Inspiration: XCX's Sylvalum- day theme/night theme, ALBW, Minuet of the Forest, OoT, and memories of a life lost.
Author Note: There is something ethereally beautiful about Xenoblade Chronicles X's Sylvalum music; love or hate the place, the theme is out of this world.
Word Count: 12,038
Chapter 18
The Next Day: Ralph's POV
Saria and I set out early in the morning to head for the Kokiri Forest. Admittedly, I didn't get very much sleep last night considering the occasion. I kept going over and over in my head what to expect when we got to this... this place. In preparation for our departure, I did some research when Saria fell asleep. From every manuscript and text I could find, this Kokiri Forest simply did not exist. With that apparent disclosure, I was nervous. I was very nervous actually, and part of me didn't want to unintentionally discredit my wife for my own private endeavors. However, I couldn't shake the thought of this place not being real. All the maps I divulged, examined, and reconnoitered showed no cartographical evidence that this place existed.
This is odd, I thought.
If this forest were real, where was the evidence? Where was the locale? Where were the roads leading to this place? Why was it kept hidden from the greater kingdom at large? Why would a place where people as wonderful as Saria came from be lost from the world? Why the mystery? I didn't understand the apparent clandestineness. It seemed unfair, and by unfair I was presumably assuming it was untrue. I hated that I had this bias towards my wife, but there were specific things that couldn't deride logic. There would have been some record by now. There would have been some geographical discovery regarding this. I wasn't a believer in conspiratorial fairytales, especially those whispered amongst the gossip mavens.
Even so, I didn't want to express my misgivings in front of my wife. I didn't want her thinking I didn't trust her, and perhaps I was wrong in doubting her so significantly. However, I couldn't be led by blind faith either. Even faith had to have evidential markers. In any such case, it did make me wonder if part of this was nothing more than a wild goose chase. I hoped to be wrong, but my apprehension was growing. I hated the idea of this all being for show.
Saria… I thought, please let this all be true. I want nothing more than for this to all be true so I can be at ease again.
Currently, we were traveling in our wagon heading south on Hyrule Field. We seemed to be advancing towards Ordon, which wasn't surprising because the greatest concentration of forests was in the southern most sector of the kingdom. Admittedly, this area of entry added more credence to Saria's claim than not. The forests that abutted the surrounding areas of Ordon were virtually uninhabited and unexplored. Ordon itself was only a recent discovery by many of the geological society members of Hyrule. The town was fully made into part of the province once the royal family added it to the registry several months before Saria and I got married. There were even rumors that before Ordon got cleaned up, it was a very sinister place. I couldn't imagine it myself, but there were other territories that were incredibly apathetic before it received the blessing of the goddesses too, places like Death Mountain for instance. However, the areas surrounding Ordon were not properly vetted or mapped out. So, there was no way to determine what was lurking there.
Perhaps I was too prematurely skeptical, I thought.
I couldn't lie, my intrigue was growing. This whole endeavor stemmed initially from my desire to know about Saria's past, and now this event was actually happening. I guess I needed to be more careful with what I wished for. Even so, we were getting closer to the greenery in the distance and when we got to the bridge we crossed over it, but afterwards Saria promptly raised her hand in front of me signifying we had to stop.
I was slightly puzzled by the gesture.
"What is it?" I asked anyway.
Saria was looking straight ahead.
"We need to leave the carriage here," she said suddenly.
I paused, not wanting to question her, but I found the request odd.
"Why?" I asked anyway.
She hesitated for a moment.
"Because we have to travel the rest of the way on foot," she said simply.
The answer seemed unassuming enough, but I wanted to inquire further. However, I decided against it because it seemed more trouble than it was worth. Afterwards, I merely nodded.
"Alright," I replied.
Saria looked slightly indifferent for a moment, but said nothing else. I jumped down from the wagon and went to help Saria down from the other side. Her belly was quite protuberant now. She would be due in a few weeks. Once I secured the wagon at a local remote stable nearby, we continued our journey on foot. As we traveled, we hit a familiar alcove, but instead of heading south west through the impasse the way we normally would for Ordon, we went south east in the opposite direction where a dense evergreen forest awaited.
It was quite the detour, and now I was suddenly absorbed into where we were going. I hadn't been to this area of the forest before, and admittedly I had become a creature of habit since my studies in medicine. My studies unfortunately, as valuable as they were, had indubitably dampened my sense of pure unbridled discovery. I was becoming more of the cynic instead of the idealist I had once been.
As we continued, the advancing thickets and foliage were a small deterrent to a hidden hollowed opening we eventually got to by way of a wooden bridge. The bridge led to a compactly wooded area beyond a massively burrowed out tree entryway. We started walking across, but then for some odd reason Saria stopped while we were in progress. Her features dimmed for a moment and she touched the roped railing keeping the bridge in place.
I looked at her slightly taken aback, confused as to why her behavior changed so suddenly.
"What's the matter?" I asked.
Saria took in a deep sigh and shook her head.
"Nothing," she replied.
That was an obvious fib.
"Don't give me that," I said, "come on talk to me. I know something is bothering you."
She paused for a long time before she finally answered me.
"Have you… have you ever really reflected on life?" she asked suddenly.
My perplexity deepened.
The question seemed out of nowhere.
"I would think so," I answered, trying to be honest, "sometimes I feel like it passes me by."
Saria didn't reply directly to that.
"Sometimes… it's just so hard to say goodbye," she whispered.
I raised my brows at her utterance.
"What do you mean?" I asked.
She hesitated again, but then shook her head.
"It doesn't matter now," she replied, "it was just a thought in passing."
Her mood didn't seem to get any better with her answer.
"Are you alright?" I asked in slight concern.
She was quiet for a few seconds and finally nodded.
"I am," she said, then added, "this place just has special meaning to me."
My eyes widened a little bit at her disclosure, but then I looked around the wooden alcove, trying to get a sense of the reckoning she was speaking on. I probably would never know. Even so, this place was hauntingly beautiful, with tree sprites and fireflies flying about throughout the canopy. The canopy only allowed a small amount of sunlight to filter through. There were tall trees on both sides of the bridge and greenery everywhere, especially underneath the overpass. The creek hidden in amongst the grass streamed with a delicate serenity like a bobbling cistern. There was something surreal and ethereal about this place… almost spiritual. I could easily understand why it could impart such calm feelings, but admittedly I wanted to know what made it so special to Saria. What happened here that made her reflect so suddenly? What was the significance of this place? It was like a scene from a dream. I had never seen anything so enchanting in my life, and for the first time since we started out today, I was genuinely excited about what was beyond that entrance ahead. I was truly anticipating moving forward.
"This is incredible," I whispered.
