Inspirations: the word piloerection (py-low-ee-rection, it means goosebumps lol) it's a real word, check it out.
Original Shout Out: Captain Germany, thanks for being an awesome Link/Saria fan.
Author Note: About the Serpentine powder, charcoal is used to keep the concoction in a residual form. That was in answer to Lovewarriors question, and to the rest of you who may have been wondering about it. Side thought: I love saying piloerection in a crowd full of people, the reaction is hilarious. This chapter is a little less action packed, it is more people focused, but don't worry all of you who have come to expect action sequences, I have plenty coming up.
Reedited 3/8/2013
Chapter 17
When we were about five miles away from Ordon, Saria tugged on my arm to stop me from running.
"Could we take a short break?" she asked, needing to catch her breath. "We've been running nonstop."
I nodded, understanding completely. I was tired too. It had been a long day.
"Yeah," I replied, "that sounds like a good idea."
I paused for a moment and looked around. I saw an elm tree we could rest under and headed over there. When I got to the resting place, I plopped on the soft grass and laid my head against the smooth bark. Saria came and sat down next to me. She rubbed my shoulder to sift some speckled bark away, then laid back herself and sighed. That was quite an ordeal we had just been through.
I'm glad that's over, I thought, closing my eyes, Saria's safe, and I can breathe a little easier now knowing she isn't in the clutches of a deranged psychopath.
I scanned the field of sight and saw our vantage point. We were halfway to Lake Hylia.
We should be back to the laboratory in half an hour, I thought, wanting to make sure we didn't rest too long or we would become complacent and not reach our destination.
I went to stretch my legs, but winced slightly from some pain I felt in my left hamstring. I grabbed the back of my thigh and tried to apply pressure. Saria saw that and looked at me worried.
"Are you okay?" she asked me.
I was bleeding pretty badly from a wound I sustained when I fought Zant, but I knew it could be fixed once I got back to my villa.
I still have some blue potion there, I thought.
Saria's worried expression never went away. In fact, it worsened when she saw the blood.
"That looks really bad," she insisted, "are you sure you're alright?"
"I'm fine," I said honest, "It looks worse than it actually is."
Saria didn't look convinced.
"Do you need me to stitch you up?" she asked.
I grinned at her innate sense of concern for me.
That's just like you Saria, I thought, you are always putting my welfare before yours.
"No," I said to her gently, "you don't need to stitch me up. Just sit back and relax for a few moments."
Saria hesitated, but followed my advice. She took in a deep breath, and resumed resting her head against the trunk of the tree. She closed her eyes and I studied her face for a moment. She looked so beautiful, especially with the way her long lashes seemed to caress the apple of her cheek. She almost looked at peace, and I wanted that for her, but then I heard her sigh as if she were troubled.
I want her to open up to me the way she used to, I thought, I'm tired of the both of us having secrets.
"What's the matter?" I asked her.
She shook her head and didn't reply right away. She looked over at me and smiled.
"Nothing, I'm just relieved," she said quietly.
I couldn't blame her.
"Relieved huh?" I inquired, knowing exactly what she meant.
Saria merely nodded, then stared off into Hyrule Field as if lost in thought. The moon was full and high that evening. The light was emitting a glow off Saria's hair, much like the night when she stayed at my villa. I remember wondering years ago if Saria were a Hylian what would she look like. I didn't have to ponder over that anymore, because she was here and her beauty was beyond my expectations. I grinned at her, and reached over to stroke her hair. She smiled when she saw me twirl a lock around my finger.
"You really are restless, aren't you?" she asked.
I stroked her hair between my fingers.
"What are you thinking about?" I asked her, ignoring her question because I wanted her to share her thoughts with me.
She shook her head.
"Nothing important," she replied.
I looked at her thoughtfully.
"What do you consider 'not important'?" I inquired.
Saria smiled again and looked over at me.
"Someone's nosy," she joked.
I merely shrugged.
"I'm a knight again," I said, "I have to be."
Saria chuckled at my statement, but still didn't answer my initial question. I studied her expression for a moment. I thought back to what the scientist told me at his lab about what Saria considered her fate.
"She said she would be in Ordon, or dead..." his voiced echoed through my mind.
I looked at her seriously just then.
There was no way I was just going to sit and let her die, I thought.
"Did you think you were ever going to get out of Ordon?" I asked her suddenly.
Saria stared off again, her expression turned flat.
"No," she said honest, "I thought I was going to die there."
I got quiet and stiffened slightly when I heard her blunt reply. I wasn't expecting such a poignant remark. I reached over and took her hand in mine. I wanted her to know she could be safe with me.
No one's going to hurt you now Saria, I thought, no one.
"You're safe now," I said to her softly.
Saria looked over at me and squeezed my hand affectionately just then.
"I know," she replied.
I squeezed back and caressed her knuckles with my thumb.
"Zant is never going to hurt you again," I promised, "not him, or anyone else."
Saria's expression turned flat once more after hearing that. Her eyes looked knowingly at me, as if she knew something and wasn't telling me. Even still, she tried to smile again.
"Thank you," she said to me, not responding to what I said. She looked away and stroked a hand through her hair.
I was slightly perplexed by her nonverbal communication.
Why is she so withdrawn? I wondered all of a sudden, but then realized how foolish the inquiry was. Why wouldn't she be a little withdrawn? She's been through so much.
I reached over and stroked her cheek, but she edged away slightly from my touch. I sensed she was getting nervous from the level of affection I was displaying towards her. She swallowed hard and gently pushed my hand away.
"I'm okay," she said, trying to be courteous, "you don't have to do that."
Saria stroked her hair behind her ears uneasily, and was quiet for a moment. I was trying to understand where all of her unease was coming from.
Is she upset with me over something? I wondered.
"What's wrong?" I asked, knowing something was amiss.
She hesitated before she replied. I was staring at her eyes which were downcast and looking at the grass.
"I hear your engagement is back on," she divulged suddenly.
I looked at her surprised at the sudden shift in conversation.
News certainly spreads fast, I thought in disbelief.
I nodded, but didn't want to delve too deeply on the matter.
"It was kind of forced upon me," I said, not really denying it.
Saria just nodded and looked away. We were both silent for a little while.
Come on Saria, I thought, you know how I feel about you.
"It's for the best I guess," she said, as if speaking to herself and breaking the quiet, then added, "congratulations."
I looked at her and narrowed my eyes. I knew she didn't mean that. I knew she had other hopes and aspirations. I knew she had them because I had them too. I loved her and she needed to know how much. Now was probably as good a time as any to confess how I felt. I was done with the run around, and all the other nonsense that was getting in the way of us being together. I had no intention of marrying Zelda. I realized now if I did, I would only bring unhappiness to the both of us.
