Chapter 6

Epona

Link woke up comfortable the next morning to his empty room. From his ajar window he heard many animals, as well as many people out and about. He comfortably got out of bed and changed into a fresh pair of clothes, which had been neatly folded and stacked and left for him on the table next to his bed. The clothes he now wore seemed more similar to that of the people he had seen since entering Hyrule. A baggy red shirt that hung low, blue pants that fit snug, and a similar design of cap, but red instead of green. Link brushed his hair back with his hands and headed downstairs.

Talon was in the kitchen and appeared to be cleaning up from a meal when he noticed Link.

"There he is, the hero returns," Talon joked, "I hope I didn't wake ya, lad," he said laughing.

"Sorry," Link said, embarrassed, "I guess I was more tired than I thought."

Talon clapped him on the back, "It's no problem, boy. I just hope you were comfortable. Did you sleep well?" he asked.

"Yes, thank you. It's been a few days since I've had a proper sleep," Link replied.

"Glad to hear it. I think Malon's anxious to see you. I had to hold her back from waking you up," Talon laughed. "You see, it's nearly mid-day. Can I make you anything to eat?" Talon offered.

"N-No, thank you," Link said, "In my culture we are not accustomed to meals of this size, so I am still fed from last night's meal," he explained.

"I understand," Talon said. "Hopefully you'll join us for dinner tonight. Now, you should go see Malon. She should be out by the stables."

Link nodded and exited the small house. He walked down the path and saw Malon in the clearing, standing amongst the horses that roamed the range. Her eyes lit up when she saw him.

"Link! Was worried you went into a coma in your sleep! You ready to ride?" Malon asked happily.

As Link stepped closer to where the horses resided, he got a sudden head rush. Since entering the cave, Link's sensing abilities had been much less present in his mind. He had assumed that because the forest was a place booming with life, leaving that place to a more urban region had simply less to detect. But now that he was near where the horses roamed free, the sudden intake of life and energy from the animals surprised Link.

"Yeah of course," Link answered Malon. "What do I need to know?" he asked.

"I'll fill you in of course. Walk with me," Malon instructed. As they retrieved a saddle from the stable, Malon went on to explain some of the statistics in selecting a horse to ride. "There is a common belief that the gender of the rider should correspond with the gender of the horse. I personally do not believe that to be entirely true. But I will admit many riders do experience that, if not the horse. Pairing a male rider with a female horse can sometimes cause the horse to be uneasy, as I suppose some men exert a bit more of an aggressive demeanor. And vise verse, putting a female rider on a male horse can often disturb the rider's ease, as male horses are quite often less gentle in their trotting. It's all rather sexist, I know," Malon laughed. She whistled as they walked into the middle of the range where three horses slowed and stopped to wait patiently. As they approached the horses, Malon explained "The three particular horses are the ones who my father or I personally leave the ranch with on a regular basis sometimes. They are most likely to be stable and forgiving to a new rider if we leave the ranch today."

Link stopped and observed the majestic beings. On the left was a strong looking dark coloured horse, with dark red hair. In the middle was an energetic looking blonde coloured horse. And to the left was a beautiful red horse with white hair. Link carefully put his right hand out, instinctively gesturing no harm. Malon nodded.

"That's right; horses will open up to you easier if you make a peaceful gesture like that." She walked to the left horse, the biggest, and stroked its neck lightly. "This is Conrad. He is my father's horse. He used to accompany my father when making his deliveries more often, but now that my father makes such large shipments, he uses a larger carriage with a few horses. Because Conrad here has a tough time working with other horses in such a way, my father tends to ride Conrad for personal uses now, or for fun every now and again. Conrad still gets quite a bit of exercise, and is young at heart."

Malon moved to the blonde excited horse in the middle, this one being the smallest of the three. "This is Alistair. When Cremia was a little girl, she cared for and raised Alistair. Unfortunately she could not take him with her when she moved away. I can tell Alistair misses my sister, and he is always anxious for a riding companion. I think he would be best suited for you today, as I said he usually adapts to the rider. My only concern is when he gets excited; you will have to be very stern with him to get him under control. It's not like you can't do it, you just might not be expecting it."

