Alright just so there's no confusion here, I changed the main character's name. I didn't like the old one, it didn't sound like something you'd see in a Zelda story, it was too...modern? Yeah that's the word I'm looking for. Anyway enjoy the story nonetheless!

Disclaimer: Don't Own Zelda Never Will


Chapter Three

Back At The Ranch

Upon leaving the bar I noticed several things. For one it had grown dark outside which I gladly embraced, all the more I could hide my face. Secondly the townsfolk had reappeared outside but I noticed the guards looked more alert. I shyly propped my tattered hood around my face in hopes of concealment. Lastly I noticed that the man in green, who had introduced himself as Link was carrying Lucy on his back. Lucy was laughing hysterically as she proceeded to steal his hat and perched it on her own head. It covered her eyes and nearly took up half her face. This made my stomach lurch, it was one thing for me to grow attracted to my victim, and it was an entirely different story with Lucy. The last time I'd seen her smile like this was a year ago when we were visiting an old family friend.

"How far away will we be going?" I asked curtly. I was hoping not far. My feet ached and throbbed with the pains of endless walking on hard dirt and stones all day long.

"Just a few miles south from here." I winced at the word miles. Link paused to take a break and laugh at Lucy who was still playing around with his hat. "Not up for the walk?" he prodded me, obviously catching the look of disgust on my face.

"Walking is fine." I lied. I didn't want to seem rude. Here this man who's willing to go out of his way and find me a place to stay and I don't want to be concerned about how many miles it'll be. I mean seriously, the last time I'd slept in a warm and sheltered home must've been months. I can barely remember what a bed feels like.

"Oh well that's too bad. I was hoping to take a few horses back but if you wanna walk that's fine with me." He smugly joked. This caught me off guard. I didn't know how to respond.

"Really!" Oops now I sound too excited. "I mean that would be great. Better than walking I mean…yeah." Wow I sound like an idiot. He let out a chuckle, at my excitement or stupidity, I couldn't decipher.

I could see now what he and Telma were talking off earlier in the bar. He led me and carried Lucy to behind the bar where a small stable was located. There was where he must've tied up his horse, a beautiful chestnut brown mare, with a sun bleached blonde mane that seemed to compliment the sort of heroic heir that he brought along. The other was a sort of older horse with a black coat lined with silver hairs. Its eyes were sunken in and it looked dead tired. The comparison between the two horses were unfathomable. I had the strange feeling that that's what Link and I looked like.

A strange sense of familiarity swept through me as I straddled the black old horse whose name was Phantom. I had Lucy in-between me and the stirrups, her blonde head swaying back in forth from sleepiness. I predicted that she'd be long gone by the time we reached our destined place.

"Do you know how to ride?" he asked, standing protectively below the horse making sure I wouldn't make a fool of myself and fool. I couldn't help but laugh. Did I know how to ride? I may be a little bit rusty but my family used to own a ranch. I was excellent at riding.

"You'll see." I said feeling more comfortable around him finally. I winked casually and watched as he straddled his horse as well. He landed on top almost as gracefully as I had before he kicked his mare off with a start.

I followed him as we trotted down a narrow and barren alleyway that led to the outskirts of Castle Town and out to Hyrule Field. As soon as we exited the narrow passage we began to run. "Do you want to race?" he smiled.

"Well, I'm sure I would beat you any other day but my horse looks like it's about to keel over at any moment. That and I don't know the way." I excused myself. The horse was old but I was still a little afraid to test out my old skills.

"Well, it's fairly easy to get to Ordon." Link yelled over the wind. "We'll race until we reach Kakariko Village. I'm sure Phantom will make it until then. He's stronger than you think. Unless, you're scared." He challenged. I was somewhat enraged by his cockiness. I was getting a lot of mixed feelings from this guy. One moment he was businesslike and held the authority of a man, the next he would act playful and boyish again like I imagined someone his age would. I wondered what his story was.

"Alright you're on. Hold on Lucy." I instructed before properly gripping the reins and getting ready to kick off. "Count of three. One," I began, Link braced himself also. "Two," I started, my face was concentrated. "Three, hey no fair you cheater!" before I had even stated three he had already began. I kicked my own horse and it started galloping across the planes. I completely forgot all about winning. The wind felt amazing in my hair, I felt liberated. Free again, like I hadn't felt in forever. The wind whipped my already tangled hair every which way. The air smelled sweat much more like I was used to, like honeysuckles. I hadn't taken the time to enjoy them like I did now. It was great. I felt like I was a child again and I wondered if this was the way Lucy saw the world. Carefree, safe, welcoming.

