Disclaimer: I don't own the Zelda characters or Hyrule. Wish I owned
Link, but at least I own Rook :). Yeah, and all the
AN: This is a telling of three different stories. One is Malon, one is Link, and the other is Loraefin and Megeara. For chapter titles, it was hard to find one that encompassed all of the different events of these three tales, so it was kind of a pick and chose thing. Just thought you might want to know…ah, you probably didn't….:)
A Day in the Life of Somewhat Ordinary
One year, one month, twenty-five days
Chapter One: In The Morning
Spring had finally come to Hyrule again. The air started to get warmer and new buds could be seen emerging from the tree branches. Malon sniffed the morning air with great satisfaction as she stood outside the ranch gates. Oh, if only she didn't have chores to do today! She thought. But alas, it was her duty and she enjoyed it…most of the time. The only exception would be on a day like today when she would give almost anything to go riding out in the field, letting the wind tug at her hair. But no, today she had the carpenters coming to help her father with the building of the new stable roof (she knew just as well that it would be her doing her father's work). She had already milked the cows and let the horses out, and now her next big chore would be to make the weekly delivery to the Castle. Actually, she rather enjoyed making this delivery, it was nice to get out of the ranch for a few hours plus she usually found a little time to do some shopping for herself at the market. She never bought anything, but Malon loved to look and daydream that she had them. It was all frivolous things that she didn't need anyway she told herself.
She would have hoped that perhaps Link would stop by and go with her to the castle, but she already knew that he was off fishing today, trying to catch that Loach he was always after. 'I almost had him this time', was what he would always say after he had returned from the fishing pond and Malon would always laugh at him.
"Well, this cart isn't going anywhere by itself and this milk isn't getting any fresher," she said out loud, "I guess I better get moving."
The cart bounced along the worn path the Hyrule Market town briskly, Malon clicking the reins every so often for Pyle and Snyder to pick up the pace. She didn't know why she decided to hitch these two up, she knew very well that they liked to take it at their own pace and that pace was slow. Oh well, she could stay out of the ranch and enjoy the sunshine a little longer today. The Market was as busy as ever, people rushing around everywhere, going here, going there, and Malon loved the commotion. She urged Pyle and Snyder through the crowd and up the road to the castle kitchen once again. Malon knew that it was going to be as busy up there as it was down in the market. The Sages had just left a few weeks earlier and things had gotten a little quieter since then, but then again, it was never quiet. She pulled the cart to a stop and greeted the Loading Supervisor like she always did and then got to her work. There were always familiar faces here for it was the same people week in and week out that helped with the bringing and unloading of food for Hyrule Castle. But there was one face she was never very thrilled to see and unfortunately it was the face she saw coming this way right now.
"Oh no," she groaned and picked up another crate, pretending like she hadn't noticed him. Just my luck, she thought. Rook grinned at her as she brushed by him, still ignoring him.
"Well a fine good morning to you too Firefly," he still grinned brightly, happy to have made her climb into her hard shell once again. He drew the greatest pleasure out of trying to crack her out if it after. He had yet to succeed, but it was a challenge he planned to overcome.
"Oh, I'm sorry. Good morning," Malon replied breezily, putting down the crate and going back for another. Oh! Why did he always manage to bring out the hostile emotions in her with just a word out of that mouth of his?
"See, tha' wasn't so hard," he said, grabbing a box and following close behind her. "Now that we've gotten that out of the way, may I say tha' you look lovely this morning Malon." She turned half way around, glancing at him over her shoulder quickly.
"Oh please," she huffed and dropped the crate with a loud thud.
"Careful there lassie, don't hurt yourself," he set his crate down gently on top of hers.
"I know what I'm doing," Malon retorted.
"I know ya' do."
"Listen Rook, I'd love to stay and chat," that was a big lie, "but I have a lot of work to do today so if you would just excuse me." She tried to brush by him back to her cart but he caught hold of her by the wrists at which Malon turned around sharply with a glare in her eye. It was just something about him that made her want to storm out of a room that he had just entered.
"Calm down Firefly," he laughed, "before ye go I've got some empty milk crates ya's can take back with you. They're in the stable if you'll just come with me." She stood still for a moment before nodding. Crates were expensive and she tried to reuse them whenever she could.
"Okay, but just really quickly, I do need to get going," she said again.
***
"Are you two sure you have everything you're going to need?" Megeara's mother asked again patting the bag that was strapped to Xanthus's side. "You have jackets right?"