Saria didn't answer right away.
"It is, isn't it?" she replied, looking around herself.
I nodded, then looked down at my wife and noticed now there were tears in her eyes. I looked at her surprised.
It was then I touched her shoulder.
"Darling…" I trailed, "what's wrong?"
She shook her head and wiped her eyes. She regressed into her own thoughts.
"Nothing," she said quickly, "just a lot of memories." However, she never let me inquire further. "Let's go."
Before I could rebut, she pulled from my reach and started ahead without me. I stayed behind for a moment and looked after her concerned. What made her so emotional? What wasn't she telling me? I felt a little out of the loop with her abrupt distant nature, but realized I wouldn't get my answers precipitously. I looked around the evergreen foyer one last time before I continued forward to Saria. She waited for me at the entrance when she saw I stayed behind for a moment, but then warned me thereafter when I walked up to her.
"Stay close," she said, "it is easy to get lost in here."
I raised my brows at the divulgence.
"Really?" I asked.
She nodded.
"Really," she replied and took my hand, "now follow me."
My intrigue never went away.
"Lead the way," I said.
The next several moments, I followed Saria through a network of hollowed out trees, alcoves, and bridges. It was complicated and I couldn't figure how she knew where she was going. Everything looked the same to me, but somehow she knew exactly where to go. A few minutes later, we entered a large clearing encompassing an emerald green forest. I couldn't believe my eyes when I looked around and saw the brook, the gardens, and the tree homes. It was amazing, but I noticed the buildings were for very small people… almost like children. It was odd, but quaint. The canopy above was even more interwoven in this deep aperture. It was almost as if the trees were protecting this place. It was no wonder no one in the outside world could find it. It would be virtually impossible to draw and map. In an instant, my skepticism waned and was replaced with wonder.
Is this… is this the Kokiri Forest? I pondered.
It was then Saria confirmed my nonverbal inquiry.
"This is it," she divulged, "this is the world lost to Hyrule,"
That was an interesting way of putting it, and suddenly I felt surreal. It was as if I wasn't really here. It was as if I was witnessing this place from outside my body. I had to pinch myself to make sure this was happening. I did, and it was… it really was. I took a few steps forward when it seemed Saria was more hesitant than I to advance. I looked around and immediately understood why she kept this place her secret, it was incredible. There wasn't anything like it anywhere in Hyrule. The homes, carved from trees or stone enclaves, budded in several locations of the forest. There were also these well manicured gardens of pumpkins and wild grass next to a bobbling creek. More sprites and fireflies flew throughout the air and the bioluminescence only made the scenery more enchanting. The minimized light from the sun gave this area an appearance of dusk almost, like a perpetual twilight of some kind. I couldn't quite explain it, but it looked magical. The only thing that seemed an oddity to me was the size of the homes.
How in the world could Saria live here when everything seems so out of place for her? I wondered.
I hoped to soon find out.
I turned around to face Saria when I realized I was venturing off alone. I had no idea why she seemed so hesitant to join me, or why she was so scared to share such a beautiful place with me in the first place. It was nothing to be ashamed of. It was everything a person could hope for when it came to peace and tranquility.
"Why are you so far away?" I finally asked her.
She just stared at me for a moment.
"No reason," she replied.
I looked around again in awe.
"Saria…" I trailed, "this place is incredible."
Again, she was hesitant.
"Is it?" she asked.
I thought that was an odd question.
"Of course it is," I answered anyway, "and you should never be ashamed of it."
She nodded, then took a step forward.
"I'm glad you think so," she said, "I wasn't sure how you would react."
I deserved that, but it still seemed out of place given my reaction thus far.
"Fair enough," I said, "but you proved me wrong. I stand corrected."
Saria finally grinned at me.
"That's a funny response," she said.
I shrugged.
"I'm a funny guy," I said.
She giggled just then.
"Gaboera stated 'that an ad hominem caricature is evidence of a deeply flawed primordial image by which is represented symbolically through the archetype,'" she replied.
I raised a brow.
"So… he thought people who teased themselves were idiotic?" I clarified.
Saria giggled again.
"Pretty much," she said.
I returned her smile.
"That book is going to give you plenty of fodder for new jokes," I said, "Gaboera had serious issues."
Saria wasn't so sure.
"I could on the language aspect, but phenomenology is pretty hard to get into a joke," she replied.
That actually made me laugh.
"I see your dilemma," I chuckled, "but there is a bit of irony there too."
Saria giggled again, but soon thereafter there was another bit of silence between us where was I staring at her. She looked so beautiful in the light of the canopy. Her bright blue eyes were shining, and her beautiful creamy complexion looked sun kissed for a moment. Staring at her made me hope and wish our daughter looked just like her, green hair and all. There was something exotic about this girl who was now my wife that no other woman in Hyrule could ever have. I realized then how much I loved and appreciated her. I didn't always show it the way I should have, but I planned to from now on.
My gaze must have given away my thoughts.
"What's the matter?" she asked me.
I shook my head.
"Not a thing," I said, "everything is perfect."
Her eyes widened slightly and for some reason she blushed.
"Is it?" she replied.
There was that doubt again, however, I chose to ignore it. Instead, I nodded towards the houses in the distance.
"I have to ask you a question," I started, changing the subject.
By my gesture I think she knew where I was going. She looked past me to the forest beyond.
"I think I can guess," she said.
That suited me just fine, I had no qualms about the matter.
"Which house is yours?" I asked.
She paused for a moment where she kept staring past me.
"Which one is mine?" she repeated.
I nodded, not allowing her to deflect.
Saria was quiet again and bit her lower lip in uncertainty, but finally answered a moment later.
"Mine is…" she paused, but then corrected herself, "mine was the second one with the rounded roof and escalator," she replied.
There was a bit of pain in her voice that she tried hard to conceal. I didn't want to press the issue of its meaning, but it was obvious that this was not easy for her. I was waiting for her to go on, but she didn't. It was then I walked back up to her and looked into her eyes that were now avoiding mine. I wanted to know what was bothering her so much.
"Sar," I whispered, "look at me."
At my tone a sudden set of tears filled her eyes, but hesitantly she obeyed my request. She looked so frightened just then and I had no idea why. I took of her shoulders and held her gently.
"What is it?" I whispered. "What are you so scared of?"
Saria's bottom lip started to tremble.
"I just don't think you'll understand," she whispered back.
Hearing that admittedly made me uneasy. It seemed no matter what, melancholy was her feeling for the day. In response to that there was a sudden dread that developed in the pit of my stomach, but I didn't let it deter me.
"What do you mean?" I asked gently. "What are you afraid to tell me?"
She stared into my eyes for a long time before she answered.
