Inspiration: Irony.
Author Note: Sorry for the wait.
Word Count: 10,689
Chapter 19
One week later: Link's POV
One week had passed since I received Saria's letter. Currently, I was looking up some information at the royal library in junction with her correspondence. My investigation included some impromptu research on the lost history of Hyrule by lesser known historians. It turned out this person named Hilda was a lot more significant than Saria or I thought. This woman was referred to throughout the ages at several different points in history, with several different personages, which told me it was a different woman per setting, similar to Zelda. I was actually getting into some pretty interesting riddles related to land mapping and typography, when suddenly my privacy was intruded upon. My wife's lovely visage entered into the room looking solemn.
I was surprised to see Zelda at this point in the day, especially since this was usually the time she would nurse Daphnes. I only left her an hour ago when she stated she was going to do just that. However, something must have been bothering her to find me, and it bothered her enough to come and speak to me about it face to face. The library was dark and generally obtunded, but it was hardly a place to have a private conversation. There were mostly scholars and scribes working down here, but learned men and women still had ears and social lives like everyone else. I stared at her surprised when she walked up, but wasn't alarmed by her presence. Zelda looked beautiful in the dark blue gown she was wearing, and though it had only been a month since she gave birth, her waist had already slimmed down significantly. I wasn't too taken aback by that fact, she was a very active woman.
I closed the book I was reading when she came up to me and bowed.
I spoke to her first.
"Hello daring," I greeted her quietly.
She clasped her hands together and returned my greeting.
"Good afternoon sire," she answered respectfully, "I was wondering if I could request a moment of your time."
I raised my brows and nodded.
"You have it my queen," I replied.
Zelda glanced beyond me over at the other scholars studying quietly throughout the library, then leaned in slightly.
"Not here," she whispered.
Now she had me intrigued.
"Alright," I said and nodded towards to the exit, "at your ready we may leave."
Zelda nodded in return.
"Thank you your majesty," she replied as she turned and headed for the exit.
I followed after her, where an escort was waiting for us in the hall outside the library. We allowed them to transport us back to our private chambers on the other side of the castle. When we got there, they were dismissed and we were finally alone. Zelda made sure the door was locked behind us, and she also necessitated that the nanny was tending to Daphnes in his nursery across the hall. Before she initiated conversation with me once again, she walked over to the terrace and made sure the shades were pulled and the doors were locked. It wasn't like her to be this protective of information, and my intrigue only heightened at her sense of secrecy. When things were as she wanted them, she joined me back in the middle of the room and gestured for me to sit at the table. I sat while she continued to stand. Something told me this wasn't going to be good news she was sharing with me.
"Is everything alright?" I asked finally.
Zelda took in a deep sigh and started pacing at the sound of my voice.
"I don't think so," she said quietly.
I waited for her to turn back around to face me.
"What do you mean?" I asked.
She took in another troubled breath and stopped right in front of me at my question.
"I'm… I'm not sure," she said honestly, "I just know there is something terrible on the horizon."
I raised a brow at her utterance.
"What?" I inquired.
She shook her head and turned away again.
"It has been awhile," she detracted softly, "but the goddesses have gifted me with another vision."
My eyes widened slightly when I heard that.
"Another vision?" I repeated.
Zelda nodded and looked uneasy.
"It was quite vague," she went on, "but I know it has a deeper meaning. It was like the time I told you when we were children about Ganondorf; how he represented the clouds of darkness and you were a child of light."
I nodded.
"Yes, I remember that," I acknowledged, "it was when we first met."
Her unease never went away.
"Yes," she said, "this…this is similar, only now I'm not sure what to make of it."
The revelation of this made a feeling of apprehension develop within my gut.
"Just do the best you can," I encouraged, "what was your vision?"
Zelda paused for a moment, then took a step closer to me.
"I need a moment to recall everything," she said.
I nodded.
"Take your time," I said.
She then clasped her hands together, closed her eyes, and said a quick silent prayer. Afterwards, she opened them again and stared at me looking troubled.
"Oh dear…" she whispered to herself.
That wasn't a good sign.
"What is it?" I asked.
She briefly cut her eyes to me.
"Are… are you sure you want to know?" she asked.
I found that to be a silly question considering the measures she just took.
"Of course I want to know," I replied.
She hesitated again, but then finally nodded and divulged what she had been disclosed.
"I dreamt of light and darkness," she began, "it was very abstract. The light had a beautiful face, but then, so did the darkness. However, the dark face appeared saddened and trapped, as if she were trying to free herself from some primal abyss, but then finally she did."
I leaned forward listening carefully to her words.
"Why did you speak of the light and the darkness as a female?" I asked.
She shrugged uncertainly.
"That was how they appeared to me," she replied.
I didn't think of this as a mere coincidence, not with everything going on recently.
"The light and darkness represented women, or do you think the vision was trying to hint at something more?" I pressed.
Zelda didn't seem to understand what I was inquiring.
"Not women necessarily," she said, "but feminine entities and energy nonetheless. Even so, I don't think the actual sex is important."
I wasn't so certain about that either, but I left that issue alone so we could move past it.
"What happened after the darkness freed herself?" I asked.
Zelda wrapped her arms around her waist at my question. She shook her head.
"I don't know," she said honestly, "the dream goes dark after that, and I don't know what to make of it."
My misgivings deepened.
"Were there any words spoken in your dream?" I asked.
She shook her head a second time.
"No," she replied, "there were none."
I sat back in my chair, trying to decipher what it could possibly mean, then asked the obvious question.
"Do you think… do you think this might have something to do with the moon goddess?" I inquired.
Zelda was quiet for a long time and did not answer me.
I raised a brow at her apparent intention.
"Zelda?" I replied.
She cut her eyes back to mine and looked at me seriously in that moment.
"I didn't want to suggest it, but yes," she whispered, "that's why I wanted to speak with you on this alone. I have a terrible feeling she will be upon us in this very age if we don't act quickly to intervene."
