The Romance Thread IV: The Debate Continues

Yes, but I don't think everyone should stick to the same pairing. Like I said it's not really canon, so it's up to everyone's imaginations.

I recent stumbled an article on the factors involved in a successful, long-lasting marriage. I'm not sure how much relevance it has to Link's love life, but you want to imagine how a potential match with any of the available ladies would stack up:

Ability to change and adapt to change: The couple is able to adapt to social change and overall change around them, especially when these changes impact the original foundation for the marriage.

Ability to live with the unchangeable: The couple accepts that neither partner is perfect, and that no marriage is perfect. A good marriage, therefore, has both parties accepting that there are certain things about the other that they cannot change, and that they should just let these things be.

Assumption of permanence: The couple assumes that their marriage is going to last for their lives, and that they have the idea that their marriage can remain unshakable even in times of stress.

Enjoyment of each other The couple has shared values and interests, and yet do not see time apart from each other as detracting from the relationship.

Cherished, shared history: Do the couple value their shared, joint history? Does their sense of their past together help them through present difficulties?

Trust: Self-explanatory, and said to be the lynchpin of a successful relationship.

Balance of dependencies (power) Is authority in the marriage totally one-sided (a very traditional marriage) or balanced between the partners? However couples, even those described as strongly traditional, reported that there were high levels of mutual dependence in their relationship that did not compromise their sense of individuality.

Luck: As with any relationship, luck plays a factor.

So the question is, how would a marriage between Link and any of the women on the poll stack up?

There are only TWO WORDS in a sucesful marriage: "Yes, Dear."

Heh heh heh....

And I'm pretty sure many of the things listed above can be applied to a LinkxZelda relationship. That's what I think, anyway...

Originally Posted by Månegarm

I recent stumbled an article on the factors involved in a successful, long-lasting marriage. I'm not sure how much relevance it has to Link's love life, but you want to imagine how a potential match with any of the available ladies would stack up:

Ability to change and adapt to change: The couple is able to adapt to social change and overall change around them, especially when these changes impact the original foundation for the marriage.

Ability to live with the unchangeable: The couple accepts that neither partner is perfect, and that no marriage is perfect. A good marriage, therefore, has both parties accepting that there are certain things about the other that they cannot change, and that they should just let these things be.

Assumption of permanence: The couple assumes that their marriage is going to last for their lives, and that they have the idea that their marriage can remain unshakable even in times of stress.

Enjoyment of each other The couple has shared values and interests, and yet do not see time apart from each other as detracting from the relationship.

Cherished, shared history: Do the couple value their shared, joint history? Does their sense of their past together help them through present difficulties?

Trust: Self-explanatory, and said to be the lynchpin of a successful relationship.

Balance of dependencies (power) Is authority in the marriage totally one-sided (a very traditional marriage) or balanced between the partners? However couples, even those described as strongly traditional, reported that there were high levels of mutual dependence in their relationship that did not compromise their sense of individuality.

Luck: As with any relationship, luck plays a factor.

So the question is, how would a marriage between Link and any of the women on the poll stack up?

Thats a really good question as the games themselves give no clear cut answer to any of these questions on how Link feels about anyone, including Zelda.

TP: One can say Zelda by default due to the fact that the other possible love interests, Midna and Illia, are eliminated by the end credits. Despite minimal interaction between Link and Zelda, it seems that Link is more likely to either end up with her or stay an uncommited bachelor.

WW: Its clearly LinkxTetra/Zelda simply that there are no real alternative love interests in the game whatsoever. Anyway, LinkxTetra/Zelda have to remain as a cute and cuddly couple with no kissyface until they grow up so in between that time Link may fall for someone else who knows. Maybe Medi from Dragon Roost or the jar girl on Outset Island perhaps??

OOT: IMO this is the game most likely that Link will not end up being with Zelda. In the child timeline LinkxZelda has the best chance due to him maturing normally over time to build a strong relationship with Zelda. As an adult, Link should be able to take on serious responsibilities such as military matters of defense or envoy diplomatic missions and what not in assisting Zelda run Hyrule. But I still think he can do those things without having to be hooked up with Zelda, but I admit it would be more convienient for him if he was.