"Aren't you going to ask me how I was able to fit in that tiny house?" she whispered.
This time I paused, but it was only because I had no idea where she was going with this. I assumed it was because as a child she grew up there. However, it seemed she had a much more dower justification that she wanted me to draw out of her.
"It crossed my mind," I said honestly, "but I wasn't thinking to."
Her throat tightened after my utterance and suddenly she reached up and kissed me softly on the lips. I was surprised at the gesture and kept my eyes open throughout it, as her expression remained strained with her eyes closed. Her long lashes danced against her cheeks and dampened when her eyes refilled with tears. I knew then whatever she was preparing me to tell me apparently wasn't good news.
"I love you," she whispered when she pulled away.
My apprehension mounted. I stared into her eyes as her tears spilled over.
"I love you too," I whispered back.
Afterwards, Saria took my hand and started guiding me down the path towards an entrance to another large cavern, but before we got there I halted. I stopped in my tracks, turned her around, and pulled her back to me. Saria resisted a little, but was forced to take a couple steps in my direction because of her own momentum. She looked nervous immediately when she saw my concerned expression.
"Saria what's going on?" I asked suddenly. "What aren't you telling me?"
Her breathing quickened just then.
"I'm getting to that," she replied, "that's why you have to follow me."
I was starting to get mildly frustrated now. She was deliberately avoiding my questions.
"Why can't you tell me now?" I demanded quietly.
Tears filled her eyes again.
"Because it would be better coming from him," she disclosed.
I looked at her taken aback just then.
"'Him'?" I repeated stunned.
She nodded.
"Yes," she whispered.
My heart started beating faster.
"Who's 'him'?" I asked.
Her hold on my hand tightened.
"You have to come and see," she said.
I shook my head, tired of the runaround.
"Saria-" I tried.
"Please Ralph!" she begged. "Please! This is hard enough as it is."
When she put it like that, I stared at her in mild disbelief for a moment. What was really going on here? What was I about to find out? Was this 'him' Link? I hoped to the goddesses not. I hoped to the goddesses she wasn't about to tell me that the child she was carrying wasn't actually mine. I couldn't take that kind of rejection or heartache, I just couldn't.
Please Hylia don't let that be the case… please, I thought.
At her tone, I finally conceded and decided to let her lead me down the road once again to the cavern.
"Alright," I said quietly, "alright."
Saria stared at me gratefully for a minute, but then turned and led us back down the road. My nervousness never went away. In fact, it seemed to compound with each step. However, we soon went through the impasse to the other alcove. I braced myself for what was awaiting us, and to my surprise it was nothing at all of what I was just recently imagining. It was actually something that dwarfed anything I could have ever pondered. The commodious cavern had a vaulted canopy that housed an enormous tree. This wasn't just any entity, but this tree looked to be from one of the legends I read about in my history books. Though I was a believer in the goddesses, I never gave much thought to the spiritual arbiters. Skepticism was always something espoused in medical school: doubt, question, and keeping doubting. There were even those professors who didn't rightly believe the goddesses existed. I thought that was a little extreme and I never understood that notion, but admittedly I found myself adopting that logic the more I trusted in my own thinking. Even so, the evidence was now here right in front of me.
I couldn't believe it.
"Dear Farore," I whispered, "is that…?"
I couldn't finish.
Saria nodded slowly and finished for me.
"Yes," she replied, "this is the great Deku Tree."
I nearly had to gasp for air when the divulgence was officially confirmed. Even so, I was in for more surprises as Saria then let my hand go and took several steps forward. She approached the tree slowly, like a reverent child. She reached out her hand and touched the bark with her palm. A light shined immediately from the connection, and the diffraction blinded across the aperture like a lightening bolt. I had never seen anything like it. Nevertheless, I didn't think it was safe for Saria to be doing what she was doing.
"What are you doing?" I said slightly panicked. "Saria come back here!"
However, my words were nullified by the sudden resonance coming from the tree. The ground glowed all around us and the canopy even seemed to shift. Before my wife could answer me, the booming dearth of the guardian interceded. The voice sounded like thunder.
"Now then Ralph," the guardian started calmly, "there is no need for you to be terrified. I have no intention of harming you or Saria. I simply want to welcome you to the Kokiri Forest."
His words ironically had the opposite effect and the shock never left me. I took a step back and felt my heart pound faster.
"My-my lord…" I stammered, but didn't know what else to say.
Saria then turned to look at me, she didn't say anything right away, but she finally appeared at ease. The light form the high canopy was making her green hair shine evermore and her eyes looked bluer too. She looked angelic.
"Ralph…" she started, "this was why I brought you here."
My eyes widened and my line of sight never left the tree. This was more than I bargained for.
"I don't understand," I whispered with a hint of fear, "what are you talking about?"
Saria clasped her hands together when she saw me draw back.
"This is my home," she revealed, "this is where I grew up."
I cut my eyes from the tree to Saria for just a moment and saw the earnest expression on her face. She waited for me to calm down and respond, but I didn't in that instant. It was then she clutched her hands to her chest and drew back a little herself.
"This was why I was afraid to tell you," she said suddenly, with a slightly broken voice, "I had a feeling you would be scared of all this."
She wasn't making things clearer.
"Afraid to tell me what?" I asked with a hint of impatience. "Just tell me!"
The guardian interceded again when the discussion got circular.
"Ralph, Saria is a child of the forest," the tree revealed.
I stared at the tree stunned, Saria immediately looked away from me when she saw my expression.
"What?" I whispered.
The Deku Tree's branches shook a little.
"She appears Hylian now because of a course of life she chose to take," the guardian explained, "but before her life changed so drastically, she was a Kokiri."
My shock never left me. I cut my eyes from the tree to Saria. She still wouldn't look at me.
"What are the Kokiri?" I asked.
The Deku Tree was prompt in his response.
"The Kokiri are the children of the Deku Tree," the guardian answered, "they are forest children."
I didn't know what to say. I wasn't sure what to make of that.
"So… they aren't human?" I asked. "There is no Hylian biology involved?"
Saria sniffled and covered her face with her hands at my question.
"You must think I'm a monster!" she sobbed.
My inquiry was not meant to garner that intention at all.
"I didn't mean that at all Sar, I-" I tried.
However, before I could finish the Deku Tree continued.
"No," he interrupted softly, "the Deku Tree is the Kokiris progenitor. Essentially as the guardian of the forest, the Deku Tree is the father of all the Kokiri. However, Saria is actually a daughter of the previous Deku Tree as I am the former guardian's successor."
My stunned feelings never went away. I stared back at my wife in bewilderment.
"But those homes…" I trailed, "those homes looked to be for children."
