Karzad and Nayru stood at the gate of the castle. They were both clothed in soft cotton garments and long grey cloaks, of a light but warm fabric. They were loaded down with supplies. Karzad had a satchel slung over his shoulder, stuffed with food and medicines. Nayru's utility belt's pockets were stuffed with all sorts of potions, weapons, and foods. They also both had bags absolutely bursting with rupees. Nayru had her sword, slingshot, boomerang and shield, while Novur darted back and forth around her head, disappearing in and out of her shirt's pocket and Karzad carried a bow and arrow, and a long dagger with jewels at the hilt. They stood at the castle's gate, where Zelda stood beside them, smiling. "Good luck," She said softly, "I give you both my blessing on your journey, may the goddesses protect you." And then she turned and headed back toward the palace. Karzad and Nayru looked at each other, and then they set off.
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They had been travelling across Hyrule field, and the sun was beginning to sink. There was a mournful howl as the sun disappeared at last behind the horizon. They had been walking a short while, when they heard a rustling and scraping behind them. They turned and saw two disgusting red-eyed skeletons, walking toward them. "Stand back!" said Nayru, pulling out her blade. "What are those Novur?" she asked as they drew closer, "Stalchildren," Said Novur, "They're easy enough to kill, just stab them twice," "Right!" Said Nayru, as the one on her right came within striking distance. She swung her sword one, and lobbed its head off, then she struck it again, and with a shriek it's remains burst into flames, and quickly disintegrated into dust. She made powder of the one on her left as well and then paused to wipe the light perspiration from her forehead. "Thank goodness that's over," said Nayru, but then suddenly, the rustling and digging sound came again. They whirled around to see two, even larger Stalchildren creeping towards them. "Run!" said Novur, and she didn't have to say it twice, they ran, and soon reached the gates of an enormous farm of some sort. "Here!" Cried Karzad, and they rushed through the gates. The sun began to rise, as they collapsed on a heap in the cool grass of the farm. They surveyed their surroundings. There was a large old ranch house there, and a barn across the way, and they opened up to a pasture with a fenced in center, a large sign stood over a gate that read in letters of peeling red paint "Lon Lon Ranch".
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Somewhere nearby a rooster crowed, as the sun appeared in the sky. The door of the house opened and a grown woman came out of the door, she had a head of red hair, now streaked with grey, and she looked strong, and hardened by work. Nayru and Karzad stood up quickly, as the middle-aged woman looked at them in amazement. "Please ma'am, said Nayru boldly," We have been traveling all night and we came to this ranch to escape the Stalchildren that were chasing us." The woman said nothing, still surveying the travelers cautiously. "We were wondering if you could board us for a few hours, just so we could get some rest, we'd be willing to pay you." Nayru finished. The woman opened her mouth as if to say something, but at that moment Novur popped up out of Nayru's pocket, and seemed to strike the woman dumb. "you—you have a fairy?" She said after a moment. "Oh, her, yes," Said Nayru looking up at the bobbing blue ball, "That's Novur," "And what might your name be?" Said the woman, "My name is Nayru, and this is my companion, Karzad," Said Nayru, "And might I ask you the same question?" Said Nayru after a pause, "Oh, of course, my name is Malon, and I am the owner of this ranch, well, my husband and I are, that is," She said. "Pleased to meet you," said Nayru, holding out her hand. Malon took her hand and shook it firmly. "We don't get many travelers, but I think I can trust you," said Malon, "Come on into our house," She added, as she headed back for the door. They came into a warm kitchen, and were invited to sit down, "Go ahead," Said Malon, "Unload some of that gear, you must be weighed down like donkeys" Said Malon chuckling, and busying herself about the stove. Karzad unloaded his satchel and sat, Nayru took off her shield and sword, and just then Malon looked over. "Well that's a fine crafted Hylian shield if I ever saw one," she said, "They don't make them like that anymore," "No," Said Nayru, as she slung it onto the floor, "It was my father's" "Oh, was your father a soldier?" Asked Malon, "You could say that," Said Nayru, as she began to unbuckle the strap of her sword. "My that's a fine blade you carry, what craft is it?" Asked Malon "Kokiri, I believe," Said Nayru absentmindedly, drawing the blade and looking at it closely. But as Nayru said it there was a crash, as Malon dropped the pitcher of milk she had been holding. She took no mind of it as she stood there, amazed. "Kokiri? Is that what you said?" Said Malon slowly, her eyes widening, "Yes," said Nayru looking at Malon as if she was crazy, "It was my father's too, but I'm sure there are thousands of Kokiri crafted swords out there." Said Nayru uneasily. "No," said Malon, "No, only one…" she said in a stunned tone "What are you talking about?" said Karzad after a pause. "Tell me—" said Malon, "Tell me your father's name," she said in a hoarse whisper, "L—Link," Said Nayru, looking at Malon confusedly, and Malon fell to the floor in a dead faint.