`Inspiration: Conversations between lovers & friends, and rising tension.
Original Shout Outs: James Birdsong, Hunter113, and The Nive.
New Shout Outs: Katia0203, My other choice was taken, and AdventureGirl1 thanks for reading new readers.
Author Note: Reedited 4/9/2012; ADDENDUM reedited 1/7/2013
Specialty Rating: This chapter is T-16 for sensuality. I didn't have a specialty rating before because I didn't think it was a big deal, but after a reader brought it to my attention that the level of sensuality bothered him a little and he wished he was warned about it, I started rating chapters like this. As soon as the scene shifts to the bedroom and the conversation ends you can stop reading if you want. Thanks. ~ZR~.
Chapter 6
I hurried through the forest and across the bridge. When I got to Hyrule Field I immediately called for Epona. The rain was coming down like torrents and Saria's clothes were soaked. I quickly took off my cloak and wrapped her in it. Even though I wanted to keep her dry, I was hoping the cooling effects of the hypothermia would slow the action of the drink.
Stay with me Sar, I thought, then tried to find some solace in the emergent situation, it looks like you're sharing my cloak after all.
Her condition was steadily getting worse. Her lips were paler, her eyes were closed, and she had a weak, thready pulse. The chill in the air was biting.
Good goddess, I thought in panic, she's going to die.
I galloped at full speed when this thought went through my head. I headed to Hyrule Castle Town with all haste. However, the rain wasn't making my ride easy. I had to consistently wipe water out of my face as I rode. My clothes were soaked, and the chill was nipping at my back.
I'm almost there, I thought.
As I got closer, the draw bridge was going up. I hurried to dismount and jumped onto the rising bridge. I rolled down the ascending plank, and landed into a standing position. I then went to the chain tower and whipped the door open. The standing guard was startled by my presence. He looked at me shocked.
"Sir Link!" he said surprised. "If I'd known you were trying to-" the guard tried to explain.
"Open the gate," I interrupted, not interested in his explanation and quickly left the tower.
"Yes sir!" he called after me with a salute.
I waited with a slight impatience as the gate came back down. When the abridged wooding met the other side of the moat, I saw that Saria's body had slumped over on Epona.
"Oh no!" I whispered to myself, and ran up to my horse to catch her before she fell.
I held her close and checked her pulse, it was barely palpable. I then hurried and picked her up in my arms and ran into Castle Town. I passed several guards as I went by. All of them were eyeing me surprised. I had Saria's face covered, and immediately headed for my villa.
"Sir Link!" one of the guards called to me. "Sir, are you in need of assistance?"
I kicked the door open and didn't answer him. I went and laid her down on my couch near the far window. I brushed my wet hair out of my face, and checked her pulse again.
"It's getting weaker," I muttered, then hurried to my cabinet and retained a bottle of blue potion.
This better work, I thought, popping the cork.
I went up to Saria and uncloaked her, her lips were blue. She honestly looked like she was dead. Needing to stay focused, I put the potion to her lips with a trembling hand, and tilted her head back for her to drink.
Come on Saria, I thought, please give me a sign.
I got hopeful when she induced the motion to swallow.
That's more like it, I thought.
"Sir Link," I heard one of the guards call from my entryway, "may I assist you in anyway?"
I turned at the sound of his voice, forgetting I left my door wide open. The soldier was standing at the door frame, but when he caught my eye, he came into my living room.
"Uh..." I said, having to think quickly, "get me some dry towels from the cupboard."
The guard nodded, and immediately went to my cupboard to find a drying towel. When he walked up to hand it to me, I noticed one of his eyebrows rose when he saw my visitor. I ignored it, not worried about what he was thinking.
I can't worry about that now, I thought.
I sighed in relief when I saw the motion of her throat continuing to swallow. Saria drank until half the potion was gone. She then sat up a little on her own and finished the rest. When her eyes opened, I let out another sigh of relief. I was glad to see she was going to be okay.
"Ah," she moaned in pain, reaching up and grabbing her head.
Interestingly enough, as quickly as she came to, she passed out again. I got worried at seeing that.
Damn, I thought, that poison really is taking its toll on her body.
"Go get a blanket," I directed the guard, "we've got to get her out of these wet clothes. The hypothermia may be making her lose consciousness."
The guard's eyes widened in disbelief.
"Excuse me sir?" he replied.
I turned to look at him and raised my eyebrows.
"I didn't stutter," I said, "go get the blanket."
The guard froze for a moment unsure if he should follow my orders, but then saluted and went back to the cupboard. He came back and handed me the blanket with hesitation.
"Thank you," I said, and grabbed it to gently dab Saria's face.
Saria took in a deep troubled breath and moved her head to the other side. The potion was starting to have some positive effects. I then fanned the blanket out to cover her body in preparation to undress her. From the corner of my eye, I saw the guard slowly back up.
I turned my head to look at him.
"Where are you going?" I asked abruptly.
He froze in his tracks.
"Uh..." he trailed.
I groaned in slight irritation.
If he was going to be this much of a worry wart, he shouldn't have asked to help, I thought.
"Didn't you ask to assist me soldier?" I asked.
The guard stood erect when I said that and saluted again.
"Yes sir," he replied.
I shook my head.
"Well then, get over here!" I snapped, I over exaggerated a little bit to put some pep in his step.
The guard immediately came back to where I was.
"I'm sorry sir!" he said.
"Hold this," I directed, handing him the blanket and ignoring his apology, "I want you to hold this over her while I undress her."
The guard turned red at the cheeks.
Is he serious right now? I thought. He's blushing?
"Y-Yes sir!" he replied, placing the blanket low over Saria's body.
I grinned, his reaction was humorous.
He's way too serious, I thought, reaching under the cloth and pulling off her boots.
They were soaked. I turned them upside and almost a cup of water poured out. I went to touch her feet and her soles were freezing.
I have to hurry, I thought, undressing her with more urgency.
I reached up, unbuckled her holster, and pulled down her pants. They were soaked as well. I made sure my head was turned away in the direction of the guard so I wouldn't see Saria's bare skin. I noticed the guard was beet red.
What is this guy so nervous about? I wondered. He's holding a blanket. I'm doing all the work.
Once I removed her pants, I got up to ring them out. The guard stood over Saria in an awkward fashion, nervously holding the blanket above Saria. I knew it was wrong, but I found it funny. I smirked at the guard's fickle nerves.
