Link has passed by the entrance to the Romani Ranch a couple of times now, but all he was really able to do was groan over the fact that a giant boulder had found its way in front of the entrance.
The means by which this boulder became a barrier to the ranch are unknown and possibly deliberate and nefarious, but Link’s not looking to learn the specifics of “why.” He’s only interested in getting past it, and thanks to his time in Snowhead and his newly acquired ability to purchase the powerful Powder Kegs, Link has the dual opportunity to vent some anger and reopen the ranch.
After the explosive goes off and the dust settles, Link takes his first steps into the ranch’s wide-open field. The air is fresher, the grass is greener, and the songs of the cows in the distance tell Link he’s found a very promising spot to take a break from the chaos Termina has been sending his way. At least, that is his hope.
There’s a lot for Link to do at the ranch, but it’s understandable that he would probably start his exploration at the large ranch house in the right-middle portion of the field. He had a good time with the ranch owners of Lon Lon Ranch, so he’s hoping he’ll become fast friends with these people as well.
This hope quickly turns to fact as Link approaches the house and sees his beloved steed, Epona, resting comfortably in a stable connected to the house. It’s a reunion Link’s been waiting days to experience, those days actually being multiple days long. Yes, she’s locked behind a fence, but at least he knows where she is.
Now that he knows Epona’s safe, Link doubles back to meet a young girl, a girl who he had ignored and run past to see his horse. This girl, a carbon copy of Link’s friend Malon, is busying herself by practicing with her bow. Her target: a balloon decorated with bright colors and a creepy face. Link introduces himself to the girl, and the girl introduces herself as Romani, having been named after the ranch. Pressing more for information about what she’s doing, Link learns that she is practicing for when “They” will return to try to steal the ranch’s cows.
She is vague about who is coming, but Link can’t help but want to help, and he quickly becomes her assistant with her quest. Dubbing Link “Grasshopper,” Romani challenges Link to prove his skills by riding Epona across the field and shooting at a number of balloons within a time limit. Link accepts, completes the test with ease, and earns Romani’s trust and respect. As a reward, she teaches Link “Epona’s Song.” Link plays the song (which he somehow forgot and Romani somehow knew), it’s enchanting notes do the trick, and Link finally reunites with Epona and can travel freely with her.
Romani is happy for Link’s help and tells him to return to the ranch at 2am. That is when They will return. Link is still unsure of what is to come, but he’ll be ready. He has more than enough experience when it comes to preparing for the unknown.
With the looming new task still hours away, Link takes the time to explore the rest of the ranch.
The first stop is down in the fields to meet Romani’s big sister, Cremia. The family resemblance is clear between the two siblings, and Link can’t help but notice her similarity to the Malon from a future he left in the past. Cremia is similar in personality to Romani, due to her kindness and friendliness, but Link can tell how mature she is by how she speaks of her duties at the ranch. Now that the path is open again, she needs to make the trek into Clock Town. It’s a seemingly menial task, but Link’s hero’s intuition tells him that the journey will be a hazardous one, so he makes note to come and see her again before she departs.
With those tasks added to his Bombers’ Notebook, Link feels he can freely explore the rest of what the ranch has to offer. On the southern edge of the ranch, Link finds the Doggy Racing Track. With all the talk of mysterious visitors and perilous journeys, such a fun diversion as this is more than welcomed. Link picks his favorite pup and tasks it with besting all of the other eager and energetic members of its pack. If Link chose wisely, and his dog wins, Mamamu Yan, the race track’s operator, offers him a reward of cold, hard rupees and a Piece of Heart. Rewards and dogs, this part of the ranch is quickly becoming Link’s favorite.
Next door to the race track is the Cucco Shack, which is home to both Grog and a number of spry chicks. Link sees an opportunity, so he dons his Bremen Mask. He begins his melody, and one by one the chicks follow his lead. Once he manages to convince all of the chicks to follow him, they magically mature into a batch of beautiful new Cuccos. As terrifying as it might be to Link for a bunch of Cuccos to appear all at once, his work caring for them pays off, as Grog appreciates the attention Link gives the chicks and presents him with the ever-useful Bunny Hood as thanks. Romani Ranch just keeps on giving.
The ranch is sparse on unique activities outside of the race track and shack, but Link is happy to enjoy the atmosphere of this warm and welcoming slice of rural heaven for as long as he can. He’ll ride around the field on Epona for a little while longer, but he knows he’ll need to stop so he can get ready for tonight. “They” are coming tonight, so he needs to get ready. But who are They, exactly? Well, you’ll need to read tomorrow’s article to find out.
Be sure to check out the rest of our articles from Majora’s Month, our month-long celebration of Majora’s Mask’s 20th anniversary!
