The Covenant, The Keeper, & The Promise: Book I

by ZeldaRubix

After the events of 'The Girl with the Green Hair,' Link and Saria's friendship continue with some unexpected twists and turns. Life isn't always what it seems and now that Link is king, that notion is going to be continually challenged all his life.

8. Chapter 8

Inspiration: The Cult of Masks, Majora's Mask, LoZ ALBW, type I and type II errors, null hypotheses, the moon, the solar eclipse, and the most interesting man in the world.

Shout Out: Bernie2020, thanks for reading.

Author's Note: There's an idea in my head on how some of the histories and stories go in the LoZ universe. It doesn't follow canon, but I find the idea interesting. Maybe you will too lol. Remember, it's only an idea. Thanks for reading. ~ZR~.

Word Count: 19,397

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Chapter 8

Reflections from an Interesting Character

There are strange tales that regale the world. Tales of war and peace. Tales of love and hate. Tales of politics and prose. Tales of balance and frivolity. And, of course, tales of good and evil. It is these diametrically opposing ideas that allow for equilibrium to exist. Equilibrium comes from the flow of energy from the Triforce. In one of these stories, two interesting characters are constantly in conflict: the goddess of the moon and her adversary, but sometimes lover, the sun prince. Who is the moon goddess? Who is the sun prince? Where did their story begin, and what bearing does it have on the world now?

A long time ago when the world was young… no wait, that is not accurate. The world is more complex than that. A more correct description would be: 'in another land…' yes, that is better. I will begin with that. In another land, there once was the goddess of the moon. This goddess was beautiful, revered, and heralded. She was looked to by her people as the only means of hope and salvation. Interestingly enough, the moon goddess didn't view salvation in the same manner as the other goddesses. She believed there was just as much longevity in the concept of death as there was in life. Her stance was naturally unpopular. However, her supposition did have credence when it came to balance… and she dealt out that balance indiscriminately. While the deities Nayru, Farore, and Din enjoyed creating life, this fourth goddess, a goddess of darkness as she was aptly called, enjoyed mandating death.

As with any opposing idea, the fourth goddess soon clashed with the other goddesses. They found her obsession with death abhorrent. The other deities forbade the fourth goddess from exacting death as though it were merely a game. The moon goddess naturally pushed, stating their ideals were prejudicial and she was willing to do what they could not. This stalemate created tension, and because the fourth goddess was so insubordinate, so inflexible in her views, she was banished to the cold confines of the moon. The moon was chosen because it symbolized her great distance from the light, her isolation from true sovereignty, and her unyielding heart. The fourth goddess disagreed and was angry that her viewpoint was misunderstood. Her concepts about death were just as important as the other deities concepts of life. How would there be balance if only one side reigned? To prove her point, she waited. She waited hundreds of years, until what she considered 'a proliferation of all things' was ruining Hylian-kind. In essence, she deduced there were too many people. She saw this as an opportunity to put her plans of balance in motion.

Her version of balance came in the form of a great war. At the time, the world had become increasingly problematic with the different species. At the time, the various races were antagonizing each other for dominance. Seeing this as her opportunity, she backed and governed the side of a resisting force led by the entity known as Demise. She sympathized with the being. She saw him to be misunderstood as she was misunderstood. Demise opposed the goddesses of Hyrule because he believed power and corruption were equally as culpable as prosperity and equality. Demise understood darkness and death the same way the moon goddess understood darkness and death.

Even so…

Though the fourth goddess and Demise had plans to conquer the world, it was not to be. The duo was defeated and banished from the world of light. Demise was imprisoned to the fate of a sword, while the goddess was sent back to the fate of the moon. Interestingly, this defeat was exacted by the hands of the goddess of light herself, Hylia, and her hero, the Hero of the Sky. At seeing the light goddess, the moon goddess once again accepted her fate. However, once more, as the ages went on, she became embittered. She wanted another opportunity to exact her power. She wanted her own reign, her own people, her own world to govern. A world where the people understood and appreciated her world view. In time, that happened.

A rift in the realms allowed the moon goddess to escape her prison and actually establish a state of governance. For hundreds of years, she acted in secret and created a belief of death in her world. Everything: from the books, the culture, the food, the power structure, the majesty, even the hierarchical types. Everything focused on death. She was proud of her kingdom. She gave it a name she felt suited it. She called it Lorule to mock the land of Hyrule.

Now… I do not know if this land of Lorule truly exists. I have never been to it. All I can surmise is that there are a great many things that are not always known in this world. What may seem to be true may actually be false. Those in power will often tell those not in power, lies to cover the truth. The world has more faces than the rulers of it would like the people to believe, but that is a conversation for another day. In the case of the mythical land of Lorule, there was a tale about a princess of the last royal family. She made it her mission to defeat the moon goddess. She came to believe that she and her people were pawns in the moon goddess's culture of death. This princess was named Hilda. Though she was given the privilege of ruling by the luminous deity of this dark world, the princess ultimately rejected it. The story goes that Princess Hilda worked with a youth in a green tunic to stop the agent of the moon goddess, a magi known as Master Yuga. Master Yuga was in the service of the moon spirit, but once he was defeated, the divinity was again banished.

A theme was running through here.

At that time, the moon goddess was enraged that any of her servants would rebel against her. She did not understand why anyone would willingly thwart her plans. Had not she given them life? Had not she given them power? Was not her world supposed to bend to her will? Her bitterness and anger grew, and as the ages progressed, she saw another opportunity. An opportunity of all opportunities. This time she decided the only way to ensure she would have her way with her world was if she mandated its destruction in its inception. She did exactly that.

The moon goddess gave the land the grotesque name of Termina, as there would be a terminal point to its existence. As a concocted bit of irony, she would use the very moon she was banished to to do it. To have the people living there understand this concept, she infused power into a mask that cultivated the power of the moon. This mask was named Majora due to the major impact it would have on the societal norms of the day. She also mandated that the citizens would have limited freedom. She wanted them to be aware of their mortality, as she believed it would make them more grateful to her. There would be three days of life, then on the fourth day the land would cease to exist. Nevertheless, there were those who worked against the edict. Four giants came together, acting as guardians. They had a song of power that summoned them on the day of reckoning called the Oath of Order. This song literally gave them the courage to pushback against the moon. Seeing their intentions, the goddess of darkness knew they could not stop her. However, many of the plans she had in place were going to work against her.

The mask that the divinity placed so much trust in somehow got into the hands of an unusual salesman… a happy mask salesman. This salesman procured certain items for certain allotment prices. However, one day the mask was even stolen from him. Who did it go off to? Where did it end up? As fate would have it, the mask ended up in the hands of a little forest creature known as a Skull Kid. Considering the child's name, I believe the moon goddess assumed there was nothing to worry about. She was still going to terminate her world on her given timeline. However, like the times before, a young courageous boy, with the power of light, came and prevented her from taking the life of her world and the lives of all those living in it. The boy had a mask of his own when he came to thwart her. It was known as the Fierce Deity's Mask. The power of the sun was infused in this mask, which in turn keyed into the clue of the light. He appeared as the legendary sun prince who once loved and protected the moon goddess. It was in those moments that Majora, the real servant trapped within the mask, allowed her guard to come down. The apparent romantic love Majora felt for the sun prince was still present -an ironic gift from the goddess of the moon- and once again she was defeated and banished from her world.

As it stands now, the goddess has been dormant, with very few people today even knowing of her existence, but a culture of her legacy still continues. This culture first appeared in the ancient technology of the Sheikah people, then it passed on to the people of her dark world Lorule, then after that, to the surviving agents of the land of Termina. These factions changed and integrated over time, creating a network of secrets and rituals that only those brave enough to delve into would survive and understand. These people are known as the Interlopers. The Interlopers are Hylians who practice magic and use the old ancient language of Hyrule as a means of communication. The Interlopers take part in what is known as the Cult of Masks. Never heard of it? Well, I am not surprised, many people have not. Though, many in Termina partook of it whether they realized it or not. Today, however, those who venerate the moon goddess are more so in the noble class. They have the wealth, connections, and networking to keep their doings very secretive. They have sought, seen, and see the plight of the forsaken goddess and wish to restore her to her former glory.

How was this to be done?

I have not the slightest clue, nor would I tell the tale right now if I knew. I find life more interesting with the disclosures of spontaneity. Thus, my tale for today comes to an end. But who knows… perhaps... perhaps I will share more stories in the future.

Yes…

The future.

I have some interesting prospects regarding that as well.

Until then, take care and goodbye for now…

Sincerely, an old friend.

~SSS~

One week later, Link

Rave returned from Balaam three days ago with an interesting report on the prince. He informed me the prince was in good spirits despite the recent loss of his father. He also stated Prince Leonhart was an amiable host and looked forward to coming to Hyrule. Rave was quick to mention that the Balaamians were cautious of Hyrule's motives, but intrigued by them. I wasn't sure if that was good news or not, but at least there wasn't a threat of outright animosity. Upon leaving the sea faring island, he received a gift I was staring at now. It was an elongated crystal goblet, painted blue with sapphires enshrouding the circumference. It was gaudy and ornate, but a good sign. It left me hopeful. My steward had done all he could do, and had once again proved his worth. It was up to the royal family now.

It's up to me now...

I got up and walked over to the window of the royal study, a vaulted octagonal hall, where many priceless books were kept. It was not the same as the great library, but very rare and specialized texts were stored here. Only the royal family had access to this room. Zelda showed me this repository shortly after we returned from our honeymoon trip. I was grateful, because it acted as another sanctuary, even with the guards right outside the door. I came here when I wanted to focus and write, where the queen would only have access to me.

It seemed all the preplanning was coming full circle. The Balaamian prince would be arriving in two days and the castle was consumed with chatter. The secondary wall I commissioned was completed. Seven tiers constructed in one month. That was an impressive feat, and though it was met with some criticism initially, the people actually praised the extra fortification. The wall was just the beginning. The citizens were going to be surprised with some of the other plans had for the city later.

Hyrule will become the greatest metropolis in the world... I will make sure of it...

I glanced over at the gardens, watching the botanists and florists scuttle about. It was amusing to some measure, but I did not remember the people being this excited for a royal's visit in quite some time. However, I suppose the implications were substantial. The people weren't ignorant of this. I respected that about Hylians in general. The people knew the importance of the greater political efforts of the royal family. I probably should stop referring to the royal family as if I am not a part of it. The royal family included me. Even so, I remember several years ago when I was the First Knight, the royals of Dragon Roost came to visit. They were quite the spectacle, and left a lasting impression on the citizens. Security was a nightmare for me, but I recalled being in awe of the dragon masters. I found their culture and way of thinking intriguing, if not a little bold. So, in this current moment, I understood why the people were excited. This was an event that did not happen often. More importantly, I was beginning to see the importance of my role in all this.

