Ocarina of Time Chapter 32

 

Chapter 32
Serenade of Water

"How are you feeling?"

Link didn't hear Impa approach the small Kokiri's house. It was hardly surprising, all things considered, but he was still annoyed at himself after he jumped from his makeshift bed and narrowly avoided a painful collision with the ceiling.

Impa stood inside the doorway of the small abode. It was one of the few intact Kokiri dwellings that had survived the raid which had driven away its former inhabitants. Warm sunlight streamed through the only window, the peaceful trill of birdsong at odds with Link's brooding thoughts. He seemed to be doing a lot of that lately, he reflected, and it probably wasn't helpful.

Impa stepped inside, gesturing for him to sit down on the bench beside his sleeping mat. It was actually a small bed, but it was far too small for him to actually sleep in, so he was using a mat instead.

"Well, feeling better?" Impa asked again, looking him up and down.

"For someone who was knocked near senseless, yeah, I'm feeling better," Link answered, grimacing at the pain from his many injuries. His ribs still ached something fierce, several of the larger gashes along his arm had been sutured, and the bruises around his neck served as a constant reminder of his brush with death. "Sheik insisted I rest, but it's been over two days."

"Your injuries were serious," Impa pointed out. "You needed to rest. Personally, I'm impressed you didn't collapse sooner."

"Can't you just give me a healing potion?" Link asked in an almost petulant tone.

Impa looked stern, and there was a firm touch to her voice. "They are no substitute for letting the body mend naturally."

"Fine, but how am I meant to rest with that thing still out there?" Link said, almost daring to raise his voice. Calming himself, he sighed, "I'm sorry, Impa. I  can't rest knowing that thing has the ocarina."

"That's understandable," Impa said, sounding unbothered by the outburst. She eyed his finished breakfast tray and seemed to almost smile. "You've regained your appetite. It seems Navi was right- that's one thing we won't have to worry about."

"How is she?"  Link asked, hoping for good news. His injuries, and Sheik's insistence he stay put, had prevented him from seeing her.

"Navi is recovering well," Impa replied.

Link had been half-expecting Navi to fly into the room. He would have been relieved, knowing it was a sure sign she was okay after her recent ordeal.

In the aftermath of the doppelganger's escape, Impa had insisted she could determine the creature's whereabouts in time. Link had wanted to go after the demon, but as Sheik pointed out, that would have been suicide.

Knowing that Sheik and Impa were right, but not keen on admitting it, Link had instead turned his attention to finding Navi. It hadn't taken him long to retrace his steps back into the maze of corridors that circled the temple's ancient heart. By the time Link found Navi, her azure light was little more than a feeble glow. She was still very much alive, and at Saria's suggestion, he'd taken her to the Elder Tree.

"Where is she now?" Link asked, dragging his mind away from the demon's attack.

"With Sheik, explaining what happened," Impa held out a hand before Link could object. "We need to know what we're dealing with."

"I already told you everything I know," Link pointed out, trying not to wince again at the pain that lanced through his ribs, "and I don't even understand what that thing was."

"As I have told you, it was a creature of powerful Shadow magic," Impa answered calmly. "More than likely, Ganondorf intended for you to find it during your last venture into the Forest Temple. A safeguard, should his phantom fail."

Link shivered, a chill running down his spine. The thought of what might have happened made him cold.

"Your wounds have healed nicely," Impa continued, surveying his injuries.

Link followed her gaze. Beyond where the chain mail had protected him, a dozen or more cuts and scrapes marked his arms. They were not nearly as obvious as the marks on his face, but they still made him feel shamefully weak. He tugged at his sleeves self-consciously in an effort to cover them.

"You need not be ashamed," Impa said as if reading his thoughts. "Many consider scars to be a mark of good character."

