Fan Fiction Friday: The Song on the Leaves – Chapter 3

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-Twenty Years After the Seal-

Saria had never considered the passage of time before now. With the power of the Great Deku Tree, Kokiri were granted life and longevity after he blessed them with names. She remembered asking the Great Deku Tree once, “What happens when we die?” 

The Great Deku Tree had replied, “Thou wouldst become one with mine soil and leaves.”

Now Saria stood overlooking the crystal clear water of Lake Hylia, watching the waves crest on the shore. She smoothed the fabric of her sweater and took a deep breath. Dark clouds approached on the horizon and she could smell the rain on the breeze. Ruto approached her and cleared her throat, “I think they’re going to start the ceremony soon, Saria.”

She looked up and nodded, “Thank you. …I’ll be right there.”

It had taken many years for Saria to understand the weight of the Great Deku Tree’s words. In all her years, she had never felt the loss of losing a fellow Kokiri to time. It wasn’t until she met the Sages and spent time outside of Kokiri Forest that she began to truly see the passage of time on Hylians. She noticed the creases on their foreheads and the way they moved more slowly and carefully as they aged. 

The day Rauru passed on, she awoke from a strange dream. She was back in the Chamber of Sages watching him walk into a tunnel of overwhelming, bright light behind him. Tears streamed down her face when she woke up and realized the inevitability of death that all Hylians faced. Link was the same age as Queen Zelda, she thought. One day…I’ll have to come to terms with their passing as well.

Saria walked with Ruto to the plaque dedicated to Rauru on the shoreline. It read:

Rauru, our light, may he forever rest in peace and fly into the wind.

It was a small ceremony attended by close friends and family of Rauru. Impa wore a black cowl and gingerly held the cremation urn holding Rauru’s ashes. It was modestly designed and cream-colored, decorated with the golden insignia of the Sage of Light. Seated next to her was Queen Zelda, wearing a matching cowl over her dress. 

Saria blinked a couple of times as she looked at the teenage boy sitting next to her. He wore a gray tunic and black boots, and his blonde hair was slicked back. Is that Daphnes? Saria thought. He’s grown up so much since the last time I saw him. She wished she could greet him under better circumstances. She noticed his eyes were downcast and bloodshot. Saria remembered that Rauru was Daphnes’s godfather and could only imagine his grief.

Queen Zelda stood and moved in front of the plaque to address the attendees. Saria tried to focus on her words, but her mind wandered to the silver strands in Zelda’s once bright, golden hair. For many years Hyrule had prospered, but as the queen, there was always pressure to maintain the peace and happiness of everyone in the land. According to Impa’s letters, the queen had the unenviable task of managing complaints of high taxes and trade disputes while maintaining positive relationships with the Zora, Gerudo, Gorons, and Kokiri. On top of that, the king’s health had fallen into decline, meaning she had more responsibility than ever before. Saria could only imagine the stress and pressure she was under. I wish there was some way we could all help her, Saria thought.

After Zelda gave her eulogy, Impa opened the urn and scattered the ashes into the wind. Darunia wept into his hands, Ruto bit back her tears, and Nabooru bowed her head in respect for their lost friend. What happens to Hylians when they pass on? Saria looked up into the dark clouds above them. Would they join the golden goddesses they worshiped? She could only wonder.

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For many years, Kokiri Forest had enjoyed peace. The Deku Tree Sprout was no longer small and had grown considerably. The forest was free of monsters, and while the Kokiri were still careful in the Lost Woods, it was not the same dangerous maze it once was. Saria had learned to enjoy their new lives. She would return to the Sacred Meadow to her favorite stump and play her song, listening to it echo through the trees and tunnels. Fay was always by her side, gently fluttering her wings. 

As she made her way through the Lost Woods, the hair on the back of her neck stood on end. Her breath hitched as she froze in place. Her eyes darted around as she searched for any sign of an evil presence. But after a moment, it passed. She whirled around at the sound of footsteps behind her. Emerging from the tunnel behind her was a blonde Kokiri boy she didn’t recognize. He wore a green tunic and pointed cap. He carried a blue violin and bow in his hands. 

