It was the dawning of the sun that finally slowed the endless conversation you and Link had been immersed in, its fiery light spreading across Hyrule Field in a golden wave. Awkwardly you excused yourself; feeling that you had to get back before you were missed. Link just nodded his head, looking a little disappointed but he said he'd walk you inside the Ranch, just in case.

"Oh, it's the fairy boy again!" Malon bounced excitedly, blue eyes sparkling. "I heard you found my dad! How did you like the castle? Did you see the princess?" She laughed.

"Um yeah I-" Link began to answer but Malon continued on her good-natured rant.

"Dad came home in a hurry after you found him. Oh yeah, I have to introduce you to my friends, fairy boy!" Malon gestured to you and then to Epona. "This is [name], my cousin. And this is Epona! Aren't they both cute?"

"Malon-" You tried to break the red-haired girl's stride but she had already finished; though Link had turned a bright shade of red.

"So, where were you last night [name]?" Malon asked, worry suddenly clouding her features. You opened your mouth to say something, but quickly shut it. Did Malon really need to know? Was it worth getting her so worried about it, when it was already over? Malon rested one hand on her hip impatiently and you shrugged; trying to play off the faint trace of fear you felt when you recalled last night's event.

"I went for a walk because I couldn't sleep, y'know – homesick and stuff. Then I met Link and we just talked for a bit. Wasted the night away I guess."

"I see. Well, my dad doesn't know you went missing, and I'm not gonna tell him. Ingo might though... he said you were just a coward and fled back to your homeland because you didn't want to work here."

"Like I would!" You exclaimed, feeling a little offended at being called a coward and shying away from the work. And going back to your homeland was definitely not an option anyways...

"That's what I said!" Malon smiled and you felt a little more confident knowing your cousin had defended you against Ingo's harsh accusations; despite not knowing you very long. The red-haired girl then turned to Link, who had been quiet for awhile; just shuffling his feet somewhat nervously. "So, fairy boy, what're ya here for?"

"I was just seeing [name] back..."

"Oh really?" Malon winked suggestively and nudged your elbow. "I think you've got a little Kokiri admirer!"

"W-what?!" You and Link both stuttered in unison, faces turning a rich shade of red. Your gazes crossed for mere seconds before you both looked away, simmering with embarrassment. A few moments of silence drifted by before Link broke it.

"I... I've got to go." Without another word Link spun on his heel and disappeared. You stood speechless, frozen. Suddenly anger bubbled up inside you, but it was directed at Malon. You had no idea why, but you couldn't stop yourself from hissing at the red-haired girl.

"What was that for?! You've scared him away; I find one person I can stand in this stupid place and you go ahead and make him run away?!"

"W-wait, I didn't mean-"

"I don't care what you meant!" You yelled, tears of anger and sadness welling in your eyes.

"Wait...! 'The one person I can stand'? What's that supposed to mean?! You don't like me?" You looked up, shocked to find that your own words were so harsh. Malon's usually clear blue eyes were unnaturally shiny and betrayed the hurt she felt. You felt the realisation hit you like a boulder, but Malon was already walking away, her figure rigid with emotion.

"Malon! Wait! I didn't mean-"

"I don't care what you meant!" Malon growled, her voice perfectly mimicking the tone that you had used moments ago. It left you speechless, and you merely watched as Malon stomped away towards the cattle shed.

"Malon... I'm sorry..." Your voice cracked as you collapsed, head clutched in your palms. Guilt washed over you in a bitter wave; making fresh tears spring to your eyes. Why were you so angry at Malon? You didn't know. You knew she didn't mean anything harsh by her words, just a bit of playful teasing. But Link didn't seem to take it that way... You jumped as you felt breath tickle your ear. Glancing up you saw Epona settling down next to you, her wide brown eyes seeping her concern. Without thinking you wrapped your arms around her neck and cried. Cried for driving Link away, cried for upsetting Malon, but mostly crying because you knew that your mother should be holding you, but she wasn't. She couldn't.

Going home was not an option. You couldn't go home. It wasn't safe. You sighed, untangling your arms from Epona's neck and stumbling to your feet.

"Thank you." Epona whinnied in reply, standing up and trotting back across the field. Feeling drained, you dedicated the rest of your day to doing the usual jobs around the Ranch.