"I'm not ashamed," Link replied. Impa raised a questioning eyebrow. Even though her eyes didn't glow, her red irises still reminded him of the creatures that stepped from the mirror. Link shuddered, momentarily lost in thought, recalling those fingers clasping around his throat. Recalling them digging into his windpipe until he could scarcely breathe. Tighter and tighter. He shuddered, recalling the spasm of panic that had seized him as he flailed and kicked like an animal caught in a hunter's trap.

Not exactly heroic, he thought morosely.

Impa's voice roused him to awareness and he shuddered.

"Do you need something for the pain?" Impa was asking.

"What? No," Link replied quickly. "No, it's nothing." It was an obvious lie. He quickly changed the subject. "What about the ocarina? Did you find it?"

"No," Impa said heavily, "But there is still hope that one of my spies will find the instrument."

"How will they know to look for it?" Link asked, "Or even where to look for it?"

"I met them in Kakariko," Impa explained. "There are still a few people I can trust to find the ocarina, and until they do, or I find some way of retrieving it myself, worrying will do little good. If Ganondorf hopes to use the artefact in the vaults beneath the Temple of Time, he will need more than just the ocarina..." Impa paused, considering something. "I took the liberty of retrieving your horse after I returned the Goron's home and while I was at it, I saw to the payment for the horse you 'purchased' from Lon Lon." Link wanted to ask how Impa knew about this and how she'd manage to pay for Epona, but she didn't give him time. "For now, you must focus on finding the remaining Sages."

"I..." Still surprised by Impa's revelation, Link took a moment to compose himself. "Sheik said I should look for the Sage of Water next." Link tried to recall a similar conversation he'd had with her. "Do we even know where to find them?"

"I may," Impa replied. "The Zora will be here soon. Once the Water Temple is cleansed, and we find the Water Medallion, the next Sage can be chosen."

"Chosen?" Link asked, unsure that he understood. "I thought they were already chosen."

"Not exactly," Impa said patiently.

"Then how?"

"Normally they are asked and then anointed by the leader of the Sages in the Sacred Realm."

"But Darunia and Saria didn't get a choice," Link pointed out.

Saria certainly hadn't.

"Given their willingness to sacrifice their lives for their people, and their familiarity with the Flow, perhaps Rauru believed there was little doubt Saria or Darunia would accept."

The reminder of Saria's close brush with death made Link shiver. Feeling cold, and not just from the weather, he retrieved his cloak from beside the bed, throwing it over his white top. His tunic had been reduced to rags, so Link was now wearing a farmhand's tunic. He cleared the bedroll out of the way in an attempt to make the room seem a little less cramped.

No sooner had he done so than Sheik walked in the door, ducking beneath the low archway.

Navi flew inside after her, looking agitated. For an instant, Link was unsure what to say. "Navi," he breathed, almost laughing with relief. "You're okay."

He stretched out his hands as she flew over and landed on one palm. The edge of a black scar that ran across the side of Navi's bosom peeked out over the edge of her dress. He surveyed the injury with a grimace. "I'm sorry you got hurt."

"Don't be," Navi said, her smile not quite touching her eyes. "It was bound to happen eventually, and stop staring at me like that!" Navi adopted a scolding tone. "Hasn't anyone told you it's rude to stare at a girl?"

Link smiled despite his overall weariness. "You've mentioned."

Sheik cleared her throat, catching their attention.

"Impa. The Zora Queen is here," she announced. She looked impassive, but Link could pick up an undertone of disapproval in Sheik's voice.

"The Zora Queen? Well, that is a little unexpected." Impa's look of surprise was quickly hidden as she addressed Link. "In the Zora's company, you must call me Lady Rin. With the exception of Ruto, they do not know that Princess Zelda's nursemaid still lives, nor would it be wise to tell them."

Link understood, reasoning that Impa didn't want any of the Zora letting slip, especially if they were captured.

Navi meanwhile, made a vexed sound.

"What's wrong?" Link asked.

"I wanted them to wait until you were well enough," she muttered, no longer smiling.

