I updated the chapter and addressed some of the grammar issues that some of you talked about. Thanks for reading.

Chapter 6

When I see Link's face I freeze.

What am I going to do? I wonder. Why is he waiting here? Is... is he waiting for me?

"What are you doing here?" I ask breathlessly.

Link looks at me for a long moment and doesn't answer immediately.

"I should be asking you the same thing," he says finally.

"I'm lost," I say trying to think quickly, "could you take me back to the ranch?"

Link didn't move, but his eyes ran up and down my frame like an eagle.

"You're lost?" He says cynically.

Link's tone said it all.

"Yes," I say weakly.

"There are people who live in the forest who don't know about this place," Link divulges taking a step towards me, "and you want to tell me you're lost?"

"It's true…" I say taking a step back, "I'm sorry if you don't believe."

Link looks at me disingenuously, tired of my charade. "Stop it."

I look around nervously, hoping to find a distracter, I find none. "I..." I trail nervously.

"Was this the song you were going to teach Sar?" Link asks adroitly.

"What?" I ask playing dumb.

He was staring at me hard now, waiting for my next move. I bit my lower lip and rubbed my shoulder.

"You said something about 'your song'," Link states abruptly, "what did you mean by that?"

"Nothing," I say quickly, "I was mistaken."

Link looks at me with an air of distrust. "You had no intention of teaching my son the song I was just playing?"

I open my mouth to reply, but was cut short when I saw two golden yellow eyes glow behind Link's head.

"Behind you!" I cry out.

Link turned at the sound of my voice and dodged the horrific beast trying to lunge at him. Link shook the dizziness off him and stared in bewilderment.

"A wolfos?" Link demands confused. "Why the hell are they showing up again?"

Oh no! I thought guiltily. More dark energy is pouring through. Things are getting worse.

"Stay back!" Link commands me as he pulled his cloak off and unsheathed his sword. He was wearing his green tunic and brown kaki pants.

He looks just like he did ten years ago. I thought not being able to help myself.

The wolfos howls and jumps back, then tries to lunge at Link. Link dodges the attack and side swipes the beast. The blade sliced through the wolfos face, causing a dark trail of blood to flow into its whiskers. The animal growls in anger and tries circling him. Link kept himself stationed in front of me so the animal would not descend down the stairs.

"Just stay behind me!" Link says once more. "I don't want this thing getting away!"

I merely nod. The animal approached again this time more cautiously, it tries to strike on Link's opposing side, but Link parries the hit and jumps into the beast's stomach. The animal screeches as its innards disintegrate into a cloud of black smoke.

Link took in a deep breath when the fight was over. He winces and hunches over before sheathing his sword. I hesitate initially, but when I see the bright red stain on his hand from when he touches his side I quickly spring to action.

The wolfos must have struck him when it came around the second time. I thought in worry.

"You have to sit down," I say taking his big strong arm and wrapping it around my shoulder.

I guide him to the stump he was initially playing the ocarina at. I saw the pain in Link's face as I unbuckle his leather pouch and examine his wound. Without giving it a second thought I heal him.

"Goddess of courage lend me thy strength to heal." I chant closing my eyes.

Green energy once again flows from my hand and heals Link's wound. The red quivering flesh disappears, and I take in a deep sigh as the energy leaves me. When I open my eyes, Link is looking at me, but not just in any way, amiably; warmly.

"I guess I'm a little rusty," he jokes halfheartedly.

I smile at him. "I guess so," I reply quietly.

A silence precludes us for a few moments.

"Thank you," he says gently breaking the silence, "I could have bled to death."

I hate the thought of Link putting his name and 'death' in the same sentence.

"You don't have to thank me," I say not looking into his eyes, "it's my duty."

Link looks at me thoughtfully, considering my comment a revelation.

"No offense, but I thought you were a merchant," he says furtively, "what does a merchant know about duty, except making money?"

I don't reply immediately. "I'm not all about making money."

Another silence guards us.

"I don't think...you're about making money at all," Link says carefully.

Don't entertain this conversation Saria. I tell myself. It will only lead in a direction it shouldn't.

