Link kicked Epona into a trot and then again as the powerful horse picked up speed and raced away from the market town. Link's golden hair flew out behind him as he glided across the plains of Hyrule on his steed. He smiled down at Epona and patted her head as she galloped towards Lon Lon Ranch. They neared one of the many fences that cut across Hyrule Field and Link sucked in his breath while Epona left the earth flying over the barrier and coming down nimbly on the other side.

"Good girl", Link whispered in the horse's ear as he patted her head. Epona snorted in response and rose up on her back two legs neighing into the wind. Link smiled at his beautiful mount as they once again took off towards the ranch. Link made the excuse that he wanted to bring Epona there because she liked it but he knew the real reason. Malon.

Link couldn't take his mind off her. He had fallen head over heels in love the first moment he had seen her. He remembered walking into the ranch shortly after reclaiming the Forest Temple. She had been so radiant in her long dress her wild orange hair flowing about her. He remembered being enraged when he learned what Ingo had done to her and had devoted many weeks to reclaiming the ranch, all for his love. He knew that was the real reason why he was now racing towards Lon Lon Ranch at all speed.

His grin could've taken in his ears as he passed through the gate into the ranch and galloped down the main path that led to the coral at the center of the ranch. Sure enough standing at the entrance was Malon, beautiful as ever as she sang to the horses.

"Malon", Link yelled as he slowed Epona down.

Malon turned and grinned as she sighted Link, he felt his insides turn to mush at that smile. Malon ran up to him and Link jumped down off Epona. Malon ran up to him and gave him a huge hug laughing, "Hey Fairy Boy." Link felt a strange warmth fill him at her touch and he reluctantly let go of her as she pulled away.

"So…uh…how are you", Link asked suddenly feeling embarrassed.

"I'm fine Fairy Boy", Malon answered, "What about you?"

"I'm great", he said with a grin then he blushed and added, "I mean…. I'm alright."

She laughed at Link and turned to his horse, "You brought Epona", she said with a smile as she stroked the horse's main of hair.

Link nodded at a loss for words. He couldn't think of anything to say as he gazed at the woman he loved. He wanted to reach out and touch her hair, to pull her to him and tell her he loved her.

"What are you looking at", Malon asked pulling Link from his thoughts.

He immediately blushed again, "Oh nothing."

She laughed, "Oh Fairy Boy you're so cute when you blush."

He thought his heart would explode. She thinks I'm cute, wait is that good.

She took Link by his hand and pulled him towards the house, "C'mon Link Daddy and Mr. Ingo are away at the castle making a delivery." She turned back to look him in the eye, "Were all alone."

Link's mouth dropped open as Malon pulled him along into the house. Was that last comment supposed to mean something or am I crazy, Link wondered as he ran along beside Malon. They entered the house and Malon started up the stairs. Link stopped for a moment to look at the cuckoos smiling as he remembered the game he used to play with Talon. He remembered that when Talon told Link he could marry Malon after he had won the game Link had been disgusted, girls had cooties after all, now he hated himself for not taking the offer.

"Are you coming Link?"

He spun around to see Malon at the top of the stairs and he grinned, "Just reminiscing." He came up the stairs and followed Malon into her room.

She plopped down on her bed and Link pulled a chair from her desk next to the bed and sat in it. He gazed at Malon lying on her bed and fantasies began to flit through his mind.

"So watcha want to do", asked Malon.

I'm not sure you want to know, thought Link as he said, "I dunno, what should we do?"

Malon grinned and propped herself up on her elbows, "You can't think of anything you want to do while we're here, alone."

Link gulped and grinned, "Just exactly what are you suggesting."

Malon groaned and turned away, "Men", she grumbled.

Link laughed and then suddenly he was sitting on Malon's bed next to her. How'd I get here, he wondered. Malon sat up and slid closer to him. They were serious now, neither one of them kidding around not wanting to ruin the moment. They leaned close to each other and Link caught a whiff of Malon's scent it was perfect, roses mixed with cherries.

The next thing Link knew, his lips were pressed up against Malon's. He ran a hand through her hair and pulled her closer his other arm sliding around her waist. He lowered her to the bed as his hand slid under her shirt. Malon moaned and threw Link's cap to the floor and ran a hand through his golden hair.

Link pulled away from her for a second breathing hard, "Sorry."

She smiled and ran a hand through his hair, "Don't be."

Link smiled and kissed her again more tenderly this time, "I love you Malon."

A single happy tear slid down her face, "I love you too Link."

Link stared into her beautiful face and asked, "Do you want to do this."

She nodded. He lowered himself onto her again and kissed her while her hand slid down to his waist loosening his pants. He helped her slip out of her shirt while he pulled off his own. A moment later her dress hit the floor and they were together.

Link held her to him kissing and touching her lovingly. His lips pulled from hers and traced soft kisses down her neck. Malon returned his embrace and moaned into his ear. Link had never felt such joy and love in his life. They moved together, one being. Finally Link gasped in release held Malon to him for a moment that seemed to last forever. He pulled back from her and smiled as he touched her face.

Malon stroked his hair and whispered, "Take me away from here Link. I never want to be without you."

Link kissed her again and answered, "You never will be."

They lay their a while kissing and whispering to each other, sharing the love each had secretly held for such a long time. Eventually it came time for Link to leave, as the King's Chief Knight he had to live in the castle and hold training sessions for his men. He knew he was late for the session scheduled for this afternoon and he had to hurry. He kissed Malon once more and promised his love as he quickly pulled his clothes on and left the house.

He strolled up to Epona filled with happinees. He patted his horse on the head and said, "I'm in love girl."

He climbed up onto Epona and kicked her into a trot as she ran towards the exit from Lon Lon Ranch. Link heard his name called and looked up to see Malon hanging out her window, looking more radiant than ever.

"Link", she called, "When can I see you again."

Link thought for a moment then yelled, "I'll come for you tonight, I want to show you something. Till then, Lamast den Rialdo." The last bit was in the ancient language of Hyrule. Link turned Epona about and galloped off towards Hyrule Castle. Malon felt her heart glow as she watched her love sweep across the plain.

………………………

Another set of eyes watched Link and Epona sweep across Hyrule Field, but his heart anything but glowed. He had watched the short exchange between Link and the girl and had seen through the window what had just transpired earlier.

"This could be interesting", the man said to himself, "quite interesting."

He turned away from the ranch and headed off, he had to report his scouting to his master. He had a feeling the commander would be very pleased with this development.