"Yes mother, we have everything, raj'h gaddy!" Megeara rolled her eyes and tightened her saddle around Xanthus's white stomach.
"Don't you roll your eyes at me young lady, you're lucky we let you do this every year," Mrs. Fellari retorted back in Gerudo. "You be sure to keep out of trouble and try to stick to the east side of the valley in case we need to find you."
"Oh stop worrying mother! We've done this for five years already, it'll be fine."
"I'm your mother, I was made to worry."
"Ah, don't worry Pattian, Meg and I take good care of each other," Loraefin smiled and mounted her horse Balius.
"Take care you two," Lindie smiled and waved them off. "Oh don't worry Pattian, they're big girls."
The two girls raced their horses down the village street and out onto the big open field. The wind whipped about them on this warm spring morning and they could hear nothing but the sound of the horses hooves and their laughter. This little trip had become sort of a tradition for the two. They packed up the little provisions they needed on horseback and spent four days and four nights off by themselves, roaming around the valley, going wherever they pleased with no one to bother them. It was at first a cry for freedom, but now it had become just another way to relax and have fun…enjoy life they said. Xanthus and Balius came to a slow trot and then to a walk once they reached the other side of the field where you could either go left up the cliff path, or right into the small, thick woods that grew alongside the river.
"Finally! We're out of there!" Megeara laughed and stretched her arms out wide. "I've been looking forward to this all year!"
"You and me both," Loraefin smiled. "Which way do we want to go first?" Megeara looked first right, then left.
"Um…well, we started right last year, so lets go up the cliff, see what's up there. We can watch the stars tonight."
They took the twisted path slowly, so not to have any unwanted accidents, that was the last thing they needed. It was early afternoon when they reached the top and they stopped under the great old oak tree that rooted itself on the edge of the cliff, alone and solitary, watching vigil over the valley floor. Loraefin rummaged through the bags and got them out some lunch, for both Megeara and the horses. It was a quiet afternoon as Balius and Xanthus stood under the tree chewing on the tufts of wild grass that grew about.
"Have anything in mind for tomorrow?" Megeara took a bite out of her lunch, trying to stifle the gulp noise when she swallowed. Loraefin didn't answer but watched out over the cliff. "Fin!" she shouted to get her attention. Loraefin looked up casually, her thoughts drifting away and focusing on the present again.
"You say something?" She asked, the breeze tugging the hair that had fallen loose from her knot. Megeara laughed to herself and roller her eyes.
"I asked if you had anything in mind for tomorrow," she repeated.
"Oh," was all Loraefin replied.
"What is it, I know that look, what are you analyzing in that brain of yours?" Megeara brushed a lose bit of her red hair off her forehead as a soft breeze blew by.
"Nothing really," Loraefin said absentmindedly lapsing into Gerudo. Megeara got up and sat down close next to Loraefin, putting her horse alongside hers.
"Come on, what is it? That look on your face means you're up to something, and I want to know what that something is," Megeara smiled with childlike fascination replying in Gerudo as well. "Come on! Tell me!"
A slow grin took over Loraefin's face despite her attempts to repress it. She shouldn't even have thought about it, it was a silly idea anyway. She only got the abstraction in her head after she went to go meet with the Sages a few weeks ago…mainly when she saw Tiamra. But no, she should just dismiss this little plot out of her mind; it was silly to have thought of it.
"Would you just tell me already!" Megeara play punched Loraefin in the arm after she had sat in silence for a few moments.
"It's just a crazy idea," Loraefin mumbled, feigning to be hurt.
"So, I like crazy ideas, spill," the red hair girl poked her friend. Loraefin grinned again, for the idea had latched onto her brain, fixing itself there with no sign that it was going to release.
"Ever wanted to see the Gerudo Fortress?"
***
"You better say your prayers fish, cause you're gonna be mine today," Link said to himself, casting out his line to the middle of the fishing pond.
"That's what you say every time Link," Navi yawned and sat down on one of the water reeds nearby. "Face it, you're not going to catch that fish. I'd love to support you and all…but I'm sorry, it's just not going to happen."
"Wait and see Nav, wait and see," Link smiled, reeling in just a tad.
"I've waited and I've seen. I've waited for you to say that every time and I've seen you walk out of here empty handed every time," Navi smirked.
"Everyone's a critic."
"Not true, it's jut stating fact."
