This bit is a bit intense. I told you how I feel about animal cruelty. Inga will get what's coming to her for this. As always, I don't own Legend of Zelda.
A rooster crowed. Malone shifted against me and cursed. I was roughly abandoned as Malone jumped up and searched for his boots. I sat up and stretched. Malone only flushed a light scarlet this time. I smirked and he smiled back. Then a harsh voice called, "Malone! Get down here!"
"Just a second," he replied. Malone pulled on his boot and whispered, "I need my jacket back."
I took it off and held it out with a raised eyebrow. Malone gave me a helpless look and reached for it. I spotted my jewelry and tunic and put them on as Malone donned the jacket. I grabbed a pair of Malone's trousers and pulled them on. Then I began fighting with my hair. I really had no idea what to do with it.
From below we heard, "Now, Malone!"
"I'm coming!" I watched Malone go to the ladder. Before he dropped down, he whispered, "Stay here. I'll be back as soon as I can."
I nodded and Malone disappeared below. I heard him trot away. I looked between the cracks in the floorboards and saw Malone walk over to pick up a bucket. Inga stated matter of fact, "The morning chores aren't done."
Malone said, "I'm sorry. I overslept."
As he spoke, Inga walked over and when he stood back up, she slapped him across the face. His head turned with the force of it. I had to cover my mouth to stifle a gasp. Inga walked away and replied, "See that it doesn't happen again."
Malone stood there for a few seconds and flinched when the barn door slammed. I waited for Malone to move, begged silently for him to do something⦠anything. His hand clenched a fist. It took more control for him to stay there and do nothing. I knew he wanted to fight back. He let out a frustrated sigh and resumed the chores. He left and I jumped up.
Malone was a sweet kid, but I could see he had really grown as a man in my absence and I would be damned if I let him fight alone. He had the courage to fight, but was unable to. I would do it for him. I threw on the rest of my gear as Malone came back into the barn.
I dropped down and landed in a silent crouch. Malone sat on a stool milking one of the cows in front of me. He turned to glance at the door. A faint bruise that hadn't been there earlier lined his cheek. I stalked soundlessly to him and placed my hands on his shoulders.
He jumped up and stared angrily at me. "Damn it, Link! I told you to stay in the loft!"
"And you said she only mistreated the animals," I hissed vehemently back.
We glared at each other before the barn door opened. Malone grabbed me and spun to push me against the stall. He covered my mouth and blocked me from view. I was keenly aware of how close we were once again. And of how tall Malone had become. I could smell his skin, a soft mixture of wood smoke and sweet grain. It was tempting to lean into him just to get a better feel for his body curved into mine.
Inga interrupted, "When you're done here, bring that filly, Epona, into a separate paddock."
"Yes, Inga."
Inga snorted in derision and left. We heard her boots as she passed the barn to the corral. When he was sure she was gone, Malone lowered his hand, but made no move to leave me. When I could speak, I said lowly with more than a hint of desire, "I think you enjoy doing this."
Malone held his face close to mine. Our breath mixed and his lips brushed mine as he whispered, "You're going to be the death of me, fairy girl."
I looked into his eyes and asked under my breath, "How many times do I have to tell you to call me Link?"
He gazed at me with those striking blue eyes and my heart did that strange dance from the night before. My breathing quickened and I could tell Malone felt what I did. With forced control, Malone took a deep breath and released it before letting go of me. He took a step back and I stood there weakly, glad for the wall behind me.
I sighed and turned once I felt I could stand on my own. Malone asked, "Are you going to leave again?"
I kept walking and answered, "Not if I can help it."
"Wait."
I looked over my shoulder at him. He came up behind me and ran a hand through my hair. "You need to tie this back. It will only be in the way." He bit his lip and asked, "Let me do it?"
I nodded slowly. He took my hand and led me to the milking stool. I ran a hand over the cow before sitting. My hair hung to the floor. Malone chewed his lip and said, "This won't work. Sit on the fence."
My feet hung as I obeyed. Malone began working. He wove an intricate braid and used a leather strap from around his wrist to secure it. I cursed as the weight settled against my back and said under my breath, "It'd be easier to cut it all off."
"I thought it was beautiful."
Malone lifted me off the fence and pulled me against him once more. I whispered regretfully, "I need to go."
