In the horse enclosure Link is sleeping sitting beside Malon as the cockcrows. He's leaning against her and looks uncomfortable but when you are a professional at being lazy you know how to do it whenever and wherever you want.
"Wake up." Malon cajoles. "Fairy boy time to get up." Link remains asleep. "He went through heck yesterday; I guess he's too tired." She looks around as the farm comes to life. "But someone has to do the mornin' chores. I can't but I think he can help me." She shakes him gently. "Come on wake up."
Link fidgets and tries to roll over. "No…go away…" He tries to push Malon's hand away. An exercise in futility as he only succeeds in moving himself. He slides over and hits the ground next to her.
Malon giggles as he continues his antics. "Goofy…" She whispers as he reaches for a blanket to pull over himself. "Get up." She says decisively prodding him a bit more.
Link rolls over onto his back and pushes the imaginary bedcover away from his face and opens his eyes. A grumpy Hylian stares up at Malon. His expression changes from irritation to befuddlement as he beholds the form of his tormentor. His eyes automatically shut tight after coming to the conclusion that it's been only two seconds and they want a break.
"I must be dreaming…" He says rubbing his face and looking again. "This can't be real…" He closes his eyes but immediately opens them a third time because he's been poked again. He looks hard at her smiling face then at the finger pressing him. Peepers locked on the farm girl he wraps his hands around the digit. "Hold on…" He says as he notes its solidity. "You…"
"Good mornin' lazy boy." Malon says gaily.
"Wha…" All the color drains from Link's face as his eyes roll to the back of his head and he faints.
"I guess wakin' up early don' sit too well with him." Malon says to herself fetching a bucket of water. "I don't suppose I'm that easy ta wake up to either." She smiles then dribbles water on the unconscious savior of Hyrule.
"B-b-b!" Link founders under the stream. He sits up and looks around. "I know I took some pretty heavy damage yesterday. A lot of blood loss." He says aloud. "There was no way that could've been real."
"Then don' turn round." Comes a voice from behind Link. "I don' want you fallin' out on me again."
"Huh?" Link says standing. "Malon?"
"Yep, now I said don' turn round. Listen first."
Link nods. "You've got my attention." His back is still to Malon and he's looking as though he's in deep thought. Of course all of this is hard to tell from behind.
"I don' know how to phrase it any other way but you wasn't dreamin' that's all I can say."
"So you're telling me you are like the dream I just had."
"Mm hm."
"And you're…bigger."
"To say the least." She replies with a giggle.
"You've got to be-" Link turns around. "Oh."
"Hi there." Malon smiles down from her full twenty-five foot height with the bucket hanging from her pinky finger. It's almost cute…except that it can't possibly be true. She can see Link wrestling with the idea visibly and giggles again.
"And I'm not dreaming?" Link asks one last time just to be sure.
"Nope. All of me is just as real as the ground you're standin' on."
"Okay." Link replies.
Thirty minutes and several pails later Link and Malon are talking. After managing to rouse the young man and keep him with her long enough to not pass out she explains what she needs him to do.
"It's too early in the morning for this." Link complains.
"But I need your help." Malon says. "Please help me out."
"I wasn't talking about the work. I was talking about you! Least you could do is give a guy a warning…"
"I tried that." Malon giggles. "Every time you'd turn round and pass out anyhow."
"What do I have to do?" Link asks impatiently embarrassed at having fainted so many times.
"To start you got to feet the cows and cuccos. Then milk em and collect the eggs. Then clean the stables and the henhouse."
"All that?"
"It ain't all that much. If a lil ole country gal can do it you can too."
Link grumbles about how it isn't fair and gets to work. Malon watches carefully correcting and guiding the hired help at every turn. After a while he actually finishes the morning chores. You'd think it was an Olympic accomplishment with the amount of fatigue he seemed to have afterward.
"Whew, that's done!" Link plops down on the ground. "I'm pooped!"
"Then I guess I'll let you wait a while before you start the afternoon chores." Malon replies. "You didn't do too bad…"
"Afternoon chores?" Link groans.
"You didn't think that was it did you?" Malon asks incredulously.
"One can hope."
"Runnin' a farm is a full-time job. Always somethin' to do." Malon grins. "I'll make a ranch hand outta you yet!" Link groans again and flops on his back.
