Even in the evening, the village was still welcoming as the day he had first arrived at the tender age of fourteen.

Epona whinnied into the cold Spring air and pressed her hoof into the soft, cool soil. I mounted her and brushed her white mane in approval. After I combed my long, slender fingers through her wiry hair, I nodded vigorously to Uli, whose hands rested on her swollen belly. She smiled politely and held onto Colin's hand much to his embarassment.

"It took quite a bit to wash the matted dirt out of Epona's maine, but Sera and I managed to do it," the pregnant lady ignored Colin's embarrassed moan, "We kept in mind of your arrival to Hyrule castle and that kept us going."

"Link!" Beth cried from afar, sauntering to the horse's side, "When are you leaving? Are you sure you can't stay? I-I want to go with you. I want to meet the princess."

"He isn't goint to meet the Princess," Illia retorted coldy; I was sure she forgot she was talking to children, "Don't act silly, Beth. You know that he's only going to Hyrule because of that selfish Court and wanting more people to make that selfish witch look more glorified than her sucessors before her." Beth lowered her head and gazed at Illia sheepishly, clutching her wooden doll in her hands roughly.

"Oh, shush you," Sera waved at my fiance's coldness and grinned warmly at Beth, "Well m'dear, let's read what the invatation says, shall we? Let's see here… Hmmm… Oh, here we go! It says:

'We cordially invite men from the ages of 17-50 to a six month program for the opening of Princess Zelda into her 'queen' status. Men will work everyday except Sunday in preparation for December 31st. Work will include:

Carpentry

Lifting heavy objects

Horse mastering

Also more. The Court of Hyrule does not encourage citizens with a history of psychical ailments to partake in this program. Every man who partakes will be paid 500 rupees by the time of December 31st and a free admission into the ceremony of Princess Zelda.

Thankyou,

The Court of Hyrule'."

Sera smiled her slightly gap-toothed smile and handed me the letter with the shimmering Hyrule stamp. I examined it absentmindedly, fingering the folds and tears due to careless handlung.

"I don't get it. Why do you have to go, Link? Just ask my mama to give you a job here so you can stay!" Beth jutted out her lower lip, glistening with moist salivia as she nuzzled Epona's nose.

"Don't be silly, Beth. We need all the money we can get for Illia and Link's wedding. Now, go get Talo and Malo so we can give a proper goodbye to Link. It might be a while before we see him again!" Uli's voice wavered as she ran her finger's through Colin's tousled blonde locks.

"Oh, Link," Illia mumbled into my leg as she hugged It, "Promise to write? Every single day? I will simply die without you. Oh, you must visit to! When you have free time for a day's journey back to Ordon. When you get back, I will have my father throw a feast for us and for the wedding. We must, Link."

I smiled down at her and reached to stroke her dishwater blonde hair. He eyes were brimmed with tears and she wiped her nose with her arm much like a small child would do. "I love you, Illia. I promise to write and all that mush. You must promise to be strong, though, and keep watching the children until my arrival for our wedding."

"I love you too," She jerked my head down for a kiss, "I promise."

As the day progressed into a lazily twilight; as the village's bellies were full of wine and bread; as the soilder's and other workers from other towns galloped into the humble provision of Ordon, I departed along with them and their horses and covered wagons. I rode along in silence, listening to the howls and laughter of other men. I was among the young yet diverse: clean faced, well-kept hair, and trimmed body. Others, however few, were gut-bellied and had hairs sprouting from their chins. I already felt the hollowness in my chest from the lonliness I knew would accompany me like a shadow for the next six months.

I had already mapped out in my mind what Sundays I could visit Ordon for a surprise trip. It was only one Sunday, three months into the program. I suppressed a groan. That village was the only place I felt comfortable in. They took me in when I had no place to go.

But this wasn't about me.

It was about us.

Illia and myself.

The chill of night eventually transformed into early morning, the blanket of night was ripped off to expose the large town of Hyrule. They lowered the bridge slowly, Epona's hoofs beating against the wood of the bridge. As we entered, a gaggle of townspeople had to step aside and let the stream of young and old through, gawking in impressments.

The town was amazing. I had been there only once, back when I was fifteen to deliver a newborn bull. It had evolved since then, a smell of warmth and food was a perfume for the hay and spring water that wafted aswