It was nighttime when Link and Saria reached the farm. When approaching the wolfos skulls, Saria was hesitant to walk out. They were perturbing looking. But Link took her by the hand and led her through. As she walked through the property, she saw the crops, the lanterns, the fences, the still being built farm and, finally, the house. The torchlight made the area well lit, so they had no problems getting in the door.

Saria looked around Bato's home and wondered about all the different things there. But she didn't say anything as Link started to go about his evening routine. "Just make yourself comfortable," he said, tiredly. "Tomorrow we'll be heading into the Castle to let Zelda and the others know what's going on." Nodding, she sat on the sofa as Link started the fireplace. It crackled with orange and red hues. She stared at it, not paying attention to the busywork that Link was doing to get ready for bed.

It was forty-five minutes before everything was ready. When Link asked if she wanted to sleep in Bato's bed, she froze stiff for a moment before shaking her head. "I'll…I'll just sleep here on this thing." She padded the sofa. "It seems comfortable enough." Link took some linens and made a small bed on the sofa.

When she was comfortable, Link headed towards the stairs. "I'll see you, tomorrow."

"Good night, Link." His face was covered in darkness as he made his way up. She heard the creaking boards on top of her. She felt the linen on her skin; they were very soft and warm. Her tunic was rough, so it was something she wasn't used to. It was a new place, all right. Not the forest. So, even though she was exhausted, she didn't go to sleep. How could she when later in the evening she heard soft sobs coming from upstairs?

The fireplace's light was dimming, and she covered her ears with the linens. She couldn't stand hearing Link cry. Her thoughts were plagued with the last memory of Bato at the Forest Temple. How he spoke with the spirits of the forest and planned to revive the Great Deku Tree at the cost of his life. Even when he knew she was there, he said nothing apart from not 'to get in his way.'

She could have stopped him. She could have told Link. They could have thought about another way. But she didn't. Her care of the forest and Kokiri superseded her want to preserve Bato's life, and now both found themselves here. This was eating her up inside; there was no attempt to try to sleep. Her consciousness wouldn't allow it. Finally, she took off the linens and headed up the stairs, with quickness.

When she got to the upper level, the crying stopped. She walked carefully until she came upon a closed door. Opening it, she saw a small bedroom with a Link facing away from the door. She came up to him. "I've known you since you were little, Link. So, I know that you're not sleeping."

Link got up from his sleeping position and sat on his bed. "I could never fool you, Saria. You would nag at me to get a good night's sleep."

She chuckled at that fond memory, spotted a chair, and carried it over to his bed. He looked at her with such sad eyes that it might as well killed her soul. "I'm sorry," Link said, looking down on his sheets. "I'm sorry that I woke you."

"I wasn't really sleeping."

"You too, huh." He tried to smile again before his face made a frown. "I…just miss him."

"What did he use to do?"

"I…" He was hesitant. It appeared he didn't want to say anything, but then he took a deep breath. "He used to comfort me when the monsters came."

"Monsters?"

"The adventures that I went on. In Hyrule and Termina. There were many scary things out there. Things that a kid like me had no business of seeing, as he said it."

Saria recalled when Link was telling about his tales, there were sometimes when he appeared uncomfortable, scared, or upset. "Do these things bother you?"

"No!" He said this, immediately, but then softened. "Yes. They bother me a lot."

"What did Bato used to do when you got scared or upset?"

He thought for a moment. "Well, he rubbed my back. Telling me everything was okay and talked to me about what I dreamt about. It made me feel better after I spoke with him. You did the same, remember?"

How could Saria forget? When Link was still young, the others bullied him for being different. This made him upset and sad that he was alone. She comforted and cared for him whenever he felt this way. Now, looking at him, she felt she was looking at the same sad little boy from way back when. "I remember." She came in and gave Link a hug.

He embraced it and hugged tighter. He started to cry again. Saria couldn't say anything as she was holding back her tears. Not only because of the pain her friend was feeling. But because she had an opportunity to stop him. They didn't separate from each other, and they both slept in the same room.

Early the next morning, after a breakfast that consisted of hard bread and water, Link and Saria went outside. They were about to head to Castle Town when they saw a small group of men approaching the property. Link was about to unsheathe his sword when Saria stayed his hand.

"Wait. Do you see the tools they have?" They both looked. They were gardening tools. Hoes, shovels and towels. The men approached the children.

"Hiya kids! Is Mr Bato here? We're the hired help the guild sent to take care of this farm."

Saria stepped up, "I'm sorry, sirs. I'm afraid Mr Bato is out deep in the woods and won't be back for a few days."