X
In Kokiri Forest Saria is looking for Link. She's got something to tell him and hasn't found him yet. A cause to wonder about for the eternally young Kokiri girl to be sure.
"I wonder where Link is..." Saria says to herself. "Looks like he wasn't here again last night…" She walks into the Lost Woods. "I was able to get a rematch out of Mido but now our star player is nowhere to be found. I guess he'll turn up. I'll just have to postpone the match until then."
X
At Lon Lon Ranch Link has just completed the afternoon chores. Another Herculean effort if you ask him and now he's beat once again. But his large supervisor is cutting him some slack, after all he did get the living crap beaten out of him only yesterday.
"Okay, now I'm done." Link collapses onto terra firma. "How do you do this all day?" He asks from the ground.
"You get used to it." Malon replies. "It's nothing really."
"I'm so tired I could sleep for a week!"
"Not before evening chores." She says sitting down.
"Don't remind me. Ugh. Fighting monsters is easier than this."
"The big hero wants to go get some monsters, that's a big surprise. I don' see how you deal with em myself, can't stand em."
"You get used to it." Link says back at her. "It's nothing really."
"Funny."
"Talon didn't care too much about what happened, why is that?" Link asks.
"Not much bothers pa. He was more upset he'd have to start cookin' again than he was about havin' me around." Malon looks at the farmhouse. "That's just his way."
"Exactly how tall are you? That's been on my mind all day."
"I wonder myself. How can we figure it?"
"That's easy. Where's a tape measure?"
"In there but you need somebody to hold it at the top and read at the bottom for accurate measurin' right?"
"Yeah, but we can make do." Link returns with the tape and two pieces of wood.
"What are you gonna do with those?"
"Just lie down. I'll show you."
"Okay." Malon lies down on her back. "Like this?"
"That's fine." Link walks over to her head. "Be still please." He places a plank against her cranium then one against her feet. "Roll sideways for me. Don't move the wood."
"Which way?"
"Any way." Malon moves and he walks the distance between the sticks marveling at how he can count paces walking her height. "Sure are tall." He remarks stretching the tape.
"Maybe." She says amiably. "Thought you might've missed it."
"Twenty-seven feet tall to be exact. Actually a little over that but that's what we'll call it."
"Wow…"
"How tall were you before?"
"About five six."
"That makes you…" Link does some fast math. "Five times your normal height."
"That'll explain my appetite." Malon laughs.
"What have you eaten today?"
"Leftovers from your parade. Since we brought the food we took back what was left. There isn't much now though." The big girl looks guilty.
"We'll need to come up with something or you could end up starving."
"With you around I won't starve." Malon giggles and Link pales visibly. "I'm sure you'll think of something."
X
In Hyrule Castle Princess Zelda impatiently waits for Link. She paces the throne room awaiting him now thoroughly annoyed.
"Where is he?" Zelda wonders pacing. "I was sure he'd be back today."
"It is late your majesty, I should be going."
"I know Calle but he should be here. Link of all people should know his adventure is hard to keep in order. He should've known you would need clarification…"
"You should allow her to go." Impa says. "I doubt he shall be by tonight."
"…you are right. Calle, you may go."
"Thank you your graciousness." Calle bows.
"I will have him here tomorrow I am certain."
"Most appreciated." Calle takes her leave.
X
At Lon Lon Ranch the sun is about to set. The end of the day has nearly arrived and at least one person is worn out.
"Alright, what are these evening chores?" Link asks resolutely. "I'm ready."
"Just put the horses in for the night. I usually do before bed but last night…" Malon trails off.
"Anything else?"
"Nope just that…" His companion sounds despondent.
"Is something wrong?" Link asks concerned.
"The horses are still frightened of me…that makes me sad."
"Oh, um well let's see…" Link walks over to Epona. "Hey girl, come over here. Come on follow me." The filly balks. "Come on, please?"
"It's no use. I guess I'm too scary." Malon's eyes glisten with unshed tears.
"No, now work with me!" Link demands. "Sing her song."
"O-okay." Malon begins to sing Epona's song.
"Come on. That's the way." Link leads Epona to Malon. "Be calm, you know her. She's just really big."
Malon hugs Epona lightly. "Aren't you my favorite?" Though Epona is the size of a dog by comparison she is comfortable as her owner strokes her. "You're a good girl."
"Sit down. I think some others want attention." Link mentions. "But you're just a little imposing standing."