"Don't peek," I teased, "she may wake up and then you'll really be in trouble."
The guard froze immediately when I said this. His eyes got wide with anxiety.
"I had no intention of peeking sir!" the guard said.
I hung the wet pants over a dry door and turned back around. The guard stood erect like a tree.
Poor guy, I thought, trying not to snicker.
"I have to remove her shirt now," I said, "I need for you to continue as you were. Can you do that?"
The guard swallowed hard.
"Yes sir," he replied serious.
I raised my eyebrows and directed my attention back to Saria.
This guy is intense, I thought.
I cleared my throat so I wouldn't chuckle.
"Alright, let's begin," I said.
The guard leaned in to cover Saria up to her shoulders. I raised Saria's arms above her head and lifted her wet shirt. It slid off pretty easily, but it too was soaked. I got up to ring it out.
"Bundle her in the blanket," I said to the guard.
The guard nodded and bundled Saria loosely, not wanting to tuck her in too much. He then turned his attention back to me.
"Is there anything else sir?" he asked.
I shook my head no.
"That's all," I replied, placing Saria's rung shirt over another door, "you may go."
The guard bowed, but then hesitated for a moment. I looked at him from the corner of my eye again.
"Yes?" I inquired.
The guard pursed his lips together before he replied.
"Are… are you sure you don't want me to call a doctor for you?" the guard asked. "This might look… weird for you."
This guard is more worried about political appearances than I am, I discerned.
"It's not necessary right now," I replied, "I'll call for the doctor if I need one."
The guard looked at me surprised. I knew he wasn't expecting that reaction.
"But-but sir-" he tried.
I turned full on to face him.
"I think it would be best if you returned to your post," I interrupted.
The guard immediately closed his mouth and saluted when I said that.
"Yes sir," he replied.
He then turned and headed out the front door. I watched him go, but decided to stop him for a moment.
I need to make sure he doesn't have the wrong idea, I thought.
"And soldier," I said abruptly, halting him in his tracks.
"Yes sir?" he replied.
I raised my eyebrows and gave him a knowing stare.
"Let's not read more into this than what this is, okay?" I said.
The guard stared at me for a moment and nodded.
"Yes sir," he said.
I was satisfied with that.
"You may go," I said again, then went to close my door after him.
I sighed and turned to look at Saria. Her head was propped up against a pillow, her eyes were closed and she was sleeping soundly. I went over and checked her pulse again. It was stronger now, and her cheeks had more color.
It looks like the potion is in full effect, I thought relieved.
I kneeled down and tightened the blanket around her before I picked her up. She sighed softly in my arms when I lifted her, and I took her upstairs to my bedroom.
She'll sleep in here, I thought, placing her head on the dry pillow, I'll sleep on the couch downstairs.
I covered her with another blanket and she stirred slightly. Saria blinked twice and then looked up at me with a slight haze in her eyes. She put a hand to her forehead and took in a deep breath.
Thank the goddess, I thought of her opened eyes.
"What happened?" she asked quietly.
I looked down at her and grinned.
What happened indeed, I thought.
"You drank too much," I said simply.
Saria gave me a funny stare.
"I drank too much?" she repeated.
I nodded.
"Yes," I replied.
She looked me over just then.
"You're soaking wet," she said, stating the obvious.
I chuckled lightly at hearing that and shrugged.
"You took my cloak from me," I joked.
She smiled.
"You actually shared it with me?" she asked incredulous. "I must have been out cold."
I was glad to see she was getting back to normal.
"Yeah," I replied, "tell me about it."
Saria grinned at me, then tried to sit up.
Uh oh, I thought, knowing I needed to caution her with that.
"Wait," I warned, "you might not want to do that. You don't have any…" I trailed, and stroked a hand through my damp hair, "uh… you're naked."
A puzzled expression came across her face.
"What?" she inquired surprised, looking down, grateful only her bare shoulders were showing.
Her eyes got wide and her cheeks turned crimson at the realization of her predicament. She immediately propped herself back down under the covers and gripped the blankets at her chest. There was an uncomfortable silence between us after that.
"Um... where are my clothes?" she asked finally.
I paused for a moment.
She's probably thinking the worst, I thought.
"They're drying," I replied.
Saria nodded at hearing that, and gripped onto the sheets tighter.
"Oh," she replied.
There was another silence.
Let me try to ease her mind, I thought.
"Uh…" I trailed uncomfortably, which was the opposite of what I intended, "how do you feel?"
She nodded again and wouldn't look up at me.
"I feel okay," she said softly.
"Do you feel weak still?" I went on.
Saria shook her head no.
"I feel a lot better," she said, "what did you give me?"
I grinned.
"The bartender said you had to have a blue potion," I said, "there was none at the bar so I had to rush back here and gave you the one I had in my cabinet."
She finally looked up at me when I said that.
"Thank you," she replied, "I really do appreciate it."
I fanned off her thanks.
"You're welcome," I said, "I'm sorry the day turned out so badly. We set out to help you find out more about your past, and things turn out for the worst and you nearly die."
Saria took in a deep sigh when I said that. She raised her eyebrows and bit her lower lip.
"It was my own fault," she said, "I shouldn't have been so presumptuous."
I only nodded, and we got quiet again. I knew she was nervous about our current situation, and I couldn't lie, so was I.
Talk about compromising situations... there's a naked woman in my bed, I thought, and not just any woman, a beautiful naked woman. If these were the impervious days of my teenage years I would secretly high five myself for this. However, since I'm engaged, and am kind of popular this could be bad.
"Can I get you anything?" I asked finally, breaking the silence.
Saria shook her head no.
She seems so timid right now, I thought, she probably thinks I copped a feel.
"Um…" I began, "I-I didn't see anything, and I had a guard help me."
Saria looked up at me surprised, and her eyes widened.
"There were two of you?" she asked.
Maybe I shouldn't have told her that, I thought.
I merely nodded.
Saria looked away from me and blushed.
We were silent again. I reached over and took it upon myself to feel her forehead. I was trying my hardest not to make things more awkward than what they already were.
Be natural Link, I told myself, stop making this a bigger deal.
"Your temperature seems normal," I stated. "Do you feel hot or flushed, with any weird sensations running up and down your body?"
I immediately bit my tongue, because I realized just how erroneous that sounded.