"I understand." After a moment, he released me. If I didn't leave now, I wasn't sure I'd want to. I left the barn, trying to gather my thoughts.
I walked to the corral, glad Navi was out of sight. Inga stood by the gate. All the horses were shut inside. Inga saw me and gave an insincere smile. I gathered my courage and walked to her.
She said, "It's been a while since we had a visitor. Would you like to ride the horses?"
I asked, "What do you charge?"
Her grin failed for an instant before plastering back on. "The first ten minutes are free, but it's ten rupees for every minute after that."
I pulled a purple rupee out of my wallet and said, "Tell me when one minute remains."
She nodded and opened the gate when I tossed her the coin. I walked in and looked at all of them. I spotted what I was looking for and pulled out my ocarina. I began to play and the red horse with the white face ran out from amidst the herd.
Epona stopped and gave me a quizzical look that said she only responded because of the song. I leaned my head against her neck and whispered, "I know you don't recognize me, but I need your help. Lend me your strength, please."
For a second I thought I was being stupid. Animals couldn't understand me. She blew air out of her nostrils. I got the distinct feeling she was trying to identify me. Then Epona turned to let me mount up and her eyes regained their wild free look from when we were younger.
I put my hands on her withers and rump and pushed up. Epona shifted beneath me, getting used to my weight. There wasn't much to hold onto. All I sat on was a thin blanket strapped around her stomach. There were no stirrups or bridle and reins. The one other time I had ridden pushed to the front of my memory. The way Talona had gripped the horse with her knees and the feel of her body posture helped me get my form.
I called out and Epona responded. I remembered the feel of the horse's movement and leaned forward. Epona leapt ahead, eager to show off. I grinned as I rode, the imminent danger forgotten for a moment. Epona followed my lead perfectly, as if we were made to be partners. Navi had left the haven of my hat to fly beside us, laughing as he stretched his wings.
We ran amongst the other horses and started a race around the corral. Two fences were set up and Epona charged at one. The horses around us avoided it, but before I could change direction, Epona dug in with her hind legs to make us soar over the fence.
I kneed her to a prancing stop and leaned over her neck. "Warn me the next time you plan on doing that."
Epona tossed her head and whinnied happily, bouncing on her back feet but not enough to toss me. I smiled at her antics. A shrill whistle cut through our fun. I heard Inga shout, "One minute remaining."
I wanted to believe that she could understand me. My voice dropped as I whispered, "I want to save this ranch, but first I need to get you out of here. I trust you, Epona. Do you trust me?"
Epona snorted and I took it as a yes.
Navi asked as I trotted Epona back to Inga, "Are you going to fight her?"
I set my jaw and answered, "If it comes to that, I'll have no choice. But first, I'd like to try speaking her language. You should hide in my hat. This isn't going to be the smartest thing I've ever done."
Navi smirked and said as he hid, "You say that every time you don't do what I recommend."
I would have retorted, but we were back at the gate. Inga eyes held a little respect for me as I stopped before her. She said, "You have some skill."
I gave a flashy smile and bluffed, "My family raises the white horses of the Gerudo. I had heard this ranch raised the wildest mounts in all of Hyrule and wanted to see if it was true."
Inga's eyes narrowed shrewdly as she listened. She asked, "How do my horses compare to rumor?"
I waved a hand and said with an easy grin, "They seem fairly docile to me, but a chase always brings out the true nature of the steed."
Inga gave a cocky smirk and asked, "Are you challenging me to a race on my own ranch?"
I knew I shouldn't, but I couldn't resist an extra taunt. It was meant to be as a joke, but I found my voice dropping its light nature as I said, "Rumor also told that this ranch wasn't originally yours. That you gained it through dishonest means only a few years back."
Inga frowned and I knew she had taken the bait. She said snidely, "How 'bout a gamble? You use that horse against one of my own. Whoever wins is the better rider."
I asked, "What are the terms?"
Inga pulled out the purple rupee I had paid with and said, "Fifty apiece. Winner takes all."
Inga was so sure she was going to win. I wasn't sure I could. It also didn't help that my wallet was empty. I cocked a grin and said, "Deal."
Inga whistled and a plain bay horse trotted over. Its eyes held defeat. Inga didn't hold the heart of this beast. I felt my odds raise a fraction knowing I rode Epona.