Malon nods without breaking song and sits. Other horses clop over cautiously toward her now that she's sitting. Soon friends surround her. The girl looks perfectly at home with them all and can't be happier.
"I can wait to take them in." Link says leaning on the gate. "No hurry." Malon nods and continues to bond with the horses.
X
In Gerudo Valley Nabooru is sitting looking to the horizon in the desert. The endless sandstorm rages and in all the dust the dusk falling is nearly obscured.
"I didn't give Link enough credit yesterday." She remarks skyward. "The winner of the tournament couldn't touch me once. He is actually very good since he nearly beat me. What did I expect? Everyone wants to see us go again. I want to go again. He seemed a bit off; he'd probably be even tougher!" She sighs.
"But he didn't even come by today to see who won. I didn't even get a chance to ask him for another go. I only want another good round, I had no idea that he was the only worthy opponent."
X
At Lon Lon Ranch Link and Malon are sitting talking. There is nothing left to do and that is fine by the freshly hired help.
"Isn't this strange?" Malon says suddenly. "This happenin' like it did?"
"Sort of." Link replies. "It is unexpected."
"I'm sorry; you need to speak up some. I'm up here." She chides. "Can't hear you."
"Sort of." He repeats louder. "It was unexpected."
"Why don't you sit on the roof? Then we could talk face to face."
"Sure, fine idea." The holder of all tools whips out his trusty hookshot and is on the roof pretty fast. "Can you here me now?"
"Mm hm." Malon looks up at the stars. "Who would've thunk it though?"
"I sure didn't. The guy who sold the beans to me was chewing them up. Never in my wildest dreams…"
"I could've dreamed it up. I did if you want to know."
"Huh?"
"My mother told me dreams were one of three things: something you want to happen, something you don' want to happen, or something that's gonna happen. Last night happened just like in my dream."
"This is exactly the way it happened?"
Malon nods. "Right down to a T."
"Well it was an event seven years in the making. You dreamed it would happen then it did. Maybe it was destined to occur?" Link shrugs. "I'm no fortune teller."
"I wonder if it'll turn out for the best."
"No way to tell. We can only live it out."
"And hope." Malon adds.
Link nods. "We should turn in." He moves to hang from the eaves and drop. He's surprised to feel hands around his midsection lower him to the ground. "…" Malon smiles at him as he goes to the farmhouse.
X
Link awakens to tapping on his window. It's like the night flew by and morning took the express route because he's still wiped out somewhat.
"What?" Link looks out the glass pane. He can see Malon tapping it. "Morning already?" He walks outside.
"Good mornin'." Malon says to her assistant. "Ready to get started?" Link nods and they begin.
First he lets the horses out and feeds the cuccos and the cows. Then he milks the cows and collects the eggs. But he has trouble cleaning the stables. A He-man Link is not and he nearly throws his back out for trying.
"Damn, straw is heavy." Link groans trying to move a bale. "Shoveling it out got me tired and my back still hurts." He tries to boost the bundle with all his might. "Damn it, ow!"
"Let me help." Malon says noting Link's difficulty. She steps over the corral gate to the stable. "Too heavy?" He nods and she moves it with one hand then lays it out with the other.
"Thanks. I'm so sore from yesterday it isn't funny." Link attempts to stand. He and Quasimodo share a standing posture in common now.
"You look like a sway backed nag limpin' round like that." Malon says watching Link lurch about ungainly.
"I feel like one."
"Hold it right there. You need a rubdown before you cramp up all over." The colossal country gal sits down and gestures at the hero. "Let me help you."
"I can take it. I just need some rest."
"You'll wake up lookin' like a half dead garden snake." Malon warns.
Link considers the consequences. "I hurt like heck now and it's going to get worse. Or I could have Malon help me and be snapped like a twig. She won't do it on purpose but does she know her own strength?"
Malon can see Link pondering. "I promise you'll be happy you let me help you." She says confidently.
"What have I got to lose?" Link concludes. "She just wants to help. She doesn't want to see me hurt." He nods his assent.
Seeing this Malon picks Link up in both hands and places him in her lap. Then she begins to massage his back and shoulders after removing his tools from him.
Tense at first Link was startled to find that Malon was surprisingly gentle. An easy yet firm set of soft hands were taking the pain out of his body gradually. It was a pleasantly different occurrence unlike anything he had ever experienced before. The event was relaxing to a fault and he drifted off to sleep.
