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.

15. Chapter 15

Inspiration: "Dangerous," by the late great MJ, and irony.

Author Note: This chapter is long.

Word Count: 18,724

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Chapter 15

Three months later: Saria's POV

I was now seven months pregnant, and my belly seemed to go from a small lump to a ballooning semi-circle almost overnight. There was no hiding my pregnancy now, not that I would ever want to, and as an added change, Ralph and I were in our new home. I had to admit, it was very convenient having the industrialized amenities so close by. Castle Town main square was merely an alley's walk away, with Ralph and I living in the eastern section. Even so, I still had my apprehension about walking around without my headdress. I was afraid someone would recognize me as that 'harlot' from the past and reignite those old latent rumors. That was all Ralph needed to hear for our troubles to start once again.

However, gradually I realized my slight paranoia was unfounded. No one was interested or sensationalized by me. Perhaps I was thinking far too deeply on the idea and propped it up more than I should have. The increased self-awareness actually made me become more at ease with the situation. Even so, I was stopped from time to time by people who thought they recognized me, but the gossip about the hero and me was long considered 'old' news. I guess Link was right. I was just another familiar face now. I was grateful for that. I was even to the point of showing my bangs. Besides that, I was a changed woman.

My life over the past few months had now become a system of habit: I woke up in the morning, prepared Ralph's breakfast, cleaned the house, sewed some clothes that needed mending, and got things ready for dinner. From time to time I would walk to the square to get some sundries, and interestingly enough, I found that the king took a stroll every morning around Castle Town Square to greet the town's folk. He was always heavily guarded, as he should be, but the people eagerly looked forward to his visits. I couldn't say I blamed them. Link was such a wonderful man, with wonderful qualities, and he was turning out to be a great ruler. At first, I wasn't aware that this was his daily routine, but after observing him for a few days, I realized his entourage made their way around the square every morning.

Once I understood this was Link's custom, I made sure to stay clear of his morning walks. However, admittedly I did watch him from afar from time to time. The hero walked with such confidence and dignity. He would inquire each vendor of their day and ask their opinion on the current events in local politics. Many of the town's folk spoke frankly, but respectfully to Link. I thought his exposition was an excellent way to understand the thought process of the people. He took the citizen's concerns into consideration, but he often gave them a broader perspective to ponder. I could tell from hearing him interact he was more learned now, and with access to the royal library, why wouldn't he be? Even so, unfortunately, many of the town's people were too stuck in their ways to understand or venture beyond their own point of view.

I grinned at Link's attempts and admired his tenacity.

However, one day two months ago I was careless with my voyeurism and Link actually caught sight of me while he was speaking to another person. He didn't cut his conversation short, but he did lock eyes with me for a moment. He looked surprised, especially considering our last formal conversation, but he still seemed happy to see me. I couldn't lie, I was happy he saw me too, and a part of me wished I could renege on what I said to him. But, to show my solidarity, I quickly turned away and headed in the other direction. My heart was beating fast, and I knew it was only because I felt guilty, but soon it subsided when I returned to my residence. The next day the same event transpired, only this time I saw that Link stopped in his tracks when he saw me and was even willing to approach me. However, I became frightened and once again quickly turned and headed in the opposite direction. This time, having got the hint, Link didn't attempt to engage me in the future. Instead, he kept on his way and chose not to acknowledge me if he saw me in the square.

Recognizing this was the third occurrence in such a period short a time, I knew I had to rearrange my day. I needed to go marketing later. However, because of that latest incident I assumed for a certainty I was going to hear the notes of his ocarina at some point in the day. However, much to my chagrin, it never happened. In fact, seeing that I was wrong I realized I was disappointed… very disappointed, but I shouldn't have been. This was what I wanted… right? I told Link I never wanted to see him again and he was just complying with my request. Thus far, he had made good on that promise. It had been four months since we last spoke.

I took in a deep sigh.

You can't have your cake and eat it too Saria, I thought, though I always found the saying was odd, then why even get a slice of cake when you can't eat it?

In any such case, there was no use pondering over useless idioms. Needless to say, Link now knew I lived in Castle Town. Two weeks after that last occurrence, I kept with my routine of shopping around midday. Even so, I noticed around noon time when I walked about town, it was much busier and access to vendors was more of a challenge. Also too, I would notice Link standing in his preferred window in the center spire at the peak of the day. He was always watching over the people. From time to time we would lock eyes, but it would be very brief. I admired his tenacity. He was the new keeper of Hyrule's gates, so it was his responsibility to always be on the watch.

I don't envy him, I thought.

One week later, another strange occurrence took place, one by way of the affianced lady of Hebra, Lady Bathory. I had come to know by way of town gossip that she owned several villas in the main square. She sublet those homes to budding plutocrats who wanted to be at the center of commerce. That woman seemed to understand the value of access better than anyone. However, she was frequenting Castle Town quite readily these past few weeks. Every time she came to the square, she was the talk of the town. Mainly because she was wealthy beyond compare and she spent her money indiscriminately. One morning Lady Bathory bought all the wine from one of the purveyors for a party she was having, while the next day she bought all the beautifully embroidered clothes from a neighboring elderly vendor. Her generous purchase allowed the elderly patron to return home and not have to worry about her finances for a few months. Lady bathory was quite the woman. The town's folk seemed to adore her.

Considering Lady Bathory was going to be royalty soon, it only made sense that she exuded so much chatter. Even so, interestingly enough two of the last three times she came to town she saw me and surprisingly greeted me… by name. I had to admit, I was quite surprised she remembered my name. Also too, I had forgotten how extraordinary she was to look upon up close. I never saw a woman with crystal purplish colored eyes before. Everything about her features were pristine and perfect. When she spoke to me, she would often stare me straight in the eyes for long moments. I didn't understand why, but it made me blush and look away. I didn't know what it was about her that was so alluring, or why she even thought to engage me, but she did. Our conversations were mundane and brief, and I never understood her inquiries about me. Afterwards, she would simply leave my company and be on her way.

When Lady Bathory left my presence, many of the town's folk watching would tell me how lucky I was to interact with her. I appreciated their claims, but I didn't see it quite that way. I didn't want to appear too judgmental, but something about her didn't sit well with me. She… she seemed dangerous and she didn't seem to care that people saw her that way. She was confident in a way that seemed like an art form, and I couldn't tell whether I admired that about her, or feared that about her. I wish I had that kind of confidence myself. I never met a woman who owned her womanhood the way she did. Not even Zelda exuded the kind of confidence Lady Bathory did. That noble was something else.

I need to remind myself to stay away from her, I thought.

Currently, I was on my way back home carrying some milk, honey, and flour. I was going to make Ralph some of his favorite pastries. I wanted to keep things civil between us. Admittedly, I had been distant from him since our argument. I knew he was trying to make amends for it, but I still felt insecure around him. Besides that, I wasn't looking my best these days and I felt frumpy. I had extra weight from my pregnancy, my feet constantly hurt, and I didn't feel smart around him. I knew he apologized months ago, but I couldn't help but feel he stated a bit of truth, and because of such I wanted to better myself. I didn't want my daughter to have a simpleton for a mother.

To add credence to my claim, I went and found out the qualifications to get into the Scholars Academy. I was determined to get an education at any cost, but it would take me at least a year of studying before I qualified for the entrance exams. I needed a thorough knowledge of the life and alchemical sciences before I could apply. Ralph had many of those books in his library and I was going to study all of them. I already started with biology and alchemistry. Once I qualified, I was going to take the exams.

I hadn't told Ralph any of this, nor was I planning to until I got an acceptance letter into the academy. I only wanted an education so I could be a better mother to my daughter, not so I could compete with my husband. I didn't believe marriage was supposed to be a competition, but I needed to have some brain power my husband could love and respect. One of the things I admired about Ralph was how smart he was, and he worked hard for it. I wanted to work hard for it too. I wanted his family to know I was willing to better myself as well. I wasn't just marrying a man with a stable life because that was the best I could do. I could be something special too.

I knew if Ralph knew what I was doing he would feel as though he pressured me into thinking this way, and truthfully in some ways he did. However, I think this was a positive push. I wasn't sure I would be considered too old for the academy, but I was willing to try. I am twenty-six years old, and by the time I qualified, I would be twenty-seven with a little one running around the house. I didn't know how I would manage it, but I believe I could make it happen if I tried. It was all a matter of context.

Even so, when I got back home, I noticed the door to my residence was already open. Seeing that, I suddenly stepped back in fear. I didn't leave the house this way.

"What in the-?" I whispered, but didn't finish.

I nearly dropped my basket, but noticed that whoever was inside wasn't trying to be discreet about it either. In fact, they were rather blatant. It was then I stepped up on the porch and peered inside the opened door. When I saw the flash of golden hair in the distance, I knew right then it was Ralph.

Speak of the devil, I thought.

Relieved, I walked into the house and looked over at my husband surprised. It was midday and I wasn't expecting him home until several hours later near dusk. What was he doing home so early? I saw that he was in the kitchen. I closed the front door and put the basket on the table in the formal dining area. Afterwards, I went to greet him.

"Good afternoon," I said softly when I walked over to him.

He finally turned and looked at me.

"Hello Sar," he replied.

I saw right away he looked distressed. His expression was almost despondent.

"What's wrong?" I asked.

Ralph avoided my eyes just then. He paused for a long moment too.

"It's… it's nothing," he replied finally.

I raised a brow. That was an obvious fib.

"The expression on your face bodes differently," I replied, then asked again, "what's wrong?"

Ralph took in a deep sigh and still didn't answer right away.

"I'm… I'm just having a terrible day," he divulged.

My eyes widened slightly, but then I went up to him and touched his shoulder.

"What happened?" I asked.

Ralph pursed his lips together and tried to keep his emotions in check. That was when I knew it was truly something horrible. Ralph was not the type of man to lose his composure easily.

"Ralph…?" I asked gently.

He took in a deep sigh and finally answered.

"I was working in the emergency clinic today and… and we lost a patient," he disclosed quietly, then added, "a little girl to be exact."

I covered my mouth when an involuntary gasp escaped.

"What?" I whispered.

