Inspiration: Courage... true courage is the will to face adversity even when the odds are against you.
Original Shout Out: Kabrex, thanks for reading.
Author Note: 5/27/2012- I received a recent PM from one of the regular readers asking what my characters look like. This is how I vision everyone in my head: Link looks like Chris Evans, Saria looks like Megan Fox with green hair, and Zelda looks like Scarlette Johanseen. Yeah, so that's the main cast in my mind. 4/26/2013- Thanks for reading everyone this is it!
Chapter 24
I stood up and stared down at the king's dead body and took in a deep breath.
"Rest in peace sire," I whispered softly to myself.
I turned to the guard standing behind me.
"Have the royal mortician brought here immediately," I commanded him in a quiet undertone.
"Yes sir," he saluted dutifully and ran off to carry out my order.
I looked at Daphnes once more, but had to turn away due to the sheer incredulity of it all.
Such a waste of life, I thought, knowing this all could have been avoided if arrogance and pride were set aside. You could've lived Daphnes, I thought upset, you should still be here.
I had to stop myself. There was no sense reflecting on the 'would be's', 'maybe's', or 'if's'. It was all over now.
Daphnes was gone.
I turned to face the men, they were all looking at me, waiting for some sort of guidance.
That's right, I thought, swallowing hard, I'm regent of Hyrule, I need to organize this mess.
"Escort the town's people out of the basement, and afterwards we'll clear the hall of the..." I paused for a moment, looking around at the dead carcasses, "the debris."
Many of the soldiers nodded in acknowledgement, but didn't say anything. They were still too shocked at what just happened. I wasn't going to lie, so was I.
This is social upheaval in the worst way possible, I thought.
I slowly began descending down the steps, when abruptly, the doors to the northern entrance opened. I turned to see who was entering.
"Father!" I heard a woman's voice scream.
It was Zelda.
Oh no, I thought.
She ran up the stairs to see her father, but I intercepted her before she could get to him.
"Don't Zelda," I said to her quietly, "you don't want to see that."
Tears were streaming down her cheeks as she looked at me.
"Don't tell me what I don't want to see!" she said to me with vehemence. "Unhand me now!"
I didn't loosen my grip.
"Princess…" I trailed, not wanting to go on further.
Zelda still tried to get away from me, but I wouldn't let her go.
"I-I have to see him!" she sobbed barely able to get the words out, she was begging me. "He's-he's my father!"
I hugged her tight after she said that.
"I know," I said against her hair, "but he would want you to remember him as he was Zelda. He wouldn't want you to see him like this."
Zelda looked at me still in semi-shock. Her face crumpled in despair, and she buried her head in my chest. She sobbed inconsolably, and held onto me tight. I sighed and stroked her hair.
"Why didn't he tell me he was going to die?" she demanded of herself. "Why didn't he tell me was planning on something so reckless?"
We never think about the ones we leave behind when we blindly go to battle, I thought reflectively for a moment, everything is always in the moment.
Zelda wiped her eyes and pulled back to look up at me.
"You're all I have left Link," she whispered to me all of a sudden.
I stared into her eyes seriously after she said that. Her words were like a sobriety unguent.
That's probably true, I thought.
"Princess..." I trailed, not knowing what to say to that.
I sighed, then hugged her close to me once more.
"I want you to go and rest," I said, trying to sound firm, "I'll take care of this… this mess."
Zelda hugged me back, but then she reached up and caressed my cheek.
"Okay," she replied finally with a nod.
I called a guard over and had him escort Zelda back to the northern entrance. She turned and looked at me as she entered back into the castle. Her eyes were so telling, they were so sad. I turned back around and sighed at what was now going to happen. I watched quietly as the men were beginning to assemble cots and gather the injured for medical attention.
What's going to happen now? I wondered. Who's going to rule the kingdom?
I knew the answer to that question, but it wasn't something I wanted to deal with right away. I saw the fear in the men's faces; the doubt as to what was to come. They just witnessed their sovereign being murdered in front of their faces.
How in the world am I going to pick up the pieces of this shattered and broken situation? I thought.
I shook my head of my thoughts, and went to help a soldier set up some leather canvasses. I was fanning out a tarp when a flash of green caught my eye.
Is that...? I didn't let my thoughts finish as the two men carrying the cot passed me for confirmation.
I felt my heart accelerate when I turned to see Saria's limp body being carried away near the southern entrance to the gardens. Inadvertently, I stopped what I was doing and went to hurry after her. However, I had to stop myself. I knew with how fragile the current situation was I couldn't go to inquire about her condition just yet. Instead, I stayed back and watched near the entryway as Saria was being placed carefully onto a wagon bed. I felt my throat tighten when she didn't move.
Is she alive? I wondered worried. Had she succumbed to her injuries?
I watched the wagon giddy away and head towards the castle gate. I watched until the horse and carriage disappeared behind the lawn awning.
Where is she going? I thought.
I stopped a soldier momentarily as he tried to walk by me with some medical supplies.
"Where are the injured being carried off to?" I asked, trying to sound casual.
"There's an encampment being established outside of Kakiriko Village in Hyrule Field per protocol," the soldier replied.
I merely nodded at his explanation.
The soldier looked at me uncertainly.
"Did you want it someplace else sir?" he asked me.
I tried to smirk and shook my head no.
"That's fine soldier," I replied, "that's perfectly fine."
I need to know if Saria is okay, I thought, Zant did a number on her before he released her.
I wanted to see her, but I knew at the moment she wasn't priority. At least, she wasn't the situational priority. I had to set my personal feelings aside and make sure the everyone else was okay before I thought of anything affecting myself.
I will check on you later Saria, I thought, you're a fighter, I know you'll survive.
I went back inside the hall and spent the next few hours clearing debris and dead bodies with my men. It was very emotional work. Many of the soldiers had to step aside and weep for a moment when they pulled the bodies of friends and loved ones from underneath the rubble. Some were so horribly disfigured they were almost unrecognizable. I had to turn away when I saw the elderly couple that greeted Zelda and me earlier crushed under a slated weight of marble.
They were... I didn't know what to think.
I saw the little girl Lena and her mother limp away out the gate with the doctor. He too was organizing a small medical rotation right there in the immediate garden. I was grateful he was using his skill set in the service of others. I turned and saw a man carry his dead wife. The man looked sullen and distraught. There were no tears in his eyes, but that was only because he was too shocked with having lost someone so precious to him. My heart went out to him.
If I had to carry Saria like that I'd probably be the same way, I stopped myself from thinking such a thing. Don't do that Link, you have no idea what Saria's condition is.
I closed my eyes and looked away, only to open them to the little boy I rescued earlier crying over his father's dead body. I felt my stomach drop at the sight. The irony of having saved him from a terrible fate, only for him to live and deal with the devastating effects of the death of his father pained me deeply. It pained me, and it sickened me to my core. I went over to the little boy and touched his shoulder. He didn't move, as his full attention and concentration was on trying to 'wake up' his father.
"Daddy!" he cried. "Come on we have to get out of here!"
I pursed my lips together and picked up the child and held him tight. The little boy hugged me and sobbed into my shoulder.
"He won't wake up master Link!" he cried.
I sighed and closed my eyes.
I know, I thought.
"I'm sorry," I said.
The little boy cried and cried. I finally carried him over to a nurse who was gathering all the children together who couldn't find their parents. I put him down, but he was still inconsolable. I spoke with the nurse.
"His father is... not with us," I said, trying to be sensitive to the young boy's feelings.
The nurse nodded and picked the young boy up.
"I see," was all she said, then turned her attention to him, "where is your mother my dear?"
The little boy looked at the nurse and his eyes refilled with tears.
"She's dead!" he wailed, and buried his head in her chest.
I looked away after hearing that.
Another orphan... I thought.
"Well..." the nurse trailed, trying to think of something consoling to say, "we'll just have to take good care of you then, won't we?"
The little boy didn't answer. I couldn't blame him, I would be devastated too.
"Is there anything you need me to order for you?" I asked the woman.
The nurse shook her head no.
"We have all the supplies needed for children near the medics bay outside of Kakariko Village and Lon Lon Ranch," she explained, "but I'll recheck once I get there just to be on the safe side."
I nodded.
"Keep me posted," I said, "send a messenger if you need anything."
"Yes sir," she said and bowed.
With that, I bowed back and walked away. I was going to remember that little boy's face for as long as I lived. I was going to remember this for as long as I lived.
