Inspiration: Atonement and sacrifice.
Author's Note: Thank you all for reading.
Word Count: 11,145
Chapter 31
Mount Hebra: Link
I removed the mask from my face when I deduced we were far enough away from Bathory Manor. Feeling less claustrophobic, I took in a deep breath of the cold crisp air, clutching Saria closer to me as we trudged through the frosty elements. The mountainside was fraught with snow and ice crystals. We had been traveling for almost an hour, and finally through the frigid environment I was able to see a cave in the distance. The grotto opening was elongated and cavernous. However, an awning of rock and snow that made up an overpass above barely made the entrance visible to the naked eye. Looking around the otherwise destitute landscape, I saw the cave as the only possible means of shelter for the night. Having made the quick decision, I hurried towards the fissure with Saria in my arms. Her body had since grown limp from the escape and I now feared the worst.
Hang on, I thought, please.
I quickened my step and slogged through the deep snow as the red moon settled overhead towards the west. The night sky was still reddish black and diamonded with rubicund stars. The atmosphere appeared hellish, though the natural beauty of the elements could not be denied. There were even some snow wolves in the distance coming to witness it. However, the animals didn't constitute a threat. They were far away and roving aimlessly to see us as any real prey. Even so, I wanted to get Saria to safety. This environment was not good for her constitution. The cave was fast approaching, and soon, we were there. At the ingress, I placed Saria down on the snow for a moment. I wanted to make sure this dwelling place was anodyne. There was no telling what could be lurking in the dark on a lonely mountain like this.
Ice keese?
Bears?
Bobcats?
It could have been anything.
On an outpost nearby, I saw an unfettered piece of wood I could use for a torch. I grabbed it, tore a piece of cloth from the hem of my cloak, wrapped the flailing fabric around the head, soak it with some oil, then using two flints from my pouch lit it. With my successful efforts, I proceeded cautiously into the cave. As I ventured, I noticed it was more drawn-out than I thought. This made me pause my trek and turn back several times to check on Saria. Her eyes were still closed and she seemed out like a candle. Concerned about her health, I continued on until I reached the deepest crevice of the small cavern. It was completely abandoned at this time, but the former inhabitants looked to be some kind of wild animal native to these parts. From the looks of the old bones, it was probably a ravenous carnivore like a bear or a wolf. I hoped they didn't return home soon.
One problem is enough, I thought.
Even so, this place would have to do for the evening. I went back to obtain Saria and saw that she had slumped to her side on the snow. She was unmoving and wasn't reacting to the cold when her face settled on the icy cushion. My concern was growing by her lack of response and I nearly dropped my torch when I returned. Saria's life force must have been very low for her to be so unaffected by the freezing environment. I hurried to her immediately and picked her up with my one good arm. Afterwards, I hoisted her over my shoulder and took her into the cave. At the clearing to the back, I sat her on the smooth, cold, blue stone floor while I got another fire going. I was getting more worried with Saria's lack of normal physiological responses.
You cannot die on me now Sar, I thought.
I opened my bag and took out a blanket. I laid it down to create a makeshift resting place. I then placed Saria on her back and rested her on the blanket, but the light from the torch didn't provide enough warmth or illumination for me to tend to her. I needed more of a starter to warm up the area. I placed the torch against the wall, hoping it would stay lit, but immediately saw the flaw in that idea when the flames began to flicker. Instead, I placed the stem in a hollow aperture of an animal's skull. The flame stood erect and touched no surface in the cold cave. Afterwards, I left Saria momentarily to go back out into the snow to search for any loose logs on the frontier. The logs needed to be dry and that was going to be difficult to find in this environment.
There is no snow fall tonight, I thought, perhaps luck will be on my side.
After scanning the environment several times, I spotted a tree in the distance that had some naked branches on it, but it was going to take some work to get a few of them down. I had no axe, so only my option was my sword; it would have to do. I unsheathed my blade and wasted no time in sawing into it. Ten minutes later, I had two big branches in my tow. From the phloem and xylem circles within the branch, these pieces of wood could stay lit for about eight hours. It would give me enough time to nurse Saria back to health before taking her home. Still worried about my dear friend's plight, I quickened my step and hurried back to the cave. I just hoped the branches would be dry enough to make a fire.
"I will make do with what I have," I whispered.
As luck would have it, when I reentered I saw that the torch I placed in the skull was still burning. Grateful, for the resilient starter, I placed the newly found wood in amongst some old bones in a circular hearth in the middle of the most commodious part of the room. The fact that there was an old cistern here told me there had been travelers to this area before. Even so, I removed the excess debris surrounding the stone aperture. Afterwards, I repeated my earlier stent of using the torch, the oil, and my flints to start another fire. A few moments later, my efforts were rewarded.
"Thank the goddess," I whispered.
I then turned my attention back to Saria and saw that she was breathing deeper and more audibly than before. She sounded terrible, though, I was grateful that she was showing more signs of life. However, I did notice that she her lips were almost blue. Finally, she opened her eyes briefly and stared at me.
"Link…" she whispered.
Her voice was dry and raspy, like rocks grating against one another. I needed to get her aide quickly. I went over to her and stroked her green hair.
"Are you alright?" I whispered back.
She swallowed hard and stared into my eyes. She never answered my question.
"What happened?" she asked.
I paused for a moment, realizing the gravity again of what previously transpired. A group of depraved nobles were dead. Lord Filgore and Lord Rue Morgue were decapitated by my own hand. I could have spared their lives, but the man seeking justice within me would not allow that to happen. I could have shown them mercy, but in my moment of anger I made my choice. They were dead, along with the other heathens of that vicious and vacuous cult. In one way or another, the rest of the aristocracy was going to learn from this night that they were not the exactors of Hyrule.
I was.
I am the king of this country.
It was not my usual method of operation to deliver cold hearted vengeance, but Filgore and Rue Morgue could not be left to live. Those unconscionable bastards tried to destroy Hyrule. They believed they were untouchable. They believed wrong. Dead wrong. Even so, I was already considering the fallout from this mess. I did not know how extensive it would be, but if there were others who knew of the events of tonight and simply did not participate, that would be the first angle to consider. It would not be long before the family of the deceased would want to know what happened. The legitimate truth might instigate a civil war within the aristocracy. Such a conflict could effect many innocent people. I had to consider possibly altering the news to the public. It was not in my nature to be deceitful to the people. However, this was the game Zelda often informed me of needing to play. I would have to wait and see.
