Chapter 14- Lost in the Woods

 

Picture Credits: https://www.deviantart.com/alrynnas/art/Lost-In-The-Woods-337634723

Chapter 14

Lost in the Woods

"Here you go. That should go nicely with your costume," said the owner of Kakariko's Ajith Emporium as he presented Link with a new hat.

It looked almost identical to Link's old one, except slightly longer. He had missed his old hat, feeling incomplete without it. Navi hadn't shared his sentiment, and quickly tiring of his moping, she'd led him to the village tailor to buy a new one. The tailor seemed perplexed at the unusual order, at least until Navi said it was for a costume.

"You look like a forest child now," the man remarked as Link jammed the hat on. "If that's what they wear, anyway. All anyone's really seen of them is plays and puppet shows... where are you from, boy?"

"Ordon," Link answered immediately.

Navi had told him to pretend he was a Hylian child, so he didn't say that he was, in fact, a Kokiri.

Link thought his new clothes made him look a little odd. Still garbed in his green tunic, he now wore a pair of green leggings to hide the scar on his leg. His boots, recently purchased from the cobbler's shop, looked far shinier than the road-battered pair he'd worn before.

After paying the tailor with Impa's letter of credit, Link left the shop. Navi waited just outside the door, keeping underneath the awning to shelter from the rain.

"Finally," she exclaimed when she saw him. "Happy now?"

"Yeah," Link affirmed, beaming.

"Good. Honestly, I can't believe you're so attached to that hat," Navi muttered, flying into his pocket. "We should wait for the rain to stop before we head out."

Link disregarded this advice, his grumbling stomach reminding him of a more pressing need. The inn would have hot food, and he could get out of the rain. Besides, he was supposed to meet Elisia at noon.

He stepped out from beneath the awning and into the muddy street.

"Ugh, fine... don't blame me when you're totally drenched," Navi muttered.

Soon, the icy droplets were soaking through Link's tunic. Wanting to hurry back to the inn, he quickly slipped past the occasional villager as they hastened along the nearly deserted road, just as eager to be out of the downpour as he was. His injured leg throbbed, and he limped with each step, his burned skin feeling tight, blistered, and raw. It was hard to distract himself from the pain, especially knowing that he would soon be leaving for Zora's Domain. It was a long hike to the home of the Zora royal family, and Link wasn't sure he could fight well if he needed to. He'd be easy prey for a hungry Wolfos.

"Link, watch out!"

Link became aware of clopping hooves and the rattling of a wagon as a tall horse stomped towards him. The driver of the cart was yelling obscenities - the kind Ingo liked to use.

Link threw himself out of the way, slipping in the mud, the motion sending pain flaring down his injured leg. Before he knew it, the wagon was rumbling past him, the driver looking down at the mud-splattered child. Link clambered to his feet, looking to see if Navi was all right. Luckily, she had seen the danger, quickly flying out of Link's pocket, and was now yelling several unfriendly insults back at the driver.

A red-haired woman Link recognised from the inn asked him if he was all right, but Link quickly shook off her concerned questions. Then the noon bell rang, giving Link more reason to hurry on his way.

He was late, and not for the first time.

They reached the inn, pushed open the front door, and entered the warm common room. Kitchen smells wafted through the air, making Link more aware of just how hungry he was. The inn's common room was almost empty, save for the serving boy who was clearing a table. He cast Link a glance and then quickly averted his gaze. It was the same lad Link had spooked days earlier, before his journey to Death Mountain. Another occupant, an irritable-looking fellow, sat on a chair, tirelessly playing a bizarre contraption that resembled a combination of two boxes, one part in front of the man and the other secured behind him. Music was bellowing out of the strange horn that sprouted from the back portion of the instrument. It reminded Link of an animal horn, but it was not made of bone and was much shinier. The gentleman playing the instrument seemed unaware that he had no audience. It was either that, or he just didn't care.

"He's been playing that all morning," another boy observed quietly as he came into the room.

Link was sorely tempted to ask Navi if he could eat first, but he doubted she'd approve. Instead, he made his way to his room, leaving a trail of water and muddy footprints in his wake, earning a scowl from the inn staff.

Elisia was waiting for him. Garbed in robes to hide her wings, she barely resembled a Great Fairy at all. She frowned when he came in dripping wet and shivering. Then, muttering a few terse words, she disappeared out the door and soon returned carrying a towel and a potion.

"Drink it," Elisia urged him, handing him the vial. "I didn't patch you up so that you could get yourself sick from the cold."

Her admonishing tone stung, but Link managed to ignore it as he downed the vile liquid. A pleasant warmth spread through him, and soon he wasn't cold at all.

"There, is that better?" Elisia asked. Then she shot a questioning look at Navi. "Honestly. What were you thinking, letting him do that?"

"I warned him," Navi cut in. "He didn't listen."

Elisia sighed heavily. "Well, perhaps you will have learned your lesson." She gestured towards the bed, indicating for Link to sit down.

Link obeyed, making himself comfortable on the soft mattress as Navi asked, "You wanted to see us?"

"I did." Elisia sounded suddenly grim. "I wanted to ensure you had everything you needed before departing for Zora's Domain, and I am afraid there has been a change of plans."

Link went cold. "A change of plans?"

"Lady Impa's spies tell me that the Zora King's daughter, Princess Ruto, is missing," Elisia said without further preamble.

Link's knowledge of the Zora was limited to the strange creature he and Malon had encountered by the river, but even he knew a missing princess meant trouble.

Navi's response broke the momentary silence. "When?" she asked, and then, "Was she kidnapped?"

"That remains unclear," Elisia answered.

"Unclear?" Navi repeated, sounding confused, and she was far from the only one.

"She vanished two nights ago, taking the Zora Sapphire with her," Elisia continued. "Some Zora children spotted her trying to cross near a waterfall. By the time they alerted their elders, she'd vanished. The Zora picked up a trail far beyond the Domain's borders, leading into the Lost Woods, but from there, they have found only jewellery."

From the moment Elisia started speaking, Link knew that this was going to be no simple jaunt in the woods. 

"How are we going to find her?" he asked.

 How far could a Zora travel in two days? 

"Fortunately, it may not be as difficult as you imagine," Elisia assured him. "Someone familiar with the woods could find her easily, so long as she remains within its borders."

For a moment, Link felt a flicker of reassurance. Yes, a Kokiri who knew the woods well could track Ruto, but she wasn't protected as the Kokiri were. There were wolves and other wild animals that might think of her as food.

"She'll be safe, won't she?" he asked, not quite believing his own words. "None of Ganondorf's people can enter the woods, right?"

"Ganondorf can enter," Navi reminded him. It was true. They both knew that those with a thirst for black magic could overcome the wards protecting the Lost Woods. That meant that Ganondorf could still find her and the Sapphire, just as he had tried to find the Emerald. 

Elisia shook her head. "I doubt he would find her personally. Impa's spies are watching him. If he left the castle to kidnap the princess, his absence would be noted."

How are we going to find her?

They would have to rescue Ruto before she met someone, or something, that would do her harm. A Kokiri might be able to track her... but who-

Saria.

She knew the woods better than anyone. She could find her. 

"Saria can help us," Link exclaimed, his gaze directed at Navi. When he turned to Elisia, she did not look surprised. That unsettled him.

"Saria, the Kokiri girl?" Elisia asked.

"How do you know her?"

"I haven't met her, but Kaepora assures me she is more than capable of finding Ruto. I believe he went to seek her out."

"He did?" Link's heart gave a sudden, hopeful leap. "You mean I'll get to see her?"

"Perhaps," Elisia said evenly, her tone suggesting Link shouldn't get his hopes too high. "Kaepora will meet you downriver, near the woods. If you leave soon, you will find him well before nightfall."

