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[knight-in-training-sky]

*There’s a lady walking by, brown eyes clouded and confused. Her outfit is littered with muck, a contrast to her fiery red hair. She has a basket of sorts in her hands and she turns and sees a young boy. She can’t shake the feeling that he looks familiar.*

-@malon-oflonlon

*The five-year-old boy is currently curled up in a ball, his shoulders shaking with small sobs. He’s lost, and alone, and cold, and really hungry! He wants Zelda! He wants Skyloft!

*He doesn’t look up, face buried in his knees.

[malon-oflonlon]

*She sees the boy sobbing and alarm bells ring in her head. She forgets the matter of figuring out where she is and walks over to him* ‘ey, breathe hon. Can ya tell me what’s goin’ on?

[knight-in-training-sky]

*He startles at the voice, looking up. Tear streaks run down his face.

I- I’m l-lost and I w-wanna go- back to Skyloft.. A-and to Zelda..! And Crimson c-can’t come here…

*He doesn’t know her accent. He doesn’t know her. Maybe she’s related to Groose with her red hair? He doesn’t like Groose.. Groose is always mean to him….

[malon-oflonlon]

*Her eyes widen slightly at the mention of Skyloft. She remembers Sky talking about it with fondness, sharing a story with the others at the ranch. This must be a version of Sky. She doesn’t know who Crimson is though. What does he mean he can’t come here? She crouches down, with a warm smile.*

We’re in th’ same boat then. I’m a lil’ lost as well. But I bet if we work together, we can find a way home.

*She remembers she hasn’t introduced herself and quickly adds,* Ah, and ma name is Malon. What’s yours?

[knight-in-training-sky]

I- B-Birdie…

…..Do you know Groose..? You kinda- look like him..

*He slowly gets up, stumbling slightly. He wants - he really really wants to go back to Skyloft.

Can we figure out why Crim can’t come here..?..

[malon-oflonlon]

*Birdie…Does that mean Birdie is a version of Sky? Then is this little boy a version of Birdie, or a result of a transformation or curse? She could feel a headache coming on.* I’m sorry bud, I dunno a Groose or Crimson, but I’m sure we can try to look for ‘em.

*After dusting her hand on her clothes she holds out her hand to him* C’mon Birdie. Our first mission is to find more people. They could know somethin’.

[knight-in-training-sky]

O-okay..

Groose has a really funny hairstyle, and Crimson is my loftwing… I’ve been whistling like they told me to but he won’t come down here…

*He hesitates, but takes her hand and stands.

Where are we gonna go..?..

[malon-oflonlon]

*Loftwing…where had she heard that before? It must be something from the sky—or Skyloft. Once he takes her hand she smiles, relieved he’s trusting her with this. She looks around them, and spots a castle in this distance* I see a settlement over there, which means they’re’ll likely be people. That’s where we’re gonna go.

[knight-in-training-sky]

*He looks that direction, but seems almost apprehensive. He nods, but steps a little closer to her.

Am I gonna have to talk to anyone…?.. I don’t wanna…

[malon-oflonlon]

I'm sure I can do the talkin'. I'd love to know more about the folks ya mentioned though. Groose and Crimson...and Zelda right? What's this about Groose havin' a funny hairstyle?

*she starts walking towards the settlement, thinking that wherever she is seems a lot more vast than her own home. She feels as lost as Birdie iss--but with a goal in mind it's easier to swallow.*

[knight-in-training-sky]

His hair is all kinda..

*He uses his free hand to motion upward above his head.

Looks really pointy. He’s kinda mean, too… I don’ think he likes that I hand out with Zel so much..

Zel is really nice, though..!

*He perks up when talking about Zelda.

She said I can stay with her and her dad, Mr. Headmaster, till I get big enough to have my own house..

It feels like she has a secret, one that she doesn’t know either. Bloom felt like that too..

And- and Crimson is cool too! We’re really good at flying. Mr. Headmaster said that he has never seen anyone learn as fast as I did! Nobody had to tell us what to do!

I have to learn a bunch of other loftwing stuff that everyone else already knows, though, cause I don’t have a mommy or daddy to teach me that stuff.. But when I’m done I get to go out flying every day! It’s a lot of fun.

[malon-oflonlon]

*She listens attentively. When thinking of her Link and Zelda, their relationship isn’t so close. It makes her wonder about all the other Zelda’s—because it seems they’ve also been intertwined with the spirit of the hero in some way, always appearing beside the heroes. And she’s sad at the mention of staying not with his parents but she’s also glad he has somewhere conventional to stay.

When he talks animatedly about Crimson the loftwing, she hears flying and she turns her gaze upward for a moment. She’d really like to know what kind of safety precautions are set for that…but childlike wonder sparks and she’s content to imagine flying with a “loftwing”.*

Wow! Sounds like ya’ve got some pretty nice friends. I dunno exactly who or what a Loftwing is—could ya explain more about Crimson and flyin’ with ‘im?

[knight-in-training-sky]

*There’s a lady walking by, brown eyes clouded and confused. Her outfit is littered with muck, a contrast to her fiery red hair. She has a basket of sorts in her hands and she turns and sees a young boy. She can’t shake the feeling that he looks familiar.*

-@malon-oflonlon

*The five-year-old boy is currently curled up in a ball, his shoulders shaking with small sobs. He’s lost, and alone, and cold, and really hungry! He wants Zelda! He wants Skyloft!

*He doesn’t look up, face buried in his knees.

[malon-oflonlon]

*She sees the boy sobbing and alarm bells ring in her head. She forgets the matter of figuring out where she is and walks over to him* ‘ey, breathe hon. Can ya tell me what’s goin’ on?

[knight-in-training-sky]

*He startles at the voice, looking up. Tear streaks run down his face.

I- I’m l-lost and I w-wanna go- back to Skyloft.. A-and to Zelda..! And Crimson c-can’t come here…

*He doesn’t know her accent. He doesn’t know her. Maybe she’s related to Groose with her red hair? He doesn’t like Groose.. Groose is always mean to him….

[malon-oflonlon]

*Her eyes widen slightly at the mention of Skyloft. She remembers Sky talking about it with fondness, sharing a story with the others at the ranch. This must be a version of Sky. She doesn’t know who Crimson is though. What does he mean he can’t come here? She crouches down, with a warm smile.*

We’re in th’ same boat then. I’m a lil’ lost as well. But I bet if we work together, we can find a way home.

*She remembers she hasn’t introduced herself and quickly adds,* Ah, and ma name is Malon. What’s yours?

[knight-in-training-sky]

I- B-Birdie…

…..Do you know Groose..? You kinda- look like him..

*He slowly gets up, stumbling slightly. He wants - he really really wants to go back to Skyloft.

Can we figure out why Crim can’t come here..?..

[malon-oflonlon]

*Birdie…Does that mean Birdie is a version of Sky? Then is this little boy a version of Birdie, or a result of a transformation or curse? She could feel a headache coming on.* I’m sorry bud, I dunno a Groose or Crimson, but I’m sure we can try to look for ‘em.

*After dusting her hand on her clothes she holds out her hand to him* C’mon Birdie. Our first mission is to find more people. They could know somethin’.

[knight-in-training-sky]

O-okay..

Groose has a really funny hairstyle, and Crimson is my loftwing… I’ve been whistling like they told me to but he won’t come down here…

*He hesitates, but takes her hand and stands.

Where are we gonna go..?..

[malon-oflonlon]

*Loftwing…where had she heard that before? It must be something from the sky—or Skyloft. Once he takes her hand she smiles, relieved he’s trusting her with this. She looks around them, and spots a castle in this distance* I see a settlement over there, which means they’re’ll likely be people. That’s where we’re gonna go.

[knight-in-training-sky]

*He looks that direction, but seems almost apprehensive. He nods, but steps a little closer to her.

Am I gonna have to talk to anyone…?.. I don’t wanna…

[malon-oflonlon]

I'm sure I can do the talkin'. I'd love to know more about the folks ya mentioned though. Groose and Crimson...and Zelda right? What's this about Groose havin' a funny hairstyle?

*she starts walking towards the settlement, thinking that wherever she is seems a lot more vast than her own home. She feels as lost as Birdie iss--but with a goal in mind it's easier to swallow.*

[knight-in-training-sky]

*There’s a lady walking by, brown eyes clouded and confused. Her outfit is littered with muck, a contrast to her fiery red hair. She has a basket of sorts in her hands and she turns and sees a young boy. She can’t shake the feeling that he looks familiar.*

-@malon-oflonlon

*The five-year-old boy is currently curled up in a ball, his shoulders shaking with small sobs. He’s lost, and alone, and cold, and really hungry! He wants Zelda! He wants Skyloft!

*He doesn’t look up, face buried in his knees.

[malon-oflonlon]

*She sees the boy sobbing and alarm bells ring in her head. She forgets the matter of figuring out where she is and walks over to him* ‘ey, breathe hon. Can ya tell me what’s goin’ on?

[knight-in-training-sky]

*He startles at the voice, looking up. Tear streaks run down his face.

I- I’m l-lost and I w-wanna go- back to Skyloft.. A-and to Zelda..! And Crimson c-can’t come here…

*He doesn’t know her accent. He doesn’t know her. Maybe she’s related to Groose with her red hair? He doesn’t like Groose.. Groose is always mean to him….

[malon-oflonlon]

*Her eyes widen slightly at the mention of Skyloft. She remembers Sky talking about it with fondness, sharing a story with the others at the ranch. This must be a version of Sky. She doesn’t know who Crimson is though. What does he mean he can’t come here? She crouches down, with a warm smile.*

We’re in th’ same boat then. I’m a lil’ lost as well. But I bet if we work together, we can find a way home.

*She remembers she hasn’t introduced herself and quickly adds,* Ah, and ma name is Malon. What’s yours?

[knight-in-training-sky]

I- B-Birdie…

…..Do you know Groose..? You kinda- look like him..

*He slowly gets up, stumbling slightly. He wants - he really really wants to go back to Skyloft.

Can we figure out why Crim can’t come here..?..

[malon-oflonlon]

*Birdie…Does that mean Birdie is a version of Sky? Then is this little boy a version of Birdie, or a result of a transformation or curse? She could feel a headache coming on.* I’m sorry bud, I dunno a Groose or Crimson, but I’m sure we can try to look for ‘em.

*After dusting her hand on her clothes she holds out her hand to him* C’mon Birdie. Our first mission is to find more people. They could know somethin’.

[knight-in-training-sky]

O-okay..

Groose has a really funny hairstyle, and Crimson is my loftwing… I’ve been whistling like they told me to but he won’t come down here…

*He hesitates, but takes her hand and stands.

Where are we gonna go..?..

[malon-oflonlon]

*Loftwing…where had she heard that before? It must be something from the sky—or Skyloft. Once he takes her hand she smiles, relieved he’s trusting her with this. She looks around them, and spots a castle in this distance* I see a settlement over there, which means they’re’ll likely be people. That’s where we’re gonna go.

[knight-in-training-sky]

*There’s a lady walking by, brown eyes clouded and confused. Her outfit is littered with muck, a contrast to her fiery red hair. She has a basket of sorts in her hands and she turns and sees a young boy. She can’t shake the feeling that he looks familiar.*

-@malon-oflonlon

*The five-year-old boy is currently curled up in a ball, his shoulders shaking with small sobs. He’s lost, and alone, and cold, and really hungry! He wants Zelda! He wants Skyloft!

*He doesn’t look up, face buried in his knees.

[malon-oflonlon]

*She sees the boy sobbing and alarm bells ring in her head. She forgets the matter of figuring out where she is and walks over to him* ‘ey, breathe hon. Can ya tell me what’s goin’ on?

[knight-in-training-sky]

*He startles at the voice, looking up. Tear streaks run down his face.

I- I’m l-lost and I w-wanna go- back to Skyloft.. A-and to Zelda..! And Crimson c-can’t come here…

*He doesn’t know her accent. He doesn’t know her. Maybe she’s related to Groose with her red hair? He doesn’t like Groose.. Groose is always mean to him….

[malon-oflonlon]

*Her eyes widen slightly at the mention of Skyloft. She remembers Sky talking about it with fondness, sharing a story with the others at the ranch. This must be a version of Sky. She doesn’t know who Crimson is though. What does he mean he can’t come here? She crouches down, with a warm smile.*

We’re in th’ same boat then. I’m a lil’ lost as well. But I bet if we work together, we can find a way home.

*She remembers she hasn’t introduced herself and quickly adds,* Ah, and ma name is Malon. What’s yours?

[knight-in-training-sky]

I- B-Birdie…

…..Do you know Groose..? You kinda- look like him..

*He slowly gets up, stumbling slightly. He wants - he really really wants to go back to Skyloft.

Can we figure out why Crim can’t come here..?..

[malon-oflonlon]

*Birdie…Does that mean Birdie is a version of Sky? Then is this little boy a version of Birdie, or a result of a transformation or curse? She could feel a headache coming on.* I’m sorry bud, I dunno a Groose or Crimson, but I’m sure we can try to look for ‘em.

*After dusting her hand on her clothes she holds out her hand to him* C’mon Birdie. Our first mission is to find more people. They could know somethin’.

[knight-in-training-sky]

*There’s a lady walking by, brown eyes clouded and confused. Her outfit is littered with muck, a contrast to her fiery red hair. She has a basket of sorts in her hands and she turns and sees a young boy. She can’t shake the feeling that he looks familiar.*

-@malon-oflonlon

*The five-year-old boy is currently curled up in a ball, his shoulders shaking with small sobs. He’s lost, and alone, and cold, and really hungry! He wants Zelda! He wants Skyloft!

*He doesn’t look up, face buried in his knees.

[malon-oflonlon]

*She sees the boy sobbing and alarm bells ring in her head. She forgets the matter of figuring out where she is and walks over to him* ‘ey, breathe hon. Can ya tell me what’s goin’ on?

[knight-in-training-sky]

*He startles at the voice, looking up. Tear streaks run down his face.

I- I’m l-lost and I w-wanna go- back to Skyloft.. A-and to Zelda..! And Crimson c-can’t come here…

*He doesn’t know her accent. He doesn’t know her. Maybe she’s related to Groose with her red hair? He doesn’t like Groose.. Groose is always mean to him….

[malon-oflonlon]

*Her eyes widen slightly at the mention of Skyloft. She remembers Sky talking about it with fondness, sharing a story with the others at the ranch. This must be a version of Sky. She doesn’t know who Crimson is though. What does he mean he can’t come here? She crouches down, with a warm smile.*

We’re in th’ same boat then. I’m a lil’ lost as well. But I bet if we work together, we can find a way home.

*She remembers she hasn’t introduced herself and quickly adds,* Ah, and ma name is Malon. What’s yours?

[knight-in-training-sky]

*There’s a lady walking by, brown eyes clouded and confused. Her outfit is littered with muck, a contrast to her fiery red hair. She has a basket of sorts in her hands and she turns and sees a young boy. She can’t shake the feeling that he looks familiar.*

-@malon-oflonlon

*The five-year-old boy is currently curled up in a ball, his shoulders shaking with small sobs. He’s lost, and alone, and cold, and really hungry! He wants Zelda! He wants Skyloft!

*He doesn’t look up, face buried in his knees.

[malon-oflonlon]

*She sees the boy sobbing and alarm bells ring in her head. She forgets the matter of figuring out where she is and walks over to him* ‘ey, breathe hon. Can ya tell me what’s goin’ on?

[malon-oflonlon]

Cremia? You look older...

-@younglinkoftermina

*she turns around to face the voice, and blinks when she sees what looks like Link when he was a kid* Sorry kiddo, ya got the wrong person. My name’s Malon.

[younglinkoftermina]

"Oh. That's my bad, sorry."

Malon... oh, right! The girl from Lon Lon Ranch. Clock hadn't been there in ages, at this point.

He frowned. "You have the same name as someone else I know."

[malon-oflonlon]

*she sees recognition in your eyes and looks away, as if contemplating something* Well, I wouldn’t be surprised if you did know me at one point. There’s been a lotta time travel lately.

*she smiles warmly* Would yer name happen to be Link?

[younglinkoftermina]

"You're telling me."

He nodded, surprised. "I— yeah. I've been going by 'Clock' lately, though. How did you know?"

[malon-oflonlon]

*Her eyes widen, she seems to know the meaning behind the name ‘Clock’* Well, when I was a lil’ bit younger than ya, a boy named Link such as yerself helped me out.

*you can see a silver ring on her finger, glinting in the rays of sunlight, and the fond tone in her voice as she reminisces*

[younglinkoftermina]

"With Them?" Clock asked. "It was at 2 AM, two days before the Carnival of Time, right?"

[malon-oflonlon]

*she shakes her head* This ain’t Termina hon. I was at Castletown waitin’ for my father but he was sleepin’ near the castle gates. Link helped me find him, and we’ve known each other since.

[younglinkoftermina]

Didn’t I do that?

Oh. Right. Sorry, miss. Does your Link have a nickname?

[malon-oflonlon]

He goes by Time in the crew he’s been travellin’ with, or they call ‘im old man. If ya want to answer, are ya done with yer journey?

[younglinkoftermina]

Huh.

(He shook his head) I’m not, but Termina’s taken a backseat right now. I have… a more important thing to do.

[malon-oflonlon]

*she looks surprised and then concerned* Well, I dunno if ya have the time, but I’d like for ya to eat somethin’ since my Link has told me he barely took th’ time to eat during his quest. Ya can say no, of course, but at the very least I’d like to send some supplies yer way for whatever ya need to do.

[younglinkoftermina]

“Ok. I don’t know if I need food right now, though. The god of time forced me to earlier.

“I don’t think you have anything that can help. It’s an issue with my ocarina, and the god I mentioned earlier is trying to fix it.”

[malon-oflonlon]

It never hurts to take an extra potion with ya, or a fairy is what I meant.

An issue with yer ocarina ya say? How so?

[younglinkoftermina]

Those’ll work.

I have a song that takes me back in time. It’s not working.

(He decided not to mention Red.)

[malon-oflonlon]

Hm. That's rather odd. I can't help ya with the song myself, of course, but if I were you, I would try to get an audience with th' Princess. She's studied time a ton after bein' warned about the wicked man from the desert. If anyone, she might know a thing 'r two.

'Right then. I'll go ahead and git the supplies for ya.

[younglinkoftermina]

“How do I get an audience, though?”

[malon-oflonlon]

*she thinks of the rather complex process and offers* Why don’t I try and get ya one? I’ll warn ya though, it’ll take at the very least a couple ‘a days.

[younglinkoftermina]

"Can't I try and help? If I can't fix the ocarina and can't help Termina, I should make myself useful in some way."

[malon-oflonlon]

*she softens, reminded of Time’s need to help in whatever way he can* Well, I need to go write somethin’ an’ then if ya’d like ya can go deliver it. How does that sound? Or what would be really helpful is tending to the ranch if ya know how.

*she quickly adds in a stern voice,* Don’t ya give up on Termina jist yet. It’s okay to accept help if ya need it.

[younglinkoftermina]

"I can't help it though. I've only freed half of the giants, and three days isn't enough to free the rest."

He perked up a bit at the thought of delivering the letter. "I'll do the letter. I don't know anything about ranches..."

[malon-oflonlon]

*she thinks about the knowledge she knows and says* If Time was around I’d tell ya to talk to him.

*she nods when he says he’ll do the letter* Why don’t ya come on in, I have some cookies ya can have while I start on the writin’.

[younglinkoftermina]

"How would talking to this 'Time' help? He probably doesn't know where the Giants even are."

He nodded, following her inside.

[malon-oflonlon]

He told me all about his ocarina bein’ stolen and wakin’ up a Deku Scrub in a land called Termina. I believe Time is an older version of ya but I’m not entirely certain. Either way, he spent time loop after time loop savin’ Termina, findin’ those Giants ya mentioned.

*she picks up a plate of cookies and holds it up to him. They seem fresh from the oven and she takes one herself before hurrying off after a quick comment about going to get pen and paper*

[younglinkoftermina]

"If he's an older version of me," Clock asked, "did... he have to do this too? Trying to save Red."

Oh goddess, Red. It hit him, right then and there, what had really happened. Red had died. Over and over. And... Clock had been powerless to stop it.

He began crying. This wasn't... this wasn't right. Red was supposed to be home with his brothers. He was. So why wasn't he? Oh, right, that stupid mask! If Clock hadn't given it to him, then...

He found himself numb, only able to stare at the cookies. He couldn't... he couldn't get himself to move. It was like he wasn't even in his own body. Was he?

Everything felt so... weird. Fuzzy. Blurry. Tuned out. None of it made sense. What was happening to him?

