The summer heat was incredible, drying out the land and leaving the air begging for a refreshing wind. Sitting in the middle of it all was a young man, ploughing away at the dark, dry soil at his feet to get ready for the winter crops. This man was once a hero, he saved the world from a terrible evil, and while the evil was gone, its aftermath was still devastating. The mountain people were still recovering from the loss of their leader, the people of water fighting over the new princess, the sand people awaiting their new leader. Things were not getting worse, nor were they getting better for Hyrule as the scar left by darkness was a far reaching one, felt by all peoples. But life would go on now, and the future would seemingly get brighter.

As the man wiped sweat from his brow, he often wondered what his future held. After the defeat of Ganon, Zelda had left him a choice. He could go back to the past, before all events occurred and wake up in his tree house to play with his friends, everything would be fixed, and Ganondorf would never emerge to bring the kingdom to its knees. He would live a normal life again, however, he would have never known Saria, as she had become a Sage. Epona would be gone, once again a wild horse of the ranch, he would not have learned of his mothers demise. Everything would be recreated as it were, however he would lose all of his memory from the present. Age for wisdom, freedom for friendship, a chance to live as an adult on the ranch and work for Talon and Malon in Ingo's place as a Hylian, for the life of a boy remade as a true Kokiri. Link asked for time, to make his decision. He was given one year. Two months have passed since the defeat of the King of Evil.

"Hey Link, there you are! Father and I have been looking for you, quickly come inside!"

Link looked up from his pile of dirt and smiled as he saw the cheerful face of Malon waving to him, her red hair flowing with her movements as she ran towards him. He waved back and ran towards her, appreciating the distraction from his troubling thoughts. He followed her into the house, waiting to see what the rush was all about.

"Ah, Link my boy, I have a request to make of you. I have this bottle of special milk that needs to be delivered to the Kokiri forest, it would seem that the children are having a special celebration and require special milk to make a cake. I would go, but I need to check the... barn. For something. Could you deliver this for me instead?"

Before Link could even decide, Talon had already given him the bottle.

"Haha, thank you Link, you are a great asset to the ranch, have I ever told you that. Ingo would have complained for days, but you openly accept this task. This is why you are a hero, and Ingo is in jail."

While not quite the reason Ingo was in jail, Link took the bottle and headed upstairs to get washed and changed, dropping his head in defeat.

"Father, what is so important you cannot do this simple task yourself?"

"I, uh, you know, Wolfos are hiding in the barn so I am going to deal with them..."

Are you sure, because I think..."

The door to Link's room closed, blocking the rest of the argument between the spirited woman and her slightly lazy father. Link sat at the foot of his bed and pulled off his boots, tossing them to the side. He unclipped the shoulder straps of his overalls and let them fall to the floor. He ruffled his hair with one hand and rubbed his neck with the other. Sometimes it is hard being a hero. He grabbed the bucket of water by his dresser and grabbed a clean cloth from inside the bottom drawer. As he wiped off the dirt from today's work, he began to think of the night of Ganon's defeat.

Two months ago, Link lay atop the castle battered and bruised. His quest was over, Ganon was defeated and most importantly, Hyrule was saved. But it was all from over. The defeat of Ganon meant that the main threat was over, but the kingdom lay in ruins. Thieves ran amok, stealing what little people had, and gangs that had risen to power waving Ganondorf's flag would fight for his throne. No one was safe; there was no "safe haven" for travelers to go to. The spirit of Hyrule was crushed and permanently damaged. Link watched the world he knew crumble away into dust, the friends he had made were gone, some had turned into Sages, and some had given their lives to stop the King of Evil. Navi was one of them, she gave her power to Link in the final fight, sacrificing herself to ensure Links victory, and now that Link had won, he felt lost. He did not want to be a hero; he did not feel like a hero. Instead, he felt like all his friends had left him alone in a shattered world. It would seem that this was the price of victory. Link had wandered from the castle into the Hyrule fields, and sat on a hill underneath a tree. He stuck his sword into the scorched earth, and dropped his shield beside it. He slung his bow and quivers to the ground and unfastened his tool belt. He sat against the tree, covered in bruises and scars, and a little blood too and watched as the first sunrise after Ganon's defeat rose up and over Hyrule. He cried.

