CHAPTER 6: OLD FRIENDS REUNITED
“So you said that you had it figured out about my transportation and supplies? Explain it to me.” Serenity said as Link helped her onto Epona again.
“Well, a few miles outside of the castle there is a place called the Lon Lon Ranch. It is where I first found Epona here,” he leaned forward and patted his horse, “I know the person who runs it, Talon, and his daughter, Malon. They are both great people, and I know they will help us out. Serenity smiled, “well then, what are we waiting for? Let’s go!” With that Link gave a yelp and Epona broke into a trot all the way out of town.
Soon there after, they arrived at Lon Lon Ranch. Serenity soon realized that it was the building with the unusual stone wall around it that she had seen before. There were a few buildings to the left, and a large stable to the right. In the back they caught a glimpse of a very large corral area. They dismounted and knocked on a nearby door. A girl about Serenity’s age with long red hair and a warm smile greeted them, “Link! How have you been? It’s been too long!” The two old friends shared a warm hug and Link said, “It’s good to see you again Malon. How is your father doing?” She giggled and rolled her eyes, “always the lazy one if you remember right. He’s still upstairs asleep as we speak! How would you two like some breakfast?” The two nodded and entered, where Link proceeded to say, “This is Serenity. She’s… not exactly from around here.” Malon smiled, “Pleased to meet you my dear! Where pray tell are you from?” Link and Serenity shared a quick glance at each other.
“Malon, I think you’d better sit down for this one.” As they ate, both Link and Serenity proceeded to inform Malon of the previous couple day’s events. When they were finished, Malon was in awe, “Wow, you weren’t joking were you? That is amazing! Of coarse I guess nothing should amaze me when it comes to you fairy boy!” She winked as Link groaned: he hated when she called him that, and she knew it. He sighed and said, “That is also why we’re here. We need a horse for Serenity to ride on our journey. I think Epona would like some company as well.” Malon nodded, “You know what? I think I have just the horse for you. Come with me.” With that, Malon led the two out to the corral, while saying, “My father and I found this guy in the corral yesterday. We have no idea where he came from or how he got here, but he’s just the sweetest thing I’ve ever met.” As she was talking, Serenity peered into the corral. Her eyes opened wide, “Is that who I think it is?” Link and Malon both turned to her as she continued, “Oh my gosh! It is him! Star Streak!” She ran into the corral and smiled as the horse recognized his name and jumped around whinnying happily. Once he was done he trotted up to her and she threw her arms around his neck, “What are you doing here! You’re supposed to be at home! I can’t believe it’s you!” Link and Malon came up behind her.
“You know this guy?” Malon asked surprised. Serenity turned and nodded, as Star Streak leaned his head over her shoulder, “Yes, he’s my horse from back home. I can’t believe he’s here though! The goddesses must have sent him to help us.” Link smiled, “He’s beautiful! I don’t know if I’ve ever seen a more beautiful horse.” It was probably true, for Star Streak was amazingly gorgeous. He was about Epona’s size, but he was pure white. Everywhere from the tips of his ears to the fetlocks around his huge hooves were white, as well as his mane and tail. The most stunning thing about him, though, was his eyes: blue as the ocean. This was very unusual for any horse, even in Hyrule.
“What matters now is that he’s here, and we can continue on our journey.” Serenity said as she patted the horse’s neck.
“I’m sorry to say,” Malon said, looking at the big horse, “I don’t have any tack that would fit him.” Serenity smiled, “That’s okay, Malon. Actually, I ride bareback most of the time.” Link’s eyes grew wide, “You ride HIM bareback? How do you get on?” Serenity smiled as she turned to the horse, “Watch me.” With that, she gave a strict “hey!” and Star Streak bolted to a trot. She followed along side, holding his mane until they came to a fairly large boulder. Serenity jumped forward and pushed off the boulder with both feet, swinging up and over the horse. She looked back at Link and Malon, who were cheering her on. She laughed and did a few loops and jumps for good measure. She then rode back to the two of them. Link, still smiling, shook his head, “You are too many things, Serenity! What am I going to do with you?” She giggled and dismounted, which was way easier than mounting, “Come on, let’s go get my equipment loaded.” Link nodded and the little group headed to the entrance to the ranch.
When they got there, Epona was still patiently waiting. When she saw Star Streak, she whinnied and nodded her head. Star Streak answered her back and the two exchanged greetings by nodding and sort of bowing to each other. Link was impressed, “Wow, I guess they’re becoming fast friends, hu?” Serenity smiled as she took the spare saddle bag off Epona and put it on Star Streak. The two sorted through the items in Link’s saddle bag and divided them out evenly. When they were finally ready to leave, Malon spoke up, “Take these with you. They will certainly prove useful on your journey. Come back whenever you need more.” With that, she handed over two full bottles of fresh Lon Lon milk, the freshest milk in all of Hyrule. They thanked her and Serenity gave her a hug, “It was nice to meet you, Malon. I hope we get a chance to get to know each other better!” Malon smiled, “I would love that too, Serenity. Good luck you two.” With that, the two of them mounted up and rode out of the ranch.