I found that to be an interesting choice of words on her end. Afterwards, I stood up from my seat and walked over to her.
"Why do you think you had this dream now?" I asked.
Zelda continued staring into my eyes when I approached her.
"I don't know," she said, "but ever since you spoke of this moon goddess there has been an unsettling about the land. There have been whispers of darkness creeping into the world from the fringes."
I wasn't so certain about that as well.
"I disagree with that notion of it being the fringes," I replied, "the aristocracy is fully aware of what is going on."
Zelda looked away.
"Not all of the aristocracy is aware Link," she rebutted, "they are not all… Interlopers."
My ears perked at hearing that.
"What?" I replied.
She pursed her lips together and got quiet again. It was obvious she had more to tell me.
"I was afraid to tell you this because of how you might have reacted, but now I feel I must," she said more to herself than to me. "When father was alive he was trying to keep the Interlopers at bay, even banishing some to the Twilight Realm."
I nodded.
"Yes, I remember him disclosing such," I said, "it was after we were attacked in the forest when we were hunting the royal elk."
She nodded and went on.
"That faction has never really died," she continued, "but instead it has gone underground and is still practiced today."
That wasn't too surprising either.
"I am aware of that too," I said, "I've been keeping my ears and eyes on the lookout for such groups."
Zelda then looked in my eyes once more and reached up to caress my cheek.
"Link… please be careful," she said suddenly.
Her words felt like a warning more than a general statement.
"Of what?" I asked gently.
Her eyes searched my face.
"They…" she trailed, "they want you."
I looked at her surprised at her supposition.
"What are you talking about?" I whispered.
She took in a deep sigh.
"You must know that you are pivotal to all this as you always are," she whispered, "that is why you are the keeper to Hyrule's gates. They want you Link and you can't let them get you."
I wasn't quite understanding what she was trying to tell me.
"I won't," I reassured.
She then came up to me and wrapped her arms around my waist.
"Please… please," she begged, "just remember you have a son now who needs you no matter what you decide to do."
Now I had no idea what she was talking about.
"You're not making any sense," I replied, "what does this have to do with me?"
She looked away.
"I can't tell you," she uttered finally.
I was starting to get frustrated.
"Zelda-" I tried.
She then silenced me by putting her forefinger to my lips.
"You'll understand in time," she said, "just remember I… I am telling you this to help you… to protect you."
My eyes widened slightly and I took hold of her shoulders. I appreciated her words, but there seemed to be a disconnect here somewhere. This vision came literally out of the blue, and with Zelda that was never the case. This woman had more insight in her pinky finger than she would ever allow anyone to know. If she was forewarning me about something, it was because she was certain it had a dire outcome. Something similar happened shortly before the tragedy with her father at the castle, though it had nothing to do with him. It was a premonition regarding me, but she didn't give the outcome until after its fruition. I imagined it wasn't her place to do because she didn't want to intercept time and create a paradox. Zelda would also do anything to protect her country, even if it meant giving up her own life.
"I appreciate that," I said sincerely, "but you have to understand my position. You are literally coming to me with cryptic news, asking me to remember my son as though it were the end of the world, and acting as if the kingdom were in danger. Forgive me, but you sound as though you're keeping something from me."
Zelda was quiet after my disclosure.
"Do I?" she replied.
I had no qualms about my reply.
"Yes," I said with a hint of impatience.
She got quiet again.
"Well," she said, "I suppose I deserve that."
That wasn't the answer I was anticipating.
"Zelda," I pressed, "come on, let's not do this. Are you certain there isn't more news? Are you certain there isn't any detail you're intentionally keeping from me?"
She stared at me thoughtfully just then, but eventually shook her head.
"Not intentionally, and that is all I can recall," she said, "Nayru has been good to me to allow me to remember that much."
I took in a deep sigh and nodded, not liking at all the caveat she was giving me, but what could I do? I rubbed her shoulders gently and finally let her go.
"Very well," I said, "thank you for telling me what you did."
Her eyes searched my face again.
"Link…" she whispered, "I… I love you so much."
I didn't reply right away and I gave her a bit of an offhanded look. That wasn't a normal inflection. There was a hint of despair there.
"I love you too," I said sincerely.
For some odd reason, tears filled her eyes, and I could have sworn she uttered underneath her breath 'please don't do it'. I was tempted to ask her what she meant, however, she curtsied in a sign of respect and dismissed herself from my presence before I could. I didn't bother to stop her.
"Thank you for your time Link," she whispered as she walked away, "I'm going to go check on Daphnes now."
With that, Zelda turned and left the room. I stared after her perplexed, still not understanding why she seemed so mysterious and melancholy all of a sudden. There seemed to be nothing in my mind that should warrant such behavior, but I was not the queen. I did not know what went through Zelda's head. I still felt unease, but there was very little I could do about it now. I guess my only predilection would be that time would tell.
Time would tell indeed.
~SSS~
Two weeks later: Saria's POV
"Ahhhhh!" I cried out as I pushed with all my remaining strength.
I was sweating, crying, and feeling terrified at my current state. I wasn't supposed to be due for another few weeks, but it seemed Elincia wanted to come early. I was in a birthing house in the center of Hyrule Castle Town, where Dr. Seaside and Ralph were both attending to me. Ralph was at my bedside while Dr. Seaside managed my birth. There were several nurses in the room, two acting as rovers for the doctor and one designated for the birth of the baby. My labor pains started promptly this morning around six am. At first, I wasn't sure that that was the sign I was looking for, but when I felt my water break I knew the time had come. I was stunned because I wasn't prepared in the way I wanted to be. I turned to Ralph lying in bed next to me and told him what was happening. He looked at me shocked and asked me if I was certain. I told him yes and we immediately got dressed and headed for the clinic. Now, here we were anxious and excited about meeting our soon to be daughter. I couldn't wait to see her, but the process of her getting here was overwhelming.