A soft knock on his door brought him back to reality.

"Hey Fairy Boy, can I come in?"

Link quickly opened a dresser drawer and pulled out his green tunic and cap, he slid it on and then walked towards the door. He held it open for Malon, motioning her to come in. She came in smiling, so cheerful as always. She was like a kind and loving mother, sometimes literally when it came to managing Talon and his shenanigans. She was always humming songs, mainly Epona's, while she worked. She always worked hard, whether it was preparing a meal, or tending to the horses. She could be strict, but it never seemed cruel, always concerned. She was also very childish sometimes, often getting distracted by things or when she argued with her father. Or like right now, as she was playing with a hole in her yellow dress.

"Just to let you know Fairy Boy, I am coming with you. "

Link had a surprised look on his face, and she could tell.

"I want to get off the ranch for a few days, to go out and explore. The forest is probably the calmest place in Hyrule right now, what with all the fights over power and the construction everywhere, so I want to get away from the ranch and relax. I have already told Father, and he is fine as long as I go with you!"

She was very excited; her eyes were bright with enthusiasm. Link sighed and nodded, hoping that he could just go out alone with Epona. In the two months he was here, the most she had seen of Hyrule was the instead of the fence, and this was his chance to take her out for a much needed stretch. It wasn't that he disliked Malon, if fact he quite admired her. She lived free, free to ride the horses and tend the barn and go where she wanted. Link may even be a little jealous of her.

Malon had darted back out the door and down the stairs. Link took this time to adjust his cap and pack a bag, filling it with the usual tools, bombs, hookshot, food, all the stuff he would need for a couple days of adventure. He was kind of looking forward to going back to the childhood forest, to see the young friends of his that he had called siblings once. Linked picked up his bag, fastened his tunic belt, and grabbed his sword and shield as he made his way out the door.

"Now Link, you be careful out there. Just because the Queen of Evil is no longer around doesn't mean that it isn't dangerous. And for the Goddess' sake take care of Malon, I did not want her to go with you but damn it to hell if that lady doesn't have fire in her heart. She reminds me exactly of her mother..."

Talon trailed off, as he does when her mother comes up. He smacked a big hand on Links back and smiled through his ridiculous moustache, pushing Link out the door.

"Have some fun boy, but remember your manners, there is a lady in your company now!"

Link blushed as he was nearly thrown out the door. For such a lazy man, Talon sure was powerful when he wanted to be. As the door slammed shut, Link thought he heard Talon say time for a nap, but brushed it off and walked towards the stable. He saw Malon fixing up Epona with a saddle, and as Link stepped into view, Epona rushed towards him, tossing Malon to the ground. Link placed his hands on the sides of Epona's head and placed his forehead against hers, greeting her with a sort of hug. As he looked back he saw Malon laughing at him as she got out of the hay she fell into. Link laughed too, he thought she looked ridiculous covered in hay. Epona then walked back and nuzzled Malon's chest.

"It's okay Epona, I forgive you." Malon said, smiling with genuine affection.

"Ready to get going Link? We only have a few hours before night falls and hopefully we can get to the forest edge by then."

Link smiled and nodded, attaching his bag to the back of Epona's saddle. Then he helped Malon up on Epona's back.

"Sorry Fairy Boy, but I get the reins first!"

Malon smiled at Links surprised face, then gave a playful laugh.

"Hurry up man, you are wasting time."

Link smiled and jumped onto Epona, wrapping his arms around Malon's waist.

"Jeez, loosen up your grip Link, I am person, not your Master Sword. You are going to break me in half at this rate."

Link smiled slightly and blushed; he almost never traveled with people and sometimes forgot how to act. Malon smiled brightly and then gave Epona a small kick in the ribs with her boots.

"Time to go girl." Malon said with a very soothing, gentle tone.

As the three of them moved across the fields, the blue sky turned to orange and gold, the sun dipping behind the mountains. Link would slip in and out of daydreams, some good and some bad, but often he would be brought back by bumping his face into Malons back or Malon talking to him about the scenery. Before long, the day turned to night and Malon had begun to complain of hunger. Link had realized that he had not eaten since the morning and decided that food was a very good option right now. Up ahead was a small building, and Malon pointed it out.

