Ok a new chapter is up and running, I recently had a little extra time to my self so I tried to be productive. For the disclaimers look at chapter one, other wise enjoy!

The entire wagon was quiet on the way home that afternoon and Link couldn't help but notice. Romani was beside him on the seat, and she looked so sad that Link was tempted to put an arm around her. He planned to ask Aryll about it as soon as they were home, but the snow was deep in places and the ride was taking longer than usual. He realized he should have brought the large sleigh.

"Everything okay, Aryll?" he questioned as soon as he'd bulled into the barn.

"Sure," she answered easily enough, but her voice held no conviction.

"It seemed like everyone was pretty quiet today."

"Well," she shrugged, "we're probably all just tired of school and ready for some time off for Christmas."

Link stared at her, but Aryll didn't notice, what she just described should have made them all restless and happy, not depressed. But Aryll was already moving toward the path their father had shoveled out so they could reach the house. Link settled the two roan horses and wagon and then followed her. They found their father at the kitchen table filling out a survey report and working on some letters, but he put it all aside when they came in and joined his wife and children for hot coffee and fresh muffins.

(&)

Barefooted, Sari stood in the hallway outside of Malon and Zelda's room, a small jar clenched in her hand. It was late, time she was in bed, but welcome or not she had to see Zelda. She took a deep breath and knocked.

"Come in," Malon called from within.

Sari pushed the door open just enough to slip inside and then shut it behind her. Link Sari, but of the older girls were in long flannel nightgowns, but the light was on and only Malon was under the covers. Sari made herself go to the other side of the bed, right up to Zelda, and spoke.

"Uncle Error gave me this ointment a long time ago when I cut myself. I thought you might like to use it."

Zelda stared down into her sister's hesitant eyes and took the jar from her outstretched hand.

"Thanks, Sari."

"You're welcome," she said and then just stood there. Zelda spoke next, her voice fierce, but not toward Sari.

"I knew those states and capitals, Sari. I knew every one."

"I know you did. Heard you say them to Mother."

Quiet descended until Malon said softly, "I know it's Saturday tomorrow, but you'd best get to bed, Sari."

"All right. Good-night, Zelda.' Night, Malon."

The older girls wished her a good night as well, and when Sari slipped back out of the room, Malon pushed herself up against the headboard. When Zelda climbed into bed shill holding the ointment, Malon immediately reached for her hand.

"Oh, Zelda," she whispered when she saw the marks, tears filling her eyes.

"Don't cry, Malon!" Zelda's voice was sharp, but Malon ignored her. Seeing those tears, Zelda's fell as well.

With tender movements Malon took the small jar and removed the lid. She carefully smoothed the white cream over Zelda's swollen hand, moving painstakingly and sniffing back her tears. When she was done, her voice sounded as fierce as Zelda's had.

"Tag would never do this."

"Tag? What are you talking abut?"

"Link Taggart. I don't think he'll bit anyone when he's a teacher."

Zelda shifted in order to get a better view of Malon's face.

"Link is going to be a teacher?"

"That's his dream."

"How do you know that?"

"Zelda," Malon voice held a note of rebuke. "I talk to the man. We visit every time he come to the store, and whenever he's home he stops here to see Mother and me."

Zelda was frowning at her sisters as though she didn't have the right to Link's company. Without speaking she took the jar from Malon, replaced the cap, and set it on her nightstand. She settled her head on the pillow, her back to the sister who had just shown her such kindness.

"You're going to be 16 in a few weeks, Zelda. Don't you think it's time you gave up this childishness?

"What about Link?"

"What about Link?" Malon asked back. "Honestly Zelda, you have no grounds. He couldn't be kinder to us if he tried. He doesn't even tease you anymore."

Zelda was well aware of that fact but tried again to divert Malon's belief.

"Well, anyway, Link's too young to be teaching school. I, for one, would never respect him."

"Link is no child, Zelda. He was 19 in October, and by the time he finishes his training he'll be even older than that. Like I said, pride, and in my opinion that's no grounds at all."