All of it.
The death.
The destruction.
The despair.
There could have been another way. There should have been another way. The crystal sword would have been enough. Daphnes didn't have to sacrifice himself to atone for what he did. There was no need for any of it. This was the result of hubris and madness.
Damn your stubbornness and pride sire, I thought, wanting to check my duality, but was at odds with myself due to what I had just witnessed.
I continued to give orders and supervise, when the coroner and mortician arrived a half hour after the cleaning started. Both men and their attendants took Daphnes' body and wrapped it in purple silk, as was the tradition of the embalming process of the royal family. The mortician then came up to me for further directions.
"Would you like us to proceed with the preservation process?" he asked me.
I nodded, but then hesitated.
"Before you do that," I said, "the princess will want to see him."
The mortician merely nodded at me.
"Very well," he said to me, "his body will be ready for the princess's viewing within the hour."
I nodded again, and he walked away, the coroner then came up to me and added, "The cause of death was blunt trauma to the chest," he said, "however, it will be several days before I can give you a full unguent report."
An unguent report was when the coroner used several different potions to determine if poison, toxic substances, or if a secondary means of death by means of bacteria was present in the body.
I sighed troubled.
Zelda's not going to take this well, I thought.
"That's fine," I said, "we must be thorough."
The coroner nodded.
"Yes sir," he said, "we'll alert you when we're done."
With that, he bowed and walked away.
Well, at least that's one thing taken care of, I thought, trying to find some solace in this mess.
I turned and scanned the crowd for a moment and finally found the dutiful captain of the guard helping to direct citizens from the basement to the refugee camp outside Kakiriko Village. Throughout this entire process, he remained calm and was steadfast.
He deserves recognition for his efforts, I thought, I probably wouldn't have been able to do this without his help.
I motioned for him to come to me. He saw my gesture and saluted, after helping a couple more citizens he came over to where I was.
"Yes sir?" he inquired.
I studied his face for a moment.
"I wanted to tell you you're doing an excellent job," I said to him.
The captain simply nodded and saluted me again.
"Thank you sir," he replied, not really in the mood for adulation and that was understandable, there was still a lot of work to be done.
I paused before I went on.
No sense beating around the bush, I thought.
"You're now first knight of Hyrule soldier," I said to him, getting straight to the point.
The captain's eyes grew wide in disbelief.
"Sir?" he replied, not sure if he heard right.
"You're first knight of Hyrule," I repeated, "as regent it is my duty to make sure we have the best people in the best places. You're the best person for that place. Your loyalty is undeniable."
The newly appointed first knight was still in shock.
"Th-thank you sir," he stammered.
I just nodded.
"You may go back to your assignment," I directed.
The captain saluted once more.
"Yes sir," he said, then added, "thank you again."
I nodded once more and he went back to assisting citizens from the basement.
I took in a deep breath and sighed as I watched him walk away.
This is going to be a long process for everyone, I thought.
~SSS~
The next half hour passed. Everything was proceeding smoothly in relation to the clean up. I then went to find Zelda so she could see her father before he was embalmed. I was told she was resting in her chambers, and I went to knock softly on her door.
"Yes?" she called from the inside.
"It's Link, Zelda," I called back.
There was a rustling of sheets inside and a brief pause.
"Come in," she said finally.
I entered the room and found her sitting on her bed.
"Hello," I said quietly, honestly not knowing what else to say.
Zelda bit her lower lip and looked away from me.
"What is it Link?" she asked, wanting me to get straight to the point.
I sighed understanding the crispness of her tone.
I suppose there's no other way to be, I thought.
"If you want to see your father, now is the time to do so before the mortician begins the embalming process," I replied.
Zelda's eyes refilled with tears and she nodded.
"Thank you," she whispered.
She sounded like she was ready to choke. I took a step towards her in concern.
"Are you alright?" I asked, knowing it was a silly question.
Zelda looked away from me and forced a chuckle.
"My father's dead Link," she said rather blunt, "do you think I'm alright?"
I closed my mouth, realizing the inconsiderateness of my words.
"I'm sorry princess," I said quietly, "that was insensitive of me."
She wiped her eyes, and shook her head.
"I understand Link," she said softly, "I know you didn't mean any harm."
I only nodded.
There was a brief pause between us.
"Would you like me to escort you princess?" I asked her all of a sudden. "I know this won't be easy."
Zelda swallowed hard and didn't answer right away.
"Would you?" she asked me softly. "I would greatly appreciate it."
I took another step toward her.
"Of course," I replied.
Zelda wiped her eyes again and got off her bed. She came up to me and took my arm with a trembling hand. I covered her hand with mine securely.
It's going to be okay, I thought.
"Ready?" I asked.
Zelda merely nodded.
We left her room and walked down the hall under a light guard to the mortician's lab on the other side of the castle. I paused before knocking on the door. Zelda looked like she was going to faint.
Maybe this isn't a good idea, I thought.
"Are you sure you want to do this?" I asked her.
Zelda closed her eyes and took in a deep breath.
"He's my father Link," she said quietly, "I have to see him one last time."
I wasn't too reassured by her words, but didn't let it show. It was completely understandable that she was distraught, but I was getting concerned for her overall wellbeing. I didn't want her to collapse from shock. Even still, I took in a deep sigh, and knocked on the door. The door immediately opened and the mortician greeted us with a solemn face.
"Your highness," he said to Zelda and bowed respectfully, he then turned to me, "Sir Link."
I nodded back.
The mortician turned to the princess.
"Your father is ready," he said to her softly.
Abruptly, I felt Zelda's hand tremble in my grip. Her legs started to give way. I had to hurry and catch her.
"Zelda," I said in concern, "are you-"
"I'm fine," she interrupted, "I want to see my father."
I looked over at the mortician who had a subtle worried look on his face, and nodded once more. He was hesitant, but he moved out of the way. Once he did, Zelda gasped and took a step back at what she saw.
Dear Hylia, I thought, never thinking I'd see this day, there he is.
There, lying on a marble table shrouded in purple silk, was the fallen king of Hyrule. Zelda let go of my arm slowly and took a couple of steps forward, but immediately her eyes refilled with tears. I let her hand go when she went into the room to approach the table. I looked down at the ground in a moment of solace.
She needs to do this alone, I thought, standing back near the doorway.
Zelda stared at her father for a moment before she drew her hand forward, then back, then forward again to stroke his hair. Once her fingers came in contact when his skin she looked like she had a moment of peace.
"Hello father," I heard her whisper.
I felt a little uncomfortable eavesdropping on her intimate moment like that, but felt as though I had no choice. She didn't want to be alone.
This isn't about you Link, I told myself, think of the princess.
Zelda continued to stroke Daphnes' hair.
"You look better than I expected," she went on softly.
I cringed slightly at hearing her say that.
She shouldn't have to be going through this, I thought.
"I'm going to protect Hyrule just like you did father," she continued, "I won't let it fall to its enemies."
I looked up at her as she said that.
"Your life was for your people," she whispered, "whether your methods were… not always as clear as they should have been."
I swallowed hard, knowing she was saying that indirectly to me.
I don't hate your father Zelda, I thought, Daphnes and I had our differences true, but I don't hate him.
"Thank you for allowing me to be your daughter," I heard her continue, "I promise to wear your crown proudly, and do all my duties as future queen with the grace you've taught me."
Zelda caressed her father's cheek as her eyes refilled with tears. Her hand was trembling once more.
"Goodbye daddy, may you rest in peace with the kings of old," she whispered softly, then finally backed away from the table.
Zelda turned around and covered her mouth with her trembling hands. She looked at me and ran into my arms. She buried her head into my chest. I held her tight, and let her cry for a few moments.
Hyrule will be protected Zelda, I thought, I stake my life on that.
"Your highness," the mortician began, breaking the brief silence, "are there any… special requests in regards to father's embalming?"
Zelda pulled back from me and turned to look at the mortician.
"I want the traditional Hyrulean burial," she said, "but I want his body to be on display tomorrow so the people can pay their respects before he's buried."
The mortician nodded, then bowed.
"Yes your highness," he said, "I will do all that you desire."
Zelda nodded, then looked up at me.
"Can we leave now?" she asked me, trying to be strong.
I tried smiling at her.
"Of course," I replied.
We left the mortician's laboratory and headed back to Zelda's chambers. At her door she hugged me tight.
