Chapter VI
The breeze lifted off of the rolling hills of Hyrule Field, and tree boughs shuddered in response; in anticipation. Winter was fast approaching, and within every living thing, the looming presence was palpable. Autumn was at its peak; days were becoming rapidly shorter, and mornings were greeted by a thin layer of wintry frost.
On a small knoll overlooking the North wall of Lon Lon ranch, a young woman sighed and lay back on the dry grass, cupping her head in her hands. She shook ginger locks from her face and gazed up in childlike wonder at the stunningly clear cerulean sky. Today had been another brisk, breezy day. Already it was coming to a chilly end- dusk would soon engulf the horizon and spread like an icy contagion. It would inundate the land in the peaceful, silent nothingness that was a November night.
A horse dipped its head and sniffed delicately at the girl's left ear. She giggled gently and stuck a hand out to stroke the animal's head several times.
"Epona. do you think it's all right to be this happy every day?" Malon smiled to herself. "I wonder what Link's doing right now. Do you think he's thinking of me? Maybe he's picturing us kissing. Kissing, by the riverbed, just as we did that one perfect summer day. Seems like so long ago now." The ranch girl giggled once more; a little girl again, embarrassed in herself for daydreaming of a boy. Oh, to be young.
The coarse, dead grass began to have a telling effect on the woman's fair legs, chafing her silky soft skin. Even as hard as she worked, there were still a few parts of her that withheld the glowing, supple, feminine look of a girl of 19, mind and body alike. Standing up to dust herself off, she turned and took the horse's muscular head in her hands. She peered into Epona's copper-colored eyes, her own beautiful eyes questioning. "Why does he even bother with me, Epona? I wonder what he sees in some filthy, calloused redhead farm girl like me, when he could have any girl in Hyrule. Even the princess- oh, the King would jump at a chance to marry Zelda off to Link- it would look so good in the Royal Family records. Link, King of all Hyrule. But, they seem more like brother and sister when they're around each other as apposed to lovers. Hmmm. So why me?" She laughed out loud then. "Sure makes a girl feel special inside. To be wanted, loved by someone.ahh." She straightened her work dress and saddled up the horse. "Well, he must see something. Maybe I'm not as bad as I take myself to be. I guess I do try to stay clean, even with my workload. And he tells me my eyes are so beautiful, so vivid. I can tell that he's honest about it, too, because he says things like that at the most unexpected moments, like he's never noticed before, though he's told me countless times. He's never just talking sweet to suck up. He- he really means it." Malon looked out towards the castle one last time before she hopped up onto Epona's back and steered for home.
Perched nonchalantly in an outlook high up on a cliff within the mountain range cradling Jabu Jabu's fountain, a green-clad man gazed out at the waning sun as it sank behind Gerudo Valley and the desert. The eye of Din was slowly closing, painting the sky with the radiance of a Hylian sunset. Every breath, every lasting essence of a moment spent living, was held in utter and sincere tranquility.
Link sighed amiably as he watched the spectacle from the ledge. It was his favorite spot in all of Hyrule, next of course to the forest and the ranch. He had discovered it quite accidentally not long ago, while he was on his Epic mission. He had been looking for one of the Great Fayries that was said to dwell just behind the aged resting place of the once colossal deity of the Zora, Jabu Jabu. He had found the Great Fountain by bombing a rock at the far shore of the lake. The walls surrounding the wall had shuddered and then collapsed to reveal a monstrous, gaping cavern, but oddly enough, the original rock had held fast. Link had returned much later in curiosity, equipped with Golden Gauntlets, and had removed the rock to reveal a small square shaft cut into the earth. Always the adventurer, the man had dropped into it to find a long passage that drove into the earth. Link had followed it, braving invisible Skulltullas, and then had climbed a long ladder up into the mountain to reach a similar passage. At the end he had stepped onto a small little ledge that seemed to be hewn into the mountains themselves. From here, Link could see the entire once-great Deity's fountain, Zora's River and, on the clearest days, Hyrule Castle, glimmering in the distance. Alas, the site had always been very much out of the way for busy travelers, as Link had once been. He had only returned thrice since the initial discovery. But he was carefree and laid-back now, and thought that a little self-reflection and contemplation would do him well.