Saria finally got her bearings together when she joined the conversation once more.
"The Kokiri appear as childlike beings and have a childlike innocence their entire life," she explained, "they never grow old and thus they never grow up."
I stared at my wife confused. I looked her up and down wanting to know why she appeared the way she did if that was the case.
"Then why are you…?" I couldn't finished.
Saria continued.
"Like the Deku Tree said, I wanted to change my life," she uttered, "I didn't want to live as a Kokiri anymore, so I took measures to become a Hylian. That's why the crystal was implanted inside me and that was why I never told you about my lineage."
I stood frozen, but almost as though I was deku seed shocked.
"I… I…." I was lost for words.
It was then the Deku Tree chimed in once more.
"Ralph you have a rare opportunity to be associated with one of the greatest Kokiri that ever lived in this forest," he stated. "Saria was once the Forest Sage and a protector of Hyrule. She aided the Hero of Time on his quest and was a hedger in the recent history of this country. You would never know because it was not meant to be known, but you have been blessed beyond measure. Though she is no longer the Kokiri she once was, she is special to the people and events to this country."
My eyes widened immediately after hearing that. I was beyond astonished at this point, so much so, I forgot about my disconcertment and walked over to Saria standing close to the Deku Tree. To be honest, studying her now was like watching her stand next to her father to protect her from the hurt she thought she was going to receive from me. However, I had no hurt to give her. I was simply stunned by everything I just learned. I took hold of her shoulders and had her face me by embracing her gently.
"You were the Sage of the Forest?" I whispered.
She didn't reply right away, but eventually she nodded.
"Yes, I was," she whispered, "everything the Deku Tree told you is true."
I was still thrown for a loop, but I was rapidly coming to terms with everything being told to me. I cupped Saria's beautiful face and saw truly for the first time how special she was. I had no idea that when we set out today I would find out that the woman I was married to was once a savior to this country. I also didn't realize she would be of a different lineage, or a daughter of the forest. Not that it mattered, but this was astounding. With all these revelations, now in many ways I felt unworthy of her. I felt I had completely misjudged her. I at times was so impatient with her due to what I considered unacceptable 'ignorances' of her simplicity. However, I could now recognize her uncomplicatedness was merely because she was trying to learn about the world around her. This was a truly humbling experience. There was another thing for me to consider too. I finally understood why she had such a close relationship with the hero. If she aided the hero in his quest and he possibly saved her life, it was no wonder she fell in love with him. It was no wonder the two of them had such a deep intense connection. It was probably something the both of them didn't realize until after their journey was over.
Dear Hylia, I had no idea, I thought.
I stared into her eyes before I addressed her again.
"I need to apologize to you," I uttered finally. "I had no idea that you had been through so much and that you were so incredibly special."
Saria avoided my eyes and didn't reply.
"I don't think of myself as special," she replied.
I shook my head.
"But you are," I reassured, "you're wonderful."
Her bottom lip quivered at my words as her eyes searched my face.
"Really?" she whispered.
I nodded.
"Yes," I replied.
She swallowed hard and looked away for a moment. She got quiet just then.
"I'm going to do my best to win your trust and honor once again," I promised suddenly, "you deserve that."
She looked up at me surprised.
"My trust?" she repeated. "But I do trust you Ralph. I've always trusted you."
I shook my head.
"If that were the case you wouldn't have had to wait so long to tell me all this," I replied. "You were worried how I was going to react, and why wouldn't you be? What you revealed to me is incredible Sar."
Her eyes were searching my face again.
"You think so?" she whispered.
I drew in a little closer.
"I know so," I whispered back, "I'm going to do everything that I can to get you to trust me again. Now that you've given me with this secret, it's my responsibility to protect and guard what you've shared with me. You have my word that I will not tell another soul about this place. Not my mother, not anybody."
Saria's eyes teared up at my words.
"Ralph…" she whispered.
I caressed her cheek.
"I swear to you Sar," I said seriously, "I mean that."
She nodded.
"I know you do," she whispered.
My fingers ran over her chin.
"I love you," I said sincerely, "and I'm going to prove to you how special you are to me."
Her throat tightened a little.
"I love you too," she replied with a mildly broken voice, "and I'm so glad you're being so understanding about all this."
I stared into her eyes again, then afterwards reached in to kiss her. Saria didn't resist and it felt like in many ways like we were renewing our vows. It felt so appropriate because, well, technically the Deku Tree was her family, albeit her father in a literal or spiritual sense. I kissed her deeper when she wrapped her arms around my neck. She could barely stand on her tiptoes to reach my affection. When I pulled away I cupped her face again.
"You are so perfect," I whispered.
Saria smiled.
"I-" she tried.
However, before she could answer she was interrupted by another little voice.
"Eewwwwwww!" the voice whined. "What in the world are you guys doing?!"
Slightly startled by the interruption I turned at the sound of the voice. Saria seemed surprised as well, but more by the method of interruption more so than anything.
"Who in the world…?" I trailed.
My wife looked over my behind me shoulder to see the source.
"We have some visitors," she stated.
I looked on stunned to find we had an audience of tiny people. They looked to be no older than ten, but given what the Deku Tree explained to me, these little people have been living a lot longer than their appearance conveyed. Seeing the lot of them added validity to her and the Deku Tree's story.
"My word…" I whispered.
The foremost female with blonde pigtails placed her hands on her hips at my response.
"First you come to the forest uninvited and then you're rude when you get here!" the female chastised. "You could at least announce yourselves next time!"
I was surprised at her. Didn't they all know Saria? It was then my wife stepped from behind me and took hold of my hand.
"I'm sorry," she apologized, "but I did make provisions with the Deku Tree. I just didn't have an opportunity to inform you all."
The small female frowned.
"That isn't an excuse!" she demanded. "This is our forest!"
It was then another female chimed in at her tone.
"Stop being so rude silly," she scolded, "it's obvious they had something important to discuss with the Deku Tree."
Saria nodded.
"We did," she reiterated, "and I couldn't really say anything to you all because I didn't want the secret to get out."
The initial one narrowed her eyes.
"Are you saying we can't keep a secret?" she demanded.
I raised a brow.
My guess would be that you can't, I perceived.
However, Saria being the gentle and loving person she was, kneeled down and reached out her hand to explain.
"You all remember me, don't you?" she detracted.
Several of the Kokiri tilted their heads to get a better look at her.
"I do," said a male I the back, "you are our friend Saria, you just look different now because you turned yourself into a Hylian. Besides, the Deku Tree told us all about it after you left the forest the last time."
Saria smiled.
"That's correct," she said.
Another blonde with a big ponytail nodded towards me.
"Who is he?" she asked pointing in my direction, then lowered her voice. "And why were you kissing him?"