Malon was just taking her time. She noted the cramped corded muscles in his arms and legs from so much fighting. How his back was naturally inclined forward because of all the equipment. "All this stuff is jus' too much to be luggin' round all the time." She says continuing. "It'll ruin your back, Link. Link?" Now she notes his lack of presence in the conversation. "Lazy fairy boy…" She finishes the massage and looks at him for a while. "Anytime's naptime for them elf kids." She says to herself leaving him rest in the crook of her arm.
X
In Kokiri Forest Saria is climbing a ladder. She's on a mission and Link is it. She's hot up the ladder to the only tree house in the forest to find him and complete her objective.
"We're going to show Mido and the boys what for this time!" Saria thinks to herself. "Just as soon as Link's ready we're taking them down!" She reaches the top of the ladder then walks into Link's house.
"What a messy house…where's Link?" Saria wonders aloud.
"I was hoping you could tell me?" Says a voice.
"Impa!" Saria gasps. "You scared the daylights out of me!"
"Sorry." The Shadow Sage says apologetically. "I was sent to get Link. He is wanted at the castle you see. However I found that he wasn't here. I thought you might be him climbing the ladder."
"Zelda's looking for him too? I was looking for him myself. I had something he could help me with. How long have you been waiting?"
"Maybe ten minutes. I never knew Link to be an early riser though."
"He isn't." Saria says flatly. "If he wasn't here he must be where he was the last two nights."
"Last two nights?"
"For the last couple of days he hasn't been home. Last time I saw him was two days ago. He came from where he went and was here for a little while then returned there is my guess. This makes the third day he's been gone."
"Indeed. Come with me. Tell your story to the princess. Perhaps we can figure something out together."
X
Link is in Hyrule castle. It's a heck of a time for an impromptu visit and he's wondering about it himself.
"How'd I get here?" Link wonders inside the throne room. "Zelda." He spots the Hylian princess. "Saria." The Sage of the Forest is there as well as the leaders of the Gerudo and Zora. "Nabooru, Ruto what's up?"
The ladies say nothing. They advance and circle around him. Although they're smiling Link can't help but feel apprehensive. Something isn't right and it sure isn't the royal décor.
"Hello, anyone?" Link says voice echoing throughout the cavernous room.
No response. They continue to circle around then suddenly they rush him. They grab his arms and begin to tug. Now he's being pulled in several directions and he still doesn't have any idea what's going on.
"Hey, ow! What's the big idea?" Link demands taking an unwanted stretching. "Quit it!"
This gets a reaction. Now they are all talking at once, all of their voices in Link's ears. Talking louder and louder he can't understand and after so much straining cries out.
"Stop it! Leave me alone!"
But they don't listen. They just yell and tug harder. Link can't take much more abuse. He's considering finding a new circle of friends at this point if they are all actually nuts but that's when the throne room door flies open.
"Link? What are you doing to Link?" Comes from the archway. Hurried footfalls are heard and soon a large angry Malon looms over the sages.
"Help!" Pleas the human rubber band.
"Let him go this minute!" Malon demands. "How can you do this to him? He ain't no dog that do tricks! He can't be everythin' ya'll want him to be because that's what you want! He can't stand any of this and you just take advantage?" She picks up the battered ranch hand. "Ya'll should be ashamed." She walks out.
Looking up at his huge heroine enfolded in her arms Link feels a sense of peace as she smiles down at him. It's enough to make him feel at ease despite the dislocated joints.
"Are you alright? Sorry I was late, had a tough time catchin' up to you."
Link nods. "Just glad to see you…" Then his eyes close.
"Are you awake?" Link shakes his head. "You got to be awake if you're shakin' your head!" Malon giggles.
Link's eyes open. "Huh?"
"You here with me now?" Malon asks. "You said somethin'."
"What? What did I say?"
"'Just glad to see you.' Were you havin' a nightmare?"
"Yes, no I mean…" Then Link proceeds to relate the dream, because that's what it must have been.
"Oh." Malon says as he finishes. "And I was holdin' you in my arms?"
"Yeah. I felt safe and content."
"Like now?" Malon asks grinning.
"Uh…" As it just so happens Link is held securely in Malon's embrace very exactly like in the dream. So instead of vocally responding he turns the color of his old Goron tunic.