"Up there is the Gold Field Inn, do you want to stop there?"

Link nodded and they rode up to the side of the building. There was a fence to tie up Epona along with a bale of hay she could munch on. A sign hung above the bale reading:

"Five rupees per day to feed horses"

"I will meet you inside Link; get us a room and a meal. I am just going to tie up Epona."

Link smiled and waved, then walked around the building to the entrance. The place smelled of milk and food. Links stomach growled loudly at him, reminding him that it still needs food. He opened the door and saw a man standing behind a bar and a woman sitting at the counter with a mug in her hand.

"Welcome traveller, to the best damn inn in Hyrule; The Gold Field Inn."

The man smiled lightly at Link. He wore a brown tunic and had his long, grey hair tied back in a ponytail. He looked middle aged, with a few wrinkles on his face. His eyes were black as coal, and slightly intimidating. The woman turned her head around to see what was going on. She wore a purple dress and had blonde pigtails. She had a cute face, with green eyes and a faint scar along her right cheek.

"Hi there cutie, my name is Rosa and I am the hostess here. This lovely young man here is Argo. What will you be having tonight?"

Rosa smiled warmly at Link, making him feel comfortable and at home. Link opened his mouth, but then closed it when he felt a person wrap around his arm.

"We will take a room for the night and a meal with milk. We also have a horse feeding outside at your post."

"Sure thing my dear, let me just grab the keys."

Rosa got up and disappeared through a door behind the counter. Argo just looked at them through his cold eyes. Link was uncomfortable and Malon was too, grabbing a little harder onto his arm. Argo smiled and crossed his arms, then walked to the door that Rosa had gone through. He opened it for her when he heard a thump. She had returned with a plate of food and a mug of milk for each of them on a tray and with the room key sitting on the tray as well.

"Here you kids are, third room on the left. We hope you enjoy your stay tonight!"

Rosa gave another warm smile as she handed the tray to Link.

"Thank you very much!"

Malon smiled and waved at them before they went upstairs. Link counted the doors on the left and then Malon grabbed the key from the tray and unlocked the door. It was a nice room. There was a large double bed in the middle with a fireplace at the far wall and a table with three chairs pushed against the wall beside the door. A window was open, letting in the warm summer air. Beside the fireplace was a changing screen.

"Well this place is nice and cozy." Malon said happily.

Link set the tray down on the table beside them and began to set the table while Malon disappeared behind the screen to change into her pyjamas. Link sat in the chair closest to the door, leaving the one across from him open for her. He waited for her to finish changing before starting his meal, so he looked across the room at the screen. The fireplace had a small fire going so it cast a shadow of her on the screen. He looked at the floor when he saw her place her dress on the top of the screen frame while she walked around the corner in a long and flimsy nightgown. It seemed weird to see her like this, even though he saw her in this outfit every night at the ranch. Perhaps it was the sharing a room part.

"So what is on the menu tonight? Mushroom stew? A Zora style steak?"

Malon sat at the table and looked slightly disappointed with the result of dinner; oatmeal and eggs.

"Well, better then whatever we would scrounge up out there. Let's eat!"

Link remembered the jerky he packed and grabbed it out of his bag. He offered a piece to Malon, getting a happy thank you and a smile in response. They ate the surprisingly good meal greedily and quickly, polishing the plates clean. Malon downed her milk in one swig and then leaned back in the chair and let out a satisfied sigh. Link finished his own milk and looked at her calm figure, happy to see her so peaceful.

"Well it is getting late Link; perhaps it is time to retire?"

Malon yawned and stretched as she stood up and walked towards the bed. Link stayed in his chair and unfastened his belt, then leaned back and shut his eyes. He nearly fell asleep when Malon laughed and spoke to him.

"I hope you don't actually plan to sleep on a chair tonight Fairy Boy, come here and sleep on the other side of the bed. It is big enough for two you know, and I promise I won't bite. You won't even notice that I am here."

Link got up slowly, remembering what Talon said about manners. Could he have known they would stop at this inn? He walked to the side closest to the fire place and lay on the bed. Malon got under the covers on the other side and smiled at him.