Link frowned. That didn't exactly inspire him with confidence. How long would it take Kaepora to find them?

"He will find you," she reassured him, noticing his displeasure. "I will make sure you have everything, but then I must depart."

"Can I come back and learn magic from you?" Link asked, realising that this meant it might be some time before he learned to channel magic properly.

Elisia smiled warmly. "If you ever find yourself on Death Mountain again, I will be happy to teach you... For now, we should get you ready to depart."

That left Link feeling a little dispirited. He had no desire to climb back up Death Mountain any time soon, even though Darunia was sure to give him a hero's welcome.

~ 0 ~

Elisia wasted no time in making sure Link had the supplies he'd need when he left Kakariko. This turned out to be some rope, flint, a small knife, and some rations. If he'd hoped to find sweets or a fancy weapon, Link was left very disappointed. Once equipped, and with a cloak wrapped firmly around him, Link set off for the Lost Woods.

It was a slow walk along the Zora River. The winter chill gnawed through his cloak and into his bones. His leg still pained him, the cold making him all the more aware of it, but Link gritted his teeth and bore it as well as he could. Small thickets of evergreens dotted the hillsides, growing more numerous the closer Link came to the woods.

Once Link and Navi had passed the last homesteads on Kakariko's outskirts, tiny wisps of smoke billowing from the chimneys, they caught sight of an owl flying overhead. He knew instantly that this was Kaepora, and he raised his hand in greeting as the bird circled, hooted, and then dipped towards a thick copse of trees that lay some distance away.

"What's he doing?" Link asked.

"I think he wants us to follow," Navi suggested. "Maybe we're still too close to some of the nearby farms."

A short trek later, Link finally reached Kaepora, who was perched on the branch of an evergreen. It was just as well, for Link's leg was ablaze with pain.

"Link, it is good to see you," the owl hooted.

"Hi, Kaepora," Link said, managing to keep the pain from his voice. "We were told to come and find you."

"And found me you have. I trust Elisia explained why you were meeting me here?"

Link nodded.

"Good." Kaepora sounded pleased. "There is little time to waste, I'm afraid. I convinced the Zora that I would help them find their princess, but it took some time; they are not fond of birds."

"I can imagine," Navi replied.

"Saria will meet us near where she believes the princess was last seen," Kaepora said.

As he subconsciously rubbed the scar on his arm, Link wondered how Saria would react to the sight of his injuries. Would she berate him for not being careful? No, she wouldn't do that.

"Is something wrong?" Kaepora asked. Link hadn't realised he'd fallen silent, and Navi was staring at him with a measure of concern.

"No," Link lied.

Navi opened her mouth to say something, but Link shook his head. "It's fine. Really."

"Good, climb on my back above my wings. Try not to sit on them or pull any feathers out while you're at it," Kaepora told him.

Link stared doubtfully at the owl's back.

Can he actually carry me?

Link wondered why Kaepora had never offered him a ride before, then remembered how cautiously the owl had approached the farms. Still, that did nothing to reassure him. How was he supposed to hold on? He certainly didn't fancy plummeting to the earth from some great height. As if sensing his thoughts, Kaepora hooted, "Don't worry, I won't let you fall. I have never dropped anyone or anything... well, except on purpose."

Reluctantly, Link clambered onto Kaepora's back, while Navi slipped into one pocket of his tunic.

"Are you afraid of heights?" Kaepora asked as Link grabbed a tuft of feathers in each fist.

"No," Link answered, almost affronted.

Navi looked dubious. Link ignored her.

"Good," Kaepora replied. "Hold on tight then."

The owl lurched, and Link clutched his glossy feathers so tightly that it was a wonder Kaepora wasn't screeching in pain. He lay against the owl's body, trying to flatten himself into the feathers. The owl's wings flapped open on either side of him, and he was soaring skyward, the clouds rushing closer and closer.

As they ascended into the sky, the air grew icy, the wind sweeping across the owl's back, buffeting Link as he tried to tuck himself into the owl's body. With each beat of the owl's powerful wings, he was rocked back and forth, his stomach lurching with their rhythm. It was some time before Link's nerves were calm enough that he could admire the view. The verdant hills of Hyrule Field lay spread before him. The woods shimmered a hundred shades of green as the sun broke through a gap in the clouds. To his right, rugged crags and steep hills speckled with tall pines and evergreens draped the countryside. Chimney smoke rose in tiny wisps from several settlements that were little more than a dark smudge amidst the endless wilderness. He caught a glimpse of Lon Lon but didn't dare try to look behind him to snatch a glimpse of Hyrule's capital for fear of falling.

"It is beautiful from up here, isn't it?" Kaepora asked him.

Link agreed, but his teeth were chattering too much to make a coherent reply, so he grunted his assent instead. Kaepora seemed pleased, hooting in response, before adding, "Remember this, Link. This is what you fight for."

Despite understanding Kaepora's meaning, Link couldn't help thinking that freezing to death on the back of an owl was hardly worth dying for.

Soon, the green fields gave way to the Lost Woods, and all Link could see was a vast expanse of trees, broken only by the river threading its way through the woods. Way off in the distance, a second river branched off from it, gently threading its way south. Kaepora kept following the Zora River, taking them closer to the snow-capped peaks of the Goron Ranges. By now, the sun was setting, painting the western sky in vibrant shades of red and pink. In the distance, the Zora River ended at what Link thought was a lake tucked into the foothills of the Goron Mountains. They headed towards it for some time before Kaepora dived towards a small clearing, so tiny that Link could hardly see it from their height. Then, with a thrill of dismay, he realised they were going to land.

It was a quick and dizzying descent that made the bottom drop from Link's already queasy stomach. Kaepora had given him no warning, and he watched the trees rush closer and closer. He imagined crashing into them, their tangled limbs dashing both him and Kaepora to pieces.

I think I'm going to be sick, he thought.

Fortunately, Kaepora slowed down, circled a few times, and then made a final dive into a glen that was occupied by a single Deku Tree. Even then, it was not a gentle landing. Navi had only just left the refuge of Link's pocket when he slipped and landed with a splat on the muddy ground. Quickly picking himself up, Link brushed the sides of his tunic, achieving little more than smearing it with mud.

"Are you all right?" Navi asked. "You've gone rather green around the gills."

"I'm fine," Link lied, before swallowing thickly. "I think I prefer horses to flying."

Without another word, he turned his attention to the familiar sights, sounds and smells of the glen. Insects hummed, and birds chirped in greeting or squawked a challenge to any that encroached upon their territory. A small brown lizard went scurrying up the bark of the nearest tree, which looked a lot like the Great Deku Tree with a face carved into its trunk. It was much smaller than the ancient forest guardian; ten Kokiri could have linked arms and formed a circle around this one's trunk.

Home, Link thought, a leaden weight lifting from his shoulders. He was finally home. Where exactly, he wasn't sure, but the sights and smells all told him that this was where he belonged.

Where exactly are we? he wondered, snapping himself back to the task at hand before Navi could say anything.

"We're in one of the other Kokiri groves," Link observed, staring at the leafless boughs of the woodland giant. At first, he thought the ancient sentinel at the grove's centre was dead, its limbs splayed like bony fingers twisting into the sky. He placed a hand on the trunk, and there, just at the edge of his senses, he noticed a faint humming deep within the tree, almost like distant music. If he hadn't been concentrating, he would have missed it.

"It's still alive," he whispered.

"It's just dormant," Navi said, as though this should have been obvious.

Link glanced around at the edges of the clearing where a settlement of tree houses clung to the leafless branches. The wooden wind chimes clattered in the breeze, but there were no other sounds. The grove was deserted.