“W-who are you?” Saria asked.

“My name is Fado,” he replied. “I’ve been wandering this forest for a long time. I’m looking for a friend.”

Fado? She thought. Is it a coincidence that he has the same name as our old friend Fado before she retreated into the Lost Woods for good?

The moment their eyes met, Saria’s vision was flooded by a bright light. They were no longer standing in the forest. They were now in the Chamber of the Sages. Saria stood next to the Master Sword in the center of the room. Fado stood on the green platform that denoted the Sage of Forest. He began to play the violin, illuminating the verdant platform beneath him. It was a beautiful melody that Saria had never heard before. It was bright and hopeful. She noticed the blade of the Master Sword next to her begin to glow an ethereal white. 

She blinked, and they were back in the forest. Is he…? she wondered. After all these years, have I finally found the next Sage of Forest? She felt their connection much like she felt with the other Sages. Instead of being a stranger, it felt like she was reuniting with a friend she hadn’t seen in a long time. 

“Is something the matter?” Fado asked. 

“No, not at all!” Saria replied cheerfully. “Here, come with me.”

She led him back to Kokiri Forest. “I’ll introduce you to everyone soon, but let’s get a house set up for you to live in first,” Saria said as they walked up to Link’s old home. While the house had stood empty for many years, Saria had attended to the inside regularly, dusting off the furniture and sweeping the floor.

“You can stay here,” Saria said as she unfolded a blanket that was stored away. “This was the home of an old friend of mine, but he doesn’t live here anymore. I live next door if you ever need help.”

“Thank you,” he smiled. “I’m grateful for your help.”

“You play the violin?” she pointed to his instrument. 

“Yes, for as long as I can remember,” he said.

“How long were you wandering in the Lost Woods?” she asked. 

“I’m not sure. It’s been quite some time now. I don’t really remember how I got there. I think…the Deku Tree granted me my name, and told me that I would find my purpose in the Lost Woods. But I could never find my way back home.”

Strange, how did I never see him before? She thought. “Well, you won’t be lost anymore! Not if you follow this song.” 

Saria pulled out the fairy ocarina from her pocket and began to play her song. After a moment, Fado harmonized with her on the violin. The music filled the air all around them. It was nostalgic, and Saria was relieved.

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The next day, Saria introduced Fado to the other Kokiri and the Deku Tree Sprout, who were overjoyed that a new Kokiri had been brought to the forest after so many years. She guided him through the Lost Woods to the Sacred Meadow. She sat on her favorite stump outside the Forest Temple while Fado looked around in amazement. 

“To think all of this was on the other side of the Lost Woods! It’s amazing,” he exclaimed. “What is it all for?”

“I’m not sure, but I think it has something to do with the Sage of Forest’s power,” Saria explained. “I’ve always felt my power is stronger here with the medallion.”

She removed the medallion from her pocket and showed it to him. “Protecting the forest – and all of Hyrule, really – as a Sage…that’s been my role for a long time,” Saria smiled. 

“Would you like some help?” Fado asked. 

Before Saria could respond, a violent gust of wind blew through the trees. It rustled the branches and leaves swirled above them. Saria felt the same chill from before. She clutched the medallion in her hands and looked up towards the entrance to the Forest Temple. Shadows flickered within the darkness. She felt nauseous. I haven’t felt like this since the Forest Temple was overtaken by Phantom Ganon, she thought. I was always afraid this would happen one day…

“Did…did you feel that?” Fado asked. 

“Yes,” Saria said.

“What does it mean?”

“…It means the King of Evil will one day return. We placed a seal on him many years ago, but…it’s not enough. Fado, will you help me protect Hyrule as the next Sage of Forest?”

 

Featured art: @LiKovacs

Michaela El-Ters is an Associate Editor for Zelda Dungeon. She has always been fond of Saria and her friendship with Link in Ocarina of Time (this is not her first time writing about it in some way on this site), and this story serves as a tribute to the beloved character and her legacy in the Adult timeline. Along with writing, Michaela enjoys watching shows and movies, playing video games, and hugging her dogs constantly. To read more of her content, check out her blog here.