Zelda will be proud...

While the Balaamian prince occupied the minds of the people, I became concerned with another matter as of late. The night at Zoras Domain played over and over again in my head. Lady Bathory had used her cunning in the most erroneous way. Because of such, I decided to do some research. I needed insight on this moon goddess. This deity, for all intensive purposes, was obviously an aspect of history that had been forgotten. Admittedly, I have found that forgotten history seemed to be a theme of history itself. Some food for thought. Even so, I wanted to know more about this moon goddess. Why was the nobility focused on her? What did that pagan ceremony truly represent? Those questions garnered me to my surroundings today.

However, while conducting my search, I was coming across pitfalls. Every book I attempted to read about her was either redacted, incomplete, or a dead end. Other books written about her clearly had an agenda. They were useless for scholarship. Still, more works read like published manifestos. Nothing was making sense. This search was turning out to be futile. Somewhere out there was the truth, and I was going to find it. Why was the moon goddess being hidden from the public? What was the truth behind her story? Why is it that I am always finding out these things the hard way?

Daphnes... I am beginning to understand you in a whole different way, sire...

The late king was a repository of secrets and now I understood why. If I were to look at this logically, this setback could be considered a type I error. I found out a truth purely by coincidence. Zelda suggested I use a theoretical underpinning to understand a problem I could not currently solve. My type I error in this instance was finding out the moon goddess exists, while having no knowledge of her existence, and therefore rejecting her existence. A false positive as it were by rejecting a null hypothesis. However, I think rejecting the null hypothesis would be an ignorant choice in this supposition.

It was evident in the faith and devotion of the nobles that she existed in some form. It would probably be better for me to use the type II error approach. A type II error incurred rejecting a false negative. In the case of this possible cover up, some entity was attempting to eradicate the moon goddess's existence from history. I believe the one's who wrote it were trying to make her disappear... a false negative. But why? Who was she really? I was vexed, and looking around this hall of books gave me no succor. I needed a library where the texts were not propaganda pieces written for, or by, the royal family. In this moment, I knew the best 'library' was probably my wife, Zelda. She knew everything about the history of Hyrule, even the things unwritten, which meant they were unwritten for a reason. She may have been able to help me.

Time for an impromptu chat...

Zelda was currently overseeing the final preparations for Leonhart's visit. The apartments were redecorated, reupholstered, and refurbished when necessary. Every comfort that could have been asked for was there, including tubs with hot spring rocks. Prince Leonhart would want for nothing. The only caveat would be the woman who would no doubt be beside him, Lady Bathory. I needed to bide my time with her. She was as dangerous as she was cunning. If she was willing to offer herself to me without a second thought, there was no telling what she had already done with Leonhart. He had no idea what he was about to marry. In a way, I felt it was my duty to warn him about her. But, would he listen? I hoped so. I hadn't even spoken to Zelda about Bathory's offerings of infidelity. I wasn't going to bother her with such talk. Bathory had no chance with me.

I don't care how beautiful you appear to be, you will never be my lover...

Even so, Zelda wasn't naive. She was aware of what the women in her court whispered about. Many of them desired me openly, but never dared to be bolder than a glance. Bathory by no means was the first noble to solicit me… nor was she the only sex to do so either. It was less frequent with males, but they were just as erroneous. I never talked about it, but gifts and letters from the nobility often took on a colorful flare, especially when it came to matters of infidelity. In short, I needed to be careful, because it seemed everyone wanted a piece of their new king. To that end and with that stated, there was only one real temptation out there for me, and she was off limits... but sometimes I wondered...

No... no, stop thinking about her Link...

I closed my eyes and sighed, before I turned away from the window. I needed to get my mind on other things. The book I had been reading I returned to the shelf, but only after I retrieved another. Shortly after, I decided to leave the study. I headed back to the royal bed chamber where I knew Zelda was doing most of her coordinating. I kept my stride swift, and when I came to the door, the two guards standing watch bowed and opened the door for me. Inside, Zelda was sitting at the marble table in the center of the room going over some correspondence. When she caught sight of me, she stood and curtsied. I bowed in return and walked up to her. She read my expression immediately.

"Is something wrong my lord?" she asked quietly.

I paused, before turning slightly and looking at the closed door. Secrecy wasn't exactly a luxury for us. I then took my wife by the hand and walked her over to her vanity. The ceiling was shorter over here, so the acoustic did not carry. She was staring at me intrigued before I gestured for her to sit down and finally spoke.

"I'm sorry to disturb your planning, but I need your help with something," I whispered.

She looked at me surprised and gave me her immediate attention.

"What do you need my love?" she asked without delay.

Afterwards, I took the book I was holding onto, opened it to the chapter in question, placed it on the table in front of her with the page I had marked, and pointed to the third paragraph. I looked her straight in her eyes.

"Who, or what, is the moon goddess?" I asked abruptly.

Zelda was instantly taken aback at the question.

"I beg your pardon?"

I didn't hesitate.

"Who is the moon goddess?" I repeated.

Zelda paused, edged back, and suddenly looked at me with unease.

"Link, why... why are you asking me this?"

I understood her discretion.

"This may seem off kilter, but it's important."

The queen stared at the book, her apprehension never went away. In fact, it seemed to only deepen.

"Darling, I need to know what this is about."

I sensed she was being evasive, but probably for good measure.

"Before I tell you, you have to promise to be open with me. Can I have your word?"

She hesitated again before she agreed. She was still staring at the open pages.

"I… I'm afraid a promise can't be made without more clarity."

It was my turn to pause and give her a quick once over.

"Are you saying what you'll reveal to me is contingent on your ultimatum only?"

She nodded.

"I'm afraid so," she said rather honestly.

I looked at her slightly taken aback, but realized I may have had no other choice.

"Alright," I then went on to explain. "Last week when I went up to Zoras Domain to speak with King Zora, I didn't tell you everything that went on there."

Zelda finally looked back up at me. She raised a brow.

"Oh?"

I should have expected that.

"Yes," I continued. "Anyway, when my men and I arrived, we stumbled upon something we weren't supposed to see."

Her expression never changed.

"Really?"

I nodded.

"Really."

Her eyes searched my face.

"Which was?" she asked.

I found her behavior a little off putting, but I went on anyway.

"There was some kind of arcane festival going on to a moon goddess. I have never even heard of the moon goddess, and that ritual was saturated with homages to her. As another added oddity, Lady Bathory was there."

Zelda's expression still didn't change, which I found very strange at this point.

"I see," was all she said in reply.

I leaned against the mirror adjacent to the dresser, studying her face. Was I missing something?

"Is that all you have to say?"

Zelda interlaced her fingers and placed them on top of the book.

"Please tell me how you expected me to respond Link?"

I looked at her surprised just then.

"Excuse me?"

Zelda finally explained her stance.

"The moon goddess is a subject that very few people understand, and because of that, the Royal Academy as well as the royal family, decided it wasn't necessary to inform the public about her."

She was only making this more difficult for me to understand.

"So, you're saying that even I as king don't have a right to know the truth? Zelda you have to understand that Lady Bathory was not doing what she was doing for benevolent reasons."

She looked away from me and took in a deep sigh.

"I'm aware of how cunning Lady Bathory is, but even she doesn't properly understand the moon goddess."

I stared her straight in her eyes, which were intentionally avoiding mine now.

"Well, if you're so informed, why don't you enlighten me?" I was losing some of my patience. "I've been trying to understand what's been going on since I found out about this. You're not helping me by keeping me in the dark Zelda."

Zelda sat back in her chair and cut her eyes back to me. She stared at me for a long time before she replied.

"Very well, but you must promise that you keep what I'm telling you a secret."

Now, she had me intrigued.

"Why wouldn't I?" I countered.

She wasn't going to be baited.

"I need your promise."

I studied her for just a moment longer, then nodded.

"I promise," I agreed.

Zelda looked back down at the bound volume before she began.

"Before I even speak on the moon goddess, have you ever heard of the relic known as the Tetraforce?"

Perplexity furrowed my brow. She just lost me.

"The what?"

Zelda lowered her voice.

"The Tetraforce," she repeated.

This time I just shook my head.

"No."

Zelda gripped the book tighter.

"I wouldn't expect you to, most people don't."

I was confused.

"What does this have to do with the moon goddess?"

Her blue eyes searched my face again.

"It has everything to do with the moon goddess, starting with understanding the true power of the Triforce."

She had my attention once again.

"Which is?" I pressed.

Zelda paused again.

"What most people know as the Triforce is also secretly also known as the Tetraforce. When the goddesses created the Triforce it was assumed to be in threes."

I gave her a knowing look.

"But... isn't that the case since there are only three parts?"

She gave me a knowing look.

"Are there just three parts Link?"

I stared at her dumbfounded for a moment.

"Think carefully before you answer," she added.

I was quiet for a long moment before the subtle realization hit me.

"No… no, there's actually four aspects to the Triforce," I whispered.

She nodded very slowly.

"The hollowed out center that most people miss," she revealed.

She had me there, I hadn't thought about it until just now.

"Yes…" I was completely awestruck at the divulgence, "but what does this have to do with the moon goddess?"

Zelda grunted softly and looked over the bound volume again before closing it. Apparently, it was useless compared to what she knew.

"Think of how everything has completeness. Think of how there is always an opposite reaction to an equally opposing action. Though the Triforce is a gift from Din, Farore, and Nayru, there is also a hallowed essence created from the energy at the center. This space between all three pieces represents true balance, a Tetraforce if you will. However, when the Triforce is disassembled, the energy at the center becomes imbalanced. That imbalance takes on a personification."

I was beginning to see where she was going with this.

"A fourth goddess," I conveyed, "a moon goddess."

Zelda nodded.

"Yes."

However, something wasn't adding up for me.

"Wait a minute though, aren't there already four goddesses? How does this moon goddess fit in when there are already four established?"

She apparently knew that question was coming.

"That's the interesting thing, because essentially the moon goddess is Hylia when the Triforce is out of balance."

I stared at her stunned just then. I was now confused.

"What?"

Zelda nodded.

"How can that be?" I demanded quietly. "Hylia is a goddess of good, not evil."

She was quiet for a moment.

"Think about it, didn't you have to fight a dark aspect of yourself at one point?"

I was in complete and total shock. Zelda was recalling the time when I fought an apparition of my persona in the Water Temple, a dark reflection of my ego. I had no idea it was because of the imbalance of the Triforce at the time.

"Yes I did," I replied.