The Hero of Time grunted as he shifted his weight against the rock wall and removed his hat from his golden hair. He reached inside and delicately fingered the ring box that held within it Link's most cherished and unequivocal possession- and promise. He thought back to Malon's angelic face, her dazzling, bright teal eyes, and her striking, fiery ruby red hair, which fell wildly yet smoothly, evenly down her slender neck and shoulders, delicately curling upon reaching her lower back.
There was a flash and presently a miniscule orb of radiant light shot out of Link's hat as he withdrew his hand from the prize within. It hurtled itself around his head twice then halted just between his eyes. The small specks of pixie dust emanating off it were violent shades of yellow- this was one pissed little Fay-child.
"HEY! Link, you poked me! Will you please just leave that ring alone until you need it? It's not going anywhere soon!"
The man recoiled from the fayrie before replying. "Sorry Navi. I guess I didn't notice you in there."
"You don't notice much of anything anymore, do ya Link? You're losing your mind!" Navi calmed down a little then. "Don't worry, Link. You'll know when the time is right. You just have to wait for it to come to you. Malon would wait 'till the Dark Realm froze over for you. there's no rush on things." The crazed sparks of yellow light had died down to the Navi's normal lavender-turquoise hue, as the fayrie mellowed out.
"Thanks, Navi. I'm glad you're there for me. It's a good thing you decided to come out here and join me from the forest- I really need a friend right now."
Navi beamed (or got as close to "beaming" as expressionless creatures get) and brushed Link's cheek with a fayrie-kiss. "Hey. that's what fayries are for, right? Someone's gotta look out for you. Besides, the other forest fayries are soo boring. It feels good to be able to take charge of your sorry ass again, like back in the good ol' days."
"What a crude little creature you are," Link chuckled as Navi retreated to the depths of the hat. Shortly after that, he got up and started back to the ranch.
**********
It was dawn. Dawn again, a presence felt with the aid of light, sound, and smell. One is able to tell, even subconsciously (as in sleep), when morning has arrived, always. For that is how people are able to wake, to rise from the emptiness of sleep.
But this dawn was different. It was unlike any other dawns experienced in Link's life, save maybe for the day the Boy without a Fayrie was summoned to the Great Guardian of the Forest. Today was the day.
The day that Link would ask Malon to be his bride.
Surprisingly, Link did not awake into a wash of nervousness. He did not snap awake, he did not find himself a quivering wreck or in a cold sweat. He was calm and utterly in control. This would be his day.
He arose quickly and quietly at 7:30, slipped into his leggings and then his fabled Kokiri tunic. He strapped on his belt, pulled on his leather Kokiri boots, slipped into his gauntlets. The only difference today was that, before he situated his hat upon his head, he reached inside and delicately removed the Box. He slipped it into his right arm gauntlet and patted it reassuringly. 'So it'll be within easier reach,' he thought to himself. He left his stall and wandered out into the early day.
Almost immediately he collided with Malon. Before he could stop, he ran straight into her as she passed by the stable door. She gave a shout, and caught him as he stumbled and nearly sprawled out onto the floor. Providentially, she carried nothing- she was just off to start the milking. The woman struggled to heft Link up, but he proved to heavy, and both toppled onto the grass.
"Link, you always know just how to wake me up in the morning," she laughed and rolled over so that her head rested on his chest, vibrant hair splayed out in all directions. She craned her neck to peek at him. "So how did you sleep, my sweet fairy boy?"
Link grinned back at the farm girl and blew softly in her ear as he ran his fingers through her hair. Then he shrugged, and looked out at the horses. "Alright, I suppose." His left eyebrow cocked a little, and he smiled at the crown of her head on his chest. "Would've slept better though, if you had been cuddled up in there next to me. it's a cozy little stall, you know."
