nearby and looked like she was hiding for whatever reason.
At first, I wasn't sure I should go after her. I thought it could possibly be a hormonal thing, but her mood shifted so spontaneously that it was impossible to simply be hormones. Then there was that strange exhibition of tears when I found her. Why was she in that alcove crying to herself? Why did she look so upset? Why did she run off the way she did if something that troubling was bothering her? Why didn't she talk to me about it? I was worried about her. However, even stranger still, after the whole spring incident, I took her back to the cabin and she made love to me… like crazy out of this world type of love making. I enjoyed it of course, but she definitely did so to avoid talking about what was truly on her mind. I would leave the matter alone for now, but that was definitely a conversation we were going to revisit in the future. What was going on with my wife?
I was concerned.
In the present, I was in Kakariko Village working on some unguents for a patient. As I stated previously, Dr. Seaside, the doctor I worked with now was Saria's dear friend and physician, and I was thinking today about picking his brain and asking his advice. Perhaps he could let me know if there was anything I needed to be aware of about Saria that she herself wasn't telling me. I didn't want her thinking I didn't trust her, I did, but if there was something regarding her health I needed to know about, I felt I had the right to ask. Dr, Seaside was currently in the other room examining a patient who was complaining of an upset stomach. I heard him wrapping up his examination when he stated he was going to give the young man a red potion and monitor his vital force afterwards.
A moment later, he entered the small chemistry lab where I was already working in and spoke to me.
"Is that potion ready?" he asked.
I nodded and raised the beaker to make sure the solvents were completely dissolved. Afterwards, I set the beaker down.
"Yes it's ready," I confirmed.
The good doctor was wiping his hands.
"Excellent, I think this gentleman suffered from eating too much and now has a little inflammation in his belly. I'll have the nurse give him the potion and afterwards we'll send him home."
I grinned.
"Good old gastritis."
Dr. Seaside chuckled.
"I really don't understand the conscious effort of overeating. When your belly says stop, you need to stop."
I nodded at his practicality, but decided to play devil's advocate.
"What if your belly doesn't tell you to stop?" I countered.
He gave me a knowing look.
"Then you tell your belly to stop. This is a completely unnecessary condition for anyone to be suffering from."
I couldn't argue him there.
"Fair enough."
The doctor then went to check on some of the supplies used to make the potions in the adjacent closet. I watched him and sighed, still cognizant that Saria was on my mind. However, I did want to take this opportunity to ask him some things about her. I was hoping I could get a little insight into what was going on with her. When he returned back into the room he had a bag of blue chu jelly in hand. I waited for him to set it down before I spoke up.
"Doctor I want to ask you something," I began quietly.
He turned and gave me his attention with a raised brow.
"Yes?" he replied.
I hesitated for a second, but realized it wasn't going to do me any good not being straight forward.
"I have some questions about Saria."
He looked at me surprised.
My tone must have allayed some alarm.
"Is she alright?" he asked.
I took in a deep sigh.
"That's just the thing, I don't know."
He stared at me puzzled just then.
"What do you mean? Is married life okay?"
I needed to be more clear.
"Married life is great, I'm just concerned that she isn't being entirely upfront with me with what's going on with her."
He paused when I uttered that.
"Why… why do you say that?"
I lowered my voice a little when I heard the nurse speaking with the patient just outside the door.
"Last week I wouldn't say we had a fight or anything like that, but we did have a little tiff regarding some trash," I explained. "Before that, she was completely fine, it was after that that she got really defensive and then ran off to go burn the trash herself, but the thing is she never burned the trash. And to add more confusion to the situation, I found her in a spring crying."
Dr. Seaside was staring into my eyes concerned.
"That doesn't sound like her at all. I hope her constitution is okay."
I found that a strange thing to say.
"What do you mean? Why wouldn't it be?"
He hesitated again and sighed himself.
"Has she been complaining of headaches or anything of the like lately?"
I gave him and offhanded look.
"No, but she was hunched over when I found her."
A thoughtful expression passed his face just then.
"I think you should bring her in for me to examine her," he offered. "I know her condition better than anyone and it sounds like she may be having a little bit of a relapse."
I looked at him stunned. This was news to me.
"A relapse?" I repeated. "From what? Why?"
The doctor tapped his hand on the work station in front of him and grunted.
"Look," he started, "it's nothing I should be telling you, but it also isn't something you need to worry about. Saria once had a condition that made her prone to terrible migraine headaches. I used some Sheikah energy to heal her, but it may be that she is experiencing some symptomology again."
I looked at him dumbfounded for a moment.
"You have access to Sheikah technology? Your own Sheikah technology?"
He shrugged it off as nothing.
"It's a very limited old brain scan I designed with an old friend who is now deceased, but it is very effective for its use in Saria's care. I think you should bring her here just for me to make sure she isn't having some problems related to her headaches."
I was now suddenly very concerned about my wife's health. I had no idea she suffered from migraines in the past.
"I'll bring her in the first chance I get," I promised.
He just nodded.
"You do that, and try not to worry, she's not in any danger, okay?"
I took in another sigh and tried to be reassured by that, but I wasn't so successful.
"Okay."
With that, the door suddenly opened and the nurse walked in. She looked between the two of us.
"Doctor is the medication ready for me to give to the patient?" she asked.
I was lost in my own thoughts for a moment, when I shook my head and handed the nurse the red potion.
"Uh, yes here, sorry," I replied
She just smiled.
"No problem," she took the bottle from me.
When the door closed again, Dr. Seaside placed his hand on my shoulder and tried to reassure me with a smile.
"It's okay Ralph, Saria's going to be okay."
I nodded, but my concern never left me.
"Of course," was all I said, "of course."
The doctor patted my shoulder and then opened a medical journal to research something. I was just staring blankly at the page without reading it. My concern only deepened.
Oh Saria, I hope you're okay.