In the adult timeline, Links childlike mentality would make him useless to Zelda and all he would be good for is doing mundane chores and favors like picking flowers and opening doors for Zelda. This relationship would be more identical to my own perception of the Child LinkxZelda master and pet relationship and so he is better off living a less complex life with less responsibility with either Malon, Ruto, Nabooru or even the Cucco lady before the unlikelyhood of being with Zelda taking up useless space in Hyrule Castle.

MM: To me this is 50/50 between Zelda and Malon due to the infamous cutscene where Zelda reluctantly allows Link to leave to find the ever annoying Navi. If I remember correctly Link is there with Epona by his side with Zeldas back turned to him as if to symbolically suggest that Zelda does not approve that Link is probably fed up with being cooped up with her in Hyrule Castle and is openly defying her wishes that he stay with her instead of leaving to go on a new adventure. Not to mention that he had to go to LonLon ranch to get Epona that may or may not suggest he is still on talking terms with Malon. Plus he would have to return Epona after the end of the adventure in MM, suggesting that he would have to go see Malon FIRST before he goes back to Zelda. So this goes back to my point at the end of OOT of Link being able to mature normally and build a relationship with Zelda that could also mean he is also building a relationship with Malon as well.

LOZ/AOL: Its Zelda clearly. Especially in AOL.

ALTTP: Zelda most likely but there are the six other maidens that he may choose from as well.

Originally Posted by Månegarm

Ability to change and adapt to change: The couple is able to adapt to social change and overall change around them, especially when these changes impact the original foundation for the marriage.

Well, you have to define the foundation of the marriage I suppose. For Link and Zelda, I would imagine it's a mutual love of Hyrule and each other..a commitment to ensuing it's continuing welfare and doing it as a team. How they would deal with change...Link strikes me as very adaptable, as does Zelda. I mean, she essentially lost her throne and became Sheik, yet was still a team with Link.

Originally Posted by Månegarm

Ability to live with the unchangeable: The couple accepts that neither partner is perfect, and that no marriage is perfect. A good marriage, therefore, has both parties accepting that there are certain things about the other that they cannot change, and that they should just let these things be.

I don't see this as a problem with Link and Zelda. Zelda's made her share of mistakes yet Link doesn't seem to look at her any differently.WW Link brushes off her bad behavior when she apologizes and OoT Link didn't seem to look at her any the worse, despite what happened. Zelda releases him in MM despite him possibly leaving without much explanation. I get the feeling they understand each other and are content to be as they are.

Originally Posted by Månegarm

Assumption of permanence: The couple assumes that their marriage is going to last for their lives, and that they have the idea that their marriage can remain unshakable even in times of stress.

Harder to prove but instinct tells me that our two heroes would have no problem with this.

Originally Posted by Månegarm

Enjoyment of each other The couple has shared values and interests, and yet do not see time apart from each other as detracting from the relationship.

If Link and Zelda can be split apart while he is off to adventure and there relationship stands ( even after 7 years of no contact ) unaffected, I'd say they are set. Shared values/goals are kind of a given, they are a team.

Originally Posted by Månegarm

Cherished, shared history: Do the couple value their shared, joint history? Does their sense of their past together help them through present difficulties?

They've shared a great adventure in many cases...that itself is a history. Life changing too...they both are coming from that. If they can team up to save the world, I think present difficulties would be simple.

Originally Posted by Månegarm

Trust: Self-explanatory, and said to be the lynchpin of a successful relationship.

It's there. Zelda entrusts him with her authority in many cases, and the kingdom's future. He follows her wisdom.

Originally Posted by Månegarm

Balance of dependencies (power) Is authority in the marriage totally one-sided (a very traditional marriage) or balanced between the partners? However couples, even those described as strongly traditional, reported that there were high levels of mutual dependence in their relationship that did not compromise their sense of individuality.

Luck: As with any relationship, luck plays a factor.

Zelda may be a Princess, but she never seems to consider herself above him. I would see them in a relationship as very equal..emotionally dependent on each other for strength and comfort. Zelda may wield the decision making power, but I see her always listening to her hero. Likewise, he holds the power with a sword, but listens to her wisdom.

These are my personal impressions of a future based on what I've seen already, but I see Link and Zelda as having great potential for a mutally satisfying relationship.