As she mounted, Inga said, "One time around the corral should do. Gate's the starting point. On my mark, three, two, one!"
Epona shot off from the gate. We had an early lead, but Inga was catching up. Around the first bend, Epona cut as close as possible to the fence. I glanced over my shoulder. Inga was moving up on my left. I spurred Epona on and moved to bar Inga's path.
We rounded the last corner. Epona put on a burst of speed and pulled away from the nag Inga rode. Epona and I won the race.
I leaned back to rein Epona in. She pranced with flared nostrils and kicked. Her sides heaved and I ran a hand over her neck. "Easy, girl, easy, we're almost there."
Inga looked like she wanted to throw something as she stomped over to me. I sat on my high horse and grinned. "I believe you owe me fifty rupees."
Inga's face reddened in barely concealed rage. She flipped the rupee to me and turned to go. I knew it wouldn't do any good to leave when my job was only half finished. I taunted, "I guess we know who the best rider is. It's a shame you can't uphold the honor of this ranch."
She stopped walking and I leaned forward in the saddle. I said glibly, "I can't imagine what Guinan would think if she found out about this."
Inga was shaking in anger. She all but shrieked, "I demand a rematch!"
"Oh, you demand, do you?" I asked dangerously, "And what would be my reward when I won?"
Inga's eye twitched and she said lowly, "If you win, you can keep the horse."
We glared death at each other. She had fallen for it. I nodded and kneed Epona back to the starting line. Inga mounted beside me and I said, "Three, two, one!"
Inga took off a half-second too early and I cursed. Epona saw the horse in front of her and whinnied in challenge. We were neck and neck rounding the second corner.
When Inga had been behind us, I hadn't seen her riding style. The nag she rode looked ready to collapse. She beat it relentlessly to force it on. If I had any doubt this place was in danger, it was gone, replaced with pure fury at this evil woman.
I called out to Epona, letting my emotions show. Epona responded in kind. We practically flew as we gained the lead and kept on charging. When we crossed the finish line, my vision ran red and I instinctively drew the Master Sword. Navi emerged and glowed yellow as he looked for enemies. Epona ran around in the space we had, kicking and biting.
Slowly, I regained my senses and sheathed my sword. I calmed Epona and turned to look at Inga. Her anger from before was replaced with fear. I could only imagine the thoughts running through her head.
Epona walked toward Inga and the woman backed away in newfound terror. "Is that Epona? How did you tame that wild horse from under my nose?"
I held her gaze with forced calm and said, "I won fairly. Keep you end of the bargain."
Inga backed up and gave a crazed smile. "Very well, the horse is yours. However, I will never let you leave this ranch!"
She slammed the gates and I heard them lock. Epona and I were shut inside the pasture. Epona bucked and I glared one last second before spurring Epona away. We would not be held prisoner! I ran the perimeter of the ranch looking for an escape route. The walls were made of wooden posts that looked too high to jump and were too close to see beyond. I wouldn't test it only to have Epona break a leg or become impaled. Epona grew frustrated and I was quickly losing patience.
As I returned to the gate of the pasture, Inga mocked, "You act as though it is you who is afraid of being caged! But maybe that's just what a wild mare like you needs. I'd be happy to oblige you."
We both knew she wasn't talking about Epona. I grew sick at her words. She was truly a twisted individual and I had no doubt she would follow through with her intent. Epona pulled to walk away, not obeying my command. She stopped at the corral and turned to face the gate. My eyes flashed and I grinned as I realized what she was going to do.
Inga watched us, trying to figure out our plan. Her eyes widened in panic as I kneed Epona directly at her.
We flew over the gate and Inga dived to avoid deadly hooves. As we landed, Epona drove forward toward Hyrule Field. I heard a door open and looked back to see Malone staring in shock as we fled the ranch. Then we were around the bend and out of sight.
Epona ran wild and I let her. After our close call, we both needed to release tension. We stopped at the stream from Zora's Domain. Epona drank her fill from the cold waters.
I dismounted and checked her over. Apart from a few small cuts that could have been acquired anywhere, she was in good shape. Malone had probably done everything he could to keep her healthy.
At the thought of him, I groaned and lay back on the hill. I had planned to take him as well, even if I had to tie him to the horse. With the way everything had gone, I could only hope he was alright.
I said to Navi, "Maybe I should have fought Inga."
