"Sad" version with Link wounded, including a short story [link]
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Short story
If you liked the short story check out my Zelda fanfiction, you can see the poster I made for it here along with links to the chapters [link]

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It was late at Lon Lon Ranch, Talon had nearly fallen asleep when he heard the barn door open. Despite having a pretty good idea on what was going on outside he got up to check. He could see a slim figure alongside a horse entering the barn, hoovering around them a small ball of blue light, Link was back. Talon had made it clear to Link that he was welcome at the ranch and could spend the night whenever he liked, he offered Link a place to sleep in the house though Link always ended up sleeping in the barn.

Link was notorious for showing up after hours, using Epona's unique skill to leap over the locked and fortified gate, the only opening to this little sanctuary centered in a world of peril, this ranch protected by the high walls of the fortress it formerly was generations ago. Link often showed up when the house was dark and quiet as if he was sneaking in, Link was the quiet type after all and, well, Malon was not. Talon's words with Link were sparse, he gave the young man the space he seemed to need, especially since he could see this young man off few words was a little overwhelmed by and thus shy around his chatty daughter. Talon could sense there was something about Link that made him unique, something that was reflected in his kind hearted and quiet nature, something beyond Link's control, that drove him into danger on a regular bases, though Link never seemed to want to talk about or expose exactly why.

Talon wished that Link would stay with them more often, despite the offer of a safe place to sleep Link seldom came by and often only did when he was utterly worn out and in need of a real nights sleep to recuperate, for sleeping out in the world was incredibly risky and one could never let their guard down even at rest. Talon had much respect for the young hero, Link had accomplished more in his young life than Talon ever did in his old one, and he had hoped maybe Link would even warm up to and make a good suitor for Malon. In kinder times perhaps Link would have grown to be a ranch hand instead of a solitary solider, the lad was great with animals and had a special touch when it came to horses, especially with Epona. The fact Link could even handle Epona intrigued Talon, while Epona may be the finest horse Talon has ever laid eyes on she was also the most spirited and uncontrollable animal he had ever known, and the only other person besides Malon whom the fiery equine would listen to was Link and even Malon, whom grew up in the shadow of horses, could not handle her as well as Link.

Link made his way down to the last stall, it had been Epona's once before he claimed her, Malon always made sure Ingo keep the stall empty and stocked with clean straw and non perishable food for both Link and his steed alongside some burlap pillows and blankets. Link stripped Epona of her gear, happy to finally let the poor beast rest, he had to leave her tack on almost constantly for the threats of the world outside of any settlement were great and danger often rears its ugly head suddenly and without time to prepare. Epona rolled in the straw as Link tended to himself stripping down to the bare necessities. He hung his clothes on the fence rail and scattered his belongings in the straw, it felt good to get the weight of his weapons and gear off him at last. Tonight he and Epona will sleep in comfort, for here they could afford to let their guard down vs when they sleep in the rough which always leaves him half awake each night sleeping fully dressed and geared up ready to flee or fight.

Epona laid down in the stream of moonlight that came in through the large crack in the roof, Link propped himself up between his horse, her saddle and a burlap pillow. He looked at the hole in the roof, thinking to himself he'd better mention it to Talon and offer to help repair it before the rains come for Link would surely be seeking out a dry place to sleep come winter. Link sighed, taking off his hat and upbraiding his long unruly hair letting it tumble to his shoulders. He had the Ocarina of Time in his hand and he played a quiet tune, a happy tune for once.

Navi floated around silently, her eyes unfocused and thoughts elsewhere, a bit bored but she was too awake to sleep. The little glowing fairy seldom did sleep which was useful when Link slept in the rough for she could keep guard over him and alert him to danger. What little sleep the blue fairy needed she got while Link was awake, tucking herself into his hat and nestling in the end of his braided hair. The horse in the stall next door, as he did every time Link and his team showed up, gingerly tucked its head between the planks to say hi to the chestnut mare that now laid in the straw of the once empty stall, and a cucco came down out of the rafters having found a softer, warmer place to sleep.

Epona looked over to Link, he was already asleep, he had not meant to fall asleep against her like that, he had not even grabbed a blanket yet, and he still had hold of the ocarina in one hand and his hat in the other, but Epona will hold still for him, she knows how much he needs a sound nights rest.
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This is a remake of an old drawing I did, [link] done in corel painter X with smear, chalk, and the eraser.

PS I love long hair on guys, I like to imagine that link has long hair braided and tucked into that long hat of his, especially since I have long hair which I braid and put in the Link hat I have when I cosplay as him.


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If you liked the short story check out my Zelda fanfiction, you can see the poster I made for it here along with links to the chapters [link]