He nodded.

"Yes…" he trailed.

I didn't know what to say.

"Oh dear goddesses," I whispered, "I'm so sorry."

Ralph closed his eyes at my tone, but it was then his eyes filled with tears.

"We did everything we could to save her," he said with a slight crack in his voice, "I swear."

I went to hug him immediately.

"Of course you did," I reassured, "it's what you do, you have nothing to be ashamed of."

Ralph then hugged me back and buried his face in my shoulder.

"She was only two," he whispered with a broken voice, "she drank a purple chu jelly potion left opened and died from toxicity."

I hugged him tighter.

"I'm so sorry…" I whispered again.

He pulled back to look me in my face. He caressed my cheek.

"That's why I had to leave," he said, "I had to leave and see about you," he whispered, "when I saw the mother as devastated as she was and there was nothing I or anyone could do for her, I had to find you. I had to know you were safe."

I reached up and wiped the tears from his cheeks.

"Of course, and I'm right here," I reassured, "you did what you could. I know how much your patients mean to you."

He wiped the tears from his eyes himself again and cleared his throat.

"I didn't do enough," he said bitterly.

I didn't know how to reply to that, but I tried anyway.

"You gave it your all," I replied, "no one is going to fault you for doing your all."

Ralph stared into my eyes for a long moment.

"You think so?" he asked.

I nodded.

"I know so," I reassured.

He then reached up and caressed my cheek again.

"That's why I had to come home to you Saria," he said, "I needed you. I needed your reassurance. You always do that for me. I just had to know you were okay, and when I saw you gone, I figured you went to town, but I was worried."

I nodded, then decided to explain my absence.

"I wanted to make you some pastries," I disclosed, "I have been distant from you these past few months and wanted to make it up to you."

Ralph looked at me surprised regarding my confession.

"So…" he trailed, "I wasn't just imagining things."

I shook my head and avoided his eyes for a moment.

"No… no you weren't," I said, "I was frustrated and angry."

There was a brief silence between us, before we both suddenly broke it.

"I'm sorry," we said in unison.

Afterwards, we looked at each other surprised. I quickly avoided my husband's eyes again, but Ralph tilted my chin back up so I could face him again. I was nervous, but I wasn't resistant.

"Saria, I hate it when you're upset with me," he whispered.

I nodded.

"I know," I replied, "I hate it when we quarrel too."

He looked at me hopefully just then.

"I promise, I will never insult you again," he swore, "that's not the type of person I am and that isn't what you deserve."

I was grateful to hear that, but it didn't thwart my intended plans.

"I appreciate you saying this," I said, "but it is true, I am simple. However, I am going to get better I promise."

Ralph shook his head.

"You don't have to do that for me," he said.

This time I shook my head.

"I'm doing this for me," I explained, "I'm doing this for us, I'm doing this for our baby."

He stared into my eyes.

"What do you mean you're going to 'get better'?" he asked.

I didn't want to divulge my plans for the academy now, but I did want him to know I was reading his texts.

"I decided I want to educate myself," I explained, "I'm reading and studying your books in the library. I plan on getting a tutor in the future."

He looked at me surprised.

"Really?" he asked.

I nodded.

"I want my daughter to have a mother she can be proud of," I said, "I don't want her to feel as though I'm a simpleton."

Ralph was quiet again.

"You're… you're not a simpleton Saria," he said again.

I wasn't going to go back and forth on this so I decided to end it.

"Don't worry Ralph," I said, "I understand why you're saying this, but the truth is the truth. I'm not upset about it. I'm just going to do something about it."

He was staring in my eyes again.

"That's why I love and admire you so much," he said seriously, "you're fearless."

I blushed and grinned.

"I don't know about fearless," I said, "but I am willing to change if I have to."

Ralph grinned.

"That sounds pretty fearless to me," he said.

I returned his grin.

"Thanks," I said softly.

There was another brief silence between us, one where Ralph intended to capitalize on the good vibes now going on between us.

"Since we're on speaking terms," he said breaking it, "Gertrude and Romani wanted to get together with us later at Hylia's Tavern. They were with me when the whole incident happened earlier today and asked if we could get together later if I wanted to talk. I didn't want to go without you, but I wasn't sure you would want to considering how we've been distant from each other. So, with that stated, did you want to go?"

I paused for a moment. I didn't want to be discourteous, but I really didn't feel like associating with Ralph's sister these days. Gertrude had been admittedly colder to me since the incident with her mother… an incident Marin fabricated to make me look bad I might add. I didn't appreciate not having my side of the story heard, but I couldn't expect much from a woman who would naturally side with her mother over her sister in law. Even so, perhaps this was what was needed. Perhaps this was the deku branch she was trying to extend to make things better between us. I did want to be Gertrude's friend, but I wasn't willing to risk being insulted to make that happen either. I had had enough of that. I would never keep Ralph away from his family, nor would I ever want him to be. However, I shouldn't be expected to go with him every time he wanted to go see them either, especially if all they were going to do was exert their supposed superiority over me.

Even so, I knew he was waiting for my answer.

"Hylia's Tavern?" I repeated.

Ralph nodded.

"I don't expect you to drink, but I just wanted you to be there with me," he said.

I took in a deep sigh and avoided his eyes for a moment.

"I wouldn't be much company," I tried deflecting.

Ralph wasn't falling for it.

"I don't see it that way," he said, "besides, we haven't been on a date in months, not since the festival for the prince and… and I miss you."

I looked at him surprised by his divulgence.

"You miss me?" I repeated. "Ralph, we live together in the same house."

He raised his brows.

"You said it yourself that you were distancing yourself from me," he reiterated, "I feel like we've simply been existing together, not living together as husband and wife."

My eyes widened slightly at his utterance.

"Really?" I asked.

He nodded.

"Yes," he answered truthfully.

However, before I could reply again, a sudden sharp searing pain pulsed to my forehead. I had to grab my head and hunch over to try and ward it off.

"Ahhhhh!" I cried out.

Ralph now looked at me stunned.

"Saria!" he said in a slight panic. "Saria are you alright?"

I couldn't answer him right away.

"Is it another attack?" he asked.

At his question I managed to nod, but the pain intensified when I did. However, after a few more seconds, strangely, the pain disappeared. As soon as it started it abruptly ended, and I felt… different… very different. I suddenly stepped back and looked at my husband with a very different set of eyes.

Wait a minute, I thought, what's going on?

~SSS~

Ralph's POV

This was the second time I witnessed my wife having this strange attack and I felt powerless to do anything about it. However, I was fortunate that her headache soon subsided. It wasn't as long as the first attack I witnessed, and thankfully as soon as it started it was suddenly over. When Saria got her bearings together she looked fine. She didn't appear to have any neurological deficits or somnolence, but I wanted to make sure.

I took hold of her immediately.

"Are you alright?" I asked.

Saria nodded and stared into my eyes for a long time.

"Ralph?" she whispered suddenly. "Your name is Ralph, right?"

It was strange the way she said that, as if she was seeing me for the first time.

"Yes darling, it's me," I said, then asked again, "are you alright?"

She stared into my eyes once more, then for some odd reason she smirked.

"I'm fine," she said, "I just wanted to be sure it was you."

Again, I found her admission out of place. I wanted reassurance.

"Are you certain?" I asked.

Her smirk widened and she nodded once more.

"Did I scare you?" she asked suddenly.

That was another odd question, but I decided to be honest with her.

"As a matter of fact, you did," I said, "I remember what happened the last time. You were nearly beyond my reach."

She was staring at me confidently now, and afterwards wrapped her arms around my neck since she was already in my embrace. She got so close, her lips were only inches from mine.

"I'm not beyond your reach now, am I?" she whispered seductively just then. "I'm sorry to have scared you."

I was looking at her perplexed by her sudden shift in behavior. Also too, it was subtle, but I noticed her blue eyes seemed bluer and there was this faint iridescence to her hair now. It was absolutely beautiful. There was even something striking in her features in this moment, almost mysterious and haunting. Saria still looked the same, but suddenly she was more beautiful. I was about to comment on it, but before I could, she reached up and kissed me, and rather passionately too. I was surprised by the unexpected display of affection, but I willingly accepted it and kissed her back. A few moments in, she was opening her mouth against mine and breathing hard, clinging onto my lab coat and standing on her tiptoes. This was a complete one hundred eighty degree turn from the behavior she exhibited only a moment ago. Afterwards, she pulled away and stared into my eyes.

"What time do you have to be back to your emergency clinic?" she whispered.

I raised my brows, not sure how to answer her.

"I… I don't have to go back, I'm done with work for today," I divulged anyway, "I told Dr. Seaside to save the rest of my case load for tomorrow."

She smiled when she heard that.

"Perfect," she whispered, she reached up and kissed me again, "I know exactly what we can do to pass the time."

Afterwards, she took hold of my hand and guided me towards the staircase. It didn't take a genius to see she was guiding me upstairs to our bedroom, when we got there Saria closed the door behind us. Once the door was closed, she came up to me and kissed me again. Her mouth was hot and wet and I responded to her immediately. We actually hadn't been intimate in months, and I gathered it was either because she was feeling self-conscious about her body, or that she was still upset with me. It may have been a combination of both. In any such case, it didn't seem to be an issue for her now.

I pulled back and stared into her eyes just then.

"Are you sure?" I whispered.

She looked at me with full on desire.

"Yes," she whispered back, "I'm sure."

With that, Saria started undressing me by taking off my lab coat and working her way down to my waist where the buckle to my pants was. When I came home from work I was hardly expecting anything like this, but I was certainly not going to object to it. She made quick work of my belt and unfastened my pants. Before I could respond to her actions, she pushed me onto the mattress behind me, but before she joined me she paused and undressed herself. I was surprised at how quickly all the clothes on her became a pile on the floor, and even with her having her pregnant belly she was still the sexiest woman in the world to me. She was having my baby, why would I think her protruding belly was anything but beautiful? Saria still had her incredible legs and bottom, and her large perky breasts. I loved her body, I loved everything about her body, but she must have thought I found her less attractive because her midsection was a little fuller.

"You're beautiful baby," I whispered to her, "absolutely gorgeous."