~SSS~
Meanwhile in Ordon Village, Saria
I wanted to make sure I had everything in order before I went about my day today. It was the middle of the week and at any given time Link could probably contact me to ask me to meet up with him. I hoped it would be today and not tomorrow. Today worked out best for me, because my routine was less varied. To make sure of that, I got up earlier than usual to clean the house and started preparing supper. I knew I was going to have to use my time efficiently if I wanted to get home before Ralph did. I hated having to do this behind my husband's back, but I didn't think he would understand why I had to see Link as soon as I did. Link was my best friend, and before the wedding I hadn't seen him in at least a month. Then before the aforementioned time, we saw each other shortly after he got married, which was about three months ago, and that wasn't even taking into account all the complicated blarney that went with it. So it has been an adjustment.
I just finished dusting and went to wash up again so I would look more suitable. I put on a dark blue dress and a brown shawl. It was the most conservative dress I had, and I wanted to make sure I didn't project any provocative or mixed messages. I still remember our last encounter at the Sacred Forest Meadow, and it was pretty emotional to say the least. Link was the type of man who didn't like to appear vulnerable in front of other people. Even when we were children he didn't show his feelings very often, but that day when we had to depart, he cried a little. It was the first time I ever saw him cry. He knew I would never think differently of him because he showed a more sensitive side of himself, but it also showed me how hurt he was that we couldn't be together. I actually appreciated him more as a person because he had a real Hylian heart.
I brushed my hair and let it flow down to my waist, while setting my bangs back with a green hair band. After getting dressed and checking my appearance, I took the loaf of bread I had baking in the stone oven out to let it cool. I would prepare a soup later when I got back home. It was the easiest meal to make in a short period of time. Afterwards, I did a few odds and ins with the furniture before I headed out. My plan was to be near the Sacred Forest Meadow and wait for Link to contact me. I just hoped he wouldn't wait too late because I couldn't stay past a certain time without garnering any undue suspicion. Speaking of such, as I closed and locked the front door, Gertrude was walking my way. It was a little grating that she was always perfectly timed to know when I was leaving.
Oh great, I thought with a hint of sarcasm.
I didn't want to appear too preoccupied, so I smiled as she walked up.
"Good morning green top," she greeted with a joke, "where are you off to?"
I chuckled at her reference to my hair.
"Really? Green top?"
Gertrude just shrugged.
"Well, I can't very well call you 'red', you aren't a red head."
I failed to see her logic.
"Oh Gertrude…"
She gave me a quick once over.
"No but really, where are you off to?"
I paused, but not for too long where it would make her suspicious.
"It's such a beautiful day, I thought I'd go for a walk."
Gertrude seemed to approve of the idea.
"That sounds great, would you mind some company?"
I was hoping she wouldn't ask me that, but I should have expected such. I wanted to keep it cordial without making it seem like I wanted to get rid of her... when the reality was I really wanted to get rid of her.
"Maybe next time," I said sweetly, "I have a few things I'd like to meditate on alone."
It wasn't a lie, but she did look at me surprised.
"Meditate on alone?" she repeated. "Is everything okay?"
I nodded.
"Everything's fine, but you know how you have some days where you just need a moment for yourself. Well, that's me today."
Gertrude grinned at my explanation.
"I understand completely, just don't be too long, I don't want to have to worry about you unnecessarily."
I nodded again.
"I'll try not to be," I chose my words carefully, "and thanks for being so considerate."
She nodded, and with that I took my leave, but I had a feeling she was watching me as I walked down the road. To verify my suspicion, I stopped once I got to the impasse and turned to wave. As I suspected, she was staring after me. I just hoped this behavior wasn't going to be a consistent thing with Gertrude, it was truly bothersome. Only time would tell. Afterwards, I headed for the Sacred Forest Meadow.
~SSS~
Hyrule Castle, Link
I didn't want to appear too jovial, but I had a renewed sense of energy today. I knew it was because I was going to see my dear Saria later. It genuinely felt like our departure had been too long, and all I wanted to do was rush through my duties for the day to clear up my morning. I still needed to communicate with her to let her know today was the day, but I would do so after I left the confines of the castle. When the time came, I would head to the secret passage in the royal bed chambers. It was an old and well kept secret that only the royal family and one or two persons in the royal guard knew of. It saved many a royals life when the Great War was surging high. Once I was out in the clear, I would play Saria's Song to communicate with her. I couldn't lie, I was so excited to get away from the castle and be free once more, even if just for a little while. Having a normal conversation with my very dear friend was something I couldn't begin to describe I was looking forward to. I couldn't wait to see Saria's beautiful face again, and just catch up with her on life.
I wasn't in counsel with anyone that morning, though I was in the counsel room going over some correspondence. There was nothing pivotal that caught my attention, but there were a few requisitions that needed my signature. Normally, I would go over some of these proceedings with the royal steward, but I sent him off on a scavenger hunt today so I could be alone. I realized I was going to have to do that with the other guards and servants who worked around me as well. There was no way I was going to get away if everyone was constantly asking about my whereabouts. There was always a guard or somebody nearby. Admittedly, in the beginning I found it very cumbersome, but I was learning to adjust to the rigmarole of it all when I took into consideration the servants point of view. They were simply doing their duties. However, I did think there were some who simply wanted access due to frivolities, mainly gossip.
Anyway, I was finishing up on some important paperwork and already recessed all my audiences for the following day. There was nothing pertinent pending anyway. I was signing my last document, when suddenly the door to the counsel room opened. Not surprisingly, in walked Zelda. She was being escorted by two guards, but she dismissed them so she could apparently talk with me alone. Ever since the nobles dinner last week, we hadn't spoke very much, and admittedly that more so on my end than hers. She attempted to on several occasions, but I was either not keenly interested, or I kept the conversations brief. I was aware I needed to change my attitude on certain things to try and make them better with my wife, but I hoped she saw the need to do so as well. It was hard when we saw things so differently.
Zelda walked up to the table and stopped short of it. She looked me up and down, clasped her hands together, and waited for me to acknowledge her before she spoke. I stopped writing and looked up at her from my seated position.
"Good morning Zelda," I greeted.
She nodded.
