Friendship = Love ?

Link being Zelda's "pet", as you say, constantly staying by her side and being dressed in all sorts of frouhaha is out of character for both Link and Zelda.
For one thing, Zelda would have enough respect for the man who saved her kingdom to not treat him as a piece of arm candy.
Secondly, Link is a skilled warrior, and Zelda would have sense enough to put him in a position to use those skills of his.

If anything, she'd make him the general of her armies. The Knights of Hyrule (especially in TP) aren't exactly a competent fighting force, but Link could find ways to whip them into shape.
Instead of hanging off Zelda's elbow all day, he could patrol the countryside, protecting people from the threats that no doubt arise. And with the army at his beck and call, he can extend that protection to all the corners of Hyrule.
And in such a role he could also act as a liaison for Zelda, giving her a link (ha ha) to the common people. Link would see, first hand, the conditions of the people in the kingdom, and could report back to Zelda on what needs to be done. With her being Princess (or no doubt Queen by that point) and all, she would have the power to make those changes.
Because if we can agree upon one thing, it's that Link and Zelda both have Hyrule's wellbeing as their first priority.

Yeah...I can see Link more involved in military matters and such in working closely with the top generals of the Hylian Knights. I just can't picture Link barking out orders or yelling commands, but I can see him offering advice on strategy and stuff like that. As for the patrolling, I see Link needing to train other knights to do that stuff for him so he can spend more alone time with Zelda IMO.

The difference in the military/knight responsibilities IMO between the Zelda and Malon relationships is that:

LinkxMalon: Humble feudal knight patrolling Hyrule with Epona and immediately fighting a problematic danger if an attack from baddies breaks out along and within the countryside until Zelda sends the royal knights to help out.

LinkxZelda: Overseeing the battle like a royal general type and only fighting when neccessary.

Despite me still thinking Link is awkwardly out of place living a royal lifestyle, I think he could still adapt to it. Its just a more humble feudal knight lifestyle living at the ranch/fiefdom with Malon would be more easier for Link to adapt to IMO. Well..at least your not stubbornly suggesting that Link would want to be an unlikely King.

K, MalonsLover, I understand you're a Malink shipper, and that's fine. However, you need to be respectful and understand you're in the minority around here. This is a Zelink forum, not a general Zelda forum or a Shipping Zelda forum. You need to tone it down or I'm going to speak to the Mods/Admin about your behavior. Other Malink shippers are here without problems, so please follow their example.

I don't know where you're getting this idea that Zelda of all people would treat Link like a decoration if they were ever to get married. She is certainly not the type of person to do something like that. She herself is actively involved in the wellbeing of her kingdom; after she and Link have done together, you think she's going to put him in a glass case because she's a Princess? I highly doubt it. She's proven on mulitple occasions that she respects Link's strength and abilities- she's not going to let his talent go to waste.

Would Link WANT to be King? I don't see him as ever actively pursuing the role; it's not something he covets, whereas we see characters like Ganondorf and Zant do. However, that doesn't mean that he wouldn't be able to step into the role- usually the people who would do the best job as leaders are the ones who don't actively want the position in the first place. Link would see becoming King as just part of being with Zelda. It would come with the territory, just like marrying Malon would mean being centered on the ranch with the duties that come with that. Likewise, there's nothing to suggest that Link wants to be a farmer anymore than he'd want to be a King; just because he comes from a humble background does not imply that he'd be happy milking cows and caring for all the animals there. It doesn't mean he has the freedom to ride off and leave all the work to Malon whenever he wishes.

I don't really see Link just milking cows living with Malon. More than likely, he would be a more effective Hero as a feudal knight living in the countryside in being more closer to the common people/diverse races of Hyrule and also personally oversee and maintain the frontier defenses. Link can be Zelda's liason to the people/races living outside of Hyrule Town and when something needs to be done in providing for the common people/races of Hyrule he can simply just go to the Castle and request Zelda to provide him the support he needs, just like real feudal knights did in historical times with their respected rulers. I'm sure Zelda wouldn't shun Link away simply because he might choose Malon over her. More than likely Link and Zelda would remain close friends and support each other in keeping Hyrule safe and secure.

And before you go HOW CAN HE BE A FARMER AND A KNIGHT/HERO AT THE SAME TIME??!!! Actual feudal knights were warrior/farmers in real historical times so if normal men were able to do this, then it would be no problem for a capable Hero like Link in living with Malon at Lon Lon ranch.

I guess Link can do the same thing in a LinkxZelda. But in regards to using Epona in patrolling Hyrule, he would have to endure a long walk from the Castle to the Hyrule Town Gate. Then Link has to inconvieniently use the ocarina to summon Epona and wait until she gets to him. In a LinkxMalon he doesn't have to endure a long walk or need the annoyingly cumbersome ocarina since Epona would be convieniently nearby and battle ready at the ranch.