Do not get ahead of yourself Link, I thought. Take one step at a time.
Bridging my attention back to Saria, I reached over and caressed her cheek, but I didn't bother to answer her questions.
"You are safe now," was all I replied, "try to get some rest."
She stared at me again, sensing my deflection. I was certain my reply was insufficient for her, but Saria didn't bother to ask me again. She honestly was in no condition for a question and answer session anyway. Her gazed faltered a little as she began to look nauseous, she never vomited though.
"Did the Moon Goddess come back?" she whispered. "I cannot remember a thing."
I did not expect her to.
"We would not be here if the Moon Goddess were successful," I reassured. "Clear your mind of worries right now. Think of your little girl who is probably missing you like crazy."
Her eyes got wide when I mentioned her daughter.
"Elincia…" she whispered.
Her voice sounded so broken in that instant. Saria got emotional and looked away from me. Her eyes filled with tears. That was when I got up and went over to her and took her in my arms. She buried her head in my chest and sobbed gently at my closeness. She cried for a good minute before she got a hold of her feelings. Afterwards, she wiped her eyes and looked into mine. Her bottom lip was quivering and I could see the regret and pain there. I knew what she was feeling. I knew she had guilt because I had it too. Our mistake caused an immeasurable amount of pain to the people who loved us. We nearly destroyed Hyrule in our act of selfishness. I felt personally responsible for this happening to her. Though, I was aware it was both of us. It was my duty to return her to her family. Ralph was probably worried sick. My guilt deepened when I thought of Saria's husband.
She's married to a good man, I thought.
My expression must have been apparent because Saria was staring at me now and then questioned me on it.
"What are you thinking about?" she whispered.
I felt it was a weighted question. I did not want to bring up Ralph, because I knew she would clam up if I did. However, I was concerned about another issue we never got to speak on. I needed clarity on. This was the first time we had spoken since that day in the Sacred Forest Meadow. I had so many unanswered inquiries. Now was as good a time as any to ask them.
"I'm thinking about you," I said simply, "I'm thinking about this mess."
Saria's expression turned expression. My tone was unamused.
"I can understand that," she whispered.
I paused for a long time and took in a deep sigh.
"Can you?" I asked.
Saria avoided my eyes just then.
"I know what my actions caused Link," she said quietly, "I'm fully aware."
I cut my gaze to the fire.
"Then I need you to enlighten me," I shifted suddenly, "why were you avoiding me?"
Her throat tightened at my directness.
"You know why," she whispered, "I had to."
I shook my head.
"I don't and you didn't," I said, "that's why I'm asking. I told you I would protect you, but you shut me out. You pushed me away."
She closed her eyes.
"I couldn't help it," she whispered, "I felt guilty."
I groaned and rolled my eyes in frustration.
"You saying you feel guilty cheapens what happened in that meadow," I replied. "It wasn't some small thing for me. I gave you my all in those moments. You know how I feel about you."
Saria looked at me surprised.
"I didn't mean it that way," she reassured.
Her reply did not help.
"It sure sounds like it," I said.
Her eyes searched my face.
"Link you were incredible," she said, "seriously."
I was having a hard time conceiving this.
"Saria…" I redirected, "what was going on with you that day? Was that really you?"
She hesitated for a long time before answering.
"No… and yes," she replied.
That answer made nothing clearer.
"What does that mean?" I asked.
She bit her lower lip.
"I… remember bits and pieces from that day," she divulged. "I remember how important you said that day was and how I was getting ready. But then… then she came and took over."
"By 'she' I assume you mean the Dark Maiden," I deciphered.
She nodded.
"Yes," she whispered. "I remember blacking out then hours later I woke up with you on top of me."
The way she was making it sound, it was like she was never there at all. It was almost as if I violated her.
"So… you don't remember anything?" I asked.
Saria paused again.
"I was so scared," she admitted, "not of you, but of what we may have done, and after you confirmed my suspicions, I was terrified beyond belief due to Ralph."
I was silent for a moment.
"Are you saying it was never you?" I asked. "Are you saying I was only with a shadow of you?"
She sensed the bitterness in my voice and she finally met my eyes again. However, this time I was avoiding hers.
"No," she divulged, "no it wasn't like that the entire time. When I finally came to it was me, truly me. I was fully aware. It was surreal. I couldn't believe we were making love after everything we had been through. I couldn't say no to you because I never wanted to say no to you."
Hearing her confession did ease some off my animosity, but I should have known based on her reaction. Even so, I wanted my ego appeased more.
"Did you… did you enjoy it?" I asked.
I still wasn't looking at her when her eyes widened.
"What?" she whispered.
I rolled my eyes, not wanting to repeat myself.
"Did you enjoy it?" I asked again anyway.
Saria noted my reaction.
"Of-of course I did, I told you that," she stammered, "how could you think otherwise?"
I raised my brows.
"You ran away," I said simply, "you started crying and left. I haven't spoken to you in weeks. How was I supposed to know what you were thinking?"
She saw my point.
"I didn't consider that," she said softly.
"Well, you should have," I said, "I was worried about you."
Saria took in a deep sigh. She had no real rebuttal.
"You're right," she whispered.
There was a brief pause. She sounded so timid in that moment. I was being a bit harsher than I needed to be. Perhaps it was time to quell some of the egocentricism.
"Nevertheless, despite my minor misgivings, I dreamed of it a great deal," I disclosed, "more than I'll readily admit to."
Her cheeks blushed at my confession.
"Really?"
I nodded.
"Without a doubt," I replied, "it was everything I ever wanted it to be."
She in return nodded.
"I agree," she whispered, "it was just as well with me."
I looked from the fire to Saria's eyes and she attempted to grin.
"I have one more point to make," I said, "you're also very very flexible."
She looked at me taken aback at the implications.
"What do you…?" she didn't finish.
I shook my head.
"It was that darker side," I joked, "she had a lot of fun with me."
Saria couldn't help it, her face was bright red.
"Link…" she trailed discomfited.
I shrugged.