The first few hours came and went in a fit of contractions and false alarms. However, by the fourth hour I was completely dilated, the baby was properly effaced, and the pushing had commenced. Forty-five minutes into this phase, I was ready to pass out from how tired I was. I couldn't begin to describe how painful these contractions had become. I read about them to try and prepare myself for what was to come, but nothing was as I imagined it would be. I needed an extraordinary amount of strength to deal with this discomfort. Through it all, my husband was looking at me sympathetically and stroked my hair.
"You're doing great honey," he reassured, "the baby is crowning already."
I attempted a smile, though I was breathing hard. I was trying to control the rate of each breath with each push. I learned early on that screaming was fruitless for pain relief. It only made me more winded and cramped. I couldn't lie, I was scared that perhaps I wasn't doing this properly. Even though, it could be inquired what was a proper birth? It was a contrived thought in the here and now, but it was definitely food for thought. I closed my eyes and readied myself for another run of pushes. I took in a deep breath and readied myself.
Dr. Seaside was assisting me when he signed for me to get ready.
"Okay Saria, we need one really firm push," he encouraged, "if you do this well, the head will come right through."
I nodded, trying to breathe through the pain.
"Okay," I replied.
Ralph stroked my sodden hair.
"Just keep breathing," he reassured, "you can do this."
I nodded again and closed my eyes.
Dr. Seaside then commenced a countdown with his hand.
"Three… two… one, push!" he ordered.
With that, I bore down as hard as I could, breathing in and pushing with all my might.
"Grrrrrrrr!" I grunted through clenched teeth.
My motion must have been effective.
"Keep going!" the doctor ordered. "She's almost here!"
At hearing that I pushed harder, and Ralph grabbed my hand when he saw another spray of sweat seed my brow.
"You've got this Saria," he reassured, "you can do anything."
I certainly didn't feel like it in that moment, but I didn't want my weakness to show either. I gave one last effort to my push and suddenly I felt this huge relief of pressure from my body and a shrieking cry of surprise. It was music to my ears.
Is she here? I wondered.
The answer was obvious.
"Congratulations Saria and Ralph," Dr. Seaside announced, "you have a brand new healthy baby girl."
At hearing that she was healthy, I nearly collapsed in happiness in Ralph's arms. I burst into tears with the thick of it being over. The nurses had her for a moment, taking her measures and apgar scores. Apgar was short for: appearance, pulses, grimace, activity, and respirations. A lower number was not good. A higher number meant the healthier the baby. Ralph went over that with me a few months ago. I also saw that he left my side momentarily to make sure the nurses were being careful with Elincia. I was certain the medical staff hated when one of their own, or a family member of one of their own, was a patient. It made their job a little more difficult. A moment later, Ralph was carrying our daughter in his arms. She had a head full of dark green hair, and when Ralph gave her back to me and she opened her eyes and they were the brightest blue I had ever seen.
"Oh my goddess!" I whispered when more tears came to my eyes. "She's beautiful!"
Ralph wholeheartedly agreed.
"She looks just like you," he said, "she's perfect."
I giggled through my tears and stroked her head gently. She did look like me. I couldn't believe it.
"Then we'll have to have another who looks just like you," I joked.
My husband chuckled at my acknowledgement.
"Sounds good to me," he replied.
Ralph handed her to me and it was truly love at first sight. She wasn't crying any longer and she was looking around. I couldn't believe how incredibly precious she was. Everything about her seemed dainty and gentle. My husband helped me undo the top of my gown so we could have skin to skin contact. I was told the importance of that because babies were soothed by hearing the heartbeat of the mother. Elincia rested her head against my chest and immediately looked calm. I marveled at her.
"She's so incredible!" I sobbed.
Ralph chuckled again at my emotional state.
"She is," he said.
I sat up so I could feed her, but was cautioned by Dr. Seaside when he walked up.
"I don't think you can sit up completely just yet because the gestational contents have not all expelled, but feeding your daughter will help and she needs the nutrients," he explained.
I raised my brows, but then went on and decided to feed Elincia in a not so upright position.
"Thanks for telling me," I replied.
Dr. Seaside grinned.
"Of course," he said, "the thick of it is over, but you're not out of the woods yet."
I nodded.
"You're right of course," I said.
My little girl suckled immediately, but it took me a minute to get her to properly latch on. When she did, she started feeding instantly.
Ralph was looking on with all grins.
"I knew you would be perfect for this role," he complimented.
I looked over at my husband and smiled.
"Thank you," I said.
I then turned my attention back to Elincia. I instantly fell in love in a way I did not think was possible. She was the most beautiful creature in the world. How could anything or anyone possibly top her?
"My little angel," I whispered as she continued to feed, "my little Elincia."
~SSS~
Two days later: Ralph's POV
I couldn't lie, I was on cloud nine right now. My daughter Elincia was the most beautiful creature in the world. I could not think of a better person to grace my life. Even now, being at work felt more like a chore and a distraction than a fulfillment of a life's course of work. I was counting down the hours to close the clinic. I couldn't wait to go home and spend time with my family. Saria seemed more content too now that Elincia was here. She took to the role of motherhood like a pro. I was so proud of her.
I'm never going to be harsh on you again, I thought, never.
I was currently in the middle of writing some prescriptions for the local potion shop, when the door to my office suddenly opened. I turned to see who was intruding on my space, and was surprised to find it was my sister Gertrude. Her expression was tepid, but she tried to temper it with a grin. Admittedly, I was more annoyed than anything with seeing her right now. What did she want? She had already made her feelings known to me about how she felt about my wife and I didn't care to hear them today. Even a couple days ago she tried to make Elincia's birth about her instead of what it was, Elincia's birth. Saria didn't even visit my parents when I went to go see them because she didn't want any conflict. My wife was trying to do everything to keep the peace. I wasn't simply wasn't in the mood for Gertrude's list of complaints today.