Malon moved to the final horse on the right, who appeared quite calm. Malon looked at the horse curiously, then went on to introduce the horse to Link. "This used to be my mother's horse. Her name is Epona. She was very small when my mother first learned how to ride. I've been told my mother was a very small person, which explains why it's 16 years later and Epona is only now reaching adulthood. I am like my mother in size, which is why I am usually the only one who rides Epona." Malon stopped and thought a moment. "The other reason is that Epona is usually very uneasy around strangers, especially males. Even my father has a tough time taming her sometimes when I'm not around. Epona was very dear to my mother, as well as the other way around. When a master dies, a horse grieves sometimes longer than the family of the master…" Malon explained, almost sadly. "It's an interesting concept," Malon said, returning to her more cheerful self. "It's odd though. I called Epona over to prove a point of why it's important to select a good match for you, expecting her to freak out. But you're the first man she's been around since my mother died that hasn't caused her to flip out. Strange," she said, stepping back.

Link did the same and observed all three horses. He was nervous to take the next step. Malon approached Alistair and begun attaching the saddle. She explained the steps of securing it without hurting the horse, tightening the straps so they were snug. She then gestured Link to step forward. Link was left handed, so he went to Alistair's right side, following Malon's instructions and putting his right leg in the stirrup, and straddling Alistair with his left leg. Link did not find the climbing part to be so hard, as he was more than strong enough to lift himself. What he found difficult was keeping his cool as well as his balance once he was mounted up on Alistair. He was quite high up, and his legs were stretched in a way he was not accustomed to. Malon laughed playfully as she saw Link try to get a hold of himself.

"C'mon," Link said to himself out loud, "I can balance along skinny tree branches up 30 feet from the ground. This should be easy for me," he tried to convince himself.

Malon smiled amusingly and climbed onto Epona, who was already saddled. "Don't worry Link, it gets easier. You're just not used to the sitting position. We'll start off pretty slow. Hold those reigns, but no need to pull or anything," Malon explained while Epona slowly walked forward, Alistair following abreast to Epona. Link got the impression the pair of horses was used to giving this little tours for beginnings.

At first Link did not have trouble, but he soon realized they were going at a snail's pace. "This must be pretty boring for Alistair and Epona here," Link said to Malon.

"Not exactly," Malon told him. "Alistair love's visitors. Naturally he understands he cannot just take off, you would have a tough time hanging on. It's in his best interest to keep you comfortable." The horses slowly quickened pace to something more realistic, as if they knew Link was adjusting. He wasn't sure if that would be because of Link's abilities to sense animal intentions and emotions. Perhaps he was somehow exchanging that kind of thing with the horses. Or maybe they just wanted to walk faster.

After about 10 more minutes of gradually picking up the pace, Epona and Alistair were at a moderate trot. Malon watched Link as he was suddenly bouncing up and down from the horses' trotting. "If Alistair is going too fast for you, you can make gestures to him with the reigns. Same with giving him commands. Gently tug the reigns left or right to indicate direction change. And pull back to slow him down. I know it sounds pretty basic, but it takes some getting used to before it's like second nature," Malon continued to explain.

Within the hour, Link and Malon had rode around the ranch multiple times, and Link was much more comfortable riding Alistair. It was just past noon now, and Malon led them all to the exit to the ranch. "Shall we?" she asked, making sure Link was ok with going back out onto the field.

"Sure thing, but you know the plains better than I do," Link said.

"Don't worry," Malon reassured him, "If we somehow got separated, the horses will always know the route home, and it's easy to tell them you want to return. You're in good hands."

The 4 of them set hoof onto Hyrule field once again. This time they started at a regular trot and worked their way up to moderate gallop. Over the next couple hours, Malon helped Link get a handle on how to ride a horse both quickly and safely. They would ride for portions of 20 to 30 minutes, starting off at a familiar speed, and by the time the segment was over, Link had exceeded his comfort zone. The process continued from there, each round starting at a faster speed. During their breaks, Malon would slow them near towns or villages and tell Link about them. Link knew he would not be able to remember all the town names and facts, but he was glad to have a better idea the kingdom. They had both yet to reach the capital, Malon having never been there before either despite her father's regular route there.

By the time late afternoon rolled around, Link and Malon had dismounted the steeds and watered them at a local stream. Malon petted the two and instructed them to stay without supervision. She led Link through the small woods to a steep hill. The two of them climbed the slope to find a new view of the rural parts of Hyrule, the sun getting ready to set in the direction they faced. As they got closer, Link noticed that the hill actually dropped off several feet back to ground level. He walked up and sat with his feet hanging over the cliff. Malon joined him.

"So," she said, "how's life in Hyrule so far?"

"Definitely something different. A week ago I was living in a tree eating beans, never suspecting something like this could ever happen. Never even considered that a lifestyle such as this could even exist out here," Link answered.