"Saria will be here soon. I know you probably have a lot to talk about with her, but try to keep it short," Kaepora said.

Just then, a scream cut through the tranquil woods. It sounded like a child, and Link's first thought was Saria, but the scream had belonged to a boy. Then Link heard the familiar howl of a Wolfos.

Wolfos? Link's mind reeled at the thought, fear uncoiling in the pit of his stomach. Here?

"That's impossible," Navi gasped. "They can't get into the woods."

Link didn't debate this or consider its significance further. He tore towards the sound as fast as his sore leg would allow.

"Link, wait!" Kaepora screeched. "Think before you act, boy!"

Link didn't hear those last few words. Nor did he hear the rustle of wings as Kaepora took flight. Somewhere ahead, amidst the dense tangle of trees and underbrush, Link could hear the Wolfos barking wildly. He dashed through the settlement, foliage slapping him as he rushed towards the source of the sound. He found it quickly, just on the edge of a smaller clearing that contained several disused firepits.

No Kokiri were to be seen now. Instead, Link found himself stepping into a scene that was frightfully similar to his nightmares. There were two Wolfos. One was tearing at the bark of a tree, baring savage fangs as it tried to climb up the trunk and devour the odd child-like figure clinging to a branch just out of reach. A second Skull Kid lay on the ground, paralysed as the second Wolfos circled him.

The beasts looked up as Kaepora screeched and swooped towards them. The carnivores backed away from their would-be prey, barking furiously.

"Run!" Link screamed at the boy lying on the ground.

The Skull Kid didn't respond, too terrified to even move.

The Wolfos heard his cry and turned. Link felt like a hare trying to scare a hound. He pushed aside his growing fear just as the Wolfos lunged. Link slipped to the side, crouching, and sent his sword into its side. Steel met flesh with an unpleasant crunch. The Wolfos yelped in agony and backed away. Link brought his shield up, desperate to protect his face, then dashed to one side of the hound as its claws struck his shield. 

Before the hound could strike again, Link quickly jumped forward, sword arcing through the air and straight into the beast's side. It yelped, blood matting its grey coat. The Wolfos aimed a sluggish swipe at its attacker. Link kept striking, turning the beast's savage growls into pained yelps, then whimpers. It wasn't enough. He brought his sword down again and again, his arm burning with the effort. He couldn't stop. He just wanted the snarling to end. 

"Link, stop!" Navi's scream finally broke his trance. He stepped back, hands trembling, before an angry snarl ripped through the clearing, followed by a yelp and a howl of pain.

Link spun around, almost stumbling back into the corpse behind him. Kaepora had snatched the last Wolfos in his talons. The animal was now several feet in the air, thrashing and squirming. Kaepora flew as high as the smaller trees, then dropped his quarry, letting it hit the earth with an audible crack. Link ran forward, not waiting to see how injured it was, and then thrust his blade straight through the beast's neck.

As the Wolfos went still, Link collapsed to his knees beside the hound's body, his recovering leg throbbing painfully beneath him.. Catching his breath, he finally recovered as Navi flew over to him, worry and fright plain on her face.

"Why did you go running off like that?" she demanded. "You didn't even know how many there were! You should've waited for Kaepora to go first!"

"He wouldn't have stood a chance!" Link retorted, pointing to the shivering Skull Kid on the ground.

"You wouldn't have been much help to either Skull Kid if there were more of those Wolfos!" Navi yelled back. 

Boy and fairy glared at each other before Navi lowered her voice. "Please, Link... I don't want to go through what happened at the ranch again. I nearly lost you."

Link's anger faltered at those words. 

"I'm sorry," he mumbled, his cheeks burning as he avoided Navi's gaze.

"It's..." Navi drew a breath, clearly still shaken. "I'm just glad you're not hurt." Her eyes trailed to the Wolfos that Link had stabbed at least half a dozen times.

A noise made them both turn. The Skull Kid on the ground was picking himself up, his eyes wider than saucers. His companion jumped down from the tree branch he had taken refuge in and crept forward.

"Hey, it's okay. We won't hurt you," Navi assured them.

The Skull Kids looked like dilapidated scarecrows with green clothes and a hat resembling a flower, its dark green petals sticking out to form a wide brim. Their faces were a dark wooden texture, almost bird-like, but what stood out most was their bright, round eyes, flat noses, and beak-like mouths. Both regarded their saviours warily, leaning away from Link and the owl. Then one hesitated, his head cocked slightly to one side in sudden curiosity. 

"Hey," he squeaked, pointing at Link with a lopsided grin. "I remember you! You're the boy who rescued me from those Kokiri in the woods. Got 'em right good, you did."

A faint echo of a memory stirred in Link's mind. He remembered that. His life had been so much simpler back then.

"Someone's coming." Navi's warning startled Link. That was when he heard running footsteps.

Link turned around just as the newcomer emerged from a rough trail leading back to the village. His heart leapt.

It was Saria, with Fora hovering at her side.

Link barely noticed the two wolves Saria had with her. They regarded him with disinterest. A gesture from the Kokiri girl dismissed them, and they skulked away, back into the woods. 

But Link didn't care about them. Not right now. 

Saria strode forward, and Link threw his arms around her. Tears pricked his eyes, but he blinked them away, his voice catching in his throat. He didn't want to let go. 

"I've missed you, Link," Saria whispered into his ear.

Link caught a whiff of berries from her tunic. He smiled, unable to stem the tears that rolled down his cheeks as he half-sobbed, "I missed you too."

One of the Skull Kids let out a low whistle, followed by a muffled squeak as Navi deftly smacked his ear. Stepping back, Link looked into Saria's moist eyes and noticed her smile wilting as she saw the scars on his face. 

"Oh, Link," she whispered in horror, her fingers tracing the scar along his cheek. She stepped back, taking in the rest of his appearance. "Whatever have you been getting yourself into?"

"I..." Link opened his mouth, but the knot in his throat choked away his words.  

"We can explain later," Navi interjected, coming to Link's rescue.

"Later?" Saria's sidelong look suggested she was trying to discern the cause of their hesitation, but sensing Link was trying to hide his hurt, she relented. "All right, later it is." She turned her gaze to the two Wolfos behind Link. She strode towards them, taking a deep breath to compose herself as she examined them.

"When I sensed them, I didn't think they were ordinary wolves," she said, a faint edge of fear in her voice. Link followed as she crouched beside the closest one and inspected its paw, frowning. "A Wolfos here? But that's..."

"Impossible?" Link finished for her grimly. Had his attempt to save the Great Deku Tree been for nothing? Even though the Great Deku Tree had died, Link had been assured the woods would be safe with the curse gone. But now even that reassurance was taken from him.

"The wards that guard this realm are failing." Kaepora's words were grim. "Wolfos have not prowled these woods for many years."

Both Kokiri looked at him, and he added, "While this is indeed an ill omen, it also means that the Zora Princess is in greater danger than before, and..." Here, the owl paused, momentarily tilting his head to the side before continuing, "There are those I must warn."

"Of course," Saria said. Without further regard for Kaepora's vague statement, she turned to the two Skull Kids. "Vaspin, Varin. Are you all right?"

The two youngsters nodded, still looking shaken.

"We're all right," Vaspin said. "Those things would've gobbled us right up if Link hadn't stopped them."

"Have you noticed any more odd creatures roaming around?" Saria continued.

"Apart from him?" Vaspin asked, pointing at Kaepora. "Ain't every day you see a talking owl."

"Besides him," Saria affirmed patiently.

Both Skull Kids shook their heads, their eyes lingering on the edge of the clearing, towards the tangle of tightly clustered trees.

"Nope. We ain't seen nothin' else, Saria," Vaspin said, with a slight tremor in his voice. "Nothing aside from those wolves of yours."

