Inspiration: OoT and Majora's Mask
Author Note: There have been a few changes. I am going to split this into two books as this makes it more manageable to read. I also apologize for the long hiatus. I just finished some much needed schooling and now have more time on my hands. ~ZR~
Word Count: 7,489
Chapter 17
One Week Later: Saria's POV
The news of the baby prince being born was thrilling. Everyone in Hyrule Castle Town was talking about it. There were banners constructed, a parade was orchestrated, and a marching band with bards was commissioned. The singers sang out joyously of the newly arraigned prince. If I had more gumption, I would have grabbed my ocarina, let my hair down, and rejoiced with the chorus too. I was a pretty good singer myself. However, I kept my composure in check and simply smiled at the celebration. I knew Link had to be so proud having a son. What man wouldn't be? Most men were ecstatic at their first born being a boy, and I could only imagine how beautiful the little lad was.
Even so, though it was a happy occasion throughout Hyrule, I couldn't help but feel a little forlorn too. I only had to think of myself in Zelda's shoes to understand how excited and privileged she must have been to have had Link's son. What a wonderful calling in life… to be a queen and the wife of the hero. I remember a couple years back her speaking so fondly of Link when I was making her dress for the coronation. Her love and admiration for the hero was more than apparent; proof of the years she had committed herself to him. Nevertheless, Zelda's characteristics far outweighed the mere standings I granted her. She was wise, beautiful, and intelligent beyond compare. I remember again a time where we were having a conversation a while ago about my transition to Hylian-hood. Before I took on the endeavor, she warned me that the road ahead would not be easy. Little did I realize that there was a great deal of irony in her words. An irony that would be bitter sweet regarding the hero, but I appreciated her advice nonetheless.
In any such case, the prince being born only made me more excited for my own little daughter to be born. I couldn't wait to meet my little Elinicia. The unknown was always fascinating when it came to the gender of the baby. However, I was quite alright in knowing before the stated time. After Elincia's birth, I could teach her how to sing, cook, and sew, while at the same giving her insight into her Kokiri heritage as well. I did not want who she truly was to be lost from her simply because she was going to be born in a Hylian world. I wanted her to know who the Kokiri were and why they were such a special people. However, I realized in doing that, I was going to have to come clean about my past to my husband Ralph. I was going to have to tell him who I really was. I was going to have to show him the forest, the people of the Kokiri, and, if possible, the Great Deku Tree.
That last overdue comeuppance was probably a very unlikely reality. However, I knew that if I wanted us to have a peaceful future together, my husband would need to know who I really was. I did not want to share with him my recent past, especially the incidents related to the shadow crystal. However, I did feel it was necessary to share with him the details of my childhood in the forest and my being ordained as the Forest Sage at one time. I think Ralph would appreciate it too to be quite frank. Ralph was a curious man, which accounted for his profession, but he was also rather impetuous. I hadn't realized that about him until these last few weeks. He had been insisting that we go to the Kokiri Forest so he could see my village, but I had been putting the idea off for some time. However, I think his restlessness only added to his curiosity, and sooner or later I believed he would even venture off without me to find my lost heritage. He was that committed now. He wanted to know why I was so hesitant about sharing my past with him. Well, I decided I was going to let him in on the secret. I just hoped he was ready for it.
I sighed.
Ralph… be careful what you wish for, because you just might get it, I thought.
I was currently in the process of making some bread for supper tonight. As I was kneading the dough, I felt Elincia kick my rib cage. I stopped what I was doing and placed my hand on my belly when I got winded for a moment, but the baby's movement only made me chuckle. I could tell already she was going to be a handful, but feeling her like this made her so real to me. It would only be a few more weeks until she was finally here.
Even so, I decided to mildly scold her.
"How is mommy supposed to cook with you kicking me like that?" I asked.
There was no answer of course, but I only smiled and rubbed my belly.
"You silly girl," I said, then went back to kneading my dough, "and here I am hard at work making your favorite meal too."