"I'll take that as a yes." Malon laughs. "Nothin' wrong with it! I'll hold you if you want. I kind of like it too. It gives me a warm fuzzy feelin', you know?" Link nods. "You can go back to sleep if you want, I don't mind. You won't miss afternoon chores." He groans and takes her up on her offer falling back to sleep immediately. "Such a lazy boy…"
X
In Hyrule castle Zelda and Saria are talking. They are comparing stories and trying to piece together the path of the wayward defender of the land. They aren't getting too far though.
"So he's been gone for the last three days?" Zelda repeats after hearing what Saria told Impa. "I haven't seen him."
"I wonder where he is." Impa says to herself. "His disappearance is admirably well-executed."
"Where who is?" Calls a voice from the entrance to the throne room. "What are you guys talking about?"
"Ah Nabooru, have you seen Link?" Zelda asks.
"No, came here looking for him." The Sage of Spirits replies. "You guys looking for him too?"
"Yeah." Saria says. "He hasn't been home for the last three days."
"We have some things we need him for." Zelda says.
"No kidding. I need a rematch with the guy."
"Where else could he be?" Impa wonders.
"You think Ruto has seen him? We've covered about everywhere else." Saria suggests.
Zelda shrugs. "It is worth an effort. From here we are still fruitless so any alternative should be entertained."
"I can't see why he'd be hanging out with her." Nabooru says. "I don't know."
"Well, they are engaged." Impa says pointedly.
"Really? Must've missed that."
"The whole thing's silly if you ask me." Saria mumbles.
"So we're headed to Zora's domain?" Zelda asks. They nod and then they disappear in a green flash as the Hylian princesses Farore's Wind spell carries them away.
X
On the ranch Malon is sitting holding Link and watching the horses. Not having to do anything is growing on her since she's got a replacement right there.
"Almost time for afternoon chores." Malon says looking down at her hired help. "But I don' have the heart to wake him. I'll let him sleep a little longer." She sits content for a while until a familiar feeling comes over her.
"Oh, well it is around that time." Malon says standing. "What's to eat?" She checks around. "Nothin'…that ain't good." Her stomach growls. "Maybe Link can help me." She tries to rouse him.
"Huh, oh hi." Link says groggily. "I wasn't sleeping. I was working, honest."
"Sure you were." Malon replies smiling. "Could you help me with something?"
"Uh huh." He replies yawning.
"I'm hungry."
Link's face falls and he turns white as a sheet. "Uh…" He tries to escape Malon's grasp.
"No silly, not you!" Malon says cheerily. "I mean can you go get me something to eat?"
"Yeah, sure I can try." Link replies with the color returning to his face. "Had me going for a minute there."
"Well I'm not sayin' you wouldn't be tasty but I'm in the mood for something else." Malon laughs.
"Right." Link says unsteadily. "How much do you want?"
"Bring back as much as you can, I missed breakfast." She sets Link down. "Take the cart over there. Hurry back."
"I'll do what I can. Stay hidden until I come back. I'll whistle." Malon nods and Link rides off.
X
In Zora's Domain Ruto listens to the story of the other sages. It is a meeting of the minds and not very much has happened since their arrival but still. They are all playing the detective game trying to put together a timeline and doing a lackluster job of it.
"So you cannot find my beloved?" Ruto says, worried. "Why does this happen to me?"
"It is as though he's dropped from the face of the world." Impa replies. "I'm impressed."
"This is terrible!" Ruto wails. "We're engaged you know."
"Yes, we know." Everyone says tiredly.
"When is the last time you saw Link?" Saria asks anxious to get back on topic.
"Three days ago. I found him in Lake Hylia floating in the late afternoon."
"We have all seen him two days prior." Zelda says. "Your last meeting with him was a fortnight past?"
"Yes."
"Let's put together his steps." Nabooru suggests. "Two days ago we all saw Link. Except you." She points at the Zora princess who nods. "Who saw him first?"
"I saw him in the afternoon." Zelda says.
"I saw him in the morning." Saria mentions.
"While I saw him at dusk." Nabooru concludes. "Since I saw him last he probably went to where he's been going to instead of home after we left. Any ideas?"
"Who really keeps track of Link?" Zelda asks.
"He's as slippery as an eel. The mark of a skilled Sheikah." Impa agrees.
"He doesn't even visit me…" Ruto mopes, beginning to sob somewhat vocally.