The men looked at each other. "I mean, the guild already paid us up front. We could just leave…"

"Are you stupid?!" One of the other men, admonished him. "Baza personally hired for this job. Every five days, harvest, and plant crops. You're gonna skip out because the guy's not here?"

"He's right. We got paid to do this, and I'd rather not get blacklisted by the guild. Let's do this thing and go already."

The two men headed towards the field and the third murmured to himself. "This is gonna take forever." Just as the men headed for the field, another group of men were seen headed towards the farm. This time, they were carpenters.

Once again, Saria smiled and greeted them. "Good morning, gentlemen. If you're looking for Mr Bato, I'm afraid he's out on a hunting trip. He won't be back for a few days."

A man with a grey beard, who could be assumed to be the head carpenter, spoke. "That's fine. Bato's already paid the deposit. We won't be expecting the rest of the rupees until after we get the job done. So, we'll have at it." Nodding, the group of carpenters headed towards the unfinished barn.

Link just stared at her. "Since when were you good at lying?"

"Did you and the others always assume that I was always telling the truth?" Saria smiled sweetly at him. Link never thought of her capable of lying. All this time, he thought her the most honest out of everyone. Link looked at the empty house. "Don't even think about it."

"What?"

"You want me to stay here and keep an eye on things. Well, I'm sorry to say, but I also have business with the castle."

"Do you now?"

"Going off on what you said about me being a sage, I need to meet with Lady Impa. Maybe she has some idea on what that means."

"I don't even think she knows," Link said glumly.

Not listening, she continued. "I also wish to meet with the princess. I'm sure having a Kokiri report on the matters of the forest would be beneficial for her."

"Not His Majesty?"

"Well, you already know the princess and the Great Deku Tree never appointed me as a speaker for them."

Link sighed deeply. Once Saria had her sights on something, she wouldn't let go. It was no use. He didn't want to do it because he had to leave the house behind and hoped that no one would have the bright idea of robbing it. The two left the working groups to their tasks and made their way to Castle Town.

As the familiar sights of Castle Town drew closer, Saria held Link's hand tightly. There were some instances where she was outright squeezing it. The fields and plains gradually being replaced by housing that wasn't a stump or a tree. Stone pavement instead of soil. Crowds and crowds of people, busying themselves with one task or another. The closer she came to the castle, the hard it was to breathe. The stench was palpable.

Making their way to the central square was where things got to a head. Massive crowds, yelling of merchants and peasants; the sight of all these things overwhelmed her. Then, she just stopped. Link turned and looked at her, concerned. "Saria, what is it?"

She swallowed a lump in her throat. "Link, is this how the Hyrulians live?"

He looked at her confused. "Well, yeah. All towns and cities have always been like this."

"The noise, the people," she trailed off. Awestruck by the culture shock of Castle Town, her mouth became dry. Her voice became shaky, with a hint of fear. "How long will it be until we've reached the castle?"

He noticed the unease of her friend. "Not long. So, hang in there."

The two reached the castle gates and Saria breathed in the green hills, rivers, and trees. This made her substantially better. Two guards approached them. "Halt!" The guard started his usual spiel but then. "Hold on. Green hat, green clothes. Are you Link, by any chance?"

"Sure am!" He smiled, brightly.

"Forgive me, Link, it's my first day on the job." The guard sheepishly said and went into the guard house. Moments later, two more guards appeared, and the gate was opened.

One of the guards greeted him. "Link! Here to see the princess again?"

"As well as Lady Impa."

One of other guards looked to the Kokiri. "Friend of yours," she asked suspiciously.

"This is Saria, she's with me." Saria bowed a little.

The guards turned to face on another. "There are no orders regarding her."

"Let just escort them. Link's vouching for her."

The female guard turned to them. "All right, follow me kids!" Saria couldn't help but feel intimidated. "Guards, gates, a castle, this isn't the forest at all." As they walked, a yellow flag was flying on the tower window. When they arrived at the front gate, Impa was already waiting for them. Dismissing the two guards with a nod, she addressed the two.

"Link. Welcome back." Impa turned her attention to Saria. "Who's your friend here?"

"A pleasure to meet you, miss," Saria bowed her head a little. "My name is Saria. I'm one of the Kokiri from the village from the Lost Woods."

"Saria the Kokiri?" Impa pondered on this for a moment. "Saria, tell me. Does the word 'sage' mean anything to you?"

Saria looked at Link, who just shrugged. "I've heard it in passing. That's the reason I'm here. Perhaps you know more about the sages than I do."

