Disclaimer: I do not own The Legend of Zelda

WARNING MATURE CONTENT!

MALON AND ELIJAH

Behind closed eyes she lost all will and control over herself. She fell adrift in the waters of carnal pleasure. Her wistful moans were deafening when his lips would part from hers. Steam rose from their skin, suddenly the cool waters were not chilling they were refreshing amidst a plethora of fire and passion flowing through their bodies like a dance. The rhythm of their hearts in unison setting the sultry beat. There was a pull from her core, almost vibrating, when his hands, open palmed, dragged down from her shoulders and clasped her bottom lifting her to his body. On instinct she wrapped her legs around his waist, the friction of her movements drove him into a thrilling madness. One of his hands traced back up her side and teased the edge of her breast with a slow graze as he continued moving higher sending shivers down to her hips. His fingers entwined in her hair once more, she ground into him, he growled and closed his fingers in her silky strands of rouge and lifted her face away from his. Elijah could feel his manhood aching to be inside her, an almost painful desire and yet he resisted. He rested his forehead on hers and listened to their uneven breaths before he spoke. She could feel her chest against his, the touch sending tingling chills up her neck.

"I know…that this is what I want." He said in between breaths. "I yearn to have my way with you right here and now. I crave to make you mine and have you forget any and everything." He chuckled softly, untangling his hand from her hair and pulling one of her arms down to lace his fingers with hers. "Scar, if you asked it of me…this instant…I would forsake the world for you. We could ride out, leave this world behind, to live in peace away from all of this, far, far away. No one would ever catch wind of us again." He moved their hands over his chest and laid her small hand over his heart. "You have my heart. And you have all of me. If you would only give me your heart, all of you, I could make you the happiest woman in existence."

Tears flowed down Malon's cheeks, she bit her lip as she pulled away to look him in the eye, "I can't…despite everything, despite not being able to be with Link or that he is going to wed another I still love him. I would be lying if I told you that I could give you my heart and all of me with it, and I don't want to lie." She shook her head, "Not to you. There's no denying that there is an attraction between us, and I know that I have grown really close to you. I would give my life for you…but not to you. Perhaps one day, when I have completely let him go I can try but…not right now…I-I-I don't even know why I let this get this far…I'm so sorry." She unwrapped herself from him and used her arms to cover herself as she made her way to the shore and grabbed her shirt and belongings. "I'm heading back towards the clearing…I'm so sorry Elijah. I never meant to hurt you." She turned away from him and slipped on her shirt making her way back.

Elijah stood in the water, staring at his hands, unable to process what had just happened. He had her, she was there in his arms one moment, kissing him and giving herself to him and the next she was gone. Had he ruined their moment by confessing his love to her? How had that ruined everything? Doesn't that usually encourage a woman to give herself entirely to her lover? That was it though, he was not her lover. He had approached her during a moment of vulnerability, and taken advantage of her feelings of betrayal and abandonment. She was lonely and he had needed her touch, ached for it but he hadn't cared how it happened. If anything, he had only hurt her by placing another burden on her shoulders…him.

He finished washing off, submerging himself completely underwater for a moment before heading back to the clearing after her. His mind was set, he was going to apologize for everything and resume his role of guard until the right time came along to release her. He didn't even know why he had initiated something like this, now that his mind was clear and she was not near he reminded himself that he was a servant of his King and Country first, and a man last. And then there was the promise he had made to himself long ago…

He reached the clearing and saw her sitting on the ground by the tent. Her knees up to her chest with one arm carelessly wrapped around them, her small fingers carelessly toying with the blades of grass. She had put on a fresh shirt and pants but her feet were bare and her silky hair had been brushed and let loose cascading around her shoulders. "Scarlett, I wish to apologize for my actions. I let my emotions take hold of me and made an offer that I couldn't live up to. I have said it before but I'll say it again, I serve my King and Country first, and by offering you a future with me I have betrayed myself. I lied, Scarlett. I could not have made you happy." He watched her carefully, a pleasant smile on her face, she seemed to not have heard him. "Scarlett?"

