I slowly woke to the morning rhythm of chirping birds and glistening sunlight through the top floor window. I got out of bed; put on my outfit and headed outside to greet Epona. Shortly after leaving my house I heard a commotion of people yelling things, in happy tones; I could not hear. I shrugged it off and returned to Epona, feeding her a carrot or two. All of a sudden there was a voice that rung out behind me.
"Good morning, Link."
I looked over my shoulder and turned around to face the voice. "P-Princess?"
She smiled brightly, laughing a little and trotting her white mare beside me. "I've come to offer thee with a proud position as Personal Guardian."
"Personal Guardian?" I questioned, confused with the aspects of the offer.
She smiled and nodded. "The pay is wonderful; all you must do is accompany and protect me when I leave the castle grounds."
I looked at her a moment before sighing and looking away. "Can I have some time to think?"
She looked down at me rather concerned. "Is something wrong?"
I sighed, avoiding eye contact. "I just need time to say goodbye." I smiled weakly up at her and bowed. "I'll be ready and packed by tomorrow, if that's okay."
She looked at me a moment. "Alright." She bowed her head smiling at me. "I shall see you again tomorrow morning."
I blushed a little glancing at her. "Yes of course. Have a safe trip back then, your Highness."
She nodded and turned her horse, heading back to the castle.
I looked at Epona and sighed speaking quietly. "No one will understand; but I'll have to tell them. ...No matter how much I'll miss them." I sighed heading to work at the ranch.
I stopped at the gate, climbing over the fencing and heading over to the goats, Epona following behind. I mounted Epona, leading the goats inside the barn with skill. I paused seeing Ilia walking through out of the corner of my eyes. I waves and smiled. "Hey Ilia!"
She smiled and waved back. "Hey Link!" She jogged up to me looking up at me. "Good morning, how are ya'?"
I tilted my head. "I'm doing well this morning, thanks. And how are you?"
She smiled brighter. "Very good, thank you."
My smile faded, remembering this morning, and I sighed turning away. "I've... got news."
She looked at me questioningly. "Y-Yes Link?"
"...I was visited by Princess Zelda today."
Her smile faded as well, now looking at my concerned. "I-Is something wrong?"
I sighed again looking over at her. "She gave me a job offer as Personal Guardian to the throne."
Ilia looked at me shocked for a moment but then smiled weakly, sweating confused and awkward. "H-Ha ha, y-you would never take a job l-like that of course..." She blinked and stepped closer to me and Epona. "W-Would you?"
I looked at her silent for a moment and nodded; trying to get her to understand. "I'm sorry, Ilia."
She saddened at the thought and looked down mumbling... "B-But why? ...Your perfectly fine here."
I looked at Epona as she lowered her head, avoiding being hit by Ilia by shifting, bobbing her neck and head threateningly. "I.. I'm sorry. Ever since I returned from my quests... It just didn't seem the same anymore..."
She turned around mumbling and sniffling. "I... I u-understand..." She began walking away; leaving me there, feeling like a jerk.
I sighed and dismounted Epona and sat against a tree in the shade, enjoying the rest of the day, best I could.
As nightfall approached, I decided to head home and get packed. I left to home with Epona and said goodnight to my mare before heading inside and looking around wondering where to start.