...maybe Malon would know. But he couldn't move. So he'd have to wait.

And wait he did.

[malon-oflonlon]

*She’s puzzled when he mentions Red. She doesn’t know anybody by that name. Malon’s eyes widen when he starts crying and she says,* Clock? Is everythin’ alright?

*When she didn’t get a response, she said quietly, still holding the tray of cookies,* I dunno who Red is, and I don’t presume to know what’s happened to him, but I’m sorry. I know how difficult it is to have that burden on yer shoulders.

*she takes a bite of the cookie she grabbed for herself and tries* Do ya know where I got this recipe from?

[younglinkoftermina]

He just stared off into the distance, not being able to bring himself to reply.

[malon-oflonlon]

*she offers,* My mother taught me every recipe I know. I don’ remember much of ‘er. But every time I make somethin’ like this I remember learnin’ it with ‘er.

She was a Gerudo woman, an’ she studied in medicine. That’s really all I know, except for her laugh an’ her patience. But I know for a fact my father did everythin’ he could to try an’ save ‘er. Even tried to brew a potion she had been workin’ on, and my father’s terrible at any sort of kitchen work.

*she puts a hand on his shoulder, gently so that he can shrug it off if he doesn’t want the touch* I know it’s hard to lose someone ya love.

[younglinkoftermina]

All he did was nod slightly. Part of him wondered if she'd understand if he explained the cycles. Not that he could explain, right now.

[malon-oflonlon]

*she starts writing down the letter on a piece of paper, pausing every once in a while to read the words over, and check in on Clock*

[younglinkoftermina]

He just watched, a bit curious.

[malon-oflonlon]

*the handwriting is loopy, and she seems to be making a lot of effort to make it neat. The words are very formal and polite and she does a lot of erasing, trying to make sure it looks and sounds nice*

[younglinkoftermina]

"He" was a bit more aware now, looking around a bit and eyeing the cookies. She honestly didn't care much for the letter right now; those cookies looked delicious!

[malon-oflonlon]

*after deciding she’s satisfied with what she’s written she turns back to him and sees him looking at the plate of cookies. She laughs a little* Yer free to take some. I make some out of habit since Time has a sweet tooth, even though he’ll never admit it.

[younglinkoftermina]

"His" eyes lit up, and he took a few. Yum.

Clock nodded gratefully at her. "Thank you, miss."

That strange feeling from earlier was gone, and although he still felt a bit numb, Clock was able to move again.

He frowned, titling his head. "What's that letter?"

[malon-oflonlon]

*she takes another cookie and after a moment replies to him* Well, we're goin' to need some way to reach th' princess and get ya an audience. If th' princess accepts the request for an audience, we'll get a letter back. Does that make sense?

[younglinkoftermina]

He nodded. "Makes enough sense."

"How do we get the letter to her, though?"

[malon-oflonlon]

Here's where ya come in, *she smiles* I'm gonna head into Castletown with ya, and then yer goin' to need to ask the guard for a messenger. Then, yer goin' to need to deliver th' letter to the messenger and then that person's going to bring it to th' princess.

Ya...do still want to deliver it, right?

[younglinkoftermina]

Clock nodded. "I do! Though, I'm pretty sure I can navigate Castletown just fine by myself. I know it very well, don't worry!"

[malon-oflonlon]

If yer sure. Oh! An' also, I'll give ya some extra rupees--it's customary to give that to the messenger as well as a show of gratitude. *she hands you a red rupee*

[younglinkoftermina]

"Thanks."

Clock took the letter and walked out, going to find the guard.

[malon-oflonlon]

*Malon puts away the remaining cookies and tray and waits patiently, sitting down with a book on her couch*

[younglinkoftermina]

Eventually, Clock came back.

"Delivered! What now?"

[malon-oflonlon]

Now we wait. It usually takes a while, since lots’ a times there are multiple people givin’ requests—

*There’s a knock at the door. When Malon opens it, the postman is there, and gives out a letter with a very detailed stamp on it. Baffled, she opens it and laughs* Well, I’ll be.

*she reads each word quietly, holding the letter so that Clock can read too*

[younglinkoftermina]

"...that was quick."

Taking another cookie (who cared if his stomach hated him? These were delicious!), Clock asked, "So we're going now?"

[malon-oflonlon]

Not exactly. The letter says the earliest we’ll be able to attend is tonight, and the latest tomorrow mornin’. How does that sound?

[younglinkoftermina]

"Works for me." Clock agreed.

[malon-oflonlon]

‘Right then. Whaddaya say I teach ya how to make these cookies in thr meanwhile?

[younglinkoftermina]

"Yes please." Clock replied, smiling.

[malon-oflonlon]

*she leads him into the kitchen and starts pulling out ingredients. She explains while she goes, letting him try to measure out ingredients and stir, until eventually they’ve got dough to work with*

[younglinkoftermina]

"What do we do now?"

[malon-oflonlon]

Well, we’re going to break up the dough into small pieces, and roll them into balls. Then they’ll go on th’ pan ‘ere.

[younglinkoftermina]

"Got it." Clock replied, rolling the dough and doing as Malon instructed.

"How long until we go to see the princess?" He asked.

[malon-oflonlon]

These’ll have to bake for about 8 to 10 minutes an’ then we’ll have a couple hours to spare. We can always head to Castletown early if ya’d like, since there’s plenty’a shops an’ games. Or, we can find somethin’ else to do here.

[younglinkoftermina]

"I want to see what Castletown has," Clock decided.

[malon-oflonlon]

*she smiles fondly* ‘Right then.

[younglinkoftermina]

A few hours later, Clock went up to Malon again.

"Is it time to see her?" He asked. "I hope she can help... why'd she answer so quickly, though?"

[malon-oflonlon]

*She nods* Yup, it's time. I...don't know why she answered so quickly though. I wonder...*she trails off, as they head towards the castle*

[younglinkoftermina]

[[when they got there, clock decided to let malon take the lead. she probably knew what to do better than him, after all.]

[malon-oflonlon]

*she walked up to the castle gates and the guards told them to wait. Then a brunette lady came and asked for their names. Malon obliged and then the lady nodded, ushering them inside to follow her to the throne room. The castle hallways were just as grandiose as the exterior, and almost empty*

[younglinkoftermina]

"Uh, Ms. Malon? Do I need to be diplomatic? It's been ages since I've spoken to anyone higher than a mayor..."

[malon-oflonlon]

I would advise ya to be polite of course, but if ya need me to do the talkin’ I can do that.

[younglinkoftermina]

"Yes please," He agreed.

When they arrived at the throne room, Clock decided to stay silent, not sure what to say.

[malon-oflonlon]

*Zelda ushers them closer and Malon begins by saying* My name is Malon, and this is Clock, Your Highness. We are grateful for you taking your time to hear our voices.

[younglinkoftermina]

Clock nodded, bowing a bit. That's what you were supposed to do with royalty, right?

He still didn't say anything, though. Malon probably knew how to handle this better than him, after all.

[malon-oflonlon]

*After Zelda nods for her to speak, Malon explains the situation with the Ocarina of Time, and the princess’s eyes widen. Zelda asks to see the ocarina*

[younglinkoftermina]

He handed it over.

"Please tell me that you know something. I promised that I'd come back with Red..."

[malon-oflonlon]

*Zelda takes the ocarina carefully and asks gently who Red is, as she looks over the instrument*

[younglinkoftermina]

"Friend. He's the main reason I've been rewinding time."

[malon-oflonlon]

*she nods and tells him that she senses almost a crack in the magic, in the sense that it’s damaged. Because the time magic is bound to the instrument, all it can do is make itself smaller to try and protect itself. You would have to be very skilled to find precisely where it is and coax it into the song you play.

[younglinkoftermina]

He just nodded. "Oh. I see."

[malon-oflonlon]

If I may, Your Highness, what can be done about fixin’ it? *Malon asks*

*Zelda answers, that knowing now that she’s the Sage of Time, she could try to play it, but she’s powerless to fix it on the knowledge she knows alone. She asks what could’ve caused the damage*

[younglinkoftermina]

"I had to play it a lot on what was essentially the same day, not the three days I usually do. I don't know of anything else that could've done anything."

[malon-oflonlon]

*Zelda offers to try and channel her own magic into it, to see if that’s the case. She mentions though, that it shouldn’t, because the magic doesn’t seem burnt out. Malon looks thoughtful*

[younglinkoftermina]

"Yes please."

[malon-oflonlon]

*The princess closes her eyes and suddenly, golden magic flows from her fingertips, steadily into the symbol of the Triforce engraved on the ocarina. Eventually she stops and opens her eyes. She tells them that though she wasn’t able to mend the damage, she was able to further her knowledge. The “crack” doesn’t seem to be made from the amount of usage but rather the interference of dark magic. She explains she could feel her light magic igniting to try and battle against it. From what, she can’t tell.

She advises that you seek the fabled Goddess of Time and pray for aid. She will have a more steady and powerful stream of magic to diminish the dark magic, due to way more experience.*

[younglinkoftermina]

"Oh. Ok, thank you." He bowed.

[malon-oflonlon]

Yeah, thank ya, Your Royal Highness for yer help. *she turns to Clock and asks* Is there anythin' else ya'd like to ask 'r talk about now?

[younglinkoftermina]

He shook his head. "No, I don't have anything. I just needed to know about the ocarina."

[malon-oflonlon]

*Zelda nods and dismisses them, after asking Malon to send her a letter later. Malon and Clock are escorted out of the castle and she asks him,* What are ya plannin’ on doin’ next? I gotta head back to th’ ranch and tend to the animals. Yer more than welcome to join me ‘f course, but finding this Goddess of Time is surely on yer mind.

[younglinkoftermina]

"I want to find her," He confirmed. "Like I said, I promised to get Red back, and I intend to ake good on that."

[malon-oflonlon]

*she smiles* I wish ya luck hon. Yer always welcome to stop by should ya need to. I hope ya get Red back soon.

[younglinkoftermina]

"Thank you."

[malon-oflonlon]

Cremia? You look older...

-@younglinkoftermina

*she turns around to face the voice, and blinks when she sees what looks like Link when he was a kid* Sorry kiddo, ya got the wrong person. My name’s Malon.

[younglinkoftermina]

"Oh. That's my bad, sorry."

Malon... oh, right! The girl from Lon Lon Ranch. Clock hadn't been there in ages, at this point.

He frowned. "You have the same name as someone else I know."

[malon-oflonlon]

*she sees recognition in your eyes and looks away, as if contemplating something* Well, I wouldn’t be surprised if you did know me at one point. There’s been a lotta time travel lately.

*she smiles warmly* Would yer name happen to be Link?

[younglinkoftermina]

"You're telling me."

He nodded, surprised. "I— yeah. I've been going by 'Clock' lately, though. How did you know?"

[malon-oflonlon]

*Her eyes widen, she seems to know the meaning behind the name ‘Clock’* Well, when I was a lil’ bit younger than ya, a boy named Link such as yerself helped me out.

*you can see a silver ring on her finger, glinting in the rays of sunlight, and the fond tone in her voice as she reminisces*

[younglinkoftermina]

"With Them?" Clock asked. "It was at 2 AM, two days before the Carnival of Time, right?"

[malon-oflonlon]

*she shakes her head* This ain’t Termina hon. I was at Castletown waitin’ for my father but he was sleepin’ near the castle gates. Link helped me find him, and we’ve known each other since.

[younglinkoftermina]

Didn’t I do that?

Oh. Right. Sorry, miss. Does your Link have a nickname?

[malon-oflonlon]

He goes by Time in the crew he’s been travellin’ with, or they call ‘im old man. If ya want to answer, are ya done with yer journey?

[younglinkoftermina]

Huh.

(He shook his head) I’m not, but Termina’s taken a backseat right now. I have… a more important thing to do.

[malon-oflonlon]

*she looks surprised and then concerned* Well, I dunno if ya have the time, but I’d like for ya to eat somethin’ since my Link has told me he barely took th’ time to eat during his quest. Ya can say no, of course, but at the very least I’d like to send some supplies yer way for whatever ya need to do.

[younglinkoftermina]

“Ok. I don’t know if I need food right now, though. The god of time forced me to earlier.

“I don’t think you have anything that can help. It’s an issue with my ocarina, and the god I mentioned earlier is trying to fix it.”

[malon-oflonlon]

It never hurts to take an extra potion with ya, or a fairy is what I meant.

An issue with yer ocarina ya say? How so?

[younglinkoftermina]

Those’ll work.

I have a song that takes me back in time. It’s not working.

(He decided not to mention Red.)

[malon-oflonlon]

Hm. That's rather odd. I can't help ya with the song myself, of course, but if I were you, I would try to get an audience with th' Princess. She's studied time a ton after bein' warned about the wicked man from the desert. If anyone, she might know a thing 'r two.

'Right then. I'll go ahead and git the supplies for ya.

[younglinkoftermina]

“How do I get an audience, though?”

[malon-oflonlon]

*she thinks of the rather complex process and offers* Why don’t I try and get ya one? I’ll warn ya though, it’ll take at the very least a couple ‘a days.

[younglinkoftermina]

"Can't I try and help? If I can't fix the ocarina and can't help Termina, I should make myself useful in some way."

[malon-oflonlon]

*she softens, reminded of Time’s need to help in whatever way he can* Well, I need to go write somethin’ an’ then if ya’d like ya can go deliver it. How does that sound? Or what would be really helpful is tending to the ranch if ya know how.

*she quickly adds in a stern voice,* Don’t ya give up on Termina jist yet. It’s okay to accept help if ya need it.

[younglinkoftermina]

"I can't help it though. I've only freed half of the giants, and three days isn't enough to free the rest."

He perked up a bit at the thought of delivering the letter. "I'll do the letter. I don't know anything about ranches..."

[malon-oflonlon]

*she thinks about the knowledge she knows and says* If Time was around I’d tell ya to talk to him.

*she nods when he says he’ll do the letter* Why don’t ya come on in, I have some cookies ya can have while I start on the writin’.

[younglinkoftermina]

"How would talking to this 'Time' help? He probably doesn't know where the Giants even are."

He nodded, following her inside.

[malon-oflonlon]

He told me all about his ocarina bein’ stolen and wakin’ up a Deku Scrub in a land called Termina. I believe Time is an older version of ya but I’m not entirely certain. Either way, he spent time loop after time loop savin’ Termina, findin’ those Giants ya mentioned.

*she picks up a plate of cookies and holds it up to him. They seem fresh from the oven and she takes one herself before hurrying off after a quick comment about going to get pen and paper*

[younglinkoftermina]

"If he's an older version of me," Clock asked, "did... he have to do this too? Trying to save Red."

Oh goddess, Red. It hit him, right then and there, what had really happened. Red had died. Over and over. And... Clock had been powerless to stop it.

He began crying. This wasn't... this wasn't right. Red was supposed to be home with his brothers. He was. So why wasn't he? Oh, right, that stupid mask! If Clock hadn't given it to him, then...

He found himself numb, only able to stare at the cookies. He couldn't... he couldn't get himself to move. It was like he wasn't even in his own body. Was he?

Everything felt so... weird. Fuzzy. Blurry. Tuned out. None of it made sense. What was happening to him?

...maybe Malon would know. But he couldn't move. So he'd have to wait.

And wait he did.

[malon-oflonlon]

*She’s puzzled when he mentions Red. She doesn’t know anybody by that name. Malon’s eyes widen when he starts crying and she says,* Clock? Is everythin’ alright?

*When she didn’t get a response, she said quietly, still holding the tray of cookies,* I dunno who Red is, and I don’t presume to know what’s happened to him, but I’m sorry. I know how difficult it is to have that burden on yer shoulders.

*she takes a bite of the cookie she grabbed for herself and tries* Do ya know where I got this recipe from?

[younglinkoftermina]

He just stared off into the distance, not being able to bring himself to reply.

[malon-oflonlon]

*she offers,* My mother taught me every recipe I know. I don’ remember much of ‘er. But every time I make somethin’ like this I remember learnin’ it with ‘er.

She was a Gerudo woman, an’ she studied in medicine. That’s really all I know, except for her laugh an’ her patience. But I know for a fact my father did everythin’ he could to try an’ save ‘er. Even tried to brew a potion she had been workin’ on, and my father’s terrible at any sort of kitchen work.

*she puts a hand on his shoulder, gently so that he can shrug it off if he doesn’t want the touch* I know it’s hard to lose someone ya love.

[younglinkoftermina]

All he did was nod slightly. Part of him wondered if she'd understand if he explained the cycles. Not that he could explain, right now.

[malon-oflonlon]

*she starts writing down the letter on a piece of paper, pausing every once in a while to read the words over, and check in on Clock*

[younglinkoftermina]

He just watched, a bit curious.

[malon-oflonlon]

*the handwriting is loopy, and she seems to be making a lot of effort to make it neat. The words are very formal and polite and she does a lot of erasing, trying to make sure it looks and sounds nice*

[younglinkoftermina]

"He" was a bit more aware now, looking around a bit and eyeing the cookies. She honestly didn't care much for the letter right now; those cookies looked delicious!

[malon-oflonlon]

*after deciding she’s satisfied with what she’s written she turns back to him and sees him looking at the plate of cookies. She laughs a little* Yer free to take some. I make some out of habit since Time has a sweet tooth, even though he’ll never admit it.

[younglinkoftermina]

"His" eyes lit up, and he took a few. Yum.

Clock nodded gratefully at her. "Thank you, miss."

That strange feeling from earlier was gone, and although he still felt a bit numb, Clock was able to move again.

He frowned, titling his head. "What's that letter?"

[malon-oflonlon]

*she takes another cookie and after a moment replies to him* Well, we're goin' to need some way to reach th' princess and get ya an audience. If th' princess accepts the request for an audience, we'll get a letter back. Does that make sense?

[younglinkoftermina]

He nodded. "Makes enough sense."

"How do we get the letter to her, though?"

[malon-oflonlon]

Here's where ya come in, *she smiles* I'm gonna head into Castletown with ya, and then yer goin' to need to ask the guard for a messenger. Then, yer goin' to need to deliver th' letter to the messenger and then that person's going to bring it to th' princess.

Ya...do still want to deliver it, right?

[younglinkoftermina]

Clock nodded. "I do! Though, I'm pretty sure I can navigate Castletown just fine by myself. I know it very well, don't worry!"

[malon-oflonlon]

If yer sure. Oh! An' also, I'll give ya some extra rupees--it's customary to give that to the messenger as well as a show of gratitude. *she hands you a red rupee*

[younglinkoftermina]

"Thanks."

Clock took the letter and walked out, going to find the guard.

[malon-oflonlon]

*Malon puts away the remaining cookies and tray and waits patiently, sitting down with a book on her couch*

[younglinkoftermina]

Eventually, Clock came back.

"Delivered! What now?"

[malon-oflonlon]

Now we wait. It usually takes a while, since lots’ a times there are multiple people givin’ requests—

*There’s a knock at the door. When Malon opens it, the postman is there, and gives out a letter with a very detailed stamp on it. Baffled, she opens it and laughs* Well, I’ll be.

*she reads each word quietly, holding the letter so that Clock can read too*

[younglinkoftermina]

"...that was quick."

Taking another cookie (who cared if his stomach hated him? These were delicious!), Clock asked, "So we're going now?"

[malon-oflonlon]

Not exactly. The letter says the earliest we’ll be able to attend is tonight, and the latest tomorrow mornin’. How does that sound?

[younglinkoftermina]

"Works for me." Clock agreed.

[malon-oflonlon]

‘Right then. Whaddaya say I teach ya how to make these cookies in thr meanwhile?

[younglinkoftermina]

"Yes please." Clock replied, smiling.

[malon-oflonlon]

*she leads him into the kitchen and starts pulling out ingredients. She explains while she goes, letting him try to measure out ingredients and stir, until eventually they’ve got dough to work with*

[younglinkoftermina]

"What do we do now?"

[malon-oflonlon]

Well, we’re going to break up the dough into small pieces, and roll them into balls. Then they’ll go on th’ pan ‘ere.

[younglinkoftermina]

"Got it." Clock replied, rolling the dough and doing as Malon instructed.

"How long until we go to see the princess?" He asked.

[malon-oflonlon]

These’ll have to bake for about 8 to 10 minutes an’ then we’ll have a couple hours to spare. We can always head to Castletown early if ya’d like, since there’s plenty’a shops an’ games. Or, we can find somethin’ else to do here.

[younglinkoftermina]

"I want to see what Castletown has," Clock decided.

[malon-oflonlon]

*she smiles fondly* ‘Right then.

[younglinkoftermina]

A few hours later, Clock went up to Malon again.