She must have sensed my cold greeting, but walked up to me anyway.
"Hey," she said softly.
I was quiet for a moment and took in a deep sigh.
"Hey," I replied.
She glossed over what I was doing and grinned.
"Those are a lot of prescriptions," she stated, "the potion shop is going to be crowded this afternoon."
I signed another medicament.
"I suppose so," I replied without looking at her.
I noticed from my periphery Gertrude stare at me taken aback at my tone, but she chose to ignore my attitude. She was quiet for a moment and that was when I inquired of her presence.
"What are you doing here?" I asked.
She leaned in on the counter and looked at a beaker in front of her.
"I was in the neighborhood and decided to stop by," she stated.
That was self-evident. It didn't get very much of a response from me.
"Don't you have to work?" I asked.
Gertrude raised her brows at my inflection.
"I was actually given the day off," she replied.
I didn't have much to say towards that either, so I just nodded.
"I see," I said.
There was an awkward silence between us that followed, where my sister saw that her presence was increasingly irritating me. Even so, Gertrude attempted to keep the conversation going.
"I… I was hoping to come by and visit Saria and the baby later," she said.
I paused at what I was doing to turn and look at her.
"Excuse me?" I replied.
She was unsure how to respond to my attitude.
"I wanted to come by and visit the baby," she repeated.
I scoffed slightly.
"Why would you want to do that?" I asked sarcastically.
She gave me an obvious look.
"Be serious Ralph," she said.
I shrugged.
"I am being serious," I said.
She challenged that.
"Why wouldn't I?" she countered. "Elincia is my niece."
I groaned and didn't bother to answer her. Gertrude then came up next to me.
"I'm sorry Ralph," she said finally, "you know I hate it when you're upset with me."
I shook my head.
"You've been nothing but a charlatan to Saria," I said, "she's only ever wanted to be your friend and you've treated her with such disdain."
Gertrude nodded, having no rebuttal.
"You're right," she said, "and that's why I wanted to make amends."
I wasn't so certain about that.
"You could have done that months ago," I said.
She crossed her arms over her chest.
"I tried," she divulged, "but Saria wouldn't accept my apology."
I looked over at her when she tried to shift the blame on my wife.
"Can you blame her?" I accused.
Gertrude narrowed her eyes slightly.
"Did she disclose to you the real reasons why she wouldn't accept my apology?" she demanded all of a sudden. "She isn't this innocent angel Ralph."
I was growing tired of this.
"And what would that be?" I rebutted.
She stood her ground.
"She was upset that I guessed that the king was at your wedding!" she divulged. "The king!"
I groaned again in frustration and looked away. Gertrude wrongfully thought she was triumphant.
"Did you know that?" she asked.
I cut my eyes to her again.
"As a matter of fact I did," I stated, "I was the one who asked her to invite him if she could."
My sister then looked at me stunned.
"What?" she replied. "You did?"
I nodded, feeling vindicated.
"All of your scheming and underhandedness and you have no idea what is going on," I accused. "Saria grew up with the king before he became the hero. You were so hell bent on thinking the worst of her you never allowed her a chance. They were childhood friends. There, are you satisfied now? Will finally let her be?"
She was looking at me stupefied.
"Saria knows the…" she trailed.
I turned away again and shook my head.
"She didn't want you all to know because she didn't want to make it a big deal," I said, "she just wanted you all to accept her for who she was, but it seems that will never be the case."
My sister's throat tightened just then.
"Ralph…" she trailed.
I had nothing more to say to her.
"You can leave now," I replied.
Gertrude was staring at me at a loss.
"I had no idea," she whispered.
I signed another script.
"You didn't need to," I said with looking at her, "it was none of your damn business."
Her bottom lip started to quiver.
"Don't you think you're being a little unfair?" she demanded. "Aren't you going to give me the benefit of the doubt?"
I was done with this subject.
"If you have nothing else to say you can leave," I said, "I'm done."
She narrowed her eyes and got indignant now.
"What do you want me to do?" she asked. "Beg you for forgiveness?"
I wasn't going to let her virtue signal and act like a victim. I turned to look at her again.
"No," I said, "I want you to take accountability for your actions and act like an adult!"
It was then tears stung her eyes.
"Ralph-" she tried.
"Either do that Gertrude or don't speak to me anymore!" I threatened. "Saria is my wife, accept it or don't see us! I am done with you being insulting and insensitive towards her!"
Her eyes widened and her tears spilled over. She took a step back.
"Ralph…" she trailed.
I didn't have very much more to say, but the silence between us was deafening now. Gertrude took several more steps back, but then turned and hurried out of the lab. I didn't bother to stop her, and when the door slammed behind her, my body stiffened a little. I hated being at odds with my sister. I hated it, but I didn't know what else to do. I couldn't allow her to keep disrespecting Saria the way she was. Gertrude was always my biggest ally when it came to everything. However, now she was acting like a pariah. She was looking for a boogeyman where one did not exist. Even still, I hated this feeling of discontent. I hated being at odds with my family.
I closed my eyes and ran my hands over me face when my stress seemed to mount.
"Why can't you see the good in Saria, Gertrude?" I whispered to myself. "Why?"
I guess I would never know.
~SSS~
Later that same day: Hylia's Tavern
I was waiting impatiently for Lady Bathory, but I had no idea where she was tonight. She told me to meet her here and not to be late, but it seemed the joke was on me. Lady Bathory was thirty minutes late herself. Just then, the bartender caught my eye and walked over to me after he poured a couple more drinks for two other patrons. From the bar shelf behind him he produced a letter and handed it to me.
I was surprised at this.
"What's this?" I asked.
He raised his hands in surrender.
"I was told by that noble who likes to come in here to give this to you," he said, "I knew from her description of you that you were the one."
My surprise never left.
"Did she say why?" I asked.
The bartender shook his head.
"I ask no questions," he said, "I just deliver messages and serve ale."