"I wonder why?" Nabooru murmurs under her breath. "Any ideas at all?" She asks again.
"After he left me he went to Goron City!" Saria remembers suddenly. "Maybe Darunia knows!"
"He is Link's sworn brother." Zelda states.
"It's worth a shot." Nabooru shrugs.
"The last clue we have." Impa remarks wistfully. "Well played Link." Ruto whimpers pitifully and she sniffs and looks hopeful at the last prospect.
After a quick vote Zelda summons her magic and all the sages gather around. Then just as suddenly as they came they leave for Death Mountain.
X
In Hyrule Market Link is looking around for food vendors. With no shortage of merchants with stands selling every kind of food from potatoes to raw fish it isn't that hard. The fact that he has no idea what half of this stuff is (not having had a mother that made him try these things) and no clue how much to buy is the main issue here.
"How much could she possibly eat?" Link wonders. "She said fill this cart but it's a two horse carriage. It isn't small." He shrugs. "But better it than I. Wouldn't want her chewing on me." He walks up to a market stand.
"Hi, what can I get you?" Asks the merchant. "Hey, aren't you-"
"Yeah." Link cuts him off. "Never mind all that." He looks at the stand and all the food on display carefully considering his options. "Let me get…everything."
"Everything? That's a lot of-" The salesman sounds dubious.
"I can pay. Could you load it into my carriage?"
"Yes, that will come to-"
"Is this enough?" Link drops three purple rupees on the stand.
"Thank you! I'll have it loaded right away!"
"I'll be back in a few minutes." Link walks off.
"Yes sir!" The ecstatic salesman replies to the retreating form that is his most profitable customer ever.
Link doesn't pay him anymore attention though. Something has just struck him and he's got one more thing to do before he leaves the castletown. Heading over to the home of the only tailor in Hyrule the mighty savior of the nation has a request of the threadmaster. This is not well received by the expert fabric artist however and they are arguing in short order.
"I will not!" The clothes maker declares. "A waste of my talent!"
"Bind it with twine and make it to last." Link says ignoring his objections.
"There is no call for my skill! I am an artist not a-!" Link shushes him. "Do not shush me boy! Have you no respect?"
"You are taxing my patience." Link thinks as he rolls his eyes and puts a hand to his forehead. "Stop being difficult." He says flatly. "Will you be done by tomorrow?"
"There is no way that I would-oh!" Two golden rupees fall on the table. The experts eyes gleam with the shine of the jewels.
"Will you be done by tomorrow?"
"Of course sir!"
"Thank you."
X
In the cow barn Malon is kind of compact. It was quite the endeavor to get inside of the building and having obtained entry through ripping her dress a bit and knocking her elbow on the doorway it only proved one thing. It was not roomier on the inside as previously suspected. Not with all the cows and other things and a pitchfork sticking her somewhere she'd rather not be stuck leaving a second rip in her garment.
"When is he gonna get back? It's kinda tight in here." Malon complains. "Had to shove all the crates out of here to fit plus that damn fork…" She finds it and stabs it deep into the wall out of spite. "Why would he leave it right there?"
"I'm famished too." She shifts and the cows low in protest. "Quit, I'm trying to get comfortable." She hears a loud whistle. "Darn it I jus'-" She slips out of the barn with some difficulty, nearly splitting the sleeve of her clothing completely in the process. "Hey."
"I can't believe you actually fit in there." Link says riding up with the food 'cart'. "Though not without some kind of loss…"
"Me neither." Malon agrees, looking at her somewhat bare arm. "Ah well, what did you get me?"
"Your favorite. Vetagebles!" Link uncovers the cart with a flourish.
"Vegetables." Malon corrects. "And fruit and bread, what did you do buy a market stand?"
"Yeah, it's all I could think up." Link says guiltily. "Did you want something in particular?"
"No! I was jus' curious. Must've cost a fortune!"
Link shrugs. "What's money for?"
"Thank you." The oversized girl begins to eat.
"She really is putting it away." He thinks. "Will there be enough for later? I spent 150 on it I hope so…"
"I was empty!" Malon says between bites. "That hits the spot." She stops. "Should be enough till tomorrow, thanks again."
"Good…so can I get out of afternoon chores?"
She shakes her head. "Someone has to do it. If Ingo hadn't quit…"
"I'm kidding. But how did you manage to fit in there?"