It's time to come clean, I thought.
I took her hand in mine again, however, before I could initiate anything, Saria snatched her hand from my grip. I looked at her surprised.
What in the-? I wondered, but stopped myself.
"What's the matter?" I asked her.
She shook her head and wouldn't look at me.
"Nothing," she replied, trying to be casual.
I narrowed my eyes slightly.
Yes, there is, I perceived, but for whatever reason she doesn't want to share it with me. She must be upset about the engagement, but she doesn't have to worry.
I tried to reach for her hand once more, wanting to tell her my thoughts, but again she pulled away from me. It was then she turned her attention back to me. She looked upset.
"Will you stop!" she snapped all of a sudden.
I took in a deep breath.
I knew it, I thought.
"Saria I-" I tried.
"Link I'm fine," she interrupted me, thinking she knew what I was going to say, "I'm a big girl. I mean... I understand."
I shook my head at her rhetoric.
"No Saria, you don't understand-" I tried again.
She reached over and put her forefinger to my lips, silencing me.
"I get it, okay," she said quietly, then sat back again. "I'm actually glad you two finally decided to give it another shot."
I studied her face for a moment. She was trying hard to appear strong, but I was starting to get annoyed with her trying to ignore the issue.
"I told you," she went on, "you two looked good together."
She turned her attention back to me and forced a smile. I swallowed hard and stared into her eyes.
"Saria-" I tried again.
She looked away from me again.
"Name one of your children after me okay," she interrupted, "I know you two will have beautiful kids."
I was beyond annoyed at this point. I didn't understand why she thought doing this was necessary.
"Saria you know damn well-" I started.
Saria got up in the middle of my speaking and dusted her pants off. She took several steps away from where I was resting and had her back facing me.
"Where to now?" Saria interrupted, trying to change the subject. "I think we've rested long enough."
I looked up at her upset. I wasn't having any of this nonsense tonight. I went to Ordon for the sole purpose of getting her out of there because I loved her. I wasn't about to sit and ignore that fact because she wanted to be politically correct. I got up and walked over to her.
"Why are you doing this?" I demanded.
I turned her around to face me. She wouldn't look at me, and her throat tightened.
"Doing what?" she pretended ignorance.
Oh no, I thought, we're not playing that game.
"You know what!" I accused. "This!"
Saria was quiet for a moment, as if trying to think of what to say next.
"It's... it's necessary," she said finally and shrugged.
I took a step toward her. There was only a little bit of space between us, but she took a step back. I was going to engage her again, but I paused for a moment and tried to gauge her actions.
"No, it's not necessary," I said to her finally, "I care abo-"
Saria's eyes suddenly darted back to mine. She stared at me intensely just then.
"Stop it!" she snapped.
I looked at her surprised.
"What's the matter with you?" I demanded.
Saria shook her head and looked away from me again.
"I told you, nothing," she said upset.
I looked at her indignantly just then.
"I won't stop!" I shot back in defiance. "I love-"
Her eyes widened in panic.
"Don't you dare say that to me!" she said and took several steps back.
I looked at her shocked. I had no idea why she looked so terrified just now.
"Why are you saying this to me?" I demanded angrily. "I love-" I tried again.
"No, you don't!" she interrupted me quickly, her breathing quickened. "You don't feel anything for me!"
I drew back and looked at her confused.
"Saria-" I tried again.
"Please don't Link!" she interrupted me again and started trembling. "Please don't say what I think you want to say. I'm not allowed to hear that."
I took another step towards her, looking at her in disbelief, but again Saria stepped back.
What? I thought confused. What the hell does she mean 'not allowed'?
I looked at her truly perplexed, and I could see she was dead serious.
"...If you keep helping me I'll disappear!" her terrified voice echoed through my mind all of a sudden, as well as the elderly ophthalmologist, "...You must be very careful in how you proceed with this situation, otherwise young Saria will disappear."
I looked away from Saria upset for a moment.
Daphnes is forcing me to marry Zelda by ensuring that if I help Saria, she'll disappear, I thought angry. That's just cruel! That's just incredibly cruel!
We were both silent for what seemed like forever.
"You know you deserve better than the hand you were dealt, right?" I demanded abruptly.
Saria looked to the ground and didn't answer.
I finally took a step back and raised my hands in a mock surrender.
"Okay, fine, whatever," I said, "you win, I don't love you."
I wanted her to hear it. I wanted her to know how I felt about her. Saria's eyes widened again when she heard me say that. She stroked her hair behind her ears again nervously, then nodded.
"Good," she replied awkwardly and avoided my eyes.
Good my ass Saria, I thought.
I stared at her hard, upset that a maniacal dictator was controlling my life this way.
Daphnes you really are a bastard, I thought, I swear to you, if I could kick your tail, I would.
There was a long tense silence between us. Saria looked around nervously and bit her lower lip.
"Shouldn't we be going now?" she asked finally, not looking at me.
I didn't answer right away. I was still upset about the previous conversation. That was not how I wanted that to go.
"Yeah, we're leaving," I said, running a hand through my hair.
"Where are we going?" she asked me.
I took in a deep sigh.
"Lake Hylia," I said finally, "the old man is expecting you."
Saria's eyes widened in surprise when I revealed that.
"Did you... did you speak to him?" Saria asked.
She looked like she was gauging me.
What's this all about? I wondered.
I nodded.
Saria looked at me frightened just then.
"And what did he tell you?" she asked me.
I narrowed my eyes at her.
Why is she scared? I wondered. It doesn't make sense.
"Nothing you need to worry about," I replied simply.
Saria narrowed her eyes now.
"What did he tell you Link?" she demanded of me again, a little more forcefully this time.
I raised my eyebrows at her sharp tone.
Fine, I thought, I might as well come clean anyway.
"He told me everything Saria," I divulged honestly, "I know about the treatments, he told me about his past, he told me about your past, and he told me about the restrictions put on you becoming Hylian."
Saria's eyes widened even more. She took a step back.
"You know about that?" she asked in disbelief.
What is all this about? I thought, starting to get confused with her behavior. Why is she so scared?
"Yes," I replied, "I know all about that."
"And you still want to help me?" she asked flummoxed.
The whole line of thought went completely over my head, because I didn't understand what she was trying to tell me.
"Yes, of course I want to help you," I said.
I love you, I thought, but you won't let me tell you.
Saria stared at my face for a moment as if studying me. Her features softened when she realized I didn't know exactly what she meant. I was getting tired of all the intrigue.