She surprisingly smirked at my utterance.

"I know," she whispered confidently.

I raised my brows slightly taken aback.

I know? I thought.

That was hardly the answer I expected from her.

Even so, I didn't waste too much time pondering over it. A moment later, Saria got on top of me, but before she pulled my pants down, she unbuttoned my shirt and took it off. Afterwards, she slid my pants and undergarments down my legs and there was no longer a barrier between us. She undid the tie in her hair and let her green locks flow down to her waist. She was sexier than ever letting her hair flow like that. I fully expected her to just get on top of me and grind me the way she was teasing me she would. However, she actually was a lot more adventurous than that. She came down and kissed me again, but as she left my mouth she let her tongue slide down my neck, then to my chest, and then to my belly button. She was maneuvering pretty well considering her small girth at her belly. Anyway, she didn't let that dissuade her from acting like the unpredictable vixen she was… and I meant in the truest since of the word.

She's about to perform fellatio on me, I thought with a hint of disbelief.

Saria was feathering her tongue down towards my groin, and a moment later she stopped the erotic torture by placing my erect penis in her mouth. I was a little surprised by her oral fixation because she normally didn't go for sexual play like this. However, it seemed she left the pedantness at the door. Her mouth was warm and wet like a sponge, as she was sucking, tugging, and licking on me like a Hylian sausage. She was staring up at me smiling with her mouth full when she saw the astonished expression on my face at what she was doing. In fact, my expression made her want to please me more. So, she closed her eyes and swallowed me all the way to the back of her throat. Once she achieved that, I had to beg her to stop or I was going to cum in her mouth.

"Saria, darling you have to quit or I might ejaculate," I whispered, "I'm serious."

She smiled again and then pulled me out of her mouth.

"Good, that's what I want," she whispered.

I looked at her stunned.

However, instead of going back to the oral copulation she was doing previously, she climbed back on top of me and straddled her beautiful naked body over my groin. She teasingly let the tip of my penis stroke against her wet labia. It sent electricity down my spine. She stared down into my eyes when she spread her legs apart and slowly penetrated my penis inside of her body. Good goddesses, who was this woman and what had she done with my wife? She didn't flinch when she got me all the way inside, nor did she look away. Her orifice was warm and unusually wet, which if I had to be honest wasn't too unusual for a pregnant woman. She moved slowly once I was inside her, and I let her lead the way because she obviously knew what she wanted. I was going enjoy myself either way.

Saria was moaning and whimpering with each movement, and slowly she started moving faster. It felt incredible and she couldn't have been more beautiful breathing the way she was, with her head falling back, and her breasts perked up in the air like two large pumpkins. I could stare at her like this for hours. She let her head fall back more when she grinded me harder and deeper. Soon, there was very little that could be seen of my penis. With us being one like this, things were getting hotter and wetter much more succinctly. Suddenly, there was very little that either of us was going to do to control what was happening. I grabbed hold of her hips to keep her stationary and started moving with her, only faster as the pheromones were speaking more to me than my other erotic senses. The more we moved, the faster we got and the more intense it got… faster… and faster… and faster… until an explosion of pleasure came upon us.

"Ah!" she gasped.

When it was over, we were both breathing hard, Saria collapsed on top of me and held on to me tightly. She was shivering in pleasure and resting against my chest. I held her securely as well, both intrigued and grateful about what just happened. As I stated before, this was the last thing I was expecting when coming home today. There was a long silence between us before I decided to break it.

"I thought you were upset with me," I whispered against her hair, "what's gotten into you?"

She closed her eyes and took in a deep breath against my skin. She didn't offer much of an answer.

"I'm not mad at you anymore," she whispered, then asked, "did you enjoy it?"

That was a silly question.

"Of course I did," I replied, "I'm just a little surprised." I didn't let her dissuade me. "Now, are you going to answer my question? What's gotten in to you?"

At my utterance, Saria lifted her head and rested her weight against my body. That mysterious glint was still in her eyes and hair. She looked amazing with the sunlight beaming in on her naked body.

She stroked her forefinger over my lips.

"Everything's gotten into me darling," she whispered, "everything." She crawled towards me and hovered over me just then. "Do you want to give it another go?"

My eyes widened at her suggestion shocked, and when I looked down I saw that she was indeed ready again. I looked back into her eyes.

"Absolutely," I whispered.

And we spent the rest of the afternoon giving it a second… a third… and a forth go. What an afternoon it was.

Good goddesses, I need to come home early more often, I thought.

~SSS~

Later that night at Hylia's Tavern: Gertrude's POV

Romani's and my work day was over and we decided to have a few drinks at Hylia's Tavern in Castle Town. We invited Ralph and asked him to bring Saria if she was up to it. My brother had a horrible day at work, and I wanted him to unwind and talk about it if he needed to. The tavern was owned by Lord Rue Morgue and it was the talk of the square. It was crowded even now, with more male patrons than female ones. However, that was due to the serving wenches all being pretty young women. It was an obvious shtick, but they did serve the best chu jelly tinctures I've ever had. Romani and I were here more for relaxation than the atmosphere.

My friend glanced over at the tavern doors then back to me.

"Do you think they're going to show up?" Romani asked.

I shrugged, not altogether sure.

"It depends on if the wife wants to or not," I said with a hint of sarcasm.

Romani looked over at me and smirked, sensing my frustration all too well.

"Now, now be nice," she said.

I groaned and didn't reply. I was frustrated and decided not to answer. That was the only way I could be nice.

My mother often told me she didn't give birth to fools, but I wonder if my brother truly understood her point. Ralph was my best friend before he got married. He shared everything with me. Naturally, I didn't expect that to continue once he got married, but I knew recently something was troubling him and he wasn't willing to tell me. I was also getting this increasing feeling of foreboding about his wife Saria. I was trying to give her the benefit of the doubt, but it was getting noticeably harder, especially with what my mother told me in how she was treating her.

My mother never stated that Saria was outright disrespectful to her, but she did tell me that she was conspicuously more distant from her than in the past. I initially chalked it up to her being pregnant because of hormones and the like, but now I wasn't so sure gestation was the only thing plaguing her. In fact, I was sure enough to say I knew pregnancy wasn't the only thing bothering her.

Ever since the meet and greet with the king at the festival, Saria and Ralph were noticeably acting different. Ralph seemed silently stressed during the encounter, while Saria was decidedly more quiet than usual, and that seemed strange to me. Saria was usually a chatter box, but not that day. Maybe I was being a little hyperbolic. Maybe I was overthinking all this, but something inside me kept gnawing at me. It was an intuition I had that was never wrong. Even when I was a little girl it helped me avoid bullies. It also helped me at the academy to pass my exams. Now, it was telling me something was amiss with my sister in law. I couldn't put my finger on it, but there was something off about Saria.

I didn't want to be the stereotypical nosy family member, but she was leaving me no choice. Why did she look so nervous when the king approached her? Why was the king so defensive in what she said to him? Why did Ralph look so angry when the king was talking to Saria? It seemed rather unorthodox to me and it was unnerving. When I had an opportunity to speak with Ralph alone, I asked him about the incident with the king and he told me it was nothing. I shouldn't have expected him to say otherwise, but I knew he wasn't being truthful. Even so, I left the matter go, but the issue reignited for me when my mother came to talk to me about what was going on between her and Saria. Why was Saria trying to push everyone away?

It doesn't make sense, I thought, and if something doesn't make sense there is a hint of truth missing.

Admittedly, I was livid when my mother told me Saria was being rude to her. When I first heard the news, I was going to go right then and there to put Saria in her place. Who did she think she was speaking to my mother in such a way? She was no one from nowhere. However, my mother insisted that I say nothing and let it be. I was frustrated because I was trying my hardest to like my sister in law, but she was giving me every reason not to. She was incredibly beautiful to be sure, but what else did she have to offer? She wasn't very bright. There was very little I could converse with her on, and when she attempted, she placated minimal intelligence at best. Her past was a mystery. She wanted everyone to trust her, but we knew nothing about her or her family. When the subject was brought up, she always changed it. Why was she so secretive?

Saria had some positive qualities. She was a great cook, she kept a clean house, and for the most part, she seemed like a modest peasant girl, but that was it. So, what did my brother see in her? What made her so special? He could have had any woman he wanted. Ralph was extraordinarily handsome, a physician with a great future ahead of him, and had a loving family. He could have even married a noble woman if he really wanted to, and, if I had to be honest, Ralph should have married Romani. Romani was perfect for him. My family knew her background, she was very intelligent, and she had good moral sense. She had a brain and a semblance of a future. Again, what did Saria have that my brother was so smitten with? What was it? Great sex? There was more to life than sex.

Men are such idiots, I thought.

Going back to what I was contemplating earlier, the incident with the king, I really wanted to know what had truly went on. What was that instance really about? Did... Saria know the king in some way? I recall her defending him quite fiercely when we were speaking about him once before. That wasn't the norm for a simple peasant to do. There must have been a connection of some kind somewhere... but what? It was in that moment I suddenly had an epiphany. The thought just came to me like a thief in the night.

Dear goddesses, I pondered.

My eyes widened a little.

"Was he the one at the wedding that night?" I whispered to myself.

Romani, sitting next to me, looked over at me and raised a brow. My friend immediately responded to my rhetorical question. She had no idea what I was talking about.

"Excuse me?" she asked.

I then faced my friend.

"Was he the one at the wedding?" I repeated.

Her perplexity grew.

"What are you talking about?" she asked. "Who?"

I probably seemed crazy to her talking to myself like this.

"I just had this sensational idea," I said.

Romani looked at me taken aback, still lost.

"Which is what exactly?" she asked.

I put my drink down and then came in a little closer to lower my voice.

"I think the king was at my brother's wedding," I divulged in a whisper.

Romani then gave me an offhanded stare.

"What?" she replied.

I fanned off her doubt.

"Hear me out," I said and explained. "Didn't you find the king's behavior odd to Saria during the meet and greet a little while ago? He was so attentive to her."

Romani still wasn't convinced.

"He was attentive to everybody Gertrude," she replied, "he spoke to your parents for a longer period of time."