"Will… will you stay with me tonight?" she asked me softly.
I sighed.
"You know I can't Zelda," I replied in a quiet undertone, "I have the cleaning to oversee."
She took in a deep breath against me.
"Forgive me for being selfish, but I don't want to be alone," she whispered to me.
I pulled her back from me to look into her sad eyes.
"I'll have one of your servants stay in here with you tonight," I said.
Zelda looked me in the eyes and sighed once more, but reluctantly agreed.
"Okay," she replied.
I stepped back, bowed, and kissed her hand.
"I'll call for them immediately," I said, "goodnight."
"Goodnight my beloved," she replied.
~SSS~
Dusk rapidly shifted into evening. The cleaning of the castle was still mandated, and the soldiers were nearing its completion. I ordered the men to take a break for at least an hour before working again. The soldiers had been going at it nonstop for the past several hours. There was huge progress made from then and now, but admittedly, I had some other things on my mind, so I wasn't completely focused on the task at hand. Well… I had someone on my mind.
Saria... I pondered, letting my thoughts trail.
I stood there, in the middle of the banquet hall, wondering what was going on with Saria. I hadn't seen or spoken to her since the events of earlier that day.
I have to know if she's okay, I thought worried, I have to know if she's… alive.
I decided I was going to go visit her at the medic's bay outside of Kakiriko Village. I knew it was a huge risk being seen visiting her, especially after what happened, but I couldn't help it. I needed to know she was alright. I called for the captain, now the new first knight of Hyrule, and told him to oversee the cleaning until I returned.
Before I headed out to the medic's bay, I went to my villa, or what was left of it, it was still under construction, to change out of my white uniform and silver cloak to something less conspicuous. I put on my green tunic, brown cargo pants with matching boots, and black cloak, afterwards I headed out. I decided to walk instead of ride in on Epona. I didn't want to bring any undue attention to myself. I headed out onto Hyrule field and saw the encampment of tents right before Kakiriko impasse.
I lowered my hood and walked into the tents searching for Saria. I saw clusters of people grouped in several tents being treated for wounds and broken bones. Several of the victims were unconscious and receiving fluids for hydration. I had to look away when I saw a little girl crying over her mother's burn injuries, they were pretty extensive.
That bastard Zant really caused some carnage, didn't he? I thought, making my way through the encampment.
I was looking into tents unobtrusively. I didn't want anyone to get a good look at my face and realize who I was.
That would be all I need, I thought.
I continued my search, and was surprised to see the doctor from the Seaside Laboratory out and about helping some of the citizens. He was still wearing his neck brace, but he was moving without any problems. I also saw the bazaar owner standing over a giant cauldron stirring what looked like medicine and pouring the solution into potion bottles.
Everyone's lending a helping hand, I thought with a grin, that's what Hyrule is all about.
I kept my cloak hung low so gramps wouldn't recognize me and approached the doctor in discretion.
"Excuse me sir," I said to him quietly, trying to mask my voice, "I'm looking for the green haired maiden in the yellow and red jumpsuit."
The doctor turned and looked at me confused, but then his eyes widened with surprise when he realized it was me.
"Master Link!" he whispered.
I put my finger to my lips to silence him.
"Where is she?" I asked.
The doctor took in a deep relieved breath.
"I believe someone of that description is in the back tent being attended to," he said to me quietly, and smirked at me, "your visit will be most welcome. I'm sure she's worried sick about you."
It can't be half as much as I am worried about her, I thought.
I smirked back, and nodded.
"Thanks," I said.
He just shook his head.
"I admire that persistent spirit of yours," he said to me, "it serves you well."
I simply nodded and continued to where the old man stated.
I got to the back tent and saw that Saria was the only patient being attended to by a young male medic about my age with sandy blonde hair. It was sort of strange, but he bore a considerable resemblance to me.
He could be my brother, I thought, entering the tent.
Saria was lying on a cot with her eyes closed. I saw her chest rise and fall, so I knew she was alive.
Thank the goddess, I thought in relief.
The make-up was wiped clean from Saria's skin. Her lips were pale and her hair was wet with perspiration. She looked weak. I was just glad she was alive. The young medic turned at my entrance.
"Good evening sir," he said to me, "do you know this woman?"
I nodded, not wanting him to see my face.
"Yes, I've known her since childhood," I replied simply.
The medic shook his head.
"That bastard really did a number on her," he said to me quietly, "I thought she was going to die. There was a lot of stress put on her heart."
She almost didn't make it, I thought.
I nodded again.
"I know," I replied.
He sighed and turned his attention back to Saria.
"I gave her general medicine and some herbs for her fever," he said, going up to Saria and wiping her forehead of her perspiration. "The doctor gave her some blue potion. She's gone from critical to stable over the last two hours."
Good, I thought.
"Thank you for taking care of her," I said to him sincere, "she means a great deal to me."
He fanned off my thanks with the gesture of his hand.
"It's no problem," he replied, "it's my job," he then added with a grin, "I have to admit, she's so pretty I wanted to take care of her."
I looked at him surprised, completely oblivious to the fact that she could still have such a strong attraction to people even in such a weak state.
She is still strikingly beautiful, I thought.
"Yeah…" I trailed, "she has that kind of effect on people."
The medic stopped wiping her forehead and turned around and looked at me.
"Are… are you her husband sir?" he asked me. "If so, I meant no disrespect."
I shook my head and grinned at the young man.
"No," I reassured, "I'm not her husband."
I want to be, I thought, feeling a little bitter with my circumstances, but I'm not.
The medic stood and washed his hands before offering to shake one of mine.
"I'm Ralph by the way," he introduced himself to me.
I looked at his hand and took it.
"Nice to meet you Ralph," I said, shaking it firmly.
I tried not to look him directly in the face, hoping the hood was providing enough shadow to disguise me. A moment later, Saria stirred at Ralph's and my talking. I was glad to see that she was going to awaken.
"Mmm," she moaned softly and blinked several times.
Ralph let go of my hand and went to see about Saria. He stroked her hair off her forehead with a wet cloth.
"You gave everyone quite a scare little lady," he said to her quietly.
Saria's eyes widened when she saw the medic, but then she looked at him confused.
"Link?" she whispered to him perplexed.
Ralph smiled at her.
"No, I'm not Sir Link," he said to her, "I get that a lot, my name is Ralph. I've been assigned to take care of you."
Saria sighed and looked a little disappointed when he said that, but then she turned her attention to me. Her eyes widened again and she gasped.
Oh no, I thought, wanting to avoid being recognized.
"Link!" she said to me in certainty and sat up.
"Easy there, easy," Ralph tried to calm her down, "you can't just switch positions like that, you'll get terribly dizzy."
Saria ignored his words.
"Link is that you?" she asked, now not so sure.
Ralph was taken aback when she said my name for a second time, and turned and looked at me confused.
"Link?" he inquired, looking at me suspiciously for a second.
I have to diffuse this, I thought.
I went up to the cot's left side and sat down next to Saria. I then unhooded myself. I had to. I knew if she kept crying out like that it would alert the whole encampment. The medic looked at me in shock.
"Sir Link!" Ralph said surprised. "Sir if I had known it was you I would've-"
"Don't worry about it," I interrupted quietly, "I didn't want anyone to recognize me."
Saria immediately reached up and wrapped her arms around my neck and hugged herself close to me. She started to cry.
"I thought I was never going to see you again," she whispered all of a sudden.
I hugged her back cautiously, but was very aware of the medic's presence. I saw his eyebrows go up from the corner of my eye.
This won't be good, I thought, remembering this situation was bigger than just Saria and myself.
To make matters worse, Saria pulled back from the hug and kissed my mouth fervently. It was a hungry, passionate kiss, but then again when weren't her kisses hungry and passionate.
"Saria-" I said, trying to pull back, but she wouldn't let up on me. She interrupted me with another kiss.
I saw Ralph's eyes widen in shock from my periphery.
Saria pulled back again and stared into my eyes.
"I love-" she tried.
"Shh," I had to interrupt her softly by putting my finger to her lips, realizing she almost forgot what that phrase could do, "relax, you're okay now."
Saria swallowed hard and stared into my eyes once more before she pressed her mouth against mine again.
Oh boy, I thought, how in the world am I going to explain this?
"Uh…" Ralph trailed all of a sudden, apparently uncomfortable with what was going on, "why don't I just step out for a moment while you two… talk."