"To be honest, Link here knows all about the sages. Don't you, Link?"

He got quiet when he heard this. "So, you know?"

"Bato told me a lot when he was here for the royal summons." Frowning, she crossed her arms. "Perhaps too much."

"So, you know that you're a sage then?"

"Yes." Impa attention turned back to Saria. "I am known as the 'Sage of Shadow.'"

"I'm known as the 'Sage of the Forest.'"

"But this doesn't mean that you've 'awakened', does it?"

"No." Impa explained. "Each sage is associated with an element, a symbol, and a temple within Hyrule. At times of peace, there are no sages. It's only when evil takes control of the land that the Sacred Realm sends out a call to those destined to be sages. At least, that's how Bato explained it to me."

Link just shook his head. "He knew even that. Never mind. Do the others know?"

Impa nodded her head. "I've been sending correspondences to the other sages. All except for Nabooru. If that correspondence gets intercepted by Ganondorf's forces, then it could embolden him to hastily act. We can't afford that now." She looked around. "I think we should have this conversation in the princess' chambers. I'm not comfortable speaking about such sensitive information."

"Yeah." Link looked towards Saria, and she nodded. "Because we need to tell you what's been happening in the forest."

If there were two words that could describe the bedchambers of Princess Zelda, it would be 'opulent' and 'imperial.' Blue carpet donned the floor. A white bed of intricate design was in the middle. White linens and pillows were on it with red curtains covering it for privacy. In an adjacent room, there was a bathing area with a large tub, ceramic bowls and pitchers. Wardrobes dotted the far wall of the room, with a bench at the bottom of the bed. A white round table and six chairs were set up for the princess and her guests.

Link and Saria told Zelda and Impa what occurred in the forest. Zelda and Impa were stone faced for the entire time. When Link reached the part about Bato's apparent death and the Great Deku's Tree resurrection, Impa still wore a calm face. But Link could feel a rising fury in her that even Zelda picked up on. It got emotional at that point and Zelda suggested they take a break.

"Princess," Impa said calmly. "I'll need to inform your father and some others about these developments."

"Very well, Impa. You're excused."

"Princess." A glint of sadness was in Impa's eyes when she looked at Saria and Link. Giving a nod, she exited the chambers. About a few minutes later, a loud knock could be heard on one of the castle walls. It shook the chamber so much that some stones fell from the ceiling.

"Oh dear. I believe this is the angriest she's ever been."

Saria, confused, had to ask. "What do you mean by that, princess?"

"Impa prefers to be seen by others as cool, calm and collected. But she, too, can have bad days. One of the ways she relieves that stress is punching the castle walls. She does it without making a fuss and usually out of the sight of others. It irks the castle mason all the same because he has to patch them up. I fear, however…"

Link looked at the door. "She's angry at Bato, then?"

"Very. More so than at anyone that I've ever seen before." Zelda put her hand on Saria. "Thank you for coming and speaking with us. To be honest, this is my first time meeting a Child of the Forest."

"It's my first time meeting with a princess. You honour me."

"Zelda, please." The princess turned to Link. "My friends call me Zelda."

"I'm…I'm your friend?"

"I imagine we'll be working together from now on, so I'd like to get to know you, Saria." Both smiled at each other.

Link was quiet.

"What do you mean, incapacitated?" The king and Rorru were in his office discussing some reforms that were put forward when Impa came with the news of Bato's 'situation'.

"Is as I say, my king. Link and the Kokiri, Saria, told us the whole story. Bato went into the roots of the Great Deku Tree. Link said he cast some sort of strange incantation using unknown words. Green orbs of energy appeared and flowed through Bato's body and into the tree. When Link came to, he found the meadow revitalized, Bato's body, and the Great Deku Tree restored."

Rorru's eyes opened with horror. "So, the man is dead?"

"Not dead, sir. The Great Deku Tree said that his body is 'frozen in time.' His reawakening is dependent on his soul."

The king bridged his nose and took a deep breath. "This is a fine time for him to take a nap, isn't it?"

"He has the ear of the commerce guild and the Hyrulian guard. They speak on reforms unheard of in this kingdom. The nobles are trying to fight against it."

"Not one day goes by that I meet with a noble that has gripes with these 'reforms.' But they're gaining traction. They are seemingly very popular with the people. I believe that's its saving grace."

"Not only the people, but the Church has also taken notice as well. When was the last time Atia and Baza worked on something, together?"

