Chapter 3: Link of Hylia

disclaimer: Zelda and all characters of the game are property of Nintendo. In no way do I expect to get paid for this.

Gorlois held a large sword in his hands and approached Link, kneeling to receive his title as a knight. Gorlois tapped Link's shoulder with the edge of his sword. "I knight thee, Link of Hylia. May the blood of your father, Tristan, live on through you. Stand and be recognized."

Link stood and turned to all the witnesses of the ceremony. The crowd's applause made Link smile as he searched for familiar faces. He saw his uncle with a slight smirk on his face. He then saw Malon with her father beside her, both gazing at him with pride. It was a grand day for Link already, and he hadn't even attended the after party.

Everybody gathered at Lon Lon Ranch to attend the celebration of Link's accomplishment. Music played, people danced, children played games and chased the chickens. Food was served everywhere, as well as drinks. Link wondered the ranch clad in a brown tunic until he met up with an all too familiar red headed girl. She wore a blue night dress and braids in her hair.

"Well well, Sir Link of Hylia," Malon said with a playful grin.

Link shook his head with a smirk and said, "Must you flood me with formalities?"

"Of course I must. You are a knight now."

"Titles are for people who demand respect, and I demand nothing from you. I would, however, request a dance."

She grabbed his hand and dragged him to where the music was playing by the town's minstrels. They danced with the large group of people and Talon watched from a distance. He liked Link better than the other suitors that have asked for Malon's hand in the past. He was not at all ashamed to have him part of his family.

As the minstrels finished their tune and began another one, Link stopped dancing and looked at Malon. "Let's go else where."

Malon gave Link a confused expression. "This ceremony is for you."

"Then let the people celebrate my new title while you and I go celebrate my return home."

Malon gave in to his idea. A moment alone with him would be nice. "The lake?"

Link smiled at her and took her hand. "Ay, the lake."

They rushed off out of the ranch and ran to the grassy shores of Lake Hylia. They found a rock big enough to sit on and watched the small waves crash into the shore. Malon leaned her head on his right shoulder while Link put his arm around her lower back.

"It's so beautiful here," said Malon. "I've lived here all my life and the lake still comforts me."

Link leaned his head upon hers. "It feels good to finally be home. I have learned much these past five winters."

"Could you teach me?"

"If you wish to learn."

She closed her eyes as she relaxed in his arm. "I am happy that you are back, Link. I have missed you dearly."

"I have missed you as well, Malon."

Link and Malon have known each other since they were ten years of age. They met a year before the death of his father and have been good friends ever since. They would play games in the corral of the ranch and ride horses until nightfall. Their favorite horse to play with was a rust red mare with a white mane, Epona. Raised since birth in the ranch, she has grown into a brave, fast running horse. Epona has always been attracted to Malon's lovely singing voice, as well as Link in secret. Now, after eight years, they have remained the best of friends.

"Are you alright," asked Malon.

Link stepped out of his trance and looked into her sapphire eyes. "Of course I am. Why would I not be? I was just... thinking."

"What about?"

He hesitated before he responded. "I was thinking of you."

"Me," she inquired.

"Ay, Malon. This place holds great beauty, but it only looks its best when you are here."

She was surprised at his choice of words. "Link, don't say such things unless you mean it."

He pushed back her hair to see her face. "I do mean it. I have been in agony these past five years without you."

Her breathing began to tremble. She has waited for years to tell him how much she loved him. "Link I.. I don't know what to say."

"Don't say anything." He took away the small space between them and pressed his lips upon hers.

She returned the kiss with equal, if not more, passion. This was their long anticipated moment, and they savored every second. Link broke the kiss and caressed her cheek. She let out a profound sigh with his touch and began to kiss the hand that held her face. She then leaned her back on his chest and rested her head on his shoulder. Link wrapped his arms around her stomach and they remained that way for a good portion of the night.

Link woke up the next morning in his house. He looked next to him and saw that Malon was still sound asleep. He tried to get out of bed without waking her, but it was no use. She began to stir as he sat up. She fluttered her eyes open and saw Link looking down on her.

"Morning, Malon."

She smiled at him and rubbed the sleep out of her eyes. "Morning, love."

Link leaned down and planted a small kiss on her lips. He then got up to change into his outside clothing, but was interrupted by the sounds of shouting and fighting. He looked out of his window and saw what was making the noises.

"What is it?" asked Malon as she got up from bed.

Fear stroke at the heart of him as he saw goblins in the town fields. "Goblins!"

"What," said Malon.

"Goblins are here!"

Malon quickly helped Link into his chain mailed armor and a green tunic. Link then put on his belt, followed by a shoulder strap, while Malon picked up his sword and handed it to him. He latched his sword onto his belt and put on his gauntlets.

"Stay here, Malon," said Link. "I will find your father and bring him here"

"Be careful Link."

"I will." He gave her a quick hug and ran outside, pulling out his sword from its sheath.

Link saw an unarmed farmer being chased by a goblin with an ax. He charged at the goblin and disarmed him by slicing off both of his arms. Link then planted a hard left hook on the jaw of the wounded goblin, knocking him down.

"RUN!" shouted Link to the helpless farmer.