Elijah kneeled in front of her, "I understand. The curious thing is that when I left you all I could think about was how foolish I had been to leave. I could have been honest but still remained where I was with you and tried, truly tried to love you with everything that I am. I mean, there you were, this fierce but loving man offering me a new life, filled with happiness and peace and I just walked away." Elijah's heart thrummed loudly against his chest, he had been mistaken once again. If he would have only been patient with her, he could have had her. Now what could he say? "But don't worry. I could never live with myself if you were not true to yourself. You have a duty to fulfill, and I am just in the way. That seems to be my curse. I was in the way of your King with Link and I was removed. Now I am doing it once more. Clouding your judgment and standing in the way of your principals as a man of King and Country." She smiled and bowed her head low, 'It seems it would be best if I just disappeared…' the thought drifted through her mind brutally stabbing at her heart.

He could see the tears glistening on her face, he was at a loss for words. Feeling as though his entire world had crumbled underneath him, his demented sense of duty was impeding his happiness and yet he knew deep down that he had his own personal mission to fulfill before he could ever make anyone happy. If he was honest with himself, he didn't even know if he would survive it. Being with her had made him nearly forget the reason why he had wanted to become the strongest in the first place. She was like a drug, numbing his senses and keeping him in a state of bliss, unable to recall any feelings of vengeance. "It's better this way. Trust me." She nodded and rested her head on her knees. "I'm sure it is." He walked past her and went into the tent to hide his pain. As soon as he was in the safety of darkness he slumped onto the ground, his fists trembling against the dirt, "Forgive me Scar…"

After a long while Malon took a much needed deep breath, expanding her stiff lungs and letting the air into her hollow soul. She felt numb, and yet it was as though she were teetering on the precipice of a giant cliff, no turning back, but failing to fall to her inevitable doom. Feeling lost a warm feeling took over from within and she sang. She laid herself down on the grass, her hair splayed around her like small red wings, and her hands rested beside her in a V shape. Her eyes scanned the sky, the multiple tones of orange, pink and violet brought back into her thoughts what was happening elsewhere at this precise moment. Not wanting to linger on those thoughts she closed her eyes instead and simply sang her beloved mother's song.

AT LON LON RANCH

The skies had begun to change in hue, announcing the setting of the sun. It would soon be time to start the funeral, Hylians were walking through the iron gates and standing together in the field. Lanterns were being handed out to each individual, along with a candle, for the end of the funeral. Link stood in her house, keeping Ingo company on their small dining table. Ingo held his head with his hands but remained silent. "It's almost time Ingo." The broken man nodded, not wanting to move, and yet he made an effort and stood ready to face the truth he so longed to avoid.

Everyone stood quiet, a solemn face on each and every citizen present. There were chairs spread across the field with a small podium at the entrance to the corral. As soon as everyone was seated Ingo entered the corral followed by Link and finally the Princess. Zelda stood at the podium and addressed everyone, "Citizens of Hyrule, we gather tonight in remembrance of a bright young woman whom has left this world too soon.-"Link's heart beat loudly in his chest, a deafening pressure silenced Zelda's words, and he closed his eyes. Somewhere, somewhere far off in the distance like a faint whisper in the wind Malon's voice reached him. Link placed his hands over his face, 'I can hear you…your beautiful voice…' He felt a warm hand touch his shoulder and he looked up to meet Zelda's sad eyes, "It's time Link." He nodded and cleared his throat, his heart still pounding against his chest, but he needed to speak.