Malon cried out in protest and swatted him in the arm. "Hey! You know what we discussed- I want to take that sort of thing between us nice and slow. Don't think you'll get anything from me without a fight, Mr. Hero of Time. So, let's wait- a while. Okay?" Malon gazed up at him, delicate face a look of pleading that he would understand.
He pulled her close and peered down into her eyes, her soul. "Of course, Malon. It was only a joke. I would never push you like that. of course we'll wait." Link then recalled Navi's words two eves back, up in the overhang. "I'd wait until the Dark Realm froze over for you. Promise. Alright?" His eyes softened and he grinned down at her.
"Thank you, Link.still, as intent as I am to wait- it would be so nice to just lay like that, alone with you through the night, hands entwined, holding each other." She smiled up at him, and he pulled her closer. Soon they stood up, and his lips were on her own. She felt him, felt his presence- and thanked the Goddesses that The Hero had chosen her.
They stood like that, out in the field for a while, to beings passionately joined at the lips, experiencing the total and absolute bliss and co-existent harmony that was young love, until Malon came up for air. "Hey- after chores today, do you want to go to the annual Kakariko Harvest Festival with me? I hear that it presents quite a good time, and it's supposed to be the last one of the year before winter- what do you think?"
Link stood there, recalling another thing Navi had said- 'Don't worry Link. You'll know when the time is right. You just have to wait for it to come to you.' Link looked down at the lovely angel in his arms. Maybe, just maybe, the Festival would provide-
"I'd be happy to go, Mal. How about I meet you at the gate at half past 4?"
The corners of Malon's starry eyes crinkled as she put on a huge grin. "Thanks so much, Link. I just hope I can wait until 4!"
Link tried to reply. "It's nothing, Mal-uhmfhfuhh" before he could finish Malon had pulled him to her once again and met his mouth. He gave in quickly without resistance, their tongues danced the beautiful dance of love, and the two were content.
It was noon, and the sun rode high above the heads of the laborious couple as they struggled to complete the arduous tasks of the day, hoping in desperate vain that doing so would minimize the amount of time that still stood ere 4:00 came and the Harvest Festival began. Link pondered to himself as he hauled the large bales of fodder out into the field and to the feeding trough. Why had Malon seemed so anxious about tonight? Sure, she'd seem excited- the times the two spent together was always something to look forward to. But this morning. there had been a queer look in her happy-go-lucky eyes. 'Much,'- Link scratched his head in attempt to recall a distant memory- 'much like the look she had acquired many weeks back, during their parting after the re-discovery of the ancient cuckoo nesting spot. She had looked. anxious. Almost as if a deep desire had seized her thoughts and thus triggered her outer emotions. it was odd. But strangely familiar.
Link shook his dazed thoughts out and focused on the task at hand. There was much to be expected of him tonight. It was in his best interest to stay intent on completing his chores to have extra time to rehearse. There would be much to remember- the man sighed and tossed in the rest of the hay before starting back to the ranch house for lunch.
***********
It was near 3 o'clock, and out on the field, a lone cuckoo crowed out a laborious noontime cry. The dust from the many moving horse hooves rose up off the dry, cracked dirt of the race track that looped around the corral and was illuminated by the hazy yellow sunbeams that sliced down upon the land from the western hemisphere.
Within his shadowed stall, Link set to work. First, he attempted to comb down his unruly golden hair with the aid of a polished old fishbone comb he had obtained from Zora's domain in his youth. It worked, more or less- at least there was a noticeable effect. He had already taken a brief, shivering cold bath in the short stretch of water that ran to the north side of the ranch, and had had to gallop Epona around the ranch twice to dry off.
