This one is a little long, but I wanted to tie up the loose ends, please tell me what you think overall. Thanks for reading.

Chapter 7

I return to the ranch before dawn unsure of what I should do next. I couldn't sleep. I couldn't eat. All I could do is think. Think about what just happened between Link and I. Think about how I needed to resume my duties as a sage. Think about how to say goodbye with my dignity still intact.

Coming here was a mistake. I thought miserably. How am I going to face Link again?

I stare at the cross beamed ceiling feeling a deeper sense of apprehension.

How am I going to face Malon? I thought worriedly. How am I going to face...Sar?

I take in a deep breath lost in my thoughts when suddenly there was a knock at my door. I sat up and straightened my hair. I looked out the window and realized dawn came and went. It was now half past nine in the morning.

What have I been doing all this time? I wonder.

I sigh. "Come in," I call out.

The door opens and Sar pokes his little head in my room.

"Hi Miss Aria," he says quietly, "can I come in?"

I get up from my bed and go to sit in a chair by the window.

"Of course," I say trying to smile, and point to the chair across from me.

He came in and sat down. He looked nervous.

"What's wrong honey?" I ask softly, covering his hand with mine. "Why do you look so sad?"

Sar blushes when he sees my hand over his.

"I wanted to say sorry for the way I acted yesterday," he says quietly.

I raise my eyebrows, surprised at the apology.

"You don't have to apologize," I reply. "You were just expressing yourself."

Sar looks down and sighs. "Yes I do," he says. "Mom said I should."

I smirk at his honesty. "Your mother huh?" I reply. "Well if that is the case then I accept."

Sar looks up at me and tries to smile, but it fades as quickly as it comes.

"I'm glad you didn't leave yet," he says seriously. "I thought I was going to wake up to find you gone."

That almost happened. I thought guiltily.

"No my dear boy," I say reaching over to caress his cheek, "I haven't left yet."

Sar stares into my eyes for a short moment and then notices the necklace around my neck.

"How'd you find that?" He inquires puzzlingly.

I look down at the gift completely forgetting I was wearing it.

"Oh your fa-" I cut myself short when I realize what I was going to say, "...I found it."

Sar's eyebrows came together in a line of confusion.

"How did you know I made that for you?" He asks still not understanding.

Too many questions can be a bad thing. I thought. Do something Saria.

I reach over and caress his cheek again, stroking up and down several times; he turns red.

"I'm clairvoyant," I whisper to him in a tone that's a little too adult for him to truly understand, but it's effective. "I knew exactly what you wanted to give me."

"Really?" Sar says quickly feeling his temperature rise and drops the subject. "You're full of surprises aren't you Miss Aria?"

I feel a little shameful for using my feminine whiles to end the conversation, but really I had no choice.

What are you going to do? I wonder to myself rhetorically.

I smile at Sar as I get up and go to the closet and pull out my leather satchel and travel bag. I start folding my clothes and putting them in the bag; Sar gets up and stands next to me.

"Are you really leaving?" He asks gently.

I nod biting my lower lip guiltily. "I have to."

"Could you tell me why?" He asks.

I pause trying to find the most comforting way to answer.

"I have some business to attend to," I reply as honestly as possible.

It isn't exactly a lie. I thought.

Sar looks deeply into my eyes. "Will you come back to visit me?"

I swallow hard. "Maybe," I reply trying to lessen the blow as much as possible, "I really can't say right now."

"Oh," he says looking down, "I see."

The way Sar was taking my soon to be departure was killing me. I turn to him and kneel down to look into his eyes.

"Remember that promise I made to you when I told you to practice your ocarina?" I ask.

Sar's face perks slightly. "Yes."

"Well I'm going to teach you my song," I say to him, "that way whenever you play it you can talk to me."

"A song that allows you to talk to people?" Sar says excitedly. "That's amazing!"

I smile at his enthusiasm. "Go get your ocarina and tune it up," I say. "Once I'm done packing I'll teach you. How does that sound?"

Sar's whole face lit up. "That sounds great!" He replies.

I nod getting a little excited myself. "Now run along," I say to him, "I want you to be good and ready for when I teach you."

"Alright," he says enthusiastically, "I'll go practice right now."

Sar turns and quickly heads out the room door. I shake my head and smile as I stand back up, but feel my pulse dance when I saw his mother, Malon. She was smiling at me and standing in the doorway.

"You have a way with that little guy," she says admirably.

I stand up feeling like my heart was going to go in cardiac arrest. I just nod and try to smile.

"Could I come in?" She asks gently.

I turn away nervously, feeling my stomach turn in sour apprehension.

"Sure," I say without really meaning it.

This is what guilt will do to you. I thought anxiously. How can I face her after what has happened between Link and I?

"I want to thank you for all the time you spend with Sar," Malon says, "he really enjoys your company."

I merely nod, afraid to answer, fearing if I do I would confess everything that happened only a few hours ago.

Malon notices my cold reception to her and takes a step towards me.

"Are you okay?" She asks gently.

Her kindness made me feel worse.

I tie up the leather bag and then turn to face her. "I'm fine," I say quietly.

Malon looks at me concerned. "Are you sure?" She asks. "You seem…different."

I'm a heartless shylock. I thought melodramatically.

I try to smile. "I'm just tired," I say.

Malon stares into my eyes for a moment. "You look a little tired," She says honestly. "Did you rest well?"

No. I thought anxiously. And it's all because I…forget it. It doesn't matter.