"Well I'm glad you came. I think it's benefitted us all. My father and the horses included. Living in such a small town in this class of work can be draining sometimes. But I guess it's all I've ever known," Malon said.

"Riding horses out here…. This whole experience has been amazing," Link thought aloud. "I've come across so many new species since coming here, all of which are incredible."

"You're doing pretty well for your first time you know. Most people who ride with that kind of ease have been doing it since they were kids. Guess you just have it in you to ride," Malon laughed.

Link also laughed. "Me of all people. The forest dweller who never wants to leave the comfort of his home. It's just bizarre," he said.

"Oh!" Malon said standing, as if remembering something. "It's my turn to make dinner tonight! It's already late afternoon. We have some riding ahead of us so we'll put your skills to the test to get home in time to not keep my father waiting," she explained as they walked back to the horses, which had waited patiently.

As Link climbed back onto Alistair, Malon added "If it feels like we're really pushing you here and you're worried about your safety, just give a light tug on the reigns. Alistair will not disobey you, and Epona will notice he is gone and wait for him to catch up. Ready?" she asked.

Link nodded and they began at a brisk pace. As they exited the woods, Alistair's and Epona's strides became longer as they both transitioned into full gallop. Link brought his head down, both for securing himself to Alistair, and allowing him to gallop faster with less wind resistance. Throughout the final ride, Link had no major problems keeping up with Malon and Epona. After nearly 40 minutes of just gallop, the ranch came into site. The horses slowed down when they were a few yards from the entrance. Link could see Malon relaxing now they had made it in time. The horses walked back to the stable, where all the other horses had retreated to.

As Link and Malon dismounted, Link could sense the horse's satisfaction at having not failed their master. They guided themselves to their stalls as Malon began taking off the saddles and hanging them with the other saddles. "Would you mind doing me a favour, Link?" Malon asked.

Link nodded.

"Alistair and Epona need to be brushed and sort of bathed. Their hooves are muddy and their coats could be cleaner. Their muzzles hang on that opposite wall," Malon said, pointing to the back and getting ready to leave the stable. "I'm sorry I can't stay and show you this myself. My father has worked quite a bit today and I need to put some food on the table. Some time alone with the horses will be good for you. If you have trouble doing anything, it is because they are not relaxed enough. You should be able to figure out the rest from there. Sound ok?" She asked.

"I'll do my best," Link said.

"Thank you so much," she said, leaving.

Link spent the next half hour following the instructions Malon had left for him. The horses were mostly compliant, especially Alistair. Link enjoyed the time with just him and the several horses in the room. He brushed Epona and Alistair, as well as a couple other horses which appeared to be in need of a brushing. He had no trouble greeting the stranger horses; they were all very kind towards Link. He wondered if it were yet again because of his connection to animals and sensing. Or maybe they were just really well trained horses.

Just as Link finished making the two horses he was responsible for comfortable, Talon came and called him for supper. Link pet the horses one last time and headed back to the house.

Malon served a wonderful vegetable dish to her father and Link. As she joined them at the table, she told her father of their ride today. Link piped in too as they chatted about the day. About halfway through the meal, Link figured he should fill in his generous caretakers.

"Thank you both so much for your hospitality. I could not have asked for a better place to stay. I wish there were something I could do to pay back the favour, I really do. Tomorrow, I must leave. While I have enjoyed my stay here, I could not impose any longer. But I do wish to stay friends and come back and visit someday. I cannot say when… I don't have everything entirely figured out yet," Link finished explaining.

"Lad," Talon said, "I have no problem with you staying here at all. Of course, I only want you to have success. But please, if we are of help to you, stay as long as you wish. 2 days isn't that long to recover after what you've gone through."

"Yeah," Malon contributed.

"Yes, again, your generosity is much appreciated Talon, but there are other reasons I cannot stay. I do plan to someday return to my home someday, and in the meantime I must find a way to do so. I also feel I should make my living myself in my new life. I wouldn't feel right living off of charity for longer than I have," Link continued.

"Well, I understand. Is there anything else we can do to help?" Talon asked.

"You've done more than enough," Link said. Malon looked sad, but she did not say anything.

The evening went on and Link once again offered to help clean up after the meal. After cleaning, he returned to the stable with Malon so she could oversee his work. She was still silent from dinner. When she saw that the horses were in good shape, she credited Link and continued inspecting. They made regular chat and she seemed to be back to her normal self. Link knew goodbyes tomorrow would be difficult.

