Chapter 5

Romani

Link was hit with multiple sensations when he stepped out of the cave. The first was the blinding sun. He had never experienced direct sun such as this; the forest had sheltered him with the surrounding trees. The second aspect that took him off guard was the massive open plain that was before him. Link almost felt agoraphobic, having been used to tight little forest areas. Never before had he been exposed to such direct wind, nor such a wide open space like this.

Link retreated to the wall for a moment and took a deep breath. He had not expected things to change so quickly. As his eyes adjusted to the brightness, he took in what he saw in amazement. He saw landscapes he had never seen before. He was still taking in the fact that he had actually reached the outside world.

He finally took a step away from the safety of the wall, heading towards the familiar stone structure in the distance. It was about noon judging by the sun, and the building seemed to be several miles away. As he walked out in the open, he did not see any other beings in the broad. He looked to what seemed to be towns off in the distance and saw carriages coming and going between towns. He reckoned the cave was somewhat in the outskirts of civilization.

As the day grew on, Link stopped and surveyed several extraordinary findings. Small creeks with aquatic critters he had never seen, colonies of insects hiding under rocks, large birds, some of which resembling the strange black bird he had encountered in the forest. Link took his time progressing across the field, enjoying his chance to explore a new world.

By the time it began to grow dark, his goal was much closer in view, but still a couple hours walk. Link figured he needed somewhere to camp for the night. Being foreign to this region's customs, he was tentative about searching for hospitality. But he was also not quite confident enough to risk sleeping out in the open. He decided to walk another 20 minutes to the small cluster of houses surrounded by a stone fence.

As he approached, he could see a wide open area within the wall where no houses were. He proceeded to enter the community at the gate. The few people out and about paid him no attention. Realizing he would have to seek help on his own, he walked around the area for a minute, getting an idea for the layout. He learned there was actually a stable, so he assumed the wide open space was a range for whatever animals may live here.

When he returned to the large house near the entrance, a girl who looked to be his age waved at him and approached. She had long bright orange hair, like none he had seen before. She wore a white robe that went from her shoulders to her feet. She stopped as she got closer to Link, looking confused, supposedly realizing that Link was not who she thought she was greeting.

"Oh, I'm sorry," the girl said awkwardly, "Guess I mistook you for someone else."

"Uh it's all right," Link answered.

The girl studied Link for a moment. "You appear to not be from around here…" she trailed off in thought. A moment later she straightened up and bowed, "Where are my manners!? Are you here to visit my father? He did not tell me he was expecting anyone. Would you like to come inside?"

"Uhm," Link started, not sure how to put this, "I actually am a stranger to this area. You see I'm without anywhere to stay right now…"

"Oh!" the girl remarked cheerfully, "Yes, of course it's getting late! Why don't I just check with my father. Our house is right here, please come in for a moment. I will return in a minute," She said, leading Link up onto the porch of the two story wooden house. He stepped inside and waited for a minute. A moment later, the girl returned with a large man with a thick moustache.

"My daughter tells me you need somewhere to sleep tonight," the man addressed Link.

"Well um, yes sir. If it's alright with you. I wouldn't want to impose."

"Oh it's no problem," the man replied, "Please make yourself comfortable. However, I would like to ask you a few questions. You know, just taking some safety precautions and all. I can't just let any stranger into my house right away." When Link nodded, the man continued to say, "Please come into the living room." He led Link into a room with some seating, some paintings hanging from the walls. "So lad, what's your name?"

Link sat down and took a deep breath. "My name is Link."

"I am Talon. I believe you met my daughter, Malon. Where are you from, Link? And why do you not have anywhere to stay?" Talon asked politely.

"I'm from the Kokiri forest, sir." When Talon appeared confused, Link added "You likely have not heard of it. This is my first time in Hyrule, and I have come quite a long way. I am without a home because I cannot reach my village, as far as I know."

"Kokiri forest…" Talon repeated to himself. He thought about the facts for a moment. "Well I think you're a good lad. You're welcome to stay here until you can get back on your feet. But please, don't make me regret this decision. Too many people out there who take advantage of generosity." Talon stood up. "There is a spare bedroom from when Malon's grandparents used to live here with us. Would you like to see the house?"

"Y-yes sir. Thank you," Link stood up too.

"You don't have to call me sir. Do you have any belongings you need help carrying up stairs?" Talon asked.

"No s-" Link stopped himself, "No, I only have what I've been carrying this entire time."

"I see," Talon said. "Right this way is the kitchen," Talon gestured to the adjacent room. "If you're hungry at any point, please feel free to ask. If you go back to the room you first entered to, there is a set of stairs that leads to the three bedrooms on the upper floor. And behind the kitchen is the bathroom." Talon explained as they walked upstairs and reached a bedroom. "This is the room we have available for you. It's getting to be close to dinner time. Will you join us for a meal? Tonight is my turn to make supper," Talon offered.

Link thought about the last time he ate. "Actually sir- uh, Talon, I have not eaten in at least 2 days." When Talon's eyes widened in surprise, Link explained, "I have gone a day or so without eating before, it is not uncommon for my type to fast. Our meals in the forest are rather small to begin with. Even still, I would love to join you and your family. Though I will probably be unaccustomed to the food here. But nonetheless, thank you," Link smiled.