"Is it time to see her?" He asked. "I hope she can help... why'd she answer so quickly, though?"

[malon-oflonlon]

*She nods* Yup, it's time. I...don't know why she answered so quickly though. I wonder...*she trails off, as they head towards the castle*

[younglinkoftermina]

[[when they got there, clock decided to let malon take the lead. she probably knew what to do better than him, after all.]

[malon-oflonlon]

*she walked up to the castle gates and the guards told them to wait. Then a brunette lady came and asked for their names. Malon obliged and then the lady nodded, ushering them inside to follow her to the throne room. The castle hallways were just as grandiose as the exterior, and almost empty*

[younglinkoftermina]

"Uh, Ms. Malon? Do I need to be diplomatic? It's been ages since I've spoken to anyone higher than a mayor..."

[malon-oflonlon]

I would advise ya to be polite of course, but if ya need me to do the talkin’ I can do that.

[younglinkoftermina]

"Yes please," He agreed.

When they arrived at the throne room, Clock decided to stay silent, not sure what to say.

[malon-oflonlon]

*Zelda ushers them closer and Malon begins by saying* My name is Malon, and this is Clock, Your Highness. We are grateful for you taking your time to hear our voices.

[younglinkoftermina]

Clock nodded, bowing a bit. That's what you were supposed to do with royalty, right?

He still didn't say anything, though. Malon probably knew how to handle this better than him, after all.

[malon-oflonlon]

*After Zelda nods for her to speak, Malon explains the situation with the Ocarina of Time, and the princess’s eyes widen. Zelda asks to see the ocarina*

[younglinkoftermina]

He handed it over.

"Please tell me that you know something. I promised that I'd come back with Red..."

[malon-oflonlon]

*Zelda takes the ocarina carefully and asks gently who Red is, as she looks over the instrument*

[younglinkoftermina]

"Friend. He's the main reason I've been rewinding time."

[malon-oflonlon]

*she nods and tells him that she senses almost a crack in the magic, in the sense that it’s damaged. Because the time magic is bound to the instrument, all it can do is make itself smaller to try and protect itself. You would have to be very skilled to find precisely where it is and coax it into the song you play.

[younglinkoftermina]

He just nodded. "Oh. I see."

[malon-oflonlon]

If I may, Your Highness, what can be done about fixin’ it? *Malon asks*

*Zelda answers, that knowing now that she’s the Sage of Time, she could try to play it, but she’s powerless to fix it on the knowledge she knows alone. She asks what could’ve caused the damage*

[younglinkoftermina]

"I had to play it a lot on what was essentially the same day, not the three days I usually do. I don't know of anything else that could've done anything."

[malon-oflonlon]

*Zelda offers to try and channel her own magic into it, to see if that’s the case. She mentions though, that it shouldn’t, because the magic doesn’t seem burnt out. Malon looks thoughtful*

[younglinkoftermina]

"Yes please."

[malon-oflonlon]

*The princess closes her eyes and suddenly, golden magic flows from her fingertips, steadily into the symbol of the Triforce engraved on the ocarina. Eventually she stops and opens her eyes. She tells them that though she wasn’t able to mend the damage, she was able to further her knowledge. The “crack” doesn’t seem to be made from the amount of usage but rather the interference of dark magic. She explains she could feel her light magic igniting to try and battle against it. From what, she can’t tell.

She advises that you seek the fabled Goddess of Time and pray for aid. She will have a more steady and powerful stream of magic to diminish the dark magic, due to way more experience.*

[younglinkoftermina]

"Oh. Ok, thank you." He bowed.

[malon-oflonlon]

Yeah, thank ya, Your Royal Highness for yer help. *she turns to Clock and asks* Is there anythin' else ya'd like to ask 'r talk about now?

[younglinkoftermina]

He shook his head. "No, I don't have anything. I just needed to know about the ocarina."

[malon-oflonlon]

*Zelda nods and dismisses them, after asking Malon to send her a letter later. Malon and Clock are escorted out of the castle and she asks him,* What are ya plannin’ on doin’ next? I gotta head back to th’ ranch and tend to the animals. Yer more than welcome to join me ‘f course, but finding this Goddess of Time is surely on yer mind.

[younglinkoftermina]

"I want to find her," He confirmed. "Like I said, I promised to get Red back, and I intend to ake good on that."

[malon-oflonlon]

*she smiles* I wish ya luck hon. Yer always welcome to stop by should ya need to. I hope ya get Red back soon.

[malon-oflonlon]

Cremia? You look older...

-@younglinkoftermina

*she turns around to face the voice, and blinks when she sees what looks like Link when he was a kid* Sorry kiddo, ya got the wrong person. My name’s Malon.

[younglinkoftermina]

"Oh. That's my bad, sorry."

Malon... oh, right! The girl from Lon Lon Ranch. Clock hadn't been there in ages, at this point.

He frowned. "You have the same name as someone else I know."

[malon-oflonlon]

*she sees recognition in your eyes and looks away, as if contemplating something* Well, I wouldn’t be surprised if you did know me at one point. There’s been a lotta time travel lately.

*she smiles warmly* Would yer name happen to be Link?

[younglinkoftermina]

"You're telling me."

He nodded, surprised. "I— yeah. I've been going by 'Clock' lately, though. How did you know?"

[malon-oflonlon]

*Her eyes widen, she seems to know the meaning behind the name ‘Clock’* Well, when I was a lil’ bit younger than ya, a boy named Link such as yerself helped me out.

*you can see a silver ring on her finger, glinting in the rays of sunlight, and the fond tone in her voice as she reminisces*

[younglinkoftermina]

"With Them?" Clock asked. "It was at 2 AM, two days before the Carnival of Time, right?"

[malon-oflonlon]

*she shakes her head* This ain’t Termina hon. I was at Castletown waitin’ for my father but he was sleepin’ near the castle gates. Link helped me find him, and we’ve known each other since.

[younglinkoftermina]

Didn’t I do that?

Oh. Right. Sorry, miss. Does your Link have a nickname?

[malon-oflonlon]

He goes by Time in the crew he’s been travellin’ with, or they call ‘im old man. If ya want to answer, are ya done with yer journey?

[younglinkoftermina]

Huh.

(He shook his head) I’m not, but Termina’s taken a backseat right now. I have… a more important thing to do.

[malon-oflonlon]

*she looks surprised and then concerned* Well, I dunno if ya have the time, but I’d like for ya to eat somethin’ since my Link has told me he barely took th’ time to eat during his quest. Ya can say no, of course, but at the very least I’d like to send some supplies yer way for whatever ya need to do.

[younglinkoftermina]

“Ok. I don’t know if I need food right now, though. The god of time forced me to earlier.

“I don’t think you have anything that can help. It’s an issue with my ocarina, and the god I mentioned earlier is trying to fix it.”

[malon-oflonlon]

It never hurts to take an extra potion with ya, or a fairy is what I meant.

An issue with yer ocarina ya say? How so?

[younglinkoftermina]

Those’ll work.

I have a song that takes me back in time. It’s not working.

(He decided not to mention Red.)

[malon-oflonlon]

Hm. That's rather odd. I can't help ya with the song myself, of course, but if I were you, I would try to get an audience with th' Princess. She's studied time a ton after bein' warned about the wicked man from the desert. If anyone, she might know a thing 'r two.

'Right then. I'll go ahead and git the supplies for ya.

[younglinkoftermina]

“How do I get an audience, though?”

[malon-oflonlon]

*she thinks of the rather complex process and offers* Why don’t I try and get ya one? I’ll warn ya though, it’ll take at the very least a couple ‘a days.

[younglinkoftermina]

"Can't I try and help? If I can't fix the ocarina and can't help Termina, I should make myself useful in some way."

[malon-oflonlon]

*she softens, reminded of Time’s need to help in whatever way he can* Well, I need to go write somethin’ an’ then if ya’d like ya can go deliver it. How does that sound? Or what would be really helpful is tending to the ranch if ya know how.

*she quickly adds in a stern voice,* Don’t ya give up on Termina jist yet. It’s okay to accept help if ya need it.

[younglinkoftermina]

"I can't help it though. I've only freed half of the giants, and three days isn't enough to free the rest."

He perked up a bit at the thought of delivering the letter. "I'll do the letter. I don't know anything about ranches..."

[malon-oflonlon]

*she thinks about the knowledge she knows and says* If Time was around I’d tell ya to talk to him.

*she nods when he says he’ll do the letter* Why don’t ya come on in, I have some cookies ya can have while I start on the writin’.

[younglinkoftermina]

"How would talking to this 'Time' help? He probably doesn't know where the Giants even are."

He nodded, following her inside.

[malon-oflonlon]

He told me all about his ocarina bein’ stolen and wakin’ up a Deku Scrub in a land called Termina. I believe Time is an older version of ya but I’m not entirely certain. Either way, he spent time loop after time loop savin’ Termina, findin’ those Giants ya mentioned.

*she picks up a plate of cookies and holds it up to him. They seem fresh from the oven and she takes one herself before hurrying off after a quick comment about going to get pen and paper*

[younglinkoftermina]

"If he's an older version of me," Clock asked, "did... he have to do this too? Trying to save Red."

Oh goddess, Red. It hit him, right then and there, what had really happened. Red had died. Over and over. And... Clock had been powerless to stop it.

He began crying. This wasn't... this wasn't right. Red was supposed to be home with his brothers. He was. So why wasn't he? Oh, right, that stupid mask! If Clock hadn't given it to him, then...

He found himself numb, only able to stare at the cookies. He couldn't... he couldn't get himself to move. It was like he wasn't even in his own body. Was he?

Everything felt so... weird. Fuzzy. Blurry. Tuned out. None of it made sense. What was happening to him?

...maybe Malon would know. But he couldn't move. So he'd have to wait.

And wait he did.

[malon-oflonlon]

*She’s puzzled when he mentions Red. She doesn’t know anybody by that name. Malon’s eyes widen when he starts crying and she says,* Clock? Is everythin’ alright?

*When she didn’t get a response, she said quietly, still holding the tray of cookies,* I dunno who Red is, and I don’t presume to know what’s happened to him, but I’m sorry. I know how difficult it is to have that burden on yer shoulders.

*she takes a bite of the cookie she grabbed for herself and tries* Do ya know where I got this recipe from?

[younglinkoftermina]

He just stared off into the distance, not being able to bring himself to reply.

[malon-oflonlon]

*she offers,* My mother taught me every recipe I know. I don’ remember much of ‘er. But every time I make somethin’ like this I remember learnin’ it with ‘er.

She was a Gerudo woman, an’ she studied in medicine. That’s really all I know, except for her laugh an’ her patience. But I know for a fact my father did everythin’ he could to try an’ save ‘er. Even tried to brew a potion she had been workin’ on, and my father’s terrible at any sort of kitchen work.

*she puts a hand on his shoulder, gently so that he can shrug it off if he doesn’t want the touch* I know it’s hard to lose someone ya love.

[younglinkoftermina]

All he did was nod slightly. Part of him wondered if she'd understand if he explained the cycles. Not that he could explain, right now.

[malon-oflonlon]

*she starts writing down the letter on a piece of paper, pausing every once in a while to read the words over, and check in on Clock*

[younglinkoftermina]

He just watched, a bit curious.

[malon-oflonlon]

*the handwriting is loopy, and she seems to be making a lot of effort to make it neat. The words are very formal and polite and she does a lot of erasing, trying to make sure it looks and sounds nice*

[younglinkoftermina]

"He" was a bit more aware now, looking around a bit and eyeing the cookies. She honestly didn't care much for the letter right now; those cookies looked delicious!

[malon-oflonlon]

*after deciding she’s satisfied with what she’s written she turns back to him and sees him looking at the plate of cookies. She laughs a little* Yer free to take some. I make some out of habit since Time has a sweet tooth, even though he’ll never admit it.

[younglinkoftermina]

"His" eyes lit up, and he took a few. Yum.

Clock nodded gratefully at her. "Thank you, miss."

That strange feeling from earlier was gone, and although he still felt a bit numb, Clock was able to move again.

He frowned, titling his head. "What's that letter?"

[malon-oflonlon]

*she takes another cookie and after a moment replies to him* Well, we're goin' to need some way to reach th' princess and get ya an audience. If th' princess accepts the request for an audience, we'll get a letter back. Does that make sense?

[younglinkoftermina]

He nodded. "Makes enough sense."

"How do we get the letter to her, though?"

[malon-oflonlon]

Here's where ya come in, *she smiles* I'm gonna head into Castletown with ya, and then yer goin' to need to ask the guard for a messenger. Then, yer goin' to need to deliver th' letter to the messenger and then that person's going to bring it to th' princess.

Ya...do still want to deliver it, right?

[younglinkoftermina]

Clock nodded. "I do! Though, I'm pretty sure I can navigate Castletown just fine by myself. I know it very well, don't worry!"

[malon-oflonlon]

If yer sure. Oh! An' also, I'll give ya some extra rupees--it's customary to give that to the messenger as well as a show of gratitude. *she hands you a red rupee*

[younglinkoftermina]

"Thanks."

Clock took the letter and walked out, going to find the guard.

[malon-oflonlon]

*Malon puts away the remaining cookies and tray and waits patiently, sitting down with a book on her couch*

[younglinkoftermina]

Eventually, Clock came back.

"Delivered! What now?"

[malon-oflonlon]

Now we wait. It usually takes a while, since lots’ a times there are multiple people givin’ requests—

*There’s a knock at the door. When Malon opens it, the postman is there, and gives out a letter with a very detailed stamp on it. Baffled, she opens it and laughs* Well, I’ll be.

*she reads each word quietly, holding the letter so that Clock can read too*

[younglinkoftermina]

"...that was quick."

Taking another cookie (who cared if his stomach hated him? These were delicious!), Clock asked, "So we're going now?"

[malon-oflonlon]

Not exactly. The letter says the earliest we’ll be able to attend is tonight, and the latest tomorrow mornin’. How does that sound?

[younglinkoftermina]

"Works for me." Clock agreed.

[malon-oflonlon]

‘Right then. Whaddaya say I teach ya how to make these cookies in thr meanwhile?

[younglinkoftermina]

"Yes please." Clock replied, smiling.

[malon-oflonlon]

*she leads him into the kitchen and starts pulling out ingredients. She explains while she goes, letting him try to measure out ingredients and stir, until eventually they’ve got dough to work with*

[younglinkoftermina]

"What do we do now?"

[malon-oflonlon]

Well, we’re going to break up the dough into small pieces, and roll them into balls. Then they’ll go on th’ pan ‘ere.

[younglinkoftermina]

"Got it." Clock replied, rolling the dough and doing as Malon instructed.

"How long until we go to see the princess?" He asked.

[malon-oflonlon]

These’ll have to bake for about 8 to 10 minutes an’ then we’ll have a couple hours to spare. We can always head to Castletown early if ya’d like, since there’s plenty’a shops an’ games. Or, we can find somethin’ else to do here.

[younglinkoftermina]

"I want to see what Castletown has," Clock decided.

[malon-oflonlon]

*she smiles fondly* ‘Right then.

[younglinkoftermina]

A few hours later, Clock went up to Malon again.

"Is it time to see her?" He asked. "I hope she can help... why'd she answer so quickly, though?"

[malon-oflonlon]

*She nods* Yup, it's time. I...don't know why she answered so quickly though. I wonder...*she trails off, as they head towards the castle*

[younglinkoftermina]

[[when they got there, clock decided to let malon take the lead. she probably knew what to do better than him, after all.]

[malon-oflonlon]

*she walked up to the castle gates and the guards told them to wait. Then a brunette lady came and asked for their names. Malon obliged and then the lady nodded, ushering them inside to follow her to the throne room. The castle hallways were just as grandiose as the exterior, and almost empty*

[younglinkoftermina]

"Uh, Ms. Malon? Do I need to be diplomatic? It's been ages since I've spoken to anyone higher than a mayor..."

[malon-oflonlon]

I would advise ya to be polite of course, but if ya need me to do the talkin’ I can do that.

[younglinkoftermina]

"Yes please," He agreed.

When they arrived at the throne room, Clock decided to stay silent, not sure what to say.

[malon-oflonlon]

*Zelda ushers them closer and Malon begins by saying* My name is Malon, and this is Clock, Your Highness. We are grateful for you taking your time to hear our voices.

[younglinkoftermina]

Clock nodded, bowing a bit. That's what you were supposed to do with royalty, right?

He still didn't say anything, though. Malon probably knew how to handle this better than him, after all.

[malon-oflonlon]

*After Zelda nods for her to speak, Malon explains the situation with the Ocarina of Time, and the princess’s eyes widen. Zelda asks to see the ocarina*

[younglinkoftermina]

He handed it over.

"Please tell me that you know something. I promised that I'd come back with Red..."

[malon-oflonlon]

*Zelda takes the ocarina carefully and asks gently who Red is, as she looks over the instrument*

[younglinkoftermina]

"Friend. He's the main reason I've been rewinding time."

[malon-oflonlon]

*she nods and tells him that she senses almost a crack in the magic, in the sense that it’s damaged. Because the time magic is bound to the instrument, all it can do is make itself smaller to try and protect itself. You would have to be very skilled to find precisely where it is and coax it into the song you play.

[younglinkoftermina]

He just nodded. "Oh. I see."

[malon-oflonlon]

If I may, Your Highness, what can be done about fixin’ it? *Malon asks*

*Zelda answers, that knowing now that she’s the Sage of Time, she could try to play it, but she’s powerless to fix it on the knowledge she knows alone. She asks what could’ve caused the damage*

[younglinkoftermina]

"I had to play it a lot on what was essentially the same day, not the three days I usually do. I don't know of anything else that could've done anything."

[malon-oflonlon]

*Zelda offers to try and channel her own magic into it, to see if that’s the case. She mentions though, that it shouldn’t, because the magic doesn’t seem burnt out. Malon looks thoughtful*

[younglinkoftermina]

"Yes please."

[malon-oflonlon]

*The princess closes her eyes and suddenly, golden magic flows from her fingertips, steadily into the symbol of the Triforce engraved on the ocarina. Eventually she stops and opens her eyes. She tells them that though she wasn’t able to mend the damage, she was able to further her knowledge. The “crack” doesn’t seem to be made from the amount of usage but rather the interference of dark magic. She explains she could feel her light magic igniting to try and battle against it. From what, she can’t tell.

She advises that you seek the fabled Goddess of Time and pray for aid. She will have a more steady and powerful stream of magic to diminish the dark magic, due to way more experience.*

[younglinkoftermina]

"Oh. Ok, thank you." He bowed.

[malon-oflonlon]

Yeah, thank ya, Your Royal Highness for yer help. *she turns to Clock and asks* Is there anythin' else ya'd like to ask 'r talk about now?

[younglinkoftermina]

He shook his head. "No, I don't have anything. I just needed to know about the ocarina."

[malon-oflonlon]

*Zelda nods and dismisses them, after asking Malon to send her a letter later. Malon and Clock are escorted out of the castle and she asks him,* What are ya plannin’ on doin’ next? I gotta head back to th’ ranch and tend to the animals. Yer more than welcome to join me ‘f course, but finding this Goddess of Time is surely on yer mind.

[malon-oflonlon]

Cremia? You look older...

-@younglinkoftermina

*she turns around to face the voice, and blinks when she sees what looks like Link when he was a kid* Sorry kiddo, ya got the wrong person. My name’s Malon.

[younglinkoftermina]

"Oh. That's my bad, sorry."

Malon... oh, right! The girl from Lon Lon Ranch. Clock hadn't been there in ages, at this point.

He frowned. "You have the same name as someone else I know."

[malon-oflonlon]

*she sees recognition in your eyes and looks away, as if contemplating something* Well, I wouldn’t be surprised if you did know me at one point. There’s been a lotta time travel lately.

*she smiles warmly* Would yer name happen to be Link?

[younglinkoftermina]

"You're telling me."

He nodded, surprised. "I— yeah. I've been going by 'Clock' lately, though. How did you know?"

[malon-oflonlon]

*Her eyes widen, she seems to know the meaning behind the name ‘Clock’* Well, when I was a lil’ bit younger than ya, a boy named Link such as yerself helped me out.

*you can see a silver ring on her finger, glinting in the rays of sunlight, and the fond tone in her voice as she reminisces*

[younglinkoftermina]

"With Them?" Clock asked. "It was at 2 AM, two days before the Carnival of Time, right?"

[malon-oflonlon]

*she shakes her head* This ain’t Termina hon. I was at Castletown waitin’ for my father but he was sleepin’ near the castle gates. Link helped me find him, and we’ve known each other since.

[younglinkoftermina]

Didn’t I do that?

Oh. Right. Sorry, miss. Does your Link have a nickname?