Navi chuckled nervously and I felt the thud of Epona's hooves as she walked over. A soft horse nose was thrust into my face. I stroked the side of her head and said, "I promise I'll get you home as soon as it's safe."
Epona nibbled my hair. I laid there in the sun. Epona wandered off to graze and I thought about everything that had happened since I had woken up in the Sacred Realm. I remembered the mysterious woman from the temple. Zelda's words came back to me. I knew Sario was waiting for me, but I couldn't help him. I couldn't even help Malone.
"How am I a hero if I can't save anyone?" I asked with my eyes shut. I hated the desperate whine that entered my voice. It just made it more obvious I wasn't cut out for this.
Navi whispered, "You have saved someone. Epona is here and Malone knows you aren't dead."
There was something in his tone that said he knew more than he told. I asked, "What aren't you telling me?" Navi pursed his lips. I flipped onto my stomach and demanded, "Tell me what you know."
Navi's eyes creased in that same worried fear from last night in the loft. He said, "I was sealed with you in the Sacred Realm, but I could see what was happening in Hyrule. How do you think I knew about the redeads! I had never seen them in person before, but I saw the carnage they left behind. I failed when you were hurt and I thought I was going to lose you.
"Then that boy found you and he saved you where I couldn't. He isn't the only one to think you were dead when you were sealed away. Malone was so confused when he found you. He wouldn't allow himself to think of you as anything but a patient until you were well. The hope you gave would have been worthless if you died."
I asked, "Why did I give him hope, Navi? I was just a fairy girl to him."
"Why do you think he gave you that nickname?" I frowned, but Navi continued quietly, "You'd rather have him than me."
I said, "No one could replace you, Navi. You are my partner. And I don't understand my feelings anyway. Nothing I felt makes sense."
It was Navi's turn to show surprise, but he didn't say anything more.
No matter what was going on, that didn't change the fact that Navi was my fairy. Navi said thoughtfully after a moment, "Maybe you would have known if you hadn't been locked away." He paused and said, "Do you really mean that you want me to be your partner?"
His concern caught my off guard. I reassured him, "I would have no other."
I stood and said, "Well, if we need to get to Kakariko, we might as well go now."
Navi nodded and flew beside me to Epona. I had already delayed far too long and doing nothing wouldn't help anyone. I wasn't sure how Epona would handle the steps cut into the mountain, but she took them in stride.
The first people I saw were the brothers from Castle town who joked about everything. As I rode past, I heard one say something about the grave-keeper's ghost and treasure. Then I was past and taking in the rest of the town.
Everywhere I looked, I saw familiar faces. Most were refugees, but some weren't. The carpenters had done a lot for this town and the new buildings sat beside old. I also noticed something odd about the atmosphere. It reminded me of the anticipation before a thunderstorm. The people were nervous and moments from fear at any time. This safe haven could be ripped apart with little to no warning and they all knew it.
A girl a few years younger than me ran in front of Epona and the horse sidestepped anxiously. The girl called a quick sorry, before trying to flee. I recognized her as the cuckoo girl from Castle Town Market and asked, "Excuse me, but-"
The girl turned scared eyes at me before running into a house. I tried to talk to a few others, but no one would speak to me. Navi whispered, "They're afraid of you."
I felt hurt and rode to the graveyard entrance. Epona planted her feet and wouldn't go any farther. I dismounted and ran a hand along her neck before going ahead.
A sign sat beside the graveyard entrance. 'Dampe's heart pounding midnight tour.' Was that the grave-keeper the man had mentioned? I wandered around, looking at the names on the headstones. I saw the caretaker's name and stopped. The boy's words from before about the grave keeper crossed my mind. If the woman had taken a treasure to her grave, I'd have to get in to figure out what it was.
I walked to the back of the nameplate and took hold. The Goron Bracelet made my job much easier. It only went halfway up my forearm instead of around my bicep now that I was older. I walked around the headstone and looked in the grave. To my surprise, a hole dropped into the earth. I sat on the edge and plunged feet first into the abyss.
A floating apparition hovered before me when I landed. The ghost of Dampe cackled happily and said, "You're the first to visit me."
I crossed my arms and said with as much sincerity as I could, "It's quite the place you've got here."
Dampe grinned and said, "So you got my message. I was wondering if anyone would find it." I raised an eyebrow. Dampe asked, "Didn't you find the journal in my old shack?"