"What's going on Saria?" I demanded.
Her eyes searched my face. She waited before she answered.
"Oh... okay," she said, it was as if she had an 'ah ha' moment, "nothing."
What the hell? I thought flummoxed.
I gave her a puzzled look.
"Are you purposely not telling me something?" I asked.
Saria quickly shook her head.
"No," she said immediately, then turned from looking at me.
She's lying, I thought.
I took a step towards her, and turned her back around to face me.
"Saria," I said to her, "don't do this. Don't knowingly lie to me anymore."
Saria stared at me and bit her lower lip.
"I'm not," she said, "but I honestly can't tell you."
I hated that phrase. I think I hated that phrase more than anything, but... what could I do? I stared into her eyes and sighed.
"Fine," I said finally, fed up with not getting anywhere, and not hiding the irritation in my voice, "we're wasting time, let's go, it's nearly midnight."
I stalked off ahead of her frustrated, leaving her several feet behind me.
It was a pretty immature thing to do, but in the moment I didn't care.
I can't get one damn answer from this woman, I thought aggravated.
Saria looked at me guiltily, then soon followed.
We didn't speak the rest of the way to Lake Hylia. Admittedly, that was mostly my doing. I couldn't help it, my pride was hurt. We arrived twenty minutes after midnight. Saria hurried up the porch stairs past me and knocked on the door of the laboratory. When the old man opened it, his eyes widened in surprised. Saria immediately gave him a hug.
"Oh my goddess, dear girl," the old man said getting a little emotional and hugged her back, "I thought you were dead."
Saria pulled away and looked at him, her eyes were filled with tears.
"Not yet," she tried to joke.
The old man held onto her tighter.
"Not ever my sweet girl," the old man said, getting a little choked up, "not ever."
Saria then turned her attention to me and surprisingly grabbed my hand.
"Sir Link came to rescue me," she said softly, looking straight into my eyes, "he's so wonderful."
I looked back into hers, having to subside my disgruntled nature for the sake of peace. I smirked at the old man halfheartedly. The old man looked at me with gratefulness.
"Thank you," he said to me, "thank you so much."
I merely nodded, not knowing what to say.
"Come on in," the elderly man said, moving out of the way and allowing us to come inside, "you both must be exhausted."
That's an understatement, I thought, but knew I couldn't stay.
"I can't stay, I have to get back to my villa," I stated honestly.
Saria looked at me surprised.
"Surely you can stay the night," the old man insisted, "you must be exhausted. The walk to Castle Town is at least another hour."
Twenty five minutes for a soldier, I thought, but honestly I was tired.
"I can't," I said, having to decline, "thank you for the offer."
Saria nodded, understanding the decision.
"Thank you for everything you've done," she said to me.
I stared deeply into her eyes. The old man looked between the both of us and raised an eyebrow. I knew what he was thinking, so I cut my gaze short.
Don't feed the fire Link, I told myself.
"Do me a favor?" I began at Saria, detracting the subject.
She looked at me in expectance.
"What?" she asked me.
I tried to grin.
"Don't go back to Ordon," I said, "it doesn't suit you."
Saria smirked inadvertently.
"Okay," she replied.
My grin widened into a smile.
"Goodnight," I said to her.
"Goodnight," she said to me, "and thank you again."
And then I left.
~SSS~
I arrived at my villa around one in the morning. I drank a shot of blue chu jelly, washed my face, changed into my pajamas, fell on my bed, and went to sleep.
~SSS~
A young woman with dark brown hair, dressed in royal regalia, bearing a sword sat on her throne. There was a battlement of guards surrounding her. The young woman looked stoic as the gates to her palace were forced opened. A tall Twili creature wearing a helmet that resembled a bug eyed lizard entered with two shadow beasts as his escort.
It was Zant.
The young maiden stood up when Zant entered her hall. The first battalion went to strike only to be defeated. The second battalion went to strike only to be defeated. I was standing in a corner watching it all, unable to do anything. The maiden then turned to me.
"Why have you forsaken me forefather?" she asked me.
I look at her confused, not understanding why she was asking me such a question. However, before I could answer, Zant teleported in front of her. Her eyes widened in fear and she quickly relinquished her sword. Zant smiled at her terrified eyes and then turned to me.
"I will have my vengeance with you or your offspring white knight of Hyrule," he said to me, then laughed. "One way or another there will be blood for the royal family's sins."
My eyes got wide, but before I could do anything, everything went black.
~SSS~
I woke up suddenly and blinked several times. I sat up, realizing I was in a cold sweat. I took in a deep, unsettling breath.
Another nightmare with that girl, I thought, feeling unnerved that this was the second occurrence. Why does she keep referring to me as forefather? Who is she, and why is Zant harassing her?
I ran my hands over my face and sighed.
"What the hell was that all about?" I muttered to myself.
I wasn't expecting a reply to that, because I was expecting to be alone. However, I was surprised to hear a voice say something back to me.
"What was what all about?" the voice whispered.
I looked up in alarm, and was surprised to find a woman in a hooded cloak standing in the corner of my room.
What in the world? I wondered.
"Who the hell are you?" I demanded.
She took several steps towards the bed.
"Don't be alarmed," she said gently, then unhooded herself, "it's me."
It was Zelda.
My eyes widened when I saw her. I didn't want to seem insensitive, but I wasn't too keen on the idea of her being at my house this late at night, especially with Daphnes having eyes at every turn.
Zelda... I thought with a trail, you and your impetuous ways.
"What are you doing here?" I asked her.
Zelda paused for a moment, then came to sit at the edge of the bed.
"I wanted to see you," she replied honestly.
I sighed and edged back a little.
Not now Zelda, I thought, I don't need this right now.
"Zelda it's two in the morning," I tried to reason.
Zelda bit her lower lip and stroked her fingers across my blanket.
"I was worried about you," she said to me, not caring about the time, "you didn't come back to the castle yesterday, and ever since your reinstatement, you've been busy and I haven't had a chance to speak with you. The guards told me you took off around noon, but they had no idea where you went off to."
That's right, I thought, almost forgetting, she had no idea I went after Saria yesterday. No one did, except the ophthalmologist.
I sighed, wishing I could be more up front with her, but I knew it would do no good. Everything was too convoluted, and my true feelings would only hurt her. I needed to wait for this madness to be over before I could come clean regarding everything else.
"I'm sorry for worrying you," I said to her, "I should have told you I was leaving."
Zelda stared at me for a moment, then looked down at the blanket. She was quiet for a moment.
"Where did you go off to?" she asked gently.
I hesitated before answering, knowing that I had to be evasive without sounding suspicious.