[malon-oflonlon]

He goes by Time in the crew he’s been travellin’ with, or they call ‘im old man. If ya want to answer, are ya done with yer journey?

[younglinkoftermina]

Huh.

(He shook his head) I’m not, but Termina’s taken a backseat right now. I have… a more important thing to do.

[malon-oflonlon]

*she looks surprised and then concerned* Well, I dunno if ya have the time, but I’d like for ya to eat somethin’ since my Link has told me he barely took th’ time to eat during his quest. Ya can say no, of course, but at the very least I’d like to send some supplies yer way for whatever ya need to do.

[younglinkoftermina]

“Ok. I don’t know if I need food right now, though. The god of time forced me to earlier.

“I don’t think you have anything that can help. It’s an issue with my ocarina, and the god I mentioned earlier is trying to fix it.”

[malon-oflonlon]

It never hurts to take an extra potion with ya, or a fairy is what I meant.

An issue with yer ocarina ya say? How so?

[younglinkoftermina]

Those’ll work.

I have a song that takes me back in time. It’s not working.

(He decided not to mention Red.)

[malon-oflonlon]

Hm. That's rather odd. I can't help ya with the song myself, of course, but if I were you, I would try to get an audience with th' Princess. She's studied time a ton after bein' warned about the wicked man from the desert. If anyone, she might know a thing 'r two.

'Right then. I'll go ahead and git the supplies for ya.

[younglinkoftermina]

“How do I get an audience, though?”

[malon-oflonlon]

*she thinks of the rather complex process and offers* Why don’t I try and get ya one? I’ll warn ya though, it’ll take at the very least a couple ‘a days.

[younglinkoftermina]

"Can't I try and help? If I can't fix the ocarina and can't help Termina, I should make myself useful in some way."

[malon-oflonlon]

*she softens, reminded of Time’s need to help in whatever way he can* Well, I need to go write somethin’ an’ then if ya’d like ya can go deliver it. How does that sound? Or what would be really helpful is tending to the ranch if ya know how.

*she quickly adds in a stern voice,* Don’t ya give up on Termina jist yet. It’s okay to accept help if ya need it.

[younglinkoftermina]

"I can't help it though. I've only freed half of the giants, and three days isn't enough to free the rest."

He perked up a bit at the thought of delivering the letter. "I'll do the letter. I don't know anything about ranches..."

[malon-oflonlon]

*she thinks about the knowledge she knows and says* If Time was around I’d tell ya to talk to him.

*she nods when he says he’ll do the letter* Why don’t ya come on in, I have some cookies ya can have while I start on the writin’.

[younglinkoftermina]

"How would talking to this 'Time' help? He probably doesn't know where the Giants even are."

He nodded, following her inside.

[malon-oflonlon]

He told me all about his ocarina bein’ stolen and wakin’ up a Deku Scrub in a land called Termina. I believe Time is an older version of ya but I’m not entirely certain. Either way, he spent time loop after time loop savin’ Termina, findin’ those Giants ya mentioned.

*she picks up a plate of cookies and holds it up to him. They seem fresh from the oven and she takes one herself before hurrying off after a quick comment about going to get pen and paper*

[younglinkoftermina]

"If he's an older version of me," Clock asked, "did... he have to do this too? Trying to save Red."

Oh goddess, Red. It hit him, right then and there, what had really happened. Red had died. Over and over. And... Clock had been powerless to stop it.

He began crying. This wasn't... this wasn't right. Red was supposed to be home with his brothers. He was. So why wasn't he? Oh, right, that stupid mask! If Clock hadn't given it to him, then...

He found himself numb, only able to stare at the cookies. He couldn't... he couldn't get himself to move. It was like he wasn't even in his own body. Was he?

Everything felt so... weird. Fuzzy. Blurry. Tuned out. None of it made sense. What was happening to him?

...maybe Malon would know. But he couldn't move. So he'd have to wait.

And wait he did.

[malon-oflonlon]

*She’s puzzled when he mentions Red. She doesn’t know anybody by that name. Malon’s eyes widen when he starts crying and she says,* Clock? Is everythin’ alright?

*When she didn’t get a response, she said quietly, still holding the tray of cookies,* I dunno who Red is, and I don’t presume to know what’s happened to him, but I’m sorry. I know how difficult it is to have that burden on yer shoulders.

*she takes a bite of the cookie she grabbed for herself and tries* Do ya know where I got this recipe from?

[younglinkoftermina]

He just stared off into the distance, not being able to bring himself to reply.

[malon-oflonlon]

*she offers,* My mother taught me every recipe I know. I don’ remember much of ‘er. But every time I make somethin’ like this I remember learnin’ it with ‘er.

She was a Gerudo woman, an’ she studied in medicine. That’s really all I know, except for her laugh an’ her patience. But I know for a fact my father did everythin’ he could to try an’ save ‘er. Even tried to brew a potion she had been workin’ on, and my father’s terrible at any sort of kitchen work.

*she puts a hand on his shoulder, gently so that he can shrug it off if he doesn’t want the touch* I know it’s hard to lose someone ya love.

[younglinkoftermina]

All he did was nod slightly. Part of him wondered if she'd understand if he explained the cycles. Not that he could explain, right now.

[malon-oflonlon]

*she starts writing down the letter on a piece of paper, pausing every once in a while to read the words over, and check in on Clock*

[younglinkoftermina]

He just watched, a bit curious.

[malon-oflonlon]

*the handwriting is loopy, and she seems to be making a lot of effort to make it neat. The words are very formal and polite and she does a lot of erasing, trying to make sure it looks and sounds nice*

[younglinkoftermina]

"He" was a bit more aware now, looking around a bit and eyeing the cookies. She honestly didn't care much for the letter right now; those cookies looked delicious!

[malon-oflonlon]

*after deciding she’s satisfied with what she’s written she turns back to him and sees him looking at the plate of cookies. She laughs a little* Yer free to take some. I make some out of habit since Time has a sweet tooth, even though he’ll never admit it.

[younglinkoftermina]

"His" eyes lit up, and he took a few. Yum.

Clock nodded gratefully at her. "Thank you, miss."

That strange feeling from earlier was gone, and although he still felt a bit numb, Clock was able to move again.

He frowned, titling his head. "What's that letter?"

[malon-oflonlon]

*she takes another cookie and after a moment replies to him* Well, we're goin' to need some way to reach th' princess and get ya an audience. If th' princess accepts the request for an audience, we'll get a letter back. Does that make sense?

[younglinkoftermina]

He nodded. "Makes enough sense."

"How do we get the letter to her, though?"

[malon-oflonlon]

Here's where ya come in, *she smiles* I'm gonna head into Castletown with ya, and then yer goin' to need to ask the guard for a messenger. Then, yer goin' to need to deliver th' letter to the messenger and then that person's going to bring it to th' princess.

Ya...do still want to deliver it, right?

[younglinkoftermina]

Clock nodded. "I do! Though, I'm pretty sure I can navigate Castletown just fine by myself. I know it very well, don't worry!"

[malon-oflonlon]

If yer sure. Oh! An' also, I'll give ya some extra rupees--it's customary to give that to the messenger as well as a show of gratitude. *she hands you a red rupee*

[younglinkoftermina]

"Thanks."

Clock took the letter and walked out, going to find the guard.

[malon-oflonlon]

*Malon puts away the remaining cookies and tray and waits patiently, sitting down with a book on her couch*

[younglinkoftermina]

Eventually, Clock came back.

"Delivered! What now?"

[malon-oflonlon]

Now we wait. It usually takes a while, since lots’ a times there are multiple people givin’ requests—

*There’s a knock at the door. When Malon opens it, the postman is there, and gives out a letter with a very detailed stamp on it. Baffled, she opens it and laughs* Well, I’ll be.

*she reads each word quietly, holding the letter so that Clock can read too*

[younglinkoftermina]

"...that was quick."

Taking another cookie (who cared if his stomach hated him? These were delicious!), Clock asked, "So we're going now?"

[malon-oflonlon]

Not exactly. The letter says the earliest we’ll be able to attend is tonight, and the latest tomorrow mornin’. How does that sound?

[younglinkoftermina]

"Works for me." Clock agreed.

[malon-oflonlon]

‘Right then. Whaddaya say I teach ya how to make these cookies in thr meanwhile?

[younglinkoftermina]

"Yes please." Clock replied, smiling.

[malon-oflonlon]

*she leads him into the kitchen and starts pulling out ingredients. She explains while she goes, letting him try to measure out ingredients and stir, until eventually they’ve got dough to work with*

[younglinkoftermina]

"What do we do now?"

[malon-oflonlon]

Well, we’re going to break up the dough into small pieces, and roll them into balls. Then they’ll go on th’ pan ‘ere.

[younglinkoftermina]

"Got it." Clock replied, rolling the dough and doing as Malon instructed.

"How long until we go to see the princess?" He asked.

[malon-oflonlon]

These’ll have to bake for about 8 to 10 minutes an’ then we’ll have a couple hours to spare. We can always head to Castletown early if ya’d like, since there’s plenty’a shops an’ games. Or, we can find somethin’ else to do here.

[younglinkoftermina]

"I want to see what Castletown has," Clock decided.

[malon-oflonlon]

*she smiles fondly* ‘Right then.

[younglinkoftermina]

A few hours later, Clock went up to Malon again.

"Is it time to see her?" He asked. "I hope she can help... why'd she answer so quickly, though?"

[malon-oflonlon]

*She nods* Yup, it's time. I...don't know why she answered so quickly though. I wonder...*she trails off, as they head towards the castle*

[younglinkoftermina]

[[when they got there, clock decided to let malon take the lead. she probably knew what to do better than him, after all.]

[malon-oflonlon]

*she walked up to the castle gates and the guards told them to wait. Then a brunette lady came and asked for their names. Malon obliged and then the lady nodded, ushering them inside to follow her to the throne room. The castle hallways were just as grandiose as the exterior, and almost empty*

[younglinkoftermina]

"Uh, Ms. Malon? Do I need to be diplomatic? It's been ages since I've spoken to anyone higher than a mayor..."

[malon-oflonlon]

I would advise ya to be polite of course, but if ya need me to do the talkin’ I can do that.

[younglinkoftermina]

"Yes please," He agreed.

When they arrived at the throne room, Clock decided to stay silent, not sure what to say.

[malon-oflonlon]

*Zelda ushers them closer and Malon begins by saying* My name is Malon, and this is Clock, Your Highness. We are grateful for you taking your time to hear our voices.

[younglinkoftermina]

Clock nodded, bowing a bit. That's what you were supposed to do with royalty, right?

He still didn't say anything, though. Malon probably knew how to handle this better than him, after all.

[malon-oflonlon]

*After Zelda nods for her to speak, Malon explains the situation with the Ocarina of Time, and the princess’s eyes widen. Zelda asks to see the ocarina*

[younglinkoftermina]

He handed it over.

"Please tell me that you know something. I promised that I'd come back with Red..."

[malon-oflonlon]

*Zelda takes the ocarina carefully and asks gently who Red is, as she looks over the instrument*

[younglinkoftermina]

"Friend. He's the main reason I've been rewinding time."

[malon-oflonlon]

*she nods and tells him that she senses almost a crack in the magic, in the sense that it’s damaged. Because the time magic is bound to the instrument, all it can do is make itself smaller to try and protect itself. You would have to be very skilled to find precisely where it is and coax it into the song you play.

[younglinkoftermina]

He just nodded. "Oh. I see."

[malon-oflonlon]

If I may, Your Highness, what can be done about fixin’ it? *Malon asks*

*Zelda answers, that knowing now that she’s the Sage of Time, she could try to play it, but she’s powerless to fix it on the knowledge she knows alone. She asks what could’ve caused the damage*

[younglinkoftermina]

"I had to play it a lot on what was essentially the same day, not the three days I usually do. I don't know of anything else that could've done anything."

[malon-oflonlon]

*Zelda offers to try and channel her own magic into it, to see if that’s the case. She mentions though, that it shouldn’t, because the magic doesn’t seem burnt out. Malon looks thoughtful*

[younglinkoftermina]

"Yes please."

[malon-oflonlon]

*The princess closes her eyes and suddenly, golden magic flows from her fingertips, steadily into the symbol of the Triforce engraved on the ocarina. Eventually she stops and opens her eyes. She tells them that though she wasn’t able to mend the damage, she was able to further her knowledge. The “crack” doesn’t seem to be made from the amount of usage but rather the interference of dark magic. She explains she could feel her light magic igniting to try and battle against it. From what, she can’t tell.

She advises that you seek the fabled Goddess of Time and pray for aid. She will have a more steady and powerful stream of magic to diminish the dark magic, due to way more experience.*

[younglinkoftermina]

"Oh. Ok, thank you." He bowed.

[malon-oflonlon]

Yeah, thank ya, Your Royal Highness for yer help. *she turns to Clock and asks* Is there anythin' else ya'd like to ask 'r talk about now?

[malon-oflonlon]

Cremia? You look older...

-@younglinkoftermina

*she turns around to face the voice, and blinks when she sees what looks like Link when he was a kid* Sorry kiddo, ya got the wrong person. My name’s Malon.

[younglinkoftermina]

"Oh. That's my bad, sorry."

Malon... oh, right! The girl from Lon Lon Ranch. Clock hadn't been there in ages, at this point.

He frowned. "You have the same name as someone else I know."

[malon-oflonlon]

*she sees recognition in your eyes and looks away, as if contemplating something* Well, I wouldn’t be surprised if you did know me at one point. There’s been a lotta time travel lately.

*she smiles warmly* Would yer name happen to be Link?

[younglinkoftermina]

"You're telling me."

He nodded, surprised. "I— yeah. I've been going by 'Clock' lately, though. How did you know?"

[malon-oflonlon]

*Her eyes widen, she seems to know the meaning behind the name ‘Clock’* Well, when I was a lil’ bit younger than ya, a boy named Link such as yerself helped me out.

*you can see a silver ring on her finger, glinting in the rays of sunlight, and the fond tone in her voice as she reminisces*

[younglinkoftermina]

"With Them?" Clock asked. "It was at 2 AM, two days before the Carnival of Time, right?"

[malon-oflonlon]

*she shakes her head* This ain’t Termina hon. I was at Castletown waitin’ for my father but he was sleepin’ near the castle gates. Link helped me find him, and we’ve known each other since.

[younglinkoftermina]

Didn’t I do that?

Oh. Right. Sorry, miss. Does your Link have a nickname?

[malon-oflonlon]

He goes by Time in the crew he’s been travellin’ with, or they call ‘im old man. If ya want to answer, are ya done with yer journey?

[younglinkoftermina]

Huh.

(He shook his head) I’m not, but Termina’s taken a backseat right now. I have… a more important thing to do.

[malon-oflonlon]

*she looks surprised and then concerned* Well, I dunno if ya have the time, but I’d like for ya to eat somethin’ since my Link has told me he barely took th’ time to eat during his quest. Ya can say no, of course, but at the very least I’d like to send some supplies yer way for whatever ya need to do.

[younglinkoftermina]

“Ok. I don’t know if I need food right now, though. The god of time forced me to earlier.

“I don’t think you have anything that can help. It’s an issue with my ocarina, and the god I mentioned earlier is trying to fix it.”

[malon-oflonlon]

It never hurts to take an extra potion with ya, or a fairy is what I meant.

An issue with yer ocarina ya say? How so?

[younglinkoftermina]

Those’ll work.

I have a song that takes me back in time. It’s not working.

(He decided not to mention Red.)

[malon-oflonlon]

Hm. That's rather odd. I can't help ya with the song myself, of course, but if I were you, I would try to get an audience with th' Princess. She's studied time a ton after bein' warned about the wicked man from the desert. If anyone, she might know a thing 'r two.

'Right then. I'll go ahead and git the supplies for ya.

[younglinkoftermina]

“How do I get an audience, though?”

[malon-oflonlon]

*she thinks of the rather complex process and offers* Why don’t I try and get ya one? I’ll warn ya though, it’ll take at the very least a couple ‘a days.

[younglinkoftermina]

"Can't I try and help? If I can't fix the ocarina and can't help Termina, I should make myself useful in some way."

[malon-oflonlon]

*she softens, reminded of Time’s need to help in whatever way he can* Well, I need to go write somethin’ an’ then if ya’d like ya can go deliver it. How does that sound? Or what would be really helpful is tending to the ranch if ya know how.

*she quickly adds in a stern voice,* Don’t ya give up on Termina jist yet. It’s okay to accept help if ya need it.

[younglinkoftermina]

"I can't help it though. I've only freed half of the giants, and three days isn't enough to free the rest."

He perked up a bit at the thought of delivering the letter. "I'll do the letter. I don't know anything about ranches..."

[malon-oflonlon]

*she thinks about the knowledge she knows and says* If Time was around I’d tell ya to talk to him.

*she nods when he says he’ll do the letter* Why don’t ya come on in, I have some cookies ya can have while I start on the writin’.

[younglinkoftermina]

"How would talking to this 'Time' help? He probably doesn't know where the Giants even are."

He nodded, following her inside.

[malon-oflonlon]

He told me all about his ocarina bein’ stolen and wakin’ up a Deku Scrub in a land called Termina. I believe Time is an older version of ya but I’m not entirely certain. Either way, he spent time loop after time loop savin’ Termina, findin’ those Giants ya mentioned.

*she picks up a plate of cookies and holds it up to him. They seem fresh from the oven and she takes one herself before hurrying off after a quick comment about going to get pen and paper*

[younglinkoftermina]

"If he's an older version of me," Clock asked, "did... he have to do this too? Trying to save Red."

Oh goddess, Red. It hit him, right then and there, what had really happened. Red had died. Over and over. And... Clock had been powerless to stop it.

He began crying. This wasn't... this wasn't right. Red was supposed to be home with his brothers. He was. So why wasn't he? Oh, right, that stupid mask! If Clock hadn't given it to him, then...

He found himself numb, only able to stare at the cookies. He couldn't... he couldn't get himself to move. It was like he wasn't even in his own body. Was he?

Everything felt so... weird. Fuzzy. Blurry. Tuned out. None of it made sense. What was happening to him?

...maybe Malon would know. But he couldn't move. So he'd have to wait.

And wait he did.

[malon-oflonlon]

*She’s puzzled when he mentions Red. She doesn’t know anybody by that name. Malon’s eyes widen when he starts crying and she says,* Clock? Is everythin’ alright?

*When she didn’t get a response, she said quietly, still holding the tray of cookies,* I dunno who Red is, and I don’t presume to know what’s happened to him, but I’m sorry. I know how difficult it is to have that burden on yer shoulders.

*she takes a bite of the cookie she grabbed for herself and tries* Do ya know where I got this recipe from?

[younglinkoftermina]

He just stared off into the distance, not being able to bring himself to reply.

[malon-oflonlon]

*she offers,* My mother taught me every recipe I know. I don’ remember much of ‘er. But every time I make somethin’ like this I remember learnin’ it with ‘er.

She was a Gerudo woman, an’ she studied in medicine. That’s really all I know, except for her laugh an’ her patience. But I know for a fact my father did everythin’ he could to try an’ save ‘er. Even tried to brew a potion she had been workin’ on, and my father’s terrible at any sort of kitchen work.

*she puts a hand on his shoulder, gently so that he can shrug it off if he doesn’t want the touch* I know it’s hard to lose someone ya love.

[younglinkoftermina]

All he did was nod slightly. Part of him wondered if she'd understand if he explained the cycles. Not that he could explain, right now.

[malon-oflonlon]

*she starts writing down the letter on a piece of paper, pausing every once in a while to read the words over, and check in on Clock*

[younglinkoftermina]

He just watched, a bit curious.

[malon-oflonlon]

*the handwriting is loopy, and she seems to be making a lot of effort to make it neat. The words are very formal and polite and she does a lot of erasing, trying to make sure it looks and sounds nice*

[younglinkoftermina]

"He" was a bit more aware now, looking around a bit and eyeing the cookies. She honestly didn't care much for the letter right now; those cookies looked delicious!

[malon-oflonlon]

*after deciding she’s satisfied with what she’s written she turns back to him and sees him looking at the plate of cookies. She laughs a little* Yer free to take some. I make some out of habit since Time has a sweet tooth, even though he’ll never admit it.

[younglinkoftermina]

"His" eyes lit up, and he took a few. Yum.

Clock nodded gratefully at her. "Thank you, miss."

That strange feeling from earlier was gone, and although he still felt a bit numb, Clock was able to move again.

He frowned, titling his head. "What's that letter?"

[malon-oflonlon]

*she takes another cookie and after a moment replies to him* Well, we're goin' to need some way to reach th' princess and get ya an audience. If th' princess accepts the request for an audience, we'll get a letter back. Does that make sense?