While all of this sounds good when you put it like that, you seem to be overlooking several things. Feudal knights, as you keep saying, were more likely to rule an area than actually farm and ranch. They were soldiers, not farmers. Their serfs and underlings were the ones who did that sort of thing. Not the knights. They were given the land by the king in return for services.

With that being said, what you're saying about Link being a feudal knight would mean he would be in charge of the area, much the same as a king, only on a smaller scale. Not only that, but his wife would be the 'lady' of the manor and would certainly not be the one to do the ranching and farming. Assuming that Hyrule has a fedual type system at all.

Malon and Talon's ranch is small and run by the two of them with Ingo's help. They take care of the horses and cows themselves, and have a hard time of it as it is since Talon is lazy and sleeps most of the time. Whoever marries Malon would be expected to help her in these running the ranch- Talon implies this when he remarks on Link's skills after the cucoo game, and asking if it he would like to marry Malon. Link would be hands on, which would yes, include milking cows, feeding the cows and horses, grooming them, mucking out their stalls, breaking the horses to be ridden and so forth. That's a full time job right there, and there's never any mention whether or not the Lon Lon Ranch grows crops as well. If Link had to drop everything to go racing out after monsters, that leaves Malon and Ingo to take care of everything by themselves.

Essentially, Link is bound by just as much responsibility at the ranch as he would be as king.

I assume you're joking here with your 'long walk' and 'cumbersome' ocarina.

Not really because if Link did choose to be with Zelda instead, Malon, Talon, and Ingo would be stuck with the work anyway. What you stated is the same as me saying Link would have to be stuck being by Zelda's side as a pampered pet ornament and nothing more. Bottom line is we don't know how Link would adapt to a Zelda or Malon lifestyle except that we can enhance or diminish Link's capabilities to fit our own ideals and nothing more.

All I can say is that there is no rule saying that Link has to be romantically involved with Zelda or even Malon to be an effective Hero. IMO he can adapt to either a royal or humble lifestyle, but the more awkward royal lifestyle would be more of a stretch if you ask me. OOT Link managed to save Hyrule without being romantically involved with anyone and since most Zelda fans think TP Link can be an effective Hero without being romantically involved with Zelda after the adventure/quest why not OOT/MM Link??

In a way I was kidding about the long walk with the ocarina but the fact is that Epona would be more closely available in a LinkxMalon without a doubt.

There are certain unalterable facets of his personality that we can't change however if we want to keep him true to being Link. One is that he obviously desires to help people: he's not going to be able to surrender that to live the oblivious lifestyle that many see a future with Malon representing.

No, but I think it's clear from looking at Ilia ( a copy in essence of Malon ) that the path of the simple girl is going to be in the opposite direction of where Link is going.

With OoT/MM Link: Why not? I think it really comes down to romance in this case over function. The games built a strong and solid bond between the two and laid the foundation for a fantastic romance. In constrast, TP didn't even try to make Link and Zelda even friends, let alone lovers. Of course we can see Link in that situation without Zelda: it wasn't addressed.

No, it's not the same. I've pointed out obvious flaws in the theory that Link being with Malon would make him more free to pick up and go fighting monsters when he has a clear duty to the farm first. If he's married to Malon farm duties come with it.

You're not giving any evidence that being married to Zelda would automatically make Link some ornament. Zelda has always treated Link like an equal, so how are you assuming that Zelda who works hard for her people would make Link stay as a piece of eye candy, particularly after all the hard work they did together? That is not in the personality of either of them; both are hard working servants to the people. Neither of them are going to be content to sit back and lay around all day while the other does all the work.

As for a horse being easy accessible as a MalonxLink hint, that's kind of silly reason- you don't marry someone because it means that you get a horse in the bargin. Though Epona is Malon's horse, Epona has been shown to be fond of Link and in all essence is really his horse just as much as she is Malon's. There's nothing to say that Epona wouldn't live in the castle stables since she's been with Link.

As a theoretical feudal VASSAL knight, Link would be a soldier/farmer very similar to the ones from actual medieval historical times. Only he will answer to Zelda directly and not some nobleman/duke that you had previously referenced. Think feudal system except more simplified. Its a known fact that the concept of the soldier/farmer has been a consistent staple in not only medieval Europe but also ancient societies such as the Greeks and Romans. So that pretty much debunks your very flawed theory that Link can only be tied down to the farm.

Maybe I don't have proof that Link will always be Zelda's trophy pet. Just like you have no proof that Link will be a King or that I have no proof that Link will be a feudal knight/vassal in living with Malon. Stables in the Castle?? What are you talking about??

