“Finally,” Saria whispered as she walked to her beloved tree stump in the Sacred Forest Meadow. At last, she could have some alone time in her secret place.
Saria was tired from helping her fellow Kokiri all day. It’s not like she didn’t mind helping her friends, but her feet ached from running back and forth. She managed to outwit all but one Mad Scrub on the way. He shot one of his Deku Nuts at her lower back just before she reached the top of the steps. Massaging her lower back, she knew she would have a bruise there the next morning.
She pulled out her trusty fairy ocarina and began to play her song, hoping to strike up a conversation with one of the many spirits. Hearing the crunch of leaves, she quickly turned around and stared at the steps.
“Who are you,” she quizzed the stranger.
Kaia eased Nyx to a stop, patting the frisky horse who was anxious for his dinner. She smiled at the stranger.
“Hi. I’m sorry; I hope we’re not intruding.” Kaia looked around in awe before returning to the girl with a shy smile.
“We’re a bit lost. My name is Kaia and this is Nyx.” She scratched the horse’s ears.
“I live at the ranch in the field. We were just at Castle Town and I thought we’d explore the forest before heading home. I didn’t realize I’d get so turned around in here, and now it’s getting dark.”
“It’s okay,” Saria replied as she got up from her stump and offered the girl her hand. “This is the Sacred Forest Meadow, deep within the Lost Woods of Kokiri Forest.”
Saria was quite surprised that Kaia managed to get all the way to the Meadow on her first try. She knew the Lost Woods like the back of her hand, but the woods were named Lost of a reason. Most people who ended up lost turned into Skull Kids, Stalfos, or Deku Scrubs.
“Do you need help getting back to Hyrule Field? If you stay here for too long, you will turn into a monster. I know the way back if you’d like me to show you.”
“Sacred Forest?” Kaia repeated, gawking at her surroundings. “I’ve only heard tales about this place.” She turned back to the girl, worried. “A monster?” She checked behind her back, wrapping Nyx’s black mane around her fingers. “Yes, please, I could use your assistance. It’s getting late. I really appreciate it.”
Saria giggled. “It’s a beautiful place, but it’s also very dangerous The forest spirits tell me that the Forest Temple is home to great evil,” She put her fairy ocarina around her neck and pointed above her to the entrance of the dungeon.
“Did you kill the Mad Scrubs when you came here? You know, the ones who shoot Deku Nuts at you?” Her back still hurt, but it was nothing a good night’s rest couldn’t fix.”I am usually pretty quick and can deceive them, but one hit my lower back. I didn’t bring any weapons with me.” She didn’t like them, but she wasn’t a big fan of killing, even if it was for her own protection. Usually she had one of her stronger friends come along in case of Wolfos, but everyone was busy and she didn’t feel like bothering them.
Kaia raised an eyebrow. “Those things have a name? I’ve never seen or heard of them before. Nyx and I were able to avoid them.” She patted the large horse. “He’d probably be able to take them out if he wanted to. It amazes me that this is here. I never thought the stories were anything more then legend.” Kaia sighed. “I wish I could stay and explore more but I must get back to feed the animals. Maybe Nyx and I can come back tomorrow… if we don’t get lost again.” Kaia smiled. “Maybe I’ll invest in a weapon. You know, for the monsters, or something.”
Kaia gathered the reins in her hands and turned the black horse around.
“Can you guide us out?” Kaia asked. She patted the horse’s rear. “Would you like to get on? Nyx won’t mind.”