Link smiled again and cast his line out a second time with still no luck. They waited there for a good hour or so before Link could hear Navi's faint snores.
"Okay Navi, I get the picture, we can go," Link rolled his eyes and grinned as Navi's head immediately popped up. "Besides, it's getting to be afternoon, the fish won't bite anyway."
"Maybe next time Link," Navi humored him as he returned the pole the man at the counter.
"You'll get him one day, seriously!" The man called after him as they strode out the door.
Lake Hylia was beautiful in the early afternoon. Not that it wasn't beautiful at any given point in the day, but the way the sun reflected off the water gave it this certain look that Link couldn't describe, but he loved it. Finally, the fishing pond owner had a bridge built across to his place so Link no longer had to swim over there like in the days of Ganondorf. He often wondered why it took him so long. Epona was waiting for him on the other side, just where he left her and she neighed when she saw him coming again. He stroked her mane and got her an apple out of the saddlebag, which she immediately took from his hand without hesitation and ate.
"Whoa, careful there girl, don't choke on it," Link laughed, "it's only an apple."
"She kinda eats like you," Navi giggled, "fast and sloppy."
"I do not eat like that," Link shot her a glance, "I'm just usually in a rush, so I shovel."
"Sure you are."
Link mounted Epona and turned her around towards Lake Hylia's gates. He applied a little pressure and she began to trot, slowly at first, but then picking up the pace. Navi flew behind them, finally taking a perch in the fold of Link's tunic collar. Once out on the field, Link couldn't think of where to go from there, this was one of those days where he had nothing to do and nowhere to be. The sun was shining though, and as long as he had that, he could just enjoy being outside. He didn't want to bother Loraefin or any of them today, besides the fact that every time he thought of her (which he did constantly now) he felt as though it was he that condemned her, it was to out of the way for today. He knew it wasn't him, but he couldn't help feeling that way; what a cruel thing for the Sages to do, to make him live with that knowledge. Well now, that got his spirits down. No time to feel bad now he thought, enjoy the day, that day will not come for another year now and by that time you will have thought of something.
"Why don't we go see what Malon's up to?" Linked pulled Epona to a stop at the top of the little hill. "Maybe she'd like to go for a ride or something."
"She probably has chores," Navi reminded him, "but we can go and say hello."
AN: This is a telling of three different stories. One is Malon, one is Link, and the other is Loraefin and Megeara. For chapter titles, it was hard to find one that encompassed all of the different events of these three tales, so it was kind of a pick and chose thing. Just thought you might want to know…ah, you probably didn't….:)
A Day in the Life of Somewhat Ordinary
One year, one month, twenty-five days
Chapter One: In The Morning
Spring had finally come to Hyrule again. The air started to get warmer and new buds could be seen emerging from the tree branches. Malon sniffed the morning air with great satisfaction as she stood outside the ranch gates. Oh, if only she didn't have chores to do today! She thought. But alas, it was her duty and she enjoyed it…most of the time. The only exception would be on a day like today when she would give almost anything to go riding out in the field, letting the wind tug at her hair. But no, today she had the carpenters coming to help her father with the building of the new stable roof (she knew just as well that it would be her doing her father's work). She had already milked the cows and let the horses out, and now her next big chore would be to make the weekly delivery to the Castle. Actually, she rather enjoyed making this delivery, it was nice to get out of the ranch for a few hours plus she usually found a little time to do some shopping for herself at the market. She never bought anything, but Malon loved to look and daydream that she had them. It was all frivolous things that she didn't need anyway she told herself.
She would have hoped that perhaps Link would stop by and go with her to the castle, but she already knew that he was off fishing today, trying to catch that Loach he was always after. 'I almost had him this time', was what he would always say after he had returned from the fishing pond and Malon would always laugh at him.
"Well, this cart isn't going anywhere by itself and this milk isn't getting any fresher," she said out loud, "I guess I better get moving."
The cart bounced along the worn path the Hyrule Market town briskly, Malon clicking the reins every so often for Pyle and Snyder to pick up the pace. She didn't know why she decided to hitch these two up, she knew very well that they liked to take it at their own pace and that pace was slow. Oh well, she could stay out of the ranch and enjoy the sunshine a little longer today. The Market was as busy as ever, people rushing around everywhere, going here, going there, and Malon loved the commotion. She urged Pyle and Snyder through the crowd and up the road to the castle kitchen once again. Malon knew that it was going to be as busy up there as it was down in the market. The Sages had just left a few weeks earlier and things had gotten a little quieter since then, but then again, it was never quiet. She pulled the cart to a stop and greeted the Loading Supervisor like she always did and then got to her work. There were always familiar faces here for it was the same people week in and week out that helped with the bringing and unloading of food for Hyrule Castle. But there was one face she was never very thrilled to see and unfortunately it was the face she saw coming this way right now.