I shook my head.

"But not like her," I said, "he even became very defensive for her and her life standings when Saria tried to downplay it."

Romani shrugged.

"So what," she replied.

I groaned.

"You don't think that's strange?" I demanded.

She gave me an obvious stare.

"No, I don't," she replied, "I don't follow your 'would be' nonsense."

I decided to let her in on my hypothesis.

"Fine, see if you follow this," I said, then added, "what do you suppose the king would look like with a cloak over his face?"

She didn't see where I was going with this.

"Very handsome," she replied with a hint of sarcasm, "like in everything else he wears."

I gave her a knowing look.

"No," I scolded, "he would look like a peasant."

She let her head fall back.

"Again Gerty, so what," she said.

I wasn't finished.

"There is a reason I'm asking you all this," I said. "There was a man who showed up at my brother's wedding bearing a striking resemblance to the king saying he knew the bride," I divulged. "He wore a cloak and was hooded, and as soon as Saria saw him she got all excited."

Romani then finally seemed a little interested.

"Okay," she said, "did anything else happen?"

My eyes widened.

"I'm telling you," I whispered, "that man that came to visit her was the king!"

Romani had a long pause and just stared at me.

"If you are right, then why would he pretend she was just some ordinary acquaintance and not his friend during the meet and greet?" she asked anyway. "Why wouldn't he just show he knew her blatantly?"

I had an answer for that.

"He didn't want to give himself away," I said, "that would look rather suspicious."

The cynicism returned to my friend's face.

"What you're suggesting is impossible," she said directly. "Do you know how hard it would be for a king to attend a peasant's wedding and not be noticed? I believe the king is good, but not that good."

I wasn't giving up yet.

"He's the hero," I said, "he knows how to blend in and disappear, he's traveled this country several times over. Who knows what he's seen and done?"

Romani shook her head.

"Sorry Gerty, I think you're wrong on this one," she said simply, "there is no way the king was at Ralph's wedding. Just because he spoke to Saria doesn't mean he knows Saria."

I took in a deep sigh and then picked up my drink again. I was starting to have my own misgivings now.

"You're not going to give me the benefit of the doubt?" I asked anyway.

Romani shook her head.

"No," she said rather dryly.

I took in a deep sigh and sat back in my chair. Admittedly, I had to digress.

"Maybe… maybe you're right," I said.

Romani nodded.

"I am right," she said.

Afterwards, I took a quick drink then placed my glass on the counter.

"Well, I'll tell you one thing I am right about," I started, "and that's that you should have married Ralph."

Romani turned and looked at me surprised just then.

"Gerty…" she trailed.

I shook my head.

"I'm serious Romani, "I've tried to give Saria the benefit of the doubt, but I don't trust her anymore. Besides, she's an idiot that's hard to talk to, and given how she's treated my mother I'm tired of dealing with her."

Romani was about to reply, when suddenly her eyes got wide and she looked beyond me. Puzzled by her abrupt reaction, I inquired of her expression.

"What's the matter?" I asked.

Romani still didn't answer. Rather, she nodded past me and prompted me to turn around by pointing. I paused for a moment. I didn't know why, but I felt a certain dread pit at the bottom of my stomach just then, and when I turned to see what had Romani's attention I soon understood why. I felt my heart race when I saw the face of my brother and his wife. Judging by their expressions they heard the last bit of what I said, and I didn't know what to do. Saria looked particularly hurt when she stared at me.

"Good evening Gertrude," Saria uttered quietly.

I felt deku shocked.

Oh no, I thought

"Good... good evening Saria," I replied.

Ralph was staring at me like his eyes were daggers.

"You care to repeat any of that… sis?" he asked quietly.

I attempted to mend the rift I created.

"Ralph… Saria… I…" I trailed, "I… I don't know what to say."

My brother took in a deep sigh and just stared at me for a long time.

"I think you've said enough, and because of such we won't be joining you this evening, thanks for the invitation though," he said quietly, then turned to his wife, "let's go."

Afterwards, he took Saria by the hand, turned, and led her out of the tavern. They didn't bother to look back at us. When they left, I immediately closed my eyes, wishing I could take back everything I said.

"Damn," I whispered, "this is not what I wanted."

Romani looked at me sympathetically.

"Venting your frustrations is healthy," she said, "but you also have to remember you never know who's listening."

Her utterance wasn't helpful, but it was so true, especially in this moment. I ran my hands over my face, wishing to Hylia I had held my tongue.

"I can't believe they heard me," I whispered.

Romani shrugged.

"Would it have been better if they didn't?" she asked. "Then you would be keeping how you really feel inside."

I groaned.

"My brother is going to hate me now," I muttered.

Romani placed a hand on my shoulder.

"Ralph won't hate you," she reasoned, "but you do need to apologize. You were pretty harsh on his wife. When you attack her you're attacking him now. And if you want me to be quite frank, you and your mother can be a bit much at times."

I looked over at her surprised.

"What?" I asked.

She gave me a knowing look.

"Don't give me that, you know I'm right," she said, "and besides, did you hear Saria's side of the story? It's easy to think everything is black and white when only one side is heard."

I didn't know what to say, and even before I could say anything, another voice suddenly chimed in.

"It is best to know everything before we make assumptions my dear," said the female voice.

Romani and I both turned to suddenly see a hooded woman dressed in dark purple standing behind us where we were sitting. She was wearing a cloak, but once she unhooded herself, we were both surprised to see that it was Lady Bathory. Romani and I curtsied immediately in our chairs.

"Lady Bathory," we said in unison.

There was so much chatter and banter going on in the bar, Romani and I were the only ones who recognized who she was. Even so, Lady Bathory took the liberty to sit on the stool next to me.

"I do hope you don't mind my eavesdropping," she said, "it sounded like a riveting conversation."

I couldn't tell if that was sarcasm on her part or not. Who would enjoy being spied upon? However, I answered her anyway.

"Not at all my lady," I fibbed.

Lady Bathory then smiled at me.

"Sister in law problems?" she asked, getting straight to the point.

I hesitated, but then nodded.

"Though, my friend was helping me to see that I may have been wrong," I stated.

Romani remained silent.

Lady Bathory raised a brow.

"We women have natural instincts and we should never ignore them," she said, "it may be a blessing from the goddess that you are so suspicious of her."

Romani raised a brow just then.

"With all due respect my lady, that would hardly be a blessing from the goddess," she said, "Hylia tells us to look for the virtues in people not the vices."

Lady Bathory smirked.

"The goddess is also responsible for the untold blood shed of many nations," she countered, "I think it depends upon your point of view."

Both Romani and I looked at her taken aback.

"My lady…" Romani trailed.

Bathory smiled again.

"However, I am not here to debate philosophy," she said, "I am here because I want to help you with your situation of your green haired nuisance."

My ears perked when she said that.

"I'm sorry?" I replied.

Lady Bathory raised a brow.

"Don't pretend to be ignorant," she replied, "I know you don't like her," She then looked over at Romani, "and I know you're in love with her husband."

We both looked at the noble stunned.

"What?" I whispered.

She fanned off our discomfiture.

"It's very easy to disclose why one woman does not like another," she said, "we're emotional creatures and many times it works to our disadvantage. However, I didn't just hear part of your conversation my dears, I heard the whole thing, even your suspicions of the king."

I felt my heart race even more.

"I have no proof of that whatsoever," I countered, "I was merely-"

"You were saying what you felt," Lady Bathory interrupted, "as I said before, intuition is the most powerful thing a woman has."

I turned to look at my friend again. Romani was noticeably uncomfortable as well.

"What… what do you want from us?" I asked.

Lady Bathory merely glanced between the two of us and grinned.

"I'm here to help you if I can," she said lowering her voice, "that young woman has a mysterious past. No one knows anything about her. I have my own personal interests in wanting to know more about her, but I am not close to her as you two are. Do you think you can help me?"

I felt my heart race. Romani too was ill at ease.

"I'm afraid I can't do that," Romani said directly, "I don't know Saria like that, and even if I did I wouldn't feel right spying on her."

Lady Bathory grunted at her reply and then turned to me.

"What about you sister in law?" she asked with a hint of sarcasm.

I swallowed hard.

"I-I wouldn't feel right either," I said, "and I can't do that."

Lady Bathory studied the both of us for a moment.

"You're both lying," she whispered, "but that's okay, I expect that. However, I do think you're making a mistake by not accepting my offer."

Something about the timing of this was not right.

"Why are you so interested in her?" I asked suddenly. "Why does she matter to you?"

Lady Bathory paused for a moment.

"In the conventional way she doesn't," she said simply, "but she may have something I want."

Romani looked at her with a hint of defiance.

"If that's the case, why don't you ask her yourself?" she inquired boldly. "Why are you asking us?"

Lady Bathory cut her eyes to Romani.

"Stop pretending that you're noble my dear," she whispered, "you're way out of your league. You want Ralph as much as I want information on her past. If you want to continue torturing yourself, then fine, keep on being his friend. However, you could do yourself a favor, work for me, and perhaps get the man you want in the end."

Romani looked at her shocked.

"I-I won't do it!" she insisted.

Lady Bathory then sat back in her chair and looked between the two of us with a raised brow. Afterwards, she opened her money pouch and pulled out two electrum made rupees. These were the rarest rupees in the world, worth ten thousand rupees each. My eyes widened shocked as did Romani's.

"What is the-" I tried.

"See this as a down payment," Lady Bathory interrupted simply, "there's forty thousand more if you change your mind and decide to work for me. All you have to do is find out information on her and report back to me directly over the next few weeks. I will inform you when I no longer need your services."

Romani shook her head immediately.

"I told you I won't do it," she said, "you can keep your money."

"Neither will I," I replied.

Lady Bathory just smiled.

"We'll see," she said, "I imagine the Scholar's Academy has left you with a great deal of debt, seeing that you're both in highly skilled professions. This money could help with your debts, perhaps you could be more comfortable sooner rather than later. If you change your mind I will meet you here in one week. If not, then I will know that our agreement is forfeit."

With that, Lady Bathory got up from her seat and cloaked herself again. She indiscreetly left the money on the table. I saw that and went to remind her.