Link opened his mouth, but before he could respond, the fabric covering the door was swept aside as the Zora Queen herself glided into the room unannounced. She carried herself with an air of authority, the flowing blue garments of fine silk and the bejewelled crown upon her head adding to the illusion of majesty. This illusion was quickly shattered when, with a squeal of delight, arms outstretched, Ruto launched herself towards Link. "Link! My dear, my love, how I have missed you!"

She kissed him full on the cheek and then again on the other. Link was so shocked he stumbled backward and grabbed Ruto to stop himself from falling. They both went crashing onto the small bed, barely missing the table strewn with Link's belongings, with Ruto landing atop Link.

"Well, aren't you gallant?" Ruto teased, flashing a smile, before getting to her feet. "I thought you were dead," she said. "Where have you been all this time? Did you forget we are betrothed?"

Trying not to consider the fact he was blushing furiously, and still too shocked for words, Link let Ruto help him to his feet.

"I trust you still have our engagement ring?" Ruto asked. Impa raised an eyebrow and exchanged a look with Sheik.

The Zora Sapphire?

Link finally managed to force his mouth open. "Umm... no, I don't."

"What?" The look of adoration on Ruto's face melted into anger. "You lost my mother's sapphire?"

"It's safe," Link said quickly, having no desire to see if Ruto was still prone to tantrums, even if it was unlikely. "It's just not on me. I gave it to the Sages for safekeeping."

Ruto immediately relaxed. "Oh, is that all?" she asked mildly. "Well, you could have told me."

Both Sheikah were staring at Link and Ruto with a look that demanded immediate answers.

"Ruto," Sheik cut in firmly, making no effort to hide her irritation. "Would you mind-"

"It's Your Majesty," Ruto chided.

Sheik did not take kindly to being interrupted. "I will call you by your royal title when you act like a queen."

"What would you know about being a queen?" Ruto snapped.

"A lot more than you," Sheik replied, her voice deadly quiet and thick with contempt.

A cold and uncomfortable silence filled the room as Sheik stared down the Zora Queen. Link couldn't help but think that Ruto's last comment had struck a nerve. Her eyes were like daggers, and she looked close to committing regicide. Ruto blanched, licking her lips nervously. Ruto hadn't just struck a nerve, she'd severed it.

It wasn't until Impa took a step forward that Sheik regained her stony countenance.

"Forgive me for interrupting, but we have more pressing matters to discuss," Impa said firmly. "Sheik, would you be so kind as to retrieve my map of Lake Hylia?"

"Of course," Sheik said, and then she disappeared out the door without another word.

"You must forgive Sheik. She still has a lot to learn when it comes to her temper," Impa said, watching the door to make sure Sheik wasn't close enough to hear.

"There is no need to apologize," Ruto said with a wave of her hand, her charming smile returning. "I was too hard on the girl."

Girl? Link thought. It was a good thing Sheik hadn't been close enough to hear that.

Impa's lips thinned ever so slightly, enough for Ruto to notice she was unamused. "I find your presence here rather surprising, Your Majesty. You told me you were sending an envoy, but I did not think you would come. You do realize just how much danger you're putting yourself in, don't you?"

"Of course," Ruto said snappishly. "Believe me, the other Zora were not happy about it, but as I explained to then, I must go to Lake Hylia myself. Drought plagues our lands and I believe the means to ending it can be found in the temple."

"As I recall, you have already attempted this endeavour several times," Impa pointed out. "What makes you think you will fare any better now?"

"Link can help me destroy the source of the curse," Ruto said, glancing hopefully at him. "He does, after all, possess the legendary sword of evil's bane, does he not?"

Her eyes fell on the Master Sword's sapphire hilt. It was resting propped up against the wall. She then regarded Link with a questioning look.

Link opened his mouth to speak, but Navi was faster. "While I'm sure Link is glad you have so much faith in him, there is one small problem," she said. "He can't breathe underwater."

"I'm aware of that," Ruto said peevishly. "Which is why I have brought something that will help."