"Good morning my love," she replied with that serene voice of hers. "How is everything going?"
I nodded myself.
"No complaints thus far."
Zelda nodded to that as well and I sensed she had a specific purpose for coming to see me. I decided to prompt her on it.
"Is everything alright?"
She then took in a deep sigh.
"I was hoping you could tell me."
I gave her a knowing look at her statement.
"What do you mean?"
She paused, but then went on.
"It's my understanding you postponed all of your audiences today, why?"
It was a reasonable question and one I expected.
"I had some unexpected business come up."
She looked me straight in my eyes taken aback just then.
"Unexpected business?" she repeated.
I nodded and didn't bother to elaborate.
"Yes."
Zelda gave me another quick once over.
"Do you mind telling me what?" she asked anyway.
I stared her down for just a second.
"I'm afraid I can't," I said honestly.
She looked at me stunned, and if I was trying to be discreet I was failing miserably.
"You can't?" she repeated. "Why not?"
I took in a deep breath and studied her for a moment.
"Look, if you must know, I just want to get out of the castle," I divulged. "I've been in court all week," I diverted, "I need a break."
She stared at me taken aback when the truth finally came out of me.
"Why didn't you just say that?" she inquired.
I looked back down at my documents.
"Because I knew you wouldn't approve," I replied, then added unwisely, "you never do."
She was mildly insulted by my remark.
"That isn't true, that isn't true at all, I do understand that court can be cumbersome some days Link." She paused but then added. "Why do you insist that I will judge you negatively regarding everything you do?"
I took in a deep sigh and understood her point. I wasn't really being fair to her. She gave no indication that she was upset about me missing court this morning. I had to stop being so defensive off of every action she questioned.
"I'm sorry," I then stood up, "I was wrong for saying that."
Zelda looked to the table and avoided my eyes just then.
She probably didn't believe me.
"Is that how you really feel?"
I deserved the doubt.
"Yes," I reassured.
She then looked me in the eyes and explained herself.
"My purpose for coming here was to apologize for not giving you the benefit of the doubt last week," she changed the subject. "I looked at it from your point of view and saw that many of the grievances the nobles laid against you were very disrespectful."
I looked at her surprised.
I didn't know how to reply.
"Oh," was all I could think of to say.
She looked from me to the table again.
"I think if I had just given it more thought, then perhaps I wouldn't have objected to it so readily like before," she went on.
I studied her for a moment and that was when I went around the table to face her without a barrier between us. I felt silly for my assumptions.
"I should apologize to you too," I said in return, "I was quick to be offended by what you were suggesting instead of looking at things for what they were."
She closed her eyes before turning to face me just then.
"Really?"
I nodded and took her hand in mine.
"Really."
She squeezed it affectionately.
"Oh Link…" she whispered, "I so want us to get along."
I nodded.
"I want that too," I apologized again, "I'm sorry for being so difficult."
She nodded and I reached up to caress her cheek.
"Smile more," I said to her suddenly, "you've been so gloom and doom these days, please smile. You have a beautiful smile."
She grinned at the suggestion.
"I will try, and that advice should go for you too."
I nodded.
"You're right," I then looked down at her still small waist, and changed the subject once more, "how's our baby doing?"
Zelda blushed at my question and smiled genuinely.
"He's doing okay," she said and looked down and rubbed her belly, "I can't feel him yet, but he's doing fine."
I grinned at her.
"How do you know it's a boy?"
She looked at me confidently and shrugged.
"I just do, a woman's intuition can never be denied."
I raised my hands in surrender and chuckled.
"You have no argument from me there. A woman's intuition is the most deadly thing in the universe if you ask me."
She giggled at me saying that.
"We're not savages Link, but we do feel very deeply on things."
I agreed.
"Very true," I laughed more.
Zelda stared into my eyes and reached up to caress my cheek.
"You see…" she trailed, "we can get along."
My smile faded a little bit, and I nodded. It was sad that she even had to utter that. A moment later, I reached over and kissed her gently on her lovely mouth, and gradually it got a little deeper. She didn't seem to want me to pull away when I did, but I wanted her to know something important.
"We'll keep trying," I whispered. "We have to for our child's sake."
Zelda's eyes searched my face.
"I want to for our sakes as well," she replied. "I love you very much Link."
I couldn't fault her for wanting that.
"Indeed, indeed."
Zelda reached over and kissed me once more before pulling away and finalizing her visit.
"I'll let you get back to what you were doing, and please, in the future just let me know and you know I'll understand."
I saw her point.
"I will," I promised, "and again I'm sorry for my assumptions."
She stared into my eyes.
"Me too," she whispered.
With that, Zelda curtsied in her graceful manner as always and took her leave. I watched as the door closed behind her and wondered if things between Zelda and I would ever get any better. I wondered if we would ever be truly happy together. I wanted to believe that one day after all the pain went away that perhaps we could be. However, that wasn't for me to know today. Only time would tell.
Only time would tell.
~SSS~
Two hours later, the Sacred Forest Meadow, below the stairwell, Saria
I arrived at the main landing where the gate to the meadow resided, and decided not to venture into the maze or go all the way up to where the temple was until I heard from Link. That way if something came up I could essentially make my way back to Ordon with no problems. Even so, I sat down and looked around at my old stomping grounds. It was still as beautiful and incredible as ever. The canopy didn't let quite as much sunlight shine through, but the ethereal feel was still amazing. I recalled when I first came here as a little Kokiri and playing with my friends. We hid among the thickets and the trees, but never ran in too far because there were wolfoses touting about back then. There was a great big grey one that used to reside where I was sitting right now, but Link slayed the creature and it has never since returned.
Link…
Anytime I thought of the hero, all I could do was smile. He was so amazing for so many different reasons and I couldn't believe he was taking a chance and coming out here to visit me. He was the king. He was the ultimate ruler in Hyrule now and he still wanted to make time for me. He really was a true friend. However, I had to remember that that was all we were now, just friends. We couldn't get weak and steal a kiss from each other or allow anything even more provocative to happen. We were married to different people and were responsible Hylians now. We couldn't act out selfishly. I felt nervous when I thought about this because what I was telling myself not to do was exactly what I wanted to do with Link. I wanted to kiss him. I wanted him to hold me in his arms and never let me go. I wanted to be so much more than what we were, but that was not what fate had in store for us. Fate gave us a different story.