"It's just the same with the goddess Hylia," she explained. "However, this was made to be kept secret, because if the citizens knew their goddess had a propensity for evil, they would never view her in the same way."

I was mind boggled, but then it made me understand what she was doing a little while ago. A few weeks ago, she was prepping for a similar kind of ceremony.

"Is that why you were getting ready for a ritual?" I asked. "Were you too venerating Hylia as the moon goddess?"

She paused again for a long moment, then nodded.

"But it's not in the same manner as the nobles. It is my duty to pay homage to Hylia as both the light and dark goddess. That's why Din, Nayru, and Farore will never give her complete control of the Sacred Realm, because if Hylia were to somehow figure out how to hone both balances equally, then the darkness could be ambivalent to the light and perhaps even overtake it. This is why dark worlds and other dimensions exist in Hyrule. It's because Hylia created them in both her light and dark form."

I couldn't believe what I was hearing.

"So… what Lady Bathory is essentially trying to do is to create enough counter balance to emit Hylia to become the moon goddess once again," I inferred. "She's trying to open another portal."

Zelda shrugged, unsure of my hypothesis.

"It wouldn't surprise me if that was her goal. However, because the seal to the other realms is so strong, she won't be easily successful. That is why our union is so important."

She stared deeply into my eyes after she said that. I too stared back, seeing the importance of keeping the seal intact. I had no idea that the goddess was that deeply connected to the Triforce, or perhaps I should say the Tetraforce.

"I see."

There was a silence that followed afterwards. I was aware that there were contingencies to what could be done regarding Lady Bathory, Lord Filgore, and Lord Rue Morgue. However, I didn't want to sit idly by and do nothing. The nobles interested in this moon goddess sycophancy were becoming a much bigger problem than I initially realized.

It was then I decided to reveal my intentions.

"I'm going to arrest her," I divulged, breaking the silence. "She's not getting away with all she has done and tried to do."

Zelda looked at me cautiously just then and shook her head.

"You can't, Prince Leonhart will be here in two days and-"

I was tired of this barter.

"Zelda, she's committed high treason!" I interrupted.

She looked at me sympathetically.

"I understand your reasoning darling, but it isn't that simple. If you arrest her now, you will surely force Hyrule to go to war with Baalam and there will most certainly be a disturbance in the Triforce. That disturbance could very well awaken the negative energy of the moon goddess."

I was beyond frustrated at this point.

"This is ridiculous that this woman is this above the law! How can she get away with high crimes such as these, when a lowly peasant would be in prison right now?!"

Zelda sighed.

"I never said the law was fair," she admitted, "but it is necessary."

I pushed myself off of the mirror just then.

"Then I have no choice. I am going to have to warn Prince Leonhart myself. That is the only way that we can try and put an end to this deplorable woman. I have to somehow make him see that marrying her would be a huge mistake."

Zelda looked down at the desk, avoiding my gaze.

"I understand where you're coming from Link, but that may be a harder task than you think. When a person loves another, even if the other person does not love them in return, it can be very hard to tell that person that their heart is wrong. The heart is so so so so treacherous… sometimes it's impossible to do what's right."

Her disclosure was hitting a little closer to home than I think she intended to. Though I understood her rationale, it didn't mean she was correct. A person had to use their head at times too.

"That isn't altogether true, people give up on their dreams every day to do what's right. It just means they're bigger than their treacherous hearts."

Zelda's eyes widened slightly, and she still wouldn't look at me in that moment. I wanted to get off this subject before it veered off in a direction we were both going to regret. I decided to change the subject.

"I am going to try and warn Prince Leonhart. I have to."

Finally, Zelda looked up at me.

"And if you fail?" she asked.

I shook my head.

"Then I fail," was all I could say, "but heaven help him if that's the case… heaven help us all if that's the case."

~SSS~

Meanwhile in Kakariko Village, Ralph

I couldn't begin to describe how excited I was in becoming a father. I realized after Saria told me, I was going to need more patients for my practice. We were going to need a new home, baby supplies, furniture -a whole host of things that were rapidly going to engulf us. It no longer seemed feasible to live so far away in Ordon when our family was growing. I wanted Saria nearby just in case anything happened. I didn't want my wife getting stuck in a distant locale with no access to a real medical facility.

To be frank, I already had my eye on a villa in west Castle Town. There was a whole new division of homes being built there. By order of the king, the contract was only issued to the builder if middle income citizens had first choice in buying. Another caveat was that the nobility were not allowed to buy at all. Many of the aristocrats had secondary apartments in the castle anyway. This decision was controversial to some, but many wanting to live in Castle Town but couldn't, were grateful for the opportunity. Peasants of poorer means still could not afford the homes, but I was certain the king had a plan for them too. I was impressed with King Link thus far. He seemed to have a good head on his shoulders. I was certain him coming from humbler means helped him with some of his decision making.

On the other hand, I was aware Saria had her reasons for not wanting to live in Castle Town. However, I hoped to talk to her soon about the possibility of moving. I didn't want her getting so pregnant that she would be uncomfortable and unable to easily get around, especially in a remote village. It could be a danger for her being so far away with no proper midwife or physician onsite. I just hoped she would see things my way.

Currently, I just finished up with a patient and was now preparing a potion for him to take home for his ailment. After being a protégé of Dr. Seaside all these months, mixing potions was almost second nature to me. I was even contemplating opening up a medicinal shop in Castle Town... if everything worked out right with the move. Even so, as I was mixing, I was slightly alarmed to hear a knock on my laboratory door. Surprised at the disturbance, I turned to see who it was.

"Who is it?" I called.

There was a brief pause.

"It's me," the female voice responded.

I recognized it immediately.

"Come in."

When the door opened, my recognition was confirmed. She was definitely not someone I was expecting to see today, but I was glad she was here. The visitor turned out to be an old friend and colleague of mine from medical school, Romani Lon. Romani is a vivacious redhead with a smile that could light up a room. I have known her since we were children. She actually lived next door to me and my family for many years in Eldin Province. Until I met Saria, Romani was the most beautiful girl I knew. She looked and smelled like a peppermint candy. She was just a joy to be around. Back when we were children, Romani was very shy and very tomboyish. However, when she got older, she came into her own person. Admittedly, there was a time when I did like her, but she never showed any interest in return. Perhaps she wasn't aware. After all, the time of my infatuation was when I was ten years old. I even told Gertrude in private one time I had feelings for her. However, Romani seemed oblivious to that fact when I associated with her. I assumed my sister would tell her with their 'girl gossip' and everything, but I guess it never happened.

Evidently enough, years later Gertrude finally came forward and told me what I hoped to hear years before. At that point though, I had moved on. I wasn't a child anymore. It was nice to hear my feelings weren't once sided, but we had both grown past that. Even so, Gertrude was hopeful, because she thought we would be good for each other. And, if we had attempted to court, maybe she would have been right. It just never happened. I didn't pretend that I didn't think about what would have been had I courted Romani, but I knew I was happy where I was now. Nevertheless, Romani will always be my friend.

As time went on, Romani and I reconnected in medical school. She wanted to be cardiologist, but ended up changing her profession to a cardiopulmonary physician's assistant. An excellent field, but I expected her to go the distance with me. Maybe she found her calling without having the tedious need of becoming a doctor. She was in school with me for the first two years at the Royal Academy, then transitioned to residency training two years afterward. I had four years of academy studies and four years of clinical residency. It didn't matter what program I or Romani were in. Physician or physician's assistant, the instructors treated all students the same: challenged and stressed. Needless to say, we both survived, and I understood her decision to go with a slightly less rigorous program. Her mother was a widow and worked hard to send Romani to school. I was proud of her that she didn't give up. However, I couldn't be half as proud as her mother. To see her daughter graduate was a testament to her exemplary guidance.

I was staring while I was thinking, not the most nonchalant thing to do. Romani walked in the laboratory, and I swear her bright blue eyes and freckled face could make anyone smile. She was wearing a lab coat, which informed me she was on her to, or from, her practice. She decided to work in a challenging environment in Dragon Roost. In fact, she was now working with my sister as an assistant to Dr. Brimstone. Unfortunately, because she wasn't a physician, she needed a few more years of medical supervision before she could open a clinic of her own. Full disclosure, while she was the girl I wanted in my past, my parents wanted her to be the girl for me now. She was the one my parents wanted me to marry. Life and its irony was so strange at times. Even so, that option was off the table. I had Saria now, and for me, Saria was more than enough. I just hoped my parents would one day see it.

Romani grinned at me.

"Hello there Dr. Ralph."

I returned her greeting with a smile.

"Hello yourself." I put the beaker down. "How are you?"

She stroked a hand through her rubicund tresses.

"Could not be better, how are you?"

I shrugged.

"I cannot complain." I gave her a quick once over. "What are you doing here?"

She pursed her lips together.

"I've been so busy and felt terrible that I hadn't seen you in months," she explained. "So, I dropped by before going up the mountain."

"That's thoughtful of you, but I don't want you going out of your way just to see me," I reasoned.

Romani looked down for a moment.

"Well... it wasn't just that. I... I wanted to apologize."

I was quiet for a moment. I had a feeling I knew why.

"For what?" I asked anyway.

She still avoided my eyes.

"I couldn't come to your wedding. I'm sorry."

I quickly fanned off her apology.

"Don't worry about it. You were on a really tough assignment with Dr. Brimstone. I'm just glad you both made it back alright."

She didn't seem reassured.

"That isn't an excuse, " she said. "We grew up together. We were friends. You were there for me when no one else was, and I cannot attend your wedding? Seriously, how terrible is that? What kind of friend am I?"

I was silent for a moment, catching the slight glint in her tone.

"Romani..."

She dug into the pocket of her lab coat and pulled out a stationery still wrapped in the envelope.

"I still have the invitation you sent me."

There was a brief silence that came between us just then, one where I let her words linger a little bit. A few moments later, I spoke up.

"Well, I'm giving you permission not to feel terrible, and you are a great friend," I joked. "Just make sure you don't miss any more of my spectacular future events in life."

Romani laughed at my utterance.

"How was the wedding?" she redirected.

I gave the obvious reply.

"It was amazing. Saria looked incredible."

Romani nodded.

"Saria…" she repeated, "that's a pretty name."

I was a bit biased.

"She's a pretty girl."

She grinned.

"Where did you meet her?"

That's right, she didn't know the whole story.

"I actually met her during the whole ordeal at the castle last year," I divulged.

Romani looked at me surprised.

"Ooh, a romance built on the wings of tragedy. That would make one hell of a story."

I snickered at her.

"You just can't help yourself, can you?"

She shook her head.

"No, but you have to admit that is one amazing circumstance to meet someone."