Without further ado, Ruto strode to the door and called her guards. Two Zora appeared in the doorway, exchanged a few words in Zoran, and then quickly returned with an elaborately carved and gilded chest. It was decorated with scenes of Zora standing before a throne shaped like a shell. Link's curiosity peaked as the Zora set it down and then retreated back outside.

Ruto looked expectantly at Link, "Well, go on. Open it. You did help my people-" she noticed Rin's frown, "Even though you were forced into it, and I figured it was the least I could offer in return. I'm sure my father would have come around eventually and approved such a gesture, had he been given that chance."

"I heard what happened," Link offered sympathetically. "I'm sorry."

"Thank you," Ruto motioned distractedly at the chest, a slight stiffness in her voice. "Do hurry up and open it."

Link opened the lid to reveal a sapphire blue tunic made of tiny scales which rippled in the light. The headpiece was shaped like a fish tail with a trim of golden scales. A tiara-like ornament adorned its front with a sapphire in it. A pair of boots lay beneath the tunic, webbed like a Zora's feet. Amongst the clothing lay a white mask in the likeness of a Zora.

"Hang on," Navi said, peering at the tunic as Link unraveled it and held it up. "You knew Link was not a Kokiri? How?"

"I guessed," Ruto beamed.  "But as much as I'd like to take all the credit, Princess Zelda affirmed it in her letters."

Trying not to dwell on the fact that his identity as a Hylian seemed to be Hyrule's worst-kept secret, Link ran his thumb along the cool blue scales.

"Thank you," he said. As taken aback as he was by the gift, and as beautiful as it was, he couldn't help but notice a small problem. Actually, it was a very big problem. "It's great but how does it stop me from drowning?"

"That's what the mask is for," Ruto said, pointing at the object in question. "It will let you breathe underwater."

"Just how much swimming does our journey involve?" Link asked cautiously.

"Not a lot," Ruto answered. "You have to pass through a series of underwater caves to get inside the temple. After that, there are the usual cleansing rituals but we can skip those."

Link frowned, looking up at Navi, who gave an unhappy murmur, "I guess that means I can't come with you. Not into the temple."

Link wanted to ask if she was even up to going given her recent injuries, but decided not to in front of Ruto, knowing Navi would not appreciate him doing so.

"You never told me why Link needs the medallions on the Belt of Sages," Ruto said. Her gaze turned to the belt that lay atop the table where Link had haphazardly placed most of his equipment. "What does it do exactly?"

Link turned his head in interest towards Impa. She regarded Ruto pensively as though calculating how much to tell her. "When completed, the Belt of Sages allows the bearer to control the elements of magic, and with the aid of the sages, defeat whatever evil threatens Hyrule. It was a symbol of unity once, much like your sapphire. Those who worshipped the Sages placed a great importance on them."

"People used to worship the Sages?" Link asked. Remembering the bodies scattered and broken in the Temple of Time was like recalling a distant nightmare. With some effort, Link refused to let those memories take hold.

"Of course," Impa said with a patience Ruto lacked. "Rauru was a member of their order, but by the time he led them, they were only a small sect."

"What happened to them?" Link was sure he knew the answer before Impa gave it voice.

"Ganondorf killed them."

"I should have guessed," Ruto muttered with a grimace. "Is it true that Darunia tried to confront Ganondorf by himself?" she asked. "I took it for mere boasting, but you know how foolhardy Gorons can be."

As Ruto spoke, Sheik walked back in, fixing Ruto with a brief but frigid stare. The Zora did not meet her eyes. Ignoring this, Sheik held out the scroll clutched in her hand, which Impa accepted with a gracious nod.

"Darunia did indeed try to confront Ganondorf," Impa continued. "The demon king chose to retreat rather than accept the challenge."

"That man is such an eel," Navi muttered.

"An eel?" Ruto said, sounding as though Navi had said something quite peculiar. "I fail to see the resemblance."