I made it a habit to talk to her whenever I got the chance. I read in one of the birthing books I kept in the house, that children knew their mother's voice as soon as they got out of the womb. I wanted her to have no doubt who I was when she was born. I also made it a habit to sing to her. I loved to sing and I wanted to share that love with her. Ralph already started with purchasing a piano, but I wanted Elincia to know the ocarina too. It was my favorite instrument for obvious reasons, but I noticed there weren't many people who played the ocarina outside the forest. There was Link, perhaps Zelda, I was not sure if that was a real past time with her, but I digress, and, of course, me. I wondered why the ocarina was becoming such a an ancient relic. Perhaps the general populace didn't know how to play and needed some tutelage. I thought about what I wanted to study when I applied for the Scholar's Academy, and I was seriously considering music with an emphasis on the ocarina. Surely, the arts couldn't be lost from this world. There was more to life than the pragmatism and industrialization of technology. The more I considered it, the more it became a viable option. However, my moment of introspection was short lived, when soon after there was a knock and a call at my door.
"Special delivery!" the voice suddenly called out.
I looked up slightly startled at the disruption, but immediately went to wash and dry my hands before answering the door.
"Special delivery?" I whispered to myself.
When I finished, I went and answered the door. At seeing me, the mailman, whom the voice belonged to, tipped his hat and handed me a letter.
"A letter for Mrs. Saria by priority mail," he announced.
My eyes widened slightly.
Who would be sending me priority mail? I wondered. I certainly didn't order anything.
Not the type to ask rhetorical questions of strangers, I simply nodded and took the envelope.
"Thank you good sir," I said.
The mailman nodded.
"My pleasure ma'am," he said, "would you mind signing for your package?"
I grinned.
"Of course," I said.
I promptly signed for the document and then sent the mailman on his way.
"Have a wonderful day," I said.
"You too miss," he said, then turned and hurried off.
When I closed the door, I looked at the letter head slightly puzzled. I noticed there was no return address or real heading.
"Hmmm," I moaned thoughtfully as I turned the stationery over to open it, "I wonder who this is from."
I made quick work of the seal, and with the contents now exposed, I skimmed the letter. However, a second later I suddenly felt my heart skip a beat at what I read.
What in the world? I thought.
It stated:
How are you Saria?
Is it strange I'm writing you?
Listless days seemed to have occupied you lately.
Do not worry, that won't last long.
All you have to do is ask the king.
~Sincerely, An Old Friend~
I nearly dropped the letter when I came to the end, but my hand was suddenly too catatonic to allow that to happen.
"What in the world?" I whispered. "What are they talking about?"
I felt this familiar sense of foreboding like before. This correspondence must have been from the same person who sent me the first letter. After the realization, I went upstairs to find the first stationery I kept hidden in the cabinet in our bedroom. I reread that letter too and got the same terrible feeling, but who was this? How do they know where I lived now? What were they trying to tell me? What did they mean by listlessness? What are they talking about the king knowing? What was going on? I felt my belly fill with apprehension abruptly and it wasn't because of my baby. I knew one thing was for certain, this person had somehow been able to watch me without me ever noticing. Whoever it was must have been a professional… someone from my past perhaps? I wasn't sure. However, I knew now I needed to speak with Link, and I needed to speak with him as soon as possible. This promised to have dangerous implications, especially if my husband were ever to find out. I couldn't let that happen.
Dear Hylia… what is going on? I thought. What is going on?
Only time would tell.
~SSS~
Later that same day: Ralph's POV
"Now make sure you take the drops three times a day as directed," I was informing my patient, "the infection should clear up after the whole dose is administered. However, you can follow up here if your symptoms worsen, but you should see your general practitioner in two days."
The young woman suffering from the eye infection was nodding at everything I was telling her.
"Thank you doctor," she said, "I feel so silly getting an infection like this from my children."
I grinned.
"There is nothing to be ashamed of," I said, "children are natural incubators of infection. It's very easy to get an infection from them."
The young lady smiled at me attempting to make her feel better.
"I appreciate it," she said.
"It was my pleasure," I said.
With that, the lady left my office and waited in the main lobby to get her prescription. The nurse would tend to her shortly. Afterwards, I closed my door and went about writing a few notes in her chart before closing it. A moment later, there was a faint knock on my door. Thinking it was the nurse, I answered immediately.