His eyes hadn't left the copse of trees where the wolves were hiding. Saria followed their gaze. "They won't hurt you."

"Oh, aye," Vaspin said with obvious scepticism, not taking his eyes off the dead Wolfos. "I'm sure they won't."

"I promise," Saria said evenly. "But if you haven't seen anything..." Saria frowned. "Then we'll have to look elsewhere."

"I guess you could ask the trees if they've seen anything," Navi suggested. "Couldn't you?"

"Of course..." Saria nodded and whirled around to face the nearest tree. "Don't look at me like that, you've seen me do it before!" One of the Skull Kids had been staring at Navi as if she'd just spoken gibberish before casting Saria a dubious look. He quickly stopped when she told him off, but Saria's attention was already on the trunk of the closest tree. She frowned in consternation, stepping up to the weathered trunk and placing a hand on it. "It's been a while since I've tried this."

Before she could do anything, one of the Skull Kids spoke up. It was Vaspin.

"Umm... Saria?" He paused as she met his gaze. "You wanted to know if we'd seen anything? Well, there was this odd-looking creature roaming around. A Zora, I think, though I've never seen one this deep in the woods. We were busy minding our own business when suddenly she appeared, looking lost and all. Swept down the river was my guess."

"I told you not to say anything!" Vaspin's friend hissed. Nobody paid him any attention.

"Where?" Navi asked, beating Link to it.

"She had this shiny sapphire on her," the Skull Kid named Varin continued. "I wanted to get a closer look."

"Steal it, more like," Vaspin corrected.

"Hey," the other kid broke in irritably. "It was your idea!"

"Did you take it?" Saria asked slowly, voice firm.

"We didn't! Honest! We were going to sneak up on her, but she was being followed by these monsters. Bulblins, I think. Anyway, they threw her in a sack, and just like that, they sent their Wolfos on us."

"They attacked her?" Link asked.

Vaspin nodded. "They had boars, they did, with huge tusks!" The boy stretched out his arms in emphasis.

"Boars?" Navi queried. "Strange. Most of them used to be terrified of this place."

Link had seen the occasional wild pig in the woods, but the Kokiri kept well clear of them.

"We will have to find the Bulblins fast," Link decided. No doubt the creatures could cover a long distance with their steeds, so there was little chance of catching up to them without flying.

"How many Bulblins were there?" Navi asked.

"Only two," Vaspin replied.

"A scouting party." Link was almost sure the owl sighed as it said this. "I will look for the Bulblins and find you when I have spotted them. Then I can help you grab the Zora," Kaepora said. "In the meantime, Saria, can your friends help us?"

Saria nodded.

"What are you two talking about?" Link asked.

"The wolves," Saria explained. "I told them to hang back so they didn't spook the Skull Kids."

That an entire pack of wolves was following them sent a sliver of fear down Link's spine. The last time something like that had happened, he'd been their quarry.

"They won't hurt you," Saria assured him, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. "I promise."

It had been a long time since he'd heard those words, and he smiled. "Thanks, Saria."

Kaepora took off, leaving Saria and Link alone with the two Skull Kids.

"Can you show us where you saw the Zora?" Saria asked them.

Vaspin nodded. "Sure. It's not far."

The two Skull Kids waddled along half-hunched, scampering over the forest floor. Link kept glancing at the deepening shadows beneath the surrounding trees. Once or twice, he was sure he could hear the scampering of paws and the occasional huff of their canine entourage.

"Link? What's wrong?" Saria asked softly. "You seem very jumpy."

"I..." Link's voice caught in his throat, and he couldn't force it beyond the painful lump forming deep within. He kept walking, but abruptly stopped when he realised Saria was no longer beside him. He turned around and saw her gazing at him, concern etched on her face.

"It's nothing," he managed, swallowing.

"Link. What's going on?" she asked gently, her eyes filled with worry. "Please. You can tell me."

Link took one look at the Skull Kids and walked back to her. Saria took his hand in both of hers, clasping it. She glanced down and then looked him in the eyes.

"I thought you were going to give the Kokiri Emerald to Zelda," she said. "I prayed for your safe journey, but when Kaepora came to tell me you were hurt and you didn't come back... I-" Her voice broke.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make you worry," Link said, to which Saria gave an unconvincing laugh.

"It's my job to worry, silly," she said with a sad smile.

"I had to help Princess Zelda retrieve the other two spiritual stones," Link continued, the words almost tumbling out. "The Great Deku Tree said they're important, and they are in danger. I've only retrieved one so far. The Zora princess has the other."

"Kaepora told me about the sapphire," Saria said with a nod. "I was more worried about you, Link. Are you going to tell me what happened to you?"

Link sighed. He did not really want to go over some of the details, especially his near-death experience with the Wolfos and Dodongo's Cavern.

Saria noticed his reluctance and drew a breath, rethinking her approach. "You can talk to me, Link... but if you'd rather not right now, I won't force you." She let go of his hand, cast a glance at Navi as if imploring her for answers, and then they kept walking. "C'mon. Do you want to tell me about meeting the princess? How did you find her?"

"Actually," Link amended, "I think she found me. Castletown is huge, and I never would have found her without Navi's help."

"He's just being modest," Navi chimed. "Link was the one who got us there."

Link explained his meeting with Zelda and his quest for the Spiritual Stones, omitting some parts of the story like his encounter with the Wolfos, the Gerudo's raid on Lon Lon, and nearly being turned into Kokiri kebab by a hungry Dodongo. Saria listened without interruption until he finished, for which Link was grateful. He was pretty sure she knew he wasn't telling her everything, but she never pressed him for details.

By the time Link's story was finished, they were at the stream where the two Skull Kids had found the Zora. There were definite signs of a disturbance: trampled foliage, an erratic scamper of footprints, and trees grazed by the horns of a large animal. Of Ruto or her captors, there was no sign. Link did find a pendant encrusted with mud on the edge of the creek. It was silver and had a fish symbol carved into its side.

"That was the Zora's," Vaspin said, wandering over to Link to see what he had found. "Saw it right before the Bulblins chased us, I did." He gave Link a mischievous look. "Can I keep it?"

"Absolutely not!" Navi objected before anyone else could say anything.

Saria wasn't amused, and Vaspin's sheepish grin didn't help. "We'll talk about that later," she said coolly. "Link, can you see anything else?"

Before Link could respond, he heard a hoot and looked towards the boughs of a nearby tree where Kaepora had perched.

"The Bulblins are further downstream with the Zora," he informed them. "They have made camp. If you come with me, we can rescue her."

Saria, meanwhile, noticed something and then turned towards the trees. She stiffened, and Link could see the worry on her face.

"What is it?" he asked.

"The wolves have the scent."

"You won't get them to kill the Bulblins, will you?" Link asked, horrified by the mere thought. He had no desire to witness the Bulblins mauled. It seemed a total reversal from his encounter with them all those weeks ago. Now, he was the hunter, and the Bulblins were the hunted.

"Not if I can help it," Saria said, her expression worried.

Link nodded, turning around to the two Skull Kids. If it came to killing, they didn't need to witness the wolves attack the Bulblins.

"Thanks for rescuing us," Vaspin said to Link. "I won't forget your help."

"Do come back, won't you?" Varin asked. "It does get lonely out here sometimes."

"I'm sure it does," Saria agreed solemnly. "Now off you go, and don't let me catch you getting up to mischief."

"We won't." Vaspin grinned. "If you need a guide in the woods, not that Miss here needs one, you know where to find us!"

The two Skull Kids climbed into the canopy, leaping effortlessly from tree to tree. Once the rustling of foliage that marked their passage faded, Link and Saria followed Kaepora down the stream.