Sheik's mouth twitched in what might have been amusement.

"I believe," Impa said abruptly, "We were discussing your journey to Lake Hylia?"

"When do we leave?" Link asked.

"We depart tomorrow afternoon," said Ruto, still glancing at Navi before turning to him. "My guards will accompany us into the temple."

"How are we going to get there?" Navi asked. "It's a fair way by swimming."

Ruto leaped to an answer almost immediately, "The Serenade of Water can open the portal to Lake Hylia."

"The what?" Navi looked at her blankly.

"According to Zelda, it's the song that activates the portal to Lake Hylia," Ruto answered, sounding pleased to know something Navi didn't.

"Are you sure it's the right one?" Navi inquired, sounding dubious.

Navi's question was met with Ruto's irritable glare. "I'm certain of it."

"It better be," Navi muttered. "The last thing we want is to end up being sent to the bottom of some ocean."

"The portal can be found inside a shrine beside the lake," Sheik said. Her map was unrolled on the bed, and she pointed to an object marked on the southern shore. "What concerns me is how close the Gerudo or the moblins are to it. Our allies are still attempting to retake the region, so far with little success, and they will be unable to assist you. If the Gerudo spot anyone using the portal, you will not survive."

"My people already control the area around the shrine. I trust you still have the instrument that can activate the portal?" Ruto asked.

Sheik gave a curt nod. "Yes, my harp. The other instrument was stolen by Ganondorf." Link flinched at the recollection of losing the ocarina. "He can use portals as well, so you will need to find the medallion and get out before he mobilises his forces to stop you. Ganondorf might be distracted by the war on Hyrule's borders, but that will not last."

The apprehension must have shown on Link's face too as Ruto added, "I have close to a hundred Zora occupying the lake. We will be perfectly safe."

"A hundred against a horde of moblins?" Impa said skeptically. "That is hardly safe."

"We will be long gone before any hordes can threaten us," Ruto said calmly, "and if my scouts alert us to any threat, we will leave immediately. If they fail to report, we will leave."

"You will need my harp to get back. Don't lose it," Sheik said sternly.

Ruto nodded, adding when Sheik's stare seemed to bore into her, "Is that all?"

Sheik nodded stonily. She did not seem particularly thrilled, and Link knew this wouldn't be a good time to mention how prone Ruto was to losing things.

I'll make sure she doesn't lose it.

"Good. I will need to discuss this with my guards. If you will excuse me-" Ruto got up and strode out the door.

A pregnant pause filled the room after Ruto left and Link became increasingly aware of just how small the hut was with everyone crowded inside. Announcing his intention to check on Epona, Link made a hasty exit. He hoped it didn't look like the escape that it was.

Breathing a sigh of relief as the fresh air rolled over him, Link strode over to the three horses picketed by a nearby tree. Epona greeted him with a neigh and buzzed her lips while the other two barely lifted their heads from their food. One horse, he noticed, was Impa's white mare- Silver. She regarded Link with a suspicious stare and then returned to grazing. Epona was more accepting of his company and extended her head towards him.

Food? she seemed to say as she sniffed him.

"Hey, girl!" he said, rubbing Epona's muzzle. She rolled her eyes approvingly. "Did you miss me?"

Epona neighed in response and let him stroke her mane, her head leaning into him.

"I can't believe Ruto did that," Navi said landing on Epona's saddle.

"Did what?" Link asked, before abruptly realising what she meant.

"Kissed you," Navi answered.

"Don't remind me," Link blushed, glancing at her. Again, his eyes fell on the black scar and his stomach twisted. "Are you going to be all right travelling?"

Navi looked at him pointedly, apparently guessing his concern.  "I'm not staying behind just because I got hurt."

Link sighed. Sometimes she was just as stubborn as he was. "Navi, I don't want anything more to happen to you. You need to recover, otherwise-"

His voice cracked as his throat clenched so tight it hurt to speak. If Navi died, he was not sure if he could go on.