"My lady, don't forget your till," I said, "there's no longer a use for it."

Lady Bathory chuckled at my utterance.

"Oh yes there is," she said, "you heard what I just said, but if you are that stubborn buy everyone in the bar a drink if you don't want it."

Afterwards, she turned from Romani's and my company and was about to exit the tavern, but before she did she paused and turned to look at us again.

"By the way, perhaps she isn't as simple as you think Ms. Gertrude," Lady Bathory said directly to me, "otherwise the people who are interested in her wouldn't be so interested, just some food for thought. Also, if you want some interesting old gossip, ask around about the girl with the green hair and the white knight of Hyrule… fascinating stuff. You might be surprised, I certainly was."

Afterwards, Lady Bathory left the bar. When she was gone, I turned and looked at Romani dumbstruck. She too didn't know what to make of what just occurred.

"Did that really just happen?" I whispered.

Romani looked speechless.

"Did she really just ask us to spy on Saria?" she whispered in reply.

I nodded and stared at the two electrum rupees on the counter.

"What is her deal?" I whispered. "What does she want with Ralph's wife?"

Romani shook her head.

"I don't know," she replied, "but we have to tell Saria about this."

I looked at Romani like she was senseless.

"We can't do that!" I whispered.

She looked at me defiantly.

"Why not?" she whispered back. "This could be dangerous for her. Nobles are known to be into some strange things."

I sighed and bit my lower lip, then played devil's advocate.

"What if it's the opposite and she's trying to protect us from Saria?" I asked. "What if Saria is bad news? She just told us to ask around about that old gossip."

Romani gave me a knowing stare.

"Do you dislike her that much now?" she asked. "Saria isn't dangerous! Don't be stupid!"

"I'm just saying," I replied.

Romani crossed her arms over her chest.

"Would you be saying the same thing if she asked you to spy on Ralph?" she demanded. "Stop thinking with your feelings Gertrude and consider the source."

I took in a deep sigh and felt that feeling of dread deepen.

"You're right," I replied anyway.

She nodded.

"Of course I am," she replied.

There was a brief silence between us, one where I was staring at the rupees again.

"Well, she had one thing right though," I admitted, "maybe I did underestimate Saria too prematurely."

Romani raised a brow.

"Clearly," she replied.

I took in a troubling sigh.

Who are you Saria? I wondered. And why is a noble now interested in your fate?

~SSS~

Three days later, Hyrule Castle Spire: Link's POV

There was a mundane ritualistic nature of routine that ran my life right now. I went to court in the morning, I visited with the town's folks, I met with my counselors, I practiced my bow, I had supper with Zelda, and then I would retire to bed. This was my routine day in and day out for the past four months. Life was rather boring to say the least, with the exception of Zelda being due any day now. I was looking forward meeting my son or daughter. It felt like so long ago when I first got the news, and soon the little prince or princess would be here. I couldn't wait to meet him or her. Regarding my child, it was an exciting time.

Besides the birthing event, I couldn't lie and say my life wasn't a little empty even with my little one coming. I also couldn't lie and say I wasn't still disappointed that Saria no longer wanted to keep company with me. It was hard not seeing her. I missed her terribly and I wanted to know what was going on in her life. I imagine she was quite pregnant now, and from the few glimpses I saw of her from the tower, she was all baby.

I wonder what she's having, I thought.

On the aristocratic side of things, life was been pretty quiet as well. The last few months the nobles had laid low, with the whisperings of the moon goddess fading from the fore back into lore. However, I did notice Bathory in town more frequently. The gossip mavens always spoke about her when she made her presence known. I learned that she even took a trip to Balaam a couple months ago, and that she was preparing all the details of her wedding. When she returned to Hyrule, I heard she was relentlessly scouting vendors for the perfect wine, the perfect fabrics, and the perfect hair dressers.

The interesting aspect though was Bathory wasn't consulting the experts at the castle for any such amenities. She knew the best of the best was always within the heart of Hyrule itself. So why was she cajoling with the peasant folks? Why was she only scouting the square? Something was amiss, and I took it upon myself to hire a private investigator to find out the hobbies of said Lady Bathory. I was informed that one of her favorite past times was reading a certain book. The book was entitled The Ancient Mysteries of Hyrule and Lady Bathory was quite fond of it. I searched for this text myself and saw that there was a copy of it in the royal library. Over the last several months I read it from cover to cover and it actually gave me more insight into the arcane traditions of the aristocracy.

There was one story in particular I was told was Bathory's favorite: the Story of Majora's Mask. I didn't even need to read this story to ascertain its contents. I lived it. Even still, I did read it. Now, I completely understood why she was obsessed with rituals and the moon, and why she was trying to find her dark maiden. She wanted to offer a sacrifice to the moon goddess. That crazy witch thought sacrificing a person who had an affinity for dark energy would bring the moon goddess back. The only reason I could sense her associating with the peasants is because she believed she found her dark maiden. My fear was did she think her dark maiden was... Saria? I only deduced that because she used to go by that goddamn name when she was a spy for the former king. However, Dr. Seaside assured me that all the dark energy from that source was sealed away by my and Zelda's union. Was that a lie? And if Saria was the one Bathory was looking for, would that explain the beam of moonlight being cast on her the night of the festival?

I was so frustrated with this situation because I needed to warn Saria. Our reasons for not seeing each other anymore were foolish. I was tempted to forego this silly promise and contact her anyway. I did not trust Bathory and there was this gnawing feeling in my gut that she was after my friend now. Was I supposed to just keep watching and wait for the inevitable? What the hell was I supposed to do? I ran a hand through my hair frustrated and decided to throw all caution to the wind and take a chance. I couldn't live with myself knowing I could have warned Saria and didn't. Afterwards, I went to the cabinet of my private chamber, retrieved my ocarina, sat down near the window, and started playing her song. I had to get the word out to her whether she wanted me to or not.

Please answer me Sar, I thought, please.

~SSS~

Meanwhile in Hyrule Castle Town: Saria's POV

I was in the kitchen preparing supper when suddenly there was a knock on my door. I wasn't expecting a visitor, and I still had a great deal to do to get dinner completed. Puzzled and a little irritated by the disturbance, I went to wash my hands and see who was calling on me. When I got to the door, I looked through the keyhole to see who was there. To my surprise, it was Gertrude. I couldn't lie and say I wasn't taken aback by her presence. What was she doing here? I took in a deep sigh at the sight of her. She was the last person I wanted to see, and after what she said about me a few days ago, I didn't think there was any more to be said. I was aware now she didn't like me. I didn't need to hear it again.

I don't want to quarrel with this woman, I thought.

Even so, knowing she was there, I asked who it was anyway.

"Who is it?" I asked.

Still watching through the key hole, I saw her roll her eyes.

This promised to be pleasant.

"It's Gertrude," she called back.

I paused for a moment and took in another deep sigh. I then made a minute decision and opened the door. Gertrude was staring at me stoic faced on the other side. She had her nose slightly turned up, and she was already in a defensive posture. I didn't bother to invite her in because I wanted to keep this brief.

"Yes?" I asked with a raised brow.

Her expression didn't change.

"Can I come in?" she asked.

I tapped my finger on the door.

"No," I said simply, "now what do you want?"

She looked at me surprised just then and her expression softened.

"I came to apologize," she said directly.

This time I rolled my eyes, which probably wasn't a good idea.

"Save it, I'm busy," I said, ready to close the door, but she stopped me.

"I mean it Sar," she said, putting her hand on the door, "I was cruel and out of line."

I studied her face for a moment.

"Look, you don't need to feel bad because you think I'm simple or not good enough for your brother," I said, "you have a right to your feelings, but I don't have to be subjected to them."

She nodded.

"I know," she said, "I don't know what I was thinking saying those things about you."

I raised my brows.

"You were saying what you felt," I replied, "you've probably been wanting to tell me these things for months now."

She shook her head.

"That isn't true," she said, then looked past me, "can I please come in now?"

I shook my head.

"No, you can't, stop asking," I said, "I'm tired of appeasing you and your family only to be looked down upon. I'm not perfect. I never purported to be, but I'm not trash either."

Gertrude looked at me helplessly.

"I know that," she said, "no one thinks you're trash, I was just upset about mother."

I groaned when I heard that.

"I wasn't disrespectful to your mother," I disclosed, "it was a misunderstanding where I simply wanted to be alone and she did not want to acknowledge that."

She just stared at me.

"That's not what she told me," she said.

I shrugged.

"Frankly, I don't care what she told you because I know the truth," I replied, "I was not disrespectful to your mother."

She raised her hands in surrender.

"She cares about you Saria," she said, "that's all."

I shook my head.

"She has a funny way of showing it," I said, "especially when she went straight to her son to try and turn him against me."

Gertrude took offense to that.

"Turn him against you?" she repeated. "What does that mean?"

I gave her a knowing stare.

"It isn't Sheikah science Gertrude," I said, "she doesn't approve of me being his wife and doesn't want Ralph with me."

She looked incensed.

"Ralph doesn't belong to you," she shot back.

How could he with a crazy family like yours? I thought.

I scoffed.

"I never said he did, nor have I ever kept him from you," I countered, "he goes to see you guys at your beck and call."

Gertrude narrowed her eyes.

"That isn't true," she shot back.

She wasn't going to convince me otherwise.

"It very much so is true," I said, "so don't try and make it seem as though I'm keeping your precious golden boy away from you. I never would."

She looked at me shocked.

"Why are you talking to me like this?" she demanded.

"Because I'm tired of appeasing you," I replied, "I'm tired of being told I'm stupid and my opinions don't matter."

Gertrude didn't back down from that.

"The only reason I said what I said was because I was frustrated with your attitude," she replied. "You have been distant lately and it hurts."

I scoffed.

"Why would I go around people who only want to put me down?" I demanded. "Does that make sense to you?"

She looked at me at a loss.

"We don't want to put you down," she said, "we simply want to take care of you!"

She wasn't understanding my position at all.

"I have a husband for that!" I countered. "I don't need all of you looking after me!"

Gertrude stared at me in disbelief.

"This is about something else isn't it?" she demanded suddenly.