Anyway just because Link and Zelda have a similar need to protect the people of Hyrule doesn't mean they have to force themselves to marry. Thats about as weak as Link needing to marry Malon because they both care for Epona IMO. There are plenty of other Hylian Knights/Gentlemen suitors that feel a need to protect Hyrule so why don't Zelda marry one of them??

You know, this whole argument for Link to be a farmer...it strikes me as counterproductive, regardless if he'd pick up a sword now and then. Isn't the point of the Zelda adventure that he becomes more in the end? He'll never be ordinary.

Probably the stables that the royals would own in order to supplement their military as well as get around. Knights, horsemen etc would need horses. As would carriages and many types of conveyances for the royal family. Needless to say, a medieval castle without a stable would be pretty unrealistic.

Why wouldn't she marry one of them? Probably because her and Link are in love in my view, and that trumps everything, aside from their duty to Hyrule. That wouldn't be affected by their relationship, rather bettered by it. This whole "forced to marry"...I'm just not seeing it. Asking Link to marry Zelda would be like asking a kid if they want ice cream.

You know, let's turn this around backwards. There are plenty of farmers, townsmen, soldiers etc for Malon, and most of them could provide more stability in a marriage with Malon, better known as not running off on her when she needs them. Why shouldn't Malon marry one of them?

How can it be counter productive when Link is actually closer to the people/diverse races of Hyrule in providing their needs. The only way LinkxMalon can be counter productive is if Zelda shuns Link away because he chose Malon over her. There is no reason to believe that Zelda would not continue to work together with Link in protecting the people/races of Hyrule if he lived at the ranch with Malon. Where is the proof in this??

Its like me saying counter productive is Link living a selfish lifestyle of luxurious convienience as pampered pet for Zelda. Picking and choosing Links capabilities or lack there of is ridiculous if you ask me from either one of us. And Link and Malon are in love because I said so. Sound familiar Gilderpilot?? If you want to play the pick and choose Links capabilities game I can too.

How can Link and Zeldas marriage grow if Link is constantly away on extended year long campaigns leading Hyrule's armies. Not to mention when he is there at the Castle, he would be greatly annoyed with Zelda always comforting him like a stupid child.

Realistically I think Link can still be a great hero in a relationship with Zelda, Malon or nobody. This whole ridiculous speculating that Links Hero skills are diminished because he might fall in love with Malon so Zelda will hate him for it is beyond childish. I just simply reciprocate you with the same childish attitude to show you how annoying it feels and to give you a taste of your own medicine.

How can it counter-productive? Because he's too busy shoveling manure rather than making decisions/acting on them for the people. I've made this point ten times at least: if you paid attention to what Talon said ( and even the parallel's in Termina ) they are looking for a partner, not an absentee husband to leave them with all the work. In this case, I don't think he could have his cake and eat it too. I've said all I can say: I won't argue anymore about this point.

When we are talking you are Link, then sure. But if we were treating Link as an independant entity in these discussions, I want proof. Not an opinion.

Link and Malon would suffer the same fate: he's still going to be a hero and run off to do his duty. Zelda and Link have the solid friendship at least to hold them up in an absence, and I think that's exactly what MM conveyed. Why would Link be annoyed? Someone who truly knows him would be taking the time to care about how HE feels, instead of only what they want. I have never seen one remark from Malon that reflects on a real concern for him, unlike with Zelda. Zelda's all about caring how he feels.

Note: I never said anything about Zelda shunning Link if he chose Malon over her. I doubt she would: she's not petty or selfish. I grow tired of these baseless accusations about her character..as well as the equal slander against Link.

LinkxMalon = Link shoveling manure.

LinkxZelda = Link being a pampered pet.

Bottom line me and you only have THEORIES and nothing more. The way I see it, Link being away from the ranch a few hours of the day riding around with Epona and overseeing the needs of the common people/diverse races of Hyrule will not send the ranch into a tailspin. Talon has turned over a new leaf and the ranch would more likely be well maintained when Link is TEMPORARILY away in doing his daily hero duties riding around with Epona. Upon Link and Epona's return from the daily hero duties, Link can just simply finish up the daily work that has not been done yet and since Link can lift big boulders it would be done well before the evening when supper time is ready. Rinse and repeat everyday until Link goes to the required royal meetings at the Castle to provide Zelda with the moral support she needs and the reassurance that all is well in the land of Hyrule outside of Castle Town. Nothing complicated in a THEORETICAL LinkxMalon if you ask me.

IMO it beats Link being a comically useless freakshow on display standing by Zelda's side like a pet on a leash living the life of a novelty social misfit in the presence of the Hyrule Court.