I had no rebuttal for her there.

"True."

Romani then leaned against the door post and rested her head on the wood.

"I wish I had known you were going to live so far away," she redirected a for a moment. "I would have planned better for coming to visit you. I haven't even met your wife yet."

I found it interesting that she brought that subject up now.

"Perhaps you won't have to travel so far in the future. I might buy a home in Castle Town very soon"

Romani looked at me surprised.

"Really? Why the sudden change?"

I hesitated, but I could hardly contain the smile coming across my face.

"Well… I just found out my wife is pregnant. So, I want to move us closer to my work if at all possible."

She looked at me taken aback just then.

"Your wife is pregnant?"

I nodded and suddenly Romani got quiet.

"But... didn't you two just get married?" she inquired.

I gave her an obvious look.

"These things are bound to happen Romani. You know that better than anybody."

At that, the sparkle in her eyes diminished slightly. Admittedly, I did feel a little awkward springing this news on her in this fashion, especially considering our history. She was probably just getting used to the idea of me being married, and now she was going to have to get used to me being married and becoming a father. I could understand that she was a little taken aback with all this information.

"Yes… that is true." She then forced a smile. "Well, congratulations."

I nodded.

"Thank you."

Afterwards, Romani pushed herself off the doorpost, came up to me, and gave me a hug. I could tell she was trying to appear like everything was alright, when clearly she was probably thinking and devising otherwise.

"I'm happy for you Ralph," she whispered.

She sounded like she was trying more to convince herself than me.

"I knew you would be," I replied anyway.

She held me tighter just then.

"Please let me know if you or... or your wife need anything," she whispered in my ear.

I nodded through her hug.

"I will," I whispered back and she trembled a little bit at my tone, "that offer is open to you too."

Romani pulled back and stared in my eyes for a long time after and swallowed hard.

Please don't cry, I begged in my head, please Romani.

I had a particular weakness for girls who cried. She reached up and caressed my cheek.

"I know this is useless now Ralph, but I really liked you."

I grinned at how she said that.

"Call me dense, but my mother and sister had to clue me in on that at the time," I replied, then confessed. "There was a time I liked you too, I just never told you."

She grinned at my admission, but then looked at me surprised.

"Really?"

I nodded.

"Really."

She stared into my eyes for a long moment.

"I guess we were both dense, very very dense it seems."

I chuckled in how she said that.

"It seems so."

There was another brief silence on her end before she spoke up again.

"I even kind of loved you," she half joked.

My smile faded a little. I didn't know what to say to that.

"Romani... I…"

She fanned off my attempted words.

"It doesn't matter now. I have my eye on a dragon lord anyway."

Her words made my smile return.

"Well, I'm glad you're not too heartbroken about this," I said with a hint of sarcasm, "and you'll get a dragon lord easily."

Her smile waned a little.

"Yes…"

There was another brief silence between us before she broke it again.

"I… I better go. I have patients to look after at Dr. Brimstone's infirmary."

I nodded.

"Don't let me keep you then."

Romani stared into my eyes again for a long moment before turning and heading out of my laboratory. She didn't turn back as she left, and I felt a little guilty that she was so blindsided by everything. I've always cared about Romani, always, but I was with Saria now and I loved my wife. Besides, Romani was beautiful, smart, and had a promising career ahead of her. If she wanted a dragon master, I was certain sure she could find one. When she left, I went back to looking after my mixers, but I didn't engage them with anything. I just stared at the solutions for a while. Admittedly, I was feeling a little less enthused about my work after having seen Romani. I hoped she would be okay, because the last thing I ever wanted to do was hurt her.

I took in a deep sigh as I contemplated all this.

I'm sorry Romani... I'm truly sorry.

~SSS~

Later, Hyrule Castle, Link

Time was ticking away, so I knew I needed to check on this next project before the moment eluded me. I headed for the smiths quarters on the eastside of the castle. The interiors weren't heavily guarded down here, but that was for a reason. The reason being, the goldsmiths worked under heavy surveillance next to the treasury. There wasn't a more guarded area of the castle, with the exception of my and Zelda's chambers. My trip down here offered me an opportunity to do some business in private without all the wandering eyes. Even so, I passed a couple open hallways to some surprised faces, but no one came to approach me. When I was at my destination, the last door on the right, I knocked. There was a slight hesitance before an answer.

"Who goes there?" the man asked.

I grinned, I understood the caution.

"It's your king, my good man."

I heard him gasp and quickly toggle with the tumbles.

"Sire!" He was stunned to see. "I-I-I had no idea it was you. I never would have had you come down here, when I more rightly should have come to you."

I shook off his concern.

"It's alright," I replied, "I have no guards with me." I then got to the point of me coming here. "Are they ready?"

The smith moved out of the way so I could walk in. I did just so. When the door closed, I looked around his workshop intrigued. He had the typical utilities of a goldsmith: hammers, pincers, filers, pliers, ring saws, filing saws, a metal dipper, a cauldron, a hearth, clamps, magnets, a pair of fireproof gloves, a large work table and low lantern lights. The room appeared more claustrophobic with all of the work supplies gathered in one central location. The rest of the quarters consisted of a bed, a washroom, a basin, a regular table, and a small kitchenette. I stared at the humble surroundings and felt a stirring about it. In some ways, it reminded me of home. It reminded me of Kokiri Forest. I stared at the bed again.

I miss that old place...

The smith went right to his workstation, realizing what I was here for.

"I think you will be very pleased sire," he was saying. "Every night when I came home I worked on these diligently for hours after you commissioned me."

I was still looking around.

"I hope you were able to get some sleep," I said absently in passing.

The smith chuckled.

"Indeed," he said, afterwards he held up two gold necklaces. "Here they are."

I turned to him and was immediately impressed.

"Great Hylia!" I whispered.

Both necklaces were made from pure gold, with the pieces strewn together like links in a chain. The locket at the center was the most impressive: it was solid gold, with both halves poured into molds to harden. However, the inside of one had a white diamond placed in it, while the other had a shiny green emerald. Either way, both were beautiful. The smith walked over to me and handed them to me.

"I hope this is to your liking sire," he said.

I held up the necklaces to the light. He managed to replicate the designs I drew impeccably. There wasn't an imperfection to be found.

"These are incredible. The queen will love them, not even the royal gemologist has such skill."

The smith was glad I was a pleased.

"I am grateful to you that you bestowed me such an honor sire."

I smiled at the smith and clutched the jewelry gratefully.

"It is you that has done me the honor." I then reached into my pocket and pulled out a pouch. I handed the smith the pouch and waited. "Open it."

He looked at me surprised, but did as I commanded. He opened the pouch slowly and peered inside. Afterwards, he looked up at me stunned.

"Sire!" he whispered.

I raised a brow.

"Is that enough?" I asked anyway.

He couldn't believe his ears.

"Ten-ten thousand rupees?! That-that's more than enough! Thank you so much!"

I was glad he felt well compensated.

"I appreciate your efforts in keeping this swift and secret," I said, then paused. "You have kept this secret, haven't you?"

He immediately nodded.

"I haven't spoken a word to anyone," he promised. "Though, I did have a few members of the guild come and ask me if it was you who came and visited me two weeks before. I told them they were imagining things."

I wasn't sure how that fib was going to hold after today.

"Well, if I require your services later, I will arrange better circumstances for you to meet me," I reassured.

The smith shrugged.

"A little intrigue doesn't bother me sire. In fact, it makes my mundane life a little exciting."

I was glad to hear that, but I knew I needed to leave.

"Not too exciting I hope," I joked, "and I must leave it there. Thank you again."

He bowed.

"You have only but to command your majesty."

I nodded, then turned to take my leave. I tucked my new till into my pocket and headed back to my private chamber. I had a friend I needed to contact before the day ended. One necklace was for Zelda, the other was obviously for Saria. On my way back, the same servants who saw me before, gawked again as I walked by. I ignored it and grinned, thinking the smith was going to have a harder time keeping a low profile after this second visit. I quickened my step only to be regarded more. Even so, I didn't let it bother me.

Have a better plan next time Link...

~SSS~

Dusk, Ordon Village, Saria

Today was the day.

Ralph's parents were coming over, and we were finally going to share the news of us having a baby. I was working in a frenzy to make sure my house was presentable for them. They were kind and obliging people, but I also knew I wasn't their first choice for their son. So, in a lot of ways I still wanted to win their approval. I did my best to be a premier hostess: supper was prepared, the table was set, and the house was clean. Ralph left to meet up with them, while I made sure the table setting looked presentable. I was nervous and excited all at the same time. I so wanted to be a good daughter-in-law.

"Marin will love this set up," I whispered.

The first time I met Ralph's parents they complimented me on my beauty, but not much else, which told me they found me insufficient. Ralph's mother, Marin, is a lovely strawberry blonde, with delicate features and a warm disposition. She is a physician that primarily works with children. So, she would be the perfect resource for questions regarding my baby's care. She is brilliant, but very shrewd in the way she asked her questions. Naturally, she had high expectations for her son. When she learned her new daughter-in-law was nothing more than a seamstress, she was a little disappointed. I couldn't say I blamed her.

Ralph's father, Mutoh, is a burly man, with a rugged disposition. He is still very handsome, with his golden blonde hair, bright blue eyes, and a chiseled face. I could tell in his youth he was quite handsome. Mutoh practiced emergency medicine. He worked well in high stress situations. He was a little more lenient towards me than Marin, but not by much. He told me the value of a good education, which informed me that he too thought I was too simple for his son. However, neither of he, nor his wife, were ever unkind to me. At least, not yet, and for that I was grateful.

I need to think about going to the academy... I would love to learn if they could teach me...

I made it a practice to visit them at least once a week since Ralph and I got married. I was even able to teach Marin a few things when it came to her garden and sewing. She was surprised at how much better her plants looked after implementing a few of my ideas. Marin thanked me for the advice, but she always hoped for better things for me. That was her way of saying try harder... I got the message loud and clear. I would try harder. I would try as hard as I needed to. Tonight I hoped to leave a better impression.

In the meantime, I was arranging some flowers in a vase. Marin's favorite flowers were orchids, so I made sure to place them everywhere in our little cottage. I was still working on the centerpiece, when suddenly I heard some music upon the breeze. I froze, recognizing the melody immediately. It was my song. Saria's Song. There was no speculation in who was trying to contact me right now. It was Link. I was surprised, I wasn't expecting to hear from him this soon.

Even so, I promptly answered.

"Hello."

Thankfully, I was alone.

"Hello Saria, I apologize if this is an inopportune time."

Actually, his timing couldn't have been more perfect, but I noticed the transmission was latent with static.