Originally Posted by Ganonslayer

To me this is 50/50 between Zelda an Malon due to the infamous cutscene where Zelda reluctantly allows Link to leave to find the ever annoying Navi. If I remember correctly Link is there with Epona by his side with Zeldas back turned to him as if to symbolically suggest that Zelda does not approve that Link is probably fed up with being cooped up with her in Hyrule Castle and is openly defying her wishes.

Love sets free...Zelda setting him free to go indicated to me that she cared enough about him to release him and trust he'd come back in his own time. Her having her back turned likely was indicating she was sad he was leaving. Maybe she didn't want him to see her emotions after he first told her...she never even remotely said he couldn't go. She was just indicating her sadness that he was choosing to.

True...it seemed to me that she may have been slightly heartbroken and maybe in disbelief that Link was set on making his own decision to leave her instead of predictably wanting to please Zelda by not leaving. Maybe a step towards maturity for Link in developing his own sense of self instead of being preoccupied in pleasing others all the time. But yeah Zelda finally set free and released her beloved cute little pet and Link seemed more than ready to go as he got on Epona and left Zelda without even a hug. Its as if Link was saying GOOD RIDDANCE for the moment at least.

I guess should apply the same to Malon

Ability to change and adapt to change: The one incident that sticks in my mind is after Malon's father gets the boot and Ingo takes over, she essentially resigns herself to her fate, and it's up to you, the player, to help her. She strikes me as the sort of person who would not be comfortable with the constant upheaval and unpredictability of a hero's lifestyle.

Ability to live with the unchangeable Hard to say, really. The only thing I can imagine happening is that she holds Link to the "knight in shining armor" ideal and criticizing him if he doesn't live up to it.

Assumption of permanence I don't think this is a problem with Malon; I don't think she'd go into marriage expecting it to end anytime soon.

Enjoyment of each other: Again, hard to say. Link gave no indication that he would have enjoyed life on the ranch (but it didn't give any he wouldn't, either). As for shared values, as others have pointed out, Malon isn't concerned about the greater Hyrule. Link is.

Cherished, shared history: He visited the ranch once as a child, and obviously his stay wasn't memorable enough for Malon to recognize him later in life. There's certainly not the same history that Link has with Saria or Malon, however. Malon and Link never really "did" anything together; he was just a visitor into her life.

Trust Hard to say, really. I guess you could say that she trusts him with Epona, though she didn't really "give" her to him, per se.

Balance of dependencies (power) Malon needs Link far more than he needs her. She needed him to win back the ranch. Link got a horse from her, in a roundabout way, but it's doubtful that the ranch is the ONLY place in Hyrule that raises horses.

Originally Posted by Ganonslayer2000

True...it seemed to me that she may have been slightly heartbroken and maybe in disbelief that Link was set on making his own decision to leave her instead of predictably wanting to please Zelda by not leaving. Maybe a step towards maturity for Link in developing his own sense of self instead of being preoccupied in pleasing others all the time. But yeah Zelda finally set free and released her beloved cute little pet and Link seemed more than ready to go as he got on Epona and left Zelda without even a hug. Its as if Link was saying GOOD RIDDANCE for the moment at least.

You keep referring to Link as a pet: I don't think it's fair to say he was there against his will. He made a choice in the end of OoT to return to her. I would guess they had spent time together as well: that also would be a choice on his part.
I do agree that his journey was a needed trip in terms of helping him gain maturity, but I didn't remotely get the vibe of "good riddance" from him. When the Ocarina was stolen he was pretty upset, and when he finally got it back he immediately had a flashback of her...that to me indicates he holds her dear, rather than despising her.

( Note: there was a hug in the beta version. Why it was removed I have no idea, but the thought was there )

Originally Posted by Manegarm

I guess should apply the same to Malon (the two strike me as being cast from the same mold)

Ability to change and adapt to change: The one incident that sticks in my mind is after Malon's father gets the boot and Ingo takes over, she essentially resigns herself to her fate, and it's up to you, the player, to help her. She strikes me as the sort of person who would not be comfortable with the constant upheaval and unpredictability of a hero's lifestyle.

Ability to live with the unchangeable: Hard to say, really. The only thing I can imagine happening is that she holds Link to the "knight in shining armor" ideal and criticizing him if he doesn't live up to it.