Don't garble Link, I told myself, just be direct.
"I went investigating a lead," I replied without looking at her.
I didn't see it, but I could feel her gaze of distrust. She knew I was hiding something. I think she was trying to gauge me to see if I was telling the truth.
"Oh," she said simply, but didn't ask for further clarification.
We were silent after that. I wasn't surprised. Our relationship was strained at best, and I wasn't making very much of an effort to mend it. I wanted Zelda to be happy. She deserved it, but I didn't think I was going to be the one to give that to her anymore. I thought I could, but I knew deep down I was lying to myself. What we once had was good, I wasn't going to lie, however, there had always been a gap between us. A gap that widened over time and we both chose to ignore because we thought it would go away. It didn't go away. In fact, it was made worse by the recent events. Even still, I did want what was best for her, and it was apparent that Zelda's feelings were still very strong for me. The silence lasted a little longer, until Zelda decided to get up and sit next to me. She rested her head on my shoulder.
"Link you have to be careful in your travels," she said to me gently, "I would be devastated if anything happened to you."
I closed my eyes and swallowed hard. I knew she meant that.
"I know," I said to her softly.
We were silent again.
I sighed, knowing this was not a situation I wanted to be in.
Daphnes will have my hide if he finds out that Zelda is here, I thought all of a sudden.
I decided I was going to detract it.
"Princess-" I started.
She covered my lips suddenly with her forefinger, then stared at my mouth.
"You know," she started in a whisper, "you only refer to me as 'princess' when you're cross with me."
I looked away from her, ignoring the seductive inflection in her voice.
"Do I?" I asked, not really wanting an answer to that question.
Zelda nodded, and turned my face back to look at hers.
"Yes," she replied, her voice was husky.
I edged back, trying to avoid what she was trying to provoke, but she moved right along with me. She ran her hand up my clothed chest.
"I wanted to thank you properly for rescuing me yesterday," she whispered to me.
I closed my eyes and sighed.
This is just so unfair, I thought miserably, why couldn't this happen to me eight years ago when I was more impulsive and foolhardy? She knew she could have had her way with me back then.
"There's no need for that princess," I said, trying to detract.
She caressed my cheek.
"Yes Link," she said, "I think there is."
I shook my head, trying to keep my mind in the right place.
"Zelda-" I tried, but she kissed me before I had a chance to finish. I pulled away and turned from her. "Why are you here?" I asked, already knowing the answer.
She looked at me surprised, but then bit her lower lip.
"You know why I'm here," she said simply.
There was another silence between us. It was an open invitation.
I can't Zelda, I thought.
"I don't want anyone else but you," she whispered, breaking the silence.
I squeezed my eyes shut, feeling a surge of guilt.
I wish I felt the same way, I thought, but this is the last thing I need right now. The last thing!
"I can't Zelda!" I said, hoping she would understand the inflection in my voice.
Zelda looked at me undeterred.
"I love you Link," she said quietly, and stroked her hand over my inner thigh, "I told you, I don't want to wait. You have to know-"
And women say men have no boundaries? I thought in disbelief.
I jumped at her touch, unintentionally interrupting her words and got up from my bed. I ran a hand through my hair aggravated by what was taking place.
Why are the women in my life so damn aggressive? I thought.
Zelda looked up at me surprised by the action.
"I need for you to leave," I said all of a sudden.
I knew Zelda wasn't going to like that, but with her father being as fickle as he was, I couldn't chance it.
Zelda looked at me shocked.
"Link-" she tried.
"I'll escort you home myself," I interrupted, "but I can't do this with you."
Zelda was starting to get upset, her bottom lip trembled slightly.
"Why do you keep rejecting me?" she demanded.
You know why, I thought, your father would kill me.
"I want to protect your honor," I lied.
I knew that was a trite excuse.
Zelda narrowed her eyes at me.
"Don't give me that aberrant lie," she demanded, then looked away, "are you getting satisfaction elsewhere?"
I took in a deep breath.
Here we go, I thought.
"No," I replied honestly.
Zelda shook her head, not understanding how I could reject her without that possibility.
"Then why don't you want me?" she demanded, I heard a slight break in her tone.
I sighed and ran a hand through my hair.
"Zelda…" I trailed, not in the mood for the histrionics at the moment.
She stood up after hearing me say that.
"No Link!" she said. "I want you to answer my question."
I stared at her for a moment without replying.
No Zelda, I thought, you really don't. I don't want to slip up and say another woman's name if I'm making love to you. You think things are rough between us now? If I did that... I trailed, not wanting to think how pissed off she would be.
"I respect you too much to treat you like-" I paused, trying to think, "an insignificant whore," I verbalized.
Zelda stared at me, not believing that.
"Is that the only reason?" she asked.
I didn't know what else she wanted me to tell her.
That's not reason enough? I thought in disbelief.
"Yes," I said.
Zelda sighed and closed her eyes.
"Link-" she tried.
I tried the genteel approach, now I just needed to be direct with her. There was no sense beating around the bush about the matter. If her father found her there with me, we would both have to deal with his fury. However, I knew the bunt would be on my end.
"If Daphnes finds you here you know it's my ass, right?" I divulged to her in an unorthodox fashion.
Zelda raised her eyebrows, surprised at my rather uncouth form of speech.
"Your… ass?" she repeated as if she hadn't heard me right.
I nodded, not caring that I didn't sound like I was well bred.
"My ass," I said again, "the only one I've got. If your father comes and finds you here, it's gone."
Zelda tried to protest.
"But Link I-" she tried.
I ran my hands over my face in irritation.
I don't need this right! I thought.
I wanted to scream, but held my frustration in.
"Oh goddesses Zelda please! Come on! Cut me some slack!" I interrupted in exasperation. "I promise when we get married we won't leave our bedroom for a week!"
Inadvertently, Zelda's jaw dropped.
"A week?" she said in disbelief with widened eyes.
I nodded, not at all knowing what I was talking about.
"Yes, a week," I repeated, "hell, I'll promise you a month, and I'll let you play with my 'Master Sword' anyway you want! I just really need for you to go home, and don't take what I'm saying the wrong way."
Zelda stared at me for a moment, but then, almost involuntarily, her face broke into a smile. Soon after her face broke into laughter. I stood there looking at her, trying to keep a serious expression, but eventually I started chuckling too. My comments were pretty left field. Zelda reached up and covered her mouth as her laughter grew. I continued to chuckle, but I was more enjoying seeing the smile on Zelda's face. I was glad she was safe and that she could find some humor in the situation. Life was too hard without a little laughter in it. We laughed for a few moments more before Zelda finally got up and came over to me. She wrapped her arms around my neck and nestled her forehead against my night shirt.