When I regained my senses I realized I wasn't far behind. I could see the turning point, which must be where Kakariko was located. I couldn't let him win. I kicked the already sprinting horse and it started bolting faster then I would've imagined. I saw Link mirror my image with Epona. She brayed and slowed. I laughed lightheartedly and saw that I had won.

Lucy re-opened her eyes and let out a sigh of relief. I had forgotten that she hated horses. "You could say I know how to ride." I joked. He scowled at me and rejoined by my side.

"Yeah just don't get lost." He instructed, I retook my place behind him and followed.

The trip to Ordon was a little long, but it was worth it. Ordon was probably one of the nicest villages I'd ever laid eyes on. It was small but cheerful. The grass was greener than any where else, the villagers all had nice well-kept houses, and there was a beautiful crystal clear spring nearby. When I got that money, this is the place where I'd like to live.

"Home, sweet home." Link declared as he swung off his horse. He didn't even bother tying her up. I figured this was on purpose for the horse stayed and began to nibble on the grass. "Good girl Epona." He patted her muzzle before handing her a sugar cube. "Here, I'll take your horse to Fado's after I drop you off at Jaggle and Pergie's." I hoped off the horse and cradled the sleeping Lucy in my arms. She was amazingly light, probably because she hadn't developed healthy eating habits yet. I felt guilty yet again.

Link grabbed the reins and led Phantom and I down to see the rest of the village. We stopped at a normal looking house that rested near a pond and consisted of a water mill. I assumed this was Jaggle and Pergie's. I could hear yelling from inside. "That's normal for them just walk in." Link stated, sensing my nervousness.

Link went to grab for the door handle but I stopped him. "What are you doing? That's rude! You have to knock first." I sternly stated. Link sighed and rapped on the door loudly. The yelling continued and nobody came to the door.

"What was it that you were saying?" he snidely asked. I could've assassinated him right then and there. But instead I rolled my eyes as he opened the door. The yelling I realized was directed towards two young boys that stood sheepishly as I entered. The yelling subsided when I entered and I blushed for the 1,000th time that night.

"Where are my manners? I'm Pergie. This is my husband Jaggle and our two sons, Talo and Malo." Her voice became darker when she said her sons names. I could tell by the context that they were in some sort of deep trouble.

"Hello." I waved shyly. This is ridiculous. I shouldn't be making acquaintances with these townsfolk. I made myself promise that I'd leave tomorrow. I'd have to get the "deed" done tonight. I hated myself at the moment. "My names Alusha." I say politely as I offer my hand out to shake. Instead of Pergie or Jaggle offering their hand back I just received a dirty look from the shorter of the two brothers.

"You're dirty." He said disapprovingly looking at my hand. I furrowed my eyebrows at him. His mother chided him before embarrassingly sweeping him behind her.

"Who's this?" she quickly changes the subject pointing at the little blonde ball I have cuddled up in my arms. Instantly the older boy takes a quick interest in what I have in my arms. I hold Lucy tighter to me getting defensive.

"This is Lucy." I say slowly and calmly hoping they didn't see my sudden territorial act. I can tell that Pergie wants me to hand her over. I end up giving Lucy away to the woman who is housing me, it feels weird.

"I expect you're tired. We've got a loft ready for you whenever you're ready." She smiles. She's not looking at me when she smiles though, she's looking at Lucy. I get the sudden urge to snatch her back and run. It's an odd feeling, I couldn't explain it.

I thank her again for her kindness and she shoos her own children and husband off to bed. The house is so small that you can see every room except for the parents whose room is hidden by a very secluded door. But other than that it was just open space. Very difficult to sneak out I noted. After Pergie and Jaggle and the kids bounded off to bed I went outside to say goodnight and sort of a final goodbye to Link. To my dismay I found out that he hadn't waited and had already left me. For his own bed perhaps?

After tucking Lucy into and under the covers I lay, I found myself restless and tired even hours later. Debating in my head, should I stay? Or should I go?