"Don't worry about me," Navi said her voice thick with emotion. "I will be fine. Really."

Epona snorted as Link stopped petting her. He wished Navi would just listen. It was ironic, really, considering she was the one that constantly reminded him to do just that. "I'm serious, Navi!"

"And so am I," Navi retaliated with a huff. "It's going to take more than some stupid demon to stop me from helping you. We're in this together. Always."

Link felt a rush of gratitude towards his fairy and allowed himself a small smile. Strange. It felt so strange, so alien, to just smile, and he was still so damn tired. 

She was right, he decided. One way or another, they would do this together.

~ 0 ~

Late afternoon found Link busily grooming Epona. He was pleased to find that she bore no sign of injury or ailment, but not wanting to leave it to chance, Link checked her thoroughly. Going back over Malon's instructions on caring for Epina gave Link a much-needed distraction.

He tried in vain to shake off his memory of the mirrors, but merely closing his eyes brought him ever closer to those memories. He had fought many creatures, many of which still haunted his dreams. However, all of his encounters paled in comparison to being attacked by a demon that took his likeness. What if Ganondorf could conjure creatures that took on the appearance of other people, those he couldn't save, or his friends? Or a Kokiri? The thought made him cold. He kept stroking Epona slowly with the brush as the memories dulled his senses until he was no longer aware of his surroundings.

"Oi', Link! I'm talking to you!"

Link jumped, dropping the brush. Epona jerked, pulling the reins from his grip. It was only Mori, Link realized as he looked around.

"I didn't mean to startle you," she said, surprised. "Forenz is after you. He's at the Great Deku Tree's meadow."

She flew off without another word, leaving Link to wonder why Forenz had sent for him, and why he wanted to meet in front of the Great Deku Tree.

"Come on," Navi prodded him. "Let's go and see what Forenz is up to. I hope it's sparring or a hunt. I think you could use it." She surveyed him up and down and then added, "Or maybe just a hunt."

Silently, Link agreed, but that didn't explain why the boy hadn't simply come to speak to him. Offering Epona one final pat, he followed Mori.

Lost in melancholy, Link barely took in the sight of the blossoming trees, some dropping small flurries of delicate flower petals as birds, hungry for nectar, disturbed their branches. Warm golden sunlight danced through the trees, dappling the forest floor. It was a peaceful sight. As a child he would have been playing amidst the leafy bowers, jumping between the limbs of a tree with delightful glee, leaping with all the agility of a monkey. He would have been lying in the grass, soaking in the sun's warmth like a lizard upon a rock, and listening to the soft notes of an ocarina or the sweet sound of birdsong. Where once excitement and contentment had been, cold emptiness and insecurity remained.

Arriving at the clearing, Link was surprised to find not just Forenz waiting for him but Sheik as well as a gathering of Kokiri. Many of them murmured amongst themselves as Link approached. Some greeted him warmly while others eyed him warily. He didn't blame them; on both occasions that Link had returned to the forest, something bad had happened. A stab of guilt ebbed through him.

They never asked for this. Any of this.

Link's eyes were drawn to the face of the Great Deku Tree, his lifeless trunk gazing sightlessly down upon the world in front of him. Further afield in the meadow, several tree spirits stood in silent repose, watching the gathering.

Forenz hushed the whispering Kokiri. There were only twenty, a small portion of those Link had rescued. All of them were sitting cross-legged on the ground, and Link spotted a few faces he knew well.

"We were deciding on a new leader, now Mido is gone," Forenz looked at Mori and then the distant mound by the Great Deku Tree. Link guessed who the Kokiri had chosen as their new leader, staring at Forenz before the boy affirmed it.

"That was not why I asked you here, though," he added. "Given that the forest has been attacked twice since we returned, the Kokiri who used to form the Elder Council and I, have been discussing what to do."

Forenz cast a sweeping glance over the gathered Kokiri. "We want to help."

Sheik rubbed her chin, her brow furrowed in thought. "It wasn't my idea, Link."