"Come in," I called; I didn't turn around, and added, "make sure you emphasize the need for her to follow up," I said absently.
There was a brief pause, but I was surprised when I heard giggling instead of a prompt answer. It was then I was greeted by another voice entirely.
"I'll be sure to do that doctor," the female voice said.
My eyes widened slightly and I turned to find Romani's beautiful face staring back at me. Shwe immediately took note in my surprise in seeing her.
"Hey there stranger," she said when I finally acknowledged her.
I normally would have been happy with her visiting, but seeing her was having the opposite effect. After overhearing her and my sister, I had very little contact with her these days. If she thought in the way my sister did, I didn't want to have anything to do with her. I would not tolerate anyone disrespecting my wife. The feeling was so strong, I didn't even return her smile and meant to keep the visit short.
"Yes?" I said to her.
Romani looked at me slightly surprised by my curt greeting, but not so surprised because she knew why I was a little distant from her.
"I… I was hoping we could talk," she uttered finally.
I took in a deep sigh and turned back around to continue with my work.
"We have nothing to discuss," I said.
Romani then came up behind me.
"Yes we do," she said, "I hate it when we ignore each other."
I rolled my eyes.
"You should have thought of that before you insulted my wife," I said.
She paused for a moment, took in a deep sigh, and nodded.
"I agree," she said sensibly, "what Gertrude and I did was wrong."
I raised a brow and turned slightly to look at her.
"You were wrong?" I repeated.
She nodded.
"Yes," she said.
My eyes searched her face for a moment before I turned completely full on around again.
"Well, it's nice to finally hear you acknowledge that," I said.
She bit her lower lip.
"Look," she started, "I will admit that it has been hard for me to see you with her, but I did think Gertrude was being a little harsh on her for no reason. Saria seems like she is really kind and sweet. You two really dote on each other so much, and I guess I listened to Gertrude's nonsense because… because I was a little jealous."
I paused for a moment after hearing her say that.
"Romani…" I trailed, trying to choose my words carefully, "Saria is a wonderful person if you allow her to be your friend. I know she doesn't come from our world when it comes to medicine, but she is funny, kind, and gentle. She deserves a chance."
Romani nodded again.
"I agree," she said.
I looked at her taken aback, but then felt my features soften with her disposition.
"Well… I'm glad," I said.
Romani ran a hand through her radiant red hair.
"I was speaking to your mom about you and wanted to find some way to make amends," she said, "I figured the best way would be the obvious way."
I nodded.
"I give mom credit for that," I said.
It was then Romani smiled, and by Hylia, did she have a beautiful smile.
"So… do you forgive me?" she asked.
I paused and pretended to think about it.
"Sure, I forgive you," I uttered finally, "there is no sense holding a grudge."
She giggled.
"True," she said.
We stared at each other for a moment, before Romani came and wrapped her arms around my waist to give me a hug. It was spontaneous, but it was what was needed right now.
"Do you think Saria will forgive me too?" she asked suddenly.
I shrugged when I pulled back from the hug and looked her in the eyes.
"The only way to know that for a certainty is to talk to her yourself," I said.
Romani pursed her lips together.
"I certainly hope I didn't ruin my chances," she said, "I really I hope I can apologize and be her friend."
I grinned at her sincere nature.
"I think she would like that," I said honestly, "in fact, I know she would. How about you come to supper next week and perhaps we can clear the air on everything."
Romani nodded.
"That sounds good," she said, "I would really like that."
I stared into her eyes gratefully.
"This is why you're amazing Romani," I half-joked, "you always try to be sensible."
She smiled wider.
"Thanks Ralph," she said, "thanks for allowing me to make things right."
I thought nothing of it.
"Of course Romani," I said, "of course."