"Like a cat and dog. This time, however, they seem to be of a same mind." The king shook his head. "Well, that matter is for another time." He turned to Impa, who was standing at attention. "What are the known assets Bato have besides the farm and the land?"

"At present, he doesn't own any other property or business. All his assets seem to be focused on developing that farm. I believed he hired some people from the guild to harvest his crop. Moreover, he's building a barn to hold said produce."

"You're not thinking of seizing them, are you my king?"

"Are you kidding? I want him to fight for Hyrule, not against it! The question of him reawakening is not a matter of if, but when. If he sees his property in the hands of the state, he'll probably rebel!" He turned to Impa. "Have Jofary send some soldiers up to secure the farm until Bato's return."

"The tree said it might take years for him to awaken," Rorru pointed out.

"Well, let's just hope it doesn't take years for him to wake up!" The king stood up and walked towards the window. "In creating one problem, that man has solved another."

"The emerald, sir?"

"Yes. I believe the time has come to return the stone to its rightful place."

"I would be inclined to agree, sir." Impa stated, smoothly. "I would still like to secure the forest and confirm these allegations to be absolutely true."

Rorru nodded. "Agreed. Let's send a reconnaissance group to the Lost Woods. Link and the Kokiri can lead some of them to the village."

"The Deku Tree might have issue with that, though. It's said that no outsider had ever set foot in there."

"Hmm…" The king turned towards the two. "I wish to speak with the Kokiri, personally."

Impa took the king into Princess Zelda's bedchambers. Link, Saria and Zelda were still there. The two girls were speaking with one another while Link was in a corner quietly thinking to himself. When the king entered, Zelda and Link stood at attention. Seeing Saria still sitting, he rushed over to get her to stand up.

"No need to stand on ceremony, Link." The king smiled a little. "I was hoping I could have a talk with your friend there."

Saria looked at Link, uneasily, but went forwards towards the king. "My name is Saria, your Majesty. I am one of the Kokiri of the Lost Woods."

"An actual Kokiri." The king found a chair and sat down. "I thought of them as myth."

"So did the rest of the kingdom, father." Zelda went towards him. "But Saria is a true Child of the Forest. All the things she's experienced and the knowledge she has about the forest is second to none."

"I believe it, Zelda." He turned to Saria. "I apologize for intruding on your conversation. However, I must be able to speak with you about gaining an audience with the Great Deku Tree."

"With the tree, your Majesty?"

"Yes. We hold the Kokiri Emerald in the castle. It was given to us for safekeeping after Link came back with news of Ganondorf's coup and sealed the Door of Time. We would like to return it to the forest."

Link and Saria looked at each other. "Yes. The Emerald does belong to the forest. But I cannot speak for my people. I would have to get permission from him to have outsiders enter our forest. Travel time from here to the forest and back again will be very long."

Link grabbed the Ocarina from his satchel and showed it to her.

"Minuet of the Forest, Link?"

He replied with a weird stare. "I'm not surprised that he knew that either. We can use the 'Minuet of the Forest' and the 'Prelude of Light' to travel between Castle Town and the forest!"

Saria looked at everyone, excitedly. "So, why doesn't Link deliver the Emerald back to the Great Deku Tree?"

Impa, Zelda and the King were not following this conversation. Impa coughed a few times. "Link, perhaps you can fill us in whatever you're talking about?"

"Whoops, sorry," Link blushed forgetting who he was speaking with. He turned to the king. "Your Majesty, the Ocarina of Time can be used for travel by playing songs on it. I learned the songs during my journey into the future. With this, I can instantly go to the forest and deliver the Emerald for you."

"By goddess' grace!" The King smiled brightly. "Link, that would help a great deal! We will gladly take you up on that offer." Even Impa had an impressed look on her face. Zelda was beaming. The sun's setting rays hit the window and shone through. "It's getting late. Tomorrow, we will take you to the Emerald and Link can deliver it back to the Kokiri. Until then, he and Saria will be staying here for the night as guests."

Saria held her hands up. "Oh, no. Your Majesty, I don't mean to intrude."

But he was already up. "I will brook no debate on the matter. I'll have the head maid prepare your chambers. Once again Link, I'm in your debt." His tone became serious. "I'm…I'm sorry to hear about Bato."

"He's not dead," mumbled Link. "He's just sleeping."

"He'll wake up, eventually, I know it!" Zelda took his hands. "Just have faith." Link smiled at that.

"I'm having some soldiers come in and look after the farm while he's away. That way, it doesn't get broken in. I would have you stay in the castle, but I doubt you want that, do you?"