"Not really," I divulge.

Malon looks to my bag then back to me.

"Are you sure you're not in some kind of trouble?" She asks. "Ever since you returned from the castle you've been on edge."

"I…" I trail trying to think quickly, "I just don't want to involve any of you."

Malon's pretty face softens with concern. "If you need to unload you should," she says. "I feel like you're my sister. You've been so kind to me and my family. I can't tell you how we were going to make it if you hadn't come along and stayed. I appreciate everything you've done. The least I can do is listen if you want to talk."

I stare at Malon not knowing whether I should stay or run. My knees buckled from guilt.

How could I have been so blind and do this to her? I thought dizzyingly. I came into her home and nearly wrecked it.

"Malon…" I say, but trail feeling my eyes brim.

Malon takes my hand in hers seeing my tears. "What's wrong Aria?" She asks gently. "Why do you look so upset?"

I swallow hard. "I…you have been wonderful," I say. "Thank you so much for letting me stay."

Malon could see I was struggling to get the words out.

"But..." she continues for me knowing there was more to come.

I look into her eyes not being able to stand myself in that moment. My tears spilled over.

"But I really have to go," I say barely able to speak.

I then snatch my hand from her grip and pick up my bags. I nod slightly as a thank you and walk past her and head downstairs. Malon follows me apparently not done with our conversation; before I could get out the front door she stops me.

"Aria wait," she says.

I freeze with my hand on the knob. "Yes."

"We need to talk," Malon says coming downstairs.

The hairs on the back of my neck begin to stand.

Good goddesses, does she know? I thought. Did Link confess out of guilt?

"About?" I ask.

Malon looks at me incredulously. "I'm really worried about you," she says genuinely. "Why are you being so snide towards me?"

Because I had a moment with your husband that didn't belong to me. I thought.

"I'm sorry," I apologize and actually mean it. "I don't mean to be so… distant."

I hear Malon sigh as if in relief.

"Good I thought you were angry with me," she says.

You thought I was angry with you? I thought unbelievingly.

I turn to look at her.

"Malon you have been the perfect hostess," I say. "I'm the one who brought trouble to your home. Why would I be angry with you?"

Malon smiles and comes towards me.

"I don't know," she says honestly and shrugs. "I just thought here's this cultured beautiful woman who's seen the world and traveled to exotic places; why in the world would she want to talk politics with a milk maid like me?'"

My mouth drops. "Malon that can't be further from the truth," I say surprised. "I would never think, and have never thought that about you."

I'm a Kokiri in disguise. I thought. I'm no cultured Hylian. I'm just a forest child who loves too much and too deeply.

Malon smiles at my discomfiture of her comment.

"Then don't be so distant then," she says simply. "I know something big is bothering you; let's talk about it."

Malon then grabs my hand and ushers me to sit at the hearth with her while she mills some grain. I do so halfheartedly.

"You know what I notice about us women," she says to me gently picking up her basket, "we tend to hold everything in. We give so much of ourselves to others we neglect our own needs."

I can't look at her. I thought picking up another basket and begin milling grain with Malon. It only makes me feel more guilty.

"So," Malon says to me knowingly, "out with it."

I sigh and twirl the grain between my fingers. What do I say? I wonder.

"When I was at the castle I didn't know what to expect," I start thinking about how I want to take this conversation. "I thought I was under arrest."

Malon looks at me intrigued as she mills the grain like a pro. "Really?"

"Yes," I reply, feeling a little more comfortable, "it turns out the queen had some important information for me."

"What information?" Malon asks stopping for a second.

I had to think fast. I don't want to lie but I can't tell her the exact truth. I thought.

"She's kind of best friends with the head dignitary where I live," I say, "she just basically told me I had to go back and stabilize things."

Which is pretty much the truth. I thought.

Malon looks at me thoughtfully. "Stabilize things?"

"Yes," I reply.

Malon stops for a moment and looks at me nondescriptly.

"You're not really a merchant are you?" She asks.

I pause for a moment and look into Malon's blue eyes cautiously.

"What makes you say that?" I ask.

Malon picks up a hand full of grains and shuffles them quickly.

"You saved us with some strange energy from your body," she says. "The merchant act is just a ruse to keep people from exploiting your power."

My eyes widen a little at her perception. "Malon-"

"You don't have to be afraid, I won't tell anyone," Malon interrupts. "That's why you've been so on edge. You think someone is going to capture you."

"Well…" I trail realizing her reasoning isn't as farfetched as I thought it would be, "I'm not afraid of capture. It's just when I left, things went a little haywire."

"How haywire?" Malon asks intrigued.

"Bad, bad haywire," I say.

Malon continues milling the grains. "Interesting," She says.

I smile at her, but can't help but feel like a hypocrite.

She really likes me. I thought. I can't believe I've betrayed her trust so badly.

Malon saw the troubled expression on my face.

"Don't worry," she says reaching over and grabbing my hand affectionately, "my husband is the hero of time, if anything happens he's here to protect you."

I found it odd for her to say that.

"That won't be necessary," I say. "I'm leaving today."

Malon stops her work and looks at me thoughtfully.

"I understand you've got power," she says, "but if you need some help you should ask for it."

Malon's concern was proving hard for me to deal with. The guilt I felt for doing what I had done was starting to overwhelm me. So much so, I was considering telling her the truth.

