Arranged Love

A Malon and Link Story

Chapter 4: Meet, Greet and Surprise

"So," Link said "You must be Malon."

". . . I just said that, but yeah, I'm Malon." Malon giggled nervously.

"Oh. Right. Heh heh." Link chortled.

'Damn! I had a month and I never even thought of what to say! I'm a total idiot!' Link cursed in his thoughts.

"Um," Malon cutted into his thoughts "Would you like a tour of the ranch?"

"Sure. That'd be great." He smiled.

Malon blushed at his heart-warming smile and started to walk toward the barn "Follow me."

"Wait," Link called out, remembering something. Malon quickly spun around and looked at him in wonder.

He pulled out the flowers from his pack. "For you." He simply stated.

The way Malon's face lit up when she saw the daisies, put a warm, happy feeling in Link's heart.

"Th-Thank you! I love daisies! They're so beautiful! How'd you know they're my favourite!" exclaimed Malon.

"Lucky guess, I suppose." He said, grinning.

"The vase is beautiful, too! But. . ." Malon frowned

"What's wrong? You don't like the colour or design?" Link asked, perplexed.

"No, that's not it at all!" she reassured him. "It's just that, it looks like you spent a lot of money and I don't know how I'll ever repay you!"

"Hm," He half-smiled "You could show me around like you said you would before."

Malon giggled. "Of course!" 'Hm. . . this guy's not so bad. . .'

And so, the two of them entered the barn.

"What fine bred horses and cows you have!" Link exclaimed "You sure have done your job well!"

A blush crept onto Malon's face, but she smiled widely "Why thank you! I love animals and taking care of them. Especially horses."

Link nodded his head "Yes, it shows."

"Do you, um, like animals?" Malon questioned.

"Sure I do! Animals are wonderful creatures."

"You like all animals?"

"Oh, um," Link furrowed his brows "I'm not going to lie; I have some serious issues with cuccos." Link shuddered in memory of all the times they attacked him.

Malon laughed "Cuccos are just hard to negotiate with."

Link grinned and gazed around the stables. His eyes landed on Epona. He walked over to her and smiled.

"This horse. . . she's beautiful!" Link exclaimed. "Do you mind if I ride her?"

"Oh!" Malon said, surprised "I'd let you, I really would! But Epona, she only allows me to come near her. Why? I don't know. Although, you're free to ride any other horse!"

Link nodded and smiled

"I'm going to put these lovely flowers away in the house. I'll be right back. You can choose a horse to ride if you'd like!" She said before walking out.

'I know exactly which horse to pick!' He grinned mischieviously.

He took his ocarina out of his pocket and played a familiar tune.

XxXxX

Malon was about to walk into the barn, until she heard a noise coming from the corral.

"Hyah!"

She quickly spun around and what did she see? There was Link, jumping fences, with. . . Epona?! She loudly gasped at this sight.

Just as Epona was about to make a great leap, Link saw Malon and dropped Epona's reins and fell off while he was in mid-air! He landed with a great Thud!

"Oh Goddesses!" Malon cried out, rushing to his aid.

Inside his hat, Navi winced. 'Two injuries in two days! Even he doesn't deserve that!'

Grunting, Link managed to sit up. "I'm okay. I should probably just rest a bit."

"Hm," Said Malon thoughtfully. Then she snapped her fingers. "I've got it!"

"Got what?" Link asked.

"I'll be right back!" she managed to say before dashing into the house. A few minutes later, she came out with a bottle filled with a white liquid.

"Lon Lon Milk," Malon stated "with it's many nutrients, soothes and heals wounds quite quickly."

Link smiled widely. "Thanks!" He gingerly lifted his arm to take the bottle, but he felt a sharp pain and quickly redrew it.

"I'm sorry, but would you. . .?"

"Uh, sure." She said. Malon tipped the bottle into his mouth. In a matter of moments, Link could feel his pain melt away.

"Thank you! I'm sorry for the trouble I've caused you." He said, his voice full of gratitude.

"It's no problem, really!" she said, relieved he was feeling better.

They just looked at eachother in silence for a few moments. It wasn't an awkward silence, just one that seemed to fit.

Until. . .

"Hey you love birdies! Y'all gonna sit out there all night or eat dinner!" Talon called out.

Malon laughed nervously "Oh Papa, he loves to joke!"

Link laughed "Is that so? He's right though, we should eat now."

XxXxX

Dinner consisted of: Stuffed Cucco, Potato Salad and an assorted variety of vegetables.

"There y'all go! Hope ya enjoy!" Talon said, putting the dishes on the table.

"You wont be joining us?" a confused Link asked.

"Naw! I'm pooped from all this hard work, so I'm goin' to get a lil shut eye." he replied "Don't worry, I trust you wont try anythin' funny with Mally." he laughed.

"Um. . ." Link said rubbing his neck nervously, which made Talon laugh even more.

"Son, you are too easy!" He laughed all the way up to his room.

"Uh, sorry. My father's a bit. . . odd at times." Malon said.

"Nah, don't be. He's kind of funny!" Link snickered.

"Hey, This food is delicious!"

"Thanks! So Mr Link, tell me more about yourself." said Malon

XxXxX

Link and Malon talked a lot that they didn't know how the time passed. At last, Link had to go.

"Wow! Look how dark it's gotten. I should really go." Said Link, looking at the stars.

"Yeah, you're probably right." Malon said, with a hint of disappointment in her voice.

They walked until they reached the entrance of Lon Lon Ranch.

"It was really great meeting you and I hope to see you again." Link grinned

"Yes, I would love to do this again!" Malon said "But there's just one question, how did you manage to tame Epona?!"

Link gulped. "Heh heh. Well, I thought that Epona only listened to you because of the song you sung earlier, so. . . I thought that this could help." he pulled out his ocarina.

"Amazing!" she said shaking her head. "Wait!"

"Yes?" Link asked

"You're going to Kakariko?"

"Yup."

"On foot?"

"Yup."

"At this time of night?"

"I'm sure you know the answer is, Yup."

"Well. . ." Malon started uncertainly "You could. . . take Epona, then bring her back later."

"Really! I'd love to!" he exclaimed.

"Okay, I'll bring her in a flash." Malon disappeared into the stables. Out she came, holding Epona's reins.

She handed him them to Link. "Please, do take excellant care for her!''

"I'll take care of her like my life depends on it." Link said, with a hand on his heart.

Malon's lips curved into a smile. "I trust you."

After another moment of silence, Malon spoke again.

"Well, Goodbye then. And have a safe trip back."

"Goodbye to you, too." Link said.

He then hesitated for a moment, then took her hand, leaned down and kissed it.

Malon blushed wildly as she looked at the spot where Link kissed her.

Link triumphantly mounted Epona and headed in the direction towards Kakariko.

XxXxX