I shook my head and Dampe frowned. It quickly disappeared and she said, "No matter. Keep up with me in a timed race and I'll give you my greatest treasure."
I nodded and Dampe pulled out a stopwatch and lantern. She clicked the first item and started off. Flames left by her lantern guided me through the maze. As I dodged monsters, near death experiences, and heart stopping drops, I reminded myself to yell at Zelda the next time I saw her.
A final jump and a slammed wall later, Dampe gave me her hookshot and told me to come back again. The Song of Time moved a large blue block and I found myself in the windmill. I dropped down. The mill man jumped in fright and then mumbled something about the mill spinning out of control.
I pulled out my ocarina to try to calm him down. At the sight of the blue musical instrument, he grew angry and said, "That reminds me of when that brat played that strange song. Nothing's been right ever since."
He played his song and I repeated the hauntingly beautiful notes. The magic of the song or that of the ocarina made the sky cloud over and rain started to pour. Navi said helpfully, "You've learned the song of storms."
I exited the mill and walked around in dejection. Not only was no one talking to me, it was now raining. Epona nudged me with her nose and walked beside me. The man in the blue robe from Castle Town saw me, but I didn't even bother going to talk to him. I was surprised when I heard him call out, "Are you quite all right, young lady?"
I stopped and rubbed my eyes. "Not really. I'm a long ways from home and you're the first person to talk to me."
He smiled sadly and said, "Seems like everyone has a story like yours. If you need somewhere to stay, the woman in the house at the bottom of the stairs to the mountain will let you spend the night."
I put on a weary smile and thanked him. I went to impose on the woman's hospitality. It sounded like the lady who had housed the carpenters while they were here. I opened the door and walked in. The woman was at the stove and the owner of Richard the dog was here as well.
The woman at the stove turned and I started to say, "I don't mean to imposeā¦"
"Oh don't worry, dear. The more the merrier."
Her smile was just a bit forced. I wore an emotionless mask to hide my thoughts. Suddenly I heard a loud snort and turned to the origin of the sound. A figure on the bed was swaddled in blankets. I couldn't tell who it was, but the memory of a person sleeping while they shouldn't be came to mind.
I reached out a hand to wake them. It was clear they were having a nightmare. Miss hospitality said, "I'm afraid that's not going to work. That person tries to forget reality in the land of dreams. It'll take more than you to wake them."
I thought about what could have caused such sadness and anger that someone would want to stop living. I steadied my hand and pulled back the blanket. My eyes widened. Talona lay before me. She looked like longer than seven years had passed. Her long brown hair was turning gray and deep lines ran along her face.
I sat on the edge of the bed. Talona flinched, still asleep. Her face twisted in pain and her hands clenched sporadically. I gripped one of her hands and felt Talona dig her nails into my palm as she grasped at any comfort.
Eventually, her convulsions stopped. I released her hand and covered her with the blanket. As I walked away, I heard her whisper, "I'm sorry, Malone."
Outside, I leaned into Epona. I whispered, "Talona won't forgive herself. She blames everything that has happened on herself."
Navi said, "You know this is Guinan's fault. Let's get to the forest and start making her pay."
I felt my resolve harden and mounted up. Epona understood my need for vengeance and tore out of Kakariko like a steed from hell with me as her demon rider sent to condemn those worthy of my wrath.
I rode in a blind rage. The only thing grounding me was the bleeding cuts on my palm from Talona's nails and the movement of Epona. At the forest entrance, Epona practically sat to stop herself. I barely stayed in the saddle.
I tried to get her to continue, but she bucked and backed away. Navi explained, "If she comes with us, I don't know what the forest will do to her."
I dismounted and ran a hand over Epona's nose and cheek. Her eyes were rolling in panic and she stepped about nervously. I asked, "What's wrong, Navi?"
He looked into the trees and said, "Evil is in the forest."
A gust of wind blew and Epona bucked, tearing free of my hold and fleeing. I stared at the forest and drew my sword and shield. Navi and I entered to face the force that gripped my home.
Cliffhanger! I have everything planned out for the forest temple, but very little actually scripted. This will be the last update for at least a week. Does anyone remember the names of the Poe Sisters? I always forget if they have given names.
Please read and review and I will tell you a funny story that happened when I was typing out my sequel title.