I had to remember that.
As I continued to wait, my anticipation was suddenly rewarded when abruptly there was a familiar melody carried on the breeze. My heart raced a little from the recognition because it was my song… and I knew now that when I heard it, Link was calling out to me.
I wasted no time answering.
"Hello?" I said quietly in response.
There was a brief pause in the transmission, but then an answer.
"Saria?" the voice asked.
It was Link.
"Yes," I replied, hardly able to believe it.
He was about to confirm what I was hoping.
"Today's the day," he said simply.
I nodded.
I was so grateful.
"Wonderful, I'll be waiting for you."
There was a hint of enthusiasm in his voice.
"Perfect."
His tone made me smile.
"I… I can't wait to see you," I said just then.
There was a brief pause on his end.
"Me too... I can't wait to see you either… I'll be at the meadow in half an hour."
It almost seemed surreal.
"I'll see you in half an hour then."
With that, the transmission stopped and Link's voice was gone. I had to pinch myself to make sure this was real. It felt like I was living this moment outside my body. All I could hope for now is that Link would get here soon.
Very, very soon.
~SSS~
Meanwhile on Hyrule Field, Link
After my conversation with Saria, I put my ocarina away in my satchel and made sure my hood was completely covering my head. I was already enroute to the Sacred Forest Meadow. I left the castle via the secret passageway and took another steed that wasn't my Epona. About halfway to my destination I stopped to contact Saria. I was glad she was eager to get reacquainted. So far, there were absolutely no problems with my departure, and for one brief moment I felt free, truly free. I took in a deep breath of the fresh air of the midmorning breeze and patted the thorough bred's back. The horse was a beauty, but she was no Epona. No horse was like my Epona, and to be quite frank I wasn't sure I would ever be able to ride her freely again. She was my royal mare, I made sure to let everyone know that. So, there was no conscious way I could ride her to the forest today. She was too easily recognizable. Instead, I made prior arrangements to have this horse waiting for me in a private stable nearby the outskirts of the castle. As I stared at the horizon, I thought of the late king in that moment.
You spoke of destiny sire... I wonder if this was truly what you meant.
Daphnes was a complicated man, but he did what he thought was right. For myself, I wonder if my legacy would be the same. I was doing what I felt was right, even if others would judge it as wrong. I didn't have the secrets of the past like the great late Daphnes did, but I was acting in secret to be with someone very dear to me. Was I treacherous for not letting go? Was I doing the kingdom a disservice by allowing my better judgement to be clouded by my own selfish desires? The truth of the matter was, I still loved Saria very much, and I was willing to do some very erroneous things that were normally against my character to be with her. I knew that was wrong, but I would be lying if I didn't state that truth.
My dear dear Saria.
I couldn't wait to see and hold her again. I was already getting that old feeling... that same feeling I got when I saw her for the first time at her tailoring shop in Kakariko Village. She was so beautiful...
I'm coming Sar… I'm coming...
~SSS~
Half an hour later the Sacred Forest Meadow, the Forest Temple area
I found a more elusive route to get straight to the temple instead of going through the Lost Woods like before. I imagine that was where Saria was if she was here. When I finally reached the private alcove, I removed my hood and stroked a hand through my blonde hair. Finally, the thick of it was over. Suddenly, the wind picked up in the trees above as I walked over to the old stump. I paused and looked around as if it were my first time coming here. It felt so surreal. I grinned when I sat down and thought of the time Saria first taught me her song. It was right after I returned to the forest to tell her I met the princess. I remember her being excited for me, even though in that encounter I was more enamored with her tune than telling her my tale of Hyrule.
She was curious even then...
It was strange. Nothing had changed, but it seemed at the same time everything had changed. I studied the landscape to correlate the similarities and differences. The large tree leading to the temple was still prominent and robust. The crest of the royal family was still apparent, though dulled from the weathering forces of nature. The trees were still as emerald and evergreen as ever, though they were larger and more protuberant than before. The sprites were still dancing about. The canopy was as iridescent, ethereal, and beautiful as ever. The long stairway leading back to the Lost Woods was still as tall and imposing as ever. But even with all these familiarities, the over growth of the earth acted as a reminder of the time that went by. I needed to remember myself to bring some gardening tools to help keep this place beautiful. I would till the land myself if I needed to. It was a place definitely worth saving.
Next time, I'll bring some gardening tools next time...
Just then, I opened my bag and pulled out my ocarina once more. I ran my fingers over it before placing it up to my lips, closing my eyes, and playing ever so softly. The notes carried on the wind, and the melody was spirited as well as enchanting. I always thought of Saria's Song as enchanting. I hoped she would hear this soon and be able to answer me. However, the longer I played, Saria never answered me telepathically. I was hoping I wasn't too far from her, but if she could hear me from Hyrule Castle there shouldn't have been any reason she couldn't hear me from the Sacred Forest Meadow. However, it seemed I assumed too soon because a few moments later I heard some footsteps in the distance. They were coming from the direction of the stairwell, as they were getting closer to this locale. I stopped playing momentarily when the steps got closer and louder. Soon, I put the instrument away completely and stood when I saw she was walking up the steps. Admittedly, I felt a little nervous seeing her again and I knew that was silly because Saria was the last person I ever needed to feel awkward around. I just needed to relax.
The stairwell continued to echo the footsteps and soon a body rose with it. Once I saw that emerald green hair I let out a sigh of relief. When Saria got to the top stair she paused and she just stared at me for a long time. She looked so beautiful in her simple blue dress and brown shawl. Her hair was flowing down to her waist, and she couldn't have appeared more perfect to me. She was the perfect peasant girl. I took a step forward and smiled at her hesitation, hoping to get her to see I was glad she was finally here. She eventually gave me a smile in return, then afterwards she hurried towards me. A moment later, her hurried step turned into a run, when she jumped into my arms and held me tight. I closed my eyes and held my dear friend securely. I took in a deep breath of her hair to make sure she was real, and she was. She smelled like honeysuckle. When she pulled back to look at me, she was smiling again.