I had no idea what she was talking about.

"What?" I demanded.

She took a step towards me.

"I think now you might want to invite me inside," she said, "unless you want all your neighbors to know about your shady past."

I froze when I heard her say that.

"Shady… past?" I repeated.

Gertrude raised a brow.

"I know about you and the king," she whispered suddenly, "I know about the knight of Hyrule and the girl with the green hair."

I looked at her taken aback.

"What?" I demanded.

She nodded as if vindicated.

"It was no wonder you didn't want to move to Castle Town, you knew Ralph would find out!" she snapped. "How dare you try to make us seem like we're overbearing when you have such skeletons in your closet!"

I was so disgusted my vision blurred momentarily. I wasn't going to fall prey to this. I knew she was trying to bait me, but I wasn't falling for it.

"Are you done?" I demanded. "Or do you have anything else to say?"

She seemed emboldened.

"Sure," she said with a hint of sarcasm, "since you want to be so snide and continue to virtue signal, I just want you to know I also know the man in the hood was the king at your wedding."

I stiffened for a moment when she uttered that.

"What?" I whispered.

She nodded.

"Don't try to deny it," she said, "you've all but verified it."

My breathing accelerated.

"You really are something, aren't you?" I whispered. "You think the king of Hyrule was at my wedding? You're delusional Gertrude and as of right now I'm done speaking to you."

With that, I didn't let the conversation go on any further. I closed the door and locked it, not listening to another word from her. When I was alone I put my hand over my heart and closed my eyes. A moment later, tears filled them and I didn't know what to do. I was so confused and so frustrated. Why was this happening? Why? I went over to the couch and sat down and covered my face with my hands and sobbed. This was a time when I wish I could speak with Link again. I wish I could hear his song and see his face and hear his voice. I missed him so much. He would know what to do. He would never be this overbearing.

"Link," I whispered as I sobbed, "oh goddesses Link I'm so sorry. Why did I push you away?"

A moment later, my ears perked when there was a sudden familiarity in the air. It was music.

"Wait a minute," I whispered, then got up from the couch.

I listened closer and hurried upstairs where the bedroom window was open. There, I heard the music even more clearly.

"That's my song!" I whispered. "That's my song! That's my song! That's my song! That's my song!"

I knew who was playing.

I wiped my eyes immediately and went to answer.

"Hello?" I asked. "Hello?"

There was a brief pause, but then a static sounding male voice came through.

"Saria?" he asked.

It was Link.

"Yes!" I replied, but then burst into tears again. "Yes, yes, yes! I'm so glad to hear your voice!"

There was another brief pause.

"What's the- matter?" he asked. "You- sound like you're crying."

I nodded for no reason in particular.

"I am crying," I admitted, "oh Link things are so horrible!"

Now there was concern in his voice.

"What's going- on?" he asked.

I didn't want to talk like this.

"Can I see you today?" I asked with a hint of desperation. "I really want to see you."

There was a long pause on his end.

"I thought- you didn't want- to do that- anymore," he replied.

I shook my head.

"Please!" I begged. "I have to see you!"

The pause was a much shorter the second time around, but there was a definitive answer.

"I have a- meeting with my- generals in a few minutes," he said, "but I can meet- you in the- usual place in a- couple hours. Will that- work?"

I closed my eyes and couldn't have been more grateful.

"It's perfect," I said, "I'll see you then. I'll leave now."

His concern never went away.

"Please be- careful and I'll be- there as- soon as I can," he replied, "I'll see- you soon."

I nodded.

"I'll see you soon," I replied.

Soon after, the transmission faded and the communication was gone. Afterwards, I headed into the bathroom to wash my face and brush my hair. I changed into another dress, put on a cloak, then without thinking hurried downstairs and went out the door. I saw that Gertrude was still standing on the porch. She was unbelievable. I stared at her for a moment, but had nothing else to say to her. Afterwards, I cut my eyes and headed out of town to the Sacred Forest Meadow. No one was going to stop me. I was going out to see my dear dear friend and that was all there was to it.

I'm coming Link, I thought, I'm coming.

~SSS~

Two hours later, the Sacred Forest Meadow

I was pacing vigorously in anticipation of Link's arrival. However, I didn't know what was going to be waiting for me when I returned home. There was no telling what Gertrude was going to tell Ralph, and the last thing I wanted was for him to worry. However, I knew my exit was going to warrant a great deal of questions when I returned. I was taking a huge chance coming out here all alone, especially with me being seven months pregnant. The last four months had been tense, but just as things were starting to get better this had to happen. Why did Gertrude have to come now? Why was she always in my affairs? Why couldn't she focus on her own goddamn life? It was frustrating. I hadn't really been alone for less than a day since I became with child. Everyone was watching me whether it was Ralph or some member of his family, and I felt like it was driving me mad. And considering what I told Link, I wasn't sure how this was going to go today. I was hysterical when he called for me. I hadn't seen the hero in months, but after the accusations presented by Gertrude, I knew I needed to see the hero immediately. I was grateful he called to me spontaneously when he did. I had no idea how I was going to reach him and right now I needed him… I needed him. I gathered he must have been missing me as much as I was missing him.

I stopped pacing for a moment.

Link… I thought.

I realized then it was hard not seeing Link when I really wanted to, but I thought I was doing the right thing. The day of the prince's visit really put a pivot in my relationship with Ralph. My husband didn't trust me nearly as much as he used to. I thought I could control my life by keeping the hero out of it, but the suspicion and distrust from my husband never went away. In fact, it seemed to intensify. Even so, Ralph wasn't necessarily the problem, but his sister and mother certainly were. This afternoon I felt I was in an interrogation room with Gertrude rather than a conversation, and her insults about my intelligence seemed to be endless. She was always calling me stupid in an underhanded way. Talking to her was cumbersome.

I stopped pacing for a moment and closed my eyes.

"I have to stop thinking about it," I whispered.

There were other things to consider as well. I was aware that with me being seven months pregnant, Zelda was possibly due any day now. How in the world would Link get away to see me when his wife could be in labor at any moment? I hadn't thought about the cost to him. Everyone would expect him to be at his wife's side when she gave birth. It couldn't have been easy for him.

I certainly hope he didn't put himself out for me, I thought.

Thinking about his plight made me more emotional. I was trying to keep my feelings in check, but I was feeling anxious and nervous. I knew that as soon as I saw him I was going to apologize. I was going to apologize for suggesting such a silly compromise. I was never going to say I never wanted see him again… ever again. I realized I needed these moments with him as much as he told me he needed them with me. I just hoped he still felt the same way. I knew Ralph would be disappointed with me being here, but I needed a refuge from his family. Gertrude, Marin, and Mutoh may have meant well, but I knew they saw me as ignorant and inefficient for their son and brother. Ralph's parents didn't openly call me stupid like Gertrude, but I could see it in their eyes when they looked at me. And I know I mentioned this before, but Ralph at times made me feel that way too. I knew he didn't mean too, but there were some days where he spoke to me like a child instead of his wife. I was annoyed by his condescension, but I admittedly didn't say very much on it. However, I knew that if I kept my feelings inside for long I would resent him. That was why I was going to get an education. That was why I needed to get into the Scholar's Academy.

In contrast, I never felt that way with Link. Link never thought he was too brave, or too smart, or too important for me. I never felt inferior around him, even with him wearing his crown. I believe it was because we had been through so much together. He knew who I truly was. Nothing could shatter my bond with him. He saved my life on many occasions, and I also had the privilege of saving his life once as well. I knew how much he respected and cared for me, and I just couldn't believe that I nearly threw that all away because of my pride. I needed Link… I needed him. I needed his friendship and reassurance. I needed his love and acceptance. Life was so hard without him. I felt my eyes well with tears when I contemplated my former life with Link… when I contemplated what could have been if we had the opportunity to be together. However, my tears could have also been due to my hormones fluctuating. Everything was making me emotional lately.

Get it together Saria, I told myself.

I wrapped my arms around myself to fight off a chill that ran down my back, but I stopped pacing when I turned and heard some wrestling of the leaves above the canopy near the temple. My eyes widened as I stopped and watched a hooded figure come climbing down the vine trellis. It didn't take a genius to know who that hooded person was. It was Link. Even so, at the sight of him I teared up again and hurried over to him. He wasn't even completely off the vine when I grabbed a hold of him. Surprised at my reaction, Link returned my embrace when I wrapped my arms around his waist and buried my head into his chest. I sobbed like an inconsolable child immediately.

"Link," I cried as held onto him tight.

He looked down at me surprised.

"Hey," he said to me gently and unhooded himself, "hey, are you alright?"

I held onto him tighter and cried more. I did not answer. I was just so glad to see him.

"Saria…" he trailed gently, "what's going on? What's wrong?"

I shook my head and finally pulled back to look up at him. I wiped the tears from my cheeks.

"I-I just missed you," I stammered honestly.

His eyes widened a little bit, but his expression remained serious.

"Really?" he replied.

I nodded.

"Really and truly," I said.

His eyes searched my face for a moment.

"I… I thought you said you didn't want to see me anymore," he reminded me.

I knew he was going to bring that up, so I paused and avoided his eyes for a moment.

"I was wrong," I said honestly, "I never want to say anything like that to you again… ever. I've missed you terribly."

Link's surprise never went away, but his features did soften.

"I've missed you too," he confessed, "more than you can imagine."

My eyes refilled with tears.

"I was a fool, and I only said those things to you because I thought it was the right thing to do," I went on, "I didn't want to hurt my husband, but I realized not seeing you has made me a less than ideal wife."

Link gave me an offhanded stare at my comment.

"What?" he asked.

I knew I probably wasn't making sense.

"I had no one I could be myself with," I divulged, "I had no one I could be just me with, do you understand what I mean?"

He nodded and gave a small grin.

"I know what you mean," he said, "I have the same problem."

I pursed my lips together and stared in his eyes.

"Do you forgive me?" I asked with a slight break in my voice.

Link reached up and caressed my cheek.

"Of course I do," he said, then added, "I was never upset with you regarding your decision. I understood why you made it."

I nodded and looked at him gratefully.