I took the letter and felt immediately there was more than paper in the contents.
What in the world? I wondered.
I decided to take my leave and open the letter in secret when I got home.
"Thank you," I said to the bartender and got off the stool.
"No problem," he said and went back to pouring.
I hurried out the tavern and went into an adjacent alley where no one was residing. Instead of going home, I needed to know what it said right now. I tore open the contents and looked befuddled at what I read.
It read:
I no longer need your services.
Here is the rest of your payment.
~Bathory~
P.S. Oh, and here is your map.
I no longer have any need for it.
Enclosed with the paper was the folded map and five electrum rupees. I was shocked.
"What does this mean?" I whispered more at the implications. "Did she even use it?"
I had no idea, and suddenly, I wish I hadn't made a deal with the devil.
I should have thought this through, I thought, what have I done?
I stared down the alley, feeling my heart suddenly race.
"What have I done?" I whispered to myself.
~SSS~
Two weeks later, Hyrule Castle: Link's POV
After my discussion with Zelda, I made a concerted effort to contact Saria. However, it seemed she was either too busy or she couldn't answer my transmissions when I attempted to contact her. I hadn't received another correspondence from her since her last, but considering all the things I found out recently, I needed to expedite this process. I decided to take matters in my own hands and make an impromptu visit to her home. I knew this would be a gamble, but it was one I was willing to take. There was simply too much at stake. We still needed to go over the letter and what it entailed. I also needed to inform her of the lunar tetra and its possible implications. Furthermore, there was still the confusion on my part concerning my role with the Fierce Deity's Mask and what I was supposed to represent. Zelda's description was vague, but she warned me of my obvious importance.
Saria needed to know these things, and she also needed to realize she was probably in very real danger. This wasn't a time to be lackadaisical with home life and domestic bliss, but I had to digress. I needed to speak with her first to catch her up to things. I did find out she recently gave birth, so it was very likely she was busy with her new baby. Many of the impatient expectations I had could have easily been explained away do to that. Even so, I still couldn't just siphon the gravity of what I needed to discuss with her. Besides, I could also use the excuse of the visit to congratulate her on becoming a mother. It wasn't an easy task, and she needed to know that I hadn't forgotten such an important event.
A baby is something she's always wanted, I thought.
I was finished with my audiences for the day, so I had a break of about an hour before I went in and saw my son in his nursery. I knew Saria finished her marketing around the early afternoon. I gauged her routine for several days to make sure I knew when she would be home. I had to make sure I caught her before she went incognito throughout the afternoon. I was going to need all my stealth ability today to make this happen. It had been a little over two years since I last had to sneak through Castle Town in plain sight. So, when I got back to my chambers in a brief moment of me being alone, I changed into some peasant clothes and made my way out of the secret passageway in the royal bed chambers. Zelda was scuttling about the castle doing her duties, so she was one less obstacle I needed to worry about. I waited several minutes after walking down the long dank corridor to the spire that led outside. I pulled away a rock at the aperture in the entry that allowed me to peer outside and saw that the roadway was bustling with people right now. It was approximately twenty feet long with a dead end half round about that led to a pathway towards Castle Town north in the other direction. This wasn't the best time for me to exit, but I had very little choice.
I need fleeter feet like I never needed them before Farore, I prayed.
I made a point to do a steady count of ten and timed it the best I could, realizing the recompenses would be very consequential if I got caught, possibly with a guard being stationed here in the future. More importantly, it would give away this imperative secret exit the royal family used for generations. One such family survived a coup attempted on them many years ago. And, if I was not mistaken, this was the exit Impa used to get Zelda out of the castle when Ganondorf exacted his siege and take over. This passageway was essential. There were only a few people who knew about it outside of the royal family, my generals being such benefactors, as well as my steward. If ever anything happened to me it was their responsibility to get the surviving members of the royal family outside of the castle to safety if necessary. No such times had come upon us yet. However, that designation would go right out the window if I got caught.
I waited, using my ten count sequentially, and soon I saw an opportunity for me to open the stone door. I acted quickly as I hurried around the adjacent roadway with only a second to spare before the door closed behind me. With the immediate danger now gone, I made sure to keep my head covered and kept my profile low.
That was close, I thought.
I walked in step with everyone else when I reached the crowd in the main square. However, I quickly made my way to west Castle Town where I knew Saria lived. She never told me where she resided, but there was a registry that was mandatory for all occupants to sign living in the city. This was to act as a protection to the royal family, and the executive guard always knew who dwelled within the municipal walls. I simply looked up her and Ralph's residence when I had a free moment. Ever since they moved to the city I made it a point to find out for their safety's sake. Some would argue differently, but again, I digress. That was why I kept such information to myself.
No use making problems for myself if I don't have to, I thought.
When I got to Saria's residence, I realized there was no way I was going to be able to get through the front door without looking suspicious. Instead, I walked down the alley adjacent to the house and looked for an opening there. I noticed the second story bedroom window was ajar for the midday breeze. That would be my point of entry, but I couldn't make it obvious. Before attempting my feat, I checked the perimeter and the surrounding residents for any unnecessary eyes and ears. I found none. This was generally the time of day that everyone was out working or shopping. I quickly hopped onto the vine trellis underneath the window and climbed towards the pane. At the pane, I paused and slowly raised my head to check to see if the room was occupied. It was clear as of right now.
I'm wondering when her husband will be home, I thought.
Not one to wait for that answer, I quietly jumped into the room, but didn't remove my hood. I looked around the moderately sized bedroom and saw that it was stylishly furnished with some of the latest fashions. I grinned, knowing that women were women no matter what walk of life they came from. Saria had some great taste. However, I didn't see a bassinette or any baby clothes. Perhaps the baby had his or her own room. It was possible. This was a pretty sizeable house. A moment later, I heard the front door open downstairs and that was when I retreated to the closet to hide. I strained my ears to listen carefully, but I didn't hear any voices. Saria was probably by herself, but it could have been Ralph coming home to check on things while his wife was away. That would be just my luck.