"I can't believe how silly you are my good fellow," she said softly, "but in this rare case, I must digress to your blunt, but affective, reasoning."
I tilted her chin up and grinned into her pretty face.
"A simple 'you are right Link' would suffice," I replied.
Zelda smiled at me genuinely again, but then slowly it faded. She hugged me tight just then.
"Thanks for being strong," she said sincere, "if I had my way we would-"
I shook my head.
"I already know," I interrupted, but then smirked.
That reply got another smile out of her. Zelda reached up and pecked me on my lips. I made sure it was a peck, I didn't want it to go any further.
No reneging, I thought.
"I better go," she said softly.
I nodded, seeing that as the best option.
"I'll take you home," I offered.
Zelda tried to dissuade me.
"It's okay," she replied, "I'm fine by myself."
I caressed her cheek.
"No," I replied, shaking my head, "I insist."
She smiled again when I said that.
"Well, if you insist how can I refuse?" she replied.
I then went past her to my closet and got my cloak. Afterwards, we headed out the back exit of my villa and navigated through Castle Town to the castle, bypassing the gate through a secret passage. When we were outside the south entrance, Zelda turned to look at me. She had a familiar expression on her face.
"I'm going to hold you to that promise you made," she said to me seductively all of a sudden, "you better be prepared for a long honeymoon."
This woman... I thought with a grin, but it soon fade when I felt a twinge of guilt. There might not be a honeymoon princess.
Zelda took my semi serious expression as something else.
"You're not reneging, are you?" she asked with a flirtatious smirk.
I smiled at her again, not really answering the question.
"I am imbued with the Triforce of Courage my lady," I joked, "nothing scares me, and I consider it my civic duty to let you have your way with me."
Zelda's face broke again, and she giggled uncontrollably when I said that. Her laughter made my guilt feel less severe. I knew one of these days I was going to have to have the talk with her. I was dreading that day, but I couldn't keep stringing her along when I felt so strongly about another woman.
Well…I pondered, shifting my thoughts, almost nothing scares me... breaking your heart scares me princess.
Zelda reached up and kissed me just then, and when she pulled away, I knew she was more in love with me than ever.
"Goodnight, my incorrigible soldier," she whispered sweetly, "thank you for being my knight in shining armor."
I sighed at hearing that.
Your knight in shining armor... I thought, and let it recede, we'll see.
"Goodnight princess," I said back, "and see, I wasn't cross when I said it this time."
She smiled at me again.
"No, you weren't," she whispered.
After our goodbye, we parted company. Zelda went into the castle, and I headed back to my villa. However, midway to my destination I halted for a moment. I looked up at the moon and saw it was about three and a half hours before dawn. I had a crazy notion just then, and hesitated if I should act on it.
I wonder if… I let my mind trail, but decided to go with my instinct anyway.
I left Castle Town via the underground waterway network and made my way to Lake Hylia. I arrived in less than twenty minutes because I booked it. I walked down the shoreline and noticed the third story laboratory window was lit. The sight of that made me grin.
I knew she'd be awake, I thought.
I paused for a moment and looked around. I saw a small collection of smooth tiny rocks lying next to a lotus plant I planted fifteen years ago. I picked a few of them up and threw a couple at Saria's window.
She didn't come.
I went and gathered two more and threw them before she finally came to investigate what the tapping sound was. When the scaffolding abridged to the pane, Saria poked her head out the window. When she saw it was me causing the ruckus, she looked at me surprised.
"What the hell are you doing here?" she demanded quietly. "Do you have any idea what time it is?"
I ignored her concerns.
"I knew you'd be up," I replied to her, "you used to always get up this early to go exploring in the woods."
Saria looked at me surprised at the abrupt memory.
"You remember that?" she asked.
I nodded, and gestured for her to come down.
"Come on out," I called to her quietly, "we need to talk."
I saw her eyes widen from the distance, and she hesitated when I said that.
"Talk?" she inquired with a nervous inflection.
"Talk," I repeated, "I need to ask you some questions about Zant's encampment."
After I said that, I saw her face soften with relief. I wasn't going to lie, I was a little annoyed with that.
Why talk about how we feel when we can talk about a homicidal maniac? I thought with sarcasm.
"Oh, okay," she said, "I'll be right down."
I walked over to the entrance when she disappeared back inside. A few moments later, she came outside in a robe and oversized green footsies. I smirked at her innocent appearance.
No one would ever think she kicked so much tail with that appearance, I thought.
Saria grinned back at me and raised a brow.
"Nice pajamas," she commented.
I raised my eyebrows, then took a precocious note of my clothes. I didn't realize I was wearing pajamas with tiny Triforces sewn all over them.
I do look kind of silly, I thought, but didn't care.
"What?" I reasoned. "It's the Triforce."
She scoffed playfully and shook her head.
"Yeah," she replied with a nod, "no one would ever think you were first knight of Hyrule."
I chuckled when she said that, seeing her point.
"Don't knock it," I joked, "a grateful widow made it for me. It was the only cloth she had."
Saria rolled her eyes and shook her head.
"Right," she said with sarcasm, "you know very well you bought them in secret."
I laughed softly again when she said that, and followed her as she went and sat down near the water's edge. I came and sat down next to her.
"So…" she trailed, "what did you want to know?"
I stared out at the moon cladding surface of Lake Hylia for a moment.
I better find out when Zant plans to strike next, I thought, there's no sense in trying to talk about anything else. Saria wants to pretend that everything is okay the way it is.
"Did you overhear anything regarding Zants plans?" I began, breaking the silence.
Saria sighed thoughtfully and brought her knees to her chest.
"Well, I did overhear him say something about surprising the princess with a special gift," she replied.
I looked at Saria and sighed.
"Knowing Zant, that could be anything," I said, "but you know it's going to end in a lot of bloodshed and death."
Saria nodded.
"That would be my guess," she replied.
"Did he say when he planned to strike?" I asked.
Saria chewed on her lower lip for a moment.
"No," she replied.
I looked out at the water.
"I overheard a couple of guys back at the tavern talking about a surprise attack," I divulged, "do you know anything about that?"
Saria stared at the lake for a minute, then looked over at me.
"I think he may plan to strike on the day of the engagement party," she divulged.
I felt my eyes widen.
"What?" I asked surprised.
"Zant's been working on some crazy project nonstop in regards to the time shift stones," Saria divulged, "he's obsessed with making sure the temporal gate can be opened within a month."
I nodded, following her reasoning.