"I was so glad when you played my song today," I said, "after not hearing from you for months, I really thought it was over between us."

Link paused for a moment, then raised his brows.

"I thought so too," he said, "but fortunately for me you answered."

My eyes widened a little.

"I did, didn't I?" I replied.

Link nodded and grinned.

"Yes, you did," he stated.

We both chuckled softly and then stared into each other's eyes for a moment. I was the first to look away.

"I'm sorry for being so emotional," I apologized, "I guess I didn't realize how much seeing you was going to affect me."

He grinned again.

"It's okay," Link said, "I understand… I'm actually glad I can still conjure such a reaction from you."

His words made me blush and that was when I realized I should probably create some distance between us.

"Yes… well…" I trailed, and didn't bother to finish, instead I changed the subject. "I have something I need to discuss with you."

That got his attention immediately.

"What do you mean?" he asked.

I sighed and walked over to the stump in the middle of the meadow. I sat down while Link followed and sat down next to me.

"What is it?" he asked again when I still hadn't answered.

I took in another deep sigh and looked his way once more.

"It's Ralph's family," I said finally.

Link waited for me to go on.

"What about them?" he asked.

I paused for a moment.

"They're suspicious of us," I confessed, "well, Ralph's sister is suspicious of us."

Link looked at me taken aback.

"What are you talking about?" he replied. "We hardly see each other."

I nodded.

"I know, but Gertrude put her sleuth hat on and managed to figure out it was you who came to the wedding," I explained.

Link looked at me dumbstruck for a moment.

"How?" he asked.

I shrugged.

"I don't know," I said, "I promise I told her nothing."

Link looked away and sighed.

"So much for being discreet," he said more to himself than to me.

I went to reassure him.

"However, I was able to instill some doubt in her hypothesis when I told her the improbability of a king coming to a peasant's wedding," I said, "she may have reneged on her stance a little."

Link raised his brows.

"May have?" he repeated.

I didn't know what else to say.

"It was all I could do to keep her guessing," I replied.

He nodded and sighed.

"That girl is sharp," he said.

I had a different summation and scoffed softly.

"Or just plain nosy," I added.

Link looked back over at me.

"There was a little extra vim in your statement," he joked.

I didn't care.

"There's a reason for that," I said, "I haven't been apart from her or Ralph's parents since I found out I was pregnant. It's making me seek asylum."

The hero looked at me sympathetically and chuckled.

"You sound stressed," he said.

That was obvious.

"I am," I didn't deny, "I just wish they would leave me alone."

Link chuckled again.

"You know that's impossible," he reasoned.

I nodded.

"I know," I said, "it's just a wish that I wish would come true."

He chuckled once more.

"Well, you can't really blame them," he said, "having a grandchild is a big deal for them."

I looked away.

"I suppose so," I said, then added, "I am married to their golden boy after all."

I said that with a hint of ire in my voice, which made Link pause for a moment.

"Is… that an issue for you?" he asked me finally.

I simply shrugged.

"I don't know," I said honestly, "I know his parents tolerate me, but they think I'm inferior to their precious son. I am no doctor… I am no Romani."

Link raised a brow.

"I knew a girl by that name once, but she was very kind and sweet," he said, then asked, "I'm guessing that isn't the case here. Who is she?"

I didn't think anything of his statement.

"The beautiful redhead standing next to us when the prince came to visit," I divulged, "she was who his parents wanted Ralph to marry."

He looked at me compassionately.

"That is difficult," he replied.

I nodded.

"Yeah," I said absently, more to myself than him, then added, "of course… it doesn't help that they don't know anything about me."

He snickered at me saying that.

"That would constitute a problem," he said.

It was a no win situation.

"How do I tell them I'm not really a Hylian, but was created into one, after formerly being a Kokiri Forest Sage, who helped the hero save the world, but couldn't stay in the Sacred Realm because of my own personal heartache?" I asked. "How do I tell them that?"

Link shrugged and grinned.

"I don't have an answer that's easy for you," he said, "the best thing to do would be just to tell them the truth and hope for the best."

I closed my eyes and sighed.

"I had a feeling you were going to say that," I groaned, "they are never going to believe me."

He tried to reason with me.

"Perhaps you should just start with Ralph and then decide whether you want to tell the others at all," he suggested, "you are married to him, not them."

Link did have a point.

"True," I said, "but they are so overbearing at times."

"Then you're going to have to tell them your boundaries as well," he said. "You have to let them know what's acceptable and what's not."

I knew that.

"But it's so hard," I said anyway.

Link shrugged.

"Well, make it easy," he said simply.

I looked back over at him and all he did was smile.

"Those are your options Sar," he said.

I cut my glance away and rolled my eyes.

Link chuckled again.

"You're right," I muttered.

He laughed once more.

"Of course I am," he said, then looked out at the meadow, "I'm king."

I glanced back over at him with a raised brow when I heard the inflection of sarcasm in his voice.

"Something tells me there's more to your words than simple advice to me," I said.

He then took in a deep sigh.

"Maybe," he said.

I paused for a moment while I studied him. I was certain he had a great deal on his mind. Even so, it was apparent he wanted me to pick his brain now.

"Well, don't keep me in suspense," I pressed.

Link looked over at me and smirked before looking back out at the meadow again.

"I have been concerned about you these last few months," he divulged finally, "that beam of moonlight was something extraordinary, but since we had not spoken for a while I wasn't aware how you were doing."

I looked at him surprised by the change of subject.

"I'm fine," I disclosed, "I was just dealing with my family and my pregnancy."

Link nodded, but then added, "Are you sure nothing strange has happened to you since that night?"

I thought about it for a moment and shook my head.

"Not at all," I said honestly, "I feel fine, in fact everyone was telling me it was a gift from the goddesses."

He grunted at hearing that.

I raised a brow.

"Why is that so strange?" I asked.

He glanced over at me.

"The goddesses are very particular about such gifts," he said carefully, "and trust me when I say it was no coincidence that that beam of moonlight hit you."

I was starting to get concerned.

"Well, should I be aware of anything?" I asked.

Link nodded.

"Just let me know if anything out of the ordinary happens to you," he said, "I have been reading a great deal about a moon goddess, and because of such I'm getting a strange premonition."

My concern was only deepening.

"A moon goddess?" I repeated. "What moon goddess?"

Link shook his head.

"I don't know much about her myself," he said, "but there are factions in the world that are working to bring her back."

I looked at him surprised.

"Bring her back?" I repeated. "You mean she was real?"

He shrugged.

"Frankly, I don't know," he said honestly, "but apparently that seems to be the case."

I was starting to get a terrible feeling.

"What… what does that have to do with me?" I asked.

He shook his head.

"I…I don't know," he replied, "but I need for you to keep your eyes open. That's why I was so concerned."

I took in a deep sigh and nodded.

"I'm sorry," I said, "I should have been more aware," then I added, "well, I don't know if this is something, but that noble woman Lady Bathory has spoken to me a couple times."

Link looked over at me surprised just then.

"What?" he demanded suddenly.

I was slightly startled by his tone.

"Lady Bathory spoke to me," I repeated.

Link's concern only deepened.

"What did she say to you?" he asked.

I shrugged.

"Nothing too out of the ordinary," I confessed, "a lot of the conversation was haphazard."

He didn't let up.

"Give me an example," he said.

I shrugged, trying to think.

"She… she asked me about the weather several times," I said, "that's about as deep as our conversations got."

He sighed and grabbed his chin.

"The weather?" he repeated.

I nodded.

"Yes," I said.

He looked away.

"Son of a bitch," he muttered to himself.

I raised a brow at his terse language.

"What's the matter?" I asked.

Link shook his head and sighed when looked over at me once again.

"I want you to avoid her at all costs," he warned.

My eyes searched his face for a moment.

"Why?" I asked.

"Because she's dangerous," he said simply, "she's very very dangerous and if she has interests in you it's only going to end badly."

I pursed my lips together and looked away myself.

"That wouldn't be an issue if I still had my powers," I whispered suddenly, "if I could still conjure the shadow crystal."

The hero stared at me taken aback by my utterance.

"What?" he demanded.

It was then I clamped my mouth shut. I didn't answer.

Link was giving me a stern look now.

"Saria that crystal caused you a great deal of pain and anguish," he said, "the only good thing to come out of the fusion with Zelda and I was that you are no longer in any need of it."

I still didn't answer right away.

"That's… not altogether true," I divulged.

Now he paused for a moment.

"What do you mean?" he asked.

I took in a deep sigh and looked into his eyes.

"I… I still have it," I whispered, "it's actually the life force keeping me alive."

His eyes widened.

"What?" he asked.

I nodded.

"The fusion only solidified the crystal it didn't destroy it," I explained, "if the crystal had been destroyed I wouldn't be here. I still have it."

He was looking at me stunned.

"Why didn't you tell me this before?" he asked.

I shook my head.

"What's done is done," I said, "there was no reason to tell you."

He scoffed.

"Like hell there isn't," he said, "Saria your life hangs in the balance."

I looked into his eyes.

"And I'm still here," I whispered.

Link looked openly frustrated and shook his head.

"You think this is a game?" he demanded.

I looked away.

"Of course not," I said, "but I do wish there was a way I could tap into it to use it. Without it I'm useless. I could easily live with no fear if I had that power once again."

Link narrowed his eyes slightly.

"Stop it," he ordered, "I mean it. You know that power was from darkness. I don't think even Dr. Seaside knew what he was dealing with when such sorcery was given to him to experiment with. You should be thankful to Hylia that you can't tap into it."

I remained stubborn.

"Hmph," I scoffed, then added sarcastically, "oh I'm thankful alright. I'm thankful I get to have maniacal device connected to me as my life essence. I'm thankful I get to come back to Hyrule to live a life as a Hylian only to be away from the person I want to be with the most. I'm thankful to be married to man whose family hates me. What a wonderful procession."

Link's eyes widened slightly from my sudden blunt honesty.

"Saria…" he trailed.

Tears filled my eyes again and I avoided his gaze.