[younglinkoftermina]

He nodded. "Makes enough sense."

"How do we get the letter to her, though?"

[malon-oflonlon]

Here's where ya come in, *she smiles* I'm gonna head into Castletown with ya, and then yer goin' to need to ask the guard for a messenger. Then, yer goin' to need to deliver th' letter to the messenger and then that person's going to bring it to th' princess.

Ya...do still want to deliver it, right?

[younglinkoftermina]

Clock nodded. "I do! Though, I'm pretty sure I can navigate Castletown just fine by myself. I know it very well, don't worry!"

[malon-oflonlon]

If yer sure. Oh! An' also, I'll give ya some extra rupees--it's customary to give that to the messenger as well as a show of gratitude. *she hands you a red rupee*

[younglinkoftermina]

"Thanks."

Clock took the letter and walked out, going to find the guard.

[malon-oflonlon]

*Malon puts away the remaining cookies and tray and waits patiently, sitting down with a book on her couch*

[younglinkoftermina]

Eventually, Clock came back.

"Delivered! What now?"

[malon-oflonlon]

Now we wait. It usually takes a while, since lots’ a times there are multiple people givin’ requests—

*There’s a knock at the door. When Malon opens it, the postman is there, and gives out a letter with a very detailed stamp on it. Baffled, she opens it and laughs* Well, I’ll be.

*she reads each word quietly, holding the letter so that Clock can read too*

[younglinkoftermina]

"...that was quick."

Taking another cookie (who cared if his stomach hated him? These were delicious!), Clock asked, "So we're going now?"

[malon-oflonlon]

Not exactly. The letter says the earliest we’ll be able to attend is tonight, and the latest tomorrow mornin’. How does that sound?

[younglinkoftermina]

"Works for me." Clock agreed.

[malon-oflonlon]

‘Right then. Whaddaya say I teach ya how to make these cookies in thr meanwhile?

[younglinkoftermina]

"Yes please." Clock replied, smiling.

[malon-oflonlon]

*she leads him into the kitchen and starts pulling out ingredients. She explains while she goes, letting him try to measure out ingredients and stir, until eventually they’ve got dough to work with*

[younglinkoftermina]

"What do we do now?"

[malon-oflonlon]

Well, we’re going to break up the dough into small pieces, and roll them into balls. Then they’ll go on th’ pan ‘ere.

[younglinkoftermina]

"Got it." Clock replied, rolling the dough and doing as Malon instructed.

"How long until we go to see the princess?" He asked.

[malon-oflonlon]

These’ll have to bake for about 8 to 10 minutes an’ then we’ll have a couple hours to spare. We can always head to Castletown early if ya’d like, since there’s plenty’a shops an’ games. Or, we can find somethin’ else to do here.

[younglinkoftermina]

"I want to see what Castletown has," Clock decided.

[malon-oflonlon]

*she smiles fondly* ‘Right then.

[younglinkoftermina]

A few hours later, Clock went up to Malon again.

"Is it time to see her?" He asked. "I hope she can help... why'd she answer so quickly, though?"

[malon-oflonlon]

*She nods* Yup, it's time. I...don't know why she answered so quickly though. I wonder...*she trails off, as they head towards the castle*

[younglinkoftermina]

[[when they got there, clock decided to let malon take the lead. she probably knew what to do better than him, after all.]

[malon-oflonlon]

*she walked up to the castle gates and the guards told them to wait. Then a brunette lady came and asked for their names. Malon obliged and then the lady nodded, ushering them inside to follow her to the throne room. The castle hallways were just as grandiose as the exterior, and almost empty*

[younglinkoftermina]

"Uh, Ms. Malon? Do I need to be diplomatic? It's been ages since I've spoken to anyone higher than a mayor..."

[malon-oflonlon]

I would advise ya to be polite of course, but if ya need me to do the talkin’ I can do that.

[younglinkoftermina]

"Yes please," He agreed.

When they arrived at the throne room, Clock decided to stay silent, not sure what to say.

[malon-oflonlon]

*Zelda ushers them closer and Malon begins by saying* My name is Malon, and this is Clock, Your Highness. We are grateful for you taking your time to hear our voices.

[younglinkoftermina]

Clock nodded, bowing a bit. That's what you were supposed to do with royalty, right?

He still didn't say anything, though. Malon probably knew how to handle this better than him, after all.

[malon-oflonlon]

*After Zelda nods for her to speak, Malon explains the situation with the Ocarina of Time, and the princess’s eyes widen. Zelda asks to see the ocarina*

[younglinkoftermina]

He handed it over.

"Please tell me that you know something. I promised that I'd come back with Red..."

[malon-oflonlon]

*Zelda takes the ocarina carefully and asks gently who Red is, as she looks over the instrument*

[younglinkoftermina]

"Friend. He's the main reason I've been rewinding time."

[malon-oflonlon]

*she nods and tells him that she senses almost a crack in the magic, in the sense that it’s damaged. Because the time magic is bound to the instrument, all it can do is make itself smaller to try and protect itself. You would have to be very skilled to find precisely where it is and coax it into the song you play.

[younglinkoftermina]

He just nodded. "Oh. I see."

[malon-oflonlon]

If I may, Your Highness, what can be done about fixin’ it? *Malon asks*

*Zelda answers, that knowing now that she’s the Sage of Time, she could try to play it, but she’s powerless to fix it on the knowledge she knows alone. She asks what could’ve caused the damage*

[younglinkoftermina]

"I had to play it a lot on what was essentially the same day, not the three days I usually do. I don't know of anything else that could've done anything."

[malon-oflonlon]

*Zelda offers to try and channel her own magic into it, to see if that’s the case. She mentions though, that it shouldn’t, because the magic doesn’t seem burnt out. Malon looks thoughtful*

[younglinkoftermina]

"Yes please."

[malon-oflonlon]

*The princess closes her eyes and suddenly, golden magic flows from her fingertips, steadily into the symbol of the Triforce engraved on the ocarina. Eventually she stops and opens her eyes. She tells them that though she wasn’t able to mend the damage, she was able to further her knowledge. The “crack” doesn’t seem to be made from the amount of usage but rather the interference of dark magic. She explains she could feel her light magic igniting to try and battle against it. From what, she can’t tell.

She advises that you seek the fabled Goddess of Time and pray for aid. She will have a more steady and powerful stream of magic to diminish the dark magic, due to way more experience.*

[malon-oflonlon]

Cremia? You look older...

-@younglinkoftermina

*she turns around to face the voice, and blinks when she sees what looks like Link when he was a kid* Sorry kiddo, ya got the wrong person. My name’s Malon.

[younglinkoftermina]

"Oh. That's my bad, sorry."

Malon... oh, right! The girl from Lon Lon Ranch. Clock hadn't been there in ages, at this point.

He frowned. "You have the same name as someone else I know."

[malon-oflonlon]

*she sees recognition in your eyes and looks away, as if contemplating something* Well, I wouldn’t be surprised if you did know me at one point. There’s been a lotta time travel lately.

*she smiles warmly* Would yer name happen to be Link?

[younglinkoftermina]

"You're telling me."

He nodded, surprised. "I— yeah. I've been going by 'Clock' lately, though. How did you know?"

[malon-oflonlon]

*Her eyes widen, she seems to know the meaning behind the name ‘Clock’* Well, when I was a lil’ bit younger than ya, a boy named Link such as yerself helped me out.

*you can see a silver ring on her finger, glinting in the rays of sunlight, and the fond tone in her voice as she reminisces*

[younglinkoftermina]

"With Them?" Clock asked. "It was at 2 AM, two days before the Carnival of Time, right?"

[malon-oflonlon]

*she shakes her head* This ain’t Termina hon. I was at Castletown waitin’ for my father but he was sleepin’ near the castle gates. Link helped me find him, and we’ve known each other since.

[younglinkoftermina]

Didn’t I do that?

Oh. Right. Sorry, miss. Does your Link have a nickname?

[malon-oflonlon]

He goes by Time in the crew he’s been travellin’ with, or they call ‘im old man. If ya want to answer, are ya done with yer journey?

[younglinkoftermina]

Huh.

(He shook his head) I’m not, but Termina’s taken a backseat right now. I have… a more important thing to do.

[malon-oflonlon]

*she looks surprised and then concerned* Well, I dunno if ya have the time, but I’d like for ya to eat somethin’ since my Link has told me he barely took th’ time to eat during his quest. Ya can say no, of course, but at the very least I’d like to send some supplies yer way for whatever ya need to do.

[younglinkoftermina]

“Ok. I don’t know if I need food right now, though. The god of time forced me to earlier.

“I don’t think you have anything that can help. It’s an issue with my ocarina, and the god I mentioned earlier is trying to fix it.”

[malon-oflonlon]

It never hurts to take an extra potion with ya, or a fairy is what I meant.

An issue with yer ocarina ya say? How so?

[younglinkoftermina]

Those’ll work.

I have a song that takes me back in time. It’s not working.

(He decided not to mention Red.)

[malon-oflonlon]

Hm. That's rather odd. I can't help ya with the song myself, of course, but if I were you, I would try to get an audience with th' Princess. She's studied time a ton after bein' warned about the wicked man from the desert. If anyone, she might know a thing 'r two.

'Right then. I'll go ahead and git the supplies for ya.

[younglinkoftermina]

“How do I get an audience, though?”

[malon-oflonlon]

*she thinks of the rather complex process and offers* Why don’t I try and get ya one? I’ll warn ya though, it’ll take at the very least a couple ‘a days.

[younglinkoftermina]

"Can't I try and help? If I can't fix the ocarina and can't help Termina, I should make myself useful in some way."

[malon-oflonlon]

*she softens, reminded of Time’s need to help in whatever way he can* Well, I need to go write somethin’ an’ then if ya’d like ya can go deliver it. How does that sound? Or what would be really helpful is tending to the ranch if ya know how.

*she quickly adds in a stern voice,* Don’t ya give up on Termina jist yet. It’s okay to accept help if ya need it.

[younglinkoftermina]

"I can't help it though. I've only freed half of the giants, and three days isn't enough to free the rest."

He perked up a bit at the thought of delivering the letter. "I'll do the letter. I don't know anything about ranches..."

[malon-oflonlon]

*she thinks about the knowledge she knows and says* If Time was around I’d tell ya to talk to him.

*she nods when he says he’ll do the letter* Why don’t ya come on in, I have some cookies ya can have while I start on the writin’.

[younglinkoftermina]

"How would talking to this 'Time' help? He probably doesn't know where the Giants even are."

He nodded, following her inside.

[malon-oflonlon]

He told me all about his ocarina bein’ stolen and wakin’ up a Deku Scrub in a land called Termina. I believe Time is an older version of ya but I’m not entirely certain. Either way, he spent time loop after time loop savin’ Termina, findin’ those Giants ya mentioned.

*she picks up a plate of cookies and holds it up to him. They seem fresh from the oven and she takes one herself before hurrying off after a quick comment about going to get pen and paper*

[younglinkoftermina]

"If he's an older version of me," Clock asked, "did... he have to do this too? Trying to save Red."

Oh goddess, Red. It hit him, right then and there, what had really happened. Red had died. Over and over. And... Clock had been powerless to stop it.

He began crying. This wasn't... this wasn't right. Red was supposed to be home with his brothers. He was. So why wasn't he? Oh, right, that stupid mask! If Clock hadn't given it to him, then...

He found himself numb, only able to stare at the cookies. He couldn't... he couldn't get himself to move. It was like he wasn't even in his own body. Was he?

Everything felt so... weird. Fuzzy. Blurry. Tuned out. None of it made sense. What was happening to him?

...maybe Malon would know. But he couldn't move. So he'd have to wait.

And wait he did.

[malon-oflonlon]

*She’s puzzled when he mentions Red. She doesn’t know anybody by that name. Malon’s eyes widen when he starts crying and she says,* Clock? Is everythin’ alright?

*When she didn’t get a response, she said quietly, still holding the tray of cookies,* I dunno who Red is, and I don’t presume to know what’s happened to him, but I’m sorry. I know how difficult it is to have that burden on yer shoulders.

*she takes a bite of the cookie she grabbed for herself and tries* Do ya know where I got this recipe from?

[younglinkoftermina]

He just stared off into the distance, not being able to bring himself to reply.

[malon-oflonlon]

*she offers,* My mother taught me every recipe I know. I don’ remember much of ‘er. But every time I make somethin’ like this I remember learnin’ it with ‘er.

She was a Gerudo woman, an’ she studied in medicine. That’s really all I know, except for her laugh an’ her patience. But I know for a fact my father did everythin’ he could to try an’ save ‘er. Even tried to brew a potion she had been workin’ on, and my father’s terrible at any sort of kitchen work.

*she puts a hand on his shoulder, gently so that he can shrug it off if he doesn’t want the touch* I know it’s hard to lose someone ya love.

[younglinkoftermina]

All he did was nod slightly. Part of him wondered if she'd understand if he explained the cycles. Not that he could explain, right now.

[malon-oflonlon]

*she starts writing down the letter on a piece of paper, pausing every once in a while to read the words over, and check in on Clock*

[younglinkoftermina]

He just watched, a bit curious.

[malon-oflonlon]

*the handwriting is loopy, and she seems to be making a lot of effort to make it neat. The words are very formal and polite and she does a lot of erasing, trying to make sure it looks and sounds nice*

[younglinkoftermina]

"He" was a bit more aware now, looking around a bit and eyeing the cookies. She honestly didn't care much for the letter right now; those cookies looked delicious!

[malon-oflonlon]

*after deciding she’s satisfied with what she’s written she turns back to him and sees him looking at the plate of cookies. She laughs a little* Yer free to take some. I make some out of habit since Time has a sweet tooth, even though he’ll never admit it.

[younglinkoftermina]

"His" eyes lit up, and he took a few. Yum.

Clock nodded gratefully at her. "Thank you, miss."

That strange feeling from earlier was gone, and although he still felt a bit numb, Clock was able to move again.

He frowned, titling his head. "What's that letter?"

[malon-oflonlon]

*she takes another cookie and after a moment replies to him* Well, we're goin' to need some way to reach th' princess and get ya an audience. If th' princess accepts the request for an audience, we'll get a letter back. Does that make sense?

[younglinkoftermina]

He nodded. "Makes enough sense."

"How do we get the letter to her, though?"

[malon-oflonlon]

Here's where ya come in, *she smiles* I'm gonna head into Castletown with ya, and then yer goin' to need to ask the guard for a messenger. Then, yer goin' to need to deliver th' letter to the messenger and then that person's going to bring it to th' princess.

Ya...do still want to deliver it, right?

[younglinkoftermina]

Clock nodded. "I do! Though, I'm pretty sure I can navigate Castletown just fine by myself. I know it very well, don't worry!"

[malon-oflonlon]

If yer sure. Oh! An' also, I'll give ya some extra rupees--it's customary to give that to the messenger as well as a show of gratitude. *she hands you a red rupee*

[younglinkoftermina]

"Thanks."

Clock took the letter and walked out, going to find the guard.

[malon-oflonlon]

*Malon puts away the remaining cookies and tray and waits patiently, sitting down with a book on her couch*

[younglinkoftermina]

Eventually, Clock came back.

"Delivered! What now?"

[malon-oflonlon]

Now we wait. It usually takes a while, since lots’ a times there are multiple people givin’ requests—

*There’s a knock at the door. When Malon opens it, the postman is there, and gives out a letter with a very detailed stamp on it. Baffled, she opens it and laughs* Well, I’ll be.

*she reads each word quietly, holding the letter so that Clock can read too*

[younglinkoftermina]

"...that was quick."

Taking another cookie (who cared if his stomach hated him? These were delicious!), Clock asked, "So we're going now?"

[malon-oflonlon]

Not exactly. The letter says the earliest we’ll be able to attend is tonight, and the latest tomorrow mornin’. How does that sound?

[younglinkoftermina]

"Works for me." Clock agreed.

[malon-oflonlon]

‘Right then. Whaddaya say I teach ya how to make these cookies in thr meanwhile?

[younglinkoftermina]

"Yes please." Clock replied, smiling.

[malon-oflonlon]

*she leads him into the kitchen and starts pulling out ingredients. She explains while she goes, letting him try to measure out ingredients and stir, until eventually they’ve got dough to work with*

[younglinkoftermina]

"What do we do now?"

[malon-oflonlon]

Well, we’re going to break up the dough into small pieces, and roll them into balls. Then they’ll go on th’ pan ‘ere.

[younglinkoftermina]

"Got it." Clock replied, rolling the dough and doing as Malon instructed.

"How long until we go to see the princess?" He asked.

[malon-oflonlon]

These’ll have to bake for about 8 to 10 minutes an’ then we’ll have a couple hours to spare. We can always head to Castletown early if ya’d like, since there’s plenty’a shops an’ games. Or, we can find somethin’ else to do here.

[younglinkoftermina]

"I want to see what Castletown has," Clock decided.

[malon-oflonlon]

*she smiles fondly* ‘Right then.

[younglinkoftermina]

A few hours later, Clock went up to Malon again.

"Is it time to see her?" He asked. "I hope she can help... why'd she answer so quickly, though?"

[malon-oflonlon]

*She nods* Yup, it's time. I...don't know why she answered so quickly though. I wonder...*she trails off, as they head towards the castle*

[younglinkoftermina]

[[when they got there, clock decided to let malon take the lead. she probably knew what to do better than him, after all.]

[malon-oflonlon]

*she walked up to the castle gates and the guards told them to wait. Then a brunette lady came and asked for their names. Malon obliged and then the lady nodded, ushering them inside to follow her to the throne room. The castle hallways were just as grandiose as the exterior, and almost empty*

[younglinkoftermina]

"Uh, Ms. Malon? Do I need to be diplomatic? It's been ages since I've spoken to anyone higher than a mayor..."

[malon-oflonlon]

I would advise ya to be polite of course, but if ya need me to do the talkin’ I can do that.

[younglinkoftermina]

"Yes please," He agreed.

When they arrived at the throne room, Clock decided to stay silent, not sure what to say.

[malon-oflonlon]

*Zelda ushers them closer and Malon begins by saying* My name is Malon, and this is Clock, Your Highness. We are grateful for you taking your time to hear our voices.

[younglinkoftermina]

Clock nodded, bowing a bit. That's what you were supposed to do with royalty, right?

He still didn't say anything, though. Malon probably knew how to handle this better than him, after all.

[malon-oflonlon]

*After Zelda nods for her to speak, Malon explains the situation with the Ocarina of Time, and the princess’s eyes widen. Zelda asks to see the ocarina*

[younglinkoftermina]

He handed it over.

"Please tell me that you know something. I promised that I'd come back with Red..."

[malon-oflonlon]

*Zelda takes the ocarina carefully and asks gently who Red is, as she looks over the instrument*

[younglinkoftermina]

"Friend. He's the main reason I've been rewinding time."

[malon-oflonlon]

*she nods and tells him that she senses almost a crack in the magic, in the sense that it’s damaged. Because the time magic is bound to the instrument, all it can do is make itself smaller to try and protect itself. You would have to be very skilled to find precisely where it is and coax it into the song you play.

[younglinkoftermina]

He just nodded. "Oh. I see."

[malon-oflonlon]

If I may, Your Highness, what can be done about fixin’ it? *Malon asks*

*Zelda answers, that knowing now that she’s the Sage of Time, she could try to play it, but she’s powerless to fix it on the knowledge she knows alone. She asks what could’ve caused the damage*

[younglinkoftermina]

"I had to play it a lot on what was essentially the same day, not the three days I usually do. I don't know of anything else that could've done anything."

[malon-oflonlon]

*Zelda offers to try and channel her own magic into it, to see if that’s the case. She mentions though, that it shouldn’t, because the magic doesn’t seem burnt out. Malon looks thoughtful*

[malon-oflonlon]

Cremia? You look older...

-@younglinkoftermina

*she turns around to face the voice, and blinks when she sees what looks like Link when he was a kid* Sorry kiddo, ya got the wrong person. My name’s Malon.

[younglinkoftermina]

"Oh. That's my bad, sorry."

Malon... oh, right! The girl from Lon Lon Ranch. Clock hadn't been there in ages, at this point.

He frowned. "You have the same name as someone else I know."

[malon-oflonlon]

*she sees recognition in your eyes and looks away, as if contemplating something* Well, I wouldn’t be surprised if you did know me at one point. There’s been a lotta time travel lately.

*she smiles warmly* Would yer name happen to be Link?

[younglinkoftermina]

"You're telling me."

He nodded, surprised. "I— yeah. I've been going by 'Clock' lately, though. How did you know?"