"What are you doing out here so late?" I ask changing the subject.

Link sighs before he speaks. "I patrol the forest once a month," he replies, "after Ganon vanished, Zelda established a task force to watch the land; I volunteered to protect-" he pauses for a moment, "...my family."

I look down knowing full and well why he hesitated to say what he said just then.

I have to forget what I feel for him. I thought. I can't do this to him. Not after all he's sacrificed for Hyrule.

"That was the right thing to do," I say quietly, I get up quickly and try to turn, but Link grabs hold of my hand.

"Wait..." he says quietly.

He had a pretty good grip, because when I try to pull away I lose my footing and can't maintain my center of gravity.

"Ah!" I cry out, as I fall.

I land on top of Link with my face only a few inches from his face. I blush uncontrollably at the closeness. I stare into his eyes for a brief moment but quickly look away.

"Are you alright?" Link asks softly.

"I'm sorry," I say getting up expediently, "and yes I'm fine."

For some odd reason I bow and then hurry to turn and leave.

"Please," Link says gently and I freeze, "...don't leave."

No. I told myself. Saria you have to get out of here now!

I stood there feeling my heartbeat pound forcefully. Each beat accelerates faster and faster as I hear him approach. I look away when he stands in front of me again. I felt his fingers on my chin forcing my face upward to look at him.

"When were you going to tell me?" Link asks knowingly staring into my eyes.

"Tell you what?" I pretend ignorance as my heart palpitates.

"Who you really are," Link replies.

"You know who I am," I say to him cleverly maneuvering my face from his fingers and looking away.

Link was staring at me deeply and thoughtfully. "Remind me again."

I take in a deep breath. "My name is Aria Garnet Alexandros of Dragon Roost," I say the lie as convincingly as possible. "I own a goddess plume mine and sell-"

"Stop it," Link interrupts me quietly, but effectively, "you know none of that is true."

I bite my lower lip nervously.

Think of something else! I tell myself as Link walks past me and stands near the stump again.

"You think I'm still a child who can be manipulated easily by a clever disguise?" Link asks poignantly.

My breathing quickens. I say nothing.

"I know who you are," Link says turning to look at me, "your name is Saria and you're a Kokiri. You used to live in this forest. That's why you were able to find this place."

I swallow hard and turn around to face him, his eyes are locked on mine. I notice Link stands a whole foot taller than me, and I had no reply to the truth. Logic and reason had more clout than fiction and fantasy.

He's so... I thought, but the recourse trails. I hate the fact that I love him so much.

"No Link I-" I try, but he stops me.

"Stop it Saria," Link interrupts me. "For as long as I've known you, you've never been the type to lie."

Another silence descends upon us.

What do I do now? I wonder.

"Why were you playing my song?" I ask helplessly breaking the silence, not able to keep up the ruse any longer.

Link hesitates. "I...needed to see you."

I look down, and swallow hard. "Why?"

Link pauses. "Why do you think?"

I could feel it coming on, a surge of emotions I wouldn't be able to control. I look away and fight back the tears. We were silent again for a long time; the wind began to pick up.

"Before I forget," Link starts picking up his leather pouch and opening a section, "Sar wanted to give you this."

Link pulls out a green sea shell necklace painted with rainbow onyx. He walks up to me and places it around my neck. He doesn't step back, and I can feel his fingertips linger too long on my collar bone, however he does eventually pull away.

I look down at the gift not wanting to look up.

Please step back Link. I beg internally, but I say nothing and he doesn't step back.

"Thank you," I whisper finally.

"It suits you," Link says softly.

I saw his hand rise and pull back, but then pull forward again to stroke my hair.

"Sar's very fond of you," Link divulges, twirling his forefinger around a lock of my hair. "He thinks you're beautiful, fun, and adventurous."

I smile at the thought of Sar. "You have an incredible son."

Link smirks at the thought of his son. "Yeah that kid is bold; he told you things I would have only said to you in my dreams."

It was a totally unguarded comment.

I look up into Link's face almost as if I had no choice. "What?"

Link fell silent not sure if he should continue, he let go of my hair. "I...I'm sorry that was inappropriate of me."