"See, that wasn't so hard, was it? Now get some rest, we need to get up early tomorrow. Goodnight, Link. See you in the morning."

Malon yawned again as she closed her eyes, and within a few minutes she was lightly snoring. Link stared at the ceiling before drifting into a uncomfortable sleep. He dreamed of the past again.

Zelda and a guard had found Link hours later on the hill. He was sleeping, however, they feared the worst had happened and he had perished from his wounds. The guard had picked him up carefully, and brought him to Lon Lon Ranch, the closest place to his location. Link had awakened in the barn, with Epona nuzzling him lightly and Zelda sitting beside him quietly. A wound on his chest was bandaged and his tools were placed inside a chest at the foot of the makeshift bed. Zelda greeted him with a smile.

"Good to see you are still well, Link. I understand why you left the sight and I will not question you about your experiences. I am here because I have one final piece of news for you. Your quest is now over, Ganon has been defeated and disappeared from our world, however, you now have a choice. This is not your time frame Link, and there is a chance that you could disrupt the world and the flow of time permanently. By defeating Ganon you have opened a hole back to your time, back to when you were a child in the Kokiri Forest. I can send you there, however, if you go back you will lose everything to have learned, every song, every spell, every technique. You will lose every friend you have made on your journey, and every power you have collected and honed. Those who changed into Sages will remain Sages, but they will never have existed in your world, so you and the people they led will never have known them. You will be reborn as a true Kokiri, and you will never turn into a adult, and you will never have met me in the garden. However, the world of Hyrule will have never met Ganon, or known his terrible power and peace will forever flow through the lands. With the Sages together, we will never have to fear another foe like Ganon. Do you understand?"

Link nodded slowly, barely able to focus on Zelda, let alone make a decision.

"There is another option. You may stay in this time, as an adult with all of the knowledge you have gained in seven years since that day you woke up in your home. You will be known as the Hero of Hyrule, but Hyrule has been forever changed. It now lays broken and battered, much like yourself. There will be fights for power over the kingdom, and it will be a hostile zone for many decades to come. It is the price to pay for war. You will get to keep all your experiences and power, but those who died will stay lost, and you will have the burden of carrying your memories of them for the rest of your life. Nothing will bring back your friends and the world will remain shattered. I cannot say what the future will hold, but it could end horribly. You need to decide if you want to go back to the past and erase this history, or carry out the course of history in the shadow of Ganondorf. Do you understand?"

Again, Link nodded, but could not come to a decision. Zelda looked at him, understanding that either choice has dire consequences. She sensed his hesitation.

"Link, I know it is a hard choice, but I cannot stay around all day and wait for an answer. The hole will stay for one year to the day, but if you do not decide by then, the choice will be made for you and you will be stuck in this time. Return to me on the final day with your answer, you have one year to live life as an adult and make a choice. You are forbidden to speak to me until that day. Now I must go and gather the rest of the survivors to rebuild the town. Goodbye friend, I will see you in a year."

Zelda got up and fixed her dress, then left the barn. Epona nuzzled Links hand before going to eat at a pile of hay. That was the last thing Link saw, before returning to sleep.

Link woke up sweating; he feverishly looked around the room, confused as to where he was. It was just starting to hit dawn. The cock had not yet crowed outside, so Link lay back in bed. He felt something move beside him and looked. Malon had turned over in bed; Link had not noticed before that her back was exposed in this nightgown. It made him feel slightly hot under the collar, and he quickly got out of bed to sit in a chair in front of the window. He watched as the sun rose into the sky, when the rooster call had startled him. He watched as Malon slowly lifted herself from bed, yawning and stretching, her beautiful red hair a tangled mess. He smiled to himself.

"Good morning Link, did you sleep well?" Malon said tiredly.

Linked nodded and continued to smile at her. She was quite beautiful.

"Hey, we still need to go remember? Let me get dressed and then we can grab breakfast for the road and pay our tab."

As Malon walked across the room, she began lifting her nightgown, revealing most of her legs before disappearing behind the changing screen again. Link felt hot again, and shook his head to get rid of the feeling. He walked over to his belongings and packed his bag, brushed his hair, then out on his hat and grabbed his sword and shield. Malon was already behind him, pushing him towards the door. She grabbed the tray with the dishes and the key then hurried out the door. While she locked up Link made his way down the stairs and to the front. Only Rosa was awake, sitting behind the counter where Argo was last night.

