newly reserved and dusted off

[forestsage]

[A song can be heard echoing though the comm. The melody was friendly, familiar to some and inviting to others.]

[This is the first time in a long time she's been let out, playing this one just feels right for the occasion.]

Comments

[splitthetimeline]

[The golden wolf approaches calmly from the side, tail lowered and ears up. He comes in close, laying down just outside her reach and putting his head on his paws as he listens.]

[forestsage]

[Saria plays for a little while longer, now feeling that she was no longer alone. But that's fine, she's been waiting for him. He remembered to follow the song.]

It's been a long time, hasn't it?

[splitthetimeline]

[He rolled his head to the side, looking up at her with his one good eye.]

I think I was lost for a while. I'm sorry.

[forestsage]

[Smiling at her old friend, Saria shook her head.]

You can hear it again. That's all that counts.

[splitthetimeline]

Hrmmm... but I shouldn't have made you wait.

[He lifted his head and scooted forward to nuzzle her ankle.]

[forestsage]

It wouldn't be the first time, and I know it won't be the last. [Saria stretched out her hand, gently placing it on the wolf's head.] But I'll always be right here whenever you're looking for me.

[fishy_sage]

Oh Saria!

It's good to see you.

[forestsage]

[Saria beams a smile at the other Sage.]

Oh Ruto! Hello! What are you doing out here?

[splitthetimeline]

Hrmmm...

[He moved his head to lick her hand in a doggie kiss.]

It may be the last. The child has learned all but the last two of the techniques I have to teach him. Soon... I may find peace.

[forestsage]

[Saria's eyes grew sullen at his words.]

Oh. So you'll really disappear this time? [It was hard to watch her best friend suffer like this. Impossible even. He'll finally be able to rest just like everyone else. He's earned it time and time again.]

[But then...Saria would have to say goodbye for good.]

[splitthetimeline]

Possibly... not as fast as I hope.

[He stood, coming closer to nuzzle her cheek this time.]

And not forever. I'm sure I'll see you in another life, if I do not see you again in this one.

[fishy_sage]

The same as you. My mundane has been a fan of us for quite some time.

Granted I can't always agree with him but his enthusiasm at the very least is encouraging.

[forestsage]

[Swallowing back a tear, Saria wrapped her arms around the wolf's neck, pulling him into a hug.] You'll remember my song, won't you?

[splitthetimeline]

I could never forget.

[He did his best to hug her back, or at least give the impression of doing so. It was hard to do when he had no arms.]

Not in my heart. It's too much a part of me and the forest.

[forestsage]

[You always did try too hard. Saria's smile cracked just a little, feeling the wolf's pelt. It was soft and warm, but at the same time chilling and otherworldly. The feeling was different than that of a Sage.]

And when it's time, the forest will always welcome you home.

[splitthetimeline]

Hrmmm...

[He shifted his weight to lean heavily against her before pulling away and wagging his tail. A paw lifting to claw gently at her lap and the ocarina sitting it.]

Until then... play for me again. I can sing now.

[Well, he could howl. Which was more than he'd ever been able to do with his voice in life.]

[forestsage]

[She giggled a little, never thinking she would see the day.] Let me know if you need me to slow down. [Taking a breath, Saria pressed her lips to her ocarina, playing her song again.]

[splitthetimeline]

[He gave a soft bark in laughter at her and then threw back his head to 'sing' along. He kept the pace of the song, the timing as clean as if he'd been playing an ocarina with her. The instrument may have changed, but the talent had not.]