Her inflection was pretty amusing… all things considered.
Saria stood up once more and took hold of my hand again.
"This is Ralph," she introduced, "he is my husband."
The male Kokiri looked confused.
"What's a husband?" he inquired.
I almost laughed, but allowed Saria to answer.
"A husband is when a Hylian man makes a vow to a Hylian woman and marries her," she explained, "they then live together for the rest of their lives."
I glanced over at her with a hint of admiration.
"I like the way you put that," I said.
Saria grinned at me, while the other Kokiri backed away.
Another Kokiri in the back chimed in.
"Saria… why is your belly so fat?" she asked.
I looked at her surprised, but my wife only laughed. She rubbed her protruding belly and looked down.
"It's because I'm pregnant silly," she replied.
Several of the Kokiri looked immediately confused.
"What's that?" one asked.
"Is it the same as getting a fairy?" another asked.
"Do you have to stand on your head to do it?" asked yet another.
That last question made me chuckle.
"You could," I joked.
Saria then flashed me a dirty look.
"Ralph," she mildly scolded, "will you stop."
I simply grinned.
"Sorry," I said.
All the Kokiri then came up to us when they deemed it safe. Saria then sat down when they surrounded her and she began to explain why she was pregnant. I was half listening because I suddenly felt surreal again. This was really happening. This was not a dream. All of these things were really taking place. I studied the child-like people keenly from my standing position.
Saria used to be this way, I thought, I can't believe it.
There seemed to be a lot more about the world I did not know, and it seemed there was a great deal more for me to find out.
~SSS~
The next day: Gertrude's POV
It had been a few weeks since Saria last spoke to me, and in that time I hardly got to see my brother. I was certain she had no kind words for me. Though, when Ralph did visit he stated otherwise. Ralph would come by when we had family gatherings once a week, but Saria was notably missing. I was both irritated and saddened by her absence mainly because the subject of such was the giant lizalfos in the room we all attempted to ignore. She wasn't present and my mother and I were partly to blame for that. I felt torn because my brother obviously loved Saria to no end. She was pregnant with my niece, she was due in a couple weeks, and she pretty much was treated like an outcast. I tried to put myself in her shoes and felt pretty terrible when I evaluated the outcomes. Even so, I still had that lingering feeling of doubt due to Lady Bathory's inquiries.
I just can't let it go, I thought.
I was surprised that I was so preoccupied with the noble's interests. It seemed to consume my thoughts lately. I had no idea why she found Saria so remarkable, but due to her overt interests, it heightened my curiosity as well. I wanted to know why the distinguished lady was so fascinated with my sister in law. The proposition the noble laid bare was very enticing. So much so, I even started doing my own research to find out more information on Saria. My first clue was the Kokiri Forest she mentioned in passing. I wanted to know more about that place, or if it even existed. To start my search, I asked around town and was told to look for information at the Scholar's Academy. I went and inquired of a few historians who were well versed in the ancient lore of Hyrule. There, they referred me to one of the rarest map collections in the kingdom: a collection of parchment scrolls locked away in a metal chest. I was surprised that such measures were taken to protect or ascertain such information, but I understood the logic of preservation. Needless to say, I did indeed find a map to the Kokiri Forest in that old pile of scrolls. The cartography was second to none, but the years had waned on the map. I had to make a quick replica of it to actually use it as a reference. For a hurried drawing, it wasn't too bad. I made sure to hide my sketch when I left the library. Suddenly, Saria's words had some merit. However, I recently lost track of my sketch and it was driving me mad.
I wonder what else is hidden in Hyrule's history… I thought.
I had no idea that such fascinating information was being siphoned away from the public. I was a pretty good student, especially of history, and I distinctly remembered never having learned of a place called the Kokiri Forest. So for me to make such a discovery only added upon the mystery that surrounded Saria. I wanted to trust her, I really did. However, there was so much about her that I didn't know. I couldn't trust someone I didn't know, and I couldn't trust someone who was unwilling to tell me who they really were. Lady Bathory's claim only added to my misgivings surrounding Saria. Admittedly though, Saria was the reason I now knew about the whereabouts of the Kokiri Forest. Without her talking about it I never would have known about it. Nevertheless, this could also mean I might potentially find something disturbing and have to mention it to my brother. But if Saria was somehow bad news that was a risk I was willing to take.
I can't turn a willful blind eye, I thought.
Currently, I was in my laboratory in Dragon Roost working on some potions for some patients suffering from respiratory ailments. Dr. Brimstone was a dictator when it came to making sure medications were administered correctly and for the right use. He was also from the school of thought that physicians should know how to mix all their concoctions. I appreciated his line of reasoning because it was a practice that was fast becoming nil. If a doctor orders a medicine he or she should know how to prepare it. If the potion maker was out of town, like the general practitioner was today, how would patients get their medicine? Dr. Brimstone was a fossil, but a notable fossil. There was some practical reasoning to his methods of operation.
I was nearly finished when Romani suddenly came into the room with some paperwork.
"Do you have the ice potion ready yet for Mr. Spector?" she asked. "His cough is really bad."
I nodded at the inquiry.
"I'm almost done," I replied, "I just need to make sure the ice chu jelly is completely dissolved."
Romani walked over to where I was and looked at my beaker to confirm my actions.
She nodded.
"Yep, almost ready," she agreed.
I kept stirring, when she looked back at her chart.
"I can't believe a dragon breathed fire near Mr. Spector's home and he's still alive," she said.
I scoffed in minor disbelief.
"Tell me about," I said, "I'm surprised we're not writing death certificates."
Romani groaned.
"What the hell were some of the dragon masters thinking?" she demanded quietly. "You can't just ride through the damn city because you want to."
I shook my head.
"You know they get that devil may care attitude from King Draco," I said, "he flies his dragon throughout Dragon Roost all the time."
She took in a deep breath.
"I'm wondering how long before they create an ordinance against that," she said, "that's really dangerous."
I raised a brow.
"An ordinance against what?" I challenged. "This is the king you're talking about, he doesn't answer to anybody."
She groaned thoughtfully.
"He isn't the only king in this country," she corrected, "there is the King and Queen of Hyrule," she stated, "if this keeps going on there are going to be ramifications for such actions. King Draco has even been bold enough to fly dragons in Hyrule's official air space. What is he thinking? I don't think the royal family is going to take too kindly to that too much longer."
Romani did have a point.
"Well, only time will tell," I replied, "but I'm sure King Draco was probably pulling that last stunt because he was excited about the birth of his son Xavier."
My friend rolled her eyes.
"That isn't an excuse," she said, "he could have killed someone."
