Liz0888: I like to say thanks for your review; it really made my day. I am a dedicated writer and I'm going to stick to what I love to do. I'll just keep writing more, until I'm out of ideas on what to write about. Thank you again! You don't know how much that means to me. I am truly grateful.

EndlessStrife: Heh, thanks. I do think it's an interesting plot that's why I decided to write a story about it. Thanks for your opinion as well, I'm sure everyone else probably hopes the same thing.

Libb: I'm glad you like the introduction; sorry it was short. Here's the next chapter!

Blondie91: I'm glad it's interesting.

Thanks for the reviews!

Enjoy

A Week of Love

Chapter 1: Beginning

It all started a week ago, it was just an ordinary day for me. I woke up at my usual time, 6:30—to help my father work on the ranch. He's still usually sleeping by then, but when is he ever not? Normally, I love getting up early, so I can smell the fresh scent of a new day and feel the moisture in the air. The sunrise is also very beautiful; the way the sun glistens behind the pinkish clouds.

Just like any other day I was up at 6:30, quickly getting dress and ready for the new day of work. My long orange hair fell past my shoulders and my purple skirt stopped just at my ankles, revealing my brown boots. After brushing my bangs out of my face, I was out of my room and downstairs, greeting my father Talon, who was actually up this morning.

After the death of my mother, my father had to take care of me on his own. It was a hard time for him, and I was surprised he managed to get through everything. I barely remember my mother, and the only thing I have left of her is Epona's Song, that I sing constantly. Epona is the name of my horse, which I had raised until a certain Hylian in Kokiri clothing came and took her away. Now of course, I let the Hylian take Epona, for they seemed to bond quite nicely, after I had taught him Epona's Song.

Once breakfast was complete, I washed the dishes while my father went to wake Ingo. Ingo is our worker at the ranch, and is a generous guy, once you get to know him. He tends to be a bit bossy, but does do his part on the ranch. I had grown to like Ingo, after seeing a big change in him. Trust me, he wasn't all generous and content before, and I don't really want to get into any of that…

The day was a bit windy than usual, but that didn't stop us from getting jobs done. I had let the horses out around the corral to get some exercise, and feed the cows not to mention milk them. Our cows make the best milk in all Hyrule, called Lon Lon Milk. It reenergizes the body, and always keeps you wanting more. Our milk is what really keeps us in busy not to mention supplying eggs and other foods. My father and I switch off the jobs in delivering milk around Hyrule to Kakariko Village, Hyrule Castle and Market and sometimes Lake Hylia.

Once I was done with the cows, I had moved on to the cuccos. I gathered their eggs and fed them, to keep them healthy. Most people know not to mess with cuccos, for they are vicious animals, when in groups. My friend Anju at Kakariko Village has about seven of them, and they constantly get away. She has to have other people round them up for her, because she's surprisingly allergic.

By the afternoon, I finished my work for the day and either relax, or play around with the horses. Since I don't get to see Epona as much as I used to, I get closer to the other horses on the ranch. My favorite tends to be Sasha, a young brown mare who constantly loves to run. Every time you see her, she runs around the corral or even the tracks. I had told my father, she was going to be a wonderful stallion someday, one of the fastest in Hyrule.

The heat from the sun beat down on us as I stood in the middle of the corral, cleaning Sasha off. It had rained the night before, so muddy puddles were scattered around the ranch. Sasha, being the wild mare she is, loves to just run right into them, getting mud all over herself. Normally I would let mud run on until the end of the day, but I was planning on taking her out around Hyrule Field.

I continued to sing Epona's Song while finishing brushing her long mane. As I dropped the brush into the bucket, I had a strange feeling that I wasn't alone. Over by the entrance to the ranch, near the stables was Epona and riding her was Link.

A wide smile appeared on my face, as I grabbed the bucket and ran over to greet my friends. Link, was known as the Hero of Time, the hero of Hyrule who stopped Ganondorf and saved Princess Zelda. We had first met at Hyrule Market, when we both were ten years old. After that first encounter had he came to ranch to visit ever since. When we were younger his visits were frequent, usually he came every day. Now, it seems he's too busy and only comes about once a week. I'm not bothered by the lack of the visits, because I know we'll still be close friends.