"Well glad to hear it," Talon said. "I will make my favourite dish to welcome our new guest. Dinner will be at least half an hour before I have it ready, thought," Talon said, leading Link downstairs, "Perhaps Malon will show you around the ranch," Talon said, hinting to his daughter.

"Yes of course!" Malon, the red haired girl said excitedly. "Right this way!"

Link followed Malon outside and down the walkway to the stable. "Link was it?" Malon asked him. Link nodded. "Nice to meet you! My name's Malon! This is the Romani Ranch!" she cheered as she opened the large door to the stable and invited Link in.

Link looked at the creatures inside with excitement. He walked over to one of the tall four-legged animals. He thought he knew what the species was called, having heard of them in tales from his village. "Horses?" He asked Malon.

Malon laughed, "Yes, silly. Don't tell me you've never seen a horse before," she joked. When Link did not say anything she stopped in disbelief. "You've never seen a horse? You really are a forest dweller," Malon teased. "Don't worry Link, I'm only joking."

Link lightened up a bit. "I'd hear stories of beings such as these. Strong, fast, loving creatures in which heroes would return from their journeys. In the tales from where I come from, having obtained a horse was a great status," Link stated.

Malon continued giving Link a tour of all the horses. "And who wouldn't believe that? A horse is a great luxury, but also a responsibility. And a master belongs to its horse; just as much as a horse belongs to its master." Link could tell Malon deeply cared for these horses. "Maybe tomorrow morning after I've groomed the horses, you could ride one, Link," Malon suggested.

Link hadn't thought of that. The concept almost scared him. He thought about it a moment. "I think I'd Like that," Link answered.

"Great!" Malon cried happily. "It's been so long since anyone has come for a casual visit here, let alone anyone close to my age."

Link smiled. He continued to follow Malon as she toured the stable. She next reached a set of small feathered birds.

"These are cuccos. At first glimpse, most people disregard them as simple chickens. But cuccos are a very interesting breed. They are quite loyal to their kin and will protect each other when one feels threatened by another species. They also produce quite fine eggs. There are some folk in Hyrule who will cook cucco and serve it, but on this ranch we have never done such a thing." Malon continued to show Link the stable, and it was not long before Talon was calling them for dinner. The two of them hurried back to the house and readied for dinner.

Talon put a plate in front of both Link and Malon and joined them at the dinner table. "Braised beef. Not exactly a royal meal, but I'm sure this is better than giving you a ton of new food you've never eaten, wouldn't you agree Link?" Talon said, beginning to eat.

"Yes, it smells very good," Link said, politely starting to eat too. "I have never had meat such as this before. In the forest some of us would catch a deer every now and again. Not a common thing though," Link said, enjoying the meal.

"Deer eh?" Talon remarked. "Haven't eaten deer before. This meat comes from a cow though. I'm guessing you didn't have many of those in the forest," Talon joked.

"No," Link laughed. "Meat in the forest was uncommon because of the ritual going along with the killing of a deer. The death of anything really. But when we hunt it was different because the deer allows you to take its life."

"Really?" Talon and Malon both said, surprised.

"Well yeah," Link explained, "Because when a Kokiri dies, his or her body will become part of the land, and nourish the grass in which other wildlife will eat, thus returning the favour. All about the food web. However, Kokiri do not age. They remain children forever, so it is not very common that a Kokiri will die. Usually from an accident or a sickness. But that is why it is not very often we hunt. The number of deer we eat is correspondent to the number of Kokiri who die."

Talon and Malon thought about the concept, amazed. "That makes sense!" Talon exclaimed. "We here have always been folk who are respectful towards animals, and we don't take a death lightly. But your explanation is one I have not thought of before."

"Do you actually live forever?!" Malon blurted out.

"Well, in theory, yes," Link answered. "We do not physically age unfortunately. I am taller than most Kokiri. That's not the only reason I am not an accurate representation of my kind, though. Kokiri cannot leave the forest because they will die if they do so."

"Really!?" Malon wondered aloud. "But then how are you alive Link?" she asked him.

"I don't know," Link responded. "I did not leave on purpose."

"Then how did you come to being here?" Talon said.

Over the course of the meal, Link explained all that had happened to him since entering the cave. He told the two of them of his fall and his friends leaving him, but not of how big the drop was, not wanting to bring suspicion to how he was alive. He also did not tell them of the creature Tingle. He continued to explain him setting out to reach the stone building, and things he had encountered along the way.

The three of them continued to chat. Link learned that Talon used to have a wife, Romani, who had died during the birth of their second child, Malon. He also learned that Malon had an older sister, Cremia, who lived with her friend Anju in another town. Malon now took care of the ranch while Talon made deliveries to the various towns of their product, bringing in their income. The others who lived in the small town were also involved in helping around the ranch, and distributing their exports. They were not a rich community, but they were happy with their lives.

Link helped clean up dinner while continuing conversation, still learning much about Malon and her family. By the time they were done cleaning, it was night time, and Link realized his fatigue. He said goodnight to Talon and Malon and then proceeded to his room. He got into bed and for the first time since leaving the forest, he was excited about what was to come.