"That way he'll be able to converse as much twilight into this realm as he wants," I finished for her.
She agreed and went on.
"Zant took Dirac's technology and used it to manipulate the twilight," she said, "that, coupled with his half Twili half Hylian background, makes for an easy interception between his world and ours."
That made sense.
"Of course," I replied, finally understanding everything clearly for once.
Saria rested her head on her knees.
"Just make sure you keep your eyes and ears open during the engagement party," she told me. "Zant hates the royal family with a terrible vengeance. He'll do anything to kill Zelda and Daphnes."
I sighed, knowing that was true.
"I know," I said.
We were silent for a moment. Saria swallowed hard and looked out at the lake once more. She looked like she was thinking about something terrible. It made me worried about her.
What's this? I wondered.
"What's wrong?" I asked, I reached over and touched her shoulder.
Saria shook her head, not saying anything right away.
"Don't let..." she trailed and looked down at the grass, "don't let Zelda get captured by him," she said suddenly, her voice was barely audible.
I looked over at her surprised, and I didn't like the inflection of fear in her tone, but for whatever reason I chose not to address it.
"I won't," I said.
Saria continued to stare at the lake, but then looked in the opposing direction so I wouldn't see her face.
"Zant's twisted Link," she whispered all of a sudden, "he likes to… to hurt people."
I looked over at her mildly concerned. Was she telling me something without actually saying it? I felt my throat tighten at the implications.
He better not have... I let my thoughts trail.
I stroked her back with my hand already resting at her shoulder.
"Did he… did he force himself on you Saria?" I asked.
She shook her head no, but I didn't believe her.
"Are you being honest?" I asked. "Don't lie to me about that because you don't want to appear weak."
Saria nodded.
"I am being honest," she replied, "he never violated me like that," she went on. "In a way, he had a weird kind of respect for me. He wanted me to want him the way he wanted me."
I looked away, feeling like I was going to be sick.
That bastard's not touching my Saria, I thought with a hint of anger, he's such a sick deviant.
"At first, I thought I understood him," she continued quietly, "I felt a little sorry for him, you know. His father whom he respected was killed in front of him, he and his mother were banished to the Twilight Realm when he was just a child, and his real father treated him as an outcast."
I listened to her silently.
"In a way, I kind of understood where he was coming from," she went on, "I wanted a way out of my duty because I-" she cut herself off just then and reconnected with another thought, "because I was unhappy. I was allowed to leave, but was forced into another servitude roll, a spy to a madman on a madman."
I couldn't help but feel her references to Daphnes and Zant were spot on.
They are madmen, I thought.
"Anyway, that was before," she said with a sigh, "but after I saw Zant kill innocent people for the sake of sport I lost all the remorse I had for him. He was a ticking time bomb. The only person who could cool his heels was me. The people he imprisoned, I let go when his back was turned. Individuals he tortured and left for dead, I secretly gave blue potions to and sent them on their way."
It was as if she were like a janitor to the royal family, I thought upset, cleaning up their and Zant's trash.
I reached over and stroked her hair, unlike earlier she didn't edge away.
"I'm sorry you had to go through that," I said sincere, "no one should have to shadow an individual like Zant the way you did."
She merely nodded, but looked away.
"Thanks for that," she said in an odd way.
I stroked her hair again and edged a little closer to her.
"You don't need to thank me Sar," I replied, "you..." I trailed, not sure if I should go on, "you mean a great deal to me."
Saria didn't reply to that.
"Just make sure you protect your princess," she said with a deep sigh.
I looked at her slightly upset just then, I wanted to say something, but used my better judgment and decided against it.
She doesn't want to talk about that, I thought.
I decided to change the subject.
"What was in the big treasure chest with the ring of fire surrounding it?" I asked her suddenly.
Saria raised her eyebrows at my question.
"I don't know exactly to be quite honest," she said, "I overheard Zant say it's some mysterious weapon of his Twili father called the Fused Shadow," she divulged.
I looked at her puzzled.
"The Fused Shadow?" I repeated. "Do you know what it does?" I asked.
Saria shook her head.
"I haven't the foggiest idea," she said.
I sighed.
"Great, another mystery to solve," I mumbled sarcastically, then stretched and laid back on the dew stricken grass.
Saria turned and grinned at me.
"That's been the story of your life recently, hasn't it?" she joked.
I raised one of my eyebrows at her question.
"Unfortunately, yes," I replied.
Saria turned full on around to face me.
"You want to know something funny?" she asked me all of a sudden.
I looked at her in expectance.
"What?" I asked.
A funny look came across her face.
"I know this is going to sound strange," she began, which couldn't have been a good sign. "You know that day when you tried to massage my foot?"
I gave her an offhanded stare, not sure where she was going with this.
"Yeah," I replied, not finding the memory too fond.
Saria stroked a hand through her hair.
"Well, the reason I pulled away was because you reminded me of Zant," she divulged.
I looked at her like she was crazy just then.
"What?" I demanded. "Are you serious?"
She immediately started laughing. I, however, failed to see the humor. Saria huffed in exasperation when she saw the look on my face.
"One time Zant tried to massage my foot after a fight," she divulged, "he propped himself down in the same manner as you did, and for a second you reminded me of him, so that's why I freaked out."
Saria laughed again, and I gave her another oddball expression. It made her laugh more.
I think she's been living in Ordon too long, I thought with a mire of humor, she's gone a little cuckoo.
"Wait a minute," I said, shaking my head, "I remind you of Zant in some sick creepy way?"
Saria looked at me obtusely.
"It was a joke," she said. "I didn't say you were him."
I still felt repulsed.
"How can you even compare me, the Hero of Time, to Zant, a homicidal maniac?" I asked incredulous.
Saria looked at me and put her hands on her hips.
"Someone is stuck on themselves," she replied.
"What?" I said with an inflection of reasonableness. "I'm just trying to understand the comparison."
Saria rolled her eyes and laid down next to me. She stared at the star filled sky.
"Get over yourself inflated hero," Saria teased, "you're starting to sound like Mido."
I looked over at Saria repulsed at that.
First Zant, now Mido? I thought.
"You better take that back," I warned.
Saria shook her head.
"I will not," she said simply and shrugged.
"Saria…" I threatened.
She didn't budge.
"Mido," she taunted, looking directly into my eyes, "if you don't want me to call you him, stop acting like him."
I looked at her in disbelief.
"That's it," I said, and sat up.
She looked at me puzzled.
"What do you mean?" she inquired.
I didn't prompt her, I immediately went in and began tickling her sides. Saria started laughing instantly.
"Okay, okay!" she cried out through her laughter. "You win! Just stop!"