The farmer ran towards his house as Link made his way to Lon Lon Ranch, where he found Talon bravely defending himself against two goblin soldiers with a large pitch fork. Link ran up to one of the goblins and drove his sword into his back. He then pulled out his weapon, spun around and cut the other's throat. Talon immediately felt relieved by his presence.

"Welcome lad. You're just in time for the party." Link laughed at his out of place humor. "Where is Malon?"

"She is safe. She waits for you in my house."

Talon raised an eyebrow. "So that's where she went last night. I hope this not the beginning of a trend young lad."

"What weapons do you have here?"

"A bow, but I have not the skill to use it."

"Go retrieve it. I will find a horse for our escape."

Talon nodded and they were on their way. Link bashed his way through the stable doors and found Epona with her saddle latched on her back. He mounted the horse and they left the stable. They met up with Talon carrying a bow with a large quiver of arrows.

"Give me the bow and keep that pitch fork with you," said Link. "Come, we must go to my house, quickly!"

Talon gave Link the equipment and mounted Epona. They left the ranch and rode to Link's house with haste. Talon dismounted the horse.

"Get inside, Talon," said Link. "Lock the doors and hide yourselves from the windows. Wait there until I have returned."

Talon quickly opened the door and was greeted with a loving embrace from Malon. Link then rode for the house of Gorlois, firing arrows at any goblins that he saw along the way.

As he arrived at the house, a few soldiers were fighting along side Gorlois and Boris against the goblin horde. Link quickened Epona's pace and reached Gorlois.

"Link," said Gorlois. "It is about time you came here!"

"Forgive my absence, my lord Gorlois." Link dismounted Epona and drew out his sword. "Where are the rest of the soldiers?"

"They are sweeping the city of these vile creatures. We have them on the run!"

Boris ran towards them. "My lord, scouts have reported more are coming from the south. We can not stay here."

"I will not abandon my house, Boris! Link, go and take care of them. Take a few men with you. GO!"

Link nodded and mounted Epona, riding to the southern boundaries of the city with four other armored soldiers on horse back and swinging their swords at any goblins that crossed their path. As they reached the southern boundary, they saw a dozen goblin soldiers charging from a distance, followed by three more riding on giant boars. Link fired an arrow at the head of one of the boars as a warning for them to stay away. It didn't have the affect Link wanted, for they continued their pursuit. Link fired his last arrow at another boar, leaving only one more to deal with. He then drew out his sword and pointed it at the upcoming horde.

"Defend the lake, men! Show them the strength of Hylia!" Link and his four men shouted their battle cry and rode on to meet the goblins head on.

The four soldiers split into teams of two and engaged the foot soldiers, while Link charged the boar. He strafed Epona to the left so he could get a clear shot at the rider. In two swift moves, he decapitated the rider and sliced the hind leg of the boar, causing the massive beast to tumble to the ground. Link circled around and jumped off Epona, driving his sword into the temple of the boar and defending himself against the approaching foot soldiers. Link fought well against the vile soldiers, killing them one by one until they were all slain. He then heard his men shout with victory as he mounted Epona.

"Come men," said Link. "Let us ride to the aid of our lord." They left the corpses of the fallen goblins and made haste back to the city.

WhenLink and his fellow soldiersarrived at the house of Gorlois, they saw many armed soldiers shining with victory, including Gorlois and Boris. Link dismounted Epona and met with his uncle.

"We have won, dear uncle. The goblins were no match for our steel."

"Well done, lad," said Boris. "Have you any deaths?"

Link shook his head. "No. These men were trained well. One thing I do not understand is why the goblins would want with this land, and with such few numbers to try to invade with."

"The face of evil is full of lies and deceit. I know not of their true purpose in this attack, but I fear we have not seen the last of them."

Gorlois approached Link and Boris. "A fine point, old friend. We must inform the King at once. Link, I want you to ride for Hyrule Castle before nightfall. The King must be informed of this treachery."

Link nodded as Gorlois walked else where. "I shall return soon, uncle. I must go to my house."

"Be quick about it, Link. I shall ride with you to the castle once you make leave." Link called upon Epona and rode on to his house.

Talon stood ten feet away from the front door, holding his pitch fork with both hands to defend himself and his daughter, who stood behind him. A knocking was heard from the other side of the door.

"Keep away, goblin devils," shouted Talon. "You shall not enter!"

"Be still, Talon, for a knight stands in front of this door." Talon dropped his pitch fork and opened the door, revealing Link.

Malon ran up to him and wrapped her arms around his neck. "I was so worried that you would not return."

Link returned the embrace and looked at Talon.

"You have saved our lives, sir knight. I owe you my own." Talon bowed at Link as he let go of Malon.

"The city is safe. You can go back home."

Malon stepped in front of Link. "I can't leave you here."

"You must, Malon. I can not stay here. I ride for Hyrule Castle. I should return in two days. If anything happens, I want you both to keep yourselves hidden. Do not be brave against these fowl creatures."

Malon slowly nodded to him. Talon put his hand on Link's shoulder. "I shall watch over your house until you have returned. Be careful lad. We shall await your return." Link gave Malon a loving kiss and held the sides of her face. "I will come back, Malon. I promise you."

"Take Epona with you. She is fast and will keep you from danger. Be careful, my love."

"I will." Link gave her another kiss and left his house. Malon watched as he rode away on Epona, worried about what might happen to him.