When they exited the stable, it was late and Malon too was ready for bed. They wished each other a goodnight at the top of the stairs and went their separate ways. Link was saddened this time when he went to bed. He knew he would have to do that, and he wished he could avoid it, but his mind was made up. It wasn't too long before Link fell asleep. For the first time since leaving the forest, Link dreamt.

The abandoned village. The tall tree which had allowed them to see beyond the forest. The cave that led to Link's departure. These three images flashed several times to Link. He then saw Mido standing in the middle of the abandoned village. Then Saria at the foot of the tree. Then himself at the entrance to the cave. When the images cycled through again, he got a closer look at Mido. His head was bowed, his eyes closed. His face looked very pale. His mouth was closed, as if holding something in. It was a moment before Link realized he could go up to Mido. Happy he had the chance, he approached him and called out.

"Hey! Mido it's me!" Link called to him. Mido did not turn around.

A dark cape suddenly surrounded Mido. It had symbols Link had never seen before. Slowly, from the bottom of the cape, a purple flame began to engulf the cape and spread. Within a few seconds, the flame had enveloped the figure completely and Mido could not be seen. Link stupidly reached out to touch the flame. He instantly felt a burning, but similar to that of acid rather than a hot burn.

A few more seconds passed before the flames vanished, only to reveal the cape limply lying on the ground.

Before Link had a chance to wonder what had happened, he was standing in front of Saria at the tree. This time he did not waste time calling to her. He quickly ran to her, but instead of disintegrating, Saria stuck her arm out and restrained Link herself. Link wildly struggled to get to her.

"Why?" he wondered aloud.

"You've served your purpose and I've served mine," Saria replied. "We have no need for each other anymore. Begone from my forest and never come back.

"You can't be serious!" he called. "Saria, it's me, I'm your friend!"

Link was suddenly back in the village where Mido's corpse should have been.

"Link," he heard a faint voice call. It was Mido. "Link, help. They need your help Link."

"The forest is in danger?!" he cried.

Link was now in front of the cave, watching himself walk into the cave. Instinctively, he ran to stop himself. When he grabbed his own figure by the shoulder, he turned him around to see a reversal image of himself. Red eyes, grey hair, darker skin, black clothing.

"Begone from my forest and never come back," He heard himself repeating Saria's words.

"What's going on?!" Link yelled.

"You're too late for this world."

Link jolted upright once again, sweating. He was not sure if he had made a sound in his sleep. He tossed the covers aside and focused on his quick breathing, trying to bring it back down. He pulled his knees up to his chest, trying to get a grip on what he had just seen.

The door to his room creaked open. Malon stepped in, holding a candle. She closed the door behind her and came closer to Link, studying him. She calmly put the candle down on the table and sat next to Link on the edge of the bed.

"I didn't realize I was making noises. I'm sorry for waking you," Link panted.

"I was already awake," Malon replied. "And don't worry about my father. He is a deep sleeper. I heard you rolling around in your sleep and letting out moans. Are you alright?"

"I'm ok," Link breathed.

"You know," Malon said, "I know you haven't told me all that has happened to you, but you can't not tell anybody. What's going on?"

Link took a deep breath and told Malon of his two previous dreams, the one he had just experienced, and the one from the day before he left the forest. He told her of his fall which should have killed him. He told her of his light spell. She told him of when he healed the bird. He even mentioned his encounter with Tingle.

Malon thought about it for a minute. She sighed and put her arm around Link. "Sounds like a rather vivid dream. You think it was trying to give you a message? You said your friend told you herself not to go back to your forest…."

"I don't think she actually had anything to do with telling me to leave, but it does go along with how she had been rather mysterious lately. If dreams come from what's deep in my mind, it could have been a projection of my recent mistrust of her. I guess it's a shame I can't go back and find out. It almost implied the village itself was in trouble. But what kind of trouble would ever reach a village like that?" Link wondered.

"I don't really know…." Malon said. "After something like this, are you sure you want to leave so soon? Like you've got me kind of worried. Are you sure you want to go back to being on your own?"

"I have to keep progressing…. I can't stay even though I want to. But thank you, I think I should be able to handle this kind of thing on my own if it happens again," Link said.

The two friends sat there for a few minutes, relaxing in their embrace. Link felt much calmer. Although he still dreaded the morning, he hugged Malon and bid her goodnight yet again. Malon appeared more relaxed now that Link was alright. She took her candle and left Link to the darkness once again.