I mill with her for about two hours until all the grain is completed. In all that time we talked about Malon's childhood and how she wanted to see the world some day. She was a very easy going person with a big heart. I definitely saw why Link loved her.

At the end of it all my conscience couldn't stand it any longer.

She deserves to know the truth. I thought swallowing hard. I can't…I can't do this any longer.

"Malon…" I begin.

She looks over at me expectantly. "Yes?"

I sigh trying to conjure all my courage, but before I could get the words out Sar comes racing down the stairs from his room.

"You're going to be so proud of me!" He says running up and standing in front of me.

I was startled momentarily, but shook it off and smile at his handsome face.

"Why's that?" I ask.

"I'm going to play like a pro," Sar says to me enthusiastically.

"A pro huh?" I say with a laugh. "That's a pretty tall order."

"You watch," he says to me, "I'll sound better than my dad!"

I smile at the thought of Link playing the ocarina with his son.

That would be quite a sight. I thought.

"Sar did you finish cleaning your room?" Malon interjects paternally.

"Yes mom," he says with a sigh.

Malon shakes her head and then smiles at me. "I'm just checking."

"Are you ready Miss Aria?" Sar asks.

"Just about," I say. "Go meet me in the barn."

"Yes ma'am!" Sar says excitedly and races out the front door.

I turn back to his mother who was shaking her head again.

"That boy…" she trails.

I smile with a little sadness in my heart.

I wish life wasn't so complicated. I thought. I wish X was X and Y was Y.

Malon reaches over and nudges me again.

"You were saying something just now," she continues for me.

I hesitate for a moment and look back over to the front door.

That boy deserves a happy family. I thought, backtracking on my initial plan. Why ruin it by placing doubt in her husband for the rest of her life?

"Aria…" she says to me seeing I was lost in thought, "are you okay?"

I shake my head at my thoughts. "Yes," I say absently.

"You were saying something," Malon repeats.

I look into her eyes and see the inquiry there.

"You know what's funny," I say, "seeing your son made me forget. It must not have been too important."

Malon looks at me thoughtfully. I can't tell if she believes me or not. She was perceptive, as women generally are, but decides to not take it any further.

"Alright," she says.

I then get up and stretch. "I better teach Sar before he explodes from excitement," I say.

Malon merely nods. I smile back and head for the front door.

"Aria..." she trails abruptly when my hand is on the knob.

I turn to look at her. "Yes?"

"Is there something between you and my husband that I'm not aware of?" Malon asks in the most sensible manner possible.

I freeze unsure of how to answer.

"Did he know you in the past?" Malon asks before I could answer.

I swallow hard and tussle my long emerald hair. "It's possible." I reply carefully. "He is the hero of Hyrule."

Malon looks straight into my eyes. I feel my pulse jump.

"Why do you ask?" I ask trying to make light of her question.

Malon looks away for a moment.

"I don't know," she says softly, "it's the way he looks at you from time to time."

I swallow hard, but remain calm.

"It's almost as though he keeps himself guarded from you to protect me," Malon goes on.

Nothing gets past a woman's intuition. I thought, ironically impressed with her perception. How could it? She's been married to Link for ten years.

"It's the green hair." I reply, trying to keep her suspicions simple.

She looks at my hair and then back to me. "It is very beautiful." She says to me.

"Thank you," I say, "you said it yourself it's got to be a foreigner thing."

Malon smiles at my come back, but I can tell this is something she's been wanting to ask me for a while.

"I suppose I'm looking into it more than I should," she says with a sigh.

No Malon you're completely right. I thought.

"That internal compass you got is a pretty powerful thing," I say, "always listen to it."

Malon smiles wider and nods.

"Thanks for not taking what I said the wrong way," she says sincerely.

"You're welcome," I say feeling a little relieved myself, "I better go entertain your son before he sends out a search party."

Malon nods staring at me with knowing blue eyes, but she smiles to soften her features and I turn to leave.

Does she know more than she's letting on? I wonder, but I don't entertain the notion, I open the door and head outside.

Outside I take in a deep breath and sigh as the sun shines against my face.

The last moments of freedom. I thought wearily, staring out at the horizon.

Before I become too nostalgic, I head inside the barn. Inside Sar was sitting on one of the stables tuning his ocarina. His father was working on the same stable from the other day.

Link's back was to me, but my heart still pounds forcefully. He pauses when he hears me come in, but doesn't turn around.

It's for the best. I thought.

Sar jumps down from the fence and comes up to me. "I think I'm ready," he says brimming with excitement.

"Ready for what?" His father interjects, pausing for a brief moment.

"Miss Aria is going to teach me a song," Sar says.

Link was quiet for a moment.

"A song huh?" Link replies.

"Yeah," Sar says, "she said I can talk to her whenever I want to with it."

Link looks down at the ground knowing the true fruition of that. "I see."

Sar rolls his eyes at his father's tone. "Don't worry I'm not going to ride Epona," he states taking his father's conjecture the wrong way.

My ears perk at Epona's name.

Epona. I thought. I still owe Sar a race. He deserves at least that much.

"Mr. Link," I say as unemotionally as possible.

Link bangs a nail into the gate pretending not to hear me.

"Mr. Link," I say a little louder.

Link pauses. "Yes?" He says without turning around.

"If you supervise Sar on his horse, is it okay if we race?" I ask abruptly.

Sar turns to look at me surprised and then to his father hopefully.

Link gets up and wipes the saw dust from his hands onto his overalls. He takes in a deep breath.