"Oh no," she groaned and picked up another crate, pretending like she hadn't noticed him. Just my luck, she thought. Rook grinned at her as she brushed by him, still ignoring him.
"Well a fine good morning to you too Firefly," he still grinned brightly, happy to have made her climb into her hard shell once again. He drew the greatest pleasure out of trying to crack her out if it after. He had yet to succeed, but it was a challenge he planned to overcome.
"Oh, I'm sorry. Good morning," Malon replied breezily, putting down the crate and going back for another. Oh! Why did he always manage to bring out the hostile emotions in her with just a word out of that mouth of his?
"See, tha' wasn't so hard," he said, grabbing a box and following close behind her. "Now that we've gotten that out of the way, may I say tha' you look lovely this morning Malon." She turned half way around, glancing at him over her shoulder quickly.
"Oh please," she huffed and dropped the crate with a loud thud.
"Careful there lassie, don't hurt yourself," he set his crate down gently on top of hers.
"I know what I'm doing," Malon retorted.
"I know ya' do."
"Listen Rook, I'd love to stay and chat," that was a big lie, "but I have a lot of work to do today so if you would just excuse me." She tried to brush by him back to her cart but he caught hold of her by the wrists at which Malon turned around sharply with a glare in her eye. It was just something about him that made her want to storm out of a room that he had just entered.
"Calm down Firefly," he laughed, "before ye go I've got some empty milk crates ya's can take back with you. They're in the stable if you'll just come with me." She stood still for a moment before nodding. Crates were expensive and she tried to reuse them whenever she could.
"Okay, but just really quickly, I do need to get going," she said again.
***
"Are you two sure you have everything you're going to need?" Megeara's mother asked again patting the bag that was strapped to Xanthus's side. "You have jackets right?"
"Yes mother, we have everything, raj'h gaddy!" Megeara rolled her eyes and tightened her saddle around Xanthus's white stomach.
"Don't you roll your eyes at me young lady, you're lucky we let you do this every year," Mrs. Fellari retorted back in Gerudo. "You be sure to keep out of trouble and try to stick to the east side of the valley in case we need to find you."
"Oh stop worrying mother! We've done this for five years already, it'll be fine."
"I'm your mother, I was made to worry."
"Ah, don't worry Pattian, Meg and I take good care of each other," Loraefin smiled and mounted her horse Balius.
"Take care you two," Lindie smiled and waved them off. "Oh don't worry Pattian, they're big girls."
The two girls raced their horses down the village street and out onto the big open field. The wind whipped about them on this warm spring morning and they could hear nothing but the sound of the horses hooves and their laughter. This little trip had become sort of a tradition for the two. They packed up the little provisions they needed on horseback and spent four days and four nights off by themselves, roaming around the valley, going wherever they pleased with no one to bother them. It was at first a cry for freedom, but now it had become just another way to relax and have fun…enjoy life they said. Xanthus and Balius came to a slow trot and then to a walk once they reached the other side of the field where you could either go left up the cliff path, or right into the small, thick woods that grew alongside the river.
"Finally! We're out of there!" Megeara laughed and stretched her arms out wide. "I've been looking forward to this all year!"
"You and me both," Loraefin smiled. "Which way do we want to go first?" Megeara looked first right, then left.
"Um…well, we started right last year, so lets go up the cliff, see what's up there. We can watch the stars tonight."
They took the twisted path slowly, so not to have any unwanted accidents, that was the last thing they needed. It was early afternoon when they reached the top and they stopped under the great old oak tree that rooted itself on the edge of the cliff, alone and solitary, watching vigil over the valley floor. Loraefin rummaged through the bags and got them out some lunch, for both Megeara and the horses. It was a quiet afternoon as Balius and Xanthus stood under the tree chewing on the tufts of wild grass that grew about.
"Have anything in mind for tomorrow?" Megeara took a bite out of her lunch, trying to stifle the gulp noise when she swallowed. Loraefin didn't answer but watched out over the cliff. "Fin!" she shouted to get her attention. Loraefin looked up casually, her thoughts drifting away and focusing on the present again.