"It's alright," I then asked, "how can I assist you... sire?"

There was a brief rift in the transmission.

"Sire?"

"Yes."

"You must be joking, right?"

I closed my eyes.

"I'm afraid not."

I could only imagine the look on his face.

"Is something wrong?" he asked in response.

I paused for a moment.

"Not at all."

"Are you alone?"

"I wouldn't be talking to you if I wasn't."

He then paused.

"All... right," he noted, "then can you please not do this. Just call me Link... as you always have."

"But-"

"It comes across as disingenuous if you don't," he interrupted. "Stop this Saria."

My throat tightened.

"And, what if I don't?"

He seemed taken aback.

"Saria... why do you sound so defensive?"

I ignored the concern in his voice.

"Link, what do you want?" I deflected.

He didn't answer right away.

"Have I done something to upset you?"

I couldn't believe my ears.

"Are you serious?"

"You do call me Mr. Killjoy, so yes, I am serious."

I was starting to lose my patience.

"You already know what my concerns are. Now, tell me what you want?"

He paused again.

"Your tone isn't very inviting."

I was getting tired of this.

"Why should it be?"

This time he didn't bother to hesitate.

"Because I want to see you tomorrow. It's the only time that I have that's free."

This was practically no notice at all.

"Aren't you busy with preparations for the prince's visit?"

"I'm always busy Sar, but I have a myriad of servants to assist me now."

It seemed he was getting more comfortable with his new found power. I wonder if that was a subtle dig.

"You have taken more of a liking to your newfound role I see."

He caught the glint in my voice.

"Yes, I have. Perhaps you should do the same."

That was unexpected.

"I beg your pardon?"

"Look, it isn't something I want to discuss in this way. Let's talk about it tomorrow."

He was relentless. There were things we needed to discuss, but would he be serious? Would he listen? And, what did he mean regarding his newfound role for me? Was he implying something else? Besides those things, how did he think his being missing from the castle was going to sit with the people, more importantly with the queen, with the prince's visit starting only the day after? This whole idea seemed ridiculous.

"I don't know if I can manage it," I said honestly. "I'm busy with my family right now."

There was another long pause on his end after my utterance.

"Your family..."

"Yes."

"Saria..."

I shook my head.

"I can't."

He wasn't deterred.

"You can... please. I need you."

My heart began to pound.

"No..." I whispered. "No, that can't happen again."

He was quiet once more.

"If I don't see you tomorrow, then I won't be able to see you this month."

I wrapped my arms around myself.

"Maybe that's a good thing."

I heard him scoff.

"You don't really believe that."

"How would you know?" I snapped. "You come in and out of my life when you want to!"

He heard the break I was trying to conceal. Why was I letting emotion show at a time like this?

"Saria... would you like something more permanent? All you have to do is ask."

I froze at hearing that.

"Link... I..."

He sighed deeply.

"I'm just letting you know how far I'm willing to go for you," he whispered.

I shook my head.

"No, I can't."

"Then come to meadow as we planned," he said. "Nothing will happen that shouldn't happen."

That didn't sound good. I didn't trust the way this was going about. I couldn't meet with him still thinking the way he was. However, admittedly I couldn't outright tell him no either.

"I'm going to have to think about it."

He still wasn't deterred.

"Well, when you're done thinking about it, I will be at the meadow around midday. I will know your answer if I see you there."

He was just as stubborn as ever.

"Link..."

"Goodnight Saria."

His mind was made up.

"Goodnight," I said anyway.

With that, the transmission ended. I was left staring at the vase, wishing I had flat out said no. He could sense my hesitation. He could sense I still wanted to see him beyond my front. I wish I had been more prudent. All this was going to do was make things harder for us. Maybe I could still get through to him by not showing up. Maybe him not seeing me will make him understand. However, the problem was, I did need to speak with him. I did want to talk him about the letter that was sent to me. At the same time, I didn't want to worry him, but I had no one else to turn to. Thinking about the letter made me reach for it in the pocket of my dress. I never let it leave my sight. I took it out and read it again as I had over these past weeks. It still left me afraid. I didn't want to leave it carelessly around for Ralph to find it. He could never know what was going on. I then rationalized.

Then... then I might have to go... just so I can inform Link about the letter... that's all...

I closed my eyes and tried to calm myself.

"Dear goddesses, why is this happening now?" I whispered.

For now, I put the stationery back in my pocket and continued with my arrangement. I would have to think about this later. Down the road, leading up to the house, was Ralph, his parents, and Gertrude. They all looked excited and were waving to me because they could see me through the window. I waved back and forced a smile on my face. I had to remember my role tonight. I had to remember I had good news for Ralph's family. They were expecting a surprise and I needed to play my part. When they all came marching up the walkway, I readied myself to surprise them. However, as soon as the door opened everyone said in unison:

"Congratulations!"

I stared at them taken aback, but then looked over at my husband, who was all smiles. It looked like I was the one in for the surprise. My husband made sure of that.

Ralph saw the look on my face and immediately apologized.

"I'm sorry honey," he said, "but I was so excited I couldn't keep the news to myself."

I could hardly be upset with him because of that.

"That's okay," I replied, "I was just hoping we could do it together."

Marin quickly came up to me and gave me a hug.

"Oh Saria darling, I'm so happy for you. I can only imagine how beautiful the baby is going to be."

That was very kind of her.

"Thank you Miss Marin," I said. "I certainly hope so."

Gertrude gave me an offhanded look regarding my modesty.

"Please Saria, my future niece or nephew is going to be gorgeous. Just look at you two."

I glanced over at Ralph, who was grinning at me and chuckled.

"She does have a point," Ralph half-joked.

I ran a hand through my hair.

"Well..." I trailed playfully.

They all laughed at me, but then Mutoh stepped forward to give me a hug. My burly father-in-law didn't know his own strength as he lifted me off the ground in his sign of affection.

"I'm so happy for you both," he said against my hair.

I hugged him back and closed my eyes.

"Thank you," I said sincerely.

Afterwards, Mutoh put me down and I resumed my duties as host. I immediately gestured for the table.

"Please everyone have a seat, supper is all ready."

Ralph gathered his family's things and put them away before they all went to sit down at the table. I went over to the hearth to taste test the rabbit stew I had cooking. It was perfect. Afterwards, I went to place the centerpiece I was working on at the center of the table. When Marin saw it she looked taken aback.

"Orchids," she said breathlessly.

I smiled and bit my lower lip.

"Do you like them? Ralph told me they were your favorite."

Marin looked from the flowers to me in surprise.

"They absolutely are, thank you."

I was glad she was pleased.

"You're welcome." I then went back to the hearth. "I hope you're all hungry, there's plenty of food for everyone."

Ralph rubbed his hands together.

"I certainly am."

I grinned at my husband and was was about to ladle out the bowls, but Mutoh then stopped me.

"Come, come Saria," he mandated, "let's say grace first and then you can serve."

My eyes widened slightly. I nodded before hurrying back over to the table to sit down. Ralph was grinning at me when I grabbed his father and his mother's hands as I sat down between them. We all then closed our eyes and Mutoh proceeded with prayer. However, throughout it I opened my eyes again and looked around at everybody. This is my family now. I needed to do everything I could to protect them. I needed to be there for them. It was then I made a resolution in my heart.

Tomorrow is the last time I can see you Link... I can't run the risk of losing what I have now because of a dream that we once shared. I'm sorry Link, but it's either them or you, and in this case, it has to be you.

With my resolve established, I closed my eyes for the rest of the prayer. I just hoped to Hylia Link would understand.

~SSS~

The next day, the Sacred Forest Meadow

The following day, when the time came for it, I headed out to the Sacred Forest Meadow. It looked like Link was going to get his wish. I arrived before midday, so I had a few moments to walk off the butterflies in my stomach. I was so nervous about this meeting. My goal was twofold: I needed to show Link the letter, and then break off ever meeting with him like this again. Link was a reasonable man. The only reason he was acting out of character was because of what we had gone through. He wasn't the type to act without honor... that was why he became king. I learned that from him. I would reassure him of my feelings of friendship, but would also explain to him why this was not a feasible arrangement. I just hoped he would hear me out. I planned to start the conversation neutrally with some jokes or small talk, but I was having a hard time picking a conversation starter.

I decided to practice for a moment.

"'Hello, I think it's a lovely day, what do you think?' or 'That mantle appears to be getting rusted as the years go on doesn't it?' or 'I wrote a new song, would you like to hear it?' or 'Why did the cuckoo cross the road?'" I rehearsed, then closed my eyes. "Those all sound terrible."

I then started pacing.

What do I say? How do I start this?

I tried calming myself again, but it was to no avail.

"Should I even share the letter with him?" I whispered. "Will that do any good?"

I was starting to doubt even coming here. My pacing was no longer helping, so I went and sat down on the stump at the center of the wooded clearing. I was going over in my head how I wanted our conversation to go. However, as I progressed through what I perceived as the perfect discussion, my thought process was interrupted. Not too far from me, I heard a loud rustling in the bushes nearby. I jumped up immediately and took several steps back. Besides my nervousness about this meeting, I was also concerned about being watched. It was a real possibility that whoever sent me the letter was also watching me from afar. What if they inadvertently followed me here? What then? Or, what if I was just overreacting? Normal things like nature and animals should not make me jumpy, but as the bird flew up and out of the brush into the canopy, here I was reacting to nothing at all. This whole situation was making me appear paranoid.

I attempted to comfort myself.

"It was only a bird," I whispered. However, I jumped again when a hand suddenly touched my shoulder from behind me. I even screamed. "Ahhhh!"

Startled, I pulled away and turned around only to find a mystified hero staring at me.

"It's me Saria," he reassured, "it's Link."

I covered my heart and calmed down as the hero's face registered.

"Link... it is you. Thank Farore."

The hero was still staring at me concerned.

"Are you alright?"

I avoided his eyes.

"Yes," I said a little breathlessly. "Sorry, you scared me for a second."

He gave me a quick once over.

"I apologize."

I fanned it off.

"It's okay."

However, the look on my face didn't state such.

"Saria... are you sure?"

I nodded without looking at him, and that was when he walked up to me and tilted my face up towards his. However, I released myself from his hold and stepped back. When I attempted to walk again, he took hold of my wrist to halt me.

"Saria come on, stop this."

I couldn't blame the mild irritation in his voice.

"I'm not trying to be difficult, and I promise you I'm sure."

