He had always been a quiet sort of person. Few words could replace the sureness of a warm smile, a firm nod…but the usually cheery ranch hand had taken to avoiding people and shutting himself in his house for long spells.
When he wasn't herding sheep or fishing, he would often don his tunic, mount Epona, and head off to who knows where for days. Each time he returned, he seemed even more depressed.
Talo thought that he was just losing sleep over Hyrule Castle's Repair, but Malo guessed that he had had some horrible shock in his adventures. They all had heard rumors, but whenever they asked Link for the real story, he would just change the subject and leave shortly after.
One day, as Link returned from one of his quests, Illia snuck into his basement and hid there. She heard him slowly climb the ladder and open the door. She decided to count to ten until she popped into his kitchen. Until his footsteps neared the basement ladder. He was climbing down! Illia stumbled frantically to find a place to hide.
Link ignited his lantern. A shing of metal greeted the small noise behind the old chest. "Oh, it's you." Illia stood as he sheathed the blade. Sorry to intrude, but…Link, it's been almost a month since you returned from the battle at Hyrule Castle. We've all asked questions, and I want answers."
Link sighed and slowly set down the sack he had been carrying. "What's in there?" Illia asked. "…nothing." "Oh, come on," Illia persisted, "It must be important if you went all the way to the castle." Link turned. "I never went to the castle, Illia."
Before he could go further, Illia grabbed the bag from the floor and turned it upside-down. "Then what's all this?" Link growled fiercely as a million shards of glass poured out.