"You say something?" She asked, the breeze tugging the hair that had fallen loose from her knot. Megeara laughed to herself and roller her eyes.
"I asked if you had anything in mind for tomorrow," she repeated.
"Oh," was all Loraefin replied.
"What is it, I know that look, what are you analyzing in that brain of yours?" Megeara brushed a lose bit of her red hair off her forehead as a soft breeze blew by.
"Nothing really," Loraefin said absentmindedly lapsing into Gerudo. Megeara got up and sat down close next to Loraefin, putting her horse alongside hers.
"Come on, what is it? That look on your face means you're up to something, and I want to know what that something is," Megeara smiled with childlike fascination replying in Gerudo as well. "Come on! Tell me!"
A slow grin took over Loraefin's face despite her attempts to repress it. She shouldn't even have thought about it, it was a silly idea anyway. She only got the abstraction in her head after she went to go meet with the Sages a few weeks ago…mainly when she saw Tiamra. But no, she should just dismiss this little plot out of her mind; it was silly to have thought of it.
"Would you just tell me already!" Megeara play punched Loraefin in the arm after she had sat in silence for a few moments.
"It's just a crazy idea," Loraefin mumbled, feigning to be hurt.
"So, I like crazy ideas, spill," the red hair girl poked her friend. Loraefin grinned again, for the idea had latched onto her brain, fixing itself there with no sign that it was going to release.
"Ever wanted to see the Gerudo Fortress?"
***
"You better say your prayers fish, cause you're gonna be mine today," Link said to himself, casting out his line to the middle of the fishing pond.
"That's what you say every time Link," Navi yawned and sat down on one of the water reeds nearby. "Face it, you're not going to catch that fish. I'd love to support you and all…but I'm sorry, it's just not going to happen."
"Wait and see Nav, wait and see," Link smiled, reeling in just a tad.
"I've waited and I've seen. I've waited for you to say that every time and I've seen you walk out of here empty handed every time," Navi smirked.
"Everyone's a critic."
"Not true, it's jut stating fact."
Link smiled again and cast his line out a second time with still no luck. They waited there for a good hour or so before Link could hear Navi's faint snores.
"Okay Navi, I get the picture, we can go," Link rolled his eyes and grinned as Navi's head immediately popped up. "Besides, it's getting to be afternoon, the fish won't bite anyway."
"Maybe next time Link," Navi humored him as he returned the pole the man at the counter.
"You'll get him one day, seriously!" The man called after him as they strode out the door.
Lake Hylia was beautiful in the early afternoon. Not that it wasn't beautiful at any given point in the day, but the way the sun reflected off the water gave it this certain look that Link couldn't describe, but he loved it. Finally, the fishing pond owner had a bridge built across to his place so Link no longer had to swim over there like in the days of Ganondorf. He often wondered why it took him so long. Epona was waiting for him on the other side, just where he left her and she neighed when she saw him coming again. He stroked her mane and got her an apple out of the saddlebag, which she immediately took from his hand without hesitation and ate.
"Whoa, careful there girl, don't choke on it," Link laughed, "it's only an apple."
"She kinda eats like you," Navi giggled, "fast and sloppy."
"I do not eat like that," Link shot her a glance, "I'm just usually in a rush, so I shovel."
"Sure you are."
Link mounted Epona and turned her around towards Lake Hylia's gates. He applied a little pressure and she began to trot, slowly at first, but then picking up the pace. Navi flew behind them, finally taking a perch in the fold of Link's tunic collar. Once out on the field, Link couldn't think of where to go from there, this was one of those days where he had nothing to do and nowhere to be. The sun was shining though, and as long as he had that, he could just enjoy being outside. He didn't want to bother Loraefin or any of them today, besides the fact that every time he thought of her (which he did constantly now) he felt as though it was he that condemned her, it was to out of the way for today. He knew it wasn't him, but he couldn't help feeling that way; what a cruel thing for the Sages to do, to make him live with that knowledge. Well now, that got his spirits down. No time to feel bad now he thought, enjoy the day, that day will not come for another year now and by that time you will have thought of something.
"Why don't we go see what Malon's up to?" Linked pulled Epona to a stop at the top of the little hill. "Maybe she'd like to go for a ride or something."
"She probably has chores," Navi reminded him, "but we can go and say hello."