I can't really add too much, I agree with pretty much everything you've said.
For the first point: I don't really see Malon as generally an adaptable person at all: if you remove Malon from the ranch, she loses something. I'd imagine if she'd left that she would have been as aimless and lost as Talon, versus Zelda who despite being powerless is still herself.

To the second: I see her requirement ultimately being for a partner in ranching. She needs someone to take an equal share in her life...Link could never fulfill this while choosing the life of the hero. Her idea of her personal knight I see again as Link turning out to be that ranching partner, rather than a swordsman who may herd some animals half-heartedly when he is home. As for her actually wanting a real life knight to carry her off, I think that's more a childish fantasy that would be replaced by reality. I don't see Adult Malon wanting to leave the ranch. No more than the tomboy and childish Zelda possibly wanting freedom...she wouldn't actually want to leave her people.

Well I think the Malon relationship can work under simple circumstances.

1. Hyrule will not need saving 24/7.

2. True that the LinkxMalon relationship will hinder Link to miss some stupid royal meeting on sending envoys to the Goron, Zora, and Deku people but big deal. Zelda could get some other submissive putz to do it.

3. The 50-100 hrs it takes to save Hyrule and Zelda will not cause a catastrophy in the farm or the relationship at all.

4. Malon will not go into a crazy nervous breakdown because Link broke a fingernail on the way back from the quest.

5. Malon just needs more guys to boss around and OOT Link loves to be bossed around without a doubt.

I only mean pet as referencing to child Links usually annoyingly over obedient ways thats all. But yeah...I'm the guy that picks no on the options at least 20 times before I'm forced to pick the yes and I'm sorry if I come off rude. Its only because your a great debate challenge.

I agree with the fact that link can acctually go with anyone he chooses, but... minda has had to spend the most time with him and has gotten to know him better than ruto or any of the zelda girls have. so with that i believe that minda has grown to love link in a way, that goes beyond friendship.

In TP, I really liked Midna as a possible love interest. But long term relationship wise I'm not sure it would work out. To me Midna's bossy attitude would probably be too much for sweet gentle Link to bear over a long period time. Even if Midna did not break the mirror, their relationship would just be based on mere physical attraction and short term wise it would be great for awhile. But in the long run both would probably have trouble adjusting to the others parrallel world. I doubt Link is going to find enough time to be going back and forth between the twilight realm for hot romantic dates with Midna and being a Mr. hero in Hyrule at the same time. Over a period of time Link and Midna's responsibilities to their own worlds would limit their time together and so marriage would be totally out of the question. But I think LinkxMidna both had a physical attraction to each other at least.

Whereas LinkxZelda, Link for sure is most likely attracted to Zelda but there was nothing in TP to make me believe that Zelda was attracted to Link at all. Thats why it seems to me Link would be an uncommitted bachelor who may be able to help Zelda and be by her side in running Hyrule but their romantic relationship would probably be just Link admiring her from afar and thats it. With TP's vaugeness on Links love interest, one can even speculate that he may date a random Hyrule town girl or the fortune telling lady for that matter.

Well look at it from Zelda's POV...she's watched her kingdom taken over and it's people slain, all the while she could do nothing by herself. Then Link comes along (I'm not sure if she had any fore-knowledge of whom he was) and single-handedly saves her kingdom, doing what she could not do alone. I think, in the best interests of the kingdom Zelda would definitely be interested in developing some sort of connection with this great hero, if not necessarily a romantic one.

Originally Posted by Ganonslayer2000

Well I think the Malon relationship can work under simple circumstances.

1. Hyrule will not need saving 24/7.

3. The 50-100 hrs it takes to save Hyrule and Zelda will not cause a catastrophy in the farm or the relationship at all.

Originally Posted by Ganonslayer2000

I doubt Link is going to find enough time to be going back and forth between the twilight realm for hot romantic dates with Midna and being a Mr. hero in Hyrule at the same time.

To continue the debate: How is TP Link any different from OoT/MM Link in obligations? The thing that you are saying eliminates Midna should theoretically eliminate Malon too. Same goes with Midna's bossiness being unaccepable ( and Zelda's ) where Malon's is?
( A quest would likely be months as well, considering how many times the sun sets in a typical quest. Ezlo in MC even refers to "a month ago" when he stashed a snack in Link's hair on that quest )

I think Manegarm's got a point as far as Zelda goes. I would think that if any man could win her heart with his deeds, it should be Link. For a Princess who likely deals with many suitors of varying degrees of valour and quality, I would think this commoner who's saved all she holds dear would be refreshing.
He's not out to share her throne and power, merely to save her people.

