Chapter 5

Peaceful Days

'WHAT!' Echoed a voice through the once silent ranch. The wind blew through the barren night. All that could be heard the occasional rattle of the shutters and the clunking of the horses' hooves. Another shout.

'OH COME ON!' Link stood in the middle of the room where he had once played one of his favourite games…chase the cucco.

'What do you mean I can't leave tomorrow?' Questioned the hero. Malon walked over to him and sighed sympathetically.

'Link, you are still badly injured from your fight with Dark Link. If you leave the ranch now, any monster will be able to beat you. Even a stalchild.' Link crossed his arms stubbornly.

'I'm fine.' He stated simply. The young woman smiled craftily and slapped the elf lightly on the shoulder. Link fell to the floor like the roof had fell on him. Clutching his shoulder in agony he looked up to Malon with childish eyes.

'You're staying here for another few days, okay?' She asked, almost ordering. He nodded slowly with tear filled eyes. The red haired beauty turned to the door and walked out triumphantly. A small hiss could be heard from the angel.

'What an idiot…' And the door slammed. Link lay there, staring at the door longingly.

'What's up?' Came a voice from behind him. Link squealed and scrambled to his feet clutching his chest.

'What the hell!' He hissed, as he turned round. Sheik stood there scratching his head. 'Don't do that Sheik, it freaks me out!' The red-eyed fighter ignored the scornful look on the elf's face.

'Why were you staring at Malons' room door?' he asked simply. Links face relaxed a bit but it was still clear to see that he was still annoyed about the surprise visit from Sheik.

'Just…that she is making me stay for a few day. Because I'm injured and stuff.' He replied. Sheik raised an eyebrow. A smile grew behind the warriors' mask.

'She cares for you a lot you know, you shouldn't argue so much with her. She's only trying to help.' The hurt teen lowered his head.

'I guess so…' He said in a small whisper. Hurt. Pain. Why was he so hurt and Sheik escaped in perfect condition? The hero closed his eyes and remembered the battle with the dark warrior in the temple. How all the monster did was close his eyes and brought the hero of time to his knees. Link looked up to Sheik.

'Sheik…?' Asked the hero 'Why…why wasn't you affected by Dark Links' attack?' The sleek fighter stared at Link hard, as if to think of the best way to respond.

'I don't know.' He stated after a few seconds. Link lowered his head again and headed towards the spare bedroom.

'You will have to be careful Link.' Sheik said to the young mans' back 'Evil has gotten stronger than it ever was. Stopping Ganondorf will be a lot harder than it was last time.' With that and a flash of light, Sheik disappeared from the room, leaving Link alone with his thoughts…

A cucco crowed as the golden sun rose over the vast ranch. Link lay in his bed eyes wide open.

'Damn bird…' He whispered to himself. Rising from his bed, the warrior made his way to the washhouse in his under garments. He walked out of the house to find Malon already up, feeding the cuccos. She smiled at the sleepy warrior as he passed. He grinned at her idiotically.

'Cant you do something about that stupid bird? That's three days in a row it's woke me up early.' He asked. Malon giggled girlishly.

'It gets me up for work, it should get you up for training.' She replied. Link laughed loudly.

'I don't need to train.' He giggled, as he walked away. The washhouse was quite small, but very clean. A small bath was in the corner, already filled with steaming hot water. The hero smiled. Thanks Malon. He thought to himself. A quick bath and the elf had finished. It was strange not having Navi there. The fairy had always watched over him, even when he was in the bath. Having her those few days, had made the fighter get used to her quickly. She had left to find some information about Ganondorf form her fellow fairies so she had to leave for a few days. He left the washhouse and went to help Malon with her chores. He had always thought a life without fighting monsters and saving lands would be boring life, but it seemed that living on the ranch seemed different. There was always something for him to do, whether it is clean the Stables to feed the animals. He was also surprised on how simple things could be so hard. Link remembered the first time he was helping Malon move the haystacks. The hero had bragged on how all the fighting he had done gave him amazing strength. He could barely push one out of the way. He almost fell over when he saw Malon taking two at a time. She had mentioned something about dense stuff, but Link couldn't pay attention due to surprise.

The green haired fighter felt quite strange for the few days he had worked at the ranch. It was a change to fighting evil. A good change? Maybe. He felt somewhat happy working and hanging around with Malon. Yet, all the time, he couldn't forget what he had to do. He would have to leave the ranch soon. But, did he have to leave forever?

Evening, the animals slept, the sun was setting, and the two workers made there way to the house.

'You're getting better Link.' Complimented the red haired beauty. 'You can lift one haystack already, that's pretty good.' The fighter grinned proudly.

'Yeah, but you learned how to balance one on your head. That's brilliant' he said with a pat on her shoulder. They entered the house. Malon had already made their supper and it was laid on the table ready. The dirty labourers sat down and began to eat their fill.

'So when is your father back?' Link asked halfway through the meal.

'In the next few days I think. He is probably asleep again.' They both laughed at the joke. Their giggles faded out to silence as they carried on eating. Malon stopped. She looked up at the handsome warrior.

'Link…'she said quietly. The fighter looked up to see the woman's eyes brim with tears. 'Do you have to leave?' He stopped eating and stared at her. The deep blue eyes, fiery hair, the silk like dress. He had always noticed them when he saw her. Silence followed the question. It was almost like he had to think of the answer, even though it was clear on what had to be done.

'He must.' A voice broke the silence. Sheik stood at the door. 'Destiny or not, he must fight Ganondorf. If not, who else will.' Link stood up and went to his bedroom door.

'We leave tomorrow.' He said, with his face half covered in shadow. As he entered the room, it was clear that something glistened on his face.

Link and sheik waited on the horses as Malon brought some food for their travels.

'Be careful Link.' She said as she handed over the bread and meat. The hero smiled at her. 'I got to get back to work, so I'll see you when you get back… You will come back wont you?' The green clothed warrior looked at her as if in a trance. He jumped of his stallion. Malon stared at him, eyes brimming with tears again. He hugged her. For a minute they stood there…in silence. As he pulled away from her, the hero whispered in her ear.

'I promise…' He jumped on his Epona and rode of almost immediately. Sheik followed.

'I'll come back.' Link whispered to himself. 'Even if it kills me.'

Sorry about not updating in a while. My Pc broke and I couldn't get word for it for ages. Please comment. I think I may have gone a bit rusty.