I hope it isn't you good doc, I thought, you won't be happy seeing me.
I stayed put when I heard the footsteps come up the stairs. When the door opened, I watched through the wooden panes and saw Saria walk in by herself. I was slightly surprised at that. She was carrying a basket of sundries that she was placing on the vanity for organization, but where was her baby? I waited a moment longer to make sure there was no one else accompanying her, and when I was certain the coast was clear, I decided to make my presence known to her. I opened the door slowly and came out of the closet. Saria turned immediately at my actions, looking startled and alarmed. However, before she could scream, I took off my hood to reveal who I was. She looked terrified for a moment, but quickly put her hand over her heart when she saw it was me. Even so, her fright quickly gave way to displeasure.
"Link!" she scolded in a whisper.
I nodded, realizing she had every right to chastise me.
"I'm sorry," I apologized, "I didn't mean to scare you."
Before she answered again, she hurried over to the windows to close them. It was a good idea for her to be so cautious.
"What are you doing here?" she demanded just above a whisper. "If my husband finds you here-"
I held up my hand to stop her.
"I know," I interrupted, "I took all the precautions necessary to make sure that didn't happen."
Saria rolled her eyes at my explanation.
"This is madness," she muttered to herself.
It was then I decided to get to the point.
"Look, we haven't seen each other in weeks and I needed to speak with you regarding the letter you sent me," I explained.
She crossed her arms over her chest in a defensive posture. She was still reeling from my entrance.
"I could have met you in the meadow Link," she said upset, "this is taking things too far!"
I countered that.
"I've been trying to contact you to do just that," I replied, "I got no response."
She raised her brows and looked at me incredulously.
"I understand that," she said, "but I've been kind of busy lately. I just had a baby."
I nodded.
"I understand that too," I reasoned, then added, "and congratulations on your baby."
It was then her defenses came down a little.
"Thank you," she replied, "I appreciate that."
I did pause when I saw she was here alone with no one in tow.
"Speaking of such, where… is your baby?" I couldn't help but ask.
She nodded, expecting the question.
"She's with her grandmother," she replied.
I raised my brows at the gender.
"She?" I repeated. "You had a little girl?"
Saria nodded again.
"I did…" she trailed, but then gave a small smile, "and she's amazing."
I waited for her to go on, expecting her to divulge the name and other characteristics, but she didn't, which signaled to me she couldn't and she was short on time. So, I needed to expedite this.
"I guess we'll talk about her later," I said, "I have a great deal I would like to tell you about Daphnes when we get a chance as well." I then changed the subject. "Anyway, the reason I'm here is because I looked into some information regarding that name you deciphered. It turns out this Hilda was a real person, and has been at several points in history; different people with the same name. Even so, since then she, or the role she's played in history, has become a legend."
Saria looked at me shocked.
"What?" she whispered. "A legend?"
I nodded.
"Yes," I said, "it's very complicated. I can't go into details now, but I too have some information that was sent to me. To be frank, it's from the same source as yours."
She looked at me taken aback.
"How do you know?" she asked.
I raised my brows and took in a deep sigh.
"Because he came and requested an audience with me," I divulged, "he then gave me a gift and letter stating that I would be discussing some interesting things with you. It was the Happy Mask Salesman."
Her eyes widened in disbelief when she heard the name.
"What?" she whispered.
I nodded.
"He obviously knows something that has a huge significance to the safety of Hyrule," I went on, "but instead of doing the honorable thing and disclosing such information, he chooses to use the more inane route and speak in riddles."
The blood seemed to drain from Saria's face. She sincerely looked frightened.
"That's the same man who showed me that creepy mask of myself when I went to market in his shop a couple years ago," she said more to herself than to me. "He's the man that… built these homes."
I gave her an offhanded looked when I heard that.
"Come again?" I inquired.
Saria shook her head and closed her eyes.
"I knew it, I knew it," she whispered again to herself, "Ralph wouldn't believe me."
My concern deepened.
"Saria?" I pressed slightly. "What are you talking about?"
She pursed her lips together and finally addressed me.
"He's the builder of these homes," she repeated, talking directly to me, "I noticed the sign a few months ago when they were still in development. It said the Happy Mask Builders Company, or something like that."
That set of information was unsettling.
"Have you noticed anything odd?" I asked.
She shook her head again.
"Nothing besides the letters," she said, "but that's enough if you ask me."
I agreed.
"Absolutely," I replied.
Saria looked distressed just then and stepped back. I took a step forward when I took note of her expression. I hoped she wasn't hiding anything from me in an effort to ease my mind.
"What is it?" I asked gently.
She attempted to put on a brave face.
"Nothing," she replied.
I didn't believe that.
"If you have something you need to tell me, I want you to tell me," I said.
She appreciated my concern.
"Really," she said, "it's nothing."
The inflection of truth was there, but I still wasn't certain. I paused for a moment, wanting to reassure her.
"I promise you, it's going to be okay," I replied, "I'm not going to let anything happen to you."
She didn't reply right away, but she then looked up at me and finally grinned for the first time.
"Thank you Link," she replied, "I appreciate you saying that."
I stared into her eyes for a long time.
"I hope you do because I truly mean it," I said.
Her grin faded a little.
"I know you do," she replied.
There was a brief silence between us after that, and I sensed it was because of the unspoken tension now. I didn't want that to be an issue, so I went to dispel it.
"You look really beautiful today," I complimented, breaking the silence.
Her eyes widened, but then she looked down at her simple brown dress and beige shawl.
"In this awful thing?" she replied. "I don't think so."
I shrugged.
"Well I do," I replied, "it isn't the clothes that make the woman."
This time she blushed, and perhaps this wasn't the best ice breaker or tension repellent. It actually seemed to be having the opposite effect.
