The Hyrulian Valhalla Saga
By Queenie Z

If We Could Talk To The Animals

"Easy, girl, easy," said Time with a hint of worry in his voice as he took a hold of his Epona's snout. "What's wrong? You didn't hurt yourself, did you?"

Epona snorted aggressively and pulled her head away from Time's hands. She moved around, whinnying in agitation despite her rider's best efforts to calm her down. After she refused his touch once more, Time gave up, turning away and frowning deeply.

"It's times like this I wish you could talk," he muttered to himself.

From the other side of the stable, Twilight stopped brushing his own horse and turned. "What was that? ...Hey, what's with the old girl? She looks mad."

"That's what I've been trying to figure out," replied Time sadly. "I'm worried she's hurt or something."

Twilight frowned. "Hold on a second," he said before startling Time by immediately shifting into his wolf form. Walking carefully over to the elder Epona, he side down on his hind quarters and looked her in the eye. The horse immediately took notice, calming down enough to convey something to Twilight with a series of snorts and grunts. The wolf Hero nodded a few times, the process repeated, and finally he returned to his true form, turning to Time with a scowl and slapping the back of his head.

"Ow! ...What was that for?"

"You buckled her saddle too tight, you dolt!" said the younger Hero disdainfully. "No wonder she's so irritated!"

"Ah..." Time turned slightly red at his oversight before reaching under Epona to unfasten her saddle. "I'm so sorry, Epona, I had no idea!"

She seemed relieved as he removed the burdensome load and put it away. Then, in a gesture of gratitude, she craned her neck over to rub her nose in Time's hair.

"Guess that did the trick," laughed Time, giving his companion a loving pat. "Did she say anything else, Twilight?"

Twilight snickered. "Oh, plenty. Apparently, you haven't been giving her her favorite carrots as often as you used to, and the brush you've been using makes her itchy."

Time's face fell bashfully. "I see... I'll keep that in mind. It must be great getting to talk to animals like you can."

"So that whole golden wolf thing was just for show, then?"

"That was completely different, Twilight. You know that."

Time's Epona paid no attention to their discussion, however - she seemed perfectly content with knowing that there was the possibility of more carrots in her future.