This was getting ridiculous on my part. All the while he was doing his inspection of me, I was also doing an inspection of him. I noticed right away his beard was fuller than when I last saw him. He looked more distinguished too, with his perfectly combed wavy blonde hair. His bright blue eyes appeared curious under those thick golden brows. He was dressed in hunting garb today. His leather boots, and his green and brown tunic were embedded with the royal family crest. It was also outlined in gold trim. I noticed he was wearing two rings, both on the contralateral fourth finger of each hand. One was his wedding ring, the other looked to be a seal of the royal family. His royal attire was covered with a simple brown cloak. It was obvious the cloak was used to make him appear as a peasant. However, it didn't do much in hiding his dignity. He really looked like a king now.

He's... he's extraordinary...

In fact, Link looked too extraordinary. It made me feel self-conscious in my simple pink dress covered by my simple blue cloak. I sighed. My clothes were in a class of pure peasantry compared to his. I knew he probably wouldn't care, but I wish I had some of the beautiful clothes Zelda had access to. If I had any of her gowns, or make up, I could look like a princess too. Link deserved a princess. What did he see in me to make him go through all this trouble? I felt outclassed standing next to him in my frumpy garb. I took another step back when my insecurities became more apparent.

I finally went to reassure him.

"I'm sorry, I overreacted."

I stroked my hair behind my ears, when he decided to relay some facts to me.

"I understand that's what you're saying," he started, "but that wasn't how you were acting just now."

I then gave him an obvious stare.

"Excuse me? You've just arrived yourself."

He shook his head.

"Not true," he disclosed. "I was here ten minutes prior to your getting here."

My expression turned to one of frustration.

"What? And you didn't you make your presence known?"

The hero took a step towards me.

"I wanted to know why you were acting like this," he replied. "When I spoke to you yesterday, you weren't acting at all like yourself, and now I know why, something is weighing heavily upon your mind."

I rolled my eyes and looked away.

"See," he accused.

I cut my gaze back to him.

"I have a lot going on in my life."

He nodded.

"I know. From what I can tell, you're trying to determine if you should ask me about the weather, talk to me about the state of the forest, sing me a song, or tell me a really terrible joke."

He was only making this harder.

"You're not helping," I stated. "You're just admitting to me that you didn't have the decency to announce you were here before me. You were watching me unfiltered for your own reasons, and now you think you have me all figured out."

Link was quiet for a moment.

"Were you going to tell me?" he countered.

I should have anticipated this response.

"No," I said anyway.

He had no qualms.

"Then, I can't exactly feel bad about being a procurer of information. It is how I met you after all."

I was surprised to hear him utter that, especially in that context. I gazed at him surprised. He was just staring back calmly.

"When we first met, you were but a baby," I corrected.

He raised a brow.

"I'm talking about when you first opened your dress shop twenty-five years later and became a Hylian. You had a new birth too, or did you forget?"

I was aware.

"That... that..." I had so much to say, but decided against it. "Never mind. Why are we even getting into that? I just want to know why you asked me out here."

He shrugged.

"You know why I asked you out here. I missed you. I wanted to speak with you."

I blushed at his honesty and hated myself for it.

"That's all?"

His eyes searched my face.

"Isn't that enough?" he inquired.

I didn't reply.

"You could also tell me about that letter if you like," he stated, letting me know he knew of that as well.

I closed my eyes at his tone.

"Link..."

The hero's concern did return.

"Seriously Saria, what is going on with that? Are you in some kind of trouble?"

I paused for a moment and sighed. I finally looked into his eyes again. I did want this. I did want to discuss this. If there was a person who could help me, it was him. The letter did mention him, so there was a chance he might have some insight on how to find this individual. Instead of going in circles about this issue, I decided to go with my instincts and trust him. Afterwards, I opened my satchel and handed Link the letter I had been hiding from Ralph.

"Here," I said. "Whoever wrote that I believe is watching me."

Link stared at me taken aback.

"Watching you?"

I nodded.

"I haven't noticed any strange activity lately, but I have been on high alert since I got it."

The hero gave me his full attention.

"When did you receive this letter?"

I shrugged.

"Two weeks ago."

He took in a deep sigh, then skimmed through the stationery. A perplexed look came across his face when he came to the end.

"'An old friend?'" he read aloud. "What does the writer mean by this?"

I was just as lost.

"Your guess is as good as mine."

Link's concern deepened.

"Have you noticed anything out of the ordinary lately?"

I shook my head.

"Not that I could tell, that's why this letter is so strange," I said honestly, then added. "What if this is someone who knows who I once was? Who knows what I once did? What if he or she tells Ralph?"

Link stared at me sympathetically.

"That isn't going to happen," he reassured.

I turned away from him.

"How do you know Link?" I demanded, not meaning to take my frustrations out on him. "How do you know that isn't going to happen?"

I heard his footsteps get closer behind me. He turned me around, took me in his arms, and held me tight.

"I'm not going to let it happen," he whispered in my ear. "I swear I will protect you."

I was taken aback by the sudden embrace, but didn't openly object to it. I knew it was just his way of wanting to comfort me. Even so, I pulled back a moment to look him in the eyes. I wasn't expecting him to make a promise like this, but I wasn't surprised by it either.

"You're the king... you won't have time to protect me."

He shook his head.

"That's where you are wrong. You see where I am now, don't you? I can protect you, and I will."

With that, he brought me close and hugged me tighter. I hugged him back reluctantly, but soon let my guard down and held him more secure. Admittedly, his arms felt stronger than the last time I hugged him... if such a notion were possible. That was only a month ago. His body felt like a slab of stone. The closeness made me blush. It also alerted me that I needed to pull away. This was the kind of situation I wanted to avoid. I attempted to pull back, however, Link wasn't so quick to let me out of his reach.

"You don't have to be scared," he whispered.

His voice sent shivers down my spine, but not of fear.

"I appreciate you saying this to me," I whispered back anyway.

He grinned in this charming way that only he could.

"I know this has been hard on you. I'm sorry you had to deal with this alone, but I'm here now. I want you to relax."

My heart started pounding faster.

"I-I am relaxed," I stammered.

It was apparent I was not.

"Saria... we both know that isn't true," he whispered, which was making the situation much harder. "I'm not letting you go until you calm down."

I nestled against his chest for a moment and closed my eyes. He was solid. He was tangible. He was strong. But... he wasn't mine. Afterwards, I pulled back and looked up at him again. I had never seen a more pristine looking creature in all of creation, especially with the way the light was capturing the blue in Link's eyes in that instance. He almost appeared angelic, when there was nothing innocent about the glint caught in his eyes just now. I attempted again to release myself from his grasp, when I gripped at his hands firmly encircled around my waist. I really was being ridiculous. It was just a hug.

"I'm-I'm sorry," I apologized all of a sudden. "I haven't been very kind to you, have I?"

The hero didn't appear offended at all.

"I understand. It's as you've stated, you have a great deal going on in your life. I just want to take some of that concern away from you if I can."

He was being so kind.

"Link, your intentions are good, but you have the kingdom to look after."

He stared into my eyes.

"But what did I promise you? What did I tell you just now? Hell, what did I tell you a few months ago?"

I was quiet for a moment, not expecting him to bring up that emotional conversation from before. I remembered it all too well. He was talking about right after he got married.

"You said you would always make time for me," I whispered.

He reached up and caressed my cheek.

"That hasn't changed. Whenever you need me, I will be here for you. I promise."

The butterflies came back.

"Link..."

He then pressed his forehead against mine.

"What?" he asked.

I was trying so hard not to cry. This was so difficult.

I love you... I wanted to say.

I decided to deflect instead.

"But... but you also told me something else. You also told me that I could only be happy with Ralph, remember? You told me that at my wedding."

He was quiet at my disclosure.

"I did... but what does that have to do with the promise I made to you?"

I gave him a knowing look.

"You know what that means. It means you shouldn't make promises like this to me. It means I belong to someone else, just as you belong to someone else."

Link's gaze was fixed on mine.

"What did you expect me to tell you on your wedding day Saria?" he countered. "I had a different train of thought that night."

I shook my head.

"I would expect you to keep that same fortitude."

He then let me go of his own initiative and stepped back.

"Maybe I should have just been honest and told you I was lying to you," he confessed casually. "Maybe I should have told you I was doing that for my pride's sake."

I wasn't surprised at hearing this, but I expected more valor than this from him.

"Link-"

"I will let it be Saria," he interrupted. "I'll drop the issue, but you needed to know that apparently." He then walked back over to the stump and sat down. "Let's change the subject to something more to your liking. I'm glad you told me about the letter and if you no longer want to keep it, I can take it off you hands. I would like to do a further analysis on it anyway."

I turned to look at him. I really was ruining this moment by being silly. However, despite my efforts, I did appreciate him wanting to take the letter off my hands. I didn't want that thing anywhere near my home any longer.

"You are more than welcome to keep it," I stated.

Link then folded up the stationery and put it in his pocket. Afterwards, I walked back over to him and sat down next to him. I felt to foolish for the dramatics thus far.

"Thank you for helping me with the letter," I said quietly.

Link thought nothing of it.

"It's fine. The last time we spoke you were helpful in giving me some pivotal information regarding Zoras Domain. This might be equally as useful."

He piqued my interests with the segue.

"What became of that?" I asked in return.

Link gave me a wayward look and was hesitant.

"Something bigger than I anticipated," he said honestly. "I can't go into everything now, but a certain noble was acting erroneously... more than she should have been."

Now I really was intrigued.

"Something happened with a noble in Zoras Domain?"

The hero the fanned off my inquiries.

"I really shouldn't say anything until I find out more," he insisted. "I don't want to speak prematurely. This letter might help me with that."

I was slightly disappointed, but didn't let it show.

"I see."

With the matter of the correspondence resolved, Link changed the subject.

"Considering all that you told me, do you think Ralph suspects anything?" he asked suddenly.

I couldn't be sure and shrugged.

"He might. I haven't been the most evasive when to comes to this."

He nodded.

"What do you think he thinks is going on?"

I sighed.

"He might think I'm just having a hard time transitioning with home life."

Link stared at me thoughtfully just then.

"Is that an issue? Have you been having a hard time?"

I stared ahead at the forest.

"Some days are harder than others," I stated. "I feel so inadequate. I really want to impress his parents, but I am not so certain that's possible."

The hero grinned.

"Trust me when I say I completely understand what you are going through."

I glanced back over at him.

"Was it hard for you?"

He gave me an obvious look.

"A peasant about to marry the king's daughter? Are you kidding me?"

He did have a point.

"Well, you were a knight in the kings service when you asked for Zelda's hand," I replied, "but, when you put it that way I see your point."

Link shook his head, recollecting.

"Daphnes was complicated, you know that well, but even on superficial things he was very protective of his daughter. I understand it. However, I still to this day don't know how I survived him."