Link was obviously really famous around Hyrule, and has been the talk of the century for over the past week. He had the looks and the fame. I can't never seem to get over the fact that he stills wears the green tunic he had gotten from Kokiri Forest, and the same green hat as well. His blonde hair was always parted to the sides, to keep from getting in front of his eyes. His blue eyes always seemed to have a sparkle in them, and his smile was just to die for.

I had always had a little crush on Link, when we were kids but it was nothing too seriously. After our encounters have gotten farther apart, my feelings for him seemed to fade, but our relationship was stronger than ever. Of course, rumors had been spreading that there was something going on between him and the princess.

" Epona!" I dropped the bucket near the stable door and hugged the grown mare, lightly kissing her forehead. Epona neighed in response.

" Hey Mal, how are things going?" Link dismounted Epona, landing on his feet.

" Fairy boy, things are going well…"

Link chuckled rubbing the back of his head. " Mal, you know that nickname was from when we were kids, right?"

I smiled and faced him. " Yes, but I still like it."

Epona ran into the corral, and began to trot around with the other horses while I quickly put the bucket inside the stables. Once I ran back outside, Link and I walked over toward the corral, engaging in more conversation.

" So how's Princess Zelda?"

" She's good." Link replied, placing his hands behind his back. " She's been busy, but really good."

" I would too if I was the princess of Hyrule." I looked at Sasha, watching as she ran into another puddle, getting muddy once more.

" So Mal, have you thought about coming to the Royal Ball at the castle this Friday night?"

I sighed deeply. " Oh…Link…"

"—Because I would really like it if you come." Link abruptly interrupted.

" I don't know yet…"

" Why not? I asked you three days ago."

Of course I thought about the ball, but I haven't decided yet if I wanted to go or not. The Royal Ball was a little party Princess Zelda was throwing, and many invited people were going to show up. This wasn't just some free ball either; only those who were invited by royal family members were allowed to come. I just couldn't see myself in the castle all dressed up. I don't think I'd get a warm welcoming, being a farm girl at some fancy ball.

" I'm working." I lied.

" Working?" Link smirked raising an eyebrow. " I highly doubt it, you'd be done by then."

" But Link…"

" Princess Zelda said I could invite someone…"

I stopped and faced him. " And you chose me?"

" Well…" He frowned, looking a little sadden. " You're the only other friend I have."

I laughed shaking my head, as I began to walk over toward Sasha. " I seriously doubt that, Link."

Link crossed his arms. " Why not? It's true."

I abruptly stopped and frowned, feeling terrible that I had laughed at him. I took a deep breath, rethinking this through in my mind. There wasn't any trouble in going to the ball, but my gut was saying to avoid it.

I took in a breath as Link walked up behind me. He placed his hand on my shoulder. " I just came by to see…I'd really appreciate it if you go."

" I'll try…" I whispered.

Link walked over toward Epona mounting her. I watched, staying in my spot, as Link nodded to me and waved kicking Epona in the sides. Epona neighed and swiftly galloped out of the ranch, and just like that—they were gone.

The visits from Link weren't long at all, but I had to admit this was his shortest visit yet. After all, he was a busy man—and Princess Zelda desperately needed him.

" Hey Mal! Sweetie!" My father called me from the house. " It's your turn to deliver milk tomorrow, I'd get ready now so you don't have to do it early in the morning."

" All right." I replied softly, knowing that he didn't hear me.

I had completely forgotten it was my turn to deliver milk around Hyrule. I was a little content too, because I needed to get out of this ranch. Sasha followed me, dripping in mud, as we went to the stables to get ready for tomorrow's trip.

A/N:

I know it was a slow chapter, but I promise it will get more interesting in the next one. And yes I know, Link's visit was short. Also, I will update on One's Fate, I just have to finish the chapter first, sorry for the wait!

Until Next Time!