It was only deep within Catalia that light began to shine through the cover of blackened clouds, bringing light to the landscape. Only in Catalia could Zelda step forward without something to light her way.
She walked with Saria in tow, the shadow construct held on a stretcher between them as the navigated the scarcely used roads of Catalia's underbrush, each emitting a sharp intake of breath as sunlight warmed their skin and brought color to the world.
Only the shadow construct remained constant, its skin ever black, taking only the slightest of human shapes when exposed to sunlight.
But despite the relief offered by the warmth of the sun, Saria's fragile form began to tremble as they neared their destination. She watched as trees peeled away to reveal a small settlement nestled within the woodlands of Catalia—a village filled with no one older than she, all of them gangly and petite, their eyes following her as she entered, some curious, others malicious.
"Mistress Zelda," she said, her breathing rapid, "I don't think I can be here! I c—"
"Calm yourself," Zelda said, ignoring prying eyes as she directed her assistant to a large dwelling that seemed carved from a massive, "I'll not keep you if you insist on acting the child. You are above those you left behind."
Saria took a long breath that ended just as they approached their destination. "Thank you, Mistress Zelda." She stopped as Zelda did and helped her to lower the shadow construct's stretcher to the ground. Straightened her back till her stance mirrored the confidence carried by Zelda, she followed the Mistress through the curtained doorway into the dwelling.
When her eyes had again adjusted to the darkness, she found both familiar setting and familiar face.
The dwelling was as modest as the tree it had been carved from. Only a simple rug of a reddish tinge stood out of place. On that rug stood a familiar female face, one that looked to be carved of stone its features bored into Saria with such intensity.
"I have been watching you," said the figure, speaking more to Zelda than Saria, hands held behind her back as she stepped forward, her accent thick with something Zelda could identify only as "mountainous". "Your very presence endangers my people. Why are you here?"
Saria felt a near uncontrollable need to kneel and beg for forgiveness.
"Do not pretend these people are Kokria, Loranna," said Zelda, her tone cold.
Loranna held her chin high, lifting with it braids of black hair. "I resurrected a people once thought dead. You are in no place to judge my actions." Loranna's eyes flickered to Saria, who shrunk beneath her gaze. "Saria is not welcome while in your company. Why has she returned?"
"Saria is no longer Kokria, Kokiri, or whatever you're calling yourself now. She has devoted herself to saving the world you are so keen to give up on."
"And that is why you would bring Ganon's Legion upon my people? To 'save the world'?" Loranna turned her back on them, muscled physique silhouetted by shadow. "Leave, before I force you to leave."
Zelda crossed her arms. "I'm here seeking cooperation, Loranna. I brought with me something that should interest even your antiquated self."
"You have nothing to offer me."
"I offer Dark Link."
Loranna staggered, her once powerful stance weakened. Hands curled into fists a moment before fell open in surprise as she whirled around to confront a stoic Zelda. "What?"
Zelda smiled, having finally gained the upper hand. "I offer Dark Link."
"The Dark Links were destroyed by Ganon years ago."
"Not all of them."
"Where is it?"
"Outside."
Loranna stormed past them, brushing aside both Zelda and Saria as she made for the entrance, tearing down the curtain that once shielded her from the light in her rush to the outside world.
Zelda followed, smiling to herself as she interlaced her fingers across her chest. She exited to find Loranna kneeling beside the shadow construct, placing a shaking hand against the creature's forehead, muttering to herself in a long forgotten dialect. When her eyes again found Zelda's, their gaze was torn between hope and terror.
"Where did you find it?" said Loranna when she had again recovered.
"Facedown in an illusion surrounded by water."
Loranna turned again to the shadow construct, muttering again in the forgotten language. "Then it is the original, the one meant to strike down the Hero of Time as he awakened the Sage of Water."
"Yes—in the alleged alternate timeline. Saria has spoken to me about your version of history."
Loranna's gaze found its way again to Saria, but the hostility was gone from it. In its place was a halfhearted gaze filled with years of disappointment.
Saria could not bring herself to meet that gaze.
Loranna again muttered in the old language. "And you have brought the Dark Link to me," she said. "What is it you expect me to do?"
"Turn it into the Hero of Time."
Lora was quiet for a long time. She stood, her arms hanging limply at her sides, and returned to her dwelling. "I… must consider this," she said as she disappeared into darkness. "You will wait out here.
Zelda crossed her arms and let an arrogant smile creep across her face.
Saria's expression remained torn as she stared at the ground, her features twisted into a contortion of conflicting emotions.
The Dark Link remained still.