Apparently satisfied with his hair, the man tried in vain to straighten out his battered old Kokiri tunic. He had almost decided to try wearing one of his other two garbs, the fiery ruby Goron tunic or the mellow sapphire Zora one, but had rejected the idea soon after obtaining it. Even with his fame, people talked about his odd choice of clothing. It was outlandish enough to wear a tunic of green, but at least the people of Hyrule were used to it- if he appeared dressed in blue or red, the people would talk. It wasn't like Link concerned himself with the rumors people made- he just wanted Malon to be as comfortable in public with him as possible.
After a spell, Link decided that he had done all that was within his power and checked the time. It was 3:57 now- Malon would be waiting for him soon. He situated his hat vigilantly upon his neatly combed hair and made his way out to the gate, where his love would be waiting.
He turned into the gap at the entrance of the ranch between the stable and the farmhouse. There, waiting anxiously, was Malon, wearing an unsullied, new gown under her lavender velvet shawl. Her scarlet hair was freshly washed and combed, obediently running down her front and backsides framing her sweet face. Her round, shining eyes seemed even brighter than before. She turned and caught sight of Link, her whole face breaking into a colossal grin. She laughed out, and then ran forward, wrapping her arms around the man, pressing up close to him. He smiled as he felt her body next to his. She smelled fresh as a daisy. He wondered how long it'd taken her to get ready.
Shortly, she released him and they stood close, noses nearly touching. "Link, I don't know what came over me! Heehee, I'm sorry, but as soon as I saw you, I just had to hold you. I guess I'm pretty pathetic, huh?" She took his hand in her own and pressed her own deep within his palm.
Link smiled with his eyes as he gazed down upon the wondrous woman before him. "Of course not. You're the most thoughtful, clear-headed person I know." He arched an eyebrow and grinned slyly. "Then again, I wouldn't have anyone less- to love." He gently kissed her forehead, and she sighed in content, closing her eyes. "So, are you ready to go?"
The ranch girl rested her arms up on Link's broad shoulders and cocked her head in mockery. "Ready as ever!" she exclaimed with vigor. She then sang for Epona, and in five minutes the two were riding galloping on a straight course for Kakariko Village, where the festivities were just beginning.
End Of Chapter VI
The breeze lifted off of the rolling hills of Hyrule Field, and tree boughs shuddered in response; in anticipation. Winter was fast approaching, and within every living thing, the looming presence was palpable. Autumn was at its peak; days were becoming rapidly shorter, and mornings were greeted by a thin layer of wintry frost.
On a small knoll overlooking the North wall of Lon Lon ranch, a young woman sighed and lay back on the dry grass, cupping her head in her hands. She shook ginger locks from her face and gazed up in childlike wonder at the stunningly clear cerulean sky. Today had been another brisk, breezy day. Already it was coming to a chilly end- dusk would soon engulf the horizon and spread like an icy contagion. It would inundate the land in the peaceful, silent nothingness that was a November night.
A horse dipped its head and sniffed delicately at the girl's left ear. She giggled gently and stuck a hand out to stroke the animal's head several times.
"Epona. do you think it's all right to be this happy every day?" Malon smiled to herself. "I wonder what Link's doing right now. Do you think he's thinking of me? Maybe he's picturing us kissing. Kissing, by the riverbed, just as we did that one perfect summer day. Seems like so long ago now." The ranch girl giggled once more; a little girl again, embarrassed in herself for daydreaming of a boy. Oh, to be young.
The coarse, dead grass began to have a telling effect on the woman's fair legs, chafing her silky soft skin. Even as hard as she worked, there were still a few parts of her that withheld the glowing, supple, feminine look of a girl of 19, mind and body alike. Standing up to dust herself off, she turned and took the horse's muscular head in her hands. She peered into Epona's copper-colored eyes, her own beautiful eyes questioning. "Why does he even bother with me, Epona? I wonder what he sees in some filthy, calloused redhead farm girl like me, when he could have any girl in Hyrule. Even the princess- oh, the King would jump at a chance to marry Zelda off to Link- it would look so good in the Royal Family records. Link, King of all Hyrule. But, they seem more like brother and sister when they're around each other as apposed to lovers. Hmmm. So why me?" She laughed out loud then. "Sure makes a girl feel special inside. To be wanted, loved by someone.ahh." She straightened her work dress and saddled up the horse. "Well, he must see something. Maybe I'm not as bad as I take myself to be. I guess I do try to stay clean, even with my workload. And he tells me my eyes are so beautiful, so vivid. I can tell that he's honest about it, too, because he says things like that at the most unexpected moments, like he's never noticed before, though he's told me countless times. He's never just talking sweet to suck up. He- he really means it." Malon looked out towards the castle one last time before she hopped up onto Epona's back and steered for home.