~SSS~
Several hours later, Castle Town home
When I returned home, Saria was already seated at the table with dinner waiting for me. Ever since we made up everything had been wonderful between us. The headache scare was another thing entirely, but it allowed us an opportunity to talk about our differences. However, I had noticed from time to time that Saria would act differently, but in a good way. She was bolder, but she was still sweet and accommodating at the same time. I found her more and more intriguing the more I spent time with her. I noticed her studying a lot more often too. I saw books from my library upstairs in our bedroom, or in the living quarters where Saria's knitting stuff would be. She would even surprise with some of the things she would say regarding a position she heard about in Castle Town. I found her charming and captivating in a way that told me I was falling deeper in love with her. I was completely enchanted with my wife and I couldn't explain why.
Even now, Saria was dressed in a dark blue dress that was flattering to her pregnant body, but still made her look very beautiful. Her hair was down and brushed in waves along her back. I always thought she was beautiful, but knowing our little girl was inside of her made her even more beautiful to me. I couldn't wait to have more children with her because she exuded a quality that I believed all women should aspire to, contentment. I thought she was perfect... simply perfect.
I walked in and removed my coat. Saria, in turn, smiled and greeted me.
"Good evening darling," she said.
"Good evening," I greeted back.
She gestured towards the table.
"I made your favorite tonight, rabbit stew," she divulged.
I looked at her surprised.
"Fantastic," I said, "that makes me even happier."
Saria giggled, then came up to help me with my bag and took hold of my hand.
"How was work?" she asked.
I took in deep sigh.
"Okay," I said honestly, "I'm just glad it's over."
She looked at me sympathetically.
"Did you have another rough day in the clinic?" she asked.
I shook my head.
"No," I replied honestly, "it was just more volume today; tis the season for everyone to come in for a cold."
She giggled again.
"I suppose it can't be helped," she replied.
I returned her smile.
"Not at all," I replied.
Saria then took my hand and guided me over to the table.
"Well, let's hope for less busy days in the future," she said and sat down at the table.
I sat down after her.
"Let's hope," I agreed.
I then took her hand in mind.
"Enough about me," I said, "how was your day?"
Saria shrugged.
"Pretty much the same routine," she said, "I got to mend your socks though, and I started a new book."
I looked at her impressed.
"What book did you start?" I asked.
She looked at me thoughtfully for a moment.
"Gaboera's Excerpts on Perennialism, Existentialism, and Classical Philosophies," she replied.
I made a face immediately.
"Be prepared for the boredom of your life," I warned, "I had to use that book for three classes, I promise you it is taxing."
Saria laughed.
"I'm sensing that already," she agreed, "especially with sentences like: 'pedagogical inferences of didactic logic persist to convey ideas of loquacious garble like the deductions of moral relativism and its kiln'."
I raised my brows.
"Come again?" I asked.
We both laughed at that.
"I have no idea," she said, "but I feel like I sound smarter already."
That made me laugh more.
"I can see how it could," I said.
Saria shook her head.
"Even so," she started, "I got through the first chapter. It took me a couple hours, but I wasn't going to put that book down until that was done."
I really admired her tenacity in this endeavor. I squeezed her hand affectionately in my grip.
"I'm really proud of you," I said sincerely, "I mean it."
She blushed when she looked down.
"Thank you," she said softly, "I was serious when I said I wanted to get an education."
I admired that too.
"I know you were," I replied, "and I want to help you in any way I can."
She nodded, but didn't say much of anything else.
"I appreciate that," she said.
There was a brief silence between us just then, and I thought this might be a good opportunity to bring up what Romani talked about with me earlier. I didn't want Saria to feel out of place with my colleagues, and I certainly didn't want to make it a habit to see my family without having her with me. The last several times I went to visit my parents Saria stayed home. She never kept me from seeing my family, but it just wasn't the same without her, and admittedly, there was now a strain between me, my mother, and my sister for making Saria feel this way. She had done nothing to warrant such persnickety behavior from the two of them. My mother even admitted she exaggerated the incident with Saria because she was upset. That irritated me more because I unnecessarily argued with my wife due to the issue. Even so, the situation with Romani was more guilt by association than anything else, and I hoped Saria would be willing to see that.
"I want to discuss something with you," I said suddenly.
Saria gave me her full undivided attention.
"Okay," she said.