"You still want that race even after what happened yesterday?" Link asks looking straight at Sar.

"Yesterday was a random incident dad," Sar says, "you can't hold that against Miss Aria."

Actually he can. I thought ironically.

For a brief moment Link looks at me, but then cuts his gaze short.

I shrug innocently already knowing what he's thinking.

"Nothing will happen if you're there," Sar went on. "You know you're the best rider in Hyrule."

If that doesn't stroke his ego nothing will. I thought with a grin.

Link was silent for a moment, still looking at Sar. Sar's pleading eyes must have done the trick because Link smirks and then nods in agreement.

"Ok," he says.

"Really?" Sar asks incredulously.

"Really," Link says.

"Oh wow!" Sar says enthusiastically and then turned to look at me. "Can you believe it Miss Aria? We're going to race!"

Link smiles at his son's enthusiasm.

"Go get Epona ready," Link directs speaking to Sar. "You remember how right?"

"Yes dad," Sar says and hurries past me and out the barn.

I turn to look after Sar, but then swallow hard when I realize I'm alone with his father.

This is going to be awkward. I thought.

I turn back to look at Link; he is looking straight at the ground.

We stood there silent for awhile, until I sigh and find the courage to break it.

"Could you help me with these?" I ask pointing to my bags.

Link shakes his head, as if in a daze and immediately takes my things from me.

"Sorry," he apologizes, "where are my manners?"

I watch as he ties both bags onto the saddle and then mounts Maxere with it.

"When are you taking off?" Link asks abruptly; not looking at me.

I knew what he meant but joke, "Can't wait to get rid of me can you?"

Link pauses for a moment and then looks over at me seriously.

I blush embarrassingly. "It was a joke."

Link pulls the leather strap into its holster and tightens it slightly. "It wasn't funny," he replies finally.

I was quiet for a moment and thought it better just to change the subject.

"I was told to make sure Sar wins,"I say abruptly.

Link smirks. "Who told you that?"

"Malon," I say.

Link shakes his head and smiles. "Just like a mother."

"Yeah," I say absently.

Just like a mother. I thought.

There was another silence; thoughtful; tense.

"You know if there weren't any rules I'd beat you right?" I say suddenly.

Link looks over at me again and smirks; his blue eyes are warm. "What?"

"I would win," I say shrugging my shoulders.

Link chuckles, and it sounds like music to my ears.

"I think not," he says even keeled.

"Oh really?" I challenge.

"Yes really," he replies. "I'm the hero of time. The best rider in Hyrule, you heard it straight from the kid's mouth."

I giggle at his unorthodox bragging. "That could be considered a trump card."

"It's better than a trump card," he says, "it's true."

For a moment it felt like old times in the forest.

I'd almost forgotten how funny he could be. I thought admirably and then recollect something important just then.

"Oh," I say out loud suddenly.

"What?" He asks expectantly.

I walk over to Maxere, making sure there were a few feet separating Link and I, and unlatch my bag to pull out the fairy ocarina he left in the Sacred Forest Meadow.

"You left this by the tree stump," I say softly, turning and handing it to Link.

Link looks down at the ocarina and then into my eyes.

"Thank you," he says taking it from me. I felt his thumb caress over mine when he releases it from my grip. "I was looking for this."

I stroke my hair behind my ears and cross my arms over my chest nervously. "I…I saw the carving."

His cheeks flush a little. "Yeah…" he replies not having much to say.

There was another silence between us. I take a few steps back to give us more room. I didn't want Malon to come in the barn and get the wrong idea.

"Do you think Sar's ready?" I ask trying to relieve some of the tension.

"Um… yeah… probably," he replies shaking his head still staring at the instrument.

I swallow hard. "What is it?" I ask softly.

Link closes his eyes at my tone. When he opens them it was as if he were staring into my soul.

"You already know," he replies huskily.

Link's voice was like electricity, it sent shivers up my spine. I nod, knowing better to leave the present conversation alone.

"I'll go check on Sar," I say carefully moving past him.

No need for a repeat of this morning. I thought trying to be politically correct. Even though I wouldn't mind it.

"Thank you," Link says to me again abruptly. "Thanks for bringing this back."

"You're welcome," I say not looking at him and then exiting the barn.

I take in a deep breath and headed for the fence yard.

That wasn't so bad. I thought.

In that short time Sar had Epona saddled and ready.

"Wow," I say walking up. "How quickly did you get that done?"

Sar turns and smiles at me. "Thirty seconds flat."

I was impressed. "You're pretty incredible Sar."

"Not as incredible as you!" He says. "Will you teach me that dome trick?"

I laugh. "One thing at a time," I say. "You have to learn my song first."

"And then I'll know how to create a dome?" Sar asks so excited.

I laugh even harder and wrap him in a warm hug. "You are so wonderful," I say to him as I stroke his hair, "I'm really going to miss you."

Sar hugs me back and rests his head against my bosom. "I'm going to miss you too."

I release him and take hold of his shoulders. "Are you ready?"

"As I'll ever be," Sar says.

"Perfect," I reply, "just remember to watch what your father does."

"I've got this," Sar says boldly.

I chuckle again, finding he has the same tenacity as Link.

"I'm sure you do!" I say enthusiastically.

"What's going on?" I hear Malon ask in the distance coming from the house. "Why is Epona saddled?"

"Dad and I are going to race Miss Aria," Sar replies.

"Oh," she replies raising her eyebrows surprised. "Even after yesterday?"