I look down again. "Yes," I say, "I suppose it was."

Link was silent again.

Man he is good at controlling his feelings. I thought.

"I'm so sorry Saria," Link says to me softly, suddenly.

There was so much in that apology, too much.

If only... I thought, but then stop myself. 'Would be's', 'maybes', and 'ifs' don't exist. I can't live in fantasy.

"Why did you come back as a Hylian?" Link asks abruptly.

"You don't approve?" I ask.

"No that's not what I meant," he says quickly, "you're beautiful like this...maybe too beautiful...I just..."

Remember me as a child. I finished for him in my head.

I sigh. "I didn't want you to recognize me."

Link pauses, but then says, "I knew who you were the moment I saw you."

I know. I thought, and unintentionally say it aloud.

I saw Link's face soften, he reached up to caress my cheek.

"Please don't," I say struggling with my own feelings; stopping his hand before it touched my skin. "Think about Malon."

Link's hand drew back at her name.

"She loves you so much," I whisper trying not to cry.

"...I know she does," he replies. "I love her too."

I cover my mouth to keep the gasp from escaping. My eyes fill with tears, I couldn't hold it in anymore.

Why the hell am I here? I demand of myself. Link has a life; a family. Why am I here?

"Then what are you doing here?" I demand of him suddenly.

Link hesitates. "Saria..."

"Go home to your family!" I say raising my voice. "You shouldn't-you shouldn't be here!"

Tears were falling down my cheeks, and I could hardly speak.

"But I-" he tries.

"No!" I interrupt. "Please just-just don't!"

Link reaches for my hand, but I pull away. "Saria..."

I step back and wipe my eyes. "I'm fine really," I lie forcing a clearly fake sarcastic smile. "You see; I'm good."

Link looks away from me for a moment and ran a hand through his blonde hair. "Why did you come back then?"

"I wanted to fish," I say sardonically, it clearly had a negative effect on Link's behavior. "I hear the Hylian bass is huge this time of year."

"You think this is a game?" He demands of me suddenly. "You think you can just pop up in my life and expect me not to react?"

I swallow hard not expecting this segue in the conversation. "I would never do that." I say. "I would never play with your feelings."

"That's what you've been doing ever since you got here," Link divulges. "You've been dropping hints about your identity from the moment you stepped foot on the ranch. And now that I confront you with it you want to run away?"

I take a step back. "You're-you're married," I say helplessly. "I shouldn't have interfered."

Link closes his eyes and sighs. "I..."

I take another step back. "Let's just forget this ever happened." I suggest swallowing hard.

Link shook his head looking upset. "I can't," he says honestly. "I've... missed you Saria."

Oh no. I thought. Please... please don't.

I look away from him and then back again.

"I have to go back to the Sacred Realm," I reveal abruptly.

Link looks up upsettingly. "Are you just saying that?" He asks. "Or is it true?"

I take in a deep breath. "It's true," I confess. "That bird that attacked you and Malon and the wolfos came because of an energy break in the barrier."

"What?" Link asks, his eyes widen with worry. "Is Ganon trying to break through?"

"No," I reply. "His essence is still dormant, however, ever since I came here the seal has been breaking."

Link looks at me surprised. "Are you saying this is happening because you're here?"

I guess there's no other way to put it. I thought.

"Yes," I reply with a nod.

Link fell silent again. It was a deep uncomfortable silence.

"How do you know all this?" He asks finally.

"Zelda told me," I say quietly. "That's why the royal guard came to the ranch."

Link looks away from me.

"I'm so sorry to have caused you so much trouble," I say finally. "If anything had happened to Sar I never would have forgiven myself."

Link doesn't reply, he seems lost in thought.

"Please forgive me," I whisper to him; he closes his eyes at the sound of my voice.

"Saria..." he trails not wanting to continue.

I think it's time I left. I tell myself. I've caused enough confusion.

"I think I better leave now," I say turning myself around and heading for the staircase.

Link's eyes shot open. He watches as I walks away and immediately stops me.

"Wait," he says in a tone I hadn't heard before.

I stop, feeling my pulse dance. "What?" I ask.