I pulled back from the kiss and turned to look at him.
"Wait," I said to him, not wanting him to go and start a rumor... or spread the truth so to speak.
Ralph froze in his footsteps.
"Yes sir?" he inquired.
I forced a chuckle.
"This isn't what this looks like," I reassured.
Ralph raised his eyebrows at me in apt disbelief.
"… Right, my lips are sealed," he replied mordantly, "I'll just step outside."
Ralph exited from the tent and left Saria and I alone. I turned back to look at her. Saria was still sweating pretty badly, but at least she was awake.
"How are you feeling?" I asked her quietly.
Saria reached up and stroked my cheek, she smiled weakly.
"Better now," she replied.
I grinned at her.
"You have that tenacious fighting spirit," I said to her, "I knew you wouldn't stay down for long."
Saria nodded, then swallowed hard. She looked around, not familiar with her surroundings.
"Where am I?" she asked.
"You're in the medic's bay outside of Kakariko Village," I replied.
She looked at me surprised.
"How long was I out?" she asked me.
I shook my head, honestly not knowing.
"A few hours I suppose," I replied, "you're being taken care of by a really nice guy."
I hope he heard that if he happens to be eavesdropping, I discerned.
Saria merely nodded, then sat up in the cot a little more. I felt she was doing more than she should, she was still very weak.
"Whoa, whoa easy there Miss Lady," I joked, aware that she wasn't completely recovered.
She looked at me seriously for a moment, then wrapped her arms around my neck and hugged me again.
"I'm so glad you're here," she said to me suddenly.
I paused for a moment to hug her back.
"So am I," I whispered.
Saria sighed and rested her mouth at my ear.
"I thought I was going to wake up and find you gone and married off to the princess," she said to me.
I took in a deep breath when she said that.
"No Saria," I said to her, softly stroking her wet hair, "I haven't married the princess."
She hugged me tighter.
"I... I'm glad to hear that," she said quietly.
I took in a deep sigh, not replying to what she said.
It's complicated, I thought, it's so... damn... complicated.
"Let's run away together Link," she whispered in my ear suddenly.
I closed my eyes when I heard her words, and squeezed her slightly in my arms.
"Let's just get away from here and settle in Ordon where no one knows us," she went on, "well... where no one knows you."
I held her securely and took in another deep breath.
I want that too Sar, I thought honestly, the thing is it's not that simple.
I pulled away from her and looked down. Saria stroked her damp hair behind her ears.
"Forget ten kids, we'll have twenty!" she joked. "No, a whole village!"
I looked up and grinned at her pretty face.
"And you said I was crazy," I replied in a lighthearted manner.
Saria nodded and smiled.
"And don't worry about feeling like you have to tell me you love me," she said to me quietly, "I already know how you feel. I'm okay never hearing it, just as long as you always show it. I'll be such a good wife to you. I'll cook all your favorite meals, and make sure everything is perfect for when you come home from working all day. It'll be perfect! It'll be just what we wanted."
I closed my eyes and swallowed hard again at hearing her say that.
"Sar…" I trailed feeling a surge of unorthodox guilt.
I didn't know where that was coming from. Saria reached up and stroked her fingers through my hair.
"What do you say?" she asked me eagerly.
I sighed and then paused for a moment.
"I say…" I trailed, "I would love to, but I have to figure some things out before anything can happen."
I wasn't just saying that to say that, it was the truth. I had to consider the seal. I had to think about the future of the residents of Hyrule. I had to think about who was going to rule in an equitable manner. I had to think about Zelda. There were so many things to figure out. Saria stared into my eyes for a moment, then looked away and bit her lower lip.
"Oh," was all she replied.
I took her hand in mine.
"I'll figure out a way Sar," I promised, "I'll find something to make what we want happen."
Saria didn't look at me and merely nodded.
"I know you will," she whispered to me, not really believing her own words.
I lifted her chin to look me in the eyes.
"I promise you, I will find a way," I whispered to her seriously.
Saria stared back into my eyes and tried to smile.
"Okay," she said.
I stroked her damp hair and kissed her forehead.
"I love-" I pursed my lips and had to catch myself.
Saria looked at me surprised.
"I'm sorry," I said with bitter irony.
She just smiled at me again.
"It's okay," she said, "I know how you feel."
I stared into her eyes again and impulsively kissed her once more. I knew I shouldn't have because it was giving her false reassurances, but I found her present perspired state sexy and irresistible.
Goddesses, she looks so beautiful like this, I thought.
"I'll call on you soon," I whispered to her when I pulled away.
"Okay," she said.
"I've got to go," I stated, "I want you to have a speedy recovery."
Saria merely nodded.
I made sure she lay back down and tucked her in under the cot. I then exited the tent and looked for Ralph. I didn't have to look far, he was standing a few feet away from the entrance. I hooded myself and quickly approached him.
"Um…" I trailed, not knowing how to begin, "about what you saw in there-"
"Don't worry," Ralph interrupted me nervously, "I won't say a word to anyone. My lips are sealed."
I studied his face for a moment to see if he was lying, but then realized I didn't want to take it any further than necessary.
"I have your word on that?" I inquired.
Ralph's eyes widened.
"Yes sir," he said, "I put that on the Dirac-ocratic oath as a medic."
I smirked at him and was about to go by, when he stopped me.
"By the way," he said suddenly, "I played you, or the hero rather, in the coronation ceremony."
I looked at him surprised.
"Oh really?" I replied with a nod.
Ralph put his hands in his pockets and sea sawed on his heels, he then smirked.
"Yeah," he said casually, "I was about to make my big debut, when you pushed me off the bird to save the princess."
I grinned at his story.
"Sorry about that," I said honestly, "it wasn't personal."
Ralph nodded and fanned off my apology.
"Don't worry about it," he replied, "it was an honor to be shoved by such a distinguished hero."
I smirked at him again and shook my head.
"Thanks," I said with a nod to end the conversation, "and thanks for taking such good care of that young woman."
Ralph merely grinned.
"Yeah," he replied.
I was about to walk away when he stopped me once more.
"One more thing, those herbs I gave her for her fever," he said abruptly, "one of the side effects is acute psychosis. So… if she said anything delusional that's why."
Ralph then grinned at me again.
I raised my eyebrows at his comment, knowing the only reason he was telling me this was because he eavesdropped and heard some of what was said.
That wasn't psychosis buddy, I thought, you just don't know that woman like I do.
"Thanks for the heads up," I verbalized, "have a good night."
I then turned and headed back through the encampment. I was initially going to head home, but decided to find the doctor. I had some inquiries regarding Saria's condition. I found him in a tent near the front entrance. I waited to the side until he was finally free. I waved at him to notice me. The doctor finished his consultation with one of the patients and came to where I was. I turned from facing the encampment for more privacy.
"Did you find her?" he asked me quietly.
I nodded.
"She's going to be okay," I said in relief.
The doctor sighed.
"To be honest with you I wasn't so sure," the old man divulged, "Zant nearly destroyed all the new wave forms in her body. It was fortunate she got a potion cocktail in time, otherwise she wouldn't be here."
I looked over at the doctor somberly for a moment.
She was so close to death, I thought.
"How's the princess?" he asked me.
I nodded.
"She's doing okay considering the circumstances," I replied.
The doctor looked out at Hyrule Field and sighed.
"It's a good thing she has you Link," he said to me reflectively for a moment, "she would be all alone."
I looked out at the horizon troubled by that statement.
All alone... I thought.
"Yeah," I said, not really hearing myself answer.
There was so much to consider: the kingdom, the seal, Saria's condition, everything.
"Doctor," I started quietly, "tell me honestly, is there another way to cure Saria?"
The doctor took in a deep breath at my question.
"No," he replied quietly, "at least not in any way that I can see."
That's what I thought, I thought feeling a swell of bitterness.
"The only way to ensure that your beloved Saria and the kingdom stays safe is if you marry the princess," the old man said to me frankly, "there is no other way."
I looked away angrily.
"Saria's going to hate me doctor," I said, "I promised her I'd find a way."
The doctor nodded.
"Sometimes a comforting lie is better than the truth," he said. "Saria could never hate you, she loves you too much. She'll be hurt in the beginning, but she'll realize it was for the greater good of everyone."
I sighed.
"I hope so," I said to him.
"I know so," the old man said to me with a slight smile.
I glanced over at him and grinned once more.