I didn't let up.
"Are you ever going to call me Mido again?" I asked.
Saria continued laughing, so much so she almost didn't answer.
"Yes!" she teased, which prompted me to go on.
I smiled at her deviously and kept going.
"Wrong answer lady!" I said, tickling at her sides.
Saria whipped her head from side to side and continued laughing.
"Come on Link!" she nearly gasped.
It was my turn to taunt her.
"Let's try this again," I said, "are you ever going to call me Mido again?"
I found a sweet spot under Saria's elbows, and she couldn't stop laughing.
"No!" she promised finally. "Never again! Just please stop!"
I couldn't lie, I loved the sound of her laugh. It was beautiful and had a cadence of joy, but eventually, I let up. I didn't want her to lose her breath. When it was over, Saria sat up and ran her hands through her disheveled hair.
"I can't believe you still remember I'm ticklish," she said with a big bright smile.
"How could I forget?" I replied with a smirk. "That was the only way to beat you at times. You had all the other Kokiri at your beck and call."
Saria chuckled at me when I said that, then jumped up with a mischievous smile on her face all of a sudden.
"Let's go for a swim," she suggested.
I felt my eyes widen.
"What?" I asked.
"Let's go for a swim," she repeated.
I looked past her to the lake.
"Uh… are you crazy it's three thirty in the morning," I replied.
She wasn't deterred.
"Yeah, I know," she replied, "that makes it more spontaneous."
I suddenly felt my throat tighten.
Great, I thought.
"Uh… I don't have a suit," I tried to reason.
Saria raised a brow.
"You've got boxers, don't you?" she asked me.
I looked at her like she was crazy, and Saria took my expression the wrong way.
"Oh, I'm sorry," she said and smirked, "are you going commando?"
I turned red.
Damn it! I thought embarrassed. I hate how this woman can still do that to me!
"I'm wearing boxers," I muttered.
Saria shrugged.
"Then where's your argument?" she asked me.
"It's just… I-I mean…" I stammered and trailed.
"Here," she said to me untying and disrobing herself, then grabbed the hem of her nightgown, "let me show you how easy it is."
Oh shit, I thought all of a sudden, watching her pull her gown from over her head.
Surprisingly, she had a modest one piece corset on underneath. I didn't know why, but I was secretly disappointed.
What happen to that other swimsuit? I thought with fond memories. The green one that left very little to the imagination.
Saria then put her hands on her hips and waited for me to undress.
"Come on big hero, let's see what you're packing underneath there," she teased and raised her eyebrows deviously.
I looked at her surprised.
I never want to hear another spiel about men being more aggressive than women again, I thought, I swear I thought peer pressure would have gotten easier with age.
"Uh… could you turn around?" I asked, not sure why.
Saria looked at me like I was crazy.
"Are you serious?" she demanded.
I looked at her with a sudden inbred modesty.
"I feel like you're going to flip me a rupee as soon as I start taking my clothes off," I said honestly.
Saria crossed her arms over her chest, and grinned at me.
"I should you stud," she teased, then added, "look Link, I'm jumping in. Join me when you pass puberty."
Saria then turned, ran, and dove into the water. I narrowed my eyes after her upset.
Pass puberty? I thought, suddenly taking my clothes off in a rough manner and leaving my trunks on.
"This lady has no idea I saved a Zora princess from a water temple," I muttered to myself walking towards the shoreline, "from a water temple. Hmph. Puberty; I got your damn puberty."
I dove into the water and quickly resurfaced. The water was surprisingly warm.
That's got to be because of king Zora, let's hope he's not passing too much flatulence, I thought, then looked around for Saria.
Saria resurfaced abruptly and whipped her hair behind her in an arc. When she saw me she smiled and swam over to me.
"Well, it looks like Mr. Killjoy took a back seat," she said to me.
I smirked at her ready to get my revenge for the taunting earlier.
"You better have some Zora fins on girl, because I'm about to get you," I warned.
Saria smiled instantly impressed with this 'new' me.
"That's a tall order coming from a man who just gave the inverse of courage," she replied.
I nodded.
Oh, you think you're funny, I thought.
"That's it!" I said and swam after her.
A moment later, Saria dove under and propelled from my confine, she then soon disappeared from my sights altogether.
Where did she go? I wondered.
I resurfaced looking for her and saw that Saria was nowhere to be found.
I turned and looked out further to the lake and still saw nothing.
Abruptly I felt myself being pulled undertow, when I freed myself I saw Saria swimming right at me again.
I quickly dove deeper dodging her, but swam back toward her and wrapped my arms around her waist. I soon had her in my capture.
Gotcha, I thought.
We swam to the surface together; when we broke water Saria flung her thick green hair back, and smiled down at me as I was holding her above me at her waist.
"You had enough?" I asked.
She chuckled and started ringing out her hair over my face.
"You made your point big shot," she said, "you can let me go now."
I released her from my hold and watched her do several buoyancies before looking back over at me.
"I'll race you to the other side," she challenged abruptly.
I smirked at her.
"You're on," I agreed, "and no crying when I beat you."
Saria smirked back.
"Keep dreaming," she said trying to get stationary.
"On three," I said with a smirk, "one…two…three!"
We both splashed into our comfortable strokes, but there was no denying that I had a huge lead early on.
I should let her win, I thought, that will piss her off, and it's always fun to see Saria pissed off.
I stopped for a moment and allowed her to catch up. When we were about twenty feet from shore I stopped again and then swam onto the shoreline when Saria had already come out water. When I got to the landing I propped myself down next to Saria. She looked irritated.
"Looks like you won," I said, trying to sound breathless.
Saria looked over at me disingenuously and starting ringing out her hair.
"What?" I asked with fake innocence and grinned.
"You know what," she said upset, "you let me win."
I chuckled a little at her reaction.
"So what," I said with a shrug, "you got what you wanted."
She looked at me surprised.
"Oh is that right?" she said annoyed.
She's really mad, I thought with a grin.
"Come on Saria, don't be a poor sport," I said, wanting to rub it in, "I can't win all the time."
She shot me a venomous glare. I immediately started laughing again.
"Stop laughing!" she snapped, turning away from me.
That only made me laugh more.
"How are you getting mad when it was your idea?" I asked, trying to detract.
She groaned, and returned to ringing out her hair.
"I'm not mad," she said, trying to convince herself more than me.
I smirked at her.
"Right," I said with sarcasm.
"I'm not!" she snapped.
We were silent for a few moments, when the wind began picking up. I saw Saria shiver abruptly, and wrap her arms around herself. I reached over and rubbed her bare shoulder. Her skin was prickly to the touch.