"Good morning boy, I trust you had a good night and a good stay? Your fees are 25 rupees."

Rosa winked and smiled slyly, causing Link to drop his gaze to the floor. He pulled out his wallet and reached for a red rupee to pay for the night. Malon came down the stairs and handed the room key and the tray to Rosa.

"Thank you very much Rosa, it was a very good meal and room."

Malon smiled at Rosa and she returned the smile. The three exchanged goodbyes and Malon and Link left the inn. They walked out into the fresh air of the morning, and walked around the building to be greeted by a happy Epona. Link packed up their belongings on Epona, and then helped Malon up onto Epona.

"You can ride today Link, I feel like taking in the scenery. This place is so beautiful."

Link hoisted himself onto Epona's back, and then gently patted her neck and they were off. Epona trotted lightly over the path to their destination, while Link began to grow nervous about going back to the forest. The last time he was there was when he had to go to the Forest Temple, and he lost his first friend Saria on that adventure. On top of that, no body recognized him in his adult body. He was a stranger in his own hometown. Link felt Malon put her arms around his waist and rest her head on his back.

"I am just going to catch a nap Link, I am still feeling a bit tired. Wake me in an hour okay?"

Link squeezed one of her hands in response. The rest of the adventure to the forest was bound to be a quiet one now. When the sun hit its highest point in the sky, they had reached the entrance to the forest. Link gently nudged Malon until she woke up. She yawned and hugged Link.

"Thanks for letting me nap Link; I had a terrible dream last night. If you want I can tell you about it later?

Link nodded and then got off of Epona, and then he helped Malon down. Link unfastened his bag and Malon's bag from the saddle and handed her bag to her. They began to walk into the forest, leaving Epona behind. Epona ran into the field to look for food, waiting for her song to be played. The forest grew darker as the trees grew thicker, and occasionally Link thought he saw a skull mask hiding in a shrub, but he shrugged it off and continued. Malon grew evermore fascinated with the forest, commenting on every shrub and creature out there. Eventually they came to the bridge into Kokiri Forest. Link remembered the departure on his first day. It was the one of the last times he saw Saria and the village before he was held in time for seven years. On that day he was given an ocarina, which he treasured since he got it. However, Link remembered he did not even say goodbye to anyone. He had not even planned to talk to Saria, she happened to be here.

"Hey Link, quit daydreaming. This kid needs the delivery item."

Link looked down and saw Mido standing in front of him.

"Hey big man, your friend says you are here on delivery from Lon Lon Ranch, so where is the package? Hurry it up will ya?"

Link became annoyed, remembering the bully that Mido was. In seven years he seems to have gotten worse instead of matured. Link rummaged in his bag, until he pulled out the special bottle of milk. He handed it to Mido, who greedily snatched it.

"Gee, thanks gramps. I might actually get this to the cook today now."

"You know, if you quite complaining you might actually get it to the cook, instead of insulting us who travelled this far to get it here in the first place."

Malon piped up, becoming annoyed with the boy. An argument was about to break out, but a fairy crashed into Mido. The fairy kept hitting him until finally he quit.

"Alright, alright I am going. I will be right there. We will settle this later."

Mido walked away steamed, with Link and Malon following close behind. Malon was irritated, so Link grabbed her hand gently.

"Thanks Link, but that kid reminds me too much of Ingo. Always making excuses and complaining about things. It just makes me mad."

Link stepped into the village with Malon, and was hit with sadness. Some of the houses were destroyed; the kids looked dirtier than and not as cheerful as they once were. The pond where Link was once paid 5 rupees to get across was dried up. It would seem that this was the long term effect of Ganondorf's evil.

"Link? Are you okay?"

Without realizing it, Link had wandered to his old home, the place he was raised. The tree was beginning to decay, but the house stood tall as ever. A few of the rungs on his ladder had broken or rotted off. He walked towards it slowly. He knew exactly what was waiting for him inside. He climbed the ladder carefully, as not to break a rung and fall down. When he got to the top, he reached the door and held it open. It smelled of pine wood inside, it smelled safe. He looked at his possessions, some toys from childhood, a wooden sword he used to play hero's with some friends when he was a boy, the tiny bed. As he was looking around, he felt empty. This place reminded him of what life was before he lost his. Ganondorf may have failed to kill Link physically, but emotionally Link was in critical state.