I saw her logic, but there was very little the two of us could do. Just then, I finished the ice potion I was working on and handed it to Romani. She double checked it, because to be quite honest, she was a better chemist than me. In school I always went to her as a guide when it came to chemical calculations. Those exams were brutal. Once she was satisfied with the mixture, she in turn handed it to the nurse in the lobby. The nurse then gave it to Mr. Spector. When the door closed behind her, Romani walked back over to me. She then looked over my shoulder and noticed one of the books I took from Dr. Brimstone's library.
"What's that?" she asked.
I glanced at the book myself, then gave a noncommittal answer.
"It's just a book on wildlife," I said.
Romani studied the title further.
"Since when are you interested in typographical locations of ancient Hyrule?" she asked.
I groaned and simply gave her a look.
"It's interesting reading," I said.
Romani gave me an offhanded stare, then an obvious look.
"Gertrude…" she trailed, "is this another spying venture on Saria?"
I rolled my eyes and looked away. I didn't answer.
She shook her head.
"Gertrude this is really sad," she said, "you're better than this. Why are you so against her?"
I pursed my lips together and paused before I answered.
"I'm not against her," I said quietly, "I just want to know who she is."
My friend looked at me with a hint of disappointment.
"I have never seen you like this before," she said, "I think it's pathetic that you don't at least give Saria a chance."
I looked at Romani surprised just then.
"Pathetic?" I repeated.
She doubled down.
"Yes," she said, "pathetic, you have got to stop obsessing over your brother's life. He is his own man."
I was taken aback.
"I'm not obsessing over him," I defended, "I just want him to be safe. I know nothing about her."
Romani shook her head.
"What has Saria done that makes her so horrible?" she asked. "What?"
She was missing the point.
"This isn't about what she's done," I said, "this is about her keeping her life a secret unnecessarily so."
Romani stared at me incredulously.
"He's in love Gertrude," she said, "do you know what that feels like? Do you know how you can potentially hurt him by proceeding this way? She's having his baby, you need to let go!"
I felt a frustration towards my friend I did not know I could feel.
"You don't understand," I said, "Ralph is a good man and he deserves the best. Romani… he should have married you."
She winced slightly at my words, but she did not back down from her stance.
"I can't make him love me Gerty," she said, "he's made his choice, and I told him that I want to try to be Saria's friend. She really is a kind person, and I feel like I didn't give her a chance because my jealousy blinded my better judgment. I don't want to do that anymore."
I looked away from her and shook my head. Romani then came up and placed her hand on my shoulder.
"Look, I want you to be at peace with this," she said to me, "but don't do something you are going to end up regretting. You may end up losing your brother forever if you do."
Her words were like a sobriety unguent. They stung, but I knew she was right. There was a brief silence between us, one where I was forced to reflect upon what she said. However, I wasn't going to give her to satisfaction of giving her an answer right now.
"I'll… I'll think about it," I replied.
Romani just looked at me for a moment.
"Don't do it for my sake," she said, "you need to do it for yours."
With that, my friend offered me a brief smile, then turned and headed back for the main lobby of the clinic. When the door closed behind her, I thought about what she said.
Am I getting too involved in my brother's life? I wondered. Should I just leave his life alone?
I took in a deep sigh and looked again at the information I compiled, noting once more that the map I took so much pleasure in copying was already misplaced. My life was sometimes so disorganized like my pile of papers. Why was I digging so deeply into a matter that didn't concern me? Why couldn't I just let go? Romani was right, Ralph is his own man.
I took in another deep sigh.
"Maybe I should just leave it alone," I whispered to myself.
However, before I regressed I got to thinking.
But then what about… what about Lady Bathory? I wondered. What's going to happen to her? Why is she still so interested in Saria?
It was time for me to make a choice, but I wasn't sure I could do so yet. I had to think this over, so I guess only time would tell.
~SSS~
Two days later: Lady Bathory's POV
I wasn't the type to waste time on a useless venture, but this latest proposition had me curious. I received a gift with a letter two days prior, stating that I should meet with a 'conspicuous' someone in an 'inconspicuous' location. The gift was a portrait of an unusual looking fellow. I had no idea who this man was and why his portrait was sent to me, but the image had me intrigued nonetheless. The location was described vaguely as 'the land that mirrors ours.' I was tempted to relay this information to Vlad and Dinivane, but I knew their skeptical minds wouldn't find this disclosure as titillating as I. Even so, the cryptic letter came by way of a flying transport. This suggested to me that the person who sent it really wanted me to have it. Due to such, I decided to act upon this revelation as soon as possible. I wanted to know what was at the end of this enigmatic puzzle.
I left my manor by way of a carriage to town. When I got to town, I then sent my transport away and continued on foot. I made sure my attire was unassuming, choosing today to blend in with the common folk so as not to draw attention to myself. I wore a simple dark blue peasant dress and a brown cloak. I had these vintage clothes made for situations just like these. Spectating and planning was the usual vocation of a noble. However, this was a time for more rote action. The letter provided a crudely drawn map along with a written set of directions. It stated for me to go to the fork in the road of one of the biggest chasms in Hyrule Field. That was broad enough, as there were several locations that matched that description. Even so, there was a chasm that had a geographical phenomenon that was only known to it. It was called the Hylia Borealis. My intuition was suggesting that the letter wanted me to go there, so there is where I went. However, I was slightly confused by how this location was supposed to connect with another world.
What did that mean? Was it literal or figurative?
I was careful to watch for scouts as I made my way towards the chasm. The king was very judicious about making sure the over lands of Hyrule were protected. I had to take the perimeter routes in order not to be seen. When I approached the Hylia Borealis, it really was a sight to behold, but it was blinding, and quite frankly, terrifying. I paused several times before I mustered up enough courage to go down into the chasm. I had to psychologically prepare myself. I was going to be a queen, a Queen of Balaam. A chasm of light should not be something I was afraid of. These were the kind of journeys the Interlopers of old took part in, even the great Ganondorf. I wasn't going to be stopped now because of a little fear. With that, I made my way past the initial sensorial shock of the road, and below the chasm lights was a long walkway. However, in the distance the road bifurcated into two junctions, one to the right and one to the left. I took in a deep sigh, not knowing which way to go.
"What now?" I whispered to myself.
My inquiry was strictly rhetorical, as it should have been. However, unexpectedly there was an answer.
"This way," a voice whispered from the left.
I stiffened at the divulgence, but only allowed myself to be momentarily bothered by it. I still didn't move.
"Who… who said that?" I whispered with a hint of fear.
There was a brief pause, but the wind suddenly picked up when the voice spoke again.