Originally Posted by gliderpilotgirl

To continue the debate: How is TP Link any different from OoT/MM Link in obligations? The thing that you are saying eliminates Midna should theoretically eliminate Malon too. Same goes with Midna's bossiness being unaccepable ( and Zelda's ) where Malon's is?
( A quest would likely be months as well, considering how many times the sun sets in a typical quest. Ezlo in MC even refers to "a month ago" when he stashed a snack in Link's hair on that quest )

I think Manegarm's got a point as far as Zelda goes. I would think that if any man could win her heart with his deeds, it should be Link. For a Princess who likely deals with many suitors of varying degrees of valour and quality, I would think this commoner who's saved all she holds dear would be refreshing.
He's not out to share her throne and power, merely to save her people.

Well, TP Link can very well be very different from OoT/MM Link when he grows up (again, I cannot stress enough that we have yet to see a mentally and emotionally aged OoT/MM Link), so anything that rules out Midna in TP can very well rule in Malon in OoT/MM. Personally, I'm willing to accept that Link does have a relationship with Zelda, but I think that a relationship with Malon must also be acknowledged as an at least exceptional possibility, even if it doesn't last. Again, this is a romance thread, not a marriage thread. The two are not the same thing, so it is very much possible for both to be the answer.

Originally Posted by firsttsurugi

Well, TP Link can very well be very different from OoT/MM Link when he grows up (again, I cannot stress enough that we have yet to see a mentally and emotionally aged OoT/MM Link), so anything that rules out Midna in TP can very well rule in Malon in OoT/MM. Personally, I'm willing to accept that Link does have a relationship with Zelda, but I think that a relationship with Malon must also be acknowledged as an at least exceptional possibility, even if it doesn't last. Again, this is a romance thread, not a marriage thread. The two are not the same thing, so it is very much possible for both to be the answer.

Fair enough at that: despite his being 10/11, I will say I thought MM Link was vastly most mature than TP's Link. Seen more blood, more adventure, more heartache. ( Saria, being sent back in time ) But I think the end result will be the same for the two.

Why is Malon an "exceptional possibility" in your eyes? ( and so many others )

I can try to see an angle, and it's temptation. Temptation to go for the simpler things in life...and far less difficult ones at that. He doesn't have to earn her, because she'll give herself to him easily. She won't withhold her emotions for protocol and such.
She has the kind of personality and looks that tend to "bowl guys over" ( in my experience ) but it doesn't last.
In the end of the day Link will be a wise and wordly man who's seen much...I don't think Malon would be able to keep his heart.

Originally Posted by gliderpilotgirl

Fair enough at that: despite his being 10/11, I will say I thought MM Link was vastly most mature than TP's Link. Seen more blood, more adventure, more heartache. ( Saria, being sent back in time ) But I think the end result will be the same for the two.

Why is Malon an "exceptional possibility" in your eyes? I can an angle, and it's temptation. Temptation to go for the simpler things in life...and far less difficult ones at that. He doesn't have to earn her, because she'll give herself to him easily. She won't withhold her emotions for protocol and such.
She has the kind of personality and looks that tend to "bowl guys over" ( in my experience ) but it doesn't last.
In the end of the day Link will be a wise and wordly man who's seen much...I don't think Malon would be able to keep his heart.

Again, I'm not looking for a relationship to last. As long as people can agree that a relationship to have every existed between the two, then I'll accept that as a victory. I'm fine with him ultimately choosing Zelda as his final choice, but I do believe that he and Malon would have at least given a relationship a shot.

Originally Posted by firsttsurugi

Again, I'm not looking for a relationship to last. As long as people can agree that a relationship to have every existed between the two, then I'll accept that as a victory. I'm fine with him ultimately choosing Zelda as his final choice, but I do believe that he and Malon would have at least given a relationship a shot.

There's the problem though: there's no proof he even liked Malon that way. To say, "Malon's cute so Link obviously would have dated her" seems flawed, IMO.
There's nothing real to prove he wanted her.