Oh wow, I thought sarcastic, brilliant Link, absolutely brilliant.
Saria turned beet red.
"Do I feel what?" she asked.
Don't repeat that, I thought.
"Never mind," I said quickly.
Just get out of here, I told myself, but Saria grabbed my wet sleeve before I walked from the bedside. What's this?
"Yes?" I asked her without looking down at her.
She secured the blanket at her chest with her other free hand, and sat up full on.
"Where are you going?" she asked softly.
I had to think quick. I looked over at my closet.
Perfect, I thought.
"I need to get you something to sleep in," I replied, "you won't be warm like that."
Before she had a chance to reply, I freed my hand and walked over to my closet.
Make this quick Link, I told myself, the sooner you get out of here the better off you are.
I searched through my tunics until I finally found a night shirt long enough for her. Honestly, all of my pajama shirts would have been long enough for her. I turned and tossed Saria the green and white striped night shirt. I also pulled out a pair of black pajamas for myself.
"Put that on and get some sleep," I said, then headed for the door.
Saria caught the shirt with her free hand, and nodded obediently.
"...Yeah," she said.
I went over to the bedroom door still not looking at her.
"I'll see you in the morning," I said, "goodnight."
Saria stared at me for a moment.
"Goodnight," she replied, "and uh… thank you."
"You're welcome," I replied, feeling an unexpected wave of anxiety run over me.
I hurried to open the door and exit. Just beyond the abridging, I took in a deep apprehensive breath and sighed. I shook my head realizing I was being foolish.
What the hell is wrong with me? I thought, already knowing the answer. I'm a grown man!
I glanced over my shoulder and tapped my fingers on the door nervously.
"Maybe I should have thought this through better," I muttered to myself.
I grunted, and pushed myself off the door. I went downstairs where I changed into the pajamas I was carrying, and tried to get my mind on something else. I needed to figure out this whole Zant matter anyway. There were still several things I didn't understand. Why the intense secrecy from me? Why was the Deku Tree involved? And why was Daphnes making secret trips without anyone else's knowledge?
I circled the room pondering over these questions.
I know I need to talk to the king, I thought, he's hiding something big. I only got the limited information regarding Zant because of my own endeavors. What could he be possibly hiding I wonder?
I stopped pacing for a moment and pondered further.
How does Zant know about me? I thought all of a sudden. When he revealed who he was, he distinctly added I was the future king of Hyrule. How does he know that? Does he have spies? He must, but who and how?
The whole matter was unsettling. I sat down absently through my introspection and inadvertently felt wetness. I jumped up immediately from the couch remembering that was where I sat Saria.
Damn it! I thought. This is where I was supposed to sleep tonight.
I took in a frustrated breath, and then looked over at my recliner. The teetered wooden chair sat obtusely from me.
"It looks like it's you and me tonight," I said aloud to the recliner.
I went and got a blanket from my cupboard and eyed the chair again before I sat down.
"I really hate this thing," I muttered to myself, "I don't know why I even have it."
I sat down trying to find a comfortable position. What the hell was I thinking? It was a wooden chair, there was no comfortable position. Realizing this was as good as it was going to get for the night, I forced my eyes shut.
~SSS~
Three o'clock in the Morning: Saria's POV
I sat up in bed clearly not able to sleep. I was too worried about how Link was fairing downstairs. Okay, I wasn't going to lie, I wished we were lying in the same room together whether it was the bedroom or not. I hated the thought of him having discomfort because of me.
I can't believe he put himself at such risk to help me, I thought.
I was grateful for that and looked over at the closed door. I bit my lower lip.
Should I get up and check on him? I thought, knowing I should probably stay put.
There was no need to 'check' on Link, he wasn't a child, I knew he was fine.
Do I have some ulterior motives? I wondered. Am I lying to myself with why I'm concerned with him? Do I want something more?
I sighed at the dilemma and pulled the sheets back. My legs dangled with hesitation for a moment.
Maybe... I thought with honesty, but remember Saria this was the kind of situation you were trying to avoid. Don't go downstairs under false pretenses when you know very well there are... other reasons you want to know if Link is okay.
I went over the quandary several times in my head and made a decision just then.
"Maybe I could just peek out the door and see if he's doing alright," I reasoned and got up from the warm bed.
Even with that decision in mind, I hesitated several feet from the door.
Saria, I thought, if you open that door you know something... compromising is going to happen. Just stay in the room and go to sleep.
I sighed and stared at the closed door again.
"I better not," I said, realizing my duality was making me seem silly now, "I know I'm going to regret it if I do."
I crossed my arms over my chest and didn't move one way or another.
However, I thought, there are some things that came to my mind that I recently had no recollection of. Maybe I can discuss that with Link.
I wasn't just pondering that to ponder that, there were some memories that had conjured to my mind. I knew it was late, but considering the circumstances I may not get another opportunity to discuss what's been going on with me to Link like this again.
Okay, I thought, the decision has been made. I'll see if he's okay, and if he awakens we can talk... possibly.
With that in mind I went over to the door. I opened it slowly and peered out. I couldn't really see anything from the vantage point of the living room, so I poked my head out and looked downstairs. I raised my eyebrows when I saw Link sitting in a very uncomfortable wooden looking chair. I came out and stood at the top stair when I saw this. I closed the door behind me and went down several of the stairs. I stopped at the midway point and sat down.
Link's head was turned on his side and he was muttering slightly in his sleep. I looked at him concerned but didn't want to waken him for fear of how he may react.
I hope he's okay, I thought, pulling my knees to my chest, what in the world is he dreaming about?
~SSS~
Link's POV
On the event horizon was a beautiful golden brown iridescence. Encapsulated in the center, like a diamond shaped beacon of light, was the Castle of Hyrule. In the top tower was a beautiful maiden with long dark hair. She wore a cloak, and bore the symbol of the Triforce in her left hand.
Zelda? I wondered, but she looked slightly different.
I ran to the top of the tower to try to free the maiden.
"Come on!" I said in a hurry. "We have to go quickly!"
The woman looked at me with sad, but beautiful blue eyes.
"How could you do this to me forefather?" the maiden asked, her voice was full of sorrow.
I looked at her confused.
"I want to help you!" I replied. "That's why I'm here!"
The maiden merely looked at me.
"You can't help me," she said to me.