"Did you accomplish what you wanted to by coming here?" Link asks me.

His voice had a hint of yearning in it, and it sent shivers up my spine.

"No," I say honestly.

"Then you can't leave yet," he replies.

I swallow hard.

"Was I 'the man you loved that married someone else?'" Link asks taking a step toward me.

I look away.

"Turn around and look at me Saria," Link whispered.

I turn and look at him nervously unable to resist the command. I swallow hard.

"You love Malon," I say trying to segue the subject. "Think about her and forget about that conversation."

"Was I the man?" Link demands, ignoring the bait.

I stare deeply into his blue eyes.

"You know you were," I reply. "'You recognized me from the moment you saw me,'" I mocked softly. "You had to know I was speaking about you."

Link stares into my eyes guiltily.

"I never meant to hurt you," he says softly. "Never!"

I nod wanting to end this conversation.

"It doesn't matter," I say. "You don't owe me anything."

Link swallows hard.

"Yes I do," he says quietly.

Before I knew or could control what was about to happen, Link pulls me into his arms and presses his lips against mine.

No! I thought trying to resist, but slowly found myself hypnotized the touch of his lips.

I wrap my arms around his neck and pull myself closer to him.

He's so strong. I thought feeling his biceps bulge beneath my shoulders. I never thought anything like this would happen.

I moan softly when I feel his hands stroke my lower back. Link's hands move up my back and run through my hair. He squeezes my body affectionately in his strong arms.

"Saria," he whispers my name between a kiss, "my sweet, sweet Saria."

So this is romance. I thought completely enraptured. This is one Hylian custom I really like.

Link kisses on my bottom lip fervidly, and then pulls back a moment to stare into my eyes.

"Open your mouth," he whispers.

I blush at the request, but silently, dormantly I obey.

Wow. I thought when I feel his tongue press against mine. I never knew he was brimming with so much passion. I could only imagine what...no don't even think it. This is more than I could have wished for.

Link kisses me deeper almost challenging me to kiss him back. He was breathing so hard, so hungrily; his breath felt cool against my skin. I keep my eyes closed and kiss him back with just as much ardency.

"Mmm..." I moan opening my mouth wider wanting to drink Link up. I caress his cheeks tenderly.

I wonder if the other sages can feel this energy. I thought. I wonder if their watching me right now.

I ran my fingers through his blonde locks wanting to carve every aspect of this moment into my memory forever.

Link finally pulls away and presses his forehead against mine. "I love you Saria," he whispers, "you're the love of my life."

I close my eyes and bite my still wet lips. "I love you too Link."

Link looks deeply into my eyes and then steps back. He sighs looking away from me.

This is it. I thought. I know he has to go back to his life.

"I... I have to go," he says to me quietly, "we can't be seen going back to the ranch together."

I nod understanding completely. "I know."

Link stares at me for a long moment and then smiles. A warm genuine smile.

I chuckle in an unorthodox manner.

"What's so funny?" He asks with a smirk.

I shake my head at my thoughts. "I finally got a smile out of you," I divulge.

Link's smirk turned to another smile. "You were one of the few people who could."

I stroke my hair behind my ears as another silence comes over us.

"I'm going to miss you," he says honestly, "the way I've always missed you over these last ten years."

I try, but am unsuccessful at holding back my tears. "I'm going to miss you too."

Link stares at me once more as if burning my face in his memory, and then comes up and kisses my forehead. "Goodbye Saria," he whispers.

"Goodbye Link," I say back closing my eyes.

At that Link leaves my company and heads downstairs through the meadow.

I went and sat back down on the old tree stump. I took in a deep sigh as I eyed the tree lined canopy above me.

I wish I had more time. I thought. Everything has happened so fast.

I then turn my attention to the ground next to the tree, my eyes widen when I saw the fairy ocarina sitting at the base of the stump.

Oh no. I thought picking it up. He forgot it.

As I look closer I notice an "S" and an "L" in the middle of a carved heart. I gasp in a shocked breath and nearly dropped it.

No wonder he said it was dangerous. I thought seeing the irony. If Malon had ever saw this then... but that's all over now isn't it? Yes, it's all over now.

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