It only took another hour to find the Bulblins' campsite.

Sneaking close proved to be slow going, for Link and Saria hid in the tangle of dense vegetation and crawled on their bellies until they were close to the clearing, but far enough that they couldn't be seen in the light of the campfire. Then, when Kaepora circled overhead, Saria tapped Link on the shoulder and pointed to a nearby tree.

"Up," she mouthed. Link nodded, sliding as silently as he could along his belly, and made it to the foot of the tree. Then, with Saria in front, he climbed up.

They'd only just started their climb when Kaepora landed in one of the branches closest to them, and the creak of the branch made Link cringe. From below, one of the Bulblins grunted something.

Link peered around the tree's trunk, his arms aching from clinging lizard-like to his perch. One of the Bulblins was staring at Kaepora, but apparently satisfied that he was just an owl, it turned away.

Somewhere, Link could hear muffled sobbing, but it was difficult to make out the source.

Ruto? he wondered.

Saria started climbing again, and Link followed her, his boots scraping on the bark. He followed Saria onto a tree limb that ran close to Kaepora's perch. It offered a good view of the campsite. There was a single tent, two boars resting at the edge of the clearing, and a cookfire with a large simmering pot hung above it.

"What now?" Link whispered.

"They're waiting for their companions," Kaepora said softly.

"There's more?" Link whispered.

"I believe so," Kaepora said solemnly, quiet enough that his voice didn't carry.

"Do you think Vaspin and Varin will be all right?" Saria asked. "If there's more-"

"They are adept at hiding. So long as they remain hidden, the Skull Kids will be fine." Kaepora turned his head to regard the camp below. "I wanted to see if the other Bulblins were nearby, but there appear to be only wolves. Saria, can you-"

Abruptly, Kaepora stopped speaking. In the camp below, there seemed to be an argument going on between the two Bulblins. Whatever it was, they seemed to reach an agreement, for their voices lost their angry tone. The taller of the two beasts disappeared into their tent. An instant later, the muffled sobbing Link had heard turned into a high-pitched scream. Link almost fell off the branch, but Saria steadied him.

"Wait here!" Kaepora ordered, launching himself away from the tree, his wings spread wide.

When Link looked again, he could see the two hideous green monsters dragging a sack unceremoniously towards the firepit. As he realised what he was looking at, Link's stomach tightened in horror.

"Goddesses," Navi whispered. "I think they are going to eat her."

The two Bulblins scrambled closer to the firepit, dragging the bag along. They untied it, pulling out the screaming creature within. It was smaller than Link, only about half his size. He recognised the fine pale-white scales of the Zora instantly. The only difference between this Zora and the creature Link had met outside Kakariko was that her head lacked the fish-tail appendage he'd seen. The Bulblins grabbed the Zora roughly by the arms. She screamed shrilly as her captors steered her towards the firepit, no doubt realising her fate. Link realised Navi was right. They were going to eat her. The Bulblins laughed raucously as the Zora kicked and screamed. Link abandoned all caution, quickly clambering down the tree.

"Link, get back here!" Saria hissed.

More sliding than climbing down the tree, Link jumped the last few feet, landing steadily on his feet. He drew his sword, tightening his grip upon the hilt until his knuckles were white. Then he turned to the Bulblins, who were still laughing at their helpless prey. Without thinking, Link dashed forward and stepped into the firelight.

"LEAVE HER ALONE!" he bellowed.

Those brave words seemed woefully inadequate as the Bulblins looked up to see the sword-bearing Kokiri running towards them. All hope of catching them unawares was gone.

As if to answer Link's defiant cry, a chorus of howls echoed through the winter night. The Bulblins' eyes widened. At the same time, a loud screech tore through the air. Overcoming their shock, they ran, abandoning the Zora and heading for the trees. They fled from the light of the fire and straight into the advancing wolf pack.

One of the enormous wolves crashed into the larger of the two Bulblins, snarling as it ripped the Blin's throat with a rough shake of its head. 

Observing the carnage, the Zora shrank back, curling up on herself as she sobbed, trying to hide from the chaos. 

Even Link was terrified by the swift attack of the efficient hunters. He leaned against a tree, his palms pressed flat against the bark as he fought the urge to be sick. 

He drew a breath and was about to turn around when he heard a shriek from the second Bulblin, followed by a snarl and a wet, tearing sound. Then silence. 

"Shaggy, back!" Saria yelled.

Link turned in time to see the wolf named Shaggy look up, head tilted curiously as if to ask, What, wasn't I supposed to do that?

A frenzy of noise erupted from the other wolves as they drove the boars away from the camp. Shaggy joined them, and with a stampede of paws, they went scampering off into the night. The sounds of the wolves and their quarry soon faded away. 

Navi broke the brief silence, instantly rounding on Link as his fingers dug into the bark of the nearest tree. At this point, it was all that was keeping him upright.

"Link, what did I say about being careful?" Navi demanded with an angry shriek. "Are you even listening?"

Link wasn't. He leaned over, groaning as he was seized by a strong desire to vomit. He could taste bile, but he swallowed, trying to steady himself.

"Are you all right?" Navi asked him quietly, glancing towards the trees where the wolves had vanished. "They're friendly. They see Kokiri as part of their pack."

"Friendly?" Link almost laughed at the absurd statement, finally letting go of the tree. "You call that friendly?"

Saria hurried over from the foot of the tree. Despite looking ill, she didn't appear as troubled as Link. "I'm sorry. I didn't want t hat to happen, but they would have killed you both."

They turned to find the Zora sitting upright and looking totally stunned. Her small black eyes squinted as Link approached.

 Saria tried speaking first. "It's okay. You're safe now."

Her words made little impact. The Zora scrambled backward, coming dangerously close to the firepit. Saria grabbed Link by the arm, halting him, and then she took a cautious step closer to the Zora.

"Hey, it's all right," Saria said, clasping a hand to her chest. "My name is Saria. This here is my friend, Link... you're a Zora, aren't you? I've never met a Zora before."

Big black eyes regarded her with suspicion, and then they turned to regard Link. Still no word.

"I won't hurt you," Link said, dropping his sword and opening his arms wide in what he hoped was a disarming gesture. "I'm not carrying anything. See?"

"Who are you?" the Zora demanded, a spark of anger in her eyes. "Who sent you?"

The abrupt question took Link by surprise.

"That's no way to say thank you," Navi told the girl, flying up to her. "But since-"

A heavy rush of wind cut her off as Kaepora landed beside Link with a none-too-subtle crash that stirred a flurry of leaves. This provoked a startled cry from the Zora, who scrambled upright, screaming as she pointed at Kaepora. Navi, who was used to deafening people rather than the other way around, was buffeted by Ruto's screeching. "Is that a giant owl?" the young Zora shrieked. "What kind of freaks are you that you walk around with pet wolves and owls? You're... you're sorcerers, aren't you?"

"You don't need to shout!" Navi shouted. "And watch your language!"

"What kind of weirdos are you?" the Zora demanded, ignoring Navi's remark.

Link held back several rude replies that were on the tip of his tongue. "We've come to rescue you."

"Rescue me?" Ruto asked, her face scrunched into a scowl. "My father sent you, didn't he? I was managing just fine until those creeps kidnapped me."

"Princess Ruto, my lady," Kaepora said, trying to be more formal. "Your father, King Zora, is deeply concerned about your whereabouts. The Lost Woods is no place for a child."

"They're only children!" Ruto said pointedly, poking a finger at Link and Saria.

"I'm older than your father," Saria told the Zora flatly. Her hands were on her hips, and she looked as irate as Navi.

"Yeah, right," Ruto scoffed. Saria's eyes narrowed at the blatant disrespect.