Link came forward taking Zelda's place at the podium. "Malon was special to me. From the moment our eyes met for the first time, I knew she would be forever a part of me. That fiery red hair, those brilliant blue eyes that shone with starlight, I love her like no other." He looked onto the crowd, many had tears in their eyes, others looked lost in a cloud of sadness, he continued, "She was kind to me, befriended me before anyone else in Hyrule. After I met her that was it, she became my reason for existing…my reason for pushing myself and never give up. She gave me courage when I lacked it, she gave me hope when I was lost, a simple smile lit up my day like the radiance of the sun. I fell in love with her, hopelessly in love, because she saw me like no one else did. She saw my soul, and I saw hers. I wasted time, not being by her side like I wanted to, I know that is something everyone thinks when a loved one passes, wasted time…" He paused, bending over the podium, feeling broken once more. Taking a deep breath he reached into his side pouch and pulled out his Ocarina. He placed it against his lips and as his mind filled with the memory of Malon's beautiful face basking in the sunlight, a smile dancing on her lips as the wind tousled her scarlet locks behind her, and so he played her mother's song.

The notes carried out into the night sky, tears fell from everyone's eyes as they listened to the love pouring out from his instrument. The horses neighed in the background and stomped their hooves against the ground and he remembered everything. Each second of every moment he had spent with her, every tear, every hug, every smile, every frown, and every kiss, no matter how few. At the end of her song all the lanterns were lit, "Rest in peace, my love. I will see you again." He put his ocarina away and took the lit lantern from Zelda's hands, as soon as he released his lantern the crowd followed and they drifted away like a river of stars flowing towards heaven.

Ingo stood in the background, unable to speak as he gazed in awe at all the lanterns floating away. Link turned to face him, "Ingo…" Ingo raised his hand to stop him from speaking and turned to walk away but not before speaking out quietly so that only Link could hear, "Please…don't come back, take Epona and never return…don't think I could bear it." Link took a step back, shock coursing through him, 'Never return to Lon Lon Ranch?' He looked around, the corral, the house, the barn, and the ruins…he nodded slowly understanding precisely why he had spoken those words. He turned to look at Zelda, his eyes wide and unable to breathe properly, but she understood. Zelda nodded her head and mouthed a silent 'Go.' before he took off running past Ingo, and out the gate. He was hurt by Ingo's demand, he understood it, but being unable to return to what once was her home…no…'Her home is in my heart. Now and forever.' He confirmed in his head as he decided that he would take his father's offer and return to Osirian as soon as possible. He ran as far as his legs carried him before the blind sense of direction brought an idea forth and now out in the middle of Hyrule field he looked above him and followed the trail of lights that went in the direction of the forest.

'Saria…' A small smile crossed his lips. With that he called Epona and began to make his way towards his most cherished friend.

MALON

Elijah had been inside the tent for a long time now. The night had settled in, the pale waning moon offering the only light. Malon had packed a few supplies and was ready to leave the clearing, with one last glance towards the tent she marched herself back towards the spring to gather a few herbs before her journey and decided she would find her way to Noreyes. Away from Hyrule, and away from Osirian. Perhaps once in the Kingdom of Noreyes she would gather more supplies and truly journey across the world.

Malon bent over the small spring and splashed some cool water on her tear stained face, she sighed staring at her reflection. "Have courage…Have courage…"She bit her lip and forced down the ache in her throat that would only be followed by her tears. Putting the last of the herbs into a satchel she began to stand only to tense and crouch down again as she heard a sound of someone or something shuffling behind the bushes across from the spring. She took a quick survey of what was immediately around her to use as a weapon but her swords were too far away, her hands would have to suffice. "Come on…come at me!" She shouted as she readied herself for what was next.

EARLIER WITH LINK AND SARIA

Saria sat on her stump under the Forest Temple with her knees drawn into her chest and her chin resting on her arms. She felt guilty for agreeing to silence…she knew that Link would come eventually and what would she do then? Would she follow through and lie to her dear friend? She had never lied to Link before…he was her dearest friend, and she was his most trusted most loyal friend. 'I protected him from so much growing up, how can I protect him now? What should I do? Oh great goddesses…great Deku Tree…anyone please help me…' A strong wind carried the dry leaves of autumn into the sky and tousling her emerald green locks about her sweet face. 'I don't know what that means…' Almost as though it were a reply Link had made it up the final step leading to the clearing.