I paused for a moment before going on.
"I was visited by Romani today," I divulged, "she actually apologized to me for her behavior with Gertrude."
Saria looked at me surprised.
"Oh… well, I'm glad she did so," she said.
I pursed my lips together before I went on.
"She also expressed to me that she wanted to apologize to you too," I disclosed.
The surprise never left Saria's face.
"Me?" she repeated.
I nodded.
Saria looked at me taken aback.
"But why?" she asked. "She doesn't have to be friends with me to be friends with you."
I saw her logic, but didn't altogether agree with it.
"That may be true, but I would rather it not be that way," I said honestly, "I would like it very much if you, I, and Romani could be friends."
Saria drew back a little.
"Is that what she said to you?" she asked.
I nodded.
"She expressed something like that," I replied.
Saria raised a brow.
"Something like that?" she repeated sarcastically.
I then digressed.
"Alright," I said, "she stated to me that she wanted to make amends if she could. I told her I would ask you and perhaps invite her to supper next week."
Saria got quiet for a moment. She didn't seem too enthused by the idea.
"Why does she want to do this now?" she asked.
I understood her point, but I didn't want Saria to be grudge worthy.
"Perhaps she feels guilty," I said sensibly, "you would allow a person to be forgiven, right?"
She paused again and took in a deep sigh.
"Call me a cynic," she started, "but it seems odd to me that she suddenly wants to make amends."
I frowned at her.
"I've known Romani practically her whole life," I divulged, "there isn't a disingenuous bone in her body."
Again, Saria paused, but she seemed to be milling my words. Even so, she had a rebuttal.
"No one is perfect Ralph," she said, "I… I don't know."
I understood her conjecture, but I thought it was a little misplaced.
"Saria, if you give it a try I promise you won't be disappointed," I said, "who knows, you two might end up being best friends."
Saria grunted thoughtfully just then.
"I seriously doubt that," she said finally, "but I will give her another chance because you think so highly of her."
I found her finality telling, but I said nothing on it. I decided to call a truce.
"That is all I can ask for," I said.
Saria then smiled at me.
"Agreed," she said.
Shortly after, there was another silence that engulfed us and I imagine it was because it had something to do with her doubts concerning Romani. Even so, I decided it would be best to change the subject, and with the way this stew was looking, I had the perfect segue.
"Thank you for making my favorite meal," I said sincerely, "your rabbit stew is second to none."
She perked up a little when she heard that.
"Well, tonight is a special occasion," she said suddenly.
I then raised my brows at her utterance.
"Really?" I asked.
She nodded and went to ladle me a nice heaping portion from the small cauldron on the table.
"Indeed," she said.
I took in a deep whiff when the bowl was set down in front of me.
"And what would that be?" I asked.
She paused for a moment and ladled herself a smaller bowl. By her expression she seemed to be determining if she wanted to tell me what was on her mind or not. However, a moment later she then just came out with the news.
"Well," she started, "I think it's time I shared a few things with you. I… I think I should tell you about who I really am."
I paused, slightly taken aback by the shift in conversation, and looked at her stunned for a moment.
"Who you really are?" I repeated.
She nodded.
"I feel it's time," she said.
I was suddenly lost for words. What did she mean 'who she really was'? That was when Saria reached over and grabbed my hand. However, she avoided my eyes.
"You've been wondering for quite some time about it and I think now I should tell you," she said.
I hesitated, unsure if I was ready for any real surprises tonight. I wasn't expecting this in coming home. However, she was right in that I had been asking for weeks, and I didn't want to dissuade her from telling me what she thought was important, especially the truth.
"Okay," I said softly.
Saria took in a deep sigh and continued.
"I… I want to take you to Kokiri Forest," she uttered, then added, "as soon as possible."
My astonishment never left.
"I thought you said you didn't know the way," I replied.
She shook her head.
"That isn't true," she said, "I've always known the way, but I was afraid to open up to you about it."