I chuckle not being able to help it.

It must be wonderful being a parent. I thought.

Malon smiles. "Well if it's okay with your father then it's okay with me."

Just then Link came from the barn; he was walking Maxere to the track for me. He hands the reigns over to me and then helps Sar up on Epona. I mount Maxere and take in a deep breath.

"It won't feel that bad to lose," Sar taunts innocently of my sigh.

I look over at him surprised. "Lose you say?"

"Lose Miss Aria," Sar repeats, "we're going to beat you."

Malon smirks at her son's boastfulness. "You're sure of yourself aren't you?"

"I have to be mom," Sar replies.

Link mounts Epona and then turns to me. He nods signaling he was ready.

"How many times around the track?" I ask.

"Once," Link replies.

"Afraid I might outlast you?" I reply.

Link merely smirks. "I don't want to have to embarrass you longer than necessary."

I look at him shocked, Sar starts laughing.

I turn to look down at Malon and she shrugs. "What can you do?"

I chuckle at her reply. "That whole women hold everything in is out the window now isn't it?"

"Family first, Miss Aria," Malon replies with a grin, "family first."

"You tell her mom!" Sar says enthusiastically.

I situate myself properly on my horse and grip Maxere's reigns securely.

"Ready?" I ask.

"Are you?" Sar asks me.

"Always," I reply.

"Alright," Malon segues, "I'll be the moderator."

We trot our horses up to the starting line.

"On your mark…" Malon says.

I lean forward. Sar looks over at me.

"Get set…" Malon continues.

Link set his feet in the foot rest.

"Go!" Malon shouts and then quickly moves back.

Link and I take off. I had to admit Epona was a sight to behold, she ran with such power and grace.

That is a magnificent horse. I thought.

We loop around the first pass and Maxere had a lead by a nose hair.

"She's ahead dad!" I hear Sar shout out.

"Don't worry Sar!" Link shouts back.

The second straight away Epona gained on Maxere. Link leans forward safely securing Sar in his arms.

Wow! I thought. He's beating me and he has an extra passenger.

We loop again to the final straight away; Maxere was galloping with tremendous power throwing off my center of gravity for a moment. I regain my momentum, and lean forward to break through some of the wind and aerodynamics.

I look over and saw the focused look in Link's face, and then Epona showed why she and Link were the perfect pair. Epona accelerates at a rate so fast it creates a force vacuum to everything behind it. In other words, I inadvertently decelerate when Epona zooms by, I had no bloody choice.

My goddess. I thought in wonder as they finish first. That is one hell of a horse.

When we pass the finish line, I reign Maxere in to calm her down. I then dismount and pat her nose.

"Easy baby," I whisper to her, "easy."

"Did you see that?" Sar says excitedly, quickly dismounting and running over to me. "That was incredible!"

I smile at his enthusiasm. "I saw," I say, "you were wonderful!"

Sar blushes. "I'm so glad we got to do this!" He says sincerely.

"So am I," I reply honestly. "This is the most fun I've had in a long time."

Sar was still bounding from elation when Malon walks up to me.

"Good race," she says. "You nearly had them!"

"No I didn't," I say not fooling myself, "Sar won fair and square. That Epona is magnificent."

She hugs her son, and then mouths to me 'Thank you.' I merely nod and continue stroking Maxere's nose.

Link then walks up, he was wearing a perpetual grin. "Had enough?" He asks me.

I grin back. "I think so," I reply receding to the fact that he was indeed the hero of time and everything his son perpetuated.

Link you're incredible. I thought admirably.

"Never race a legend," Link says.

"Shut up!" Malon replies with a laugh releasing her son to hug her husband. "Are you all rattled up grasshopper? You want me to shed that extra skeleton?"

Her suggestive comment made me raise my eyebrows.

Whoa. I thought. Malon can be...something when she wants to.

They embrace for a kiss and I turn away uncomfortably. I look up to see Link staring at me; his eyes are apologizing.

Oh no please don't. I thought looking away again. This is hard enough as it is. Don't feel guilty for loving your wife.

"Come on you guys!" Sar says seeing my reaction and rolling his eyes. He takes hold of my hand and starts leading me away. "Save that for later!"

"Let's let the love birds be," I say to Sar quietly as he pulls me towards the barn.

I grip the reigns on Maxere and sigh. I notice Sar is beet red,

"What's the matter?" I ask him.

"They always do that," he says embarrassed.

Always huh? I thought trying not to let my feelings show.

I smirk, understanding his frustration more than he could imagine.

"One day you'll understand," I say softly, "you'll meet a girl and fall in love."

Sar's face was still as red as a ruby. "Do…do you have a lover Miss Aria?"

My eyes grow wide and I blush at the question.

"No," I say honestly, "I don't."

I saw him take in a deep breath and sigh. "When I'm old enough and if you're still single I'll ask you to marry me okay?"

I grin at his sincerity. "Okay," I reply, "but don't wait around for me. Make sure you take advantage of every opportunity. There are a lot of beautiful women in Hyrule."

Sar looks down and continues to blush. "… Not as beautiful as you."

I smile at his impetuousness as he helps me put Maxere back in her stable.

Only a little while longer and I'll have to leave. I thought.

"So… what now?" Sar asks me.

I look down at him knowingly. "You ready to learn my song?"

Sar nods eagerly.

"I'll tell you what," I say to him, "I'll take you to a very special place and teach you my song there."