"Yes," I went on, "I get to be in Hyrule as another man's wife and have another man's baby, when what I really want I…"

I stopped myself, knowing it would do no good. Link remained quiet, but then he came close and wrapped his arm around my shoulders and pulled me closer to him.

"It's going to be okay," he whispered.

I shook my head.

"I never should have left the Sacred Realm," I sobbed softly, "I never should have given up being a Kokiri and my powers as a sage. I was better then than I am now."

Link turned away when I spoke like this.

"You're unhappy," he said finally, "that's why you're speaking like this. You normally don't talk in such a fashion."

That was fairly obvious.

"Of course I'm unhappy!" I nearly shouted, then freed myself from his grip in frustration. "The man I love belongs to someone else now!"

Link looked up at me when I got up from the stump and walked away from him. I couldn't face him now. I buried my face in my hands and sobbed. I didn't want this visit to be this way, but I couldn't help myself. I was too focused on my own self-loathing to think of anything else. I wasn't even considering Link's feelings in all this. What if this was hard for him to hear? What if his coming to see me was at a great cost to himself? And now that he was here all he was hearing were these horrible things from me. What if he was struggling with the same things as I was? What if he was suffering too? However, I was unwilling to consider that because of my own selfishness.

A moment later, I heard Link get up from the stump and walk over to me. I didn't turn to face him because I felt terrible. Instead, I allowed him to slowly turn me around. I avoided his eyes until he tilted my chin up so I could no longer do so. I took in a deep sigh when I stared at his handsome face. Every time I saw him he got more and more handsome: his eyes were the color of the midday sky, his beard was completely full but well kempt, and the gold in his hair even shined through the canopy. Link was so beautiful, majestic, and tall. He was everything a king should be, while at the same time being a rogue man of action when he needed to be.

My eyes refilled because in so many ways I knew I wasn't worthy of him. I knew he deserved a queen, but my heart always took me back to when he was a child with me in the forest. We were both young and innocent then, and that was when our love for each other was the purest. I'll never forget the day he had to leave the forest to go off on his adventure to save the world. I thought in that day I would never see him again. However now, here we both were back in the forest just like old times, but the feeling was so much more now and so achingly complicated. And my tears were not helping.

Even so, Link rested his hands on my shoulders and gripped them gently.

"Saria," he started finally, "we have to try to make the best of things. You're the one who told me that."

I didn't want to hear this.

"I know," I whispered anyway, "I'm sorry for being so stupid."

He groaned at me talking like that.

"Stop saying things of that nature," he replied, "how can you expect your in laws to respect you if you don't respect yourself. No one wants to be around someone who thinks so little of their own self-worth."

I saw his point.

"I don't normally say things like this around Ralph's family," I stated, "I keep it all bottled up inside."

He raised his brows.

"That's not healthy either," he said, "you need to let it out, you need to have an outlet."

I nodded.

"You're right," I said and looked away, "that's… that's why I'm here with you."

Link grinned at me and caressed my cheek.

"That's why I'm here too," he replied.

I ran my hand over his. Then decided to change the subject.

"Can we promise each other something?" I asked suddenly.

Link raised a brow and paused for a moment.

"Of course," he said finally.

My cheeks then blushed involuntarily.

"Let's… let's promise to always come here," I said, "you said it best that it's just once a month. I promise you right now that come what may, I will always come here to see you."

He looked at me seriously just then.

"Do you really mean that?" he asked.

I nodded.

His eyes actually lit up a little.

"That's a promise I am more than willing to keep," he said with a small smile, "come what may you can expect to find solace with me here. I will be here until you designate otherwise. The only person that can keep me from you, is you."

For the first time since our meeting began I smiled.

"I'm so glad," I said, then accidentally let slip, "oh Link, I love you so much."

The hero looked at me surprised by my divulgence and I instantly clamped my mouth shut and covered my mouth. I looked at him stunned.

What in the world was I thinking? I thought. Why did I say that?

There was a brief silence between us where I attempted to step back, but was unsuccessful because Link's hold suddenly tightened on me.

"What did you say?" he whispered.

I shook my head.

"Nothing, I-I-I-" I attempted to deflect, but he silenced me.

He nodded.

"Yes, you did," he whispered, "you said you loved me, don't take it back, you can't take it back. You've already stated how you feel."

My throat tightened and I didn't say another word. Link let himself get a little closer to me and suddenly I was nervous. He reached up and caressed my cheek.

"I think you already know the truth Sar," he continued in a whisper, "I think you know how much I love you too. I told you nothing would change that, and nothing has. I still love you."

Tears filled my eyes again.

"Link…" I trailed.

I was lost for words.

Even more surprising, before I could move or utter another word, Link leaned in and kissed me softly on my lips. My eyes widened and I tried to pull away, but it was a futile attempt. I couldn't pretend I was surprised, I wasn't. I knew this was going to happen. I closed my eyes and kissed him back, knowing nothing more was going to come of this. I was seven months pregnant. Zelda was due any day now. Nothing was going to happen. This wasn't a kiss of lust. This was a kiss of love and self-imposed denial. I couldn't really wrap my arms around Link's neck because my protruding belly was in the way, but I did compensate by wrapping my arms around his lean waist. I opened my mouth to his and kissed him deeper when our breaths got in synch. I felt his fingers run through my hair, and cup my face as he kissed me deeper. It reminded me of the time we spent the night together at his villa in Castle Town. I could tell an inkling of that memory was conjuring up in his head too. So much so, that but before we got too carried away, I pulled back.

"We have to stop," I whispered.

Link stared into my eyes, not at all agreeing with my summation.

"Just a little bit longer," he whispered, "that's all."

I shook my head.

"No we can't," I said.

He was determined.

"Yes we can," he whispered.

Before I could reply, he kissed me again. His tongue forced my mouth open and he was practically swallowing my lips now. I had never seen him like this, and his backing me up against the trellis was an indicator that he didn't intend to stop anytime soon. It didn't seem to bother him that I had a huge belly and that I was twenty pounds heavier than I was last year. His mouth and kisses were saying it all. When we were up against the trellis he even lifted me up in his arms and wrapped my legs around his waist. I was shocked. How in the world did he do that? I pulled away for a second to make sure this was really real, and when I cupped his beautiful face between my hands I knew it was. I pressed my forehead against his.

This can't be happening… this just can't, I thought.

"I love you so much Link," I whispered, "I really and truly do."

He nodded.

"I love you too," he said, then added, "and now you have to promise me something."

I stared into his eyes.

"Anything," I replied.

His eyes searched my face.

"Promise me you won't stop loving me," he said, "I mean ever."

I looked at him surprised.

"Link I-" I tried.

"Promise me," he interrupted, sensing my deflection, "that's all I ask of you."

I stared into his eyes for a long time before I nodded in agreement.

"I'll never stop loving you Link," I whispered, "never."

He took in a deep sigh and looked dead serious before he reached up and kissed me again. Again his lips were very provocative and insistent. I closed my eyes and kissed him back deeply. I was finally able to wrap my arms around his neck and hold him close. The kiss lingered, and I could tell by the way he was tugging on my clothes that he was wanting to take them off. That was when I pulled away and looked into his eyes.

"We can't," I whispered, "we can't, we would never forgive ourselves."

Link stared into my eyes and swallowed hard, fighting his own selfish inclination to do what was right. He just nodded without saying anything, but that didn't prevent him from reaching up and kissing me once again. His mouth was so intoxicating and wet, and he let it slide down my neck when he seemed to be struggling with his moral compass again. He started licking and sucking on my skin, while keeping his grip on me.

"I love you," he whispered between each kiss, "I love you, I love you, I love you."

As this was happening, we were skidding down the vine until we landed safely onto the grass below and he was hovering on top of me. He caressed my cheek and realized we had to put an end to this. So instead of pursuing what we shouldn't, Link helped me up and assisted me with dusting off my clothes.

"I'm sorry," he said, avoiding my eyes, "I should have had more self control."

I shook my head.

"So should I," I replied.

Link then stared into my eyes.

"I… I better go," he said suddenly, "because I want to stay, and that's why I better leave."

My throat tightened and I nodded.

"I understand," I replied.

Link stared at me for a long moment before heading back over to the canopy and climbing up the vine. I watched as he climbed all the way to the top, but before he left he turned and looked down at me.

"Are you going to be alright?" he asked.

I nodded.

"I'll be fine," I reassured, "but thank you for coming."

He gave me a small smile.

"Anything for you Saria," he said sincerely.

My cheeks blushed.

"Thank you," I replied.

With that, Link took his leave. Once he was gone, I went and sat back over on the stump thinking about everything that just happened. I was grateful for Link, but I was more grateful for the promises that we made to each other. We would always come here, and we would always love each other. Those were promises I was willing to keep.

I closed my eyes.

I'll never stop loving you Link, I promised, never.

~SSS~

Four days later, Hylia's Tavern

After thinking about it for a little while, Lady Bathory was right. If there is something to be found on Saria it needs to be made known. Why should she be protected if nothing is known about her?

I walked into the tavern and found the lady where she said she was going to be. I walked over to the booth and sat down. When she saw me she raised a brow surprised.

"Well, well, well," she said, "it seems I have a taker."

I nodded then sat down.

"I only have one stipulation," I said, "I don't want anyone to know it's me giving you this information."

Lady Bathory smirked.

"Fair enough," she said, "but the intel you give me better be good."

I sat back.

"Oh it will be," I said, "you can count on that."

With that, I passed Lady Bathory an envelope. She opened it and raised a brow at it contents. She then looked back over at me.

"Where in the world did you get this?" she asked.

I smirked.

"A very reliable source," I replied.

Lady Bathory grinned.

"Hmph, you're better than I thought," she said, then went into her pouch and pulled out another electrum rupee and placed it on the table, "well done.

I picked up the rupee and pocketed it. Afterwards, I got up from the table.

"I'll see you next week," I said.

Lady Bathory raised a brow.

"Are you going to be able to top this?" she asked. "This is pretty good."

I grinned.

"That's just the tip of the iceberg," I said, then went to take my leave.

Outside in the night air, I took in a cool breath.

I have more to tell about the girl with the green hair, I thought, much more.

---

The next chapter will be up soon. Thanks for reading.