I grinned.

"You were courting the princess."

He let his fallback at the memories.

"My goddess... do you remember the edict he put out on me before he died?"

I stared at him sympathetically.

"I do. You were to stay one thousand feet away from Zelda or he was going to have you beheaded. That was a very dangerous time for you."

Link stared up at the canopy.

"A time I will never forget."

I was quiet for a moment.

"Even so, you never appeared scared."

Link suddenly reached over and grabbed my hand.

"That's because I had you to help me."

My cheeks warmed at his saying that.

"Link..."

"I did," he insisted, "I wouldn't have made it without you."

I didn't want to linger on this conversation, so I made light of it.

"Well, that's the past," I said. "You survived it, and look at you now."

He was quiet for a moment.

"Yes... look at me now."

There was a hint of sadness in his voice.

"You're a great man Link," I whispered. "Daphnes knew that and that was why he challenged you. He knew you could handle it."

Link didn't reply right away.

"I suppose that's one way of looking at things." He glanced back over at me. "He certainly had me fooled for a minute."

I didn't want him to lose sight of what he had now.

"But you persevered."

He nodded.

"True." His eyes searched my face as he shifted the subject. "What do you think is the biggest hurdle between you and Ralph's kin?"

His inquiry came out of the blue from what we were just discussing. That question was more loaded than it had any reason being. Where did I even begin?

"Well, I... I personally think I wasn't the girl they wanted their son to marry. He's a physician. He's accomplished. He has worked hard his entire life for his position. They see me as just a dressmaker."

Link stared at me sympathetically.

"I can attest that you are more than a dressmaker."

I shook my head.

"But they don't see that."

He went to reassure me.

"Help them see that," he said simply. "Help them see who you really are Saria."

I got his point, but still felt overwhelmed.

"But... what if who I really am isn't good enough for them? What then Link?"

The hero reached over and stroked my cheek with his thumb.

"It's their loss if they can't see your beauty," he whispered. "Their loss."

My eyes widened slightly, and I immediately turned away blushing.

"You're silly Link."

The hero didn't react to my gesture right away and let his hand fall.

"I'm right," he said. "Just give Ralph's family some time. They will eventually learn to love you."

I appreciated his efforts.

"I hope so, and I will," I replied. "Who knows, maybe they will learn to love me."

He nodded.

"I'm certain of it."

There was a brief silence that overcame us, where I looked up at the canopy. The midday sun appeared ethereal as it bled through the treetops. It was quite a lovely day, and despite my doubts, this was going well. This was just what I needed. I needed to decompress. I needed an outlet. I actually really was enjoying myself just talking to him. He hadn't crossed the line in any way. In fact, he had been a perfect gentleman. However, I knew days like this wouldn't be able to be sustained. I knew eventually I was going to have to tell him I couldn't do this any longer. It was then I looked over at the hero and recounted all we discussed thus far. I pursed my lips before I spoke.

"Forgive me," I apologized suddenly.

Link glanced back at me.

"For what?"

I shrugged.

"For the way I acted earlier."

He grinned.

"I told you not to worry yourself. I know the way you were acting before wasn't you."

I shook my head.

"That isn't an excuse and isn't fair. You've been nothing but kind and obliging to me. Please, accept my apology."

The hero's grin widened.

"It's accepted. You don't have to be anyone other than yourself when you are with me. That's why we're here. That's why we're together."

I stared into his beautiful eyes and returned his grin.

"I appreciate that."

He reached over and stroked my cheek again.

"It's nothing."

I turned away and blushed again. Before the silence got away with us, I decided to change the subject once more. This was turning out to be very therapeutic.

"How are things going by way of the preparations for the prince?" I asked.

He stared at me thoughtfully.

"They are practically done," he replied, "but Zelda insists that everything be perfect. So, there are inspections, more inspections, and more inspections."

I giggled with his repetition.

"It is a rather large celebration you two are planning. You can't expect the queen to not be thorough."

He nodded.

"True."

I wanted to know more.

"And, what is your role in tomorrow's festivities my lord?" I teased.

Link gave me an obvious look.

"Don't you know?"

I shook my head.

"Not at all."

Link rolled his eyes playfully.

"I am to be the great politician. The negotiator. The liar."

I chuckled again with how he said that.

"Is that how you see it?"

"Is that not how it is?" he countered.

He had me there.

"I am not a politician," I said anyway. "You are going to have to come to terms with that."

His rebuttal was somewhat stunted.

"Fair enough," he replied.

I gave him a confident look just then.

"But if you want my two rupees, I think you're going to do just fine," I reassured.

Link grinned.

"Why is that?" he asked.

I looked away, back into the forest.

"Because you can do anything," I said quietly. "You really and truly can do anything."

I was just talking in passing, but it had a deeper meaning than I intended, and he knew that. He reached over and grabbed my hand again and squeezed it affectionately.

"Somehow... somehow I knew you would say that," he replied, and lowered his voice a little. "When you get centered and your mind is at ease, you always know how to reach in and make your friends feel whole. You always make me feel whole. You've had that ability ever since we were children."

I pursed my lips at his comments and felt my throat tighten.

Don't cry Saria... I told myself. Don't...

Admittedly, I turned away for a moment so he wouldn't see me get emotional. However, it was to no avail, because as soon as I turned away, he reached over to turn my face back to his. I was wiping the tears from eyes and tried to lessen my discomfiture.

"I do have that amazing ability, don't I?" I attempted to joke anyway.

Link just stared at me in this very loving way. I couldn't describe it. I felt silly crying in front of him, but my feelings were my feelings, and I was still very much in love with him. I was trying so hard to ward those feelings off me, but they just wouldn't go away.

"I'm sorry," I whispered in a broken voice.

He shook his head.

"Don't be."

I got my bearings together and only felt more embarrassed with how I reacted. I didn't want to keep doing this. I didn't want to keep sending mixed signals. How was he supposed to let go if I couldn't? I attempted then to change the subject.

"Would you like to hear a new joke?" I asked.

Link paused for a moment, knowing my intentions.

"A joke?" he repeated.

I nodded.

The hero pretended to think about it.

"Is it any good?"

I had a slight look of indignation.

"Of course."

He didn't look too reassured, but he indulged me anyway.

"Well then... don't keep me in suspense."

At his acceptance, I got up off the stump, still wiping my eyes. But, once I got my bearings together, I was able to control my feelings.

"Alright," I said, "I have two this time."

He saw I was trying and nodded.

"Okay."

Afterwards, I cleared my throat and readied myself.

"First one: where do little puppies go when their tails fall off?"

Link gave me an offhanded look.

"To sleep I hope. That sounds painful."

I shook my head.

"Wrong, they go to the retail store!"

At its end, I started laughing immediately. I always thought my jokes were funny. Link, however, just grinned and shook his head. It was no matter how bad they were, I loved telling them. After I composed myself again, I went for my next joke.

"Okay, joke number two," I announced. "Why can't Hylian pirates finish the alphabet?"

Link simply shrugged.

"Because... they're too busy robbing people?" he replied.

I shook my head again.

"No, it's because they're lost at 'C'!"

Again, I started laughing, and again, all Link did was grin and nod. However, he did also clap at my efforts and I bowed graciously to him. I then sat back down and grinned on the stump. Link looked over at me shaking his head.

"Where do you come up with these jokes Sar?" he asked.

I shrugged.

"In some of the books I've read. There was one specifically on what people considered 'terrible jokes'. However, I have always thought they were funny. It was actually one of the books gramps gave me before we traveled to Kakariko Village together. He had no idea he had a book like that in his collection. It just goes to show you, you never know what treasures you have."

He nodded, but perked a little when I mentioned gramps.

"How is gramps these days?" he asked suddenly.

I took in a deep sigh and looked out at the beautiful surroundings before I answered.

"Admittedly, I haven't seen him in a while, but I plan to soon. I have some big news I need to share with him."

I phrased it absently, but I unintentionally piqued Link's interests.

"News?" he repeated. "What news?"

I got silent just then, forgetting for a moment I didn't make mention at all of my pregnancy. My plan was to tell him, but the conversation never really allowed for it. Even so, it seemed the opportunity had just been presented to me. Nevertheless, I suddenly thought of a different way of telling him. I looked over at him thoughtfully.

"That's right, you don't know," I said more to myself than to him.

Link gave me a wayward look.

"What don't I know? Come on, stop being evasive."

I paused, thinking this would be the perfect opportunity to do something I hadn't done in a long time, and that was sing. Link loved my singing and it had been over a year since I was last able to share my voice with him. Link always told me he appreciated my voice, so this could also be like a gift to him... in a way.

"If I tell you in a unique way, will you promise not to laugh?" I asked.

He raised a brow.

"What do you mean?"

I didn't want to ruin the surprise.

"Can you just promise?" I asked again.

Link paused for a moment, studying my face. The minor doubt was there, but he nodded anyway.

"Alright, I promise."

I smiled and then got up from the stump again. I stood in front of the hero to ready myself. I felt more confident when I stood. I looked around, admiring the greenery, the sprites, the cisterns, the cool breeze. This was our world... Link's and mine. This was where we played, shared secrets, found each other, rescued each other, loved each other. It was so beautiful... so perfect for what I needed to say. That was when the inspiration came to me. That was when the words became so clear. I then closed my eyes and started singing:

𝄞Loneliness can bind us

Making us feel like it is a lost dream𝄞

𝄞But with destiny beside us

To waters of life we stream𝄞

𝄞Why can I not see you

For what you really are?𝄞

𝄞How did you find me

When there is nothing left but these scars?𝄞

𝄞How I long to embrace you

How I long to hold you𝄞

𝄞How I long to feel you

How I long to love you𝄞

𝄞How I long to be your friend

Your confidant𝄞

𝄞Your guide

Your... mother𝄞

𝄞I can't wait to be your mother

Little one growing inside me𝄞

𝄞You fill me with love

You fill me with pride𝄞

𝄞This is so unexpected, but not really

I cannot wait for you to be a part of me𝄞

𝄞My daughter, my son

Whoever you are, I love you𝄞

𝄞I love you

I... love... you...𝄞

When the words rescinded, there was nothing but silence for a moment. When I opened my eyes Link staring at me awestruck. His expression shifted to a nondescript one because it was a mixture of many emotions. He got up slowly from the stump and walked over to me. I looked up at him when he stopped right in front of me.

"First of all, why would I ever laugh at that? That was absolutely beautiful," he whispered. "Thank you for sharing your voice with me again. I forgot how much I missed it."

My bottom lip started trembling and I avoided his eyes just then.

"You're welcome," I whispered back with a slight break.