"Are you cold?" I asked, sitting up.
She pulled from my reach indignantly.
"I'm okay," she said, continuing to coddle herself.
I gave her an offhanded stare and shook my head. I knew she was just being stubborn. The wind continued to pick up, and Saria's skin continued to prickle. She wrapped her arms around herself tight and brought her knees to her chest.
She looks like she's freezing, I thought.
"Are you sure you're not cold?" I asked again.
"I'm fine," she said with a short undertone, wanting me to stop asking, "drop it."
I raised my hands in surrender at her tone.
"Fine," I said quietly, "but I told you this wasn't a good idea."
Saria rolled her eyes at what I said, and inadvertently shivered some more. We sat there silently for another ten minutes, until Saria's shivering got a little too bothersome for me.
I know she going to hate me for this, but what can I do, I thought.
I sat back up, came close to Saria, and wrapped my arms around her waist. I pulled her close to me to try to warm her up. Saria looked at me surprised by the sudden closeness.
"What are you doing?" she demanded with unease, edging away from me.
"Relax," I said, "it was either this or watch you have another piloerection."
Saria's eyes widened, and she looked at me like I was crazy.
"A what?" she demanded, looking at me repulsed.
I chuckled at her response.
People always get the wrong idea about such a simple word, I thought with a grin.
"I'm talking about your goose bumps," I divulged with a smirk.
She was blushing like crazy and turned from looking at me. She felt a little foolish.
"You idiot," she groaned to herself in relief.
We were silent for a moment when the wind blew a little harder. I ran my hands across Saria's shoulders and her back. She stiffened and edged away at my touch.
"Come on, please stop," she said to me suddenly, her voice was still uneasy.
I knew she would protest, but I didn't concern myself with it.
"Relax," I said again, dismissing her concerns, "when was the last time you had someone take care of you for a change?"
Saria raised her eyebrows at my bold statement.
"I-I don't need to be taken care of," she said, quickly turning crimson, "I can take care of myself."
"Right," I replied with a hint of sarcasm.
I held onto her tighter, and she stiffened some more. There was another silence between us, but Saria's worry never went away.
"Seriously, Link let me go," she said to me, breaking the quiet, "you're making me uncomfortable."
What? I couldn't help but think.
"Saria calm-" I started, but didn't get a chance to finish.
"What if Zelda were to come and see you with your arms around me like this?" she interrupted.
I didn't know why, but her statement really pissed me off. It was a subject I didn't expect her to bring up, and it was something I didn't want to discuss. But, if it was an argument Saria was looking for, she was definitely on the right track.
"Then let her see it!" I shot back. "I'm tired of living a damn lie anyway!"
Saria got quiet at my response, not expecting me to say that.
"Link please let me go," she requested, "this isn't appropriate."
Appropriate? I thought with cynicism. What a damn joke.
I finally gave up my recourse and gave her what she wanted.
I released her.
"Whatever," I muttered to myself.
Saria edged away from me uncomfortably. She wouldn't look at me.
"You say 'let her see it' now," she said, trying to detract the subject, "but you know in the end-"
"You see that's the problem Saria," I interrupted her, not caring any longer, "I don't know! Every time I try to get a damn answer out of you, you clam up and say 'I can't tell you'. What is that? Are those the only words in your vocabulary?"
Saria looked at me surprised at my sudden onset of anger.
"Link-" she tried again.
"No Saria," I interrupted again, feeling this time around I was going to have my say, "I came out here having to force myself to talk about something else when you know back on Hyrule Field I wanted to tell you how I felt about you!"
Saria's eyes widened in panic and she stood up.
"Wait Link you don't understand I-" she tried again.
I stood up, tired of arguing back and forth like petulant children.
"You come out here and flirt with me relentlessly," I interrupted her again, "you wear next to nothing on, you practically called me a coward if I didn't go swimming with you, and now you want to talk about what's appropriate?"
Saria took a step back.
"If you felt that way, you should have said something," she said to me nervously.
I looked at her in disbelief.
"You don't get it, do you?" I demanded of her annoyed. "What about that night in my bedroom Saria? When I said something then it didn't seem to matter to you! Why the hell does it matter now?"
Saria looked at me angrily just then.
"Why do you keep bringing that up?" she asked. "I didn't have my full memory back, and I told you why I acted like I did!"
Perfect, I thought all of a sudden, this is exactly what I wanted.
"No, you didn't," I said.
She looked at me confused
"Yes, I did," she replied.
"You started to, but we were interrupted by the guards," I divulged.
Saria swallowed hard and stepped back.
"You're not talking about that night in your bedroom," she disclosed, "you're talking about that day you captured me after the assassination attempt."
I narrowed my eyes slightly at her.
"Exactly," I replied.
She didn't reply, she even looked a little afraid. I was getting tired of that.
Why the hell is she hesitating? I demanded of myself. I know she loves me!
"Say it Saria!" I demanded suddenly.
Saria's eyes widened.
"I-I can't!" she stuttered.
I pursed my lips together.
"You should never be afraid to tell the woman you love you love her sir knight..." Daphnes' voice ironically echoed through my mind.
For once, Daphnes might actually be right.
Fine, I thought, swallowing hard, I'll say it myself.
"I love you," I said to her finally, "and nothing is ever going to change that. Not a decree from Daphnes, not marriage to Zelda, not even a transformation in twilight. Nothing is going to change that."
Saria took another step back and her eyes filled with tears suddenly. She didn't say anything back to me for a long moment. It was as if she were absorbing what I was said. Eventually, she shrugged and took in a deep sigh.
"Well, now that that is out," she said, "I guess I should say I love you too."
I took in a deep breath at finally hearing her say it back to me.
Why was that so hard? I thought. Why was she fighting me so badly not to say it?
We were silent for a long while.
"You see," I said finally breaking it, and taking a step towards her, "that wasn't so hard."
Saria smiled sadly at me and let her tears fall onto her cheeks.
"Yeah..." she said in absence, "not hard at all."
I came up to her and took her in my arms, wanting to comfort her, but for some odd reason I couldn't feel her body when I held her close to me.
What in the world…? I thought confused.
I drew back for a moment and looked at her. She was there. I could see her, but her tangible self I couldn't feel. But then something strange began to happen, her skin began to iridize ever so slightly.
What the hell is going on? I thought, feeling panic take over me.
Saria saw the confusion in my face and wiped her tears away, she tried to smile.
"I'm disappearing," she divulged quietly.
My eyes widened in disbelief.
"What?" I demanded.
Please write a review and tell me what you think. Chapter 18 is coming soon!