"Do you realise we saved you from becoming a roasted Zora?" Link asked Ruto, earning a scowl from Saria.

Too far, he realised.

"And you should realise that your rather heroic rescue attempt almost got me killed!" Ruto replied angrily.

"She has a point there," Fora said. Link glared, but Saria's fairy was unmoved.

"I don't need help!" Ruto continued. "All I need to do is head back to the river and follow it upstream. Unlike you, I can swim."

Then, without warning, Ruto turned and ran off towards the trees. Kaepora screeched, and Link sped after her, quickly gaining on the Zora. He grabbed for her arm, but she wrenched herself free. Taken aback by the sudden resistance, Link crashed into her, and they both tumbled to the ground.

"Let go of me!" Ruto screamed, squirming as she tried to wriggle free, while Link tried to grab her shoulders, almost earning himself a kick in the process. "Ow! You're hurting me, you numbskull!"

"Stop struggling!" Link retorted as she pulled herself free, only for Link to grab her by the leg, sending her tumbling into the leafy undergrowth. "Ruto, stop trying to run! It's not-"

Deaf to his words, Ruto bit him on the hand, even as Link tried to pull her back from the brambles. 

Shocked by the sudden needle-like teeth, Link cried out and let Ruto go. She leapt up, and Link scrambled to his feet to stop her from running. He grabbed her arm, but before she could take a swing at him, she halted at the sound of running footsteps.

"What happened?" Saria asked, coming alongside them.

"She bit me!" Link held his throbbing hand. The bite wasn't serious - just a few red welts that hadn't broken the skin - but the indignation stung.

"You'll be fine," Saria said quickly, turning to Ruto. "Ruto, the woods aren't safe! You can't go out there on your own."

Something in her tone held Ruto's attention right before she turned to flee again.

"Oh no, you don't!" Link leapt for her. Ruto spun, clipping his head as he tried to block, sending them both crashing in an ungraceful heap.

"Ruto, stop that!" Saria said fiercely, stepping forward to pull Link free from the tussle. He let her, but Ruto just lay there, breathing heavily, looking up at Link with fierce eyes.

"How are we going to get her back?" Navi asked, keeping her eyes on Ruto. "She'll get injured squirming in Kaepora's talons like that."

Link glanced back towards the firepit, where the sack lay with a length of rope discarded beside it. This gave him an idea. 

"Saria, can you pass me that rope?"

"What? Link, no!" she exclaimed, looking aghast. "How could you even think that was a good idea?"

"We can't let her get injured," Link pointed out, grabbing the rope as Ruto scrambled to her feet. Her movement was sluggish this time, a sign she was tiring, but Link was ready, the rope in hand, as she tried again to run. She only managed a step before Link tried to restrain her.

"I'm not so sure about this," Navi said as Ruto snarled and tried to lash out; Link held her firm. "I know you want to keep her safe, but this is a terrible idea."

"I agree," Saria replied, looking concerned.

"The Zora might be upset if their princess were returned in such an undignified manner," Kaepora said reproachfully. "As you represent the Sheikah and the Royal Family, neither party will thank you."

Ruto continued struggling, but her strength was fading. Link managed to bring her wrists together, looping the rope around them before tying it firmly, taking care not to make the bindings too tight.

"It's just until we get back," he explained as Ruto, now exhausted, ceased her efforts to fight him and sat down with a disgruntled, angry growl. "Kaepora won't be able to carry her if she's squirming."

"Perhaps," Kaepora conceded. "Just because something works doesn't mean it's the right choice." 

"Link, can we talk for a moment?" Saria asked, gesturing to the edge of the clearing. Her unusually cool tone told Link she wasn't happy. "Navi, do you mind?"

Navi nodded, frowning at the two. Link followed Saria, trying not to drag his feet, before he almost walked straight into her. She'd stopped, and before he could open his mouth, she spun around, eyes glowering at him with clear reproach.

"What has gotten into you?" she demanded.

Startled, Link stepped back.

"Saria-" he began.

"Tying her up?" She gestured towards Ruto. "I might've expected that from someone else, but not you! How would you feel if you were her, after what those Bulblins did? Do you think you'd be happy, or would you be terrified?"

Link couldn't help the burning sense of shame that bubbled up inside him. Saria didn't shout, but the disappointment in her voice was plain. That stung more fiercely than anything else. He tried to swallow, but his throat was dry.

"I'd be terrified," he admitted, wishing he could look somewhere other than Saria's furious gaze. He shuffled uncomfortably. "But... how else are we going to stop her running away?"

Saria's face softened a little, and she regarded the Zora Princess, her brow furrowed. Ruto was looking in their direction, but she was out of earshot.

"Well, we can't leave her like that," Saria said, her voice now calm. "How about we talk to her and then take the bindings off?"

Link didn't know how much talking would help, but he trusted Saria.

"Okay," he said, not wanting to upset Saria any more. Remorseful, he sucked in a breath and added, "I'm sorry, Saria." His voice was getting squeaky, and that just made him embarrassed. "I didn't mean to make you mad."

Saria regarded him silently, some of the fire leaving her eyes. He looked away then, the shame feeling more intense, almost to the point of making him cry. He didn't like making her angry. She rarely got mad at him.

"I could never stay mad at you, Link," Saria said quietly, clasping his shoulder. "C'mon. Let's talk to her, and then remove her bindings."

With that, they returned to the clearing, where Navi anxiously awaited them. As they did, Link retrieved his sword from where he'd dropped it, wiping the dirt from the blade before sheathing it. 

"Hey, I don't mean to interrupt, but where is the stone?" Navi asked.

In between the rescue attempt and his struggle to restrain Ruto, Link had forgotten about it.

"Perhaps you should ask the princess." Kaepora inclined his head towards Ruto.

Link doubted she would answer, but he tried anyway.

"Princess, do you have the Zora Sapphire on you?" Link asked, trying to sound gentle and struggling to do so. "The Spiritual Stone of Water?" At a meaningful look from Saria, he added, "We want to help you, and we want to let you out of those bindings, but first, we need your help. Can you tell me where the stone is?"

The Zora's furious stare melted into surprise and then suspicion. "What do you want with it?"

"Someone is after it," Kaepora said. "Someone dangerous. We want to protect it."

A short silence followed. Judging by Ruto's look of consternation, she was debating whether or not to tell them anything.

"The Bulblins took it," she said at last. "I was going to see if its magic could cure Lord Jabu Jabu, but his attendants said I wasn't allowed to see him. He's been acting really weird."

"Lord... who? Is he your father?" Link asked.

"What?" Ruto scoffed. "Of course not, you numpty."

"Well, excuse me, princess," Link said sarcastically. "If he isn't your father, then who is he?"

"Link!" Saria scolded, causing Link to flinch. "Mind your manners!"

"Sorry," Link offered, looking at her.

"He is the Zora guardian spirit," Navi whispered into Link's ear.

Did Elisia mention anything about that?

Link couldn't remember. He turned from Saria and gazed at the forest floor, thinking.

"How do you know about that stone anyway?" Ruto demanded, rudely intruding upon Link's thoughts. "Only a few people are meant to know about it, and I don't think you're one of them."

"Princess Zelda sent me to retrieve it," Link answered, struggling to ignore Ruto's insults, and also aware of Saria still watching him, ready to jump in if Ruto started being rude again.

"Why?" Ruto asked. "I'm not giving it to you. It's my mother's, or it was."

Link looked at Navi for help, wondering if it was possible to explain the situation to the Zora princess. Given how young she was, Link was not sure this would be easy. He hadn't been able to make sense of everything that he'd been told when he first began his journey beyond the woods.

