Arranged Love

A Malon and Link Story

Chapter three: Preparations

"Oh, that idiot!" said Navi, looking dangerously angry and worn out. The weary little fairy fluttered over to Link, who was lazily snoozing under an oak tree in Kakariko.

"HEY! WAKE UP, YOU BUM!" Navi yelled at the top of her lungs.

"Huh? Wha-" Link started to say in a daze. Unfortunatley for him, his head met with the tree quite hardly. Navi winced as Link clutched his head in pain.

'Ha! Serves him right for what he did!' Navi thought, giggling a bit.

"Why the Din are you laughing at my pain!" Link angrily inquired.

"Good Grief! What are you talking about? You must've smashed your noggin real hard!" Navi said, covering up her laughter earlier."Anyway, we have other things to discuss besides your damaged pea of a brain!"

"Hey!" Link frowned.

"Don't you dare interupt me while I speak." Navi narrowed her eyes at Link."Now then, I will tell you what was found out about Malon, but, there's a catch,"

'Isn't there always?' Link rolled his eyes.

"You must repent for what you did!"

"Which would be. . ."

"Coming all the way to Kakariko." Navi said.

"Um. . . so?"

"Ugh! Do you have any idea how hard it is on my puny, little wings to fly from Lon Lon Ranch to Kakariko! I almost didn't make it! Do you want me to help you get Malon or die?!" argued Navi.

Link sighed "I'm sorry Navi. I'm a stupid, stupid person for doing that. Please forgive me!" Link said in a rather annoyed manner.

Navi rolled her eyes. "Fine. I accept your apology."

The little fairy cleared her throat "Well, here's what I found out. . ."

"She loves horses,"
'Well duh!' thought Link

"She loves singing,"
'Goddesses! Tell me something I don't know!' Link screamed in his thoughts, although keeping a straight face.

"She seems to favor the colour purple,"
'Hmm. . . I didn't know that!'

"Oh! She also loves yellow daisies. You should really get her those when you see her! She really seemed to want them!"

Link's eyes lit up "Hey, that's not a bad idea!"

"Of course it's not!" Navi smirked. "Anyway, Malon fears greatly for her father's health and how she'll be able to run the farm herself." said Navi sadly.

"Really? That's awful!" Then something popped into Link's head."What about Ingo? Isn't he around?"

"Right! I almost forgot! I heard Malon talking to Talon about how she had to fire him for being lazy and not behaving properly with the animals."

Link scowled "That scum! I'm glad she got rid of before I had to." he cracked his knuckles.

"C'mon Link! Forget the past! Now's the time to prepare for tomorrow night!"

"Hmm, I suppose you're right. And I suppose you'll help me?"

"You know it!" Navi Grinned.

XxXxX

The next evening came by considerably quickly.

"Malon! Hey Malon! Where are ya lass?" called Talon, frustrated that his daughter could not be found on this important night.

"Yes Papa?" Malon emerged from her bedroom. She wore a silky, lavender gown that reached her ankles. Her lush red hair was in a braid that was kept together by a matching silky, lavender ribbon. On her feet she wore dainty white slippers with a slight heel. Around her neck was a silver chain with a silver, jewel encrusted heart shaped pendant - once belonging to her late mother.

"Gosh, Mal! You look just like your mother!" Talon cried.

Malon forced a smile; she hated being reminded of her mother.

"Papa, have you gotten all the preparations for tonight completed?" Malon asked, changing the subject.

"Yep, I sure have!" said Talon in his usual cheerful manner.

As Malon was about to head for the door, Talon grabbed her arm. "Don't you worry Mal! I'm sure you'll love Link," he said "He's a fine lad and quite the looker." he added with a wink.

Malon faintly smiled and nodded her head. As she walked to the corral to relax, she thought aloud. "Well maybe this 'Link' fella wont be too awful. Though I sure hope he's good with animals!" Malon sighed and begun humming the song her mother composed.

XxXxX

"How do I look?" Link said modelling his new tunic.

"Umm. . . like a grasshopper!" Navi said and giggled "Honestly Link! You should really consider getting other colours besides green!"

"What's wrong with gree-" Link cut himself short when he gazed around his room at all the scattered clothing. All green. "Heh heh, maybe you're right. But it's too late now so green will have to do."

Navi just laughed "Right. Well let's get going!"

XxXxX

Link and Navi,who was to hide in Link's hat, set out on their journey to Lon Lon Ranch from an Inn at Kakariko. Before they left, Link bought a bouquet of yellow daisies in a deep purple, porcelain vase.

"400 rupees for the vase,sure, but 200 rupees for flowers?! What the Heck!" Link cried

"Well, the flowers are imported from deep in Kokiri Forest and they are pretty rare. Also you can't put a price on love, right Link?" Navi smirked.

He chuckled "You're right."

"When exactly am I not?"

"What. Ever."

A half hour later, the two finally reached thier destination.

"You know this would've been much faster on Epona!" Link said panting.

"I know, Link, but that would be mighty suspicious to Talon and Malon if you come along riding Epona. And she did disappear for two years when you went to Termina." Navi said.

Link entered the ranch and Navi dove into his hat. He was greeted by Talon.

"Howdy there, son!" Talon cheerfully said.

"Mr du Pré! How wonderful to see you again! May I ask where Miss Malon is?" Link said,very politely.

"Haw Haw! No need to be so formal, Link! And Follow them ears to find Malon!" Talon laughed and walked off.

Link tilted his head in confusion but sure enough, he heard Malon singing. He followed her voice, which led him to the corral. There he saw Malon sing.

"Oh Nayru. . ." Link whispered

Malon gasped and opened her eyes; she felt a presence near. She spun around only to find Link. Her mouth hung open.

'He's so handsome!' Malon thought.

"Hey, I'm Link du Temps." Link said and shot her an unbelieveably, gorgeous grin.

"I-I'm Malon du Pré." she said softly, smiling shyly.

XxXxX