I tried to reach for her.
"I can!" I begged. "Just give me your hand!"
She's just beyond my reach.
"You can't help me," she repeated.
I tried to grab for her again, when out of nowhere Zant appeared behind the maiden.
My eyes grew wide in fear.
"Behind you!" I cried out.
But the maiden didn't respond, she just stared at me.
Zant pulled out a long blade and readies it at her neck.
I felt panic run through me at seeing that.
"No!" I cried out, trying to warn her. "Behind you!"
Again she didn't react.
Zant smirked.
"You will pay for your family's sins," he said to her and then brought the sword back to strike.
"No!" I said, trying to reach for her.
Zant swung.
"No!" I screamed.
~SSS~
"No!" I whispered, then woke up.
I blinked several times, then ran my hands over my hands over my face.
What in the world was that? I thought.
I shook my head.
"A nightmare," I moaned to myself.
I looked out the window and noticed it was still dark outside.
It's still a few hours before dawn, I thought, taking in a deep breath, it seems like this day is never going to end.
I thought I was alone, but then I looked up abruptly and was slightly startled to see Saria sitting down staring at me from the staircase. It took me a moment to get her face in focus. She looked at me concerned.
"Are you okay?" she asked me softly.
I took in a relieved sigh. I was glad to see she looked like her normal self, and she was able to get out of bed without any worries.
"Yeah," I replied, and tried to smile.
"You were muttering in your sleep," she stated, "I just wanted to make sure you were okay. I'm sorry if I startled you."
I grinned at her concern.
"I'm fine," I replied, "thank you. I just had a little unexpected dream."
Saria lifted her head from her knees when I said that.
"You had a nightmare?" she asked.
I didn't want her worrying about anything like that.
Just reassure her of your wellbeing and let her go back to bed, I thought.
"I'm fine Saria," I said, not answering her inquiry, "thanks for being concerned."
Saria sighed at my answer and just stared at me for a moment. She stood up, but instead of going back upstairs and back to bed, she came down the rest of the stairs to where I was. She sat down across from me on my coffee table.
I immediately tensed up when she did that. I couldn't help it. Saria was only wearing a long shirt with nothing else underneath, and she had these incredibly perfect legs and thighs. I wasn't the type of man who lied to himself about a weakness. Beautiful women were a weakness of mine, that's why I avoided them. Being the First knight and Hero of Time invited a lot of impervious women to my door. I always said no, but this time it was different. I had one in my house with me. Maybe I was being presumptuous, but with the way Saria was staring at me with her hair down, and her bangs falling into her face, she looked like one of those impervious women. She looked like an angel as well.
Oh goddesses, I thought, this just isn't fair.
"What are you doing up?" I asked, breaking the silence.
Saria shrugged at my question.
"I couldn't sleep," she replied, "I kept thinking about you down here all by yourself."
I nodded, trying to ignore the inflection in her last statement.
Don't match that, I thought.
"That happens to me too," I said, replying only to the first thing she said, "I'm just glad you're feeling better."
Saria paused and stared at me again. She was perceptive, she caught on to what I was trying to do. She looked down and oddly smirked while shaking her head.
I guess I made that obvious, I thought.
"What?" I asked anyway.
Saria bit her lower lip before she answered.
"You know," she began, "you don't always have to say what everybody wants to hear."
I wish I could say I agreed with her, but I knew given my station in life that that simply wasn't true. However, I understood her conjecture and agreed with her. I looked at her thoughtfully just then.
"I don't," I stated honest.
Saria let her head fall to her shoulder and she smiled at me again.
"Yes you do," she replied, "you're the Hero of Time, you have to be perfect."
I raised my eyebrows and grinned, wishing I could disagree with her on that, but I couldn't.
"It feels that way sometimes, I'm not going to lie," I replied, "but I understand why people have that expectation."
Saria raised her eyebrows at me.
"Don't you think you're expecting too much from yourself by putting all the people's expectations on you?" she asked.
I saw her point.
"I know what you mean," I said, "but really, what choice do I have?"
"Hmph," she grunted in a thoughtful manner, "I never thought of it that way."
I nodded, and then a brief silence fell over us. Saria was still looking at me with that hypnotic blue gaze from those catlike eyes of hers. She really was stunning, but there was something different about her beauty that night. Her eyes seemed bluer and her hair had this mysterious iridescent glow from the moonlight. I didn't want to think about it, but I wondered how many men were seduced by that gaze.
Don't think like that Link, I told myself, you have no reason to suspect she's had that kind of past, or that she's that kind of woman. She said it herself she wasn't that kind of girl.
Saria straightened her head and looked deeply into my eyes.
"You want to know something?" she asked me, breaking the silence.
I raised my eyebrows.
"What's that?" I inquired.
She gave me a long once over after she said that.
"You don't have to be perfect with me," she said softly, "you can be a little flawed white knight of Hyrule. You can be a little… dirty."
I looked at her surprised when she said that.
Oh boy, I thought.
"Uh..." I trailed.
She grinned at my reaction.
"Did I say too much?" she whispered.
My throat tightened at her tone.
Don't match that either, I thought.
"N-no no!" I stammered, sounding like a fool. "I was just going to say that's good to know."
I wanted to ease the tension I felt radiating off the both of us, but I realized that was a stupid reply on my part.
Really Link? I demanded of myself. Being told being dirty 'is good to know?'
Saria grinned at my reaction and I really wanted to change the subject. This was quickly going down a direction it shouldn't.
Bring up something about the previous day, I thought, say something, anything!
"That was quite the melee you started at the bar in Ordon," I segued, "do you usually get things all rowdy like that?"
I probably should have used different vernacular considering our present situation, but I had to make due with what I said.
There's no taking it back now, I thought.
Saria wasn't stupid, she knew what I was doing, but instead of fighting it, she went along with it.
"It was, and no, not all the time," she said with a nod, and then didn't say anymore.
I had to admit, she was good. She was forcing this whole segment of conversation on me. I was the one who brought it up, so I had to be the one to initiate it.
Keep going then, I thought.
"How did you learn to fight like that?" I asked. "You're pretty skilled."
Saria smirked at me.
"Here and there," she replied.
I raised my eyebrows at her, and she simply stared back.
"Here and there huh?" I replied.
She licked her lips.
"Yeah," she whispered.
That nearly got a rise out of me.