"That I can' tell you. Why'd I have to?"
"Well you don't want people seeing you without me around to explain. They may run away screaming all sorts of things-"
"Or fall out on the ground." Malon laughs.
"Or that yes. Are you ready for that? Do you want other people to know about you?"
"Not yet." Malon confesses. "I'm still getting used to this."
"See? We'll deal with that when you're good and ready, agreed?" She nods.
X
In Goron City Darunia is in the hot seat. A certain group of ladies has come to call and they've got questions for him. The inquisition has him quite jumpy to begin with.
"So have you seen Link?" Zelda asks the Goron chieftain.
"Yeah, a couple days ago…why?" Darunia replies nervously to the gals.
"What did he say to you?" Nabooru asks.
"Confidential. Man to man talk, can't tell you ladies." The avatar of the volcano says gruffly.
"Is that so?" Saria asks. "What was it about?"
"Love to tell you but I don't think my sworn brother would like it too much." He laughs heartily. "Can't help you!"
"You're going to tell me…" Ruto says threateningly. "Or we'll see if you can swim."
"Swim? Gorons can't oh…" He catches Ruto's meaning.
"Are you ready to tell us or should we visit the lake in person?" Nabooru asks.
"I really shouldn't tell you…"
"That is beside the point." Zelda states. "What did he say?"
"Uh…" Ruto begins to glow. "He said something about a red-haired girl!" Darunia says hurriedly.
"Where?" The Zora princess demands.
"I don't know! He didn't say! She listens to him, that's all I know!"
"That's enough." Impa says suddenly. "Stop scaring Darunia, Ruto."
"But-"
"He doesn't know anything else, isn't it obvious?"
"Link-"
"Didn't leave much of a trail. He's slipped our pursuit of him two days ago. He's tricky."
"Do any of you know any redheads?" Nabooru asks. "I haven't seen any." Everyone else shakes their heads.
"He's avoiding us." Ruto says flatly. "Whoever this person is has somewhere for him to hide out."
"Our last lead just went up in smoke." Saria says. "Why would he want to avoid us though? Do you think it's-"
"I can't imagine why." Zelda says. "The fact remains that he is. We can't find a trace of him anywhere and he hasn't shown up or spoken to any of us."
"The only remaining clue is a red-haired girl." Impa concludes. "If we find her we find Link." Everyone nods and they disappear in a green flash of magic.
"Man I wouldn't want to be Link right now." Darunia mumbles. "Hell hath no fury…good luck brother."
X
On the farm Link is having an easy time of it. Having persuaded Malon that if he continues to do all the work without her help he could break his stitches she decided to give him a bit of a hand.
"These chores are a breeze now." Link says idly.
"Of course, now that I'm helpin'." Malon replies. "Lazy."
"You can lift more than I can." Link says. "Why not help?"
"What if I like watching you sweat?"
"Eh." Link says dismissively. "Give me a hand up." Malon lifts Link over the fence. He rounds up the horses and stables them.
"You're lazy." Malon says as he comes back out.
"We knew that. Elves are lazy." Link says nonchalantly.
"I'm not makin' it better."
"No, you're not." He plops down next to her.
"I shouldn't have started helpin' you."
"You're a big softie."
"I didn't quite catch that. Could you get on the roof again?"
"Hand up?" Link says loudly.
"Come on!" Malon looks down at him. "You're a Hylian!"
"Raised by Kokiri so there." Link replies smugly.
Malon sighs. "You're getting' used to this." She places him on the roof.
"You bet! I've always had to do everything myself. That is very tiresome. Walk everywhere, fight without assistance, tend my own wounds…everything. Having a hand for a change is appreciated even if it's doing stuff I don't normally do."
"How did such a lazy boy save Hyrule?" Link shrugs then there is silence for a while. They gaze at the sunset thinking about things.
"This is the weirdest thing." Malon thinks to herself. "I'm five times my natural height. Why me? Why not the princess or someone else? Is there somethin' special I'm supposed to do? I've got no idea. They say there is a reason for everthin' but…" She glances over at Link.
"He's been real good about all this. After the first shock he's been as helpful as can be. I don't know where I'd be without him right now." She thinks back to earlier. "He dreamed about me holdin' him, not hard to see where that falls. He wanted it to happen I'm sure. It looks like even the big hero needs someone to hold him every now and again."