She immediately reached up and caressed my cheek.
"I'm so glad to see you," she whispered.
I nodded.
"I'm glad to see you too," I said sincerely.
Her eyes searched my face.
"You have a beard now."
I looked at her perplexed for a moment forgetting my own appearance, but then nodded at her observation.
"Yes, I guess my hair grows faster than I thought. I'll shave it off."
She giggled at my reply.
"Don't shave it, it's so handsome on you," she complimented, "it suits you."
I nodded again.
"Thank you."
She stepped back to give me a full once over.
"Castle life is treating you well I see. You look so distinguished now."
I just looked down at my clothes and shrugged, not thinking much of it.
"I guess, it comes with the king territory."
She giggled again when I said that and nodded.
"I suppose it does. Well, you make it work."
I grinned at her.
"Thank you again," I said once more.
It was then there was a brief, but telling silence between us. I knew it would be a little strange with this first encounter here, but I didn't want her thinking anything had changed for me. I still considered her one of the most important people in my life and I wanted her to know that. I didn't want her thinking I had changed because I was now king. Truth be told, it seemed my affection for her only deepened. I took a step towards her to reengage the conversation.
"You look wonderful. I imagine Ralph loves showing you off as his new bride."
Saria looked at me surprised, but then shrugged almost coyly.
"He does," she then avoided my eyes, "he's… he's one of the most genuine people I've ever met."
I stared into her eyes avoiding mine after hearing her say that. I didn't want to make her feel bad about being gracious to her husband.
"I sensed that about him myself," I agreed. "He'll… he'll take good care of you."
She pursed her lips together just then and looked to the ground.
"Yes…" she trailed, "yes, he will."
The smile on her face faded a little and we were met with another brief silence. Saria looked lost in her thoughts for a second, but then broke the silence again when she spoke up.
"How's Zelda?"
I paused for a moment at her mentioning my wife. I really didn't know what to say.
"She's doing well," I said honestly, "she enjoys being queen."
Saria grinned.
"I'm sure she's a magnificent queen too. She has the kind of wisdom that only a goddess could behold."
Her words were true, but I just nodded at her compliments, not having very much to add.
"True."
There was another brief silence between us where Saria took a notable step back just then, and I wasn't sure if that was intentional or not. It was an obvious defensive maneuver. I was certain this was as hard for her as it was for me.
"So…" she trailed, changing the subject, "why did you set up this little rendezvous? What's going on?"
I took in a deep sigh at her questions and went to sit back down on the stump just then. I ran my hands over my face and stared at the ground for a moment. When Saria saw the apparent stress on my face she came and sat down next to me. She placed a hand on my shoulder to try and comfort me.
"Hey…" she said gently, "you can't go acting like Mr. Killjoy again. You're king now."
I appreciated her efforts in trying to cheer me up, but I groaned when she said the word 'king'.
"King of a harem," I muttered.
She chuckled softly at my reply.
"Come on… is it really that bad?"
I shrugged.
"It could definitely be better. The nobles are driving me insane though."
She interlaced her fingers and rested them on her knees.
"I'm not surprised with you saying that, but are they legitimate problems or contrivances due to your own grievances with them?"
It was a fair question, so I decided to be honest.
"A little bit of both."
She looked at me thoughtfully.
"Are you making more problems for yourself than need be with that stance? Don't you think that you should try to meet them halfway?"
She seemed to be echoing Zelda's words.
"Zelda would say so."
Saria paused for a moment.
"I'm asking you."
I shrugged again.
"Possibly, yes."
She gave me a knowing look.
"But why do that? Why create more problems for yourself?"
I knew she was making sense. I just didn't want to admit it right now.
"It's not that simple, court life is a big game of chess. I've constantly got to keep one step ahead so the nobles don't out maneuver me."
She wasn't completely convinced by my answer.
"And, how are you doing that?"
"By not giving in to the nobles' demands," I replied.
She gave me an offhanded look.
"What demands?" she countered.
I heard a little of the doubt in her voice, but I wasn't deterred.
"There are too many to count, but if you must know, their latest offense is interloping and attempted illegal land acquisition."
Saria's devil advocacy soon ended.
"Hmph, I have no rebuttal for you there, especially regarding the interloping issue."
I grinned at her encrypted reasoning.
"Indeed, I knew eventually you would see it my way."
Saria just smiled at me.
"Well… bravo, I stand corrected; you said that with such conviction."
I meant to make a greater point of that.
"It's the truth," I then added, "I've never met a greedier bunch of people. It's like they have the whole world and they still want more."
Saria crossed her arms over her chest and stared at the ground thoughtfully just then.
"I see what you mean, it's funny that you mention the subject of greed because when Ralph and I were on our honeymoon there was some odd currency exchange going on in Zora's Domain."
My ears perked when I heard that.
"Odd currency in Zora's Domain?"
She nodded.
"A few of the vendors we went to only accepted a money called mon," she explained, "it was the strangest thing because the exchange rate was horrendous. It was ten rupees for one mon and we paid five mon for our breakfast."
I looked at her in complete disbelief.
"What?"
She only nodded.
"That's not the only thing," she went on. "There was also some unusual looking apparatuses being deployed at the top of one of the hills. I had no idea what they were for, but my guess would be for digging in some capacity."
I stared at Saria without really seeing her for a moment. I hid my mounting frustration related to this situation, but I already had an idea what those 'unusual looking apparatuses' were. Not only was Filgore and Rue Morgue proceeding against my will, they had been doing so for quite some time now. It was clear to me then that I was going to have to go up to Zora's Domain and have a chat with King Zora myself. I had to figure out the depth of this situation before I could properly go forward with it, and that wasn't going to happen with me simply sitting in a throne room.