[malon-oflonlon]

*Her eyes widen, she seems to know the meaning behind the name ‘Clock’* Well, when I was a lil’ bit younger than ya, a boy named Link such as yerself helped me out.

*you can see a silver ring on her finger, glinting in the rays of sunlight, and the fond tone in her voice as she reminisces*

[younglinkoftermina]

"With Them?" Clock asked. "It was at 2 AM, two days before the Carnival of Time, right?"

[malon-oflonlon]

*she shakes her head* This ain’t Termina hon. I was at Castletown waitin’ for my father but he was sleepin’ near the castle gates. Link helped me find him, and we’ve known each other since.

[younglinkoftermina]

Didn’t I do that?

Oh. Right. Sorry, miss. Does your Link have a nickname?

[malon-oflonlon]

He goes by Time in the crew he’s been travellin’ with, or they call ‘im old man. If ya want to answer, are ya done with yer journey?

[younglinkoftermina]

Huh.

(He shook his head) I’m not, but Termina’s taken a backseat right now. I have… a more important thing to do.

[malon-oflonlon]

*she looks surprised and then concerned* Well, I dunno if ya have the time, but I’d like for ya to eat somethin’ since my Link has told me he barely took th’ time to eat during his quest. Ya can say no, of course, but at the very least I’d like to send some supplies yer way for whatever ya need to do.

[younglinkoftermina]

“Ok. I don’t know if I need food right now, though. The god of time forced me to earlier.

“I don’t think you have anything that can help. It’s an issue with my ocarina, and the god I mentioned earlier is trying to fix it.”

[malon-oflonlon]

It never hurts to take an extra potion with ya, or a fairy is what I meant.

An issue with yer ocarina ya say? How so?

[younglinkoftermina]

Those’ll work.

I have a song that takes me back in time. It’s not working.

(He decided not to mention Red.)

[malon-oflonlon]

Hm. That's rather odd. I can't help ya with the song myself, of course, but if I were you, I would try to get an audience with th' Princess. She's studied time a ton after bein' warned about the wicked man from the desert. If anyone, she might know a thing 'r two.

'Right then. I'll go ahead and git the supplies for ya.

[younglinkoftermina]

“How do I get an audience, though?”

[malon-oflonlon]

*she thinks of the rather complex process and offers* Why don’t I try and get ya one? I’ll warn ya though, it’ll take at the very least a couple ‘a days.

[younglinkoftermina]

"Can't I try and help? If I can't fix the ocarina and can't help Termina, I should make myself useful in some way."

[malon-oflonlon]

*she softens, reminded of Time’s need to help in whatever way he can* Well, I need to go write somethin’ an’ then if ya’d like ya can go deliver it. How does that sound? Or what would be really helpful is tending to the ranch if ya know how.

*she quickly adds in a stern voice,* Don’t ya give up on Termina jist yet. It’s okay to accept help if ya need it.

[younglinkoftermina]

"I can't help it though. I've only freed half of the giants, and three days isn't enough to free the rest."

He perked up a bit at the thought of delivering the letter. "I'll do the letter. I don't know anything about ranches..."

[malon-oflonlon]

*she thinks about the knowledge she knows and says* If Time was around I’d tell ya to talk to him.

*she nods when he says he’ll do the letter* Why don’t ya come on in, I have some cookies ya can have while I start on the writin’.

[younglinkoftermina]

"How would talking to this 'Time' help? He probably doesn't know where the Giants even are."

He nodded, following her inside.

[malon-oflonlon]

He told me all about his ocarina bein’ stolen and wakin’ up a Deku Scrub in a land called Termina. I believe Time is an older version of ya but I’m not entirely certain. Either way, he spent time loop after time loop savin’ Termina, findin’ those Giants ya mentioned.

*she picks up a plate of cookies and holds it up to him. They seem fresh from the oven and she takes one herself before hurrying off after a quick comment about going to get pen and paper*

[younglinkoftermina]

"If he's an older version of me," Clock asked, "did... he have to do this too? Trying to save Red."

Oh goddess, Red. It hit him, right then and there, what had really happened. Red had died. Over and over. And... Clock had been powerless to stop it.

He began crying. This wasn't... this wasn't right. Red was supposed to be home with his brothers. He was. So why wasn't he? Oh, right, that stupid mask! If Clock hadn't given it to him, then...

He found himself numb, only able to stare at the cookies. He couldn't... he couldn't get himself to move. It was like he wasn't even in his own body. Was he?

Everything felt so... weird. Fuzzy. Blurry. Tuned out. None of it made sense. What was happening to him?

...maybe Malon would know. But he couldn't move. So he'd have to wait.

And wait he did.

[malon-oflonlon]

*She’s puzzled when he mentions Red. She doesn’t know anybody by that name. Malon’s eyes widen when he starts crying and she says,* Clock? Is everythin’ alright?

*When she didn’t get a response, she said quietly, still holding the tray of cookies,* I dunno who Red is, and I don’t presume to know what’s happened to him, but I’m sorry. I know how difficult it is to have that burden on yer shoulders.

*she takes a bite of the cookie she grabbed for herself and tries* Do ya know where I got this recipe from?

[younglinkoftermina]

He just stared off into the distance, not being able to bring himself to reply.

[malon-oflonlon]

*she offers,* My mother taught me every recipe I know. I don’ remember much of ‘er. But every time I make somethin’ like this I remember learnin’ it with ‘er.

She was a Gerudo woman, an’ she studied in medicine. That’s really all I know, except for her laugh an’ her patience. But I know for a fact my father did everythin’ he could to try an’ save ‘er. Even tried to brew a potion she had been workin’ on, and my father’s terrible at any sort of kitchen work.

*she puts a hand on his shoulder, gently so that he can shrug it off if he doesn’t want the touch* I know it’s hard to lose someone ya love.

[younglinkoftermina]

All he did was nod slightly. Part of him wondered if she'd understand if he explained the cycles. Not that he could explain, right now.

[malon-oflonlon]

*she starts writing down the letter on a piece of paper, pausing every once in a while to read the words over, and check in on Clock*

[younglinkoftermina]

He just watched, a bit curious.

[malon-oflonlon]

*the handwriting is loopy, and she seems to be making a lot of effort to make it neat. The words are very formal and polite and she does a lot of erasing, trying to make sure it looks and sounds nice*

[younglinkoftermina]

"He" was a bit more aware now, looking around a bit and eyeing the cookies. She honestly didn't care much for the letter right now; those cookies looked delicious!

[malon-oflonlon]

*after deciding she’s satisfied with what she’s written she turns back to him and sees him looking at the plate of cookies. She laughs a little* Yer free to take some. I make some out of habit since Time has a sweet tooth, even though he’ll never admit it.

[younglinkoftermina]

"His" eyes lit up, and he took a few. Yum.

Clock nodded gratefully at her. "Thank you, miss."

That strange feeling from earlier was gone, and although he still felt a bit numb, Clock was able to move again.

He frowned, titling his head. "What's that letter?"

[malon-oflonlon]

*she takes another cookie and after a moment replies to him* Well, we're goin' to need some way to reach th' princess and get ya an audience. If th' princess accepts the request for an audience, we'll get a letter back. Does that make sense?

[younglinkoftermina]

He nodded. "Makes enough sense."

"How do we get the letter to her, though?"

[malon-oflonlon]

Here's where ya come in, *she smiles* I'm gonna head into Castletown with ya, and then yer goin' to need to ask the guard for a messenger. Then, yer goin' to need to deliver th' letter to the messenger and then that person's going to bring it to th' princess.

Ya...do still want to deliver it, right?

[younglinkoftermina]

Clock nodded. "I do! Though, I'm pretty sure I can navigate Castletown just fine by myself. I know it very well, don't worry!"

[malon-oflonlon]

If yer sure. Oh! An' also, I'll give ya some extra rupees--it's customary to give that to the messenger as well as a show of gratitude. *she hands you a red rupee*

[younglinkoftermina]

"Thanks."

Clock took the letter and walked out, going to find the guard.

[malon-oflonlon]

*Malon puts away the remaining cookies and tray and waits patiently, sitting down with a book on her couch*

[younglinkoftermina]

Eventually, Clock came back.

"Delivered! What now?"

[malon-oflonlon]

Now we wait. It usually takes a while, since lots’ a times there are multiple people givin’ requests—

*There’s a knock at the door. When Malon opens it, the postman is there, and gives out a letter with a very detailed stamp on it. Baffled, she opens it and laughs* Well, I’ll be.

*she reads each word quietly, holding the letter so that Clock can read too*

[younglinkoftermina]

"...that was quick."

Taking another cookie (who cared if his stomach hated him? These were delicious!), Clock asked, "So we're going now?"

[malon-oflonlon]

Not exactly. The letter says the earliest we’ll be able to attend is tonight, and the latest tomorrow mornin’. How does that sound?

[younglinkoftermina]

"Works for me." Clock agreed.

[malon-oflonlon]

‘Right then. Whaddaya say I teach ya how to make these cookies in thr meanwhile?

[younglinkoftermina]

"Yes please." Clock replied, smiling.

[malon-oflonlon]

*she leads him into the kitchen and starts pulling out ingredients. She explains while she goes, letting him try to measure out ingredients and stir, until eventually they’ve got dough to work with*

[younglinkoftermina]

"What do we do now?"

[malon-oflonlon]

Well, we’re going to break up the dough into small pieces, and roll them into balls. Then they’ll go on th’ pan ‘ere.

[younglinkoftermina]

"Got it." Clock replied, rolling the dough and doing as Malon instructed.

"How long until we go to see the princess?" He asked.

[malon-oflonlon]

These’ll have to bake for about 8 to 10 minutes an’ then we’ll have a couple hours to spare. We can always head to Castletown early if ya’d like, since there’s plenty’a shops an’ games. Or, we can find somethin’ else to do here.

[younglinkoftermina]

"I want to see what Castletown has," Clock decided.

[malon-oflonlon]

*she smiles fondly* ‘Right then.

[younglinkoftermina]

A few hours later, Clock went up to Malon again.

"Is it time to see her?" He asked. "I hope she can help... why'd she answer so quickly, though?"

[malon-oflonlon]

*She nods* Yup, it's time. I...don't know why she answered so quickly though. I wonder...*she trails off, as they head towards the castle*

[younglinkoftermina]

[[when they got there, clock decided to let malon take the lead. she probably knew what to do better than him, after all.]

[malon-oflonlon]

*she walked up to the castle gates and the guards told them to wait. Then a brunette lady came and asked for their names. Malon obliged and then the lady nodded, ushering them inside to follow her to the throne room. The castle hallways were just as grandiose as the exterior, and almost empty*

[younglinkoftermina]

"Uh, Ms. Malon? Do I need to be diplomatic? It's been ages since I've spoken to anyone higher than a mayor..."

[malon-oflonlon]

I would advise ya to be polite of course, but if ya need me to do the talkin’ I can do that.

[younglinkoftermina]

"Yes please," He agreed.

When they arrived at the throne room, Clock decided to stay silent, not sure what to say.

[malon-oflonlon]

*Zelda ushers them closer and Malon begins by saying* My name is Malon, and this is Clock, Your Highness. We are grateful for you taking your time to hear our voices.

[younglinkoftermina]

Clock nodded, bowing a bit. That's what you were supposed to do with royalty, right?

He still didn't say anything, though. Malon probably knew how to handle this better than him, after all.

[malon-oflonlon]

*After Zelda nods for her to speak, Malon explains the situation with the Ocarina of Time, and the princess’s eyes widen. Zelda asks to see the ocarina*

[younglinkoftermina]

He handed it over.

"Please tell me that you know something. I promised that I'd come back with Red..."

[malon-oflonlon]

*Zelda takes the ocarina carefully and asks gently who Red is, as she looks over the instrument*

[younglinkoftermina]

"Friend. He's the main reason I've been rewinding time."

[malon-oflonlon]

*she nods and tells him that she senses almost a crack in the magic, in the sense that it’s damaged. Because the time magic is bound to the instrument, all it can do is make itself smaller to try and protect itself. You would have to be very skilled to find precisely where it is and coax it into the song you play.

[younglinkoftermina]

He just nodded. "Oh. I see."

[malon-oflonlon]

If I may, Your Highness, what can be done about fixin’ it? *Malon asks*

*Zelda answers, that knowing now that she’s the Sage of Time, she could try to play it, but she’s powerless to fix it on the knowledge she knows alone. She asks what could’ve caused the damage*

[malon-oflonlon]

Cremia? You look older...

-@younglinkoftermina

*she turns around to face the voice, and blinks when she sees what looks like Link when he was a kid* Sorry kiddo, ya got the wrong person. My name’s Malon.

[younglinkoftermina]

"Oh. That's my bad, sorry."

Malon... oh, right! The girl from Lon Lon Ranch. Clock hadn't been there in ages, at this point.

He frowned. "You have the same name as someone else I know."

[malon-oflonlon]

*she sees recognition in your eyes and looks away, as if contemplating something* Well, I wouldn’t be surprised if you did know me at one point. There’s been a lotta time travel lately.

*she smiles warmly* Would yer name happen to be Link?

[younglinkoftermina]

"You're telling me."

He nodded, surprised. "I— yeah. I've been going by 'Clock' lately, though. How did you know?"

[malon-oflonlon]

*Her eyes widen, she seems to know the meaning behind the name ‘Clock’* Well, when I was a lil’ bit younger than ya, a boy named Link such as yerself helped me out.

*you can see a silver ring on her finger, glinting in the rays of sunlight, and the fond tone in her voice as she reminisces*

[younglinkoftermina]

"With Them?" Clock asked. "It was at 2 AM, two days before the Carnival of Time, right?"

[malon-oflonlon]

*she shakes her head* This ain’t Termina hon. I was at Castletown waitin’ for my father but he was sleepin’ near the castle gates. Link helped me find him, and we’ve known each other since.

[younglinkoftermina]

Didn’t I do that?

Oh. Right. Sorry, miss. Does your Link have a nickname?

[malon-oflonlon]

He goes by Time in the crew he’s been travellin’ with, or they call ‘im old man. If ya want to answer, are ya done with yer journey?

[younglinkoftermina]

Huh.

(He shook his head) I’m not, but Termina’s taken a backseat right now. I have… a more important thing to do.

[malon-oflonlon]

*she looks surprised and then concerned* Well, I dunno if ya have the time, but I’d like for ya to eat somethin’ since my Link has told me he barely took th’ time to eat during his quest. Ya can say no, of course, but at the very least I’d like to send some supplies yer way for whatever ya need to do.

[younglinkoftermina]

“Ok. I don’t know if I need food right now, though. The god of time forced me to earlier.

“I don’t think you have anything that can help. It’s an issue with my ocarina, and the god I mentioned earlier is trying to fix it.”

[malon-oflonlon]

It never hurts to take an extra potion with ya, or a fairy is what I meant.

An issue with yer ocarina ya say? How so?

[younglinkoftermina]

Those’ll work.

I have a song that takes me back in time. It’s not working.

(He decided not to mention Red.)

[malon-oflonlon]

Hm. That's rather odd. I can't help ya with the song myself, of course, but if I were you, I would try to get an audience with th' Princess. She's studied time a ton after bein' warned about the wicked man from the desert. If anyone, she might know a thing 'r two.

'Right then. I'll go ahead and git the supplies for ya.

[younglinkoftermina]

“How do I get an audience, though?”

[malon-oflonlon]

*she thinks of the rather complex process and offers* Why don’t I try and get ya one? I’ll warn ya though, it’ll take at the very least a couple ‘a days.

[younglinkoftermina]

"Can't I try and help? If I can't fix the ocarina and can't help Termina, I should make myself useful in some way."

[malon-oflonlon]

*she softens, reminded of Time’s need to help in whatever way he can* Well, I need to go write somethin’ an’ then if ya’d like ya can go deliver it. How does that sound? Or what would be really helpful is tending to the ranch if ya know how.

*she quickly adds in a stern voice,* Don’t ya give up on Termina jist yet. It’s okay to accept help if ya need it.

[younglinkoftermina]

"I can't help it though. I've only freed half of the giants, and three days isn't enough to free the rest."

He perked up a bit at the thought of delivering the letter. "I'll do the letter. I don't know anything about ranches..."

[malon-oflonlon]

*she thinks about the knowledge she knows and says* If Time was around I’d tell ya to talk to him.

*she nods when he says he’ll do the letter* Why don’t ya come on in, I have some cookies ya can have while I start on the writin’.

[younglinkoftermina]

"How would talking to this 'Time' help? He probably doesn't know where the Giants even are."

He nodded, following her inside.

[malon-oflonlon]

He told me all about his ocarina bein’ stolen and wakin’ up a Deku Scrub in a land called Termina. I believe Time is an older version of ya but I’m not entirely certain. Either way, he spent time loop after time loop savin’ Termina, findin’ those Giants ya mentioned.

*she picks up a plate of cookies and holds it up to him. They seem fresh from the oven and she takes one herself before hurrying off after a quick comment about going to get pen and paper*

[younglinkoftermina]

"If he's an older version of me," Clock asked, "did... he have to do this too? Trying to save Red."

Oh goddess, Red. It hit him, right then and there, what had really happened. Red had died. Over and over. And... Clock had been powerless to stop it.

He began crying. This wasn't... this wasn't right. Red was supposed to be home with his brothers. He was. So why wasn't he? Oh, right, that stupid mask! If Clock hadn't given it to him, then...

He found himself numb, only able to stare at the cookies. He couldn't... he couldn't get himself to move. It was like he wasn't even in his own body. Was he?

Everything felt so... weird. Fuzzy. Blurry. Tuned out. None of it made sense. What was happening to him?

...maybe Malon would know. But he couldn't move. So he'd have to wait.

And wait he did.

[malon-oflonlon]

*She’s puzzled when he mentions Red. She doesn’t know anybody by that name. Malon’s eyes widen when he starts crying and she says,* Clock? Is everythin’ alright?

*When she didn’t get a response, she said quietly, still holding the tray of cookies,* I dunno who Red is, and I don’t presume to know what’s happened to him, but I’m sorry. I know how difficult it is to have that burden on yer shoulders.

*she takes a bite of the cookie she grabbed for herself and tries* Do ya know where I got this recipe from?

[younglinkoftermina]

He just stared off into the distance, not being able to bring himself to reply.

[malon-oflonlon]

*she offers,* My mother taught me every recipe I know. I don’ remember much of ‘er. But every time I make somethin’ like this I remember learnin’ it with ‘er.

She was a Gerudo woman, an’ she studied in medicine. That’s really all I know, except for her laugh an’ her patience. But I know for a fact my father did everythin’ he could to try an’ save ‘er. Even tried to brew a potion she had been workin’ on, and my father’s terrible at any sort of kitchen work.

*she puts a hand on his shoulder, gently so that he can shrug it off if he doesn’t want the touch* I know it’s hard to lose someone ya love.

[younglinkoftermina]

All he did was nod slightly. Part of him wondered if she'd understand if he explained the cycles. Not that he could explain, right now.

[malon-oflonlon]

*she starts writing down the letter on a piece of paper, pausing every once in a while to read the words over, and check in on Clock*

[younglinkoftermina]

He just watched, a bit curious.

[malon-oflonlon]

*the handwriting is loopy, and she seems to be making a lot of effort to make it neat. The words are very formal and polite and she does a lot of erasing, trying to make sure it looks and sounds nice*

[younglinkoftermina]

"He" was a bit more aware now, looking around a bit and eyeing the cookies. She honestly didn't care much for the letter right now; those cookies looked delicious!

[malon-oflonlon]

*after deciding she’s satisfied with what she’s written she turns back to him and sees him looking at the plate of cookies. She laughs a little* Yer free to take some. I make some out of habit since Time has a sweet tooth, even though he’ll never admit it.

[younglinkoftermina]

"His" eyes lit up, and he took a few. Yum.

Clock nodded gratefully at her. "Thank you, miss."

That strange feeling from earlier was gone, and although he still felt a bit numb, Clock was able to move again.

He frowned, titling his head. "What's that letter?"

[malon-oflonlon]

*she takes another cookie and after a moment replies to him* Well, we're goin' to need some way to reach th' princess and get ya an audience. If th' princess accepts the request for an audience, we'll get a letter back. Does that make sense?

[younglinkoftermina]

He nodded. "Makes enough sense."

"How do we get the letter to her, though?"

[malon-oflonlon]

Here's where ya come in, *she smiles* I'm gonna head into Castletown with ya, and then yer goin' to need to ask the guard for a messenger. Then, yer goin' to need to deliver th' letter to the messenger and then that person's going to bring it to th' princess.

