Chapter 1
Link sang to himself merrily, as he dropped his line into the crystalline waters of Lake Hylia, and rested back against the soft green bank. Light was just breaking over the eastern horizon, spilling a golden glow over across the cool blue waters that glittered brightly as the fish splashed about happily in the new dawn. The air was fresh and crisp; it was turning into one of those beautiful days, where Link had nothing more to do, then to indulge himself in his favourite hobby.
Fishing. So lazy, yet so practical, Link could spend the whole day laid by the lake, do nothing, yet the day would still feel worthwhile when he would take home a large catch of fish for his supper. And so, cupping his hands behind his head, and letting his cap slip over his eyes, Link allowed himself doze contentedly, waiting for the fish to bite.
Or at least he would have liked to. A low, but ominous rumble sounded, rolling down from the mountains and across the lake. Link sat up and looked at the sky. Above him was still a bright patch of the same blue, but as his eyes travelled, they set themselves upon the West. The mountain range that encompassed the western border of Hyrule was hidden under the shadow of thick black storm clouds that were heavy with rain and thunder. A chill wind followed, bringing with it the first few drops of rain. Link cursed under his breath as he quickly made to leave lake before the storm could set in. He couldn't understand it, when he had set off that morning, the sky hadn't even a whisper of cloud, but now as packed up his fishing rod, rain began to fall faster in a fine mist that threatened to thicken.
"It just doesn't make sense" grumbled Link "it's not even the season for storms!"
"Mmm..." replied Malon "hang this harness up for me, would you?" she said as she handed him the bridle of the horse she was attempting to settle. It whinnied, and reared up violently as lightning flashed outside the door to the stable.
"Poor thing," she continued, as she stroked the horse's long nose and hushed in its ear "rain doesn't normally bother you…"
"It doesn't bother me, I just wanted fish…"
"I was talking to the horse..."
"Oh." Link blushed slightly, and turned to hang up the bridle. "Well, you see my point, don't you? It doesn't feel right…" Link paced the stable "Surely you can understand?"
"Rain is rain, Link" Malon shrugged. "Storms happen. It'll pass over by tomorrow."
Link sighed, and walked over to where his own horse, Epona stood. She snorted and shook her head, as the thunder sounded again. He tried to pet her neck, but she stomped her feet and pulled away. Link frowned and turned to Malon.
"Don't you see? Even the horses are restless! I'll wager you fifty rupees the cows will be giving sour milk next!" Link scowled and folded his arms tightly across his chest. Malon laughed at him.
"Oh, Link! Don't be so melodramatic! I'll agree the horses do seem a little unsettled…" her eyes drifted to the rows of steeds in the little stable, "But like I said, by tomorrow, I'm sure it'll have passed." Her eyes glanced back to Link and she smiled "I know you Link. You're just looking for another excuse to leave, and go running off on another one of your 'adventures'! But you promised you'd go with me to market tomorrow!"
Link rolled his eyes at Epona so that Malon wouldn't see, and sighed. "I haven't forgotten…" he said, turning to face her again. "And I will." He said, forcing himself into giving her half a smile.
"Good!" Malon Chirruped "now stop fretting and come inside for dinner"
"Aye, I'll be there in a moment…" he sighed as she headed out the stable and hurried towards the house. Link Turned back to Epona, who whinnied again. Link reached out and touched her neck with his fingertips, gently hushing her. "I guess its no use talking to her, is it Epona? Malon's sweet enough, but she doesn't understand me…You know sometimes I think she hears me, but doesn't listen to what I have to say." He smiled softly to himself as he ran his fingers through the horse's mane, "yet still-sweet enough."