Oh boy, change the subject, I thought.
"Do you... think the old man is worried about you?" I continued.
She grinned and narrowed her eyes slightly.
"He isn't my father Sir Link," she replied.
I was slightly thrown off by that.
"I..." I trailed, "I didn't say that."
Saria studied me again.
"I suppose he is worried," she replied finally, "I did tell him I'd be back yesterday," she looked out the window at the predawn hour, "that didn't work out too well."
I took in a deep breath and nodded. For some odd reason she smiled at me.
"What?" I asked her.
She shrugged.
"You're adorable when you're nervous," she said.
I looked at her surprised.
Does it show that much? I wondered.
"Oh... uh... thanks," I trailed, not knowing what else to say to that.
She chuckled softly.
"No problem," she said with a nod.
There was a brief silence between us.
This is harder than I thought, I pondered.
"So..." I started, breaking the silence, "you sing?"
Saria raised her eyebrows at me.
"How do you know that?" she asked.
"You stated something or other like that at the tavern," I replied.
A thoughtful expression came across her face just then.
"Yeah," she said, "I did mention that, didn't I?"
I nodded.
"Yes you did," I replied, then added, "what do you sing?"
The subject seemed to really interest her.
"Mostly jigs and folk tunes," she replied, "when I worked at the tavern I'd sing with my ocarina and get the customers going."
Wait a minute, what? I thought.
"You can play the ocarina?" I asked.
The look on my face must have revealed my surprise.
Saria nodded.
"Yes," she said, "I've been playing for as long as I can remember."
I looked at her in slight disbelief.
Is she serious? I wondered.
"Would you... would you mind singing me a song?" I asked, it was more for my own clarification than anything. "I happen to love the ocarina."
I'm not going to tell her I know how to play, I thought, I need to assess her.
Saria looked at me surprised and then smiled.
"Of course I'll sing for you," she said, "it's the least I can do."
Saria then got up from the table and went to her satchel hanging on one of the door posts. She pulled out a green onyx ocarina, my eyes widened slightly at the sight of it.
So, she does have one, I thought.
Saria sat back down, and put the instrument to her lips, but then briefly pulled away.
"Now, I'm a little rusty, so no laughing," she warned playfully.
I shook my head and fanned off her worry.
"I wouldn't laugh at you," I promised.
Saria was reassured by that, and put the ocarina back to her lips. She closed her eyes and started playing a beautiful Hylian jig. The cadence was melodic and simple, but I was really surprised when she pulled away and sang:
"The hills of the trees and forest
Give rise to Farore's great call
So, beckon the will of the forest
Where there's love and good cheer for you all
~S~
"The Hylian inside
Will always have pride
For the virtue that begets in our blood
And we'll still roll tide
And will always fight
To keep the enemies away from our love
~S~
The hills and the trees of the forest
Give rise to Farore's great call
So, beckon the will of the forest
Where there's love and good cheer for you all
Where there's love and good cheer for you all
Where there's love and good cheer for... you all."
Saria played the last sequence of notes and ended her song. She looked at me expectantly when it was over. I was shocked.
"Well," she said hopeful, "what do you think?"
I looked at her dumbfounded for a moment. It was beautiful and reminded me of the past; the woodlands, the trees, those things of my childhood. I tried not to let it show, but I was deeply moved by how wonderfully she sang that.
That was perfect, I thought, absolutely perfect.
"I..." I trailed, not knowing what to say, "I'm speechless, that was beautiful."
She blushed when I said that and smiled. She looked down and caressed her ocarina.
"I'm glad," she said, "that song makes even grown men cry at times. Well... grown drunk men, I should know, I've seen it."
She chuckled after she said that. I would've too, if I were really paying attention to what she said. I stared at her, getting the craziest sense of deja vu.
Is this woman...? I trailed my thoughts, and redirected my recourse. Who is she?
Saria bit her lower lip at the way I was staring at her.
"What is it?" she asked.
I shook my head when I realized how hard I was staring at her.
"I'm sorry," I said, "I didn't mean to look at you like that."
I looked away and pursed my lips together. Saria saw that and inquired of it.
"Are you okay?" she asked.
I don't know, I thought, but things are getting complicated now.
"I'm fine," I replied.
Saria raised her eyebrows at my expression.
"Are you sure?" she asked.
I only nodded, not saying anything else.
I need dawn to get here like its never gotten here before, I thought.
There was another silence between us. Saria looked over at me with open curiosity.
"So…" she trailed in expectancy, breaking the silence.
I waited for her to continue.
"So… what?" I asked.
Saria raised her eyebrows at me and crossed her legs. The shirt she was wearing edged up a little. I tried not to, but I glanced down at her lower torso and got a look at her silky, flawless looking thighs.
Okay, I told myself, don't look anymore, you know that's off limits.
She saw that and teased me.
"What are you staring at?" she asked with a grin and a raised brow.
I cut my eyes quickly.
"Nothing," I replied immediately.
Her grin never went away.
"I guess we're right back to square one I see," she said to me.
I looked at her puzzled.
"What do you mean?" I asked.
She shook her head.
"Nothing," she said.
I gave her another once over, then looked at her hair.
"Can I ask you a question?" I asked.
Saria smirked at me.
"You just did," she replied.
I hated that.
"Can I ask you another?" I asked rather dry.
Saria's smirk widened to a smile.
"Sure," she said.
I looked at her hair again.
"Is that your hair's natural color?" I asked.
She gave me an obvious stare.
"Come on Sir Link," she stated.
I raised my eyebrows and shrugged.
"It's a question," I said, "you could've dyed it with hemp herbs and chlorophyll."
Saria shook her head, but smiled at me seductively just then.
"Don't you already know?" she inquired, dropping her voice. "Didn't you undress me? You didn't see any green hair... anywhere else?"
My throat tightened at the suggestive nature of her words.
Okay, that was a bait Link, I thought, don't take it.
"Uh... I told you, I didn't see anything," I replied.
She stared into my eyes as if she didn't believe me.
"You're a regular gentleman, aren't you?" she asked in a low voice. "That's good, I'm a little... shy when it comes to those kinds of things."
I swallowed hard.
You're certainly not acting like it, I thought.
"I see," was all I said in reply.
We were silent again, and Saria sighed.
"You…" I started, breaking the silence, "you... uh... might want to watch how you sit. That isn't the longest shirt I have."