"Thanks," I said.
"You should probably go home and get some rest," the doctor told me, "heroes need shut eye too."
I was trying to ignore the premise, but the doctor was right. I hadn't had sleep in a while, and there was nothing I could do considering the circumstances.
I have to be rational, I thought.
"That's an excellent idea," I said to the doctor, "goodnight."
The doctor nodded at me.
"Goodnight Sir Link," he replied.
I left the medical center and headed back to Castle Town. Enough had been done in one day, there was little more I could do. I needed to go home and get some sleep.
I'll think about the rest of what I have to do tomorrow, I thought, changing for bed.
With these thoughts, I went to sleep.
~SSS~
The next day I rose early and headed to the castle to have breakfast with Zelda and discuss the arrangements of her father's viewing. It was a very somber morning, with Zelda eating very little and looking very tired.
She probably got no sleep last night, I thought.
I took care of most of her business dealings in regards to her steward and commanded what was necessary of her servants. The viewing was scheduled for ten in the morning. I thought it was kind of morbid to have the earliest thoughts of the day, be those of the dead king. But I suppose it could have been worse if the viewing was at night and people had nightmares about it.
I guess it's all in how you look at it, I thought.
It was nearing the time, and I was sitting with Zelda in the counsel room. She looked sullen dressed in all black, but in contrast to her blonde hair she still looked beautiful. It was quiet and reflective between us.
"I..." she trailed softly all of a sudden, "I suppose you're going to want to discuss other arrangements with regards to Saria."
I looked at Zelda surprised with regards to the subject matter.
Why is she bringing this up now? I wondered.
"We don't need to talk about that right now Zelda," I said to her seriously.
Zelda merely nodded.
"But we do Link," she said to me quietly, "we really do."
I didn't want to discuss such an important matter during such an emotional time.
"Princess-" I tried.
"I love you," she interrupted me.
I turned to look at her.
"Zelda-" I tried again.
"The truth is I haven't changed my mind," she interrupted me quietly, "you can hate me for that, but it's the truth."
I wasn't at all shocked. I was expecting it.
"I know," I said in a quiet undertone.
Zelda looked at me with a queer kind of uncertainty for a moment.
"You know?" she repeated.
I merely nodded.
"Yes, I know," I said with a sigh, "I was trying to figure out some alternative to the seal, but I can think of nothing."
Zelda looked away when I said that.
"You must really love her," she said to me quietly with some sadness.
I paused for a moment and decided it was time to be honest.
"I do," I replied, "I've always loved her. I'll always be in love with her Zelda."
Zelda closed her eyes as they filled with tears at my words. I saw that and sighed.
I suppose that would hurt anyone, I thought.
"But..." I trailed hesitantly, "it doesn't mean I don't deeply care for you or for Hyrule, and for eight years you have been a rock for me and you have been loyal to me."
Zelda opened her eyes and looked back at me hopefully in that moment.
"What... what are you saying to me Link?" she asked me, biting her lower lip.
I shook my head.
"There was no hidden agenda Zelda," I said softly, "I meant what I said."
Zelda swallowed hard.
"So..." she trailed nervously, "you don't hate me?"
I looked at her seriously as I thought about that.
Do I hate her? I thought. No... I could never hate her.
"No," I verbalized, "you're just doing your duty."
Zelda looked down and trembled a little when I said that.
"You don't know how much that means to me to hear you say that," she said softly.
I grinned with some sadness and went over to take her in my arms. Zelda hugged me back tight.
I'm about to break someone's heart, I thought with a deep breath, but I have to think about Hyrule, the seal, and the future of the country. I can't just think of myself.
It's just as the Deku Tree said, "You will make the right decision in the end, for life is not always about what you want, but what is required of you..."
I'm sorry Saria, I thought.
I closed my eyes and held Zelda tight against me.
"I'll marry you princess if you'll still have me," I whispered in Zelda's hair softly.
Zelda closed her eyes against my tunic and almost collapsed from shock.
"W-what?" she asked in a quivering voice.
I made sure she was steady before saying it again.
"Will you marry me?" I repeated. "I know I asked you once before, but I feel this is a fitting time to ask you again."
Zelda covered her mouth in utter surprise and elation. I could see a huge smile forming across her face.
"O-of course I'll marry you!" she said to me with a rare jolt of excitement. "You're all I ever wanted!"
She pulled back and looked up into my eyes.
"Oh Link!" she cried out happily and threw her arms around my neck.
I hugged her back and tried to smile through my confusion and guilt.
I hope you can forgive me Saria, I thought troubled, but honestly I'm doing this for you. I don't know what else to do.
Zelda pulled back from the hug and kissed me. When she pulled away she was still smiling through her tears.
"I'll be the best wife in the world!" she promised me. "I'll do right by you I swear! You won't regret it!"
I caressed her wet cheek and sighed.
"I know," I said, trying to swallow the knot in my throat, "I know you only want what's right for everybody."
Everybody... except Saria, I couldn't help but think, I have to break this news to her soon.
I wiped the tears from Zelda's cheeks and offered her my arm.
"It's time," I said in relation to the viewing.
Zelda nodded, remembering the seriousness of the occasion. We headed to the south gate fields where thousands of people were already lined up behind the gate. There lying in a glass coffin was Daphnes' embossed body. He was dressed in dark purple, wearing a crown of gold and bearing a sword of his family crest gripped in the palms of in lifeless hands. Zelda had to turn away momentarily; I completely understood. This was the hardest thing she's ever had to do. Zelda stood a good distance from where her father lay and tried not to become too overcome with emotion. I gripped her hand tight, then nodded to the mortician to allow the viewing to start.
Slowly, but surely citizens came up, viewed the king, and then made their way back out to Castle Town. Some broke down and cried, others fainted, still some children screamed at the sight of the dead body. Zelda held onto me tightly and tried to appear stoic. I looked down at her and tried to be as comforting as possible, this wasn't easy for her.
I can only imagine what she must be going through right now, I thought.
I stroked my hand over Zelda's softly, but was taken aback when I saw the next set of persons approach and give respects. It was Saria with the doctor. She had a wreath of lilies in her hand and placed them by the coffin. She inadvertently looked up at me, but then quickly cut her eyes and walked away.
She's out of bed and walking already? I thought. She really does have some resilience, doesn't she? Any children she bears are going to be a marvel.
When I saw her, my heart raced, and I knew it was because it wasn't going to be easy telling her the news.
Saria... I thought.
When Zelda saw Saria she immediately looked up at me. I had to avert my gaze from Saria so as not to add more to the situation than necessary. Zelda looked back over to the field and watched Saria and the doctor walk away. She gripped onto my arm securely.
I've already given you my word Zelda, I thought, stop worrying.
The viewing went on for another hour, and then Daphnes' body was finally laid to rest. Daphnes could finally rest in peace. No more lies to tell, no more secrets to keep. He was finally free of the burden of the royal family. Now unfortunately, I had to take the mantle.
There was no choice.
Destiny indeed Daphnes, I thought, destiny indeed.
~SSS~
Later in the day, I informed Zelda I needed to run some errands. I needed an excuse to go see Saria. Zelda was antsy about me leaving, but I assured her I would be back at the castle for supper. I headed to the medic's bay and found out that Saria had been discharged home. I then went to the little house they were staying in at Kakariko Village. I was about to knock, but paused when I heard laughter inside and a familiar but foreign male voice.
Who...? I wondered and just let myself in.
Everyone turned at my abrupt entry. Saria looked at me surprised, but not as surprised as I when I saw Ralph the medic sitting at the table with her and the bazaar owner and the doctor.
What's he doing here? I wondered.
Ralph looked at me with the same wide eyed expression as when we first met. He got up immediately and bowed.
"Sir Link," he said to me respectfully, then came to shake my hand, "it's an honor to see you again."
I nodded at him, not really sure if I was happy or annoyed to see him there.
Why isn't he at the medic's bay? I wondered. Aren't there other patients that need care?
My expression must have carried my inquiry.
"I... invited him for lunch," Saria said breaking the sudden silence, "Ralph did such a great job nursing me back to health, I had to at least feed him."
Ralph looked over at her and grinned. I grinned too, but I wanted to talk to her alone.
"I just wanted to say it was honor meeting you yesterday Sir Link," Ralph said to me, "I don't know one person who doesn't want to be the Hero of Time."
