Chapter 1:
Malon checked herself in the mirror one last time, then reached for the doorknob to sneak out, hopefully without her father hearing.
"Where are you going, Malon?"
No such luck. Talon appeared in the hall, and looked at her suspiciously. He repeated his question when she didn't answer, "Where are you going?"
"Out." she answered, and turned for the door. He still held her back with questions.
"I can see that. Where? Or perhaps a better question would be, with who?" again, Malon didn't answer. He answered the question for her. "Date with Link?"
"Fine. But so what if I am? I don't know why you don't like him so much. He's the greatest hero of all time, he's the Hero of Time, and he saved our ranch from Ingo, and...Dad, I know what you're thinking. You've heard this speech before. But you choose not to believe it, so you obviously need to hear it again. You will continue to hear it until you realize the truth!"
"I know you've heard my speech a million times before, but you'e not listening either, so I'll repeat myself. He's everything you say, yes, I admit it. But all that fame and wealth and popularity can go to someone's head! He could have a relationship with any girl in Hyrule, and he's probably got tons of girlfriends. He probably tells them all their the only one, and he loves them so much. He's just full of himself, you mark my words. Get out before you're in too deep."
"You know as well as I do that's not true. He's an honest and sincere person, and I love him. You barely know him, or you'd know what I'm talking about!"
"Puppy love. You'ree young, Malon. This is one of many relationships you'll have throughout your life. Don't let this one become the be-all, end-all in your life. If it ends, you'll never get over it!"
"I am not that young, Dad! I'm 19. You and Mom were married when you were barely 21." She wanted to add that she had loved Link since she met him nine years ago, but that was personal.
"I won't stop you from going out with him, Malon..."
"Good. Because I'm going, and you couldn't stop me if you tried."
"But I am going to warn you again- watch out. Men just can't stick to one woman. Neither can Link."
Malon hardly heard his words as she walked out the door, towards her meeting place with Link.
* * * * *
Link stood on the bridge near Kakriko, waiting for Malon. It was cold, and she was late. Probably her father had kept her again. Talon was a real problem. Ever since Link and Malon had become a couple, Talon had taken to dispising Link, who figured he was just upset that his little girl was growing up. But it wasn't Malon he was upset about. It was Link.
As he stood thinking about this problem, Zelda's voice entered his head. *Link, get to the castle right now. Royal Council meeting, and it's urgent.*
"Come on, Zelda! I'm meeting Malon! I can't leave! How urgent? Can you start without me?"
There was pause, then, *Well, we could start without you. All the sages are here, only you're missing. But there's something that concerns you.*
"Put it to the end of the agenda. I'll be there for at least part of the meeting. I've just gotta tell Malon where I'm going. She'll be here soon, just gimme ten minutes, tops."
*This concerns her, too. Trust me, you really want to be here for this. It's bad news. Very bad.*
Just then, Malon made her appearence. "Sorry, Dad was keeping me. You know him."
"Yeah, I know him. Listen, there's a meeting of the Royal Council, and I really don't want to go, but I've gotta. Bad news, and Zelda said it's about me, so I should be there...But they're giving me a ten minute leeway, so I can spend five minutes here before I go."
"No, go to your meeting. Be back as soon as you can, okay?" she couldn't help but remember he father's words. A Royal Council Meeting...?
"I'll sprint." he gave her quick kiss on the cheek which washed away her doubts, and hurried off towards the castle.
Malon quieted Talon's voice inside her. "Of course he loves me. But this is important, official buisiness. He'll be back as soon as he can. I trust him."
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