He shook his head. "I'll gladly take you up on the offer for tonight. But I'll be okay on Bato's farm. I must take care of it, after all."

"Very responsible for you." The king nodded to Impa. "Thank you for your help, Impa. I know I can always count on you."

"Now and forever, my king," she bowed. As he left, the three children looked at one another. While Zelda had faith, Link and Saria had uneasy looks in whether he would wake up sooner rather than later.

After dinner, Link and Zelda went to the barracks to speak with some guards. He wanted to let them know that he wanted to be a knight one day. Zelda offered to show him around the area. Saria, however, wasn't feeling up to it and instead made her way to the royal garden. She sat on a bench and looked at the flowers. She had a look of devastation on her face. The trees, the ground, the flowers, everything full of life. Like the forest. Like the Deku Tree. She feared that the forest would never return after the death of the tree. But, against all odds, the forest returned to life, and everything was as it should be.

If only it was that simple.

She buried her face into her hands; tears started coming down. She dare not cry for what happened if someone heard her? Someone like Link.

"Seems you have something on your mind, Saria." Startled, she turned to see Impa, standing right behind her. She gave a small smile. "I didn't mean to scare you."

"It's quite alright. Really." Impa sat with the Kokiri. Darkness was falling and the torches of the Castle came alight. Once again, a soft wind embraced their faces and gently carried the scent of earth and foliage through its current.

"I've been a warrior for a long time, Saria," Impa started. She held the Kokiri's attention. "I see and hear many things. So, I know what regret looks and sounds like." Saria shivered at this revelation. "It may not be any of my business, but I can tell from personal experiences that the longer you have regret in your heart, the more damage it can do to you and the people around you."

She was quiet, giving Saria a chance to think about what she said. She shook a little, unsure of whether to tell. Finally, she resolved herself. "I knew."

"You knew?"

"I knew what Bato was going to do before the day he descended to the roots of the Great Deku Tree." It felt liberating. A weight was off her shoulders, but the fear came back as she waited for condemnation or rebuke from Impa.

Regardless of being a practised dissembler, Impa surprised face was clear. "What happened, Saria," she asked gently.

Saria looked forward towards the flowers again. "That night, I felt an odd sensation coming from the temple. While everyone else was sleeping, I made my way over there. I found the ancient spirits of the woods, of every kind, assembled. In the middle of it was Bato and another Kokiri. His power was incredible. Bato announced his intention to revive the Great Deku Tree. The Kokiri boy said that they would do it, but at the cost of his life force and body." She looked down. "Bato said some strange things and agreed. The boy took a stone from his hand, turned it green and told him to break it after making a verbal contract. The spirits disappeared and he was the only one there. He saw me."

Impa was still gentle. "What did he say to you?"

Saria started to cry. "He said, 'don't get in my way.'"

"The fool," Impa muttered under her breath. "So, he knew what he was doing." She gave a deep sigh. "I know this question will be painful for you, but I must know. Why didn't you stop him."

The tears were flowing freely now. "He spoke of reviving the Great Deku Tree. The forest. My home. My people. What was I to say to that? Don't do it, your life is important? He offered it willingly, what right do I have to deny him?" She closed her eyes. "But that's no excuse. For one reason or another, he gave his life force to save the forest. But now…he's-"

"I understand now." Impa hugged her while Saria wept openly. "You were caught between your people and a life of a friend, and you chose the greater good. I know that feeling well."

"You do?"

"Yes. There were many times in my life where I had to choose between my own personal feelings and my duty. Not one of those decisions made me feel better afterward. You are going through the same. It was his choice, but you feel responsible for what could have been. There's no way to stop a conviction like that."

Saria wiped her tears with her sleeves. She sniffled a little.

Impa continued to speak. "I, too, failed in my duty to him. When Link was critically injured, Bato summoned me to his side. He told me what happened and said some outlandish things. When I asked for proof, he presented an Oval Stone. Most likely the same one you saw in the forest. The stone shined and the Goddess Hylia appeared."

"The Goddess Hylia?" Saria whispered to herself.

"She tasked me with watching over and assisting him in any way I could. Yet, he does something like this." Impa shook her head. "He is a remarkable man. Eccentric, but kind. He has shown a devotion to the people around him, especially towards Link. I cannot say any words of comfort to you, apart from you made the best choice with the information you had at the time. He made his choice, and now we live in his consequences: good or ill."

"…Thank you, Lady Impa."

Impa got up from the bench, nodded and headed inside while Saria looked up at the night sky. Was the decision she made the right one? Her people or her friends? She could only continue to ponder at it.