Ya...do still want to deliver it, right?

[younglinkoftermina]

Clock nodded. "I do! Though, I'm pretty sure I can navigate Castletown just fine by myself. I know it very well, don't worry!"

[malon-oflonlon]

If yer sure. Oh! An' also, I'll give ya some extra rupees--it's customary to give that to the messenger as well as a show of gratitude. *she hands you a red rupee*

[younglinkoftermina]

"Thanks."

Clock took the letter and walked out, going to find the guard.

[malon-oflonlon]

*Malon puts away the remaining cookies and tray and waits patiently, sitting down with a book on her couch*

[younglinkoftermina]

Eventually, Clock came back.

"Delivered! What now?"

[malon-oflonlon]

Now we wait. It usually takes a while, since lots’ a times there are multiple people givin’ requests—

*There’s a knock at the door. When Malon opens it, the postman is there, and gives out a letter with a very detailed stamp on it. Baffled, she opens it and laughs* Well, I’ll be.

*she reads each word quietly, holding the letter so that Clock can read too*

[younglinkoftermina]

"...that was quick."

Taking another cookie (who cared if his stomach hated him? These were delicious!), Clock asked, "So we're going now?"

[malon-oflonlon]

Not exactly. The letter says the earliest we’ll be able to attend is tonight, and the latest tomorrow mornin’. How does that sound?

[younglinkoftermina]

"Works for me." Clock agreed.

[malon-oflonlon]

‘Right then. Whaddaya say I teach ya how to make these cookies in thr meanwhile?

[younglinkoftermina]

"Yes please." Clock replied, smiling.

[malon-oflonlon]

*she leads him into the kitchen and starts pulling out ingredients. She explains while she goes, letting him try to measure out ingredients and stir, until eventually they’ve got dough to work with*

[younglinkoftermina]

"What do we do now?"

[malon-oflonlon]

Well, we’re going to break up the dough into small pieces, and roll them into balls. Then they’ll go on th’ pan ‘ere.

[younglinkoftermina]

"Got it." Clock replied, rolling the dough and doing as Malon instructed.

"How long until we go to see the princess?" He asked.

[malon-oflonlon]

These’ll have to bake for about 8 to 10 minutes an’ then we’ll have a couple hours to spare. We can always head to Castletown early if ya’d like, since there’s plenty’a shops an’ games. Or, we can find somethin’ else to do here.

[younglinkoftermina]

"I want to see what Castletown has," Clock decided.

[malon-oflonlon]

*she smiles fondly* ‘Right then.

[younglinkoftermina]

A few hours later, Clock went up to Malon again.

"Is it time to see her?" He asked. "I hope she can help... why'd she answer so quickly, though?"

[malon-oflonlon]

*She nods* Yup, it's time. I...don't know why she answered so quickly though. I wonder...*she trails off, as they head towards the castle*

[younglinkoftermina]

[[when they got there, clock decided to let malon take the lead. she probably knew what to do better than him, after all.]

[malon-oflonlon]

*she walked up to the castle gates and the guards told them to wait. Then a brunette lady came and asked for their names. Malon obliged and then the lady nodded, ushering them inside to follow her to the throne room. The castle hallways were just as grandiose as the exterior, and almost empty*

[younglinkoftermina]

"Uh, Ms. Malon? Do I need to be diplomatic? It's been ages since I've spoken to anyone higher than a mayor..."

[malon-oflonlon]

I would advise ya to be polite of course, but if ya need me to do the talkin’ I can do that.

[younglinkoftermina]

"Yes please," He agreed.

When they arrived at the throne room, Clock decided to stay silent, not sure what to say.

[malon-oflonlon]

*Zelda ushers them closer and Malon begins by saying* My name is Malon, and this is Clock, Your Highness. We are grateful for you taking your time to hear our voices.

[younglinkoftermina]

Clock nodded, bowing a bit. That's what you were supposed to do with royalty, right?

He still didn't say anything, though. Malon probably knew how to handle this better than him, after all.

[malon-oflonlon]

*After Zelda nods for her to speak, Malon explains the situation with the Ocarina of Time, and the princess’s eyes widen. Zelda asks to see the ocarina*

[younglinkoftermina]

He handed it over.

"Please tell me that you know something. I promised that I'd come back with Red..."

[malon-oflonlon]

*Zelda takes the ocarina carefully and asks gently who Red is, as she looks over the instrument*

[younglinkoftermina]

"Friend. He's the main reason I've been rewinding time."

[malon-oflonlon]

*she nods and tells him that she senses almost a crack in the magic, in the sense that it’s damaged. Because the time magic is bound to the instrument, all it can do is make itself smaller to try and protect itself. You would have to be very skilled to find precisely where it is and coax it into the song you play.

[malon-oflonlon]

Cremia? You look older...

-@younglinkoftermina

*she turns around to face the voice, and blinks when she sees what looks like Link when he was a kid* Sorry kiddo, ya got the wrong person. My name’s Malon.

[younglinkoftermina]

"Oh. That's my bad, sorry."

Malon... oh, right! The girl from Lon Lon Ranch. Clock hadn't been there in ages, at this point.

He frowned. "You have the same name as someone else I know."

[malon-oflonlon]

*she sees recognition in your eyes and looks away, as if contemplating something* Well, I wouldn’t be surprised if you did know me at one point. There’s been a lotta time travel lately.

*she smiles warmly* Would yer name happen to be Link?

[younglinkoftermina]

"You're telling me."

He nodded, surprised. "I— yeah. I've been going by 'Clock' lately, though. How did you know?"

[malon-oflonlon]

*Her eyes widen, she seems to know the meaning behind the name ‘Clock’* Well, when I was a lil’ bit younger than ya, a boy named Link such as yerself helped me out.

*you can see a silver ring on her finger, glinting in the rays of sunlight, and the fond tone in her voice as she reminisces*

[younglinkoftermina]

"With Them?" Clock asked. "It was at 2 AM, two days before the Carnival of Time, right?"

[malon-oflonlon]

*she shakes her head* This ain’t Termina hon. I was at Castletown waitin’ for my father but he was sleepin’ near the castle gates. Link helped me find him, and we’ve known each other since.

[younglinkoftermina]

Didn’t I do that?

Oh. Right. Sorry, miss. Does your Link have a nickname?

[malon-oflonlon]

He goes by Time in the crew he’s been travellin’ with, or they call ‘im old man. If ya want to answer, are ya done with yer journey?

[younglinkoftermina]

Huh.

(He shook his head) I’m not, but Termina’s taken a backseat right now. I have… a more important thing to do.

[malon-oflonlon]

*she looks surprised and then concerned* Well, I dunno if ya have the time, but I’d like for ya to eat somethin’ since my Link has told me he barely took th’ time to eat during his quest. Ya can say no, of course, but at the very least I’d like to send some supplies yer way for whatever ya need to do.

[younglinkoftermina]

“Ok. I don’t know if I need food right now, though. The god of time forced me to earlier.

“I don’t think you have anything that can help. It’s an issue with my ocarina, and the god I mentioned earlier is trying to fix it.”

[malon-oflonlon]

It never hurts to take an extra potion with ya, or a fairy is what I meant.

An issue with yer ocarina ya say? How so?

[younglinkoftermina]

Those’ll work.

I have a song that takes me back in time. It’s not working.

(He decided not to mention Red.)

[malon-oflonlon]

Hm. That's rather odd. I can't help ya with the song myself, of course, but if I were you, I would try to get an audience with th' Princess. She's studied time a ton after bein' warned about the wicked man from the desert. If anyone, she might know a thing 'r two.

'Right then. I'll go ahead and git the supplies for ya.

[younglinkoftermina]

“How do I get an audience, though?”

[malon-oflonlon]

*she thinks of the rather complex process and offers* Why don’t I try and get ya one? I’ll warn ya though, it’ll take at the very least a couple ‘a days.

[younglinkoftermina]

"Can't I try and help? If I can't fix the ocarina and can't help Termina, I should make myself useful in some way."

[malon-oflonlon]

*she softens, reminded of Time’s need to help in whatever way he can* Well, I need to go write somethin’ an’ then if ya’d like ya can go deliver it. How does that sound? Or what would be really helpful is tending to the ranch if ya know how.

*she quickly adds in a stern voice,* Don’t ya give up on Termina jist yet. It’s okay to accept help if ya need it.

[younglinkoftermina]

"I can't help it though. I've only freed half of the giants, and three days isn't enough to free the rest."

He perked up a bit at the thought of delivering the letter. "I'll do the letter. I don't know anything about ranches..."

[malon-oflonlon]

*she thinks about the knowledge she knows and says* If Time was around I’d tell ya to talk to him.

*she nods when he says he’ll do the letter* Why don’t ya come on in, I have some cookies ya can have while I start on the writin’.

[younglinkoftermina]

"How would talking to this 'Time' help? He probably doesn't know where the Giants even are."

He nodded, following her inside.

[malon-oflonlon]

He told me all about his ocarina bein’ stolen and wakin’ up a Deku Scrub in a land called Termina. I believe Time is an older version of ya but I’m not entirely certain. Either way, he spent time loop after time loop savin’ Termina, findin’ those Giants ya mentioned.

*she picks up a plate of cookies and holds it up to him. They seem fresh from the oven and she takes one herself before hurrying off after a quick comment about going to get pen and paper*

[younglinkoftermina]

"If he's an older version of me," Clock asked, "did... he have to do this too? Trying to save Red."

Oh goddess, Red. It hit him, right then and there, what had really happened. Red had died. Over and over. And... Clock had been powerless to stop it.

He began crying. This wasn't... this wasn't right. Red was supposed to be home with his brothers. He was. So why wasn't he? Oh, right, that stupid mask! If Clock hadn't given it to him, then...

He found himself numb, only able to stare at the cookies. He couldn't... he couldn't get himself to move. It was like he wasn't even in his own body. Was he?

Everything felt so... weird. Fuzzy. Blurry. Tuned out. None of it made sense. What was happening to him?

...maybe Malon would know. But he couldn't move. So he'd have to wait.

And wait he did.

[malon-oflonlon]

*She’s puzzled when he mentions Red. She doesn’t know anybody by that name. Malon’s eyes widen when he starts crying and she says,* Clock? Is everythin’ alright?

*When she didn’t get a response, she said quietly, still holding the tray of cookies,* I dunno who Red is, and I don’t presume to know what’s happened to him, but I’m sorry. I know how difficult it is to have that burden on yer shoulders.

*she takes a bite of the cookie she grabbed for herself and tries* Do ya know where I got this recipe from?

[younglinkoftermina]

He just stared off into the distance, not being able to bring himself to reply.

[malon-oflonlon]

*she offers,* My mother taught me every recipe I know. I don’ remember much of ‘er. But every time I make somethin’ like this I remember learnin’ it with ‘er.

She was a Gerudo woman, an’ she studied in medicine. That’s really all I know, except for her laugh an’ her patience. But I know for a fact my father did everythin’ he could to try an’ save ‘er. Even tried to brew a potion she had been workin’ on, and my father’s terrible at any sort of kitchen work.

*she puts a hand on his shoulder, gently so that he can shrug it off if he doesn’t want the touch* I know it’s hard to lose someone ya love.

[younglinkoftermina]

All he did was nod slightly. Part of him wondered if she'd understand if he explained the cycles. Not that he could explain, right now.

[malon-oflonlon]

*she starts writing down the letter on a piece of paper, pausing every once in a while to read the words over, and check in on Clock*

[younglinkoftermina]

He just watched, a bit curious.

[malon-oflonlon]

*the handwriting is loopy, and she seems to be making a lot of effort to make it neat. The words are very formal and polite and she does a lot of erasing, trying to make sure it looks and sounds nice*

[younglinkoftermina]

"He" was a bit more aware now, looking around a bit and eyeing the cookies. She honestly didn't care much for the letter right now; those cookies looked delicious!

[malon-oflonlon]

*after deciding she’s satisfied with what she’s written she turns back to him and sees him looking at the plate of cookies. She laughs a little* Yer free to take some. I make some out of habit since Time has a sweet tooth, even though he’ll never admit it.

[younglinkoftermina]

"His" eyes lit up, and he took a few. Yum.

Clock nodded gratefully at her. "Thank you, miss."

That strange feeling from earlier was gone, and although he still felt a bit numb, Clock was able to move again.

He frowned, titling his head. "What's that letter?"

[malon-oflonlon]

*she takes another cookie and after a moment replies to him* Well, we're goin' to need some way to reach th' princess and get ya an audience. If th' princess accepts the request for an audience, we'll get a letter back. Does that make sense?

[younglinkoftermina]

He nodded. "Makes enough sense."

"How do we get the letter to her, though?"

[malon-oflonlon]

Here's where ya come in, *she smiles* I'm gonna head into Castletown with ya, and then yer goin' to need to ask the guard for a messenger. Then, yer goin' to need to deliver th' letter to the messenger and then that person's going to bring it to th' princess.

Ya...do still want to deliver it, right?

[younglinkoftermina]

Clock nodded. "I do! Though, I'm pretty sure I can navigate Castletown just fine by myself. I know it very well, don't worry!"

[malon-oflonlon]

If yer sure. Oh! An' also, I'll give ya some extra rupees--it's customary to give that to the messenger as well as a show of gratitude. *she hands you a red rupee*

[younglinkoftermina]

"Thanks."

Clock took the letter and walked out, going to find the guard.

[malon-oflonlon]

*Malon puts away the remaining cookies and tray and waits patiently, sitting down with a book on her couch*

[younglinkoftermina]

Eventually, Clock came back.

"Delivered! What now?"

[malon-oflonlon]

Now we wait. It usually takes a while, since lots’ a times there are multiple people givin’ requests—

*There’s a knock at the door. When Malon opens it, the postman is there, and gives out a letter with a very detailed stamp on it. Baffled, she opens it and laughs* Well, I’ll be.

*she reads each word quietly, holding the letter so that Clock can read too*

[younglinkoftermina]

"...that was quick."

Taking another cookie (who cared if his stomach hated him? These were delicious!), Clock asked, "So we're going now?"

[malon-oflonlon]

Not exactly. The letter says the earliest we’ll be able to attend is tonight, and the latest tomorrow mornin’. How does that sound?

[younglinkoftermina]

"Works for me." Clock agreed.

[malon-oflonlon]

‘Right then. Whaddaya say I teach ya how to make these cookies in thr meanwhile?

[younglinkoftermina]

"Yes please." Clock replied, smiling.

[malon-oflonlon]

*she leads him into the kitchen and starts pulling out ingredients. She explains while she goes, letting him try to measure out ingredients and stir, until eventually they’ve got dough to work with*

[younglinkoftermina]

"What do we do now?"

[malon-oflonlon]

Well, we’re going to break up the dough into small pieces, and roll them into balls. Then they’ll go on th’ pan ‘ere.

[younglinkoftermina]

"Got it." Clock replied, rolling the dough and doing as Malon instructed.

"How long until we go to see the princess?" He asked.

[malon-oflonlon]

These’ll have to bake for about 8 to 10 minutes an’ then we’ll have a couple hours to spare. We can always head to Castletown early if ya’d like, since there’s plenty’a shops an’ games. Or, we can find somethin’ else to do here.

[younglinkoftermina]

"I want to see what Castletown has," Clock decided.

[malon-oflonlon]

*she smiles fondly* ‘Right then.

[younglinkoftermina]

A few hours later, Clock went up to Malon again.

"Is it time to see her?" He asked. "I hope she can help... why'd she answer so quickly, though?"

[malon-oflonlon]

*She nods* Yup, it's time. I...don't know why she answered so quickly though. I wonder...*she trails off, as they head towards the castle*

[younglinkoftermina]

[[when they got there, clock decided to let malon take the lead. she probably knew what to do better than him, after all.]

[malon-oflonlon]

*she walked up to the castle gates and the guards told them to wait. Then a brunette lady came and asked for their names. Malon obliged and then the lady nodded, ushering them inside to follow her to the throne room. The castle hallways were just as grandiose as the exterior, and almost empty*

[younglinkoftermina]

"Uh, Ms. Malon? Do I need to be diplomatic? It's been ages since I've spoken to anyone higher than a mayor..."

[malon-oflonlon]

I would advise ya to be polite of course, but if ya need me to do the talkin’ I can do that.

[younglinkoftermina]

"Yes please," He agreed.

When they arrived at the throne room, Clock decided to stay silent, not sure what to say.

[malon-oflonlon]

*Zelda ushers them closer and Malon begins by saying* My name is Malon, and this is Clock, Your Highness. We are grateful for you taking your time to hear our voices.

[younglinkoftermina]

Clock nodded, bowing a bit. That's what you were supposed to do with royalty, right?

He still didn't say anything, though. Malon probably knew how to handle this better than him, after all.

[malon-oflonlon]

*After Zelda nods for her to speak, Malon explains the situation with the Ocarina of Time, and the princess’s eyes widen. Zelda asks to see the ocarina*

[younglinkoftermina]

He handed it over.

"Please tell me that you know something. I promised that I'd come back with Red..."

[malon-oflonlon]

*Zelda takes the ocarina carefully and asks gently who Red is, as she looks over the instrument*

[malon-oflonlon]

Cremia? You look older...

-@younglinkoftermina

*she turns around to face the voice, and blinks when she sees what looks like Link when he was a kid* Sorry kiddo, ya got the wrong person. My name’s Malon.

[younglinkoftermina]

"Oh. That's my bad, sorry."

Malon... oh, right! The girl from Lon Lon Ranch. Clock hadn't been there in ages, at this point.

He frowned. "You have the same name as someone else I know."

[malon-oflonlon]

*she sees recognition in your eyes and looks away, as if contemplating something* Well, I wouldn’t be surprised if you did know me at one point. There’s been a lotta time travel lately.

*she smiles warmly* Would yer name happen to be Link?

[younglinkoftermina]

"You're telling me."

He nodded, surprised. "I— yeah. I've been going by 'Clock' lately, though. How did you know?"

[malon-oflonlon]

*Her eyes widen, she seems to know the meaning behind the name ‘Clock’* Well, when I was a lil’ bit younger than ya, a boy named Link such as yerself helped me out.

*you can see a silver ring on her finger, glinting in the rays of sunlight, and the fond tone in her voice as she reminisces*

[younglinkoftermina]

"With Them?" Clock asked. "It was at 2 AM, two days before the Carnival of Time, right?"

[malon-oflonlon]

*she shakes her head* This ain’t Termina hon. I was at Castletown waitin’ for my father but he was sleepin’ near the castle gates. Link helped me find him, and we’ve known each other since.

[younglinkoftermina]

Didn’t I do that?

Oh. Right. Sorry, miss. Does your Link have a nickname?

[malon-oflonlon]

He goes by Time in the crew he’s been travellin’ with, or they call ‘im old man. If ya want to answer, are ya done with yer journey?

[younglinkoftermina]

Huh.

(He shook his head) I’m not, but Termina’s taken a backseat right now. I have… a more important thing to do.

[malon-oflonlon]

*she looks surprised and then concerned* Well, I dunno if ya have the time, but I’d like for ya to eat somethin’ since my Link has told me he barely took th’ time to eat during his quest. Ya can say no, of course, but at the very least I’d like to send some supplies yer way for whatever ya need to do.

[younglinkoftermina]

“Ok. I don’t know if I need food right now, though. The god of time forced me to earlier.

“I don’t think you have anything that can help. It’s an issue with my ocarina, and the god I mentioned earlier is trying to fix it.”

[malon-oflonlon]

It never hurts to take an extra potion with ya, or a fairy is what I meant.

An issue with yer ocarina ya say? How so?

[younglinkoftermina]

Those’ll work.

I have a song that takes me back in time. It’s not working.

(He decided not to mention Red.)

[malon-oflonlon]

Hm. That's rather odd. I can't help ya with the song myself, of course, but if I were you, I would try to get an audience with th' Princess. She's studied time a ton after bein' warned about the wicked man from the desert. If anyone, she might know a thing 'r two.

'Right then. I'll go ahead and git the supplies for ya.

[younglinkoftermina]

“How do I get an audience, though?”

[malon-oflonlon]

*she thinks of the rather complex process and offers* Why don’t I try and get ya one? I’ll warn ya though, it’ll take at the very least a couple ‘a days.

[younglinkoftermina]

"Can't I try and help? If I can't fix the ocarina and can't help Termina, I should make myself useful in some way."

[malon-oflonlon]

*she softens, reminded of Time’s need to help in whatever way he can* Well, I need to go write somethin’ an’ then if ya’d like ya can go deliver it. How does that sound? Or what would be really helpful is tending to the ranch if ya know how.

*she quickly adds in a stern voice,* Don’t ya give up on Termina jist yet. It’s okay to accept help if ya need it.