There was a brief silence between us just then where I could tell this was difficult for her. Even so, I didn't realize she was purposely deceiving me, and admittedly, that was a little upsetting. However, I didn't want to show my disappointment and in turn have her stop with her divulgence. This was a long time coming. Besides that, I didn't think she would allow me to stop her. She seemed determined and it looked like the flood gates were now opened; there was no closing them. Still, I wanted to understand why she was so hesitant in the past.
"Why were you afraid to tell me about where you were from in the beginning?" I asked.
She was quiet for a long moment.
"Because I didn't think you would understand," she said.
I didn't want that to be an excuse.
"Saria, I love you," I said, "of course I would understand."
She then just looked over at me for a long time and didn't reply right away.
"After I reveal everything to you, it will be hard for you to believe," she said anyway, then added to herself, "it's still hard for me to believe."
Afterwards, I looked at her in mild disbelief.
"Saria… what are you saying? What do you mean it's hard for you to believe?" I asked. "What are you talking about?"
Saria never answered my questions, but then looked into my eyes earnestly.
"If you can free yourself up tomorrow, I would like to take you then," she said, "I want you to know before Elincia is born."
My eyes searched her face for a moment. Now, I was starting to get concerned.
"What should I know Saria?" I asked.
She bit her lower lip and still didn't answer.
"It would be better for you to see for yourself," she said.
My concern was starting to turn into full on dread. Why was she purposely dodging the issue?
"Saria-" I tried.
"Will you try if you can?" she interrupted quietly. "Please?"
I clamped my mouth shut and realized she was serious. Whatever it was that she wanted me to know she was not going to tell me unless I agreed to see things on her terms. This was an opportunity that may not present itself again, and though I didn't like to be strong armed, I realized I may not have a choice. Even so, I attempted to deflect because of my own reservations.
"But what about work?" I asked. "I can't just leave my cases for Dr. Seaside."
Saria looked straight into my eyes just then.
"Trust me, if you tell him you're coming with me, he will understand," she replied.
I raised my brows and my surprise never left. Admittedly now, I was a little apprehensive. What about her past was so surprising? Why was she being so secretive about this? Why now of all times to tell me these things? But then I needed to analyze myself. Why was I so hesitant suddenly? Was I simply grandstanding because she was unwilling to share who she was in the past? Was I really ready to know everything? Was it truly that important to me? There would only be one way to find out, and that would be to take her seriously regarding this initiative. That meant agreeing to go with her. However, I did have some caveats.
The silence continued briefly between us before I answered.
"Look," I started, "I can't free myself up tomorrow because I already made too many commitments. However, I can take a day off next week by giving Dr. Seaside ample notice to prepare for it. If it is this important to you Saria, you have my full support, but you have to meet me half way. I will send a message to Dr. Seaside tonight informing him I won't be at the clinic on the first day of next week, fair enough?"
Saria looked at me gratefully.
"Fair enough," she said, "I guess I didn't think about your prior commitments. However, when we do go I promise you won't regret it."
I smiled at her, hiding my growing worrying disposition.
"I hope not darling," I said, "I certainly hope not."
~SSS~
One week later Link's POV
Court had become an endless parade of ideas the people wanted, but some had to know would never come to fruition. I understood now why the late Daphnes disliked it so. I didn't want to appear punctilious, but the last three audiences were ridiculous at best. Why did the people insist that they needed a lower tax rate than five percent? It was fair, manageable, and allowed the people to keep the bulk of their wealth. How was the government supposed to function with no income coming in? The interesting thing was, these complainers would be the same individuals asking for the kingdom to lend a hand when a catastrophe struck, but they were reluctant themselves to do so in times of peace. Not a very conducive position if I had to be honest.
Anyway, I was looking forward for court to be over so I could go and spend time with my son. Daphnes was my world now. Any moment where Zelda and I could be with him, we stole it. The best times for me were after my audiences, because that gave me a window of about an hour or so before I had to do business with my steward. I loved everything about the little lad. I loved his smile, his burping, his vomit, his crying -everything. I thought he was a little miracle. I made it a point to talk to him whenever I held him. I wanted him to know who his father was and how important he was to me. I often talked about Epona, swordsmanship, working with the bow, and his mother. I was aware he didn't understand a word I said, but he stared at me with those big blue eyes of his and acted as though he did.