"If you want to know… you must proceed… " the voice stated, "Elvira…"
There was a slight taunt to the words that I wasn't expecting. A chill ran down my back, as did an unsettling foreboding. It wasn't like me to feel this much fright, but I usually was the one in control of situations like these. I remember a time I taunted a young maiden to the point of madness before I mercifully ended her life. Was there a reckoning for me today? I was quite superstitious about retribution. Even so, this feeling was more along the lines of unease than anything else. Nevertheless, I knew my questions would not be answered with me just standing here petrified. If I wanted to know who that voice belonged to or what was going on, I had to proceed forward. It took me a moment to gather my bearings and calm down, but soon I moved on.
You're a Bathory, I told myself, stop being a coward.
I continued my way down into the chasm. In the proceeding room, the corridor was windy and shifted slightly as the escalator went down. In the distance at the end of the walkway, was a room with a stone door that was wide open. That was obviously where I needed to go, however, I hesitated. I looked over my shoulder and contemplated several times about going back and forgetting this. Something was telling me this was not going to go the way I anticipated. I even turned when I thought the road ahead was too precarious. However, I froze when I was again pressed forward.
"You have questions my lady…" the voice reprieved, "I have answers… if you want them you must proceed through…"
Another chill ran down my back.
"Damn," I whispered to myself.
Admittedly, I felt a small lump in my throat at the voice. Was the person watching me? Was there some kind of mysterious clairvoyance here I wasn't aware of? I was still battling with my decision, but soon my indecision left me and I kept going. My own misgivings weren't enough to keep me from finding out what I needed to know. I advanced down the escalator and went through the stone door at the end of it. I stood near the entrance for a moment before walking all the way in. Conversely, just as soon as I came through, a stone awning came down from the ceiling and sealed the door shut. There was absolute darkness around me now and my eyes were fighting to get some image in focus. There was nothing, but soon the stark darkness was interrupted by a sudden harsh light. I had to lift my hands to cover my face, but the lights then dimmed to a more suitable ocular comfort. I lowered my hands slowly and nearly gasped when I saw the visage now present in front of me.
I took several steps back only to be stopped by the closed door.
"Dear Hylia!" I whispered.
The apparition smirked at my utterance.
"That's ironic coming from you…" the apparent divinity said, "but not quite…"
My heart was beating fast and I didn't know what to think. I finally took a step forward at her taunting tone and looked her up and down for a moment. The translucent apparition appeared to be a beautiful young woman with long black hair, so black that it almost looked purple. She features were striking and lovely, with her reddish brown eyes and equally stained pouty red lips. She appeared regal, while still being haunting and mysterious. She was wearing a purple gown with an inverted symbol of the Triforce on her skirt. She stood with a staff in her hand that also had an inverted symbol of the Triforce, and the rock formation behind her was glowing with the same luminescence as the Hylia Borealis itself. It was something to be seen out of an ancient Hylian legend.
"My word," I whispered at her appearance, "you're so beautiful."
She didn't seem to respond to that and gave me a once over of my own. Feeling a little calmer, I took another step forward, however she quickly stopped my advance.
"Your traction is good there… don't come any closer…" she said with a hint of authority.
I halted at her order.
She sounded like a queen.
"Who… who are you?" I couldn't help but ask.
The apparition just stared at me.
"That is of no consequence to you Lady Bathory of Hebra," she replied, "I am here to warn you and to protect you from yourself."
I looked at her surprised.
"Excuse me?" I inquired.
Her stance did not break.
"I do not have a speech impediment my lady…" she said, "you heard what I said."
A feeling of apprehension arose within me. I wanted to know what she meant.
"Protect me from myself?" I addressed. "What are talking about?"
The apparition scoffed.
"Let's not be coy," she replied, "I know you want to awaken the moon goddess. However, you must know that the retrieval to such a pathway is blood."
I was aware of that fact.
"Yes," I said, "I know."
The apparition narrowed her eyes.
"Do you?" she asked sincerely.
I paused again.
"Are you… are you saying I will have to give my own life?" I whispered. "If so, I will gladly do it."
She gaze never wavered.
"I have heard such words before… but do you know the true cost? The true pain?" she asked. "There will be an equalizing to keep the Triforce in balance."
I found that fascinating. I wanted to know more.
"What do you mean?" I asked.
"I mean that if you go forward with this, the sacrifice you so desperately want will come back to haunt you," she warned, "and to make matters worse it won't manifest itself right away."
I was confused by the circular talk.
"Again, are you saying I'm the sacrifice?" I asked once more.
The apparition then unconfirmed my inquiry by shaking her head.
"No," she replied, "the sacrifice is the girl whom you seek… the maiden with the green hair… her death on the last lunar tetra will open the gateway to the moon goddess. However, in order to make the ritual complete the sun prince must also be present."
My eyes widened slightly.
"The sun prince?" I repeated. "What do you mean? There is such a person?
"Yes," she said, "there is."
My heart started beating faster.
"Who?" I almost demanded. "Who is this person?"
The apparition just stared at me.
"You know of whom I speak," she said, "you know because you admire him so. He is the King of Hyrule… the Hero of Time."
I stared at her stunned, but wasn't necessarily surprised. I felt vindicated just then.
"I knew it!" I whispered to myself. "I knew it! I knew there was a reason he was constantly in the way. He is part of the fable." I then pressed on. "What is my role in all this if he is the sun prince the green haired maiden is the sacrifice?"
The apparition paused for a moment before answering.
"Are you sure you want to know?" she asked.
I found that to be pointless at this juncket. Of course I wanted to know.
"Yes," I said quickly.
The apparition raised her brow at my impatient tone.
"Your ambition is like fire my lady: swift, intoxicating, and magnetic," she said, "but fire is also deadly and thus your ambition can be in the same measure."
I rolled my eyes at her nonsensical words. I have heard this spiel my entire life from the peasantry and nothing dubious has every prevailed me. I chalked it up to her feeling like she had to warn me for the sake of warning me. Perhaps it was part of her duty.
"I understand," I said without much conviction, "now will you tell me my role?"
She gazed at me for a long time with a slightly disappointed look.
"Very well my lady, for my conscience is now clear," she started, then added, "you are like Majora… a vessel used for the purpose as the spectator of the goddess… however, you are not the moon goddess…"
I felt an exhilaration I didn't think I could feel. I drew back slightly because my excitement came like a ground swell.
"That's perfect," I said, "I am perfect as the role of Majora. I understand her better than anyone alive today."
The apparition scoffed.
"Do you?" she taunted.
I cut my eyes back to her defiantly.
"Yes," I said with more confidence, "and I will see this through to the end."
She had further tidings for me.
"Be warned Lady of Hebra, for you know as well as I that the fate of Majora was madness," she said, "her obsession with the moon goddess ultimately led to her descent into the abyss, and her ultimate demise at the hands of the sun prince."