"I'm just being honest," I replied, "if you ever let loose like that in real life, Ralph is a very lucky man."
Saria stared at me astonished.
"I… I don't know what to say," she whispered.
I stroked her bangs.
"Then don't say anything," I replied, "it's nothing to feel uncomfortable with. You're a sexual creature. It's only natural that you feel sexual with someone you love."
She milled over my words for a few moments and nodded.
"That makes sense," she whispered, then added, "you didn't honestly think I could resist you, did you?"
I caressed her cheek.
"I was starting to have my suspicions," I half-joked, "but of course you couldn't because I know I couldn't. I tried, I really did."
Saria looked away again.
"I shouldn't have ignored you," she went on suddenly, "I should have listened to you to avoid all this, but I was scared."
I nodded.
"I understand," I said.
She pursed her lips together.
"I didn't know how to tell you I was pregnant," she said quietly, her voice sounded terrified, "I had an array of emotions, but most of all I was excited. I am really excited about carrying your child Link."
I remained silent and turned my attention back to the fire. Saria stared at my face once more.
"I… I want whoever he or she is to look just like you," she whispered, "I want to have my own little hero."
I had no reply. I did not have the heart to tell her that her baby was not mine, at least, not right now. There were so many things she was still in the dark about.
"I hope the baby is blonde, very blonde, like you," she continued, "I want-"
She suddenly stopped herself when a coughing spell overtook her. It was a dry hoarse cough. She covered her mouth as it continued and turned her head away. It sounded terrible.
"Are you alright?" I asked.
Saria wrapped a hand around her throat and tried to swallow. The effort looked straining.
"I'll be okay," she whispered.
That answer was unsatisfactory for me. Afterwards, I reached in my bag nearby and removed a golden potion to give to her. I packed a litany of medicinals and tertiary items. Forethought was important. And, considering the events coinciding with tonight, I knew I needed to be ready for anything. I then gave Saria the unguent and she drank it slowly. Golden potions were extremely effective, but it was still going to take time for Saria to recover. She needed rest. I noticed in the after event she was shivering. Considering her nakedness, her trembling was not an epiphany. The lone sheet wrapped around her and blanket underneath her was insufficient. When I went to touch her bare skin, it felt like ice. She needed warmth immediately.
"You're freezing," I said, stating the obvious.
Saria did not reply right away, but she nodded.
"I never was one much for the cold," she whispered.
Having thought about it, Kokiri Forest didn't have a wintery season. The forest lived in a perpetual state of spring. It was no wonder Saria was not accustomed to the frigid environments of Mount Hebra. Nevertheless, I went on with my assessment. I felt the skin on her back, it felt cold like the rest of her, but I also felt a healed over wound. I stroked down her spine a little lower and felt another mended laceration at her lumbar spine. My concern deepened. It was dangerous for her to be so exposed to the elements, especially with injuries. Hypothermia was sure to set in if it had not already, which would slow down circulation. However, when I went to lift the sheet to check the rest of her skin, Saria went to stop me. She placed one of her feeble hands over mine.
"What… what are you doing?" she asked weakly.
I gave her a knowing look and raised a brow.
"You know what I'm doing," I replied, "I'm making sure nothing is broken and trying to get you warm. You'll die if I don't. You won't last the night, even with that gold potion I gave you."
Even at my explanation, she shook her head.
"Nothing is broken," she whispered.
I wasn't convinced by her words in the slightest.
"Will you just let me do this?" I asked gently. "Stop worrying."
Saria's breathing labored more, not a sign of confidence if she was trying to give it.
"Just let it be," she whispered all of a sudden, "I'm okay with that outcome."
I looked at her like she was without sense for a moment. I shook my head and went about my assessment anyway. I had no idea why she was starting to speak like this. I continued my examination by once again pulling the sheet back and examining underneath her breasts and her belly. There were two large healed over stab wounds at her sides. However, Saria instantly resisted me by grabbing the sheet and covering herself again. She seemed more nervous than anything.
"Link, please stop," she whispered, "this isn't necessary."
I did not understand where this discomfiture was coming from.
"Stop being embarrassed over nothing," I scolded. "You're talking nonsense. I have to make sure you are alright. You are not well."
She reached for my hands to quell me again. The true reason was about to be divulged.
"Link please I don't want you to see me this way," she begged with a broken voice, "I'm a mess. I don't have the perfect body like Zelda. I'm not-"
I looked at her taken aback. Her rationale was beyond ridiculous. She did not want me to help because of her vanity? Preposterous.
"What are you talking about?" I interrupted. "What does that have to do with anything?!"
Her embarrassment deepened.
"You know what I'm talking about," she replied, "look at me."
I looked her over with a bit of exaggeration.
"I am looking at you," I stated, "and I see a woman who needs help!"
"Link-" she tried again.
I was not going to listen to this foolishness any longer.
"Stop it!" I interrupted. "I mean it, stop it!"
Tears immediately filled her eyes at my outburst.
"But I-" she attempted.
"Let it be," I interrupted again, "if you're worried about the way you look that's the last thing you should be concerned with right now. You could die! Your life means more to me than your silly pride."
After my utterance, Saria closed her eyes tight and turned her head away from me in shame. I paused for a second because she did seem very upset about her vulnerability. I should have been more sensitive to that. I took in a deep sigh, not wanting to appear cross with her, but her priorities were skewed in the context of her life right now. Her life was far more important than her vanity. I wasn't going to listen to her speak drivel when the occasion didn't call for it. I went to reassure her of that.
"You think I came all the way to Hebra just to lose you?" I demanded quietly. "Do you think this is just some game for me?"
Saria pursed her lips together and still said nothing. It was then she released her hand from mine. She realized I wasn't going to foil and she was on the losing end of this argument. I shook my head and got silent myself. I finished my inspection of her skin and accounted for all her injuries. Her cheeks were crimson red, but she didn't fight me when I took out another blanket from my bag and wrapped her snuggly in it. She actually looked relieved by my efforts. The second warmer was a godsend.
"Thank you," she whispered.
"You're welcome," I whispered back.
Afterwards, I held her tight in my arms and rubbed her shoulders to warm her up. At this point, we were quiet, with me thawing her and Saria resting. I stroked her bangs off her forehead and stared at her closed eyes. Her long lashes rested on her cheeks. She finally looked at peace.