Link tilted my chin up so I could look him in the eyes, that was when mine filled with tears again.

"You're pregnant?" he asked simply.

I hesitated, but then nodded slowly.

"Yes."

His eyes searched my face. I saw the glint of pain he tried to conceal. His throat tightened in that instant, but he worked hard to force that grin across his face.

"Congratulations."

My tears spilled over and I looked away again.

"Thank you."

He took in a deep sigh.

"When did you find out?" he asked.

I shrugged.

"A couple weeks ago."

He wiped one of my tears from my cheeks.

"I see."

I couldn't keep it together just then and maneuvered my face from his palm. I turned from him and started sobbing. Link immediately took hold of me again and turned me back around. I avoided looking at him while he let me bury my head in his chest.

"Don't cry," he whispered, "please..."

His tone only made me cry more.

"I'm sorry," I wept, "but I can't help myself."

He held me tighter.

"It's going to be okay," he whispered in my ear, "you're going to be a great mother."

My chest caved in at his words."

"Oh Link." The hero just held me and let me sob until I couldn't sob anymore. After a few moments, I used the back of my palms to wipe my eyes. I finally got a hold of myself. "I'm sorry."

He shook his head.

"Don't be."

I felt more and more foolish as the moments passed.

"I... I just think back to the future we were going to have together, you know?" I whispered. "A part of me feels like I'm betraying that." He stared at me seriously just then. I gazed back at him longingly. "How am I supposed to forget you? How am I supposed to let you go?"

My voice was beyond broken.

"Saria... I'm sorry."

I shook my head.

"It's like you said before, it's so goddamn unfair."

Link gave no rebuttal to that, but he lifted my chin up again. Before I knew what was happening, he reached down and kissed me. The first kiss was soft and I tried to resist initially, but reneged almost immediately and kissed him back. I didn't hesitate to wrap my arms around his neck and kiss him deeper. This may have surprised him momentarily, but it made his ardency more prevalent. I started breathing hard, and holding on to him tight. I didn't want to let him go. I loved him so much. I knew this was wrong, but I couldn't help myself. I kissed him deeper. Link rested his hand at my nape and held my neck up. He kissed me harder as he opened his mouth, which made me do so in return. This was becoming more than it should have been, and it shouldn't have been this at all. He left my lips for a second and started kissing my neck. I was moaning loudly and felt that undeniable sexual arousal when his mouth went up and down my nape. When he returned to my lips, I made sure to let him know I enjoyed that.

"You're always so perfect Link," I whispered between a kiss.

My approval emboldened him. He kissed me deeper and, for a moment, I felt him toggling with the button of my shawl. I interlaced my hands with his to stop him, but I wasn't sure I wanted to. While this kiss prolonged, I opened my eyes for just a moment and stared at his closed ones. I could only imagine what making love to him would be like... though I didn't want to imagine it. I wanted it, and it was because of that want that I finally pulled away. Link attempted to kiss me again, but I moved from his reach and took several steps back.

I covered my face again in confusion.

"Goddesses," I whispered to myself, "what am I doing?"

Link just stared at me, but he looked determined.

"You're doing what your heart is telling you to do," he said defiantly. "We both are."

I shook my head and took another step back.

"I can't," I whispered to myself. "I can't. I can't. I can't. I can't."

The hero was not at all convinced.

"You can keep telling yourself that if you want to. I know how we feel about each other!"

I covered my ears.

"We can't do this Link! We can't! We're committed to different people! We're married to different people!"

Link looked away from me for a second.

"So what!" he snapped with a hint of anger. "We didn't want to be! We were forced into this situation! I did not want this for us Saria!"

I stared at him not really surprised, but knew I couldn't allow this to go on.

"I'm pregnant with Ralph's baby. Zelda is pregnant with your baby. It can never work!"

The hero closed his eyes.

"We could make it work," he said quietly finally. "I told you what I was willing to do for you."

My throat tightened.

"I... I... I... can't! I won't!" I was fighting off another onset of tears. "You promised me this would never happen again!"

He shook his head.

"I promised you nothing of the kind, nor would I ever make such a promise. I don't feel guilty for wanting to be with you and you shouldn't either!"

I shook my head.

"You're wrong! This is wrong Link!"

"Says who Saria?" he demanded.

I stared at him dumbstruck and took another step back. I shook my head, and made my resolve right then and there.

"No... no. I will not do this again. I will not see you again. I will not come back here and hurt Ralph this way."

Link narrowed his eyes slightly.

"Saria... you don't mean that."

I nodded.

"Yes, I do."

He took a step towards me and shifted the conversation in a direction I didn't expect.

"I am the king Saria."

I froze. I was at a loss for words.

"What? What does that mean?"

Link looked away for a moment, realizing what he allowed himself to intend, then back to me.

"Don't forget why you left the Sacred Realm. You didn't leave for Ralph. You left for me. You left for us."

I couldn't believe what he was saying.

"And we're not together!" I reiterated.

The hero stared at me openly frustrated.

"It doesn't have to be that way! I want you! I want a life with you!"

I shook my head.

"Link-"

"Okay fine! Fine!" he interrupted. "When we come here we won't talk about our feelings or anything. I just need an oasis from the world, and Sar… you're it, you're it. We'll just talk about our lives. You can tell me some jokes, and we'll talk about our children. That's it, that's all."

Frustrated tears refilled my eyes, because I knew that wasn't true. I knew something like what just happened was going to happen again. It was only a matter of time and temptation. I knew how much I still wanted to be with him. I knew how much I still loved him. Meeting alone like this was not going to work.

"I can't Link! I-"

"I get one day a month with you," he interrupted again. "One day, that's it. Ralph sees you all the time. You're his wife... okay, I'll respect that. However, I am the one you left the Sacred Realm for. Me, not Ralph, me Saria. You cannot throw that away after all we have been through just to have this."

My tears spilled over again.

"I…"

The words wouldn't come out.

He took another step towards me.

"Tell me I'm wrong," he challenged.

What did he want me to say? Of course he was right. Of course I left my position as a sage to be with him, but look where that road led us. Link had no idea how much harder he was making this for us. I didn't know what to say, so I said nothing. I turned from him and wrapped my arms around myself. I didn't know what to do. At my crying, Link came up to me, whether I objected or not, and took me in his arms once more. I closed my eyes and shivered a little from his closeness, but it soon went away when he held me closer.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make you cry," he said gently. I shook my head and didn't reply. "You don't have to be scared Sar," he whispered against my hair. "That's why we come here in the first place. We come here for a little solace, for a little solitude. We need that from each other."

I took in a deep breath against his tunic and finally hugged him back. This had nothing to do with me being scared. It had everything to do with doing what was right.

"That's true…" I whispered back anyway, giving in a little to my selfishness instead of my rational thoughts.

It was so hard for me to resist him.

Link held me tighter.

"No more talk of not seeing each other anymore, okay," he went on. "Let's not make that an option. I promise you I won't do anything that you don't want me to do."

That wasn't too reassuring. However, I agreed to his words anyway.

"Alright," I said softly.

Link then pulled back and looked into my eyes.

"I know Ralph loves you," he said. "I'll keep that in mind in the future."

I simply nodded, not knowing what to think.

"He really is a wonderful man," I whispered. "I don't want to hurt him. He's going to be an excellent father."

Link merely gave me a once over.

"I know he is," he whispered back. "Just like you're going to be a great mother."

I sighed.

"Thank you."

Link reached up and caressed my cheek.

"You're welcome," he replied, then changed the subject. "No more tears, okay. No more crazy talk about never seeing each other again. That is not an option."

I blushed again and had to avoid his eyes.

"Alright," I agreed anyway.

Link then ran a hand through his perfect golden blonde hair and let go of me.

"Anyway," he said, "I have something I want to give you. I had it made just for you."

I stared at him surprised.

"You had a gift made for me?"

Link nodded, then opened the pocket of his tunic and took out a gold and emerald necklace. I was stunned at seeing how beautiful it was. The hero reached out to hand to me.

"I want you to have this."

I stared at the neck in complete disbelief.

"I... I can't accept anything as beautiful as this. I'm just a peasant girl."

He looked at me determined.

"Yes you can, and I expect you to."

I gazed up at him and saw how serious he was.

"Link... that necklace is meant for a queen."

His stance was unwavering.

"I know."

I bit down on my lower lip, then reached for it.

"I have nothing to wear this with," I tried to dissuade him.

He didn't seem to care.

"Just having it on you is enough."

I wasn't going to win with him.

"I suppose," I said. "Thank you. It's beautiful."

Link nodded.

"It suits you."

I blushed.

"Link..."

He came over again and took me in his arms. He held me tight.

"Since nothing more productive is coming of this visit, I think we should go," he whispered.

He was probably right.

"Link…"

He didn't say anything else regarding the subject. Instead, he kissed my forehead tenderly.

"Call on me if you need anything," he whispered against my hair, "and again, congratulations on your baby."

I didn't know what else to say.

"Thank you," I whispered back.

He held me tighter just then.

"Don't give up on us Sar," he whispered, "please."

I didn't know what that even meant now. Everything was so confusing.

"I won't," I whispered anyway.

Link pulled back and stroked my hair.

"I'll call on you next month if it isn't too dangerous, and please think about what I said."

I nodded.

"I will."

With that, Link stared at me a moment longer, but then turned to take his leave from the Sacred Forest Meadow. I noticed he didn't come the same way as I did, and it always amazed me how resourceful he was. He could find a shortcut anywhere. However, before he left, he turned and looked at me again.

"Will you be alright walking back to Ordon alone?" he asked.

I paused for a second, but then I quickly nodded. There was no way the king of Hyrule was going to walk me home. I would never live that down.

"I'll be fine," I said, "I'll head out soon after."

Link wasn't too reassured by my words, but nodded just the same. Afterwards, he took out his hook shot and aimed it at some vines above in the canopy. He looked over at me once more before he left.

"Don't linger here too much longer. Take the main roads if you need to."

I nodded.

"Don't worry, I will," I said, then finalized this meeting, "goodbye Link."

The hero stared at me for a minute.

"Goodbye Saria."

Afterwards, Link shot up into the greenery and jettisoned away. I watched after him, realizing I wasn't going to see him again until next month or longer, and admittedly, that did make me sad. It was a wonder how I made a stand not to see him in the first place. I knew it wasn't what I wanted. I just hoped he got back to the castle safely. With Link gone, I turned and headed out of the meadow myself. I needed to head home and make my husband some supper. Even so, as I walked I thought of Link and his kingly burden.

I hope the visit with the prince goes well... I'll be praying for you Link.

With that, I doubled my pace and headed home to Ordon.

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The next chapter will be up soon!