Sar's eyes widen. "A special place."

I nod. "There's a place near the forest I used to go to when I was a child. I'd go there with a very close friend of mine." I say. "I want you to know where it is so you can take a very close friend of yours there one day."

"Wow," Sar replies. "Thank you Miss Aria."

I turn back to Maxere and look into her eyes.

He should have the opportunity just like his father. I thought.

"Should we let Maxere out again?" Sar asks me.

I shake my head no. "We'll walk," I say.

"Okay," Sar says heading out the barn door, "I'll go get my satchel."

"Okay," I reply.

As Sar ran out the door he ran into Link.

"Easy there Sar," Link says, "the race is already won."

"Miss Aria's going to teach me her song in a very special place dad," Sar says excitedly unable to contain his excitement.

Link looks over at me when he heard Sar say that.

"A special place huh?" Link says.

"Yeah," Sar says, "can I go?"

Link looks over at me; my back was to him.

"Sure," he says quietly, at that Sar hurries out the barn.

I sigh and turn around to face him. Link was looking at me preponderantly. I don't know why, but just then I felt an overwhelming sense of jealousy run through me. It was hard having to witness Link's intimacies with Malon; intimacies I'll never get to experience.

"Where are you going to take him?" Link asks me thinking he already knew the answer.

"The bridge where we said goodbye to each other," I say without hesitation.

Link looks at me surprised and pauses. "Why?"

"Because I think he'll like it," I reply matter-of-factly, "you did."

He didn't cut his gaze from me. "I don't think he's ready for a place like that," he replies.

"It's a bridge Link," I reply slightly annoyed. "I'm not going to take him to the forest."

"Saria-" he starts understanding the reason behind the underlining tone in my voice.

"Don't say my name!" I snap not meaning for it to sound so forceful. "I don't ever want him to know who I really am."

Link looks away. "Why?"

"I don't want him to grow up hating me for what I tried to do," I say to him. "I want him to remember me as he remembers me now."

"I wouldn't tell him anything negative about you," Link states.

"Promise me you won't tell him," I demand abruptly.

Link nods. "Okay," he says quietly, "I promise."

There was a long silence between us until I broke it.

"Where's Malon?" I ask curtly. "You two were pretty busy out there."

Link raises his eyebrows at my jealous tone.

"She's in the house," Link replies ignoring my last comment.

I look down at the ground upsettingly.

"She's my wife Saria," he says to me quietly.

I look at him sharply. "I'm aware of that."

Link looks away from me uncomfortably.

"I guess that's putting me in my place," I say abruptly. "Right?"

Link purses his lips in a hard anger line. "Why are you getting so upset?"

Why am I getting so upset? I thought. He's right, and I imposed myself on them.

"I'm not," I lie.

"Well that clearly isn't true," Link says to me.

It wasn't him, it was everything: me being Kokiri, him being Hylian, both of us have our duties and missions. It could never be.

Why is life so damn unfair? I thought.

"I don't understand why you had to..." I trail shaking my head, "whatever, it doesn't matter."

"What doesn't matter?" Link asked.

I'm more irritated with my own feelings of jealousy than I am with Link.

"Shouldn't you be in the house doing something with Malon?" I ask in a sudden snide manner. "After all she is your wife and that's what Hylian married couples do right. They make love and have families. Kokiri's are poor little forest people with childlike mentalities. They can only love you for their whole lives and nothing can come of it!"

Link didn't reply immediately but I could tell my words got under his skin.

"You think leaving you behind was easy for me?" He demands abruptly. "You think I don't feel guilty for making you love me? If you'd only been a goddamn Hylian in the first place it would be you in that house! Sar would be your son! You know that!"

I look up at him stunned at his blunt honesty.

Link looks away, I could tell he didn't want to talk about this, but now felt as though he had no choice.

"You don't think..." he trails trying to get his thoughts together, "you don't think I don't want you in...that way, especially with the way you look now. I've been fighting myself for the last few weeks not to just betray my marriage and take you off somewhere to make love to you. But I can't hurt you like that, and I can't hurt Malon or Sar like that! I'm sorry we can't be together Saria. If I could have changed things I would; if I could have changed you or me I would have done so years ago."

I was startled by the intensity of his words.

That's what Zelda meant when she said you don't know what you've awakened. I thought.

I look to the ground as silence overcomes us. Link sighs frustratingly.

I can't believe I just said those things to him. I thought feeling angry with myself. Why am I being so stupid? He doesn't deserve this.

"I'm sorry," I say quietly breaking the silence, "I was out of line."

Link closes his eyes and takes in a deep breath.

"When you take Sar be careful about monsters," Link says abruptly, walking past me to get back to work on the stable. "Okay?"

"I will," I say feeling a little shaken.

"and…" he trails picking up his hammer, "please don't hate me Saria."

I had to stop myself. I almost reach out and hug him.

I can't. I thought.

"I never could Link," I whisper.

I quickly wipe away a set of tears coming on.

A moment later Sar returns with his satchel. "I'm ready!" He says excitedly.

I quickly pull myself together and kneel down in front of him. "Wonderful," I say, "let's go."

Sar stares into my eyes for a long moment. "Are you okay?" He asks.

I nod quickly wiping my eyes again. I see Link turn away in the corner of my eye.

"Let's go," I reply.

Sar nods slowly and we finally head out.

When we walk through Hyrule field I try to put the recent conversation out of my mind.

Don't think about it Saria. I thought. You were wrong.