I merely nodded at his adulation, but really was in no mood for small talk. The doctor must have seen the stress in my eyes. The bazaar owner too, but his attention was fixed more on Saria than me.
"Uh... Ralph why don't I take you to the back and show you how to mix that blue potion so you'll know for emergency purposes," the doctor said to Ralph.
Ralph raised his eyebrows enthusiastically.
"Sure," Ralph said with a shrug, then went to follow the doctor.
However, Saria intercepted him and grabbed his hand before he reached the doctor.
"I'll teach you how to make those blueberry pancakes one day," she said to him with a bright smile.
Ralph smiled right back and nodded.
"I'm sure there are a lot of things you could teach me," he said playfully, "but I'll start with pancakes. It's a date."
It's a what? I thought surprised.
Saria widened her eyes at Ralph and blushed.
I wasn't going to lie, I did not like that.
I did not like that at all.
The only person Saria is supposed to blush for is me, I thought.
I raised my eyebrows at the interaction between the two of them and immediately became uncomfortable.
What's going on here? I demanded in my head feeling a rare case of jealousy.
I knew I shouldn't have been, but I was annoyed with him flirting with Saria in front of me. Well... maybe it wasn't flirting, but the over friendliness wasn't necessary.
You just met her for Hylia's sake, I thought.
Ralph then went and followed the doctor to his make shift laboratory in the back.
Saria then turned and smiled at me.
"Hey," she said softly.
I grinned at her.
"Hey," I said back, but then looked past her to the closed door where the doctor and Ralph were, and couldn't shake this hard stare I was getting from the bazaar owner.
He still hates me it seems, I thought.
"Can you get away for a couple hours?" I asked.
Saria looked at me surprised, she must've caught the serious glint in my voice.
"Yeah... sure," she said, "let me go get my cloak. Is everything okay?"
No, I thought.
"As it can be," I verbalized.
Saria looked at me strangely for a moment, but then went upstairs to grab her cloak. She tied it around herself when she came back down, then looked up at me.
"Shall we go?" she said to me.
I merely nodded.
"Yeah," I said quietly.
We walked out of Kakariko Village and carefully went around the medic's bay so we wouldn't be seen. We then continued to Kokiri impasse, but stopped short at the bridge, we didn't go into the forest. My back was turned to Saria for a moment. Saria came up and touched my shoulder gently.
"Link..." she trailed softly, "what's the matter?"
I closed my eyes at her touch and turned around to face her. Saria looked at me perplexed regarding my serious expression. I could tell she was trying to hide her growing concern.
"What's wrong Link?" she asked me quietly again.
I took in a deep breath and sighed
What's right? I thought honestly.
Before I had a chance to speak Saria spoke up.
"Is this about yesterday?" she asked all of a sudden.
I looked at her puzzled by the segue.
"Huh?" I replied. "What are you talking about?"
Saria looked down at her hands.
"I should apologize for that," she said to me, "Ralph saw what happened. I was just so happy to see you, that I couldn't contain myself. I know that must have put you in a bad spot. I'm sorry."
I grinned at her apology.
"That's okay Saria," I said softly, "I'm just glad you're better."
Saria came up to me and wrapped her arms around my waist and rested her head on my chest.
"Somehow I knew you'd say that," she said with a grin.
I reached up and stroked her hair, but slowly felt my grin fade.
I better do this before I lose the will to tell her, I thought.
I took her arms from around my waist and pulled her back so I could look into her eyes. Saria looked up at me nervously.
"What is it?" she asked quietly.
I paused and took a deep breath.
"I..." I trailed anxiously, but found myself not able to go on.
I'm going to lose her, I thought, she's going to hate me.
Saria looked at me with expectance.
"You..." she continued for me.
I shook my head and ran my fingers through my hair.
"Are... are you worried about Ralph telling anyone about what he saw?" she asked me abruptly.
I looked at her surprised.
"What?" I said.
Saria shook her head.
"Don't worry he won't tell anyone," she said softly, "he told me his lips were sealed."
I merely nodded, not at all worried about that.
I don't want to hurt you Sar, I thought, that's what I'm worried about.
"Oh," I replied, but then I tried, "listen I-"
"Unless of course he's a liar," Saria interrupted absently.
I looked at her flummoxed, but shook my head of the distraction.
"Saria I'm-" I tried again.
"He seems like he has an honest face," she interrupted me again, "he looks just like you."
I looked at her again and narrowed my eyes.
Is she doing this on purpose? I demanded of myself.
"Saria-" I tried again only to be interrupted again.
"You don't have to be Mr. Killjoy regarding Ralph," she went on.
Now I knew she was trying to avoid the conversation.
She must know what I'm about to tell her, I thought.
"Saria-" I tried again.
"Well, that's unless he tries to blackmail us for one of our unborn children," she interrupted again with a forced grin.
There's not going to be any children Sar, I thought bitterly.
I looked at Saria, realizing she was stalling.
I have to just say it whether she's ready for it or not, I thought with resolution.
"I'm marrying Zelda," I blurted out finally.
At first I didn't think Saria heard me, but when she got quiet, I realized that wasn't the case. She had heard me loud and clear.
Saria looked at me shocked.
"You're-you're what?" she said swallowing hard.
I looked away from her, not wanting to hurt her like this, but I felt as though I had no choice.
What the hell else can I do? I demanded of myself.
"I'm marrying the princess," I repeated quietly.
Saria took a step back from me and didn't say anything.
There was a long tense silence between the both of us. Saria took in a deep breath and looked away.
"When did you decide this?" she asked me softly.
I paused, wanting to console her, but when I tried to reach for her she stepped away from my reach.
"This morning," I answered finally with a deep breath.
Saria stroked her hair behind her ears and looked to the ground.
"Oh... congratulations," she finally muttered.
I looked at her, wishing I knew what to say.
"Saria..." I trailed, trying to grab for her hand again, but she snatched it from my grip.
Saria folded her arms across her chest and took another step back.
"You know I never wanted to hurt you," I said to her honestly.
Saria didn't reply, but her eyes were getting watery.
Oh no, I thought, feeling overcome with guilt.
"I guess you could look at it that way," she said softly.
I looked at her perplexed.
"What?" I asked her slightly confused.
Saria shook her head and took another step back.
"I... it doesn't matter," she said softly to me.
Tears started to roll down her cheeks, and my heart started to race.
"Sar..." I trailed, trying to take hold of her again, but she wouldn't let me. "Goddamn it! Come on! Please let me at least touch you! I feel bad enough about this as it is!"
Saria shook her head and wiped her cheeks.
"I knew it would end this way," she said absently to herself, "I knew we were never going to be together."
I hated to hear her say that, especially after yesterday, but she was right.
From the way everything went down it was pointing to this outcome, I thought embittered.
"I should've stayed in Ordon," she said, talking more to herself than to me.
I took another step towards her.
"Don't say that," I replied, "you never would have remembered who you are."
Saria looked at me and narrowed her eyes.
"I would have preferred it that way!" she snapped at me, her voice suddenly filled with anger.
I looked away as more tears ran down her face. She quickly wiped them away.
"Why do I need memories of someone I can never be with?" she went on frustrated. "I wish to Hylia I never met you!"
My eyes widened with surprise at her blunt honesty.
"Saria-" I tried.
"No Link!" she said to me sharply raising her voice slightly. "Don't try to get philosophical with me! I meant that! I wish I had never met you!"
I swallowed hard at hearing her say that.
This is not how this is supposed to go, I thought.
"You're only saying that because you're angry," I tried to reason.
Saria nodded in an oblong fashion and stepped back again.
"You're damn right I'm angry!" she said. "You should be marrying me! You know that!"
I looked away from her again.
"You're right... I do know that Saria," I replied quietly, "I'm sorry."
Saria's bottom lip started to quiver, and I didn't think I was going to be able to stand and watch her get upset, knowing the news was hurting her so badly.
"You're sorry," Saria repeated in slight disgust. "You... you never loved me," she accused all of a sudden.
I looked at her surprised.
"What?" I demanded.
Saria narrowed her eyes at me again.
"Gramps was right," she went on, "I was just some play thing for you! You never had any real intentions with me to start with! He told me what you two talked about before I went to Lake Hylia! He told me to be careful! All that wife talk from you was a lie! You played with my feelings as if they were nothing!"
It took everything in me to keep my temper in check, but I was not about to let that slide. There was no way I was going to be accused of not loving her.