Perched nonchalantly in an outlook high up on a cliff within the mountain range cradling Jabu Jabu's fountain, a green-clad man gazed out at the waning sun as it sank behind Gerudo Valley and the desert. The eye of Din was slowly closing, painting the sky with the radiance of a Hylian sunset. Every breath, every lasting essence of a moment spent living, was held in utter and sincere tranquility.
Link sighed amiably as he watched the spectacle from the ledge. It was his favorite spot in all of Hyrule, next of course to the forest and the ranch. He had discovered it quite accidentally not long ago, while he was on his Epic mission. He had been looking for one of the Great Fayries that was said to dwell just behind the aged resting place of the once colossal deity of the Zora, Jabu Jabu. He had found the Great Fountain by bombing a rock at the far shore of the lake. The walls surrounding the wall had shuddered and then collapsed to reveal a monstrous, gaping cavern, but oddly enough, the original rock had held fast. Link had returned much later in curiosity, equipped with Golden Gauntlets, and had removed the rock to reveal a small square shaft cut into the earth. Always the adventurer, the man had dropped into it to find a long passage that drove into the earth. Link had followed it, braving invisible Skulltullas, and then had climbed a long ladder up into the mountain to reach a similar passage. At the end he had stepped onto a small little ledge that seemed to be hewn into the mountains themselves. From here, Link could see the entire once-great Deity's fountain, Zora's River and, on the clearest days, Hyrule Castle, glimmering in the distance. Alas, the site had always been very much out of the way for busy travelers, as Link had once been. He had only returned thrice since the initial discovery. But he was carefree and laid-back now, and thought that a little self-reflection and contemplation would do him well.
The Hero of Time grunted as he shifted his weight against the rock wall and removed his hat from his golden hair. He reached inside and delicately fingered the ring box that held within it Link's most cherished and unequivocal possession- and promise. He thought back to Malon's angelic face, her dazzling, bright teal eyes, and her striking, fiery ruby red hair, which fell wildly yet smoothly, evenly down her slender neck and shoulders, delicately curling upon reaching her lower back.
There was a flash and presently a miniscule orb of radiant light shot out of Link's hat as he withdrew his hand from the prize within. It hurtled itself around his head twice then halted just between his eyes. The small specks of pixie dust emanating off it were violent shades of yellow- this was one pissed little Fay-child.
"HEY! Link, you poked me! Will you please just leave that ring alone until you need it? It's not going anywhere soon!"
The man recoiled from the fayrie before replying. "Sorry Navi. I guess I didn't notice you in there."
"You don't notice much of anything anymore, do ya Link? You're losing your mind!" Navi calmed down a little then. "Don't worry, Link. You'll know when the time is right. You just have to wait for it to come to you. Malon would wait 'till the Dark Realm froze over for you. there's no rush on things." The crazed sparks of yellow light had died down to the Navi's normal lavender-turquoise hue, as the fayrie mellowed out.
"Thanks, Navi. I'm glad you're there for me. It's a good thing you decided to come out here and join me from the forest- I really need a friend right now."
Navi beamed (or got as close to "beaming" as expressionless creatures get) and brushed Link's cheek with a fayrie-kiss. "Hey. that's what fayries are for, right? Someone's gotta look out for you. Besides, the other forest fayries are soo boring. It feels good to be able to take charge of your sorry ass again, like back in the good ol' days."