I brighten a little watching Sar run around and act like any average ten year old boy.

He's such a great son. I thought admirably. He must make his parents proud.

We head towards the forest, and his eyes got large in surprise.

"Wow," he says, "I never knew this tunnel was here."

"Wait until you see what's past it," I say taking hold of his hand. Sar smiles and quickly follows me.

We pass through the tunnel and I had us stop at the bridge.

"We're here," I say to Sar.

Sar looks around the tree topped canopy in awe. "You came here with one of your close friends?"

"Yes," I reply with a nod, "I gave him an ocarina just like you."

Sar looks past me to the other adjacent tunnel. "Where does that lead to?" He asks.

I turn and look at the tunnel entrance fondly. "That's the entrance to Kokiri forest."

Sar's eyes got big. "I never knew there was a forest here."

I kneel down in front of him. "Maybe your father will take you one day."

"I hope so," he says, "it sounds amazing."

It is amazing. I thought honestly.

"Anyway get your ocarina ready," I say standing up.

I open my satchel and pull out a green ocarina, Sar quickly pulls out his.

"Now I want you to follow along with me," I instruct.

Sar studiously puts his ocarina to his lips. "Ready," he says.

I begin to play and he follows right with me. I close my eyes and become nostalgic.

Link is standing in front of me at ten years old on a promise that he would come back. He tells me he's going to have to go again, so I teach him my song. Saria's song. We play the song together just once, but I know it's the most important gift I can give him.

"When you play I hope you think of the forest and come back to visit..."

Link stares at the instrument in wonder, says nothing, backs up slowly, and then runs away...

When the song is over I open my eyes and see not a ten year old Link, but a perfect incarnation of him in his son.

"That's a cool song Miss Aria," Sar says looking at me with a smile.

"I'm glad you like it," I reply.

Sar looks down at his onyx ocarina and marvels. "Can I really speak to you with this?"

I smirk at his doubt. "Let's try it," I say, "but first you have to close your eyes."

Sar closes his eyes.

"Now let's play," I say and we play my song, once it's over I add, "now ask me something?"

Sar's face had a confused look on it. "Uh...how many times have you been to Hyrule Castle Town?"

Before I answer I instruct him to open his eyes. Sar's eyes grow wide in a little fear when he sees me suspended in midair surrounded by a green energy field with my eyes closed.

"I've been to Hyrule Castle Town approximately fourteen times during my stay with you," I say to Sar without moving my lips.

"How-how are you able to do this?" Sar asks incredulously.

"We just played my song you silly boy," I reply.

Even though I don't see Sar's face I could sense he was uneasy with my current transfigured state. I dispel the energy barrier and float gently down to the bridge.

I open my eyes and see Sar staring at me in disbelief. I smile at his childlike innocence. Abruptly his eyes filled with tears and he ran and wrapped his arms around my waist.

"You can't leave Miss Aria," Sar says upsettingly burying his head in my chest, "I prefer talking to you face to face."

I smile and stroke his hair understanding his dismay.

"You'll be alright Sar," I say to him soothingly.

Sar shakes his head. "No I won't and I won't fall in love with another girl either!"

Now my eyes got wide at his revelation. "Sar..."

"I'm serious Miss Aria," Sar says as tears ran down his cheeks. "One day I'll be a man worthy of you! Just you wait!"

Kids are really wonderful creatures. I thought with a little sadness.

"Okay," I say to him, letting him have this comforting lie, "but remember what I told you before."

He nods not answering me. I stood holding Sar for a few more moments and decide it was time to take him home.

It's getting late. I thought. And I have to get going soon.

"Come on Sar," I say soothingly to him, "let's go home."

Sar squeezes me a little before letting me go. We then head back to Lon Lon Ranch.

"Uh..." Sar trails as we walked through Hyrule field.

"Yes?" I ask expectantly.

"Don't tell my folks about our plans until later okay?" Sar divulges.

I smirk not wanting to chuckle and hurt his feelings. "Okay."

"They might get the wrong idea," Sar states.

"I completely understand," I say with a nod.

We return to the ranch a couple hours before dusk. Sar enters his home with a huge smile on his face. Malon and Link were sitting by the hearth apparently talking when we walk in.

"I know how to play Miss Aria's song!" He chimes excitedly.

I smile at his glee and stay close to the door.

"Wonderful," Malon says to Sar. "Why don't you play for us?"

Sar quickly obliges, and the sound of my song fills the air. I saw Link smirking at Sar as he danced and skipped about the room. Malon was clapping in tune and humming along with the melody. They all look so happy.

This is how I need to leave it. I thought with my hand still gripping the knob. Without any thoughts of betrayal, acts of betrayal, or more preteen confusion. I need to leave right now with everyone happy and content.

I turn the knob slowly and creep out when everyone's attention is diverted. I hurry into the barn and unhitch Maxere and then mount her. I guide Maxere to the barn door when suddenly Link enters the room. I look into his eyes and try not to cry.

"What are you doing?" He asks.

"Please move," I say trying to stay focused.

"Malon and Sar were wondering-" Link tries.

"I have to go," I interrupt quickly, "while everyone is happy and in a good place."

Link stares at me understandingly but did not want me to go.

"Just stay one more night," he says to me softly, "Sar really wants you to be here with us a little while longer."

I shake my head no. "Please move while I still have the resolve."

Link didn't move. "I'm not leaving until you get off that horse."