"Link, is this... your house?"

Link nodded, feeling Malon put a hand on his shoulder.

"This... this is your childhood."

Malon was in disbelief. Link was also taken aback. Before he knew it he was on his hands and knees, crying and screaming, pounding the old tree flooring. He screamed and screamed; the anger and loneliness reaching its peak. Malon watched from the door, frightened by Link, but also concerned for her friend. Link had stopped pounding the floor and rolled over onto his back, crying. He had given up so much, and he had no choice. His destiny is as the Hero of Time. When he had calmed down significantly, Malon made her way to his side and then lay on her back as well. They stared at the ceiling for a time, complete silence. Link had poured out his heart to her without words, but it did not take words for her to understand his pain. She rolled to her side and hugged him, throwing her arm over his chest. She kissed his cheek, and whispered in his ear.

"Thank you Link, you sacrificed your freedom for Hyrule. Because of you I am still alive, my father is still here, and I still have a home to go to. Everyone left owes their lives to you. I will still be your friend, and you still have Epona. Hyrule will rebuild itself into a stronger nation, because of you."

Malon rested her head on his shoulder, Link stared into nothing. He thought and thought about the last two months. He loved the quite life on the ranch, tending to the horses and chickens and cows. He loved working for Talon, and he loved spending time with Malon. This was all he had left, and he knew what his decision was. Ten more months and he would give his answer to Zelda. Link turned his head to see Malon had fallen asleep on him. Link gently shook her, and she woke will worry. He did not know why, but he kissed her gently. She was warm and felt good, he felt happy being here. Their lips parted and then met again. Not stronger or more passionate, but just as gently.

"Don't ever do that again Fairy Boy, you cannot freak out like that again." Malon spoke with that same kindness as always, with a hint of concern.

Link nodded, watching her stand up. She looked onto the village from the doorway, there was singing and dancing and feasting from the children. The danced around a large cake shaped and decorated like the new sprout of the Deku Tree. Link sat up as well and watched, wishing he could go and join them.

"Come on Link, we should leave, it is almost dusk and I do not want to be here anymore. I think it is time to go home."

Link stood up and walked over to her; he grabbed her hand and started walking towards the lost forest. He wanted to camp here for the night, but not in his house. He wanted to go to the Sacred Meadow one last time. As the two entered the forest, Saria's Song played in his mind, leading him back to the meadow. They went through the twisted corridors of the natural maze until they reached the Triforce teleporter. He looked down, remembering when he played tunes to teleport across these things. Malon began to unpack her stuff, grabbing some of the food supplies that Link had packed and a flint and steel, she lit a small fire to cook dinner on. The sun was low in the sky now, and the smell of food made Link hungry.

"Link, have I ever told you that you stare into space way too much, because if not, you stare into space way too much. Come and get some dinner okay?"

Link smiled at her and grabbed a bowl of stew. They ate quietly, enjoyed the good meal. The moon came up soon enough, and the stars were beautiful in the sky. Malon got up and walked to the other side of the dying campfire to sit with Link. He grabbed her hand and gently squeezed, and she rested her head on his shoulder.

"You know Link; this has been a hell of an adventure. I am glad I got off the ranch, even if it was for one day."

Link smiled and kissed the top of her head. She looked up and rubbed his face with her hand. She leaned in and kissed him gently again. She pulled back and kissed his cheek, then stood up and made her way towards the bags. She had pulled out her nightgown to sleep in, and began changing in front of Link. He saw her undo her dress and got anxious. He looked at the ground and anywhere but her as the dress came off and she stood naked in the orange light of the fire embers. She then slid on her night gown and returned to Links side. Link held her hand again, feeling happy. Malon lay back on the cool forest grass, looking into the sky, wondering what Hyrule was doing right now. Link interrupted her thoughts as he leaned in and kissed her. She kissed him back, more then gently. Link nervously moved his hands on her body over her nightgown. She unfastened the belt on his tunic and pulled it over his head. He was laying on her naked now.

