Enjoy the new chapter. See previous chapters for disclaimers.

Malon watched as Ralph laughed at a comment from Sari and mentally shook her head. How could she have thought he was coming all this way only to fall in love with Zelda? He'd been laughing and teasing all of her sisters since they'd come home from school, but they eyes that turned tender with love were for her alone.

"All right, girls," Blossom admonished, sticking her head in the door. "Come help me with dinner."

Ralph rose as the four younger Fontaine girls stood, but Malon kept her seat.

"What about Malon?" Romani wished to know as she exited, but Blossom told her youngest only that Malon had the evening off. Ralph sat back down when their footsteps died away, his eyes immediately finding Malon's

"Your sisters are fun."

"They like you too," she told him and then looked away. "I actually thought you might come all this way and decide you might prefer one of them to me."

Ralphs had a good laugh over this until he saw the pain in Malon's eyes.

"You're serious," he said softly. Malon felt a fool. "Malon," Ralph leaned forward and went on gently, "I did a horrible job expressing myself if you believe that."

"I'm sorry, Ralph."

"No, Malon. I'm not trying to wring some sort of apology out of you; I'm trying to tell you how I feel." He stopped then and stood across the room, he settled on the sofa within a few feet of Malon, who faced him on her favorite chair.

"Let me put it this way," he whispered caressingly. "If your feelings for me are even a fraction of what mine are for you, then you're head-over-heels in love with me."

"Oh, Ralph," Malon breathed, her heart in her eyes. "I only dreamed, but I never hoped to know this soon. I've loved you for months."

Ralph's eyes closed for an instant and then he reached for her hand. Malon never imagined that it would happen so quickly. She had wondered what she would do if he left and she still didn't know his intentions. Malon realized that her hand was being crushed, but she didn't care. Ralph loved her and she loved him. Malon asked the Lord right then to help her be the wife He would have her to be. Ralph hadn't asked yet, but somehow she knew he would. With that she had a sudden thought.

"What is it?" Ralph asked when she sat up very straight, taking her hand form his grasp.

"My father. You haven't met my father."

"Are you worried that he won't approve?"

"Maybe a little. He can be rather strict, and sometimes quite unpredictable."

With those words they both heard voices, one distinctly feminine and the other a man's. Malon and Ralph exchanged a look. Malon's face was worried, but Ralph was quite at ease. He gave her a tender wink as the voices neared. A moment later Bipin Fontaine entered the room.

(&)

"I hope you won't think me presumptuous to ask your wife to join our conversation, Mr. Fontaine, but I feel this involves both of you." It was hours after supper, and the three of them were seated in the living room.

Bipin nodded equably to Ralph's remark. It had never occurred to him that his daughter's guest would ask for her hand in marriage this soon. Assuming Ralph had some sort of business deal to discuss; he called Blossom and then sat back comfortably. Indeed, Bipin hoped it was just that. Over dinner he'd become very impressed with this young man and felt it would be a benefit to both of them if they could work together in some capacity.

"I would like to marry Malon."

Bipin was brought abruptly back to earth. He wanted to shout with outrage but worked at keeping his expression neutral. No easy feat this, with the way Blossom was smiling from a brocaded chair between them.

"Does Malon know how you feel?" she asked, pleasure highlighting her voice.

"Yes, she does. I know it seems rather sudden, but she admitted to me today that she feared I would come and be interested in one of her sisters. It didn't seem that there could be a better time to tell her what's in my heart. I know I'm over ten years older than her 18 years, but Malon tells me that doesn't worry her. I believe I could take very good care of her."

"But you only just arrived." Bipin finally found his voice. Blossom looked at her husband with compassion but wondered if he'd heard a thing Ralph said.

"They've corresponded of many months now, Bipin," she reminded him.

Bipin looked at her as though seeing her for the first time. His gaze then became quite fierce.

"How does Malon feel about this?" He asked his wife, but his eyes swung to Ralph. "Can you tell me that?"