"I can't believe this is happening." Link thinks to himself. "Who would've thought that a childish dare would turn out like this? It's enough to make you laugh." He is just about to do that when he glances at Malon.
"But she doesn't think it's so funny. She was so scared when it happened I can't believe I was actually going to leave her like that. I felt so low right then, leaving her after all she's done for me. Lend me her horse, tend my wounds, and let me rest all free of charge. I've cried on her shoulder and when she needed someone to lean on I very nearly wasn't there. She isn't like the others, she accepts me for who I am. She doesn't demand stupid things of me, she doesn't demand at all matter of fact. Even when she had to be starving and she was in a position to make me do whatever she wanted she asked me to help her. What's more, she needs me she actually needs me. I haven't felt this way in a long time; my actions mean something once more." He looks at her again.
"She may look kind of intimidating but she said it herself. She's just a big softie and-"
"Link?" Malon asks suddenly. "What is your favorite color?"
"Color? That's an easy one. Red."
"Why is that?"
"It's the color of courage, of fire. My favorite tunic was red."
"It looked pretty crispy. Sorry I had to throw it away."
"That's okay. There was certain red stuff that just shouldn't be on your clothes that got on it. The suit was toast." Link looks contemplative. "I'll have to buy another one come to think of it…"
"I like green. It's the color of meadows and makes me think of serenity. A little boy from the forest dressed in all green changed my life."
"Really?"
"Mm hm. Green is the color of my one true friend."
X
In Hyrule Castle Zelda is pacing around again. As is her habit when irritated she starts wearing a groove in the red carpet before the most expensive chair in the kingdom.
"Princess, you should calm down, get some rest." Impa suggests.
"What wrong have I done Link that he needs to avoid me?" Zelda inquires. "What have I done?"
"You've been nothing but hospitable I assure you."
"I give everything a person could want. Fame, banquets, a holiday even. What is my error?"
"I cannot say."
"Then why speak at all?" Zelda snaps.
"I am sorry."
"No, forgive me Impa. I was rude. I spoke harshly; it is not your fault Link is the way he is. It has me in such a mood…"
"I know." Impa says understandingly. "That is why you should get your rest. Being angry is very taxing."
"You are right. I shall go to bed straightaway."
"Don't worry about Link. I shall find him soon enough."
"That calms me. Thank you." Zelda goes to bed.
"I look forward to matching wits with you Link. Wherever you are I shall find you." Impa says to herself.
X
On the farm Link and Malon stare up at the stars. It's relatively late at night and the moon is high up in the sky.
"You sure can eat." Link says absently.
"What can I say? I'm a big girl now." Malon giggles.
"Still, that's a lot of grub."
"Can' help it."
"You'll get fat." Link warns.
"Not if you're a cheapskate!" Malon counters.
"Got me there. I guess I did cheap out on the food. Only one carriage load. Miserly me."
"I didn't mean it, I'm quite-"
"Take a joke why don't you?" The apprentice farmer laughs. "Didn't your sense of humor grow along with you?"
"Nope, just my appetite. Speaking of which you and I should get better acquainted."
"N-no, maybe you should give me a h-hand down." Link stammers. "G-got to get up early in the morning."
"Where's your sense of humor?" Malon asks picking up Link and licking her lips.
"It's on vacation right now." Link replies voice quavering.
"Oh is that so? Shame." Malon lies back.
"You're not letting me go?" Link asks apprehensively.
"It was awful cold and lonely last night. Won' you keep me company?"
"Oh, since you asked nicely. Of course." Link replies relieved. "I was thinking maybe you were going to snack on me."
"Can' you take a joke?" Malon laughs.
X
In the Kokiri Forest Saria is just come from Link's house. Having checked it for the umpteenth time and this last one just before bed she's come up with nothing. Seeing the note she left him undisturbed she's about to go home.
"Guess he isn't coming back tonight either." Saria thinks sliding down the ladder. "Wherever he is I guess he'll be there until morning." She begins to walk.
"Where is he? Why did he go there? Is it our fault? Is it something we've done?" Saria enters her house and sits down.
If it is us, what have we done? I would really like to ask him. He's never told me." The Forest Sage thinks back to earlier. "Darunia says the red-haired girl listened to him. Does that mean she knows why he's not speaking to us?" She lies down. "Honestly I just want to know."