She is so beautiful, I thought, so beautiful.
As time drifted on, Saria fell asleep. I was glad she was sleeping. The whole ordeal must have been terrible for her. While she kipped, I kept watch, making sure the fire didn't burn out. Admittedly, I was tired too, but not too tired where I couldn't stay awake. I didn't want us to be surprised by an animal or some other unsavory visitor. I simply reverted back to my role as the adventurer instead of the king. I listened to the ambient noises for any changes in the environment. The fire, the wind, and the faint fall of the snow were conversant. Saria rested for a couple hours before she finally opened her eyes again. She was quiet and didn't say anything for a while. She looked thoughtful, but serious.
She stared off into the cave before she addressed me again.
"I'm sorry," she whispered suddenly.
I reached over and rummaged the embers of the fire. It wasn't the most conventional way to start a conversation.
"Why are you apologizing?" I asked.
She shrugged slightly.
"It's as I've said before, I should have listened to you," she whispered, "this night could have probably been prevented."
I wasn't so sure about that.
"What's done is done," I said simply, "try not to think about it."
Saria rolled her eyes in frustration.
"Why are you keeping me in the dark?" she demanded. "I'm sure people are dead, and they are dead because of that goddess forsaken power within me."
I cut my eyes to her when I heard the bitterness in her voice.
"The people who died tonight made their choice," I said, "they decided to live in darkness, so they died in darkness. Many innocent people were saved."
She was not swayed by my reassurances.
"You're telling me these things to make me feel better," she said.
I shook my head.
"I am telling you the truth," I replied, "it is up to you to believe it or not."
Saria pursed her lips together to keep them from quivering.
"I should have been more careful," she whispered anyway. "I should have made better decisions."
It was always easier to say these things in hindsight.
"You couldn't have known," I whispered back, "you were kidnapped."
This time she shook her head.
"I was not kidnapped," she divulged.
I looked at her taken aback just then.
"What are you talking about?" I asked.
Saria paused for a moment before going on.
"I meant what I said," she replied. "The Dark Maiden took over and brought me to Bathory's mansion. I wasn't kidnapped by anyone other than myself. There were no nefarious henchmen."
I milled over her words.
"I would argue you were kidnapped by the ultimate henchman," I said, "the Dark Maiden took over and brought you to Bathory's home against your will."
Saria was quiet at my explanation. She shrugged at my insight.
"I suppose you're right," she said.
I hugged her tighter.
"I am right," I whispered.
Saria was silent again. It seemed no matter what I said she wasn't going to let me curtail her point, especially given her response.
"Even so, it doesn't matter," she replied, "it should have taught me to be more careful. I should have had more control over her. I was never this reckless in my past."
I knew what she was implying.
"Your past is over Saria," I reiterated, "there's no sense conjuring such thoughts. The Dark Maiden was just more powerful than you thought. Perhaps her dormant influences grew over time. That may have been why you could no longer control her."
Saria avoided my eyes at my utterance.
"Maybe… and maybe not," she whispered, "maybe I'm just too weak."
She was being ridiculous again.
"Stop it," I whispered, "you are not weak."
Her eyes filled with tears.
"But I am," her voice broke, "you had to rescue me. I was not smart enough to see what was going on in my life. How am I not weak? How am I not a fool?"
I took in a deep sigh.
"Saria…" I trailed.
Her tears increased.
"Maybe I'm feeling a little reflective tonight," she went on, "people always feel reflective before they die."
I raised my brows. Saria was beginning to frustrate me with all this self-loathing.
"You aren't going to die," I muttered.
Saria's voice broke more.
"Maybe it would be best if I did," she said. "Maybe I never should have left the Sacred Realm in the first place. Maybe I should have just-"
I put my forefinger to her lips to silence her. She was becoming circular.
"Shut up," I said quietly, "I mean it, shut up with all this foolishness. This isn't you. This isn't the woman I know. The Saria I know would never think to leave her family."
Saria turned her face away started sobbing.
"That Saria is a lie," she said, "a perfectly fabricated lie." She then cut her eyes back to mine. "Look at me… everything about me is false. I'm not really a Hylian. I don't really belong here. I was granted pity, and for what? So the person I wanted to be with the most could marry someone else? I hate my life Link. I hate the lie I live."
"Saria-" I tried, but stopped when suddenly she broke out in perspiration and she felt a sharp pain in her groin.
"Ahhh!" Saria shrieked.
I looked at her stunned and immediately released my hold when she started hyperventilating and looked fearful.
"Something's happening!" she whispered in terror.
My heart pounded at her tone, and utter shock came to my face when she pulled the blankets from over her. There was a flow of blood coming from between her legs.
"You're bleeding!" I said stunned.
Saria's panicked heightened.
"Link help me!" she begged as she grabbed hold of my tunic. "I think I'm having a miscarriage!"
The blood drained from my face when her words hit me.
"W-what?" I stammered.
Saria's hold tightened.
"This isn't right! I can't hold it in!" she said panicked. "Please! Please, I don't want to lose our baby! Help me Link!"
I didn't know how I could calm her down, especially with her disclosed hopes earlier. I attempted to appear strong and took hold of her hands in mine.
"I'm going to do whatever I can to help you," I promised calmly, "but I need to examine you first."
Saria nodded frightened and clutched my hands tightly. However, another sharp pain hit her in the lower abdomen.
"Ahhhhhhh!" she yelped. "Dear goddesses!"
Saria inadvertently got out of my arms as the pain hit her like a spear. The blood flow was steadily increasing. She glanced over at me terrified at her plight. I stared back realizing the horrifying truth. She was miscarrying due to the trauma from the event tonight. A moment later I got up as she prostrated herself for the exam. She laid herself down on the blankets and squeezed her legs together as carefully as possible. The qualms Saria had earlier were gone. Her health was way more than her vanity. She watched as I spread her legs apart to check her further. Immediately I saw that she was in serious trouble. The flow of blood was seeping out of her like a fountain. The source was a cluster of clotted blood and tissue sitting at the womb. She was definitely miscarrying. To be honest, there was no way we were going to able to save her child. There was too much inutero tissue here. She actually needed to push the rest of the contents of her uterus out in order to contract her womb. At the discovery, I looked back into her eyes and had no words for her. My face must have said it all. Saria's crumpled instantly at my expression.