I couldn't believe he still wanted me around after how I had spoken to him earlier that day.

"I can't Link," I say blinking back a set of tears. "What about the monsters?"

Link came and stood toward Maxere's side. "I have a sword," he says simply, "please get down."

Link offers me his hand, but I don't take it. I swallow hard fully expecting to be gone at this point.

One more night. I thought. That sounds heavenly, but the other sages are expecting me.

Link watches my hesitation as conjecture and slowly guides Maxere back to her stall. He helps me down and looks into my eyes briefly, but then looks away.

"Okay," I say finally not really having a choice.

"Thank you," he says quietly and walks back to the barn door.

Link leaves the barn first. I stand there and take a deep breath.

What am I doing? I demand of myself. Why am I still doing this?

I sigh heavily and walk out the barn. Standing in the doorway of their home was Malon with her arms wrapped around Sar; he looks upset.

"Were you going to leave without saying goodbye?" Sar demands of me.

"Sar watch your tone," Malon says sternly, "Miss Aria has her reasons."

I walk up to them feeling terribly guilty. "I'm sorry," I apologize, "I just didn't want to make it hard for any of you."

Malon nod understanding, Sar was harder to convince.

"You just taught me this song, and you don't even want to play it with me anymore?" Sar inquires upset.

"That's not the case," I say softly, "I just didn't want you to worry so much if you saw me leave."

Sar looks away from me still upset. I kneel down and turn his face back to my face.

"I'll play the song with you a little longer before you go to bed," I say softly. "Okay?"

Sar blushes and looks down embarrassingly. "Okay."

I then stand and sigh. Malon smirks at me as I went back into the house. Link was quiet the entire time.

The next two hours I played the ocarina with Sar, which I had to admit was very enjoyable. We did several duets and Link even joined in. The hours stretched and Sar was trying to fight his sleep. When I offered to put him to bed he jumped at the opportunity. I walked him up the stairs and he yawned several times.

"Turn and say good night to your parents," I lean over and whisper to Sar.

"Goodnight," Sar says in the middle of a yawn.

I just smile and turn to look at the young couple. Link had his arm around Malon's shoulders, holding her close.

That's the way it should be. I thought with a smile.

I allow Sar to get dressed, so I offer him some privacy and step out of his room. Afterwards I came in and tuck him under the covers, just like I used to do Link.

Sleep tight. I thought, watching his eyes go from drooping to completely closed.

I then stand up and sigh. I turn off the oil lamp and went to my room. Having realized I left all my things on my horse I decide to just fall on the mattress and fall asleep.

I'll get up before dawn. I thought. Before anyone sees me.

With these thoughts I go to sleep.

A little before dawn I wake up and run my hands over my face. I get up and go over to the water basin and wash my face and brush my teeth. As the water drips I look at my reflection. That pretty lady staring at me was about to go back to her original childlike state. I try not to get too depressed, after all I at least had the opportunity to be Hylian.

I dry my face and look one more time at what could have been if I were really Hylian.

Goodbye pretty lady. I thought of my reflection.

I then go over to the door and open it slowly. I peer out and see no one, I then hurry down the stairs and out the front door. I head for the barn door but pause when I see light illuminating off the walls.

Sar. I thought with a smile. That kid never stops.

When I open the door I was surprised to find not Sar, but his father Link. He was feeding Maxere some apple cores.

"Good morning," I say softly.

"Good morning," he replies quietly.

"What are you doing up?" I ask walking to the stable.

"I wanted to send you off," Link replies.

"How did you know I was going to leave this early?" I ask.

Link smirks. "You used to get up this early to make me breakfast."

My eyes widen at the memory. "You're right," I say, surprised I didn't realize that until now.

"You'd mend my clothes and keep Mido from being a jerk," Link went on.

I smile at his fondness of the thoughts. "Yes, I guess so."

"...and I knew you would try to leave before any of us got up," he divulges, "I wanted to beat you to it."

I smirk. "Well that was thoughtful."

Link steps back so I could mount Maxere, but before I could climb up he stops me. He takes a deep breath and avoids my eyes.

"I'm sorry I snapped at you yesterday," he said softly.

I shake my head. "Don't apologize," I reply, "I was out of line."

Link looks down. "I said some things to you that were-" he starts.

"Don't think about it," I interrupt. "That's over now. I said horrible things too."

Link still had his hand on my saddle; he was silent for a long time.

"What is it?" I ask him finally.

"I just..." he trails, "I just wish..."

I put my finger to his lips silencing him. "Don't," I say gently. "Doing that will drive you crazy."

Link stares into my eyes for a long moment; too long honestly. He was looking at me in a way that he should only look at Malon. He then leaned forward and kissed me.

It was deep, passionate and much too quick. His eyes were closed when he pulls away.

"You better go before I ask you stay again," Link whispers to me, "and it won't be for Sar, it will be for me."

I secretly wish he would ask me so I could know what it feels like to be one with him...just once.

"Okay," I reply.

Link finally removes his hand enabling me to mount Maxere.

Link stares at me one last time. "Be careful."

"I will," I say holding back my tears.

Link moves out of the way and I quickly gallop out of the barn having to make a sharp turn to the left. Out of the corner of my eye I see Link standing in the barn doorway staring after me.

"Goodbye Saria," Link says lowly to himself.

"Goodbye Sar," I whisper. "Goodbye Malon...goodbye Link."

I gallop faster; riding hard, and out of their lives forever.