"What do you mean help?" Navi asked slowly.

Link knew exactly what Forenz meant. His heart pounded loudly in his chest, his insides clenching in horror. The Kokiri wanted to help fight Ganondorf.

No.

Link gazed around at the Kokiri, who were all staring at him, waiting for him to speak. They had only just gotten their home back, and Link had no desire to see them in harm's way again. As for the forest spirits- or Koroks as the Elder Tree called them- their numbers were too few, and the remaining ones had little desire to fight. Their task, as they deemed it, would be to help any Kokiri who could undertake the transformation into one of their own. Had that been what Sheik was hoping? To gain an army that was capable of wreaking havoc on Ganondorf's own? She had after all been intent on having the Kokiri help in whatever way they could, an idea the Elder Tree had opposed. Had that changed?

"No," Link said intently. "No, you can't let them fight. Sheik, we've been through this before!"

Sheik looked affronted at his accusation, but her voice was calm. "I told you, this was not my doing."

"Then whose was it?" Link asked. He directed the question at Forenz.

"It was ours," Forenz answered. He gestured to the other Kokiri who voiced their assent, "and it's our decision to make."

"Saria would have agreed, Link," said Mori as she hovered by Forenz's ear. "When Saria helped Mido and I escape the Gerudo, Fora told the Skull Kids they couldn't ignore what was happening outside the woods. We can't ignore it either, even if our elder brethren have refused."

They didn't look pleased, judging by the furrowed expressions on their almost human-like faces, and Link could understand why.

"You can't," he stammered. He didn't want them to get hurt, not now. "It's too dangerous."

"It is as Forenz said, Link. The decision is theirs to make, and while they are in the woods, I can protect them, the Deku Sprout said in his mind. Link almost jumped at the sensation of having the tree spirit's mind in his head. Once he'd been used to this, even enjoying the feeling of the meld between himself and the forest guardian, but that had been a long time ago.

"Why not?" one of the other Kokiri Elders piped up. "The woods aren't the same as before-" he trailed off, looking back towards the enormous trunk that took up most of the clearing.

Before the Great Deku Tree died. Link could not help but lament at the boy's statement. No, the forest wasn't the same anymore.

"This isn't a bunch of irritating Deku Scrubs or even flesh-eating plants we're talking about," Link said after he tore his eyes away from the Great Deku Tree's trunk. "There are far deadlier things out there."

"Like that dragon?" one girl asked. "We noticed."

"Who said anything about fighting?" Forenz asked. "We don't plan to do that, and besides, I was the one who taught you to play to your strengths."

Link did remember that particular lesson, but it took him a moment to see what it had to do with this.

"Forenz asked me here before arranging this meeting," said Sheik. "I know a way the Kokiri can help without them ever having to leave the forest, and all present here have agreed."

"How?" Link asked, not following Sheik's thought.

"There are many wounded amongst the refugees and those who have been fighting to free Hyrule from Ganondorf. There are still scattered remnants of Hyrule's army with whom Impa and I are well acquainted. They will listen and can help move the wounded into the forest," Sheik said. "The Gerudo camp still lies abandoned and can be used to shelter them."

"Won't the forest spirits harm them if they try to enter?" Link asked, then with a glance at the tree spirits, he added, "Meaning no offence."

A soft rumble and a polite nod was the only response Link received from the nearest creature. He took that as a good sign.

"Sheik has already discussed this with me," the Deku Sprout spoke into Link's mind. He turned to face the plant, sure it was looking right at him even though its eyes couldn't move. "Although I am reluctant to offer the Hylians aid, it would be wrong not to help those who are suffering. The Great Deku Tree would have wanted this."

Link understood the Deku Sprout's reluctance; it could remember the ancient war between the Kokiri and the Hylians, memories inherited from its ancestor that occupied most of the glen.