Ralph remained silent. He hadn't known what to expect. Malon had given him the impression that it had been her father's idea that he come, but now Mr. Fontaine seemed so offended. Before Ralph could utter a word, Blossom came to his aid.

"I'm sure Malon is still awake," Blossom said. "Would you like me to get her, Bipin?"

"Yes." He sounded relived, as if Malon would settle this misunderstanding once and for all. Blossom rose, leaving an awkward silence in her wake. Ralph was a guest and felt he should not try to make conversation. Besides, Bipin was looking very put out, so they just sat. A good ten minutes of this torture passed before Blossom was back, bringing Malon with her.

"Please sit down, Moe," her father instructed.

Malon was careful to not look at Ralph or sit anywhere near him. Bipin took this as a good sign and jumped right in.

"Ralph has asked for your hand in marriage. Did you know he planned to do this?"

"Well, I wasn't sure, but I thought he might."

"And how do you feel about this?"

"I hoped you could come to some sort of agreement."

Her words were almost more than Bipin could bear. It was all happening too swiftly.

"You'd like me to say yes." Bipin speared Malon with his eyes, and all she could do was nod. "And if I don't?" he added.

Malon bit her lip, and a look of misery covered her features. She looked at the hands clenched in her lap for a moment and then back at her father. Her voice was just above a whisper when she replied, "Then I would tell him no."

Bipin couldn't think. How had things gotten so completely out of his control?

"You may return to your room, Moe."

Malon did so without looking at anyone. Ralph stood when she rose, and before he could be reseated, Bipin came to his feet.

"I'm going to need time to think about this. I'll talk to you tomorrow, Ralph. Come, Blossom."

Blossom dutifully rose and bid her guest good-night before she swiftly preceded Bipin from the room. The hallway was dark with the lantern behind her in Bipin's hand, but Blossom didn't slow her flight. She nearly ran to the room they shared and waited only until the door closed before turned on her spouse.

"How could you do such a thing?" She spat the words in fury, huge tears filling her eyes. Bipin's hard expression softened when he saw them, but Blossom was far from through.

"Why did you think he'd come here, Bipin –to buy land? How could you look into your daughter's face and put her though that? She loves and trusts you, but you've asked her to pick between the two of you. And to leave them hanging! Neither one of them will get a moment's sleep this night. Now, isn't that a grand way to begin Ralph's visit?" with that she turned her back on him, a sob breaking in her throat.

Bipin didn't think Blossom had ever spoken to him is such a way. Then Malon's face came to mind, and he knew his wife had gone easy on him. He'd known very well why Ralph was coming to Kakarike Village. Why was he fighting this when all he wanted was Malon's happiness?

Blossom was still crying softly when Bipin placed the lantern on the bedside table and lit another. Leaving one of the lights for his distraught wife, he moved back down the hall to Malon and Zelda's room. The bed showed just one sleeping figure, and Bipin raised the light to find Malon. She was in a chair by the window, and even though she'd scrubbed at her face with the sleeve of her gown, the evidence of tears was very clear.

Bipin stood for a long moment and looked down at her. While he did so, another drop slipped down her cheek. Bipin reached out to cup her face with on hand, and his voice was rough.

"Marry your Ralph, Moe, with my blessing."

"Oh, Father, do you mean it?"

"Yes. I'm sorry I didn't tell you earlier."

Malon would have risen, but Bipin put a hand on her shoulder. "Get ready for bed now and go to sleep. I'll see you tomorrow." With that he was gone. He took the stairs on silent feet and moved though the kitchen to the door of the small room they had prepared for their guest. He knocked and waited.

Only seconds passed before Ralph came to the door. His jacket and tie was missing, but he was still dressed. The two men looked at one another for several heartbeats. Ralph was much taller, but his look help respect.

"She's never had jewels or finery," Bipin began, "but she's had love. I would want no less for her."