Filgore and Rue Morgue... you slimy bastards…
The look on my face must have said it all, so Saria went to allay it.
"Look, I'm not trying to be the bearer of bad news, I just thought you should know."
I shook my head her statement.
"Don't worry about that, in fact, I need to thank you for informing me on this. I appreciate your watchful eye on these things. If you hadn't told me, I never may have known what I know now."
She seemed pleased with my answer.
"Well, I'm glad I could be of help to you in some way."
I smiled at her, but then felt it fade a little when I thought about the implications of this matter. I sincerely hoped it wasn't much deeper than it appeared to be, but I knew from my past experiences that my hopes were simply wishful thinking. Something monumental could potentially be extracted from the Zora mountains and the nobles were willing to do anything to get it. What were they after? What did they want?
I looked away from Saria just then when I got deep in thought. My expression must have been notably apparent because Saria was looking at me concerned now.
"Are you okay?"
I paused before answering.
"I'm fine, I just have a lot on my mind."
She reached over and rubbed my shoulder sympathetically.
"I understand," she then added, "let me know if I can help in any way."
I reached up and covered her hand with my own just then and turned my head to look at her.
"Just you being here is enough," I said sincerely, "I… I've missed you a great deal."
She blushed slightly at my words and her pretty face warmed like a red flower.
"I've missed you too. I feel like it's been a long time even though really it's only been about a month since we saw each other last."
I took her hand off my shoulder and interlaced her fingers with mine.
"It's long enough if you ask me."
Saria blushed again and grinned.
"That's very kind of you to say."
I caressed her knuckle with my thumb.
"It's very true."
Her smile broadened just then, and that familiar sparkle hit her eyes from the canopy light.
"Hey, do you want to hear some new jokes?" she asked, changing the subject suddenly. "I have some great ones for you."
I was silent at her question and thought about how adroitly she maneuvered the conversation. She was perceptive... she knew where I wanted to take this. She was definitely perceptive, but then I rolled my eyes and chuckled at the potential repercussions of what was to come. Normally, Saria's jokes were terrible. What made them palatable was her reaction and delivery of them. Though the jokes in and of themselves were ridiculous, seeing her laugh at her own delivery was often more humorous than the jest itself. I could only imagine what she cooked up over the past few months of us being apart.
"Do you really?" I inquired.
She nodded.
"I do."
I prepared myself.
"Well then, let's have at it. Tell me your new jokes."
At my cue, she got up from the stump to stand. This had to be 'good' if she wanted to stand up and tell me. I gave her my undivided attention.
"I have three," she stated, "and they are doozies."
I gave her an obvious look.
"Doozies huh?"
She nodded.
"Yes sir."
I cleared my throat for what could have been something truly terrible.
"Well, then don't let me keep you."
Saria then stretched her arms out in front of her and cracked her knuckles. I immediately chuckled at the way she did that because her facial expression was priceless.
"Okay," she started, "first one: a ray of sun checks into an inn and the attending clerk asks about its luggage, what do you think the ray says?"
I pretended to think about it, but gave up right away.
"I have no idea."
That was her cue.
"The ray says 'I don't have any luggage, I'm 'traveling light'!'" Afterwards she started giggling hysterically at the punch line.
I snickered for a second, but more so from the enjoyment of her laughter. She had such a beautiful laugh. She then composed herself and went on.
"Okay here's the second joke," she continued, "why did the scarecrow win an award?"
I raised my hands in surrender and shrugged.
"Because he scared off lots of cuckoos?" I attempted.
Saria shook her head.
"Nice try though. No, it's because he was 'outstanding' in his field!"
That one didn't even get a snicker out of me, but I did grin. That joke was just terrible, terrible... but true to her nature, Saria immediately started laughing. There was a cadence in her laugh that was so happy and joyful. It really was a pleasure to listen to. Again, after she composed herself, Saria went on for her final round.
"Okay here's the last one," she said, "this one I actually got from Ralph: what do you call a cheap circumcision?"
I looked at her taken aback immediately. I didn't see how anything related to the male sex organs could be funny, especially circumcision.
"Uh… painful?" I guessed.
Saria commended my efforts.
"No, but nice try. You call a cheap circumcision 'a rip off'!"
Again, she started laughing, and again all I could do is stare and cross my legs in discomfort. Where in the world did she get these jokes? Even so, it was nice to hear her laugh and that definitely broke some of the awkwardness we may have been feeling when we initially arrived. Afterwards, I clapped at her efforts, she bowed, and then sat back down on the tree stump next to me.
"Thank you for the jokes Sar," I said sincerely. "You were in classic form."
She simply grinned.
"No problem," she then added, "you're going to have to come up with a few of your own to tell me."
I immediately fanned that off.
"I'll leave that to you, jesting isn't my forte."
She fanned off my concern in return.
"You'd be surprised. Besides… you can practice on Zelda."
I gave her an offhanded look just then. Maybe I was being a bit harsh, but Zelda was the last person I thought about when it came to having a sense of humor. In fact, it seemed very sad that she and I never laughed very much together. We existed together more so than lived together like a normal husband and wife. I didn't have very much to say.
"I don't think she'll like my jokes."
She groaned gently.
"Then try some of mine, you'll never know if you don't try. Just give her a chance."
Her words were echoing deeper than she realized. I took hold of her hand and held it gently just then. I stared into her eyes and studied her beautiful face for a moment.
"Maybe you're right," I whispered.
She smiled.
"Of course I am."
I grinned at her answer and raised my finger to caress her cheek. At my touch, she avoided my eyes just then and blushed. There was a silence that overcame us in that moment. One where it had me thoroughly contemplating what was happening between me and Zelda, and though I didn't want to right now because I was enjoying my time with Saria, I decided I should inform her about the news regarding Zelda and me. I didn't want Saria to find out about Zelda's pregnancy through an informal letter, or an impersonal announcement. I wanted to tell her myself… she was still my dearest friend.
I looked away from her for a moment, knowing this was going to be hard.