"You must realize," Sheik said once the Deku Sprout was finished. "The forest is the perfect sanctuary. It would be a cruel injustice to deny them and leave them to be slaughtered by Ganondorf's army. Nor will I permit that to happen if I can help it. The arrangement will only be temporary until the wounded are either healed or Ganondorf is overthrown. Until then we need somewhere to help them. The Great Deku Tree took those caught in Hyrule's civil war into his care once. Including you."

Link's eyes widened in surprise. "How did you know that?"

"Rin told me," Sheik said. She eyed the Kokiri's fairies; most of them could understand Hylian.

"Where exactly do the Kokiri come into this?" Navi asked.

"We can help tend to the wounded," Forenz answered. "Most of us know every plant that can be used to treat most injuries or illnesses. Saria would want this Link. She wanted to help remember?"

Link realized he was right; it was what Saria wanted. He wondered if she was watching them now. Without thinking, he placed a hand on the belt beneath his shirt. As long as it was still there, a part of Saria would always be with him.

"I just wanted you to know we're with you, Link. You rescued us from the Gerudo... with help," Forenz added with a glance at Sheik. "You fought off the dragon that attacked us, and you avenged the Great Deku Tree. We can't just hope things will return to normal while the rest of Hyrule is dying. We want to help. You might be a little tall, but you will always be a Kokiri to us."

The Kokiri broke into a chorus of agreement. As the earlier tension between them broke, they added their voices to Forenz's words. Link was taken aback as they said his name in a chant. Never had he felt this close to the ones he had grown up amongst as he did now. His eyes felt moist as he quietly thanked Forenz.

The cheering quietened to an excited murmur as several Kokiri pointed towards the edge of the clearing. Several became half the group, and soon everyone's attention was on the edge of the clearing. Link turned to see what had attracted so much attention and spotted Impa walking towards them with Ruto just beside her.

Ruto gazed curiously at the forest children who stared back with expressions of astonishment and awe. Many of them had never seen a Zora before, not up close, let alone one dressed in royal regalia.

"It's time we were leaving, Link," said Impa.

Link bid his friends farewell and started towards the edge of the woods. He'd only gone a few paces when Forenz called out to him. Link looked back as Forenz hurried over to him, holding something out that had been kept in a satchel by his side.

"I figured you would probably need more of these. Our tunics are a bit small, but this should be about the right size-" he held out a green tunic complete with a funnel-shaped cap, shyly adding, "Well, I hope it's right."

Link gasped in astonishment as he knelt down to take the clothing in his hands. "How did you...?"

"With a little help from me," Impa said.

Link stared at the tunic, unable to believe his eyes. "Thank you," he said with a smile. "This means a lot to me."

Forenz shrugged but then said with a grin. "It's no big deal. Just..." his smile faded. "Just take care of yourself and don't worry about us. We'll be fine."

"I'm sure you will be," Link replied, hiding the uncertainty that he felt.

With one final goodbye, he got to his feet, turned and followed the others from the clearing.

Next Chapter

Reviews

SunPraiser31 chapter 33 . Feb 1, 2017 Oh boy I forgot that Link got betrothed when he went to help the Zora the first time! That's hilarious. I'm sure that will go over well during their trip lol. Good to see that the Kokiri still have the willpower left to help, even after what Ganondorf did to them. Not that they'll be helping Link much, but it's something. The water temple... *shudder* godspeed to you Link...

Lord Darth Yoda chapter 32 . Nov 30, 2014 Ruto is crazy no matter how ya go about it. And that doesn't make Sheik happy lol would love to see their conversation once Rito realizes the big secret.

t chapter 33 . Nov 26, 2014 Awesome! Hope you add the "Shirk" part from the manta!

echo009 chapter 33 . Nov 23, 2014 Once again an excellent chapter. I'm curious to see how link deals with not having navi with him and how he'll defeat dark link. Hope you update again soon I keep trying to hit the next chapter button!

t chapter 33 . Nov 23, 2014 Awesome! My favorite fanfiction!