"Look," I said, trying to keep my voice steady, "I understand you're angry. I get that you're mad at me because of the way things turned out, but you will not tell me what my intentions were with you. You have no goddamn rights to that! My intentions belong to me alone! Do you understand me?"
Saria looked back at me defiantly.
"You-" she tried.
"You won't!" I interrupted her sharply. "You have no idea how much I wanted you over the years, and I'm not going to let your anger with me take that away from me! I wanted to marry you and I still do! You know you're the woman I want! You know that!"
Saria wiped her face again, then backed up a few more steps.
"Whatever," she said quietly, more to herself than to me, "I'm done with this. Congratulations again Sir Link."
She turned to walk away from me, and that was when I saw the opportunity to finally take hold of her wrist. Saria looked at me surprised at our interlocked hands.
"Let me go," she said in defiance, "I don't want to talk about this anymore. Marry your damn princess and have a happy life!"
I pulled her to me and held her tight at her waist.
"Saria-" I tried.
"Let me go!" she cried out again.
"No," I said firmly.
Saria tried to wiggle herself free, but it was useless.
"I'm marrying her to save you," I tried to reassure.
Saria shook her head.
"You're marrying her to save Hyrule!" Saria corrected.
I looked into her eyes desperately.
"Come on Saria, you know I'm doing this for you too!" I stated. "You know how much I love-" I pursed my lips together to stop myself.
Damn that curse, I thought.
She still tried to break free. However, after a few minutes she finally settled down when she realized she wasn't going to get away.
"Please let me go," she said quietly, "the more I think about it, the more it makes sense. So again, congratulations."
I loosened my grip on her slightly, but then she tried to break free and run away. I then had to reestablish my hold.
"Let me go!" she said to me with a raised voice, but it was breaking. "Just go back to Zelda!"
Saria's face crumpled into tears. I hated seeing her like this. I absolutely hated it.
She shouldn't have to feel this way, I thought upset.
"I'm serious!" she went on barely able to talk. "Go back to the princess! Forget about me!"
I felt my heart skip when she said.
"I can't forget about you Sar," I said to her quietly, "I can't."
I looked into her eyes just then and didn't know what came over me. I leaned forward and kissed her. Saria immediately pulled away, but I was persistent, I turned her face back to mine and pressed my mouth against hers fervently. Any way she twisted I followed right along with her. Until finally she stopped resisting me and kissed me back. I felt her arms go around my neck, and she pulled herself close to me. Her lips were warm and wet, and she opened her mouth to press her tongue against mine. There was so much passion in that kiss. When I pulled away I held her tight against me.
"You know how I feel about you Saria," I said to her quietly, "please, don't hate me."
Saria rested her head against my chest.
"I don't hate you Link," she said finally, "and seriously... I do understand why you're marrying the princess. I'm not going to make this any harder than it already is."
I held her for a moment longer, then had to release her.
"Thank you," I said to her sincere, "I couldn't do this without you understanding why."
Saria merely nodded and stroked her hair behind her ears.
There was a tense silence between us, until Saria finally broke it.
"I better get back," she said quietly, "I promised Ralph and the doctor a game of cuckoo racing."
I tried to grin at what she said, but my grin was short lived.
"Okay," I replied, but then added, "you... are coming to my wedding, right?"
Saria stared at me for a long moment before tears filled her eyes again and a smile curled her lips.
"You're my best friend," she said softly, "I wouldn't miss your wedding for anything in the world. I'll even pretend to be a noble from a far away country like we talked about before."
I felt my throat tighten when she said that, it made think back to when I first invited her.
"Are you coming to my wedding?" I asked. "I would really like for you to be there."
Saria's eyes had widened slightly. "You want me to come to your wedding Sir Link?"
I nodded.
Saria hesitated for a moment.
"Isn't it invitation only?" she asked.
"I can get you the stationery if you want me to make it official..."
The surprise in her eyes never went away. "I... don't know what to say..."
I chuckled at her.
"Say you'll come," I replied, "you can pretend to be a noble from a far off country."
That garnered a smile from her, but she shook her head. "I'm…" she started, "I'm just a peasant girl Sir Link. No one would ever believe I was a noble, I have no business around royalty..."
Saria was always going to be much more than a peasant girl to me.
Always.
How can I even reply to that? I wondered honestly, when the introspection was over.
"Thanks Sar," was all I could reply.
Saria stared into my eyes one last time before turning around and leaving the forest. I stared after her. I felt like I was my ten year old self breaking her heart all over again. It was the hardest thing I ever had to do.
I'll do right by you Saria, I thought to myself, I swear I will.
~SSS~
Almost a year to the day of my telling Saria about my intentions, I married Zelda. It was a beautiful ceremony with a lot of hoopla and fanfare. Zelda looked gorgeous in her wedding gown. The citizens were happy that I was now their king. There were well wishers from all over the kingdom and from nearby regions. Prince Leonhart and Prince Tidus came, they both looked pissed. They had no idea how mutual the feeling was.
Saria came to the wedding as promised. She sat in the back with the doctor. I only knew that because during the majority of the ceremony I was staring at her. She kept giving me the 'thumbs up' signal and gestured for me to smile more. I tried to take her advice, and put up the front needed. That's what king's did, front and smile.
I guess I'm the ultimate politician now, I thought.
I consummated my marriage the way every couple does. Zelda enjoyed every moment with me, even when I slipped up and said Saria's name... twice. Still, she paid it no mine, and honestly I just wanted to know if my best friend was okay. So, the next morning I got up and got dressed into my pajamas and headed out to Hyrule Field, but before I could go Zelda stopped me.
"Where are you headed off to so early?" she asked me in a sleepy voice.
I turned at the bedroom door and grinned at her.
"I just want some fresh air," I replied.
Zelda sat up and pulled the covers to her chest.
"Fresh air?" she asked puzzled. "You know we have a balcony for that, and you promised me we wouldn't leave this room for a week."
I chuckled at her sense of priorities and shook my head, but my mind was made up.
"I'll be back," I said and went out the door.
I called for Epona and headed to Kokiri impasse. I didn't know why, I just felt the need to go there. Once I dismounted, I went straight to the Sacred Forest Meadow. There, playing her onxy ocarina just like when we were children, was Saria. She looked surprised when she saw me approach the old stump in my pajamas and sit down next to her.
We were both silent for a moment.
"How did you know I was going to be here?" she asked me finally.
How did I know? I thought.
"I didn't," I said honestly, "it was just a hunch."
Saria grinned at me.
"That's some hunch," she said.
There was another brief silence.
"So... um..." I trailed, not looking at her, "you should be healed now."
Saria looked down at her ocarina, knowing exactly what I meant.
"Yeah," she said absently, "I actually felt the fusion of energy throughout the night."
I closed my eyes embarrassed and didn't look at her. Saria looked over at me with a smirk that widened to a smile.
"Five times!" she said to me with a chuckle.
I ran a hand through my disheveled hair nervously.
"Really?" I said, still not looking at her.
Saria nodded, still looking at me with her perpetual grin.
"I knew you were a stud!" she teased.
I turned red as if on command.
"Come on Sar..." I trailed, uncomfortable she knew how many times I... healed her.
Saria turned away and giggled.
"Lighten up," she joked, "Zelda is a very happy bride right now. You should be glad you're a stud!"
I really wanted to change the subject.
"Yeah, I guess," I said, trying to smile, "anyway... how do you feel?"
Saria merely nodded.
"I feel good," she said honestly, then smiled again.
Her smile was infectious.
"It's like you're glowing," I said to her reaching up, and stroking her green hair behind her ear.
Saria bit her lower lip.
"I am actually," she said, her voice was full of happiness.
I smiled back, glad it wasn't as awkward between us as I was anticipating.
There was a brief silence between us.
"Well... I guess there's only one way to know for certain," I said, breaking the silence.
Saria looked down at the ground when I said that.
"Yeah..." she trailed quietly.
I turned and looked at her.
I took in a deep anxious breath.
I hope this wasn't a fluke, I thought.
"I love you Saria," I said to her.
Saria swallowed hard and tried to blink back a sudden onset of tears.
"I love you too Link," she said softly.
We both waited in nervous anticipation, but nothing happened. Saria was fine, she wasn't going to disappear. I took her hand in mine and squeezed it affectionately, then without thinking kissed the back of her palm.
"I'm so glad you're going to be alright," I whispered against her skin.