With that Malon blew the light out. The tender way the older girl had ministered to Zelda's hand seemed to be forgotten. Both girls fell asleep without sharing another word.

(&)

"What are you doing?" Aryll called down to her brother from the place in the hayloft. He'd just moved the ladder away and stranded her above him.

"Moving the ladder."

"I can see that, Way?"

Link tipped his head back and stared at her. "You can come down when you've told me what's bothering you."

"Oh, Tag."

"Don't 'oh, Tag,' me. Now what's going on that's ruining you weekend, Aryll? Even Dad and Mom have noticed."

He heard Aryll's sigh from his place on the barn floor. A few more seconds went by and she said, "Let me down from here and I'll tell you."

Link did so, and after they had both taken seats on the bench by the stalls, Aryll explained what had happened in the schoolhouse the day before. It wasn't long before she was crying; Link put an arm around her.

"I feel just awful, Tag. Anyone can forget, and it's so hard to stand up thee and have everyone looking at you. I know Miss Bradley must have hurt her. Her whole body jumped, and Miss Bradley didn't just do it once either. She must have hit her five or six times."

She turned her face into her brother's coat front and cried. In so doing, she missed the clenching of Link's jaw. He could hardly stand the thought of anyone being hit on the back of the hand, but with Zelda, somehow it was worse. He was certain her pride had taken a beating, but that wasn't what bothered him. He had looked at her hands many times. For a girl who often helped in the general store, her hands were remarkable smooth and soft-looking with no jagged nails or calluses. He could well imagine with a few whacks with the ruler must have done.

The most frustration part of this was realizing his position; he had no place in this situation. It was not his job to go to the teacher, nor could he even talk to Zelda and try to bring her comfort. Indeed, he was quite certain what her response would be if he tried.

"I think the worst part-" Aryll had calmed enough to go on and voice Link's own thoughts- "is that I'm not close to Zelda, so I can't even tell her how sorry I am."

"No," Link agreed quietly. "She wouldn't welcome that."

"I could see that Ruto was upset too. Sari and Romani probably were also, but they had their backs to me."

"We'll just pray for her, Aryll. It doesn't have to be one of us to help her. We'll just pray that Ruto or Malon or maybe her mother will talk to her and make her feel better."

Aryll sniffed and Link produced a handkerchief. She thanked him and sat up straight to repair her face. The subject of Zelda was dropped, but she was still heavy on bother of their minds.

(&)

The Saturday before Christmas brought heavy snows to the mountains in Kakariko Village, but many made it out for church the next day. Christmas was on Thursday of that week, and excitement was high. The Fountains planned to have Error and the Taggarts join them for Christmas dinner. Blossom and the girls would be doing the bulk of the meal, and Uli was bringing the dessert and rolls with fresh butter. Malon was planning a splendid tea for the afternoon, and Ruto and Aryll already had their heads together about their own activities for the day.

At the moment, however, they were all bundled to their ears and getting ready to go home after the sermon. Pastor Sahasrahla had ended his message with a tender prayer for blessings on his congregation in the week to come. He had asked God to remind them that His Son was to be celebrated all year long. Malon had gone up to tank him for the reminder.

"And how is the wedding plans coming, Malon?"

"Just fine." She smiled. "Less than three months now."

Pastor Sahasrahla chuckled. "I may seem old to you, but I well remember the day when I counted the hours until my wedding."

Mrs. Sahasrahla had come to his side, and he sent her a warm smile.

"Ralph wrote and told me he'd been in touch with you and that you'd like to meet with us when he arrives."

"Yes, I would. I met him of course last fall, Malon, but I think it we might be a good idea to seem you both again."

"Weather permitting, he and a friend plan to leave Hyrule in time to arrive here on March 6."

"Well, fine. Why don't you come by and seem as soon as it works into your schedule?"
"Thank you, Pastor Sahasrahla. I hope you both have a wonderful Christmas."