"I… I have something I want to tell you," I broke the silence and changed the subject.
She paused before she glanced back my way, signifying I had her undivided attention. I figured she had her own ideas about what we were going to talk about due to my tone, but I wasn't going to go there. I wasn't going to stem off in that direction when all it was going to do was make this harder... at least not yet. What I was about to say was hard enough.
"What's that?" she asked.
I hesitated after her question, sensing there would be a drastic shift in how we were communicating once I disclosed what I had to disclose. However, I realized procrastination was not going to help either of us. Sooner or later Saria was going to find out Zelda was pregnant. I just hoped she would look at me the way she was now. I just hoped she would be happy for me even if it was pretense to make this less hurtful. My grip on her hand suddenly tightened.
"Well… as you know, Zelda and I have been married for three months now," I began.
I saw her grin from the corner of my eye.
"You don't say," she said with a hint of sarcasm.
I guess I had that coming, but I went on anyway.
"Well um… I wanted to let you know… I wanted to let you know…"
I hesitated again and Saria suddenly looked at me with open concern.
"What is it?"
My throat tightened a little and I turned to look her in the eyes. Hers were so beautiful with her look of concern and I mustered all the courage I could.
"I wanted to inform you that… that Zelda's pregnant."
There was a brief silence on her end before she said anything, and admittedly I couldn't look at her in that moment, so I turned away again. A silence followed that was prolonged and uncomfortable for the both of us, but I was expecting such.
"Oh…" she said finally and swallowed hard, but then added, "that's-that's wonderful news."
I could tell by her tone that she was taken aback. I pursed my lips together and finally looked back at her when I heard her stammering. Her grip on my hand lessened, but I didn't let her go. I didn't want to hurt her if that was what she was feeling right now, but I didn't know how else to tell her. Even so, I wanted to express my concern.
"Are you okay?" I asked.
Saria gave me a forced smile regarding my question and successfully pulled her hand from my grip.
"Of course," she said, not sounding okay at all, "that's a silly question. Besides, Zelda getting pregnant was bound to happen sooner or later."
No sooner afterwards, she got up from the stump and took a few steps away from me. Her back was facing me and I could only imagine what was going through her head right now. I got up from the stump myself and walked up to her to try and talk to her. I really wanted to know what she was thinking.
"Sar-" I tried.
However, she turned around and shushed me before I could ask my question. She did so by putting her forefinger to my lips.
"Congratulations," she said to me sincerely as she stared into my eyes. "Having a baby is a joyous occasion. Don't let anyone or anything take that joy from you."
I stared into her eyes and I saw her conviction, but I also saw the pain she was trying so hard to conceal. I wished there was some way I could convey to her how much she truly meant to me. So I attempted to do so once more.
"I am happy I'm going to be a father, but I just want you to know that-"
"-that you'll name your baby after me if it's a girl, right?" she interrupted.
I paused when I realized what she was doing.
"Saria-" I tried again.
She shook her head and stepped back.
"Please Link don't," she begged quietly, "just don't."
My breathing quickened a little at what she was truly telling me and that frustrated me because I had so much I wanted to tell her. I think she knew I was going to tell her that she should have been having my baby, and that Zelda's womb should have been hers, but what good would that do? What difference would a statement like that make now? All it would do is increase the already latent desire I had to be with her. I wanted to tell her so badly that I was still in love with her, but Saria had the good sense to stop me. I looked away from her when the frustration from our situation showed up on my face. Saria stared at me for a long moment before coming up to me and taking my hand in hers once again. She squeezed it affectionately and attempted another smile.
"Come on," she whispered gently, "don't do that to yourself."
I closed my eyes at her words, but then opened them again when I cut them back to her.
"It's just so goddamn unfair," I muttered.
She stared at me surprised by my loose lips.
"Link…"
She wasn't going to try and tell me otherwise.
"I mean that."
She just looked up at me and didn't have much else to say regarding the matter. That was when she came up to me and wrapped her arms around my waist. She rested her head against my chest and tried to comfort me.
"You have to try and see the good in all this," she said. "You're… you're going to be a father."
My throat tightened a little and I hugged her back. I had nothing to say in that moment, but Saria went on anyway.
"Your baby is going to be so, so, so beautiful," she continued, "think about the possibilities if it's a boy or girl you're going to be so lucky."
I held her tighter and took in another deep breath against her hair.
"I suppose you're right," I muttered.
Saria pulled back to look me in the eyes just then.
"You suppose?" she accused. "You have to know your baby is going to be the most coveted child in all of Hyrule. Everyone's going to be doting over him or her."
She did have a point and I attempted a grin.
"That is one consolation."
Saria went to encourage me further.
"You're referring to your baby as a consolation?" she accused. "What kind of enthusiasm is that?"
Again, I saw her point and went to rectify it.
"I didn't mean to come across as though I'm not excited," I said. "I am excited, really and truly."
She grinned after she saw her assessment was affective.
"That's better. Remember Mr. Killjoy is gone, right?"
She did get a real smile out of me when she said that.
I nodded.
"Right," I agreed.
She reached up and caressed my cheek just then.
"You're going to be such a great father," she reassured. "You have so many talents that you can share with your child Link."
I nodded absently at her words.
"Yeah…" I whispered.
It was then there was another prolonged silence between us. One where there was so much to say, but it was better left unsaid. In that time, Saria released me and looked to the ground. I wanted this to be a more joyous occasion between us, but it seemed it was more of a reunion of restraint than anything else, and I didn't want it to end this way. Even so, Saria broke the silence and decided on that very thing.
"You know what, I… I think I better go," she said finally. "I have to get back and prepare Ralph's dinner."
My eyes darted back to her when she spoke about leaving because that was the last thing I wanted her to do right now. What I truly wanted we both couldn't have, but I definitely didn't want to see her go yet.
"We just arrived," I tried to reason.
She looked away and sighed, I saw her struggling to keep it together. That was when the mask finally came down. That was when the tears filled her eyes. I winced slightly at the sight.