"Saria…" I trailed, "I'm so sorry. There's nothing I can do."
Her chest caved in just then.
"No!" she whispered. "No! No! Nooo!" She covered her face and sobbed into her hands. "This can't be happening!"
I pursed my lips together and did not know what to say.
"I… I…" I trailed, "oh my goddess."
Saria was understandably distraught.
"Link I thought the potion was supposed to heal me and the baby!" she exclaimed. "Why isn't it working?!"
She had a point, but the only thing I could deduce was that her baby died in her womb during the actual crucible. Considering some of the healed wounds I found on her body, I was not surprised that Saria suffered enough damage to lose her child. The brutality from some of the cuts was jarring.
"I'm sorry," was all I could think to say, "I don't know."
At this point she was inconsolable, but she was still unwilling to accept this.
"Push it back in," she said suddenly.
I looked at her taken aback.
"Saria-" I tried.
"Push it back in!" she begged. "I can't lose our baby this way! He was supposed to grow up and look just like you Link! You have to help me save him!"
My heart truly felt dread in her desperation. I nearly teared up at the reality of the situation.
"I can't do that Sar," I said quietly, "in fact, that would be dangerous for you."
Her whole body began to shake.
"I don't care!" she screamed now, then tried to reach down, but I grabbed her hands.
"Don't," I said, "this is not the answer."
Saria stared into my eyes and cried harder.
"Link…" she trailed, no knowing what to say.
Her sobs were so deep that her core was pushing down and her womb began contracting again. I was initially going to tell her to stop, but I could not. She needed to get the rest of the products of conception out of her or she was going to die from infection. More blood and tissue came forth, until it looked like her womb was finally empty. I had nothing to clean up the contents with, so I tore off a sleeve of my cloak and gathered what I could so Saria would not have to see it. I could not begin to describe how awful I was feeling having to do this. I was getting nauseous and incredibly distraught myself. This was surreal. I was picking up pieces of a dead child. I could not imagine what going through Saria's head right. It was one thing to lose her baby. It was another matter entirely to lose her baby on a night like this, in a way like this.
Dear Hylia help her, I prayed.
I took the bloodied sleeve outside and found a quick spot to bury it in the snow. After the burial, I attempted to wipe my hands on the white landscape. The crimson streaks left behind made me think of Daphnes's birth. My son nearly didn't make into this world, but Zelda willed herself to get through that dark time. My son's smiles and laughter were what I lived for. Now… now Ralph's child was dead and there was nothing I could do to protect it. His child was the reason we were all alive, and there was nothing I could do to save it. His wife was in severe grief, and there was nothing I could do to console her, except let her believe a lie. I could let her believe her dead child was mine so I could grieve with her.
Farore… if there was one miracle you could grant me, let it be strength, I begged.
Saria's sobbing could be heard all the way from the outside of the cave. I felt my eyes sting at her cries. My heart sank at her wails. I closed my eyes, praying for closure, but got none. Even so, I got up and went back inside, seeing that Saria had wrapped herself back up in the blankets and had her back to me. She was sobbing uncontrollably. I could not blame her. I paused before sitting back down next to her and stared at the fire. At my closeness, she turned her head to look at me. Her eyes were pink from crying, but she reached out of me anyway. I wasn't sure I should touch her with my bloody hands, but I took hold of her anyway. Her eyes refilled when we interlocked fingers.
"Thank you for doing what I couldn't," she whispered.
I pursed my lips together.
"I wish I didn't have to," I whispered back.
Saria bit her lower lip as her tears spilled over.
"I'm so sorry," she whispered.
I had to look away as I was getting emotional.
"There's nothing you could have done," I replied, my voice broke, "it wasn't your fault."
She shook her head.
"It was my fault," she insisted, "it was! I wanted to have your baby. I know what we did was wrong, but I wanted your son Link."
I simply nodded.
"I know," was all I said in reply, "I wanted you to have my baby too."
Saria then sat up and tried to get a hold of her feelings.
"That… that day when you made love to me," she went on, "at first, I wasn't sure what was going on, but then I just remember having the most incredible time of my life with you. I ignored you in the weeks to come thinking I could forget what happened, thinking I could make my marriage with Ralph better. I lied to myself and to you to try to make sense of everything, and in the end I lost what was ours anyway."
I listened to her speak quietly.
"I lost our baby Link," she whispered with a crack, "I couldn't even give you a child. I couldn't even give you what you wanted from me."
My throat tightened. Ironically, if she had we would all be dead.
"Stop talking about this," I said finally, "this is getting us nowhere and it is only causing you pain."
Saria then reached for me and wrapped her arms around my neck. She sobbed into my shoulder. She still looked pale, but not as bad as a few moments ago, and definitely not as bad as when we first entered the cave. I hugged her back, holding her tight and just allowing her to cry. I stared at the flames, and began to understand the weight of Farore's words to me.
"…Whether you are successful in stopping the Moon Goddess or not, there will be consequences…"
I was beginning to see that this was not simply some far off implication. Though, I believed there would also be far off implications. Our lives were only beginning to be effected by this night. I held her tighter.
"Oh goddesses Link, I'm so sorry!" Saria sobbed.
I closed my eyes.
What is the future going to hold? I wondered. What is in store for us?
"So am I," I whispered back, "so am I."
I would have to wait and see.
Time would only tell.
~SSS~
Several hours leading into dawn: Ralph's POV
My stress was beyond any level of comfort. I was waiting like a useless slog in my home. Elincia could notably see the anguish on my face as she watched me pace across the room. My little girl was the only thing keeping me from losing my mind with worry. Accompanying me was Romani. I initially told her to stay home and stay away, but she wouldn't and insisted that if I kept her away that she would tell my family what transpired. I was surprised by the ultimatum, but I understood her reasoning to a certain extent. Romani felt a measure of guilt for Saria's plight and wanted to see it through to the end. I had not informed my family because I did not want them to have premature concerns. However, if there was bad news, I knew Saria's whole history would have to be divulged to them. In a way, I was glad Romani was here. She was the only person who truly knew what I was going through.