"Oh… well that's very kind of you to say," she replied.
There was another silence between us where unsurprisingly the unease grew exponentially. My attempt did not work. I took another step forward and decided to change the subject.
"You have to promise me something," I said, breaking the silence again.
This time Saria was reluctant to respond.
"What's that?" she asked anyway.
I paused for a moment.
"You have to promise me you'll watch your back," I said, "don't be reckless with your life."
She then looked at me surprised.
"I would never do that," she replied.
I raised a brow before I corrected her.
"Yes you would," I stated, "less we forget two years ago."
Saria blushed once more for some odd reason, probably from embarrassment at the thought.
"I wasn't a mother then," she said, "I was so carefree because I had nothing to lose."
I nodded.
"That's true, but now that isn't the case," I said. "Now, you have everything to lose, everything."
She stared at me seriously and nodded.
"I see what you mean," she replied.
I took in a deep sigh, wanting to say more but decided against it. It would do no good anyway, but Saria, sensing there was something amiss with my disposition suddenly, inquired of it.
"What's wrong?" she asked.
I was quiet for a moment before I answered.
"Nothing," I fibbed.
She shook her head.
"Don't give me that," she said, "you just got on my case."
I had no rebuttal.
"That's true," I said.
Saria took a step forward.
"What is it?" she asked again.
I paused once more, seriously trying to determine if saying what I wanted to say was going to have any merit considering our circumstances. I knew it wouldn't and it would probably do more harm than good. Even so, I decided to throw caution to the wind because she was beckoning some honesty from me.
"You know that saying 'distance makes the heart grow fonder'?" I asked finally.
Saria was quiet for a few seconds before she nodded.
"I do," she said.
I grinned.
"I was just thinking about how different our lives would be if things had turned out inversely for us," I said.
She looked to the ground and I could tell this was making her nervous.
"I know," she said quietly, "but we have to… we have to just keep trying. We have to move past that."
I sighed, not really wanting to do the politically correct thing right now. I didn't want to talk about how important it was for us to think about what we had, or the other people we were involved with. I really just wanted to have a frank discussion about us… just us. Me and Saria. That was all I wanted.
I decided to try just that.
"What if you can't Sar?" I asked.
She winced slightly, then looked me in the eyes again.
"Then you have to keep trying," she whispered.
I shook my head.
"I am and it's hard," I admitted.
She looked at me sympathetically.
"Trust me," she said, "I know."
I didn't want to deflect from this.
"Tell me how you do it," I said.
Saria looked away again and shrugged.
"I try to be grateful for what I have," she replied, "I try not to think about the 'would bes', 'maybes', or 'ifs'. It makes it easier to deal with."
I grunted softly.
"I wish I could do the same," I said, "but I've tried all that too, and my mind just brings me back to wanting to be with you."
Her chest caved a little when she heard me say that. Her eyes misted over, but she didn't allow herself to cry.
"Link…" she trailed.
I had more to say.
"I just can't let go," I went on, "I've tried… I've tried. I keep thinking about how I should be your husband, and how I should be sharing this life with you."
Saria looked to the ground again and didn't reply.
"Ever since you told me you still loved me it just made me think of all the things I wished for us," I stated.
She took in a deep sigh and still avoided my eyes.
"I'm sorry," she whispered.
I shook my head.
"Don't be," I whispered back, "it is what it is."
There was another silence between us, but Saria kept it short.
"Well… then what do you suppose we do?" she asked quietly.
I paused for a moment because I heard an inflection that potentiated a very different set of circumstances if I was reading it right. Was that an invitation?
"What do you mean?" I asked.
She pursed her lips together.
"I meant what I asked," she said, "what do you suppose we do?"
That inflection was there. I guess I was reading that right. I wanted her to know I understood her completely.
"I'm open to whatever you are willing to do," I whispered.
She then cut her eyes to me surprised. I didn't think she thought I would call her bluff.
"What?" she whispered back.
I caught her off guard. I didn't answer. Her eyes searched my face.
"What are you saying?" she asked again.
I looked away.
"What do you think Saria?" I countered.
Her breathing increased and she stepped back.
"That isn't who you are," she said, "that isn't who we are."
I wasn't so certain about that.
"I'm finding out that bending the rules is part of life," I said, "this would just be another life bend."
She took another step back.
"What about your son?" she whispered.
I had no qualms about him.
"My son is my everything," I said honestly, "I love him to no end. I will always take care of him, but this is between you and me."
Her bottom lip started trembling.
"No," she said quickly, "the notion of it is wrong and you know it."
I couldn't argue her logic, but our situation was a bit more complicated than that.
"Then why did you suggest it?" I challenged.
She looked at me stunned.
"I didn't," she said.
I wasn't going to play that game.
"Yes, you did," I corrected, "you asked about what could be done about us not being together, and you asked it twice. If you weren't suggesting an affair with that question, then I don't know what you expected me to think."
She seemed dumbstruck that I was being so blunt.
"You're not being fair," she replied.
I was tired of this denial.
"Don't talk to me about being fair," I said with a hint of bitterness. "Zelda kept me from you Sar. She deliberately intervened in a way that was cruel when she didn't have to. I can't just reconcile that with fake smiles and a crown. I can't keep pretending that I don't-"
I stopped myself.
Saria waited for me to go on. She looked a little shaken.
"You can't keep pretending what?" she went on for me.
I was frustrated.
"Never mind, forget it," I muttered.
She wrapped her arms around herself.
"What were you going to say?" she pressed.
I shook my head again.
"Does it even matter?" I mumbled more to myself than her. "It's nothing," I said, then changed the subject once more. "Look, I… I know this may not mean much, but I think about you and your family all the time. You mean a great deal to me and I just want you to know that."
She got quiet again, but didn't want to deflect so quickly.
"I appreciate that, but what were you going to say Link?" she detracted. "Please, I want to know."
I looked away and didn't answer for a while.