Saria stared at me for a moment and let her head fall to her shoulder.
"What's the matter Sir Link?" she teased. "Afraid you might see something this time?"
I felt my eyes widen.
"I'm sorry?" I asked, making sure I heard that right.
She grinned and sat up.
"It was nothing," she replied, "is that better?" she asked.
This woman knows how to be a playful tease, doesn't she? I thought.
This situation was becoming more and more compromised.
I have to nip this in the bud, I thought.
"Uh… Saria-" I tried.
However, she stopped me.
"Can I say something not rhetorical, mundane, or perfect to you?" Saria interrupted all of a sudden.
I paused, before answering her.
Be careful in how you answer this Link, I thought.
"Uh…" I trailed, "sure."
You didn't nip very much, did you? I thought.
Saria uncrossed her legs, leaned forward, and rested her elbows on her knees. She stared straight into my eyes.
"I'd much rather you sleep upstairs with me," she said to me boldly.
I paused after she asked me that.
Oh shit, I thought.
I forced a smile.
"I'm sorry?" I said.
She smiled.
"You need me to repeat it?" she segued.
I took in a deep sigh and looked away for a moment.
You have to be clear Link, I thought, be clear and tell her no.
"I'm fine Saria," I replied.
She stared at me for a moment.
"Oh really?" she said to me incredulous, and got up from the table.
I edged back in the chair when she came closer.
Don't get tempted, I told myself, don't get tempted.
"Can I see your hand?" she asked me.
I paused, not wanting to entertain this any further, but handed her my right hand anyway.
Saria held onto it for a long time. She then looked at me like I was crazy.
"Your hands are freezing," Saria said to me.
I tried to shrug off the concern.
"They're always like that," I replied quickly, pulling my hand away from her grip.
Saria shook her head.
"No, they're not," she replied, "I've felt your hands when you touched me, they've always been warm."
"Well-" I tried.
"What are you afraid of?" she interrupted. "I won't try anything."
I gave her an obvious stare, and knew that wasn't the truth.
You've been 'trying' me ever since you came down those stairs, I thought.
Saria just stared back.
"It's-it's not appropriate," I stuttered, wishing I had more control of my diction.
Saria paused when I said that.
"So… are you saying you don't trust me?" she asked.
I wasn't trying to imply that, because it wasn't a matter of trust. It was a matter of common damn sense.
"No," I said quickly, "that's not what I meant."
"Then, what do you mean?" Saria asked, casually brushing her fingers through my hair.
Come on Saria, I thought, cut me some slack.
"I... I-I-" I stuttered like a babbling fool.
Saria grinned at that.
"Look," she interrupted me, again leaning over and coming within inches of me face, "I'm just worried you'll catch cold. Honestly, that's all I'm concerned with."
I stared into her beautiful eyes, and wanted to believe her.
You know that's not true Link, I thought.
"I'm sorry Saria," I replied, "I can't."
Saria looked at me indignantly just then and stood up. She stroked a hand through her long green hair and looked away for a moment.
"Well," she started with an exaggerated sigh, "it looks like the decision has been made then."
I looked up at her puzzled.
What is she talking about? I wondered.
"What do you mean?" I asked.
She stared right into my eyes.
"I'll just sleep down here with you," she said finally.
My eyes widened.
"What?" I asked surprised.
"You heard me," Saria replied, pulling up my blanket and sitting herself down on my lap.
Oh goddesses! I thought worried. What the hell is she doing?
Saria snuggled her head against my chin and closed her eyes.
"Goodnight," she said to me nonchalant.
I felt my heart pound in my chest.
This is freaking incredible! I thought in disbelief, trying to call on some massive self-control for the moment. How in the hell am I supposed to get through a night like this?
I didn't move, but I looked down. Saria had her face resting against the side of my neck. I could feel her soft cool breath.
She's breathing right against my skin, I thought.
I closed my eyes, trying to ignore the sensation and induce sleep upon me.
Nothing happened.
This is not going to work, I thought in unease, I'm going to have an erection, she's going to feel it, and then she's going to think I'm a complete pervert, when in reality I'm just a man. Just a man!
"Okay, I'll go upstairs," I said abruptly, "just please get up."
Saria pulled back immediately and smirked.
"I knew you'd see it my way," she said to me, then grabbed my hand and yanked me up from the recliner.
I'm going to regret this, I told myself as she dragged me upstairs, I know it.
When we got to my room, I immediately headed for the left side of the bed, got under the sheets, and turned my back to her.
Just go to sleep, I told myself, don't think of anything else. Just go to sleep.
Saria slipped under the covers and looked over at me. She was probably surprised at my hasty maneuver.
"Goodnight," she said softly.
"Goodnight," I grunted.
There was silence, and twenty minutes later there was more silence. Another twenty minutes passed and more silence. The only reason I knew that was because I was wide awake.
I can't sleep, I thought.
I heard Saria stir quietly. She sat up.
"Sir Link?" she whispered.
I ignored her, but I felt my pulse dance.
Please lay back down, I thought.
"Sir Link?" she whispered again.
I sighed.
"Yes?" I replied like an idiot.
Damn it! I thought.
"So, you are awake," she said, then laid back down, "I can't sleep either."
"Try," I replied, trying to sound cross.
"I did," she said, then turned on her side to face my back, "I just can't."
I swallowed hard and closed my eyes.
Please, don't do this, I thought.
She reached over and stroked my hair gently.
"You might as well turn around and talk to me since you can't sleep," she said.
I stared at the wall in front of me.
I don't want to... talk, I thought, that's the problem.
"Go to sleep Saria," I replied.
She was quiet at my reply, but then reached over and wrapped her arms around my waist. I could feel her clothed breasts against my back. It was already starting. She was trying to seduce me.
What am I talking about? I thought. She's been trying to seduce me.
"You're warm," she whispered, resting her head between my shoulder blades and squeezing my waist, "you're just what the doctor ordered, aren't you?"
Come on Saria, I thought helpless, you know I'm only Hylian.
"You said my hands were freezing downstairs," I groaned frustrated.
She ran her hands under my shirt over my stomach.
"Mmm," she moaned seductively, "I'm not talking about your hands."
Oh boy, I thought, my eyes shot wide open.
"Saria please... I'm tired," I said, trying to sound more irritable than I really was, "just go to sleep."