After pacing for the hundredth time, I finally sat back down and ran my hands over my face. Romani looked at me concerned and placed her hand on my shoulder.
"He will find her," she said softly.
By 'he' I was aware she meant the king. I informed her about that too. I told her about the audience and what the king stated about the time line. As it stood, the king's words were clearly delineated in my head. This was the dawn of the third morning. He promised Saria would be returned to me by then. I looked over at Romani and attempted a smile.
"I know," I said, "I just feel so powerless."
Romani caressed my cheek.
"Anyone would feel powerless given the situation," she said.
My throat tightened a little.
"But I'm her husband," I whispered, "I should be the rescuing her."
Romani pursed her lips together.
"Something tells me this is way beyond anything you or I could do," she said. "Even if you were the one to go up there and find her, you might be killed."
I looked away.
"Better me than her," I said.
Romani shook her head.
"Better no one," she whispered, "Elincia needs you too."
I grappled with her reasoning, but I understood.
"Give me a little bit more of your conviction," I whispered back.
Romani attempted a smile.
"I have enough for both of us," she said.
I gazed back over at my friend and gave her a thoughtful look.
"Thank you," was all I could manage.
Afterwards, I got up again. As I stood, Elincia was reaching for me. I smiled at my beautiful little girl and picked her up. She cooed immediately at my closeness. I then walked over to the window and looked at the blood red moon that was fading into the mountains. What happened this night to my wife? Why was she taken away? What did Bathory want with her? These were questions I hoped to get answers to. Admittedly, the moon looked ominous to me, like a great deal of death was exacted on this night. Romani came up next to me and looked out the window.
"I've never seen such a sight," she whispered.
I nodded.
"These moons come only once in a life time," I replied, "however, we may have the privilege of seeing it twice in our lifetime."
Romani looked at me surprised.
"Really?" she asked.
I nodded again.
"There is supposed to be another blood red moon some years from now," I whispered.
"How do you know?" she asked.
"I researched it," I said, "I made it my business to know. After what happened to Saria disappearing and vague tellings of why from the king, I made it my business to know everything."
Romani's eyes widened slightly.
"You sound angry," she whispered.
That was a silly thing to say.
"I am angry," I said, "I have no idea what is going on. I have no idea what to expect."
Romani just stared at me.
"Ralph…" she trailed.
"Put yourself in my shoes," I whispered, "just look at it from my point of view."
Romani's features softened.
"I'm so sorry," she whispered.
I felt myself getting emotional and the last thing I wanted was to cry in front of my friend. I looked away and blinked hard. I was frustrated with this whole goddamn situation. However, the both of us were suddenly startled when a loud bang came from the front door. Feeling my heart jump, I handed Elincia to Romani and hurried to the front door. I gasped when I saw the large hooded man on my front step. However, those blue eyes could not be denied.
"Sire!" I whispered.
He gave a faint nod, and Romani behind me nearly shrieked, but she covered her mouth.
"Your majesty!" she whispered stunned.
The king cut his eyes to Romani briefly, but he said nothing of her recognition of him. In his arms was a body covered in blankets. I knew it was Saria but her face was not revealed. I looked to him fearing the worst.
"Is she dead?" I asked with a cracked voice.
The king paused and stared down at her.
"No," he said, "but when I found her she was close to it."
My dread deepened and I pulled the blanket back from over her face. I was shocked at Saria's appearance. She was pale and I assumed she was naked. What the hell happened to her?
"Dear goddesses," I whispered and took her from the king, "what did they do to her?"
No explanation was given to me, only a solemn look.
"I'm so sorry," was all he said to me, "but I must go."
At that, he turned and headed for the alley. I stared at him stunned. That was all he had to say? This was inexcusable. His response was not good enough for me.
"Wait," I said, "you have to tell me what they did to her!"
My voice seemed to stop the king for just a moment. He halted before he left the porch.
"When the time comes… she will tell you herself," was his reply, "I must go."
Afterwards, he didn't allow me to stop him further and he disappeared into the night like a phantom. I didn't have time to chase after him or argue with him because I needed to tend to my wife. Saria was as white as a poe but she was breathing. Tears immediately filled Romani's eyes when she saw her state.
"Dear Hylia," she whispered, "she's hanging on by a thread."
I shook Saria slightly, hoping to rouse her. Her eyes opened slightly. She winced a little when she recognized me.
"Ralph…" she whispered, "I'm sorry to have worried you."
I couldn't hold it together after that. Tears filled my eyes and gushed onto my cheeks at her destitute state. She looked like she had seen hell. I hurried and took my beloved Saria upstairs to bathe her. Romani attempted to follow me, but I stopped her.
"You stay and watch Elincia," I ordered, "I don't want her to see her mother this way."
Romani tried to resist.
"She won't remember this," she said, "let me help you."
I shook my head.
"No," I said more sternly, "even so, I don't think Saria would want to be an exhibition. She appreciates her privacy."
Romani didn't agree with my logic, but nodded anyway.
"If you insist," she said, "I will do as you request."
With that, I hurried upstairs and to the bathtub. I pumped several gallons of water into the porcelain tub until it was full enough to submerge Saria. When I unclothed her from the blankets, I noticed right away the scars on her body. It was nightmarish how savage some of the scars were. It was then I realized something horrific happened to her.
"My goddess," I whispered, trying to keep it together.
Saria opened her eyes at my voice. She stared me for a long time, before tears filled hers.
"Ralph…" was all she said.
I stroked her hair.
"Yes my love," I replied.
Her bottom lip quivered.
"I'm… I'm so sorry," she whispered, "I'm so sorry you had to see me this way."
I did not care about that.
"I'm just grateful to have you back," I said, "I love you so much."
At my saying that, her emotions could not be contained. She started sobbing incessantly.
"I love you too, but you're going to hate me!" she sobbed all of a sudden.
I shook my head.
"Never," I promised, "I could never hate you."
She could barely speak at my reply.
"I-I lost the baby!" she divulged. "The child I was carrying is dead!"
I felt all the blood drain from my face at her divulgence.
"What?" I whispered.