"Allow me," Kaepora offered. His gaze caused Ruto to flinch. "Princess Ruto, can you tell me what is wrong with Lord Jabu Jabu? Is he sick? If you tell us, and you agree not to run away, Link can release your bindings."

"There... there's something inside of him," the princess explained, her words coming out in a nervous rush. "It happened after this big Gerudo man came."

"A Gerudo man?" Link interrupted. Kaepora wasn't the only one who glared at him. He quickly shut his mouth but was unable to keep the dread from showing on his face.

"Tell me, Princess Ruto," Kaepora said slowly. "Can you remember what the man who visited your father looked like?"

"Kind of hard to forget. I only saw him briefly, but he had..." She paused, then counted off each trait. " Red hair... dark skin... yellow eyes... he also had a big nose... I've never seen someone with a nose that big... and he was creepy... really creepy."

Link shared a furtive glance with Navi.

"He said Lord Jabu Jabu would die from the curse if we didn't give him the stone," Ruto continued, now stumbling hastily over the words as she went on. "That's what father told me. It... It's not true, is it?"

"We want to help Lord Jabu Jabu, but we need the stone to help him," Kaepora told her gently. "Can you tell us where it is? If you do, then we will help in whatever way we can."

"Will you?" Ruto asked.

Kaepora bobbed his head. "We will. Isn't that right, Link?"

"Uhh... okay. Yeah, we'll help," Link said in the most neutral voice he could muster.

He hoped this promise would not involve dealing with whatever creature was the source of the curse on Lord Jabu Jabu. He wasn't even sure it was a good idea. His attempt to save the Great Deku Tree had failed, and the forest guardian's death was a failure, no matter what Navi told him.

Ruto was looking at him quietly, studying him, and then, to Link's relief, she nodded toward the tent. "It's over there."

Link walked over to the tent, pulled the flap aside, and was greeted with a putrid stench that reminded him of a manure pile.

There wasn't much inside: a stained bedroll, a dirty knife secured in a tattered leather sheath, and trinkets made of bones. Finally, inside a small sack containing a few trophies - mainly gems - he found three beautiful sapphires interlocked by a golden wreath - the Zora Sapphire. The stone was pleasantly cool to the touch, and he felt a strange sense of peace, just like when he held the Emerald.

"Have you found it?" Navi called, causing Link to jump.

He answered her and was pleased to leave the tent's unpleasant aroma. Rejoining the others, he showed Kaepora the stone.

"Good," Kaepora hooted. "That makes all three, and you're in one piece this time." Link didn't find that remotely amusing, but was given no chance to respond. "Now that your task is finished, I will take Saria back to the village. She will need to warn the other Kokiri if foul creatures are already roaming the woods," Kaepora said. "Stay here. I will return for you shortly."

Both Link and Saria shared a look of dismay.

"Once I've returned the stones to Zelda, I'll come and visit," Link told her, and then he added, his throat aching. "I don't ever want to leave again."

His heart ached. They'd only seen each other for a few precious hours. Just being with her made his anxiety and fears seem so far away. He was safe with her.

Saria didn't quite meet his eyes. Fora's troubled expression told Link all was not well, and not just because of the threat the Bulblins now posed.

"What's wrong?" he asked, alarmed. Suspicion grew, and he frowned. "It's Mido, isn't it?"

"He banished you," Saria whispered, her eyes shining with unshed tears. "After you left."

"What?" 

Saria's words hit like a physical blow, threatening to open old wounds and painful memories of what should have been the happiest day in his life. He'd just been given a fairy, which officially marked him as a member of the Kokiri tribe, and it should have been a day of celebration. Instead, Link's mind tormented him with images of the Kokiri staring at him, judging him for his failure to save the forest guardian.

"He can't do that," Navi exclaimed. "It's not his call! The Great Deku Tree put you in charge."

"Mido doesn't believe that," Saria said sadly, looking at them both. "I'm sorry, Link. It's not safe to come back yet. The Elders, not all of them, think I failed in my duty as well. I fear Mido might mean you harm, should you ever return, and I don't want anything bad to happen to you."

"Give them time. He will get over it," Navi offered, looking between the two.

"I hope so," Link replied quietly, his throat tight, voice cracked. Did Mido really hate him so much? The boy had been a bully, but Link had never expected this from him. He had injured Mido badly in their fight, but Saria knew he'd never meant to go so far. His thoughts turned to what Saria had said about the Elders. He realised for the first time that he wasn't the only one suffering from some guilt. Saria was always the one to offer the Kokiri guidance, as was her duty, but now she was as lost as the rest of them.

"If you play my song in the Sacred Forest Meadow, I will come," Saria said. "That's a promise." She embraced Link again, and for the longest time, they stood there, like mother and child. Link felt safe in her arms, and he didn't want to go, afraid of the troubles that lay ahead. Saria gently ruffled his hair, rubbing his back with her other hand like she had when he was younger. "I'm sorry I told you about Mido. It's not fair that you've had so much on your shoulders, and you know I'd do anything to protect you."

"I know," Link told her, not letting go. "You'll take good care of everyone. You always have."

Saria let go first and stepped back, smiling sadly. "I'm glad you think so. Forenz and Brynn both believe you had no part in Great Father's death, and the others will come around. I'll talk to them... Remember, if you need me, come to the Sacred Forest Meadow. I will find you." She regarded Ruto, who was watching them silently. "You will unbind her, won't you?"

"Yeah, I will," Link promised. "Once Kaepora gets back."

"Before then, Link," Saria corrected him gently. "You promised."

"Nice of you to remember," Ruto muttered angrily.

"I hope we meet under better circumstances, princess," Saria said, offering Ruto a polite nod. "Good luck to you. May the spirits guide you home."

Ruto just stared for a long moment, and then she gave a nod.

With that, Saria turned and mounted Kaepora.

"I will return soon," Kaepora assured Link before taking off. Then Link watched as both the owl and Saria disappeared into the night.

Link sat down by the fire, feeling glum, still trying to process the fact that he could not go home. Not without coming to blows with Mido again.

"I'm sorry, Link," Navi whispered as she landed on his shoulder.

Link didn't reply. He looked up at Ruto, who was staring at him. She was quiet now, and Link was sure she had been listening in on his conversation with Saria. For a moment, Link thought she pitied him, but then her eyes flickered to the Sapphire still clutched in his hand.

"I guess you'll be wanting this back?" he said, staring at the gleaming sapphires. "It's pretty."

"Is she your mother or something?" Ruto asked curiously, nodding towards the place where Kaepora and Saria had been. "I didn't think Kokiri had parents. Not like we do."

"She raised me," Link answered, swallowing and getting up to offer Ruto her sapphire back. Kaepora would be back soon, and as long as he promised to help her, Link was fairly certain she wouldn't try to run. 

Ruto gave him a meaningful look, indicating her bindings, so Link reached towards his sword, intending to cut her free.

Just then, a stick snapped.

Link clutched the Sapphire tighter, and half-drawing his sword, he whirled around. He froze, his hand trembling upon the hilt of his sword. Nine Zora warriors stepped into the camp, their armour glinting like scales in the firelight. All except one wielded a spear.

Ruto gasped. "Grop!" she exclaimed with relief.

"Princess," the lead Zora, his trident held tight, rumbled. "Are you unharmed? Your father has half the Domain out looking for you." His eyes turned to Link, then the Sapphire clutched within his hand, then back to Ruto's bound wrists. His face hardened like ice.

"You!" he growled, his condemnation clear in that single word.

With a flick of his wrist, the Zora captain unleashed a silent command, and with that, five Zora surged forward, spears held tightly in their grip.

Ruto tried to intervene, almost pulling away as two Zora hurried to untie her. "Grop, wait! It's not-"

Before Link could react or even think of seeking an escape, the Zora were upon him. Strong hands clamped onto his arms, holding them behind his back and forcing him to his knees. The Sapphire fell from his slackened grasp, landing at his feet.