She nestled against my back.
"You don't have to snap," she whispered against my ear, "I just wanted to say thank you for what you did for me yesterday."
I closed my eyes and swallowed hard. I took her arms from around my waist, and repositioned my pillow.
"You already did by getting better," I said to her, then turned back to face the wall, "goodnight."
Saria looked at me slightly surprised by my action.
"Goodnight," she said finally.
Another twenty minutes went by, and all that was audible was the sound of the rain on my rooftop. That was until Saria interrupted the sound barrier again.
"Sir Link?" Saria whispered.
Man she's persistent, I thought, ignore her.
"Sir Link?" she whispered again.
I squeezed my eyes shut for a moment and then sighed.
So much for your will power Link, I scolded myself.
"Yes?" I replied.
She paused for a moment and reached over to stroke my back again.
"Please talk to me," she begged in a sweet voice, "I may not get an opportunity to talk to you like this again. Stop being such a killjoy, I thought we were friends."
Now she's begging, I thought, glancing at the ceiling, as if divine intervention were at play here, what is this? Punishment?
"Fine," I grunted, trying to be rude, "talk."
Saria looked at me for a moment.
"Will you at least turn and look at me?" Saria asked.
Turn and look at you? I thought. No Saria, I can't turn and look at you.
"If you want to talk this is the best you're going to get," I replied, "it's this or nothing."
I heard her sigh.
"Okay," she said quietly.
I positioned my pillow again.
"What do you want to know?" I asked.
"Tell me about when you lived in the forest," Saria said to me.
That wasn't the question I was expecting. However, I did appreciate it. I grinned at the thought of the forest.
I guess I could share a little of that with her, I thought, after all, she did sing for me.
"I was born there," I began, "or at least I think I was. No wait… no I wasn't born there. My mother died when I was a baby and I was raised as a Kokiri by the Deku Tree."
Saria turned on her side and faced my back again.
"That sounds so familiar," I heard her say to herself.
I went on.
"I loved the forest," I said with a smile, letting my guard down a little, "I used to play in this place called-"
"The Sacred Forest Meadow," Saria interrupted inadvertently.
My eyebrows shot up in surprise.
How did she know that? I thought.
"Yes," I said.
She bit her lower lip.
"Go on," she said.
"That was my and Saria's place," I said, "she was such an incredible person. She was always looking out for me. She even taught me how to play the ocarina and a song."
"Saria's Song," Saria divulged abruptly.
Wait a minute, what? I thought.
I sat up then, and turned to look at her in surprise.
"Yes," I replied.
Saria looked up at me from her side position, beckoning me to go on. However, I was too taken aback at the things she was telling me.
"How do you know that?" I asked.
She shook her head.
"It just came to me suddenly," Saria replied.
I didn't mean to, but I stared at her with an intense gaze.
"Are you getting some memories back?" I asked, detracting the subject a little.
She nodded.
"That was what I wanted to share with you," she stated. "There are small things that I see coming back to me."
I wanted her to continue.
"Like?" I asked.
She shrugged and looked down at the blanket. She grabbed a tassel from the pillow she was lying on and played with it.
"Like Saria's Song," she said, "I remember a big beautiful opening that led to a strange looking temple. There was a crest of the royal family on the ground in amongst the foliage. There was a beautiful little girl sitting on an old stump playing a happy melody, and then a little blonde boy approached her in a green tunic."
I felt my eyes widened.
Dear Farore, I thought in disbelief.
"You remember that?" I asked incredulous.
Saria nodded again.
This can't be real! I thought. I must be dreaming!
"They played Saria's Song together, before he had to go away on a great quest," Saria went on.
I looked at her in complete astonishment.
I've never told that to anyone, I thought, feeling my heart accelerate, not even Zelda.
Saria looked up at me and grinned.
"That's all I can recall," she said finally.
That's a lot to recall, I thought honest.
I swallowed hard and looked away from her.
"What's the matter Sir Link?" she asked me.
I shook my head absently.
"Nothing," I replied.
"Sir Link-" Saria tried.
"Just call me Link," I interrupted her, sick of my title at the moment.
Saria widened her eyes in surprise.
"Okay," she said, "...Link."
Could she really be…? I thought. But this woman is a Hylian, my Saria was a Kokiri. It doesn't make sense. How does she know these things?
Saria noticed my troubled expression and touched my shoulder.
"What's wrong?" she asked.
I shook my head and didn't reply.
A lot Saria, I thought, a lot.
Saria looked down at her hands when she saw I didn't answer her.
"You know…" she began all of a sudden, "you never answered my question yesterday."
I turned and looked down at her puzzled.
"What question?" I asked.
Saria didn't look at me, and she kept playing with the tassel.
"Did you love that girl Saria?" she asked.
I paused and looked at Saria for a moment.
I might as well be honest with her, I thought.
"Yes, I did," I replied.
I saw her cheeks blush, and she wouldn't look at me.
"I actually still do," I divulged with honesty.
Saria looked up at me surprised.
"But you're about to marry the princess," she said.
I sighed.
"Yeah I know, but you never completely get over your first love," I said, feeling very comfortable with the candidness, "there's always some remnant left."
Saria grinned at me.
"That's true," she replied, "it's nice that she was loved by someone decent and kind like you."
I feel the same way, I thought, I'm grateful she was a part of my life.
We were quiet for the next few minutes, when all of a sudden Saria reached over and rested her head on my shoulder. She stroked her hand over mine in a gentle manner.
"I'm glad I met you," she whispered to me suddenly.
I grinned at her saying that.
"Really?" I asked her. "A couple months ago I was a stalker."
She chuckled softly.
"You still are," she replied, "but I can overlook that," she looked down at her hand over mine, "I... I was lonely without a friend like you coming to visit the dress shop these past couple months."
I turned and looked at her face, which was only inches from mine now.
"You missed me?" I asked in a voice that was too low for the situation I was in.
Saria reached up and caressed my cheek and nodded. I couldn't lie, my skin electrified at her touch. However, I turned back away and we were quiet again. The tension in the air was thick. Saria reached up a little and kissed my cheek suddenly, and that was when I knew she wanted me as badly as I wanted her in that moment, but I had to control myself.
Don't give in Link, I told myself.