"It doesn't matter," I said.
She countered that.
"Yes it does," she insisted, "please."
I cut my eyes back to her face and stared at her longingly. She knew. She had to know, but maybe not how much. She had no idea how much I wanted to be with her… just with her. Nothing more, nothing less.
"I… I was going to say I can't keep pretending that I don't love you," I confessed, "I love you okay."
She winced again, but her features warmed a little at my confession.
"I love you too," she replied, "and how can you say you thinking about me wouldn't mean much to me? Of course it means much to me… it means so much. You're my best friend. I worry about you too. I think about you all the time too."
My eyes searched her face when I saw the honesty there. I knew she was trying to keep the peace, especially when she mentioned our friendship. However, this was so much more than friendship and she knew that. I wasn't going to argue her on it, but the lip service was just that, lip service. In that moment, I stopped stalling and came up to her and took her in my arms for a hug. I had been wanting to hold her for the last several minutes.
I decided to compromise.
"I'm sorry for dumping on you," I whispered suddenly against her hair.
She hugged me back.
"I didn't consider it dumping," she whispered back, "you were just being honest."
I squeezed her gently in my arms.
"That's all I ever want to be with you," I declared.
She nodded against my chest.
"Me too," she replied.
I grinned.
"You're the best," I whispered.
She giggled softly at my tone, which was nice to hear.
"I know," she whispered back surprisingly.
I chuckled too and pulled back to look her in the eyes.
"You know?" I repeated.
She nodded.
"Yes indeed," she replied.
I always liked that about her. I liked that she was playful and confident, even when the situation wasn't in her favor. Her sudden spirited nature made me reminisce for a moment.
"Hey, do you remember when we were children and you hid my hat from me?" I recollected.
Saria raised a brow at the question.
"What?" she asked.
I cleared my throat to speak up.
"I was eight and we were playing hide the Korok," I explained, "I was in the middle of counting when you took my hat from me and hid it somewhere in the meadow. You told me the Deku Tree would expel me from the forest if I didn't find it."
She immediately started giggling.
"Dear goddesses…" she moaned, "yes, I do remember that."
I gave her an accused look.
"I was nearly traumatized," I joked.
She giggled again.
"No you weren't," she insisted.
I nodded.
"Yes, I was," I joked, "you should feel terrible making me go through that."
She laughed more.
"I should, but I don't," she teased, then admitted, "but yeah… not my nicest moment."
I agreed with only her last statement.
"You were channeling a little of Mido there," I said.
She raised her brows and shrugged.
"Well, he was in love with me and around me all the time," she teased, "some of his personality was bound to rub off."
She laughed more and I grinned at her beautiful cadence. It was like music to my ears. She left a little bit of a doorway for me to capitalize on. I intended to do just that.
"Poor, poor Mido," I whispered, "so in love he couldn't see straight. Let me just say that he… he wasn't the only one."
Saria was still smiling at my utterance, when slowly it started to fade. Mine did as well, until we were once again stuck with what we were trying to avoid.
"Link…" she trailed.
I reached up and caressed her cheek.
"You've always been that special girl, always," I whispered, "and you always will be."
Then, in a moment of impulse, I reached in and kissed her softly on the lips. I thoroughly expected her to pull away, but to my surprise she didn't. Instead, she kissed me back and rather succinctly too. She wrapped her arms around my neck and held me close as she kissed me harder and deeper when we got a little more inclined. My hands stroked through her hair and I held her tight. She was moaning softly when she let her guard down and opened her mouth to mine. It was deep and wet and satisfying. However soon after, she realized what she was doing and she shook her head while she pulled away. Her eyes widened in surprise when she stared at me.
She covered her mouth.
"I can't, I can't, I can't," she whispered more to herself than to me, "I can't Link."
I stared at her without saying anything in rebuttal, and that was when she pulled from my reach.
"You need to go," she whispered, "please."
I paused for a second.
"Sar-" I tried.
"Please Link," she interrupted.
I looked away with a hint of frustration before I budged.
"Are you sure?" I asked anyway.
She nodded.
"Yes," she said, "you know we would both regret it."
I couldn't say that on my end. Even so, rather than argue with her, I just nodded and tried to make this less difficult.
"Okay," I replied, then added, "I'm sorry for making you uncomfortable."
She shook her head.
"Just go," she said, "but thank you for warning me about everything else."
I nodded.
"Of course," I said, then added, "but we need to reconvene in a month. We have to go over the findings, and keep looking for clues related to the moon goddess."
She nodded, but didn't really seem to be listening.
"Fine," she said, "we'll meet in the Sacred Forest Meadow. Just contact me, I won't ignore you."
That seemed fair enough. I understood her worried disposition.
"Sounds good," I replied, then added, "and I am really sorry."
She shook her head.
"Forget it," she said, "let's just pretend it never happened."
I stared at her for a moment, not at all agreeing to such a conflation. Even so, I nodded and decided to take my leave. This runaround was getting us nowhere. I went back over to the window and prepped my exit. I opened the panes and checked the perimeter for any locals below. The area was clear. Before I began my descent, I looked back over at Saria one last time.
"Remember," I said, "next month."
She nodded.
"I will," she replied, "next month."
With that, I took my leave and started back down the vine trellis. Saria came over to the window to watch me climb down to ensure sure I was safe. When I landed, I signaled to her I was alright. Saria then nodded and closed the windows. I made my way back to the main square towards the castle. However, while I was hiding in plain sight, I suddenly recalled that vague warning from Zelda. She looked so distraught at the thought of it. I still had no idea what it was, but I wondered if it had something to do with what I was discussing with Saria a little bit ago. I was willing to go to a point of no return with her. It wasn't like me to be so dishonorable, but I was letting my bitterness get the better of me. Was this what Zelda was warning me about? Was this what her plea entailed? Would I truly give in to such selfishness?
I would just have to wait and see.
The next chapter will be up soon.