My defiance seemed to grow and her warning.
"I welcome it if it means the moon goddess will be about the land," I said. "I know quite well that Majora fell in love with the sun prince and died at his hands. I could think of no greater honor if it meant bringing darkness back to the land, and fortunately for me I am already half way there. I'm already in love with the sun prince."
Her features dimmed slightly, but she didn't attempt to deter me any longer.
"It seems your fate has been decided," she said, "be as it may, this is what you must do: you must sacrifice the dark maiden on the evening of the last lunar tetra in the presence of the sun prince. The prince's energy will react with the blood of the maiden and summon the calling of the goddess."
I stared at her in anticipation and gobbled up every word.
"The last lunar tetra is three months from now," I said, "that is virtually no time at all! She could be awakened before I even need to marry that worthless Prince of Balaam! I will have what I want!"
Even so, her words came with another caution.
"Should you fail, should your appointment as the designee not come to fruition, you will have to wait for the next lunar tetra fifteen years from now, and you will need a new vessel of darkness, for a tainted vessel is unacceptable for the moon goddess," she explained.
Her words were sobering, but I had no intention of failing.
"I will not fail," I said, "I will have both the prince and the maiden in my ordinance before the lunar tetra ends."
She raised a brow.
"Your confidence is admirable…" she said, "just remember that your role as Majora will continue… even if you fail…"
I didn't flinch at her words.
"I won't fail," I said again, "I am a Bathory, and my clan does not produce deplorables."
The apparition smirked.
"We shall see my lady…" she said, "we shall see…"
I smiled at her words as I was full of resolve now. However, I stared at her for a moment when a silence befell us. I gave her another once over and still had no idea who she was. Soon though, it hit me and the realization set in. My breathing quickened as my eyes widened.
"Wait a minute…" I trailed, "you're… you're the moon goddess aren't you?"
The apparition was silent for a long moment and studied my expression with her reddish brown gaze. She actually took a step forward before she answered.
"I will tell you this: I am to the moon goddess what Zelda is to Hylia," she explained cryptically. "I come from a world that exists right next to yours, but you will never see me or never know me unless I want you to Lady Bathory of Hebra. Don't be so quick to wish darkness on the land, I live in darkness and it is too because of the moon goddess. My dealings with her are of a personal nature, and the bond between her and I is complex to say the least."
This was a revelation to me, so much so that I suddenly got down on my knees to beseech her.
"My lady, I implore you," I begged with reverence, "please tell me your connection. Please help me be a better servant to the one whom you're seeking."
She merely shook her head.
"You can't…" she said simply, "you can't…"
There was another brief silence between us, one where I finally got off the ground.
"It is time for you to go," the apparition said abruptly.
I nodded, sensing that.
"Yes," I whispered, "thank you, thank you my lady."
She gave me another brooding gaze.
"If you decide to change your mind… I won't hold it against you," she said, "this is no easy task."
I had no intention of changing my mind.
"I won't fail you or the moon goddess," I said confidently, "I promise."
The apparition then looked to ground.
"Very well then, if you are successful you will see me again," she said.
That was almost like a guarantee for me.
"Then I will see you again," I replied.
She saw my determination and had no further derision for me. She slammed her staff on the ground two times and the door behind me opened once more. I was startled for a moment, but never took my eyes off her.
"Be safe my lady," she said.
I nodded.
"I will," I said, "thank you your excellency."
With that, I turned and headed through the door. As I stepped out the stone wall came back down concealing the entrance, and everything we discussed went through me like a rush of adrenaline. I had a clear purpose now. I had a clear frame of reference. I had a date to make this all happen: the last lunar tetra. I hurried up the escalator and to the other part of the cave. When I once again got above ground, I quickly and discreetly headed home. I had plans to make.
I will not fail, I thought, I will not fail.
The moon goddess would be here sooner than anyone thought.
~SSS~
Later that same day, Hyrule Castle: Link's POV
I was sitting in my private chambers looking over some correspondence. One had been sent to me a day prior, but I hadn't had the privacy to open it. The letter was from Saria. Though there was no letterhead, I knew her writing anywhere. I was slightly concerned with her writing me so spontaneously. Something must have been up, something serious. I just hoped it was nothing too pressing. Now that I was alone, I tore open the letter and read what she prepared for me.
It read:
Hello Link,
I know this may be out of place with me writing you this way, but
I had no other option. I recently got a correspondence from an individual
who I believe sent me my first letter I spoke with you on.
Admittedly, I am scared. I am very scared, and I don't know where else to turn.
I am sorry for bringing this stress on you, but I really need your help.
I believe this second letter had an encoded message in it, but I wanted to confirm it
with you for clarification. I think I have the answer, but I mailed the letter sent to me
with this letter so you can see it for yourself. I was hoping we could compare our findings and
talk about our conclusions when we see each other again. From what I gathered,
the writer wanted me to know a person's name, a very specific name to
be exact. I found the clue on the left border of the letter.
The name in question is Hilda. I have no idea why this name was revealed to me.
Who is Hilda? Why is she important? Do you know anyone by that name? If you have any idea
I would greatly appreciate it if you shared your thoughts with me. Again, I apologize
for putting this on you, but you are one of the very few people I trust. I look
forward to seeing you again and I will talk to you soon.
~Your Friend Forever, Saria~
At the letter's end I was equally as perplexed as my dear friend was. I had no idea who this Hilda person was, or why letters with her name were being sent to Saria. It was very intriguing. In fact, it seemed to be in line with the letter that was previously sent to me… one I received not too long ago. Perhaps this was the connection I was told I needed to look up. I glanced at the other letter she had enclosed and quickly skimmed through it. It was definitely as she said.
It read:
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~
After reading the contents several times, I did indeed see what she saw. It was actually quite obvious. I saw the spelling of: H-I-L-D-A forming on the left border of the letter. It seemed intentional, it was meant to be found, and I had a feeling I knew exactly who sent it. It was probably from the same gentleman who took the liberty to visit me and give me my own special gift.
"The Happy Mask Salesman," I muttered to myself.
Even so, that still did not answer the question of who was this Hilda? Why was Saria being warned about her? What did this have to do with what was already going on? Why was the Happy Mask Salesman contacting Saria? What was he trying to convey? One thing was for certain, I needed answers. I needed to see my friend to make sure she was safe. I also needed to get to the bottom of theses shenanigans. How were they related, and why was this Hilda apparently an important person? So many questions.
I took in a deep sigh and sat back in my chair as I stared out the window.
We're going to have to figure this one out together Sar, I thought, and sooner rather than later.
Please let me know what you think.