"And this is doing us no good Link," she whispered.
I took a step towards her.
"Saria-" I tried.
She stepped back and away from my reach.
"You shouldn't be here," she interrupted, talking more to herself than to me, then looked around as if at a loss. "What are we doing here? What am I doing here?"
She seemed more frustrated with herself than anything.
I took another step towards her.
"Saria-" I tried again.
She shook her head and her voice broke suddenly.
"I have to go," she interrupted again, then turned to hurry towards the exit, "I need to get out of here."
My eyes widened and my heart suddenly started beating fast at the sight of her running away from me. I didn't want this. I didn't want this to go this way. So without thinking, I hurried after her.
"Saria wait!" I called to her.
However, she didn't stop. It was more like she wouldn't stop. I then I accelerated my pace, caught up to her, and took hold of her elbow before she headed back down that stairwell. I pulled her to me, while she tried covering her face as the tears started streaming down her cheeks now.
"Let me go!" she begged in a broken voice. "I can't do this! This is too hard! Let me go!"
Her reaction was breaking my heart.
"Saria please," I whispered.
However, she didn't want to hear me.
"Let me go!" she insisted.
I didn't budge and held her tighter.
"Don't leave," I whispered against her hair, "don't leave, don't leave, don't leave, don't leave, don't leave…please," I said in rapid succession. "I need you Saria. I need you. I won't be able to do this properly without your friendship."
She tried to pull away from me, but I still didn't let her go.
"Link-" she tried.
I let my frustration get the better of me just then.
"I still care about you goddamn it!" I interrupted, but I almost slipped up. "Don't you realize that I love-"
I stopped myself while Saria was looking up at me surprised and dumbstruck, but I had to compose myself. I closed my eyes and took in a deep breath.
"I'm sorry," I apologized, "I didn't mean to yell. I just… I just don't want to lose you. I mean it when I say I need you in my life. Please…"
She was silent when I spoke. More tears filled her eyes and spilled over, but she calmed down a little. She still didn't reply. Her beautiful eyes appeared like water jewels. She looked so perfect in that moment. I knew I shouldn't have, but an impulse overcame me. I leaned down and pressed my mouth against hers, which completely surprised her. Saria attempted to pull away, but I still didn't let her go. I kissed her deeply, and soon it was no longer one sided. She returned my kiss with so much more. She reached up and wrapped her arms around my neck and hugged herself close. I kissed her deeper when she opened her mouth to mine. She moaned softly and all I wanted was her in that instant. However, I knew I couldn't have her. I knew this was wrong. I told myself not to do this. I told myself not to make this more difficult... and here I was not listening to my own advice. When I pulled away, Saria immediately let me go, took several steps back, and covered her mouth with both her hands.
"I can't believe we just did that," she whispered more to herself than to me. "I can't believe it."
I didn't want to make this anymore convoluted, but I wasn't going to be dishonest either.
"I want to see you again," I confessed suddenly. "I want to meet up with you in similar circumstances like today."
She stared at me stunned, then crossed her arms over her chest in a guarded fashion. She immediately shook her head.
"No," she whispered, "no, I can't."
My eyes searched her face, almost like I was imploring her.
"Saria-"
"I am not going to be your mistress Link! I told you before there will be no cottage in the meadow, or a second life away from your wife! You're the king! The king! You're about to be a father. There is no future for us Link!"
To be frank, I didn't want to hear these things from her because a part of me hoped she would change her mind one day. I knew my hopes were selfish, but I would be lying if I stated I didn't want another life away from the castle with her. I wanted her to have my children. I wanted her to forget her husband and just think about us. I wanted her to be my one true wife. But, I would never tell her these things outright again. She would only think I was grandstanding, being greedy, and being selfish. I needed to tread carefully with what I said next.
"It won't be anything like that," I promised. "We'll just come here and talk once a month. That's it, just talk, nothing else."
Saria was skeptical.
"You mean like just now?" she asked sarcastically. "We just kissed."
I would have done a lot more if you allowed me...
"That... that won't happen again."
She shook her head.
"Why are you struggling to say that?"
I wanted to be honest.
"Because this is hard," I whispered, "but not seeing you would be harder."
Saria stared at me and bit her lower lip. She was struggling too.
"Link-"
"Please Saria… please," I interrupted, "just say yes."
She stared into my eyes for a long time and saw that I was practically begging her. She hugged herself again and cut her gaze to my chest. The silence prolonged as Saria wiped the tears from her eyes. I really wish this wasn't ending this way. I really wish I used more self control. But, what else could I do? What could we do?
Finally, Saria spoke up.
"I'm sorry for reacting the way that I did to your news about Zelda's pregnancy," she apologized. "Truthfully, I've... I've been expecting it."
I shook my head.
"You don't have to apologize."
She avoided my eyes and went on.
"Now, as for your request… I-I need to think about it. This was hard enough. I don't know if I could handle going through this every month."
I understood her stance, but honestly that wasn't what I wanted to hear. I wanted her to say yes because I knew deep down she wanted to see me too. Even so, I wanted to appear reasonable, but I did want to convey that I was serious.
"That's fine," I reasoned, "but will you let me know soon?"
She nodded.
"I'll let you know by the end of the week. Just play my song then and I'll let you know then."
I nodded and that was when another silence consumed us. I wasn't sure there was much we could do about salvaging this meeting, so it was probably just best to end it for now.
"I better go," Saria spoke up once more.
I didn't have much of a rebuttal.
"Okay, I will contact you in two days."
Saria didn't reply, but she nodded. Afterwards, she turned and hurried down the stairwell leading back to the Lost Woods. I watched after her and hoped she would do what we both wanted. When she was at the cusp of the maze, she turned to look up at me. I didn't have anything to say, so I waved at her. She waved back and afterwards headed into the maze. I wasn't sure what to make of what just happened. I could have kissed her all afternoon, but I knew I made things more complicated.
"That wasn't how that was supposed to go Link," I whispered to myself. "That wasn't the way that was supposed to go by a long shot."
The next chapter will be up soon.