"Love I can give her, sir, with all my heart."

"Then do so, Mr. Langley. I ask only that she be allowed to turn 18 and a half before the wedding."

Ralph nodded his mind moving. "That would be the end of February, wouldn't it?"

"Yes. Are you willing to wait until spring?"

"More than willing, Mr. Fontaine. Anything you ask in order to make Malon my wife."

Bipin nodded, and his hand came forward. The men shook, and Ralph smiled.

"Sleep well, Ralph," Bipin added softly before turning away.

Ralph's smile widened. "I shall, Mr. Fontaine. I shall indeed."

It was not with a light treat that Bipin knew he'd done the right thing, but his heart was heavy. Hyrule. His daughter would be moving away to Hyrule in six months' time. Bipin stopped in his path. Or would she? Why did Ralph have to live in Hyrule? He and Malon could settle here.

It was with a much lighter step that Bipin covered the remaining distance to his bedroom. First he and to thank Blossom for helping him to see how harsh he'd been, but thin he had some planning to do. It would take no small amount of talk to bring Langley around. It crossed his mind to make the marriage conditional on the move, but he knew that would not be fair to Moe. He wasn't daunted, however; he was quite a salesman and knew his strengths. He was certain he could make Ralph see that he and Malon needed to live in Kakarike Village.

(&)

"Did he change his mind?" Malon asked Ralph anxiously when he came to the door, but he only took her hand and led her into the living room.

That morning Bipin had gone off to work early, but he'd left word with Blossom that he wished to see Ralph as this earliest possible convenience. All the girls were expected to work in the sore on Saturday mornings, so when they left Ralph had gone with them. Malon had remained him. She wanted to do some baking, and she and her mother were already making wedding plans.

"No," Ralph spoke when they were seated on the davenport. "He did not change his mind, but he wants me to move to Kakarike Village."

Malon sat back in surprise. "He what?"

"He wanted to know if I'd ever considered setting up a bank here, or going into some other business in town."

"Did you tell him you'd think about it?"

Ralph shook his head. "That wouldn't have been fair, Malon. Moving to Hyrule was not some whim on my part. I think the town has great potential, and that's where I want to live. I assumed you'd be fine with the idea, but we've never discussed it."

"I am fine with the idea, Ralph. I mean, I'll miss my family, but I never dreamed you'd want to live here." She paused. "Was he terribly upset?"

Ralph smiled. "Oh, no. He's still certain he can talk me around."

Malon sighed. "It's not going to be a very nice visit for you, is it?"

"On the contrary," Ralph replied while looking into her eyes. "I'm sure it's going to be a wonderful time."

And without a moment's warning, he leaned forwarded and kissed her. Malon eyes became very soft and warm, and Ralph gently shook is head.

"You don't know how tempting you are, Malon."

"Isn't that good?"

"It will be when you're my wife, but right now it's a lot of work."

Malon looked became very serious, and she gently placed her hand on Ralph's coat sleeve.

"I won't do anything to make it harder for us, Ralph."
"That I can believe, but I think that Hyrule will be the best place for me in the coming months. Have you and your mother decided when I can come back and make you my wife?"

"I think so. The snow can be pretty heavy in February and March, but we're going to try for March 14. How does that sound?"

Ralph pulled a small book form his breast pocked, and Malon saw that is was a tiny calendar.

"Twenty-four weeks from today," he finally commented quietly. "Nearly six months."

Malon couldn't tell what he really thought. "It doesn't have to be that day, if you'd prefer another."

"No, I think this is fine. Would you rather I come ahead of the wedding and then leave right after we're married, or come the day before and plan to stay longer afterward?"

Malon didn't have to think very long. "I'm afraid something will keep you from getting here for the fourteenth, so I'd rather you come early."

"What could keep me from coming?"

"The snow."

