The Great Deku Tree, the Guardian Spirit of the forest, had been closely watching one particular boy under his care; a boy who, unlike the other Kokiri whom the Great Deku Tree guarded, did not have a fairy companion; a boy who had been having strange nightmares the Great Deku Tree knew to be prophetic.

Feeling the dark powers beginning to corrupt even he, the Great Deku Tree called to him Navi, a Kokiri-less fairy. Explaining urgently to the fairy that the evil forces were gaining strength and that it was time for the fairy-less boy to start his journey, he sends Navi to awaken the destined boy, Link.

Arousing the boy from his restless sleep, Navi introduces herself and announces that Link should immediately visit the Great Deku Tree. After quickly shaking off the last of sleep, Link exits his home to hear the cheery welcome of a familiar voice.

"Yahoo! Hi, Link!"

Saria runs up to Link's tree house, waving happily. When he climbs down to greet her in return, she notices he's finally had a fairy come to him. Excited for her friend, Saria congratulates him enthusiastically. Learning that he's been summoned by the Great Deku Tree, a rare and honoured occurrence for anyone, Saria sends Link off with a playful "get going!", promising to wait by his house for his return.

Once reaching his destination, Link is informed by the Great Deku Tree that he was being corrupted by an evil power, and requests Link to destroy the source. Link, full of courage, enters the Great Deku tree and destroys the cause of his plight, the spider queen Gohma.

However, upon exiting, The Great Deku Tree admits to Link that the destruction was too great for him to survive. With his final breath he tells Link the tale of destiny and sends him off to Hyrule Castle to meet the Princess of Destiny, Zelda.

A bit shaken but filled with resolve, Link and Navi say their farewells and, against the other Kokiri's warnings, head out of the Kokiri Forest. Crossing the final path towards the outside world, Link is surprised when Saria speaks, appearing from thin air.

"Oh, you're leaving..."

Usually cheerful, Saria's expression betrays her displeasure at Link's leaving. She explains to him that she understands why he must leave, and that she will always be his dear friend, despite any opposition.

As a memento of their friendship, Saria gives Link her treasured possession, the Fairy Ocarina, and asks Link to think of her when he plays it. Not knowing what to say or how to react to her dual kindness and sadness, Link runs off. Saria earnestly stares after him, even as he leaves her range of sight.

After meeting with Princess Zelda at Hyrule Castle and learning about her prophecy, especially what part he would play, Link begins to feel a bit overwhelmed and longs for his forest home. Navi suggests he should return to visit, at least to see what Saria is up to.

Agreeing, Link heads back to Kokiri Forest only to find Saria's not there. Asking around a bit, Link is directed into the Lost Woods, a perpetual maze for those who can't find their way through. But by listening to the faint music played by a far-off Ocarina, Link is able to navigate the Lost Woods without difficulty.

Link arrives in a large meadow and finds Saria sitting on a tree trunk, blithely playing her Ocarina. Unsurprised by his expected appearance, Saria is happy that Link returned to visit her. She explains that this place, the Sacred Forest Meadow, is her secret dwelling, but also she feels it will become an important place for her and Link someday. Before he leaves to continue his quest, she decides to teach Link her song so they can communicate even while long distances apart.

Through Link's next adventures, Saria is, in essence, right by his side, lending help and advice whenever she can via their shared communication through their Ocarinas. Seemingly content, she makes no complaints about his infrequent visits to the Kokiri Forest.

Suddenly Link stops conversing and meeting with her. Feeling something is wrong, but not being able to do anything about it, Saria can only wait for some sign that Link is alright...