"What a crude little creature you are," Link chuckled as Navi retreated to the depths of the hat. Shortly after that, he got up and started back to the ranch.
**********
It was dawn. Dawn again, a presence felt with the aid of light, sound, and smell. One is able to tell, even subconsciously (as in sleep), when morning has arrived, always. For that is how people are able to wake, to rise from the emptiness of sleep.
But this dawn was different. It was unlike any other dawns experienced in Link's life, save maybe for the day the Boy without a Fayrie was summoned to the Great Guardian of the Forest. Today was the day.
The day that Link would ask Malon to be his bride.
Surprisingly, Link did not awake into a wash of nervousness. He did not snap awake, he did not find himself a quivering wreck or in a cold sweat. He was calm and utterly in control. This would be his day.
He arose quickly and quietly at 7:30, slipped into his leggings and then his fabled Kokiri tunic. He strapped on his belt, pulled on his leather Kokiri boots, slipped into his gauntlets. The only difference today was that, before he situated his hat upon his head, he reached inside and delicately removed the Box. He slipped it into his right arm gauntlet and patted it reassuringly. 'So it'll be within easier reach,' he thought to himself. He left his stall and wandered out into the early day.
Almost immediately he collided with Malon. Before he could stop, he ran straight into her as she passed by the stable door. She gave a shout, and caught him as he stumbled and nearly sprawled out onto the floor. Providentially, she carried nothing- she was just off to start the milking. The woman struggled to heft Link up, but he proved to heavy, and both toppled onto the grass.
"Link, you always know just how to wake me up in the morning," she laughed and rolled over so that her head rested on his chest, vibrant hair splayed out in all directions. She craned her neck to peek at him. "So how did you sleep, my sweet fairy boy?"
Link grinned back at the farm girl and blew softly in her ear as he ran his fingers through her hair. Then he shrugged, and looked out at the horses. "Alright, I suppose." His left eyebrow cocked a little, and he smiled at the crown of her head on his chest. "Would've slept better though, if you had been cuddled up in there next to me. it's a cozy little stall, you know."
Malon cried out in protest and swatted him in the arm. "Hey! You know what we discussed- I want to take that sort of thing between us nice and slow. Don't think you'll get anything from me without a fight, Mr. Hero of Time. So, let's wait- a while. Okay?" Malon gazed up at him, delicate face a look of pleading that he would understand.
He pulled her close and peered down into her eyes, her soul. "Of course, Malon. It was only a joke. I would never push you like that. of course we'll wait." Link then recalled Navi's words two eves back, up in the overhang. "I'd wait until the Dark Realm froze over for you. Promise. Alright?" His eyes softened and he grinned down at her.
"Thank you, Link.still, as intent as I am to wait- it would be so nice to just lay like that, alone with you through the night, hands entwined, holding each other." She smiled up at him, and he pulled her closer. Soon they stood up, and his lips were on her own. She felt him, felt his presence- and thanked the Goddesses that The Hero had chosen her.
They stood like that, out in the field for a while, to beings passionately joined at the lips, experiencing the total and absolute bliss and co-existent harmony that was young love, until Malon came up for air. "Hey- after chores today, do you want to go to the annual Kakariko Harvest Festival with me? I hear that it presents quite a good time, and it's supposed to be the last one of the year before winter- what do you think?"
Link stood there, recalling another thing Navi had said- 'Don't worry Link. You'll know when the time is right. You just have to wait for it to come to you.' Link looked down at the lovely angel in his arms. Maybe, just maybe, the Festival would provide-
"I'd be happy to go, Mal. How about I meet you at the gate at half past 4?"
The corners of Malon's starry eyes crinkled as she put on a huge grin. "Thanks so much, Link. I just hope I can wait until 4!"
Link tried to reply. "It's nothing, Mal-uhmfhfuhh" before he could finish Malon had pulled him to her once again and met his mouth. He gave in quickly without resistance, their tongues danced the beautiful dance of love, and the two were content.