He stood there, his silhouette that of the proud hero she always remembered. As he grew nearer his features came into view as the light of the faeries surrounding her created a dim glow. It was at this moment that she searched through his face, his tired eyes, his half-hearted smile, but she found that his pain overshadowed all that he once was. He was broken, and she could see into his soul that he would never be the same again. She sighed once more, she knew what she had to do…there was no doubt in her heart, mind and soul.

"Saria, my dear friend. How I've missed you." He bent down and scooped her tiny form into his arms for a gentle embrace. Saria buried her face in his shoulder and tried to keep her tears at bay but failed. Link noticed her distress and set her down before kneeling down face to face with her trembling form. "Hey, what's the matter?" Saria pushed her tears aside and looked deep into his mesmerizing blue eyes, she had to do it now, there was no holding back. "You're in pain, I can see it clear as day. She meant a lot to you, this Malon." Link's eyes dimmed as he averted her stare and turned his face slightly away. Saria took a deep breath and placed her hands on his face to gently turn him towards her once more. "Link, there is something I must tell you." Link smiled sadly at his childhood friend, "Tell me then, I am listening." She closed her eyes for a moment, to assert herself, and then spoke loud and clear. "Your suffering for this woman is senseless." Link's eyes widened in shock at Saria's words, he pulled away in slight horror at his friend's words, he couldn't believe it, this was not like his friend... "S-Saria...W-why…why would you say that? How could you say that?!" Saria narrowed her eyes at him and stood up to pace back and forth in front of her usual spot. "I don't know how to tell you, all I know is that I must. It is my duty as your best friend to end this delusion of pain that you are in. I could never forgive myself if I went on with this farce." She stopped pacing and turned to look directly into her friends' eyes, "She's alive Link. Malon is alive."

For what seemed like an eternity there was only silence between them. Only the forest creatures could be heard for miles until his whisper reached her ears. "She's alive…my love is alive" Seeing a sparkle of hope glint in his eyes Saria shook her head fervently and ran to him. He felt cold to the touch as she placed her small hands on his shoulders and with teary eyes she spoke with urgency, "You don't understand Link. She is alive but I saw her with another man! They were kissing and holding each other very close!" His face drained of color and that storm of blue in his eyes dulled out as he continued to stare with confusion at his friend. "She doesn't love you. My guess is she faked her death so she wouldn't have to tell you…or I don't know. I haven't figured it out yet…I don't understand her cowardice…I just know that I saw her."

Link closed his eyes and stood up dusting the grass from his tunic. He began to walk towards the entrance of the clearing when he stopped his advance. His hands formed into fists as he stood unmoving, "Where?" Saria hiccupped as she shook her head, "No…I-I won't tell you." "WHERE!?" His loud voice echoed and silenced the entire area. Saria's sobs carried in the wind as she collapsed on the tri force pedestal, "Link…please…" Her tears fell unto the tri force symbol, her arms trembled, "Please Link…it won't matter…" "It matters to me Saria. I have to know what happened. This….I should have gone with my instincts and investigated the matter more closely. I knew there was something more to her 'death', but my pain blinded me. I have to know what happened, or I will never have peace."

At this she could no longer hold back and she relinquished the information. He nodded back in her direction and thanked her while he began to make his way out of the forest. Saria sat there unable to move. She knew this was more or less how he would react. She hoped they were no longer there, and that Link would find nothing in relation to their relocation.

WITH LINK

He trudged through the woods, lost in the deep recesses of his mind he followed his feet mindlessly. After what seemed like an hour he came upon a small spring. He let his eyes trail he surroundings but nearly collapsed onto his knees when his eyes stopped upon a maiden with furious long locks of red hair. As he made to move closer his feet made a sound and caught her attention. Blazing blues searched for the source of the sound as stormy blue eyes bored onto her fair face and drank in her beauty.