Chapter 4

A few drops of rain fell from the grey clouds hanging ominously above Lon Lon Ranch. The small group of mourners had gathered around Talon's grave under the lone oak tree. Malon sat a few feet away, on a worn crate pushed against the house. She was wearing an ash colored dress and black ankle boots. Her hair dangled freely around her shoulders. The guests began to disperse after leaving their condolences with the girl. She rubbed her temples to help relieve the sharp pounding in her head. The growing silence was helping and she was thankful. Her listless and puffy blue eyes remained pasted to the swaying grass blades, carefully counting each one to keep her mind off her grief. She simply had no more tears left to shed. She clenched her hands together in her lap and continued counting, "…Thirty-three. Thirty-four. Thirty-five."

"Malon," said a soft, lilting voice.

She looked up from the ground to see Princess Zelda standing in front of her with a look of pity. Zelda was wearing an elegant black dress with the Triforce symbols emblazoned on the sleeves. A black ribbon held her blonde hair back in a loose ponytail, allowing a few strands to hug the curves of her cheeks. Her attendant stood behind her, holding an umbrella over her head to shield her from the few raindrops that fell in irregular intervals. "Thank you for coming, your highness," Malon said, rubbing her arm with a limp hand.

"I was terribly upset when I heard the news. Talon was such a wonderful man. He always made me laugh when I was a child. I will miss him; his warm smile and he had such a cheerful personality," Zelda said, brushing away an almost invisible tear.

Malon lowered her head. Zelda spoke as if her father was the one gone.

"But I am not worried. The ranch is in capable hands. Everything will be…"

"Please your majesty," Malon said, holding up her hand, "Do not tell me everything will be all right. My father is gone! And he isn't coming back! Nothing will be okay ever again."

"My apologies," Zelda replied.

Malon shook her head and she returned to counting the grass. "Do you mind if I talk to Malon alone?" a new voice said, immediately capturing her attention.

Link stood before her dressed in a black tunic. "He looks funny without a matching hat," Malon thought unwillingly.

Zelda nodded, "Very well. I'll wait for you by the carriage," She said, lifting her skirt and making her way toward their waiting horses with her attendant in tow.

"What are you doing here?" Malon asked, her gaze traveling up Link's torso and stopping at his concerned blue eyes.

"I cared about Talon too, Malon. And I was worried about you," he said, kneeling down in front of her and resting his hand on hers, only for her to snatch her hand back.

"I don't need your pity!" she snapped, surprised at how angry she sounded.

"I didn't come here to argue with you. I just wanted to make sure you are all right," he replied.

"I'm fine," she stated, matter-of-factly.

Link sighed in agitation, "Okay. Epona's in the stable. When you grow up, I'll come back to talk to you," he said, turning on his heels and marching toward the carriage. The footman opened the door and Link stepped into the carriage. In a matter of minutes, it was gone and so was he. Malon silently cursed herself. This was not what she had planned to say to him. She was actually planning to apologize and make things right with him. However, her damned pride got in the way once again. Why was everyone she cared for leaving her? She slid off the crate and walked over to her parents' graves. The flowers on her mother's grave were beginning to dry out while her father's flowers were warm and vibrant. "I'll bring you some fresh flowers tonight, momma," she whispered.

Unwilling tears inched down her face and splashed on her trembling hands. "I'm an orphan now…Everyone is always leaving me…maybe I am fated to be alone," Malon said, bitterly. She did have Epona and while she was a great comfort, she was still only a horse. Not even she could take the place of friendly human companionship. Ingo's cruel and indifferent nature made him unapproachable and rather unpleasant to be around. And Link, well, he made it quite obvious he wasn't interested in being around her anymore.

Without Link, Talon was the only real companion she had ever had. Now he was gone and loneliness began to sink in. The light rain began to intensify, stinging her skin as the raindrops struck her. "I'll be back, promise," she said, covering her head with her arms and running into the house. Ingo was sitting in the chair in the living room with his leg swung over the arm. "I was beginning to wonder if you were going to stand out there and twiddle your thumbs all day, whelp," he sneered.

"What are you talking about?" she asked, turning to him.

"It's after seven, you idle fool! Where the hell is my dinner?" he snarled, standing and moving toward her.

"Please Mr. Ingo. I am in no mood to cook tonight. I'm sure there are some leftovers…"

"Did I say I wanted leftovers?" he roared, "What have I told you about being late with my food? Are you too dense to understand or do I need to break that wrist?" He grabbed her wrist and twisted it roughly.

Malon cried out in pain, "Let go of me!" she exclaimed, struggling to pull herself free.

He chuckled and turned her arm to where her palm was facing up. He pulled the sleeve of her dress up and exposed her soft, pale skin. The older mark had long since faded away and a new bruise permeated in its place. He brought her arm up to his mouth and he placed a gently kiss on the bruised flesh, his kisses traveling from her wrist to her elbow. Malon's breath caught in her throat as an uncomfortable feeling washed over her. He still had a firm grip on her, so pulling free would be very difficult. She wished with all her might that the floor would swallow her. He lowered her arm and placed a hand on her cheek, "She always had such soft skin," he whispered into her ear, "And so do you."

She whimpered softly as his lips brushed against her neck, "My dinner…never be late again," he whispered, viciously. His lips pressed against her neck, "Or my dear, I'll have to punish you," and another kiss was planted on her neck.

He finally released her and wished her a good night. Then he disappeared up to his room. Malon began wiping her skin with her hand, trying to rid herself of his kisses; she could still feel his rough lips rubbing against her skin. Eventually, her hand covered her mouth and she let out a muffled, frightened gasp. She was alone…with Ingo and honestly, that terrified her to her very core.

Author's note: Okay, I like this one a lot better. A revised chapter five is in the works now. Also, I am looking for a beta reader. I asked someone from Liz's a while back but I haven't gotten a reply yet, so if you are interest send me a PM or email. Please and Thank You.