Besides, if he already liked another girl ( Saria, then Zelda ) why would he dump her to chase Malon? That would indicate a lack of faithfulness and feeling on his part. He may very well blow his chances of ever getting Zelda ( or whoever ) back.

I'm not saying that he dumped Zelda for Malon, quite the opposite, really. I'm saying that he had a relationship with Malon but it didn't work out. Afterwards, he would start a relationship with Zelda that may or may not have worked out. Now, I'm going to give another of my scenarios that seems to bring up a lot of discussion:

Say that, after saving Termina, Link attempted to live a normal life, if only to see that he could pull if off. He can't live in the forest now, because he knows that he doesn't belong, and would just feel like even more of an outsider than Mido ever made him feel like before. Now, probably the best place to go to would be Lon Lon Ranch. He has a friend there, who would probably be willing to at least allow him to stay for a while. After a while they begin to get closer, allowing for a relationship to start (relationships do start at young ages). Now, there is the problem that Link would realize that the normal life just isn't for him anymore. He could then do one of 3 things:

1. Leave Malon and find a life that would better suit him.

2. Stay with Malon in order to keep from hurting her (he may be a different person when he grows up, but I doubt he would have been chosen to be a hero if he would grow up to be a heartless prick).

3. Leave the normal life, maybe becoming a knight, but maintain a relationship with Malon.


Now, all 3 of these allow for him to eventually leave Malon, either immediately or after realizing that the way he's handling his life or relationship just isn't going to work for him.

Now, about whether he has any interest in Malon or not does not come from the same logic as my friends interpretation of Romeo & Juliet, which is: "She's hot, I want her." I think that a relationship could develop out of interests, too. They both have a common interest, it appears, as they both seem to like animals, or at least horses. This would be a good base interest which could get a relationship going, and they could branch out from there to find out just how much they have in common. They could only have that one interest in common, or they could have the exact same interests (I would imagine that it would actually be an in-between). All I'm saying is that it's a possibility which shouldn't be overlooked.

Originally Posted by firsttsurugi

I'm not saying that he dumped Zelda for Malon, quite the opposite, really. I'm saying that he had a relationship with Malon but it didn't work out. Afterwards, he would start a relationship with Zelda that may or may not have worked out. Now, I'm going to give another of my scenarios that seems to bring up a lot of discussion:

We'll have to agree to disagree: you are working on the assumption that Link and Zelda were only platonic friends when he returned to the past. I am working under the assumption that he returned with feelings for Zelda, and therefore would not have pursued Malon romantically, merely as a friend.

Originally Posted by firsttsurugi

Say that, after saving Termina, Link attempted to live a normal life, if only to see that he could pull if off. He can't live in the forest now, because he knows that he doesn't belong, and would just feel like even more of an outsider than Mido ever made him feel like before. Now, probably the best place to go to would be Lon Lon Ranch. He has a friend there, who would probably be willing to at least allow him to stay for a while.

I need to go after that first sentence: why are you thinking that Link would desire to seek a normal life? As far as I am concerned, that is possibly what he tried in the beginning of MM. However, he was never allowed to achieve it...he was thrown into heroics again. A smart Link may have realized at this point that he'd never be normal...why would he again pretend nothing had happened?

Also: why wouldn't he seek refuge in the castle? Zelda is effectively the daughter of the wealthiest man in Hyrule, giving him a roof over his head would be less cost to them compared against the farmers where he'd be expected to earn his keep. He's also better friends with Zelda than with Malon. ( as I would assume given his memory at the beginning of MM )
I also would guess he'd been practicing his swordplay between the end of OoT and MM based on his new gear and moves...the castle is the most logical place for this. He'd find more in common with what he's already used to.

Originally Posted by firsttsurugi

After a while they begin to get closer, allowing for a relationship to start (relationships do start at young ages). Now, there is the problem that Link would realize that the normal life just isn't for him anymore. He could then do one of 3 things:

1. Leave Malon and find a life that would better suit him.

2. Stay with Malon in order to keep from hurting her (he may be a different person when he grows up, but I doubt he would have been chosen to be a hero if he would grow up to be a heartless prick).