[younglinkoftermina]

"I can't help it though. I've only freed half of the giants, and three days isn't enough to free the rest."

He perked up a bit at the thought of delivering the letter. "I'll do the letter. I don't know anything about ranches..."

[malon-oflonlon]

*she thinks about the knowledge she knows and says* If Time was around I’d tell ya to talk to him.

*she nods when he says he’ll do the letter* Why don’t ya come on in, I have some cookies ya can have while I start on the writin’.

[younglinkoftermina]

"How would talking to this 'Time' help? He probably doesn't know where the Giants even are."

He nodded, following her inside.

[malon-oflonlon]

He told me all about his ocarina bein’ stolen and wakin’ up a Deku Scrub in a land called Termina. I believe Time is an older version of ya but I’m not entirely certain. Either way, he spent time loop after time loop savin’ Termina, findin’ those Giants ya mentioned.

*she picks up a plate of cookies and holds it up to him. They seem fresh from the oven and she takes one herself before hurrying off after a quick comment about going to get pen and paper*

[younglinkoftermina]

"If he's an older version of me," Clock asked, "did... he have to do this too? Trying to save Red."

Oh goddess, Red. It hit him, right then and there, what had really happened. Red had died. Over and over. And... Clock had been powerless to stop it.

He began crying. This wasn't... this wasn't right. Red was supposed to be home with his brothers. He was. So why wasn't he? Oh, right, that stupid mask! If Clock hadn't given it to him, then...

He found himself numb, only able to stare at the cookies. He couldn't... he couldn't get himself to move. It was like he wasn't even in his own body. Was he?

Everything felt so... weird. Fuzzy. Blurry. Tuned out. None of it made sense. What was happening to him?

...maybe Malon would know. But he couldn't move. So he'd have to wait.

And wait he did.

[malon-oflonlon]

*She’s puzzled when he mentions Red. She doesn’t know anybody by that name. Malon’s eyes widen when he starts crying and she says,* Clock? Is everythin’ alright?

*When she didn’t get a response, she said quietly, still holding the tray of cookies,* I dunno who Red is, and I don’t presume to know what’s happened to him, but I’m sorry. I know how difficult it is to have that burden on yer shoulders.

*she takes a bite of the cookie she grabbed for herself and tries* Do ya know where I got this recipe from?

[younglinkoftermina]

He just stared off into the distance, not being able to bring himself to reply.

[malon-oflonlon]

*she offers,* My mother taught me every recipe I know. I don’ remember much of ‘er. But every time I make somethin’ like this I remember learnin’ it with ‘er.

She was a Gerudo woman, an’ she studied in medicine. That’s really all I know, except for her laugh an’ her patience. But I know for a fact my father did everythin’ he could to try an’ save ‘er. Even tried to brew a potion she had been workin’ on, and my father’s terrible at any sort of kitchen work.

*she puts a hand on his shoulder, gently so that he can shrug it off if he doesn’t want the touch* I know it’s hard to lose someone ya love.

[younglinkoftermina]

All he did was nod slightly. Part of him wondered if she'd understand if he explained the cycles. Not that he could explain, right now.

[malon-oflonlon]

*she starts writing down the letter on a piece of paper, pausing every once in a while to read the words over, and check in on Clock*

[younglinkoftermina]

He just watched, a bit curious.

[malon-oflonlon]

*the handwriting is loopy, and she seems to be making a lot of effort to make it neat. The words are very formal and polite and she does a lot of erasing, trying to make sure it looks and sounds nice*

[younglinkoftermina]

"He" was a bit more aware now, looking around a bit and eyeing the cookies. She honestly didn't care much for the letter right now; those cookies looked delicious!

[malon-oflonlon]

*after deciding she’s satisfied with what she’s written she turns back to him and sees him looking at the plate of cookies. She laughs a little* Yer free to take some. I make some out of habit since Time has a sweet tooth, even though he’ll never admit it.

[younglinkoftermina]

"His" eyes lit up, and he took a few. Yum.

Clock nodded gratefully at her. "Thank you, miss."

That strange feeling from earlier was gone, and although he still felt a bit numb, Clock was able to move again.

He frowned, titling his head. "What's that letter?"

[malon-oflonlon]

*she takes another cookie and after a moment replies to him* Well, we're goin' to need some way to reach th' princess and get ya an audience. If th' princess accepts the request for an audience, we'll get a letter back. Does that make sense?

[younglinkoftermina]

He nodded. "Makes enough sense."

"How do we get the letter to her, though?"

[malon-oflonlon]

Here's where ya come in, *she smiles* I'm gonna head into Castletown with ya, and then yer goin' to need to ask the guard for a messenger. Then, yer goin' to need to deliver th' letter to the messenger and then that person's going to bring it to th' princess.

Ya...do still want to deliver it, right?

[younglinkoftermina]

Clock nodded. "I do! Though, I'm pretty sure I can navigate Castletown just fine by myself. I know it very well, don't worry!"

[malon-oflonlon]

If yer sure. Oh! An' also, I'll give ya some extra rupees--it's customary to give that to the messenger as well as a show of gratitude. *she hands you a red rupee*

[younglinkoftermina]

"Thanks."

Clock took the letter and walked out, going to find the guard.

[malon-oflonlon]

*Malon puts away the remaining cookies and tray and waits patiently, sitting down with a book on her couch*

[younglinkoftermina]

Eventually, Clock came back.

"Delivered! What now?"

[malon-oflonlon]

Now we wait. It usually takes a while, since lots’ a times there are multiple people givin’ requests—

*There’s a knock at the door. When Malon opens it, the postman is there, and gives out a letter with a very detailed stamp on it. Baffled, she opens it and laughs* Well, I’ll be.

*she reads each word quietly, holding the letter so that Clock can read too*

[younglinkoftermina]

"...that was quick."

Taking another cookie (who cared if his stomach hated him? These were delicious!), Clock asked, "So we're going now?"

[malon-oflonlon]

Not exactly. The letter says the earliest we’ll be able to attend is tonight, and the latest tomorrow mornin’. How does that sound?

[younglinkoftermina]

"Works for me." Clock agreed.

[malon-oflonlon]

‘Right then. Whaddaya say I teach ya how to make these cookies in thr meanwhile?

[younglinkoftermina]

"Yes please." Clock replied, smiling.

[malon-oflonlon]

*she leads him into the kitchen and starts pulling out ingredients. She explains while she goes, letting him try to measure out ingredients and stir, until eventually they’ve got dough to work with*

[younglinkoftermina]

"What do we do now?"

[malon-oflonlon]

Well, we’re going to break up the dough into small pieces, and roll them into balls. Then they’ll go on th’ pan ‘ere.

[younglinkoftermina]

"Got it." Clock replied, rolling the dough and doing as Malon instructed.

"How long until we go to see the princess?" He asked.

[malon-oflonlon]

These’ll have to bake for about 8 to 10 minutes an’ then we’ll have a couple hours to spare. We can always head to Castletown early if ya’d like, since there’s plenty’a shops an’ games. Or, we can find somethin’ else to do here.

[younglinkoftermina]

"I want to see what Castletown has," Clock decided.

[malon-oflonlon]

*she smiles fondly* ‘Right then.

[younglinkoftermina]

A few hours later, Clock went up to Malon again.

"Is it time to see her?" He asked. "I hope she can help... why'd she answer so quickly, though?"

[malon-oflonlon]

*She nods* Yup, it's time. I...don't know why she answered so quickly though. I wonder...*she trails off, as they head towards the castle*

[younglinkoftermina]

[[when they got there, clock decided to let malon take the lead. she probably knew what to do better than him, after all.]

[malon-oflonlon]

*she walked up to the castle gates and the guards told them to wait. Then a brunette lady came and asked for their names. Malon obliged and then the lady nodded, ushering them inside to follow her to the throne room. The castle hallways were just as grandiose as the exterior, and almost empty*

[younglinkoftermina]

"Uh, Ms. Malon? Do I need to be diplomatic? It's been ages since I've spoken to anyone higher than a mayor..."

[malon-oflonlon]

I would advise ya to be polite of course, but if ya need me to do the talkin’ I can do that.

[younglinkoftermina]

"Yes please," He agreed.

When they arrived at the throne room, Clock decided to stay silent, not sure what to say.

[malon-oflonlon]

*Zelda ushers them closer and Malon begins by saying* My name is Malon, and this is Clock, Your Highness. We are grateful for you taking your time to hear our voices.

[younglinkoftermina]

Clock nodded, bowing a bit. That's what you were supposed to do with royalty, right?

He still didn't say anything, though. Malon probably knew how to handle this better than him, after all.

[malon-oflonlon]

*After Zelda nods for her to speak, Malon explains the situation with the Ocarina of Time, and the princess’s eyes widen. Zelda asks to see the ocarina*

[malon-oflonlon]

Cremia? You look older...

-@younglinkoftermina

*she turns around to face the voice, and blinks when she sees what looks like Link when he was a kid* Sorry kiddo, ya got the wrong person. My name’s Malon.

[younglinkoftermina]

"Oh. That's my bad, sorry."

Malon... oh, right! The girl from Lon Lon Ranch. Clock hadn't been there in ages, at this point.

He frowned. "You have the same name as someone else I know."

[malon-oflonlon]

*she sees recognition in your eyes and looks away, as if contemplating something* Well, I wouldn’t be surprised if you did know me at one point. There’s been a lotta time travel lately.

*she smiles warmly* Would yer name happen to be Link?

[younglinkoftermina]

"You're telling me."

He nodded, surprised. "I— yeah. I've been going by 'Clock' lately, though. How did you know?"

[malon-oflonlon]

*Her eyes widen, she seems to know the meaning behind the name ‘Clock’* Well, when I was a lil’ bit younger than ya, a boy named Link such as yerself helped me out.

*you can see a silver ring on her finger, glinting in the rays of sunlight, and the fond tone in her voice as she reminisces*

[younglinkoftermina]

"With Them?" Clock asked. "It was at 2 AM, two days before the Carnival of Time, right?"

[malon-oflonlon]

*she shakes her head* This ain’t Termina hon. I was at Castletown waitin’ for my father but he was sleepin’ near the castle gates. Link helped me find him, and we’ve known each other since.

[younglinkoftermina]

Didn’t I do that?

Oh. Right. Sorry, miss. Does your Link have a nickname?

[malon-oflonlon]

He goes by Time in the crew he’s been travellin’ with, or they call ‘im old man. If ya want to answer, are ya done with yer journey?

[younglinkoftermina]

Huh.

(He shook his head) I’m not, but Termina’s taken a backseat right now. I have… a more important thing to do.

[malon-oflonlon]

*she looks surprised and then concerned* Well, I dunno if ya have the time, but I’d like for ya to eat somethin’ since my Link has told me he barely took th’ time to eat during his quest. Ya can say no, of course, but at the very least I’d like to send some supplies yer way for whatever ya need to do.

[younglinkoftermina]

“Ok. I don’t know if I need food right now, though. The god of time forced me to earlier.

“I don’t think you have anything that can help. It’s an issue with my ocarina, and the god I mentioned earlier is trying to fix it.”

[malon-oflonlon]

It never hurts to take an extra potion with ya, or a fairy is what I meant.

An issue with yer ocarina ya say? How so?

[younglinkoftermina]

Those’ll work.

I have a song that takes me back in time. It’s not working.

(He decided not to mention Red.)

[malon-oflonlon]

Hm. That's rather odd. I can't help ya with the song myself, of course, but if I were you, I would try to get an audience with th' Princess. She's studied time a ton after bein' warned about the wicked man from the desert. If anyone, she might know a thing 'r two.

'Right then. I'll go ahead and git the supplies for ya.

[younglinkoftermina]

“How do I get an audience, though?”

[malon-oflonlon]

*she thinks of the rather complex process and offers* Why don’t I try and get ya one? I’ll warn ya though, it’ll take at the very least a couple ‘a days.

[younglinkoftermina]

"Can't I try and help? If I can't fix the ocarina and can't help Termina, I should make myself useful in some way."

[malon-oflonlon]

*she softens, reminded of Time’s need to help in whatever way he can* Well, I need to go write somethin’ an’ then if ya’d like ya can go deliver it. How does that sound? Or what would be really helpful is tending to the ranch if ya know how.

*she quickly adds in a stern voice,* Don’t ya give up on Termina jist yet. It’s okay to accept help if ya need it.

[younglinkoftermina]

"I can't help it though. I've only freed half of the giants, and three days isn't enough to free the rest."

He perked up a bit at the thought of delivering the letter. "I'll do the letter. I don't know anything about ranches..."

[malon-oflonlon]

*she thinks about the knowledge she knows and says* If Time was around I’d tell ya to talk to him.

*she nods when he says he’ll do the letter* Why don’t ya come on in, I have some cookies ya can have while I start on the writin’.

[younglinkoftermina]

"How would talking to this 'Time' help? He probably doesn't know where the Giants even are."

He nodded, following her inside.

[malon-oflonlon]

He told me all about his ocarina bein’ stolen and wakin’ up a Deku Scrub in a land called Termina. I believe Time is an older version of ya but I’m not entirely certain. Either way, he spent time loop after time loop savin’ Termina, findin’ those Giants ya mentioned.

*she picks up a plate of cookies and holds it up to him. They seem fresh from the oven and she takes one herself before hurrying off after a quick comment about going to get pen and paper*

[younglinkoftermina]

"If he's an older version of me," Clock asked, "did... he have to do this too? Trying to save Red."

Oh goddess, Red. It hit him, right then and there, what had really happened. Red had died. Over and over. And... Clock had been powerless to stop it.

He began crying. This wasn't... this wasn't right. Red was supposed to be home with his brothers. He was. So why wasn't he? Oh, right, that stupid mask! If Clock hadn't given it to him, then...

He found himself numb, only able to stare at the cookies. He couldn't... he couldn't get himself to move. It was like he wasn't even in his own body. Was he?

Everything felt so... weird. Fuzzy. Blurry. Tuned out. None of it made sense. What was happening to him?

...maybe Malon would know. But he couldn't move. So he'd have to wait.

And wait he did.

[malon-oflonlon]

*She’s puzzled when he mentions Red. She doesn’t know anybody by that name. Malon’s eyes widen when he starts crying and she says,* Clock? Is everythin’ alright?

*When she didn’t get a response, she said quietly, still holding the tray of cookies,* I dunno who Red is, and I don’t presume to know what’s happened to him, but I’m sorry. I know how difficult it is to have that burden on yer shoulders.

*she takes a bite of the cookie she grabbed for herself and tries* Do ya know where I got this recipe from?

[younglinkoftermina]

He just stared off into the distance, not being able to bring himself to reply.

[malon-oflonlon]

*she offers,* My mother taught me every recipe I know. I don’ remember much of ‘er. But every time I make somethin’ like this I remember learnin’ it with ‘er.

She was a Gerudo woman, an’ she studied in medicine. That’s really all I know, except for her laugh an’ her patience. But I know for a fact my father did everythin’ he could to try an’ save ‘er. Even tried to brew a potion she had been workin’ on, and my father’s terrible at any sort of kitchen work.

*she puts a hand on his shoulder, gently so that he can shrug it off if he doesn’t want the touch* I know it’s hard to lose someone ya love.

[younglinkoftermina]

All he did was nod slightly. Part of him wondered if she'd understand if he explained the cycles. Not that he could explain, right now.

[malon-oflonlon]

*she starts writing down the letter on a piece of paper, pausing every once in a while to read the words over, and check in on Clock*

[younglinkoftermina]

He just watched, a bit curious.

[malon-oflonlon]

*the handwriting is loopy, and she seems to be making a lot of effort to make it neat. The words are very formal and polite and she does a lot of erasing, trying to make sure it looks and sounds nice*

[younglinkoftermina]

"He" was a bit more aware now, looking around a bit and eyeing the cookies. She honestly didn't care much for the letter right now; those cookies looked delicious!

[malon-oflonlon]

*after deciding she’s satisfied with what she’s written she turns back to him and sees him looking at the plate of cookies. She laughs a little* Yer free to take some. I make some out of habit since Time has a sweet tooth, even though he’ll never admit it.

[younglinkoftermina]

"His" eyes lit up, and he took a few. Yum.

Clock nodded gratefully at her. "Thank you, miss."

That strange feeling from earlier was gone, and although he still felt a bit numb, Clock was able to move again.

He frowned, titling his head. "What's that letter?"

[malon-oflonlon]

*she takes another cookie and after a moment replies to him* Well, we're goin' to need some way to reach th' princess and get ya an audience. If th' princess accepts the request for an audience, we'll get a letter back. Does that make sense?

[younglinkoftermina]

He nodded. "Makes enough sense."

"How do we get the letter to her, though?"

[malon-oflonlon]

Here's where ya come in, *she smiles* I'm gonna head into Castletown with ya, and then yer goin' to need to ask the guard for a messenger. Then, yer goin' to need to deliver th' letter to the messenger and then that person's going to bring it to th' princess.

Ya...do still want to deliver it, right?

[younglinkoftermina]

Clock nodded. "I do! Though, I'm pretty sure I can navigate Castletown just fine by myself. I know it very well, don't worry!"

[malon-oflonlon]

If yer sure. Oh! An' also, I'll give ya some extra rupees--it's customary to give that to the messenger as well as a show of gratitude. *she hands you a red rupee*

[younglinkoftermina]

"Thanks."

Clock took the letter and walked out, going to find the guard.

[malon-oflonlon]

*Malon puts away the remaining cookies and tray and waits patiently, sitting down with a book on her couch*

[younglinkoftermina]

Eventually, Clock came back.

"Delivered! What now?"

[malon-oflonlon]

Now we wait. It usually takes a while, since lots’ a times there are multiple people givin’ requests—

*There’s a knock at the door. When Malon opens it, the postman is there, and gives out a letter with a very detailed stamp on it. Baffled, she opens it and laughs* Well, I’ll be.

*she reads each word quietly, holding the letter so that Clock can read too*

[younglinkoftermina]

"...that was quick."

Taking another cookie (who cared if his stomach hated him? These were delicious!), Clock asked, "So we're going now?"

[malon-oflonlon]

Not exactly. The letter says the earliest we’ll be able to attend is tonight, and the latest tomorrow mornin’. How does that sound?

[younglinkoftermina]

"Works for me." Clock agreed.

[malon-oflonlon]

‘Right then. Whaddaya say I teach ya how to make these cookies in thr meanwhile?

[younglinkoftermina]

"Yes please." Clock replied, smiling.

[malon-oflonlon]

*she leads him into the kitchen and starts pulling out ingredients. She explains while she goes, letting him try to measure out ingredients and stir, until eventually they’ve got dough to work with*

[younglinkoftermina]

"What do we do now?"

[malon-oflonlon]

Well, we’re going to break up the dough into small pieces, and roll them into balls. Then they’ll go on th’ pan ‘ere.

[younglinkoftermina]

"Got it." Clock replied, rolling the dough and doing as Malon instructed.

"How long until we go to see the princess?" He asked.

[malon-oflonlon]

These’ll have to bake for about 8 to 10 minutes an’ then we’ll have a couple hours to spare. We can always head to Castletown early if ya’d like, since there’s plenty’a shops an’ games. Or, we can find somethin’ else to do here.

[younglinkoftermina]

"I want to see what Castletown has," Clock decided.

[malon-oflonlon]

*she smiles fondly* ‘Right then.

[younglinkoftermina]

A few hours later, Clock went up to Malon again.

"Is it time to see her?" He asked. "I hope she can help... why'd she answer so quickly, though?"

[malon-oflonlon]

*She nods* Yup, it's time. I...don't know why she answered so quickly though. I wonder...*she trails off, as they head towards the castle*

[younglinkoftermina]

[[when they got there, clock decided to let malon take the lead. she probably knew what to do better than him, after all.]

[malon-oflonlon]

*she walked up to the castle gates and the guards told them to wait. Then a brunette lady came and asked for their names. Malon obliged and then the lady nodded, ushering them inside to follow her to the throne room. The castle hallways were just as grandiose as the exterior, and almost empty*

[younglinkoftermina]

"Uh, Ms. Malon? Do I need to be diplomatic? It's been ages since I've spoken to anyone higher than a mayor..."

[malon-oflonlon]

I would advise ya to be polite of course, but if ya need me to do the talkin’ I can do that.

[younglinkoftermina]

"Yes please," He agreed.

When they arrived at the throne room, Clock decided to stay silent, not sure what to say.

[malon-oflonlon]

*Zelda ushers them closer and Malon begins by saying* My name is Malon, and this is Clock, Your Highness. We are grateful for you taking your time to hear our voices.