Journey's End - Chapter 2

The cows snort softly as Malon changes the hay in their hanging net. One of them nudges its nose into her side and pushes its head under her arm.

“No Martha,” Malon giggles, “Just because a handsome man is here that doesn’t mean I’ll be giving you more hay than usual. Behave yourself, lady.”

You had already offered to help put the animals to bed, but Malon had sternly refused. She had a “system” and specific “ways” that only she could do. You had to smirk as she rambled on about the ways of the ranch – when it came to animals, she was very much the boss. And the animals knew that too. They all loved her. Of course, it helped that Malon was usually there from their birth or from their date of arrival and onwards, but she had a way with creatures that even you couldn’t quite fathom. 

Talon had once told you that her mother was no different. She was always helping animals of all kinds, even the less beloved ones like lizards or rats, and refused to stomp on bugs. You remember how his eyes became sombre and glazed with emotion as he wandered into the past, telling you about all the moments where he fell in love with her over and over and over again. The duck she looked after when it lost its way during the migrating season, the rat that she let invade the barn that was only stealing grain for its nest of babies, and above all (the way they met and the most told of Talon’s stories as well) the lamed horse from the Hyrule army that she brought to his ranch after she had heard it was to be euthanised and sold as meat.

Malon was indeed the child of those two humble lovers. And according to her, if you ever wanted to help put the animals away for the night, you should learn to do it the way she does. “They aren’t used to anything else,” she had winked at you.

You observe as she goes from the cows to the horses, changing their food and giving them a final brush-down.

“I always brush them like this at night because it settles them down,” she says, not looking at you but concentrating on where she sweeps the bristle-brush, “They’re a bit more skittish than the cows in the evening and I think this sort of pushes all their extra energy out, like a massage for stressed folks.”

You raise an eyebrow, impressed. She really did put thought into everything she did for the ranch’s inhabitants. Then, for a second, guilt stabs you. You hadn’t done anything like that for Epona. You tell her this, and ask her if that maybe had made the journey for her rougher than was necessary.

“Nah,” Malon waves her hand in dismissal and moves on to where Epona was in the stable line, brushing her mane instead, “Epona is different from most horses. And besides, she needed all her extra energy, right? Who knows when y’a-you’d be needing to move on.”

Did she stutter? She looked flushed for a moment, but within a moment it was gone. 

“Epona’s mama was a very special horse,” the redhead continued, “She was a wild horse that lived out on the mountains. She got caught by some trader and then got put up for sale at the market because he couldn’t tame her. Daddy knew that this guy knew more about rupees than he did about horses, so he bought her. And you know what? He tamed her! It took some time, too - I wasn’t even born then - but he said it took months. And after that, they were like soulmates.  Then we bred her with a stallion from the breed that the Hyrule army uses. I think my mama brought him here because he was hurt and the army didn’t want him anymore. Then ta-da! Epona was the result! That’s why she is the way she is.”

You take all this in with wide eyes. Epona was always a very excitable and rebellious horse and even Talon was shocked that she had accepted you. She had only ever trusted three people, and now you knew why.

“Well, I’m done for now…” Malon yawns and stretches an arm up, then brings it back down with a swing, “I’m going to get ready for bed.”

You nod in agreement, feeling exhausted yourself. You had agreed to sleep in the barn out of respect, and besides, you had arrived early and nothing was prepared for you. Talon spent much of his time in town, living out what he liked to call “retirement”, and Ingo had also moved on to take up a less physically-demanding job – a clerk at the betting office in town. You watch Malon leave, and sit down on the thick sheets that are serving as a make-do mattress. The barn was always warm thanks to how it was built, preserving heat but still keeping dry. It wasn’t exactly uncomfortable. Anything was better than an outdoor fireside, yet it was strange not to see the stars. You pull a cloth and some oil from your bag and give your trusty sword and shield a polish. They both looked like they were ready to give up the ghost. Especially your sword. You’ve had it for how many years now? Almost fifteen? That’s quite shocking considering its condition. Most people have a sword in their family for generations. But then again, most people don’t fight as much as you have. 

With a sigh, you finish off your work and place the two old companions at the door to dry and set. Just as you lay down to doze off, the barn door opens again.

“I forgot to ask,” Malon flushes, “Are you sure you’re alright being in here? I can still rustle up something, it’s no trouble.”

You insist it’s fine. It was embarrassing enough that you arrived unexpected. You can’t help but notice how adorable she is in her nightgown and cap… even if the gown is a bit tight around the bust.

“Well, if you’re sure,” she looks down at her feet, then back up at you shyly, “Then goodnight, Link.”

*****

Art by R3dFiVe

Story by Redeemer and R3dFiVe

Writing by Redeemer