"Is this what you want Link, you can't turn back and expect it to be normal between us after this. If you stop now, we can forget this happened."

For the first time in two months, Link felt good. He felt happy, and he felt like there was hope for him. He nodded nervously, and Malon smiled at him, her beautiful hair flowing around them. Link got off of her and she pulled her night gown up and over her head. Then she kissed him, and climbed on him. The forest had grown silent around them, watching and waiting to see what was going to happen. Link had felt happy once again, not cured from the burdens that came with being the Hero of Time, it realised what he wanted now, for the better or for the worse for Hyrule.

The morning light was a dim orange, blanketing Link and Malon in its warmth. The two lay together under a blanket they had packed earlier. The morning was warm with a gentle breeze. Link slowly arose; he wiped away the sleep from his eyes, and was looking around the forest. Memories from the prior night filled his mind and he looked to his side to see Malon snoring lightly beside him. He couldn't help but smile at her; she was very beautiful in the morning light. The orange sunlight reflected off of her pale skin and set her red hair ablaze. Link leaned over and lightly kissed her shoulder, and then stood up and stretched. No one would find them in this hidden grotto so he was not in a rush to cloth himself. Link walked around their small campsite and began to pick up their dishes and other items and packed them into his bag, he decided to let Malon sleep longer while he did this. After packing the last of their things, he picked up his leggings and slid them on, then grabbed his tunic and put that on as well. He fastened his belt and then put on his boots. When he had finished dressing, Link had picked up Malon's clothes and folded them neatly and then he made his way over to a tree stump where he could sit and watch the sun rise.

Link watched the golden orb rise on the horizon, over the tall trees that hid the Kokiri from the world around them. What he wouldn't give to be a child among them again. While he was lost in his daydream of childhood memories, Malon had woken up. She sat up in bed, stretching and yawning, and then stood up and walked over to Link. He was still in his own world when she leaned over and kissed his cheek.

"Good morning Link, dreaming again are you?"

Malon smiled at Link when he came back to reality. He blushed at her, her naked body standing before him. She sat down beside him and leaned her head on his shoulder.

"This is a beautiful place Link, is this where you used to play?"

Link shuttered at the thought of "playing" with the Poe's who tormented him for days in this labyrinth. He shook his head with an answer of no.

"Do you want to talk about last night, I know it was sudden and I hope it did not affect our relationship. If you don't want to continue how things are I understand, we can go back to working on the ranch together and nothing more."

Link looked at her, and then kissed her softly. She made him happy, more than ever now, and he did not want to go back to the way things were. Malon kissed back, sensing that he liked where they were. She smiled and then got up to get dressed. Link watched her as she hummed Epona's song while dressing herself. She ran a hand through her hair, pulling out leaves and twigs from the night before. Link got off his stump and picked up their bags, slinging them over his shoulder. With his free hand he grabbed Malon's hand and walked with her through the forest. He took her back through the winding paths of the Lost Forest, the paths that lay etched into his mind. They walked through the silent village towards the exit to the forest. The Kokiri were always late to rise after a night of partying and festivities. As Link and Malon walked back through the village, Link cast a final glance at his old house. As much pain as it brought him, he was glad that he went in it, however, he never wanted to see the place again. This was no longer his life; he had a new life with Malon.

The ride back to the ranch was just as short as the ride to the forest, a day and a half by horseback. Malon and Link had camped under the stars again, just off to the side of the road. They had made love again, and when they had finished they lay in each other's arms, staring into the sky at the pale yellow moon and all of the stars. When they arrived at the ranch, Link had taken off the bags from Epona's saddle and carried them into the house while Malon had taken Epona back to the field. On her way back to the house, she decided to check the barn to make sure there was no damage from the "Wolfos" attack. When she entered the barn, she saw her father Talon, sleeping in a corner. Link had left the house to find Talon for work, and just as he closed the door and stepped outside, he saw Malon chasing her father out of the barn yelling about his laziness. Link laughed as he watched her tackle him and playfully pound him, while he shouted he was sorry and that it wouldn't happen again. Things were looking up for the Hero of Time for the moment, and he was glad were they were heading.