A/N: Obviously, this isn't done yet. It is just the first chapter. Tell me if you think I should continue it or not, I'm kinda in a funk right now. So Review, flame, whatever I don't own Zelda. --- FDW


Malon gazed out on the dazzling surface of Lake Hylia. She leaned back against the large tree behind her, sighing at the feel of its oaken trunk and the firmness of the ground. Slowly she tucked in her legs to her chest, hugging them to her as she placed her firm chin on her knees. Around her the birds' chirped, greeting the morning and the red sunrise that lifted over the lake.

Quickly the ranch girl buried her pale face into her knees, her red tresses falling over her face and sheltering her from the light. She was tired of this happiness, this tranquillity. How could everything be so peaceful when she was being torn apart inside? He was dead… he was gone…. She felt the burning return to her deep blue eyes, would the tears ever stop?

Her mind flashed back to a few days ago when this had all began. It had been raining, a heavy, dark rain. It was the kind of day that you sat up in your room and curled up with a book. That's what she had been doing, snuggled in her little window seat with "Legends of Hyrule" in her lap, never expecting that something horrible would happen to her. Life always finds odd times to strike, doesn't it? The times when you are perfectly happy, when everything seems to be going fine…

There was a rapping on her door, Malon remembered, a knock that was so urgent, so loud. Irritated she had closed her book and made her way to the door to see her father standing there, a piece of parchment clutched in his fist. "Malon," he had said kindly, griping her shoulder, "everything will be all right."

She had looked at him curiously, tilting her head. "Daddy?" she had asked, "What's wrong?" She could still remember the feel of that coarse parchment in her hand as she took it from her father and read it.

Tears still streaming from her eyes she took the letter out from her pouch and re-read it again, for the thousandth time, wishing it wasn't true.

Dearest Malon,

It is my duty to inform you of a grievous occurrence that took place last night. I'm sorry to tell you, but it is better to get it over with quickly. Link is dead. He died last night at the hands of one unknown still to us. We do know, however, that he was dressed in black and had glowing red eyes. Does that mean anything to you?

It may comfort you to know that Link died valiantly. My soldiers report to me that he had forced their retreat and had sacrificed himself for them, like a true Hero of Time. I know what sadness this news brings, and if you are willing I would ask for your company at my Castle of Hyrule for a few weeks time. I also have lost a dear friend. I know how much he meant to you, Malon, and I have something I wish to confide into your trust from him. Please come to me at your earliest convenience.

Your friend,

Zelda

P.S. The funeral will be happening in a week's time, please consider attending.

Link's lover sighed, wiping the tears away with the back of her hand. She would attend the funeral tomorrow, and see her Link one last time. She imagined how he would look, his arms crossed on his broad chest. His high cheek boned face peaceful, with a small smile on his lips, his blond hair stuffed under his green hat, as usual. She sighed. What was his last thought? Was it of her? Was it of the first time they had said they loved one another? Was it the time under the tree when they had danced and where they had shared their first kiss and their first experience in love? Did he think about her before he died?

The tears were threatening to come again as she got to her feet, startled to see the form of Saria picking her way along the newly constructed bridge. When the Korkiri reached her she embraced Malon tightly, tears streaming down her young face.

Malon's eyes widened slightly as she hugged the small woman, stroking her green locks in comfort. Tears fell from both women's eyes as they struggled with the fact that their long time friend was gone.

"Malon?" Saria whispered, pulling away to wipe her eyes, "He's really gone, isn't he?"

The young woman gazed into the Sage's eyes. What she saw there frightened her, it was like she had lost part of herself. The spark usually in the Korkiri's atmosphere had disappeared, there was only a shell of sadness there, and Malon was frightened by it. She knelt down so she was eye level with her friend and nodded, gently cupping her cheek, "He's gone." She whispered, "but his memory lives on in you, Saria. In all of us. The Hero of Time can never truly die."

Saria looked away, up into the branches of the large tree behind Malon. "I suppose you're right, Malon." She whispered, closing her eyes, "But I can't feel him anymore. It is as if the magic has died."

"At least he died as he would have wanted, Saria." Malon replied, still gazing at the weary Korkiri, "He died fighting for Good. It was what he always wanted to do. It was what he was born to do."

Saria just nodded, and glanced at the parchment still wadded in Malon's hand. "Are you going?" she asked again, a little more control in her child-like voice. "We can go together, if you wish. I'm hoping to stay with Zelda for a few days, like she requested."

The ranch-girl's eyes widened, "You are also to stay with the Princess?" she asked, a small smile twitching at her lips, "Something tells me she's got something planned. She always does."

The Kokiri just nodded, and Malon hugged her again. "Let us be off then, it is quite a walk from here to Hyrule Castle, and I'm in the mood for walking."

Saria agreed and together they crossed the wooden bridge swaying softly in the gentle breeze to visit Zelda and their dead friend.

'Oh, my Fairy-Boy' Malon thought sadly, desperately, wishing he could hear her, 'I'm sorry I wasn't there for you when you died… I'm sorry I couldn't say I love you one more time.' Her heart still yearning they plowed ahead, one childhood friend, one lover, both harboring regrets in their hearts for things left unsaid.


A/N. So there it is. I'm not too fond of it, but it's a chapter. Tell me what you think, please.