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~Enjoy!~


Romani's arms were still slung around the pony's neck when they reached the barn. Link had been careful when guiding Epona to their destination, moving gently and slowly so that Romani could keep up at a steady walking pace without tripping.

When she was sure her hero wouldn't vanish, and that he wasn't a figure of her imagination, Romani reluctantly released her grasp. The auburn pony shook it's head lightly and whinnied. This made her smile - a small liberation from her endless morning.

Romani stroked the horse's satiny fur for a while, savouring the comfort that came with it. It gave her faith in what she was doing. She loved this horse like none other; so much that Link was the only one Romani would permit to ride her. He gave her the same courage and hope that Epona did, which is why Romani had felt compelled to trust and seek help from him. Romani believed in this boy so much, she confided in him and told him the truth about what really happens on her farm during The Carnival of Time. The boy had agreed to help her ward off the evil that would arise that night. This was the one reason he was standing before her, accompanied by Epona.

Romani was finally prepared to address Link. She was appreciative of his patience and understanding. He was the only other person that believed her ghost story; not even her own sister did. She reminded herself that this is why she had chosen him above all others to aid her.

"Grasshopper," Romani began, calling him by his pet-name, "Thank-you for coming. It's great to see you again!"

Link responded with a "no problem" and a remark about what he had been doing.

"As I promised, I have constructed a course for you. It will surly give you practice for tonight. Do you see these floating orange balloons?" Romani gestured toward a balloon with a crude resemblance to the actual aliens. "I want you to use your bow to pop them. Just follow them on Epona, and when you get close enough, BAM! Shoot an arrow right at `em. The real ones don't explode, but an arrow will keep them at bay. Try to complete the obstacle course as fast as you can and see if you can beat my score! Let me tell you, I'm getting pretty good at it!" Romani laughed and surprised herself. She had never thought she would be so light-hearted at this time. No, never would she have thought. But Link always did make her happy; like a repellent to her worries.

With a wink and a nod, Link steadied himself on his mount. Romani stepped back and began counting backwards from three. She hit zero and Link left his starting position in the blink of an eye. His golden blond hair and green tunic shot backwards, fluttering only slightly under the wind pressure. Epona's white main and tail flowed gracefully behind them, as her feet pounded the ground at a rapid pace. Romani began her tedious task of timing him, staring after him as he pulled his bowstring back.


Author's Note: Chapter two is complete! The rest is on its way, just be patient! Hope it satisfies any expectations!