Chapter 2

Nearly three days had passed since her encounter with Ingo. Malon tried hard not to think about his words, yet what he said had disturbed her enough to where she took her mother's necklace off. She tried forcing her mind to other matters, as she drew the last of the water from the well for her father's water flask. She fastened the cap on the flask and walked over to her father's horse, Kaiser. She placed the flask in the saddle bag as her father emerged from the house, "Do I have everything, Malon," he asked, sleepily.

"I think so. Food and everything is in the saddle bag," Malon answered, "Did you get the money?"

"Yeah, I got it," He said patting his pocket, "I'll only be gone for a week. You take care," He said mounting Kaiser and stroking his daughter's cheek.

"Dad…be careful. Don't go to sleep while you're riding," She said, "Promise?"

Talon kissed his finger and touched it to the tip of Malon's nose, "I promise."

"Love you," She said as the horse began trotting away.

"Love you too, princess."

Malon stood at Lon Lon Ranch's iron gate and watched her father until he had vanished completely. A week alone with Ingo, definitely not something Malon was looking forward to. Sighing, she returned to her chores. Winter was rapidly approaching, she could feel it in the way the chilled wind nipped at her neck, ears, and face, slowing her work to a leisurely pace. She continued spreading the feed as the cuccos twittered about her feet collecting the small seeds. A soft crunch of the grass caused her to look up.

A surprised gasp escaped her throat for she was expecting Ingo but instead she only saw blue. His cerulean eyes complemented his tanned skin and blonde hair that whipped about his face with the wind. His mouth was curled up into a playful half smile. A blue tunic and white leggings cloaked his body, covering his well defined abs and calves. He dropped the leather pack slung over his shoulder and opened his arms. Malon laughed in sheer delight, dropping her apron and scattering the cuccos feed all over the ground. She ran with all her might into the man's waiting arms. He lifted her off the ground and spun her around. "I thought you weren't coming back for a long time," Malon said as he set her back on the ground.

"I couldn't stay away for long. I missed you," The man replied.

Malon smiled slightly, as she felt the color rise in her cheeks, "You have to stay for dinner, Link," She said.

Link reached over and wrapped his hand around her slender fingers, "What are we having," he asked as they walked slowly toward the house together.

"Well, dad went fishing early this morning before he left, so I was thinking roasted fish and some vegetables from the garden."

Link sighed, "I wish I could stay, Red. But I can't."

"Why can't you?"

"As soon as I got back to Hyrule from Termina, I got a message from Zelda. She needs me for something," He explained.

Malon's shoulders slumped, "Well I suppose its okay. But you owe me dinner."

"Yes ma'am. I'll come back as soon as I can and we'll go to that new restaurant in the market. How's that sound?"

She tapped her chin thoughtfully, "I don't know. You may have to do some begging," She replied playfully.

Link held his head high and spoke in a snooty voice, "I, madam, do not beg," then he quickly lowered his head and smiled at her, "But for you, I would do anything. Even strip naked and oink like a pig."

Malon stifled a giggle with her hand, "You don't have to go that far. Just let me know when you're ready and I'll go with you."

He smiled and nodded, "Very well madam," he said, gently brushing his lips against the back of her hand, "Until then, I bid thee adieu."

Malon pulled her hand away, "You are such a nerd," She said swatting at him.

He jumped back and bowed to her. Then in his bad impression of a royal family member he spoke, "Oh my fair lady, before I take my leave, I wish to ride thine noblest of steeds. Havest thou…not…noble…steeds," he said, fumbling for words.

"Stop talking like that, Sir Clueless-a lot."

"What a horrible nickname. And you call me the nerd," He said with a laugh.

She punched his arm teasingly, "Are you going to talk right, or do I need to break out the tea and crumpets?"

"Actually crumpets sound good. I'm kind of hungry," Link rubbed his stomach to prove his point.

Malon shook her head, "Epona's waiting for you just as you left her. I don't know why you didn't take her with you to Termina," She said, leading the way to the corral.

"I don't think she likes me very much. Is it the hat," he asked pointing to his head.

Malon laughed quietly, "She adores you. There she is," nodding her head toward the horse.

Epona was the only horse galloping across the grass, her reddish brown fur gleaming under the autumn sun. The rest were standing around grazing casually. Link smiled as he watched the free spirit sprint across the corral, her beautiful white mane flailing wildly behind her. "Go on, call her, Link," Malon said urging him on.

Link stepped forward hesitantly, "I'm not sure I can. I haven't done this in a while, ya know." He then began slapping his hands against his knees and whistling as if Epona were a dog. The horse simply ignored him, "See told you," He said, looking back at Malon.

"Ha, ha very funny. You know that's not how you call her," She walked over to him, "Let me do it." Inhaling deeply, she began to sing her mother's song.

Discreetly, Link pulled out his ocarina and began playing the song as well. Their music swirled through the air, reaching Epona's ears. She immediately perked up and she looked over at the pair. She trotted over to them and nuzzled Malon gently. She rested her hands on Epona's nose. Link lowered his ocarina, leaving only Malon's voice softly singing the gentle melody. It had been such a long time since Link had heard her sing. He loved the sound, the varying pitch. Each note seemed sweeter than the last. It was amazing, enchanting. He could've stood and listen to her forever. "It's getting late you know," Said Malon, stopping suddenly.

"Are you trying to get rid of me," he asked.

"The sooner you leave, the sooner you can come back." She replied, "Come on. I'll get Epona saddled and ready for you."

Link waited patiently for Malon at the gates and she returned a few minutes later, "I put some apples and carrots in the saddle bag for you," She said, gently patting Epona's neck.

"Thanks a lot, Red." He said walking over to her.

They stared at each other for a long while, each wanting the other to make the first move. Link took a deep breath and put his hands around her shoulders, "I'll be back. I promise." He said, kissing her cheek gently.

Malon smiled and nodded, as he mounted Epona, "I'll be back," he repeated. Then with a click of his tongue, Epona darted out into Hyrule Field and out of Malon's viewing range. He was gone once again. "He'll be back. He always comes back," Malon's mind said, trying to convince her heart.

"Still waiting for that boy I see…" said a gruff voice.

Malon glanced beside her and jumped when she saw Ingo. "You're gonna die waiting for him," He sneered to her, "He's gonna marry his princess."

"He wouldn't do that," Malon said defensively.

"And why not? You honestly think he wants you," Ingo said, chuckling a bit.

"He loves me," she bit back.

Ingo turned to her, his cold eyes glaring at her, "Stupid girl, no one loves you," he said before disappearing back into the ranch.