With a startled cry, Navi shot past Grop's head, buzzing like an angry hornet. "Leave him alone!"

Surprise registered in the eyes of Link's guards, but they stood firm, unswayed by the sprite.

"Grop, wait! He wasn't stealing the stone; he was giving it back to me!" Ruto insisted, now unbound. "He saved me! Look!" She pointed towards the trees where lay the fallen Blin.

Grop studied the scene, frowning. He glanced at Link, then turned in the direction Ruto pointed before barking an order at two of the guards.

"He must have tricked her mind," one Zora muttered, suspicion colouring his voice.

"Quite the disguise for a shapeshifter," another Zora murmured, eyeing Link sceptically.

"I'm not a shapeshifter!" Link protested, struggling against his captors. He didn't even know what a shapeshifter was. "She's telling the truth. I saved her!"

A Zora snatched up the glowing sapphire and held it up for Link to see. "And how did you come by this, then?"

"They took it from her," Link countered, his voice steady despite the pounding in his chest. "I freed her."

"We're no threat," Navi said, hovering protectively near Link. "I'm Navi, his fairy, and he's Link, from the Kokiri Forest."

Murmurs ran through the Zora ranks, and several exchanged surprised glances. "Kokiri?" one scoffed. "They would never allow themselves to be seen by those beyond the forest."

"Pretty sure they don't speak Hylian either," another added.

One of the Zora who had been sent to investigate Link's story returned, whispering something to Grop. Whatever he said, the Zora commander's resolve remained unchanged.

"Two Blin?" he rumbled, his voice heavy with doubt. "And a Kokiri child? Even with that blade, if it is truly yours, it strains credulity."

Link's voice was almost shrill as he protested, "I swear, it wasn't me! The wolves..."

He never finished.

"Wolves?" Grop asked in disbelief, accepting the Sapphire from another Zora. "You expect me to believe a pack of wolves killed two armed Blin, yet left you and the princess unharmed?" He sneered, stepping closer and crouching before Link, his tall shadow engulfing the boy. "You were trying to steal this, weren't you?"

Link shook his head, trying to quell his rising fear.

Navi zipped between them, matching Grop's baleful glare.

"Don't you touch him!" she snapped.

Grop's face flickered with amusement as he stood up, forcing Navi to fly level with his face.

"For all I know, this is but some sorcerer's trick," the Zora growled, turning his attention to Navi. "Far too much Zora blood has been spilt in the past. I will not be fooled."

"We're not-" Navi spluttered, now so angry that her words gave way to an unintelligible noise. "We were sent by the Royal-"

"Silence!" Grop bellowed, cutting her off and raising his hand as if to snatch her, causing Navi to dash out of reach. "I will hear no more of your lies!" He turned to his warriors, his face as hard as stone as he gestured towards Link. "Take him. Sedate him if he resists. I won't tolerate any sorcery from this accursed forest."

"Don't hurt him!" Ruto cried, her voice echoing through the clearing.

"Let him go!" Navi yelled, adding to the din.

The Zora tightened their grip, pinning Link's arms behind his back. Memories of suffocating vines flashed in his mind, their grip tightening.

Coiling. Crushing.

"Let go of me!" he choked out, struggling against the rising tide of terror. "Let me go! Navi, help!"

A sharp prick as something stung his neck.

Whatever had struck him, it was no wasp or bee, though it stung just as badly. The world blurred, and all went dark. 

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Reviews

ZadArchie chapter 15 . Dec 5, 2016 Chapter 11 General: I really love these sections where we have the POV of unsung characters, so to speak. They really add a sort of George R. R. Martin feel to things. Overall, good chapter. Line Notes: It had the power to kill a deity,. feat the Hylians considered impossible. (Typos: take out the period and insert the word “a” after it.) she added. “Rest assured… (Comma, not a period here.) I’m still seeing issues with capitalization. Are the types of magic capitalized or not? You use it both ways within the same few lines, so I’m not sure what’s canon. You send my sister to her death… (Ooh, that’s cold. Love it though.) trying to say-” Koume interrupted loudly. “Is sorry… (Comma instead of the dash and another comma after “loudly.” Make “is” lowercase. It’s all one sentence if you exclude the dialogue tag.) Chapter 12 General: Wow, tough day to be a ten-year-old Kokiri. In all seriousness though, this was interesting to see how many dangerous situations Link can be pulled into. At the same time, you’re still able to make it fairly reasonable, even if this is a video game where like most of them, the fact that a ten-year-old is being expected to do near impossible tasks is typical. Line Notes: He heard Navi’s quiet sigh.”Link… (Typo: missing a space between the period and the next sentence.) “That,” Navi said, “Is a dragon… (I used to do this a lot too before someone pointed it out in my one-shot. The comma after “said” is right, but that means you do have to make “is” lowercase.) to sing, It gives me… (Typo: period, not comma) Chapter 13 General Notes: I love the beginning to this chapter since we slowly piece together what happened between the end of the last chapter and now. Kinda wish it had gone on a little longer, but with Navi there and fully conscious for the whole thing, it would’ve been hard to make it last. That being said, I do like the ordering of this chapter. Line Notes: “Now there are only thirty-four,” (I don’t know why, but this feels like a dark counting story for children. Not a criticism, but that’s just what it makes me think of.) Chapter 14 General Notes: I think what I really enjoyed about this chapter was all the “catching up” Link received. It was like they’d tell him something had happened, but then when he asked more about it, they’re like, “We’ll tell you later.” I have a friend who says her mother has a horrible habit of doing this. She’ll call and say something like, “There was a small house fire, but I’ll tell you about it later.” Gotta love people like that. I’m finding that I like Nabooru’s story a lot, perhaps even moreso than the main story. I think that’s just because I love scenes that show how the other side thinks and lives. Her conflict between duty to family/people and duty to moral values is interesting, in an Antigone sort of way. Line Notes: The potion tasted nothing like deku juice… (I’m not sure why this sentence is here. Seems like unnecessary explanation for the fandom-blind. And, I could gain from the context that deku juice must be a significantly more pleasant juice. Perhaps if you changed the sentence a little bit, it would sound less like an encyclopedia entry. Perhaps something like: “The sweet taste of deku juice would have been more welcome than this.” And from there, you could build a small memory of the flavor.) Chapter 15 General Notes: Lots of good action for this chapter, yet with a proper balance of emotions. A sort of interesting twist on the Hero’s Journey here by at least presenting the possibility that Link may not be able to return home. Line Notes: Fortunately for Navi… (You use this phrase twice, one right after the other. Either reword, or combine the sentences with an “and.”) as she said, “His name is… (Period after “said.”) learned your lesson…” she gestured… (No dialogue tag after “lesson,” so treat it like a new sentence. Capitalize “she.”) The seemed pleased… (Typo: he) “Vaspin, Varin. (Wait, Saria already knows their names?) “I did,” Link smiled faintly. (No talking verb, so I would treat these as separate sentences rather than a dialogue tag.) step into the pool of light… (I think this is a typo, but shouldn’t “step” be in past tense?)

SunPraiser31 chapter 15 . Nov 17, 2016 Yay! Link got his hat back! Link isn't Link without his hat. Good thing Link didn't have to fight the chickens. Those are the most dangerous enemies there are lol. It was good to see Saria and Link together again, though not exactly under the best circumstances. Mido is seriously a dick. Hopefully that gets resolved at some point, though common sense is telling me that Link/Zelda will be the end result of this. You know, if Link doesn't end up being fish food. He'd better think of a good way out of this if he wants to avoid THE WATER TEMPLE.