Link unclenched his fists, feeling his heart hammering violently at his ribcage as he took another deep breath. Why was he finding this so difficult? Tatl's question filled him with an internal panic he couldn't explain. He thought since he had told this story before, it would be easier to tell it again, but once more he felt the words getting caught on the way out. Clearing his throat, he tried to continue. Maybe Tatl was right. Maybe this would actually help him feel better. He had to try, at least. "I was a Hylian, raised by Kokiri. That's all I'll say on that part." Tatl nodded, though Link couldn't see it, and simply kept going. "I was the only one without a fairy until I was ten and…I remember being so happy." He closed his eyes once more as he breathed that last sentence, remembering how his heart swelled at Navi's presence. Now he felt a sense of longing at the mental image of Navi without a hint of joy. "She was so kind, and she truly cared about me. More than just about anyone I've ever met."

It was hard for Tatl to imagine Link smiling or being happy. He hadn't smiled at all since she met him, not even when his unique brand of humor managed to shine through. It was almost like imagining a paradox in physical form, and it gave her a twinge of pity to realize how impossible it was to imagine Link with even a grin on his face. Still, she'd never admit to such feelings, at least not to Link's face. "But what happened?" She goaded, feeling as if she already knew the answer.

"She left." Once more, straight to the point. He kept his eyes shut, replaying the scene in his head as he spoke. "Without a word."