Even still, I turned to look at her. Her face was only inches from mine again, and she was staring at my mouth. I could feel her breath against my lips. I knew she was waiting for me to make a move, and I was tempted. Goddesses... I was tempted. However, I turned away.
If I kiss her that's it, I thought, that's all it will have to take for me. She's just too beautiful.
Instead, I turned back to my side lying position and faced the wall.
I can't Saria, I thought, no matter how much I want to, I can't.
"Goodnight," I said to her, hoping she would understand.
Saria sat there staring at me for a few moments. She took in deep sigh and reached over and stroked my back again.
"Link," she whispered.
I knew I shouldn't have answered with her saying my name like that, but I turned my head anyway to look at her.
"Yes?" I asked.
Before I could react, she leaned over and kissed me deeply on the mouth. It was a hungry, passionate kiss, with her hair falling over my face as she coaxed her tongue into my mouth. I pulled back with the intention of stopping, but she was aggressive and didn't let me up. She kissed me deeper and slid one of her hands up my shirt, before she crawled over my half turned body and got herself situated underneath me. I looked down at her and saw that her eyes were eager.
Oh goddesses, I thought, I'm in trouble.
She wrapped her arms around my neck, and pulled me down to kiss her again. She had an affectionate, but firm embrace.
This little woman is strong, I thought in disbelief.
"Saria," I said between a kiss, "please."
"No Link," she whispered to me, "don't say no to me."
I felt her legs wrap around my waist and her thighs squeeze at my center.
I knew this would happen if I stayed up here with her, I thought, I knew it!
I pulled back and stared at her, but she mistook it for an invitation and readied to pull her night shirt over her head.
"No!" I said quickly, stopping her.
If I see her naked it's over, I thought.
She looked at me surprised, but that didn't deter her.
"More foreplay, huh?" she teased.
She smirked at me flirtatiously and reached up to kiss me again.
My goddess, she is no joke! I thought.
"Mmm," she moaned, trying to pull up my night shirt, her fingers stroked over my abs, "come on, take this off," she whispered.
I couldn't lie, I was caught up in her kisses, and I was starting to match her ardency with my own. I couldn't help it, she had such a soft, wet mouth, and it tasted so sweet. She was so beautiful, and her body was so firm, and her legs were so strong, and she smelled so... damn... good. So much so, I found myself stroking her hair, and caressing her thighs, and kissing her like I kissed Zelda that day when we were alone in the poppies. I kept breathing into her mouth as her tongue pressed up against mine. I kept trying to convince myself that she was just my friend and I could stop anytime I wanted. I kept trying to test how close I could get to wanting to shag the shit out of her without doing it. It was like something out of an erotic fantasy, and I was getting lost in it. However, I had to remember what this really was. I had to remember that I had another woman in my life.
Control Link, I thought, get control.
Ironically, I felt myself get hard. It didn't make anything any easier.
Great, I thought sarcastic, what the hell kind of control is this?
Saria apparently felt it, because she smirked when she pulled back.
"Looks like I've found the real Master Sword," she whispered to me.
That's got to be a recurring theme with the maidens in Hyrule, I thought, that is the second reference of my penis to the Master Sword.
Saria kissed me deeper, but I finally maintained some self-control and pulled away.
"I thought you said you weren't going to try anything," I divulged to her, trying to catch my breath.
"I lied," she replied.
Saria tried to kiss me again, but I pulled away and pinned her arms up against the pillows. That probably wasn't a good idea, because I think she liked it. Her legs around my waist tightened just then.
"Oh," she said to me in a deep throaty voice, "you want to take control? Well go on ahead, I like a man who knows what he wants."
Great, I thought, now, she's changing her voice.
I rested my head against her shoulder for a moment, and took in a deep breath. I was frustrated. No, I was beyond frustrated. So much so, I was beginning to rationalize my stance. I pulled back and looked into her eyes for a moment.
You know what... I could, I thought, I really could, and no one would ever know. It could be our little secret... just Saria's and mine.
I stared into her eyes, struggling with my moral compass. I wanted it to point due north, but my gauge down south was making this difficult. Even still, I didn't proceed yet. Saria's eyes searched my face.
"What's the matter?" Saria asked, wondering why I was hesitating.
I shook my head as my reply.
"Nothing," I whispered.
"Don't play with her heart son..." the bazaar owner's voice suddenly came to mind, and that was when it finally hit me. I can't do this. I can't use her like that.
Saria tried to release herself from my grip when she saw things weren't going the way she had anticipated.
"What are you waiting for?" she asked me a little impatiently.
I stared into her eyes.
"Calm down," I said to her, feeling my own heart beating rapidly.
She stared back and shook her head no.
"I want you Link," she said to me with no hesitation, "and I know you want me."
"You hardly know me," I replied, ignoring her last comment.
"I know you enough," she said to me.
I shook my head.
"You don't want that Saria," I said, and then added quietly, "I'm... I'm getting married."
She stared into my eyes for a long time, almost as if the realization had just hit her. Her bottom lip quivered suddenly and her eyes fill with tears. She turned her face away from looking at me. I let her hands go and sat up. I pulled her up into my arms and let her cry into my chest.
"It's okay," I said and stroked her hair.
"I'm so sorry," she sobbed suddenly, "I-I don't know what came over me."
I squeezed her slightly.
"I understand," I said.
Saria pulled back to stare into my eyes.
"I-I didn't mean to come at you like that," she said with a shaky voice, "please forgive me."
I pressed my forehead against hers and grinned at her.
"You don't have to apologize," I replied.
I held onto her again when abruptly I heard a window break.
What the... I thought, letting my mind trail.
I immediately turned to look at my door. I let Saria go and got up from the bed.
"Stay here," I ordered, then opened the door to look down at the living room.
In the middle of the floor was an arrow surrounded by shattered glass. There was a note tied to it. I shut the door, and went and got my spare bow and arrow. Saria's eyes got wide when she saw that.
"What's going on?" she asked.
I shook my head.
"I don't know yet," I replied honestly, "but stay here. I'll let you know when you can come out."
Saria nodded, and got back under the covers.
I readied my bow and opened the door to slowly creep downstairs. I checked the perimeter and saw that no one was there. I then approached the arrow on the floor. I picked it up and untied the message. My eyes narrowed in confusion.
"What?" I heard myself say.
The message said: I still see you... traitor.
Please write a review and let me know what you think. The next chapter will be up Saturday.