Link x Epona

Epona POV

Link was bleeding badly from several chest wounds. Several arrows had embedded themselves in his shoulders and arms. One of his eyes was glued shut by a head wound just above his left eye. A few of his teeth were missing. Every time he coughed, blood splattered from his mouth. Link's left leg was grotesquely disfigured; in several places bones protruded from his flesh. His shattered sword sat next to the cracked and useless shield on the ground. The torn and ripped tunic he wore was soaked with crimson blood. His splintered stick-thrower lay near his boots. I wasn't nearly as bad as my master, but both our wounds were fatal.

I lay by his side, snorting in pain. Several ribs probably broken and a crushed leg harrowed me. Blood spilled from numerous cuts and lacerations around my body. It hurt to breath. Soon, my shallow breaths became labored.

His voice hoarse, Link said as I felt his calloused fingers running through my mane, "This is it, Epona. The end is nigh. Even though we are going to perish, I am glad to spend the last moments of my life with you. I love you dearly and more than any woman who has tried to win my heart. I wish I'd have had more time to spend with you." Link coughed violently and spastically, blood pooling in his hand.

As if returning his affections, I licked his cheek and placed my head back in his lap. He smiled down at me and placed his good hand on my snout.

My master's heartbeat slowed to a faint whisper. Then...nothing. My Link was dead. Gone forever. I whinnied loudly in grievance, tears crashing around me. I would miss the warm summer days we spent at Lake Hylia. I too, would miss the autumn walks in the Sacred Meadow. The lazy days when we didn't go anywhere. The sensation of my master brushing my fur and mane to perfection would never be felt again.

Death was coming for me next. I fought to stay alive, to live another day. But remembering my master had just passed away, I soon succumbed to the wiles of Death's embrace.