I don't believe that anyone here has ever said that Link and Zelda would not work together in the event that Link would marry someone besides Zelda. She would not be so petty as to cut herself off from him. And I still don't get why you believe that living on a ranch makes Link any closer to the people than living at the castle. The castle is not as far away as you're making it out to be. I really think you're thinking too much of royals who are more symbolic than actual rulers- Zelda is not one of those who is a symbolic ruler, and if Link became royal by marrying her, he would not be a symbolic king either. These are two people who work towards the better of their people, and it is not in the character of either to make one person sit out as decoration. The position of royalty gives people the power to make changes- isn't Link, who is familiar with the situation and conditions of all the races one of the people who knows most what they need? In a position of power, he gets to make those ideas for change become a reality.

And I agree with gliderpilotgirl- shoveling manure and feeding livestock takes Link away from the people just as much if not more than you seem to think he would be if he were to marry Zelda.

Again, I still think you have the wrong idea about a feudal knight- they did not do the farming themselves- they were behind the funding, taxes, trading and running of their land. Just like a ruler- like a king or queen on a smaller scale. Lon Lon Ranch is not run on a feudal system anyway- they are free lance landowners who run their small ranch with their own hands. There's also a difference between farming and ranching- farming is raising crops which we have no evidence that LLR does to begin with, while ranching is raising livestock. That's what LLR is- a ranch, not a farm.

I completely agree with you. The whole point of Link's adventures is he always rises from his modest upbringing to becoming one of the most known and powerful people in the kingdom. To have him retreat and go to live on a farm somehow defeats the whole journey. He's not the same he was, and to have him go back to his old life seems to be taking a step backwards in things.

Uh, where do you think the white horse Zelda and Impa left the castle came on? That Zelda or Impa stole it or created it from thin air? Stables in castles are a given; the royals need horses for themselves and the soldiers you know.

How can Malon and Link have a growing marriage if Link's always away saving people and killing monsters? You'd think that would be even more of a problem since you think that living on the ranch makes him more accessable.

You keep contradicting yourself, first Link is a child who Zelda has a maternal bond with, now you're getting down on Zelda for comforting Link as if she's treating him like a child. Firstly, how do you know her comforting annoys him? I think you're regarding it more as annoying to YOU than to Link. Secondly, why is it wrong for her to comfort him? I don't see her as coddling him- that's not the type of person she is. She'd be more the type to listen to his frustrations and struggles, to offer sympathy and understanding. As gliderpilotgirl has mentioned, Zelda has shown concern for Link and his wellbeing even admist her own struggles- can we say the same of Malon?

This sounds much more like the modern royalty of today who are mere symbols instead of the actual ruler that Zelda and her father are. They don't sit around eating bonbons and throwing parades to show themselves off. They are hard working for their kingdom, and I would think Zelda would welcome the assistance in running Hyrule. Keeping him as eyecandy again is not something she or he would ever do or allow to be done to them.

Again what proof do you have that the farm will go in a talespin when Link is off doing daily hero duties. You obviously ignored my point that as a feudal knight he would only be gone part of the day (Early morning to mid afternoon) in everyday hero duties in maintaining frontier defenses and overseeing the needs of the common people/diverse races of Hyrule.

I actually live in a rural area and I go to work almost everyday, and by mid afternoon I return to my house and feed my horse, dogs, and mow the grass when I have to and I'm not a strong hero that can lift boulders like Link. And if Talon and Ingo did get behind in the farm work what would prevent Link from helping out by the time he is finished with his daily hero duties. The guy can lift boulders for crying outloud. And this whole Link being away all the time business will ruin the marriage applies WAAY more to the Zelda relationship IMO. Your theories have so many holes in it I can drive a truck through it.

Link as King?? Yeah right. Link as a King is obviously doomed for catastrophic failure IMO. Link's unassertively gentle personality is proof enough that he would probably make a horrendous King. If Zelda were to make him King the nobles and knights would probably start a civil war if someone as unqualified as Link were crowned King. You need to provide me some proof that Link would understand things pertaining to important executive and judicial decisions and the process of legislation in making laws. Thats Zelda's department not Link's, and these are responsibilities that just can't be given to someone that would have no knowledge of these issues in the first place. Link posseses the TOC not the TOW.

I can go on this Link being a King counter arguement forever but you have no proof that the nobles and royal knights would accept an outsider who comically stands out like a sore thumb with a funny green outfit and a matching silly green hat and who has a trollishly funny looking pointy nose as a King less a member of their court. More than likely Link would be the butt of jokes within the Hyrule Court with Zelda always intervening on his behalf like a helpless child. IMO Link has no business whatsoever living in the Castle permanently unless he wants to subject himself to humiliating embarrassment in being totally out of his element. More than likely Link would not want to be a King in the first place and would probably prefer shoveling manure anyway.