Daphnes' baby babble was a joy to listen to. I often translated the inaudible words into thoughts I perceived he was thinking. It did make me wonder: what did babies think about? Possibly the vastness of this new world surrounding them. Perhaps the coldness of stone and softness of feathers. Maybe he was trying to perceive what the weird shapes on my face were. Or, maybe perhaps he was trying to perceive why my face was so hairy and his was not. I had no idea, but he seemed to be in awe of everything I did. What a wonderful child Daphnes was.
Zelda too took to the role of mother like a professional. She went and looked after her son as many times as her duties would allow her. There was a standing law in Hyrule that stated the governess was the primary care giver to the babies of the royal family, but I usurped that rule all the time. No law was going to tell me or Zelda when we could have access to our child. Perhaps it was the stubborn side of me thinking so, but I always thought it was important for families to stick together. When I was raised in the Kokiri Forest my fondest memories were being with my friends who were my family and how much we loved and respected the Deku Tree. The guardian of the forest wasn't the conventional father, but he was certainly better than nothing. The Deku Tree taught me morals and principles. It was the only way I could rationalize me being able to do the duties I was able to do with such ease. That, and the Triforce of Courage of course. However, I did not believe Farore would have bestowed the gift upon me if I didn't have the proper upbringing. For that, I thanked the Deku Tree.
The next audience member coming to see would be my last. I had seen fifty people this morning. I was tired of hearing the same thing over and over again. However, when I looked up from my scroll as my final guest was being escorted in, I was in for quite a surprise. A visitor I hadn't seen in quite some time had made his way in, but he was definitely a familiar face. I put the scroll down when the courtier had the guest stop short and he approached the throne alone.
"Your majesty, your final audience is here," he announced, "but he has no judiciary business. Rather, he states he has a gift for you."
I raised a brow when I heard that and looked past the courtier to my guest.
"A gift?" I repeated.
The courtier nodded.
"Yes sire," he said, "would you like him to proceed?"
I hesitated for a moment, but didn't want to appear too cynical with the crowd of nobles watching.
"I will hear him out," I replied.
The courtier bowed.
"Very well," he said, then walked back over the strange visitor, "the king has granted your request."
With that, the gentleman walked closer and he stopped short of my throne.
"Good morning your majesty," he greeted, "I must say, you have grown to be quite the young man."
I paused, because a few watching found that to be an unorthodox way to address the king. However, none of these nobles knew this man the way I did. Looking at him made me recollect to my childhood… when I was a boy of ten years and roving about the world. I always found him odd, though he was one of the most clever men I had come across. And it was off putting to me that he hadn't aged a day… not one single day since I first met him.
The Happy Mask Salesman, I thought.
I still did not know his real name.
"Thank you," I replied carefully, "I understand that you brought me a gift."
He nodded.
"It was to congratulate you and the queen on the newly donned prince," he explained, "he is the talk of the town."
I nodded and watched as he opened the satchel he had draped across him and pulled out a box wrapped in ribbon along with a letter. The courtier was going to confiscate them per protocol, but I circumvented him.
"That won't be necessary," I said, "you can bring them to me."
The courtier looked at me surprised.
"…To you sire?" he repeated.
I nodded again, not wanting to get impatient with him due to having to repeat myself.
"Yes," I replied.
The courtier bowed and gave the retrieved items to me. I looked over the gifts closely, but nothing seemed out of the ordinary. However, that in and of itself was strange for the Happy Mask Salesman. He was always out of the ordinary. This wasn't just a cordial visit. He was a very wealthy, but very unconventional businessman who rarely made appearances in public. Some say his true business is unknown, and that he only divulges such information that seems off and out of date. No one knew his birthplace, or the origins of his fortune. It is believed that he has been living far longer than perceived, but there was no evidence to back that up. The whole point was, this man was an absolute mystery, and his mysterious nature lent to his legend.
"Thank you," was all I said in reply.
The salesman nodded.
"I think you will find the gift most useful my lord," he said, "I got it especially for you… though your son may don it one day if you see fit."