Saria did not want to repeat herself, so she did not. She turned from looking at me in the tub and cried and cried and cried. I couldn't hold it together myself and it was then I realized I needed Romani just to leave so we could grieve together as a family alone. I left Saria in the tub for a moment and went back downstairs. When I came to the foremost living quarters, Romani was already standing. Tears were in her eyes, which assumed to me she heard Saria's outcry. Romani didn't meet my eyes and instead just handed me Elincia when I came up to her.
"I better go," she said softly, "you two have a great deal to discuss."
I nodded.
"Thank you," I whispered.
With that, Romani took her leave. Afterwards, I went back upstairs with my daughter and placed her in her crib. Elincia did not appear happy when I put her down, but she did not cry, which was a miracle.
"Papa has to take care of mama right now," I whispered, "I'll be back to check on you."
Elincia did not answer of course, but she laid down and played with one of her rattles to comfort herself. I in turn went back to the bathroom and to my horror saw Saria's head underneath the water.
"Dear goddesses no!" I cried out and hurried to de-submerge her.
I pulled her from underneath the water and she immediately coughed to catch her breath. However, when she saw that I stopped her from ending her life, her face crumpled into despair.
"Let me die Ralph," she sobbed, "I don't want to live like this."
I couldn't believe what I was hearing.
"I'm not going to let you give up like this," I said, "your daughter needs you! I still need you! You cannot give up like this!"
She shook her head.
"I don't deserve you Ralph!" she cried. "I've been nothing but trouble for you."
I took her in my arms when my own eyes filled with tears.
"You're my responsibility," I said, "you're my wife, I love you and I'm going to help you get through this. It doesn't matter what you did in the past or who it was with. I don't care about that. I'm just glad you're alive and you're with me and Elincia once more. I'll protect you. This won't ever happen again."
Saria stared at me stunned.
"Ralph…" she trailed.
I wiped my eyes and looked at how pale and tired she appeared.
"You need rest," I said, "I'm going to help you get cleaned up and we'll talk about what happened later okay."
Her surprise never left her face. She had no words for me. In fact she had no words for me the rest of the time I cleaned her up. Afterwards, I put her to bed, but she wanted me to hold her, which I did. When I asked her the inevitable question of what happened, she clammed up. I got no answers from Saria in those first few hours, only tears. She only wanted to talk about how sorry she was for losing our baby. It was devastating to think about, but I cried with her until I could not cry anymore. However, there was an element to her sadness that could not be explained with words. It did not explain the the scars on her body. I had questions, and when the time came for it, I expected answers. Finally, my wife rested. I in turn got up and looked out the window to Hyrule Castle in the distance. I thought spontaneously several times to go and speak with the king. However, I knew I could not be presumptuous, but I was tempted.
One day the king was going to have a reckoning with me.
One day I would eventually know the truth.
"That day will come," I whispered, "that day will come."
~SSS~
Dawn at Hyrule Castle: Zelda's POV
"And so the legend of the Sun Prince and the Moon Goddess comes to an end," I whispered, looking out the window at the sun rising above the mountains, then added, "for now."
I rubbed my belly and took in a deep sigh, thinking about what tonight truly meant for Hyrule. Hyrule fought to live another day thanks to its king. Link had no idea how important he was to this land, and for that I would be forever grateful. I looked forward to having more of his children even after this child in my belly is born. The night is well along and dawn was drawing near, with it came the fulfillment of Nayru's prophecy to me. I was grateful to the Goddess of Wisdom. She bestowed such calming force, even when it seemed that all was lost.
I closed my eyes.
"I can feel her presence now," I whispered.
There was a gentle gust of wind, then suddenly a voice with it.
"Indeed you can my child," said the cadence from behind, "for I am always with you."
I turned, and was both surprised, but calmed, by the divinity now standing in the room with me.
"Your grace," I said with a slight bow.
Nayru smiled at me.
"You've done well Zelda," she said, "you've saved Hyrule yet again."
I grinned.
"I am glad," I said, "I would do anything for Hyrule, anything. I foresaw this outcome thanks to you. I am sure the future will be safe for us now."
Nayru walked over to me. Her radiance was mesmerizing, as she had a soft blue glow surrounding her. Her sky blue hair and sky blue eyes were a vision of absolute beauty. I often wondered what life was like for her as a goddess, knowing everything, but revealing little to give people free will. It must have been a life of great restraint.
"The future will always be safe because of the bond you have with the hero," she said, "but never let your guard down, even with a victory like tonight."
I had a feeling that was why she was appearing to me this way.
"It's not over, is it?" I whispered.
Nayru just stared at me for a long time.
"It is ever really over when people still vie for power?" she countered. "Is it ever really over when a prince shows a harpy mercy?"
I raised a brow at her saying that.
"Mercy?" I repeated.
Nayru said nothing, then looked away.
"The hero is many things," she said, "resilient, brave, handsome, ingenuitive-"
"Short sighted," I added.
Nayru paused and merely grinned.
"Yes, that too," she said.
I took in a deep sigh.
"What has he done?" I asked.
Nayru gave me a knowing look and shrugged.
"It's more of what he did not do," she said.
I stared at the divinity taken aback.
"What?" I whispered.
Nayru stared deeply into my eyes.
"Search your heart," she said, "I think you already know the answer."
At her utterance, I closed my eyes and took in a deep sigh. I had a feeling his kindness would still his hand. It was effective, but not when the stakes were so high.
"He… he spared Lady Bathory," I realized.
Nayru was less mysterious about my answer.
"Yes," she said, "and because of, such peace will be a limiting factor in all this."
I did not let my frustration show.
"How unfortunate," was all I said in reply, "why would he do such a thing?"
"Because he does not yet understand," Nayru said, "because he does not yet know what it means to be a king."
I looked at her puzzled just then.
"I think he's doing a fine job being king," I defended. "He was once a peasant, now he is the ruler of the world."
Nayru raised a brow.
"Interesting way that you put that," she said. "You said it yourself, he needs some tweaking. His mercy is a gift and a curse. What will come of it can only be known in your future."
I guarded my belly again.
"Will this effect my children?" I asked. "I must know."
She gave me an obvious look.
"You are aware I cannot reveal the future to you," she said, "but you already know that because of your own actions the future will have consequences."
I looked at her surprised.