However, Saria looked at me surprised and slowly inched her hand away. I understood why, but I still didn't like it.
Even still, for the sake of peace I decided to change the subject.
"Daphnes wanted me to tell you he was sorry for what he had done," I divulged, "he said he never meant to use you."
Saria looked down and merely nodded.
"He was in a hard position," she said simply, "it wasn't easy having to live with as many secrets as he had."
I agreed with her logic.
There was another brief silence between us.
The conversation I had with Zant the day of the engagement party had been bothering me for a very long time. So much so, I wanted to ask Saria if any of it were true.
"Saria," I began abruptly, "Zant shared some very disturbing information with me awhile ago. I just need to know if it's true."
Saria turned to look at me surprised.
"What are you talking about?" she asked me.
I took in a deep breath.
"Did he... 'ravage' you?" I asked not looking at her. "As he so disgustingly put it."
Her eyes widened.
"No!" she said quickly. "No way! I told you he never violated me."
I shook my head.
"That's not what he told me at the engagement party," I replied seriously, "I want the truth Sar."
"Whatever he said to you, he said to get under your skin," she replied to me adamantly, "Zant never raped me."
I raised my hands in mock surrender.
"Those were his words not mine," I reiterated.
Saria smirked at me.
"That guy was really sick," she said more to herself than to me.
"Yeah," I agreed absently.
Another silence fell over us briefly.
Saria got up from the stump and walked around a patch of foliage surrounding the royal crest. Her back was facing me.
"I have some news," she said quietly all of a sudden.
I raised my eyebrows expectantly.
"News?" I inquired.
Saria nodded then turned around, her eyes were brimming with tears.
I looked at her puzzled.
Why is she crying? I wondered, but then realized how dense I was being. Why wouldn't she be crying?
Saria bit her lower lip and sighed.
"I-I'm getting married!" she said to me as enthusiastically as possible.
I looked at her stunned. I wasn't expecting that, and as selfish as it seemed, that was not something I wanted to hear.
"What?" I said surprised.
"I'm getting married," she repeated.
I got up from the stump after she said it a second time.
"Married?" I said confused. "To who?"
Saria looked at the ground.
"To Ralph," she said quietly, "he asked me a few weeks ago, and I said yes."
I swallowed hard at the shock I felt.
"You-you can't!" I snapped abruptly.
Saria looked at me taken aback.
"What?" she asked puzzled.
"What about us?" I demanded, feeling a sudden onset of anger.
Saria looked at me dumbfounded.
"What are you talking about?" she asked me perplexed. "Link... you're married."
What the hell is wrong with me? I thought. I know that.
"I still had plans for us Saria!" I said to her, taking a step towards her.
Saria's eyes widened in surprise. She shook her head confused.
"What the hell are you talking about?" she demanded of me again.
What was I talking about? I thought, realizing my rational judgment was being clouded by a strange sense of desperation.
"I was going to have a little cottage built for us in the forest," I said, not understanding where these words were coming from. "I was going to come to you once a week, no twice a week, where we could still have a measure of what we wanted. We could still have a family Sar! I still want you to have my children. I'm king now! I have more than enough to support you! We could-"
Saria stepped back and looked at me incredulously.
"Do you hear yourself?" she interrupted me in disbelief.
I closed my eyes at her disapproving tone.
"Are you crazy?" she demanded of me. "I will not be your mistress! What the hell has gotten into you?"
What the hell has gotten into me? I wondered.
I ran my hands over my face not sure myself.
"I can't lose you Saria," I said seriously.
Saria looked at me long and hard for a moment.
"You... won't lose me Link," she said softly, "I'll always be here if you need me, but you don't want that. You don't want a life where you'd be constantly looking over your shoulder because you're doing something deceitful. You have a chance to take the royal family in the right direction. If you... if we ended up in a situation like what you stated, then you would be no better than the rotten kings of old."
I turned away from her, not wanting to hear her reasoning, but I knew she was right. Saria walked up behind me and wrapped her arms around my waist and rested her head against my back.
"Besides... it wouldn't be fair to Zelda," she said quietly.
I turned around and looked down at her, completely ignoring her last comment.
The last thing needed to be put in a sentence was 'Zelda' and 'fair,' I thought.
"Why are you marrying this guy?" I demanded abruptly. "Is it to make me jealous?"
Saria looked at me surprised, but then looked down.
"I like him," she said simply, "I have more going on in my life than to think of ways to make you jealous Link."
There was a brief tense silence between us.
"Are you in love with him?" I went on, not believing her.
She wouldn't look at me.
"No..." she trailed honestly, "but I could fall in love with him in time."
I took in a frustrated sigh and looked away from her angrily. Saria reached up and turned my face back to hers. She looked into my eyes and took a deep breath.
"I'm not going to pretend to be noble," she divulged suddenly, "he reminds me of you. When I look at him, I think about you."
I stared into her eyes and felt guilty.
"Saria-" I tried.
"Can't you just be happy for me?" she interrupted. "Can't you let me have that?"
I looked at her earnestly when she said that to me.
"Of course I want to be happy for you," I said to her honestly.
"Then stop what you're doing right now," she said to me, "just let me have some peace of mind."
I looked at her seriously for a moment. More than anything else, I wanted Saria to have peace of mind. I wanted her to be happy, especially with all she had been through.
I took in a sigh.
I can't believe how selfish I was trying to be with her, I thought in disbelief.
"Alright," I said finally, "when's the wedding?"
Saria stared at me for a few moments.
"Next month," she said quietly.
I looked at her surprised.
"Next month?" I repeated.
Saria merely nodded.
"Will you come if you can?" she asked me softly. "Ralph would love it if you could be there."
I looked away from her for a moment.
"Yeah, I'll come," I said honestly.
Saria stared at me for a moment.
"I know you're the king, but-" she started.
"I'll always make time for you Saria," I interrupted softly.
Her eyes filled with tears again when I said that, but then she grinned at me.
"Thanks," she replied to me quietly.
We stood there taking in each other's presence a little while longer, when finally I knew I had to return to the castle.
"I have to go," I said to her not wanting to leave.
"I know," Saria said, and then added quietly, "thanks for everything Link. You're always going to be my hero."
I looked away from her and then decided to head for the staircase. I didn't want her seeing me get emotional.
"No problem," I said clearing my throat, "I'll see you next month."
I was trying to avoid looking into her face. It was no use, she could see the tears in my eyes as I walked by, but she didn't stop me because she knew it wasn't a side of myself I liked to show.
"Goodbye Link," she called to me softly.
"Goodbye Saria," I called back, heading down the stairs and wiping my eyes.
Well... I guess that's that. I thought trying to find a sense of resolve in this complicated mess.
I knew it wasn't the most chivalrous exit, but it was the best I could do considering the circumstances.
The important thing was I knew Saria understood.
I returned to the castle. I resumed my role as king, and exactly one month later I watched Saria get married in a simple ceremony in Ordon Village. She and Ralph decided they were going to stay there and raise a family. The village was cleaned up, pumpkins were planted, and a farming community flourished there.
The years went on and Saria and Ralph had five children. Another one was born to Saria years later but the child died. Zelda and I had five of our own, four boys for me and my little princess I named after Saria. So in the end Saria and I did end up with ten children, just not the way we planned.
Saria and I made it a custom every year to come back on the anniversary of her healing to the Sacred Forest Meadow and talk. In the first ten years we talked about our children. In the next ten years we talked about how adolescence was driving us crazy. When we hit thirty years we talked about our children's weddings and soon to be grandchildren.
Saria told me her new infant grandson was named Link after me. I told her it was about time considering I already named my daughter after her. My first born, Daphnes II married a princess from the kingdom of Balaam, his first child was a girl; I named her Zelda. She looked just like her grandmother with chocolate brown hair.
A few more years passed and Saria fell ill and died from fever. I attended her funeral, and then sat and reflected in the Lost Woods. I didn't know how long I was there, and I don't think I ever left honestly.
No, no I sat there and I reflected and I thought about that girl I met all those years ago. That girl with that beautiful green hair.
THE END
After I finish The Ambivalent Hero I will write the sequel to this story. You see those small paragraphs before it ends, well, I plan on writing a story chronicling the next 30-40 years of Link and Saria's friendship. I hope you all stick around to read it, I think it's going to be very good. All the best to you, and thank you for reading The Girl with the Green Hair. ~ZR~.