That gave me a subtle cause for alarm, but nothing I allowed to show. Whatever this was that he had gotten me, it was something for my eyes alone.
"I'm sure I will," I replied, and with that I preempted to end this audience so I could see what was in this box, "do you have anything else to add?"
The salesman shook his head, sensing my finality.
"I am afraid not," he replied, "but thank you for taking my audience, and if it seems alright with you, may I take my leave my lord."
Just the words I was looking for.
"You may," I said.
With that, the Happy Mask Salesman bowed and turned to be escorted out. Once he was completely gone, I noticed a low murmur of chatter start behind me from the court. I chose to ignore it and aptly got up when the audience was over. Everyone stood at my bidding and bowed as I walked by. The guard no sooner opened the door for me when I stepped out of it. I wanted to be alone in urgency now because I wanted to know what was in this box. I hadn't seen that man in nearly seventeen years and suddenly he comes to give me a gift? What in the world is truly going on? What is he up to? Why now of all times to show his face? I think this letter would answer such questions.
I headed for my private chambers in the spire several towers over from my current location. I had no escort, so as I walked by; the guards bowed discriminately, but looked bewildered at the same time. They probably wondered why I was walking alone outside of royal protocol, but I didn't need an escort everywhere I went. Soon, I arrived at my destination and made sure to close and lock the door behind me. I waited as I heard footsteps go by before I set the package and letter down on the table. I waited for them to have a considerable amount of distance before I sat down. Afterwards, I picked up the letter first and studied the letterhead: From An Old Friend. I took in a deep sigh and decided there was no sense prolonging this and went to open its contents. I skimmed it first, but was puzzled to say the least.
I read:
Greetings to you from an old friend.
Congratulations on your recent bundle of joy.
I am sure the prince will be every bit as rambunctious
as his hero father. Just make sure his name is not consequential
to his actions like the late king. There is so much to the appellate. The
appellate of words, the appellate of queens, the appellate
of heroes, the appellate of warriors, and the appellate of princes.
What do I mean? Simply that there is a great deal in a name,
even a name that is not yet obvious. Don't know what I'm
purporting? Just ask your green haired friend. I'm sure
she has some information that might be of use to you.
In any such case, I present you with this gift that is not
at all appropriate for a baby, though, there is great irony
in these writings. However, in the lore of the world
this gift has huge significance, especially when referencing
a certain… sun prince. I bid you good day, and
may we meet again at the crossroads of life
~The Happy Mask Salesman~
It was just as I suspected. Nothing about this letter had anything to do with what he stated in conference. He was here because he was attempting to tell me something important, and unfortunately that something had to do with Saria. But what was this nonsense about names and the sun prince? Who was the sun prince in this instance? Did this have to do with Moon Goddess? Was he trying to warn me in some way? I couldn't be sure if there was a connection here, but he definitely came with a purpose in mind.
I read the letter again then placed it on the table, when my attention went to the gift he had wrapped for me. The salesman said this gift was something not appropriate for children, but that it had huge significance to me. That means I must have seen it before. Even so, I slowly unwrapped the ribbon and slowly lifted the hood once it was undone. When my eyes caught sight of what was inside, I was stunned, truly stunned.
"Dear Farore," I whispered when I picked up the… gift.
It was a relic I had not seen in years, but it looked as though it was carved new. The hollowed eyes, the blue 'V' painted on the forehead, the double red lines painted on the side of the face, the carved hair that looked a little too much like mine painted white, and the umbrae bluish colored cap that represented the top.
"The Fierce Deity's Mask," I whispered, "son of a bitch."
I never thought I would lay eyes on this mask again, and yet, here it was. Why was the Happy Mask Salesman giving this to me now? What did he know that I didn't? Why was he telling me to contact Saria? And what was all this 'name' business? There was only one way to find out. I would need to contact Saria immediately.
I studied the mask again, understanding its true significance. Was Majora coming back to world, or was something much worse brooding? What was going on?
"It seems familiar strangers want me to don you again," I whispered, studying the mask's intricate designs, "my question to said stranger is: why?"
Please let me know what you think.