3. Leave the normal life, maybe becoming a knight, but maintain a relationship with Malon.

Now, all 3 of these allow for him to eventually leave Malon, either immediately or after realizing that the way he's handling his life or relationship just isn't going to work for him.

I would think that point had already come in/after Termina.

Originally Posted by firsttsurugi

Now, about whether he has any interest in Malon or not does not come from the same logic as my friends interpretation of Romeo & Juliet, which is: "She's hot, I want her." I think that a relationship could develop out of interests, too. They both have a common interest, it appears, as they both seem to like animals, or at least horses. This would be a good base interest which could get a relationship going, and they could branch out from there to find out just how much they have in common. They could only have that one interest in common, or they could have the exact same interests (I would imagine that it would actually be an in-between). All I'm saying is that it's a possibility which shouldn't be overlooked.

Okay. They like animals. But Zelda and him love Hyrule and a great many other things if she is indeed a tomboy. I think there is more basis for them in terms of things in common
leading into a relationship.

I'm not overlooking Malon at all...I thought MM did an even better job with Cremia/Romani in exploring the possibility. But he still left, with no indication he really liked either seriously. I'm not against considering Malon, merely that he'd take the leap and choose to pursue her over Zelda. He's been through so much...I would consider it folly for him to choose Malon when he knows better.

Originally Posted by gliderpilotgirl

To continue the debate: How is TP Link any different from OoT/MM Link in obligations? The thing that you are saying eliminates Midna should theoretically eliminate Malon too. Same goes with Midna's bossiness being unaccepable ( and Zelda's ) where Malon's is?
( A quest would likely be months as well, considering how many times the sun sets in a typical quest. Ezlo in MC even refers to "a month ago" when he stashed a snack in Link's hair on that quest )

I think Manegarm's got a point as far as Zelda goes. I would think that if any man could win her heart with his deeds, it should be Link. For a Princess who likely deals with many suitors of varying degrees of valour and quality, I would think this commoner who's saved all she holds dear would be refreshing.
He's not out to share her throne and power, merely to save her people.

Simple: With dating Midna he would have to take a long trip through Lake Hylia, cross the Gerudo Desert, and go through the obstacles of the Arbiter Grounds just to get to the mirror of twilight. In other words its an inevitably doomed long distance relationship.

With Malon, the distance between Lon Lon ranch and Hyrule castle is like 30 seconds away on horseback. Therefore Link could be Mr.Hero of Hyrule while living with Malon at LonLon ranch with no problem whatsoever. He can do all the farmwork chores in the early morning then have more than enough time to go roaming around Hyrule doing hero things for Zelda all day long and then come back home to Malon every evening without missing a beat.

As for TP, I think there is a possibility for LinkxZelda relationship only if Zelda makes the first move.

Originally Posted by gliderpilotgirl

Fair enough at that: despite his being 10/11, I will say I thought MM Link was vastly most mature than TP's Link. Seen more blood, more adventure, more heartache. ( Saria, being sent back in time ) But I think the end result will be the same for the two.

Why is Malon an "exceptional possibility" in your eyes? ( and so many others )

I can try to see an angle, and it's temptation. Temptation to go for the simpler things in life...and far less difficult ones at that. He doesn't have to earn her, because she'll give herself to him easily. She won't withhold her emotions for protocol and such.
She has the kind of personality and looks that tend to "bowl guys over" ( in my experience ) but it doesn't last.
In the end of the day Link will be a wise and wordly man who's seen much...I don't think Malon would be able to keep his heart.

For the record TP Link would pulverize MM Link to a bloody pulp. Whatever level of maturity MM Link has, he still is just a pudgy pint sized cherub like elf boy armed with a cute baby sword and an oversized shield. TP Link would just do a simple jump slash and split MM Link and that stupid looking frozen wide eyed look on his face into two as he screams in horrid agony before he dies in a gory bloody mess.

But I do acknowledge that the Malon relationship in living the simple farm life could grow old on Link and he may have second thoughts after the honeymoon period is over and may then feel that his rightful place should be with Zelda. But the big question is would Zelda accept being in a romantic relationship with Link after he has been tainted and soiled by Malon?? Personally I think not, but maybe there is a possibility that Zelda could still be in a loving intimate relationship with Link even if his precious virginity was no longer intact anymore.