It was noon, and the sun rode high above the heads of the laborious couple as they struggled to complete the arduous tasks of the day, hoping in desperate vain that doing so would minimize the amount of time that still stood ere 4:00 came and the Harvest Festival began. Link pondered to himself as he hauled the large bales of fodder out into the field and to the feeding trough. Why had Malon seemed so anxious about tonight? Sure, she'd seem excited- the times the two spent together was always something to look forward to. But this morning. there had been a queer look in her happy-go-lucky eyes. 'Much,'- Link scratched his head in attempt to recall a distant memory- 'much like the look she had acquired many weeks back, during their parting after the re-discovery of the ancient cuckoo nesting spot. She had looked. anxious. Almost as if a deep desire had seized her thoughts and thus triggered her outer emotions. it was odd. But strangely familiar.
Link shook his dazed thoughts out and focused on the task at hand. There was much to be expected of him tonight. It was in his best interest to stay intent on completing his chores to have extra time to rehearse. There would be much to remember- the man sighed and tossed in the rest of the hay before starting back to the ranch house for lunch.
***********
It was near 3 o'clock, and out on the field, a lone cuckoo crowed out a laborious noontime cry. The dust from the many moving horse hooves rose up off the dry, cracked dirt of the race track that looped around the corral and was illuminated by the hazy yellow sunbeams that sliced down upon the land from the western hemisphere.
Within his shadowed stall, Link set to work. First, he attempted to comb down his unruly golden hair with the aid of a polished old fishbone comb he had obtained from Zora's domain in his youth. It worked, more or less- at least there was a noticeable effect. He had already taken a brief, shivering cold bath in the short stretch of water that ran to the north side of the ranch, and had had to gallop Epona around the ranch twice to dry off.
Apparently satisfied with his hair, the man tried in vain to straighten out his battered old Kokiri tunic. He had almost decided to try wearing one of his other two garbs, the fiery ruby Goron tunic or the mellow sapphire Zora one, but had rejected the idea soon after obtaining it. Even with his fame, people talked about his odd choice of clothing. It was outlandish enough to wear a tunic of green, but at least the people of Hyrule were used to it- if he appeared dressed in blue or red, the people would talk. It wasn't like Link concerned himself with the rumors people made- he just wanted Malon to be as comfortable in public with him as possible.
After a spell, Link decided that he had done all that was within his power and checked the time. It was 3:57 now- Malon would be waiting for him soon. He situated his hat vigilantly upon his neatly combed hair and made his way out to the gate, where his love would be waiting.
He turned into the gap at the entrance of the ranch between the stable and the farmhouse. There, waiting anxiously, was Malon, wearing an unsullied, new gown under her lavender velvet shawl. Her scarlet hair was freshly washed and combed, obediently running down her front and backsides framing her sweet face. Her round, shining eyes seemed even brighter than before. She turned and caught sight of Link, her whole face breaking into a colossal grin. She laughed out, and then ran forward, wrapping her arms around the man, pressing up close to him. He smiled as he felt her body next to his. She smelled fresh as a daisy. He wondered how long it'd taken her to get ready.
Shortly, she released him and they stood close, noses nearly touching. "Link, I don't know what came over me! Heehee, I'm sorry, but as soon as I saw you, I just had to hold you. I guess I'm pretty pathetic, huh?" She took his hand in her own and pressed her own deep within his palm.
Link smiled with his eyes as he gazed down upon the wondrous woman before him. "Of course not. You're the most thoughtful, clear-headed person I know." He arched an eyebrow and grinned slyly. "Then again, I wouldn't have anyone less- to love." He gently kissed her forehead, and she sighed in content, closing her eyes. "So, are you ready to go?"
The ranch girl rested her arms up on Link's broad shoulders and cocked her head in mockery. "Ready as ever!" she exclaimed with vigor. She then sang for Epona, and in five minutes the two were riding galloping on a straight course for Kakariko Village, where the festivities were just beginning.
End Of Chapter VI