Ralph heard the fear in her voice and put his hand over hers. She was his Malon. Their letters were always so full. They had spent less than 48 hours in each other's presence, but he knew this girl. She had told him all about herself, and he likewise, on the pages of their letters. They'd shared every dream and prayer on those pages, and it was no surprise to Ralph that he was already in love.

It was an added blessing that her hair was thick and shiny and that her blue eyes were huge and rimmed with long, dark lashes, but the girl he loved, he loved from the pages of her letters.

"I thought I heard you come in, Ralph," Blossom spoke now as she joined them. She sat on the davenport, taking Malon's other side, and put a loving hand on her daughter's arm.

"Did you discuss the wedding date?"

"Yes. Ralph thinks its fine. Mother, did you know what Father was going to talk to Ralph about this morning?"

Blossom sighed. "He mentioned it last night. I didn't encourage him, but he seemed to think it was a great idea. Has it ruined you stay, Ralph?"

"No, Mrs. Fontaine, but I did have to tell him no. I want Malon to come home as often as she likes, and I hope you'll visit us in Hyrule, but I really believe that's where the Lord wants us."

"Maybe someday we'll have a home and you can even stay with us," Malon told her mother and then turned to smile at Ralph. He was looking rather surprised.

"I think someday might be sooner than you think" was all he said.

"What do you mean?"

Ralph hesitated and Blossom stood.

"I think it's time I left you alone."

Ralph swiftly came to his feet. "No, no, Mrs. Fontaine, please don't go; I just can't believe I forgot. Excuse me a moment, ladies."

He slipped from the room, and mother and daughter exchanged looks. They didn't have time to talk about it, however, because Ralph was right back, a roll of paper in his hand.

"I brought house plans with me. There's a man in Hyrule ready to go to work, but I didn't want to start until I'd checked with you, Malon."

"Oh, Ralph!" Malon exclaimed when the plans were opened. "It's wonderful."

All three heads bent over the pages as Ralph's hand walked them through the downstairs. The entryway was large and ornate. Oak stairs, leading to the second story, rose just 20 feet from the wide front door. Immediately to the left of the entryway was a formal living room. The dining room was off that, and the entire back of the house was pantry and kitchen. A hallway could be taken from the kitchen to arrive at Ralph's study or back to the main staircase. You could also reach the top floor from a narrow set of stairs that rose from the kitchen. The second story was beautifully laid out as well and sported four bedrooms. Ralph's and Malon's rooms were across the front of the house, with tall windows looking to the east, and the other rooms looked like they would be airy and spacious as well. Ralph had designed the house himself, and Malon was thrilled.

"What do out think?"

"I think it's wonderful."

"It's not too late to change something. Do you have any suggestions?"

Malon thought a moment, and both Ralph and her mother were sure she would say no. She surprised them.

"It might be too costly, but would it be possible to put another fireplace? Right here in the entryway?"

"A fireplace in the entryway?" Ralph's tone spoke of his doubt.

"Well," Malon became rather self-conscious. "It's probably too expensive, but that area is so large and what better place to warm up than when you've just come in from the cold."

Ralph looked at Malon and then back at the plans. Put like that, he could see that it was a marvelous idea. He turned back to look at her, his eyes intent now on her face. Blossom decided it was time for her to leave.

"We don't have to, Ralph," Malon spoke when they were alone. "I won't be upset if you don't like it."

"I'm not building this house for me, Malon. Before I met you I wasn't even interested in a home. Are you certain that's all you want changed?"

Malon nodded, and Ralph took her hand.

"You'll have your extra fireplace, Malon. Count on that."

Malon linked her fingers with Ralph's and thought about his words. Yes, she was certain she could count on having the other fireplace, but suddenly it occurred to her that it was Ralph who could be counted on. A sudden peace stole over her. God had sent her a wonderful man.

Malon's thoughts were still dwelling on the wonder of it all when Ralph put an arm around her and pulled her close.

Well that's all for now. Don't worry we will be soon getting to the paring of Link and Zelda but there tail is a bitter sweat one.