"You do the same," Ambi Munroe told her kindly, and Malon smiled her thanks.

Malon turned to find her family gone. Indeed, Bipin was headed back inside to locate her. He hustled her into Error's waiting wagon and took them all home. Malon helped with Sunday dinner as usual, but she was slightly preoccupied. As soon as she could get away, she took her stationery to her room and lay on the bed to write Ralph a long letter.

Christmas is Thursday, and I hope and pray with all my heart that it will be the last one we spend apart. How I love the snow and the way it turns the mountains white, but my true longing is to be snuggled together in our own home, watching it together. Even if the house cannot be complete, just to be with you will be enough.

I Spoke to Pastor and Mrs. Sahasrahla Munroe today, and they were very kind as we talked about the wedding. I'm looking forward to meeting Richard Buchanan since you've written so much about him. It's a shame Zelda's too young for marriage; he sounds wonderful.

And speaking of Zelda, I don't know what Christmas day will be like with her strong aversion to Tag. Honestly, Ralph I don't know what her problem is, unless it's as you say, "She pretest too much." It's nearly inconceivable that under all that antagonism she could be fighting stronger feeling for him, but you might be right. I do wonder what she would say if he got hurt or she was never able to see him again. Well, I guess time will tell, and a little growing up wouldn't hurt, either. I keep praying about it.

Uncle Error says he has a surprise for us. He won't tell me what it is, but he's going to give it to both of us when you arrive. Do you remember the day you contend the weeks to our wedding? Well, we're down to less than 12 weeks now. Eleven weeks and six days to be exact.

Malon had to stop writing so she could roll onto her back, hug her pillow, and just smile at her ceiling. She was going to be married. She was going to be Mrs. Ralph Langley. A huge sigh escaped her. It was wonderful, but the busy week was suddenly catching up with her; Malon felt certain lethargy creep over her. She might have fallen asleep if someone hadn't knocked on the door. A moment lager Romani came in.

"Malon are you busy?"

"Not real busy. I'm writing a letter."

"To Ralph?"

"Yes."

"When you're done, will you play a game with me?"

"Certainly. I'll come down in a few minutes.

Romani smiled her thanks and started to leave, but then she stuck her head back in. "Tell him hello for me, Malon."

"I'll do it, Romani," she told her with a huge smile. "I'll do it right now."

(&)

Hyrule

"Well, that was the meal to end all meals, Ralph told his host as he rocked onto the back legs of his chair.

"Ludais a feel find, I assure you Ralph," he said of his crotchety but faithful housekeeper. If your Malon needs any help with the house or cooking, just pop out here to the ranch for a few tips."

Ralph chuckled, thinking of the scones and tea Malon had prepared. He shook his head At Richard. "I think my Malon will do just fine, but thanks for the offer."

"Speaking of Malon," Richard continued, "what were her plans for the day?"

"She's with her family, including Uncle Error, and I think Link Taggart and his family had been invited to join them."

"You've mentioned Link sever times," Richard commented.

"Yes. I was very impressed. He lives in Kakariko Village, and he's even a mine surveyor, but he's not caught up in that work of trying to get-rich-quick. Malon tells me that his dram is to teach school.

"Well, we can certainly do with some well-qualified men and women for that profession," Richard said fervently. "If the rumors in town can be trusted, Hyrule's new schoolteacher is now what they hoped she would be."

"Yes, I'd heard that as well. It's a large class, and I don't thin she's assertive enough."

Luda chose that moment to scurry into the room. She was the tiniest woman Richard had ever known.

"That was a fest, Luda," Ralph told her.

She managed to look pleased without smiling. "Did you save room for pie?" she demanded.

"Not at the moment," he admitted, hands in the air.

Luda speared Richard with her eyes. "You see that he stays around long enough to enjoy some of my pie, Richard Buchanan."

With that she was gone.

The tow men shared a smile.

"Luda has spoken," Richard said with a false shudder.

Ralph only laughed.

That is all for now please R&R the next chapter should be up shortly.