"What do you mean?" I demanded. "I am already paying for my part in Link's melancholy. I cannot be made to suffer more. He already loves another woman. Isn't that enough?"
Nayru paused for a moment.
"As you know, life is not fair," she said softly, "come what may, you are going to have to deal with it."
I was a little taken aback with the harshness of her tone.
"This is your reply?" I demanded.
Nayru did not flinch.
"What would you have me say?" she asked. "Would you rather I be dishonest with you because it suits you?"
I looked down and rubbed my womb. Why was this so hard? Why was this so difficult?
"No," I said quietly, "of course not."
Nayru then studied my expression and tried to cheer me up.
"Fret not about things that do not concern you right now," she said. "My purpose in coming was to congratulate you for a job well done. You will be given the strength to deal with the trials of life ahead. I know that because you bear my Triforce."
I wasn't sure if those words were supposed to denote comfort or not. It did not seem that way.
"Trials?" I repeated.
Nayru grinned.
"All life has trials," she said, "this is nothing new. All you have to do is look at the history of your family."
I was astonished at the slight venom in that statement. I was well aware of the sins of my family. I said nothing.
"Anyway, I must be going, your husband is returning and I don't want to get in the way of his victory," she said. "Be kind to him tonight. Reassure him of his kingship. Don't focus on his flaws. One mistake does not negate a night of valor."
I simply nodded. Nayru came up to me anyway and hugged me. It was awkward at first, but I hugged her back, knowing that the Goddess of Wisdom was always looking out for me. She knew me in a way no one else would, and she loved me in a way no one else could. I appreciated her guidance, even if it was a bit brash.
"You are right," I whispered, "thank you."
"Of course," she whispered back.
With that, Nayru released me, giving me a smile of approval, then looked at my belly.
"I see another son in your future," she whispered.
I looked at her surprised.
"I thought you weren't supposed to reveal that!" I teased.
Nayru shrugged.
"I'm breaking the rule this one time," she replied, "he will be a handsome lad, like your firstborn."
That made me glad, but it wasn't too much of a revelation. Link and I were exceptionally attractive people. We were bound to have beautiful children.
"Well, thank you for the exacted information," I replied, "it is most useful."
With that, Nayru finalized the conversation in preparation to take her leave. A light suddenly surrounded her.
"Take care my child," she said. "Remember, I'll always be here to guide you."
I nodded.
"I know," I replied, "you've never let me down."
Afterwards, Nayru snapped her fingers and disappeared from the room. All remnants of her presence was gone. I looked around the room for a moment.
Such an interesting deity, I thought, not the conventional goddess one would read in a story book.
Her timing was impeccable because no sooner than she left, the door opened to the secret passageway. In walked my husband. Link's expression said it all when the door closed behind him. I turned to face him and took a step forward. I clasped my hands in front of my dress.
"It is finished?" I asked. "Were you successful?"
I knew the answers to my questions as did he, but he humored me anyway. Link stared at me for a long time, but then eventually nodded.
"It is finished," he said, "the Moon Goddess is not coming back."
It was a comforting thought… for now. I went up to him, but Link stopped me.
"You do not want to touch me right now," he warned. "I have innocent blood on my hands."
I looked at him stunned with the way he uttered that.
"Innocent blood?" I repeated.
He avoided my eyes. He didn't seem to want to repeat himself.
"Yes," was all he said in reply, then he walked past me.
Link unhooded himself and went to the anteroom to wash up. I did not immediately follow, but I saw the sadness in his eyes. Throughout the night I felt the ebbs and flow of our bond. There was a point where it was cut off completely for awhile, so there was no way for me to completely know what he or Saria had been through. I was happy he was able to rescue her, and I hoped he got all the things he needed to say to her off his chest. I could not imagine being so deeply in love with another person and not being able to be with them. In those moments, I realized the true gravity of what my decisions meant to him. I wanted him to have his privacy. He needed his own solace in dealing with his pain. Nayru was right, I needed to be kind to Link. I needed to understand his pain in this pivotal moment.
I rubbed my belly once more, knowing now I was going to have another boy.
"Life can be so complicated," I whispered to my unborn, "but we will get through it." I looked out the window where the sun was coming up above the trees. "We will get through it."
I walked over to the table in the center of the room. The ancient manuscript that I had been reading throughout the night was here and opened. I sat down as a bit of text caught my eye. A message. A warning.
It read:
"Should the Moon Goddess fail to come upon this world, let the people rejoice in the Sun Prince. The Sun Prince is the avenger of truth and justice. He has stopped the land from being purged into darkness. Bu lo! Should the Priestess Majora still have breath in her body, she will attempt another coup of the kingdom. Her efforts will be more covert than they were initially. She will wait years until another vessel is available. Until then the avenger of light must never lose sight of his role. If the Priestess Majora seeks the Goddess of Darkness again, her ultimate end will be at the hands of the light avenger. However, the light avenger too will suffer a loss; a loss that he does not expect, and in a way he does not expect it. The recompense is to serve as a reminder what his actions with the Dark Maiden could have cost the world."
I closed the book at those final words and thought about what Nayru revealed to me.
"Mercy… Link's mercy…" I whispered, "Bathory will rise again."
Only time would tell when.
~SSS~
Dawn of the next day, Bathory Manor
The room seemed to be spinning, but when we opened our eyes, we realized that it was just our head. We had been out for hours. We got up and looked around. There was death everywhere. There were bodies everywhere. Our comrades were gone. The vessel was gone. Our plans were spoiled. We had to regroup. We had to remember Hellia forever. We looked and saw our oldest comrades were dead. Dead and gone.
"Serves them right," we whispered.
We felt different somehow. The Sun Prince bound us somehow, but we are not quitting. We are not quitting because the Moon Goddess is not here. Until she is with us, we will search for her forever. We walked over bodies, we saw the empty cell –there was so much work to be done. However, before that, we needed to see how much we changed. We needed to know what the Moon Goddess blessed us with. There was a mirror nearby -we would use that. We walked, we shuffled, and we crawled. We were not the same person. No, we were not the same person. We finally got to the mirror and before we spoke a word we screamed.
"AHHHHHHHHHHH!"
We screamed an eternal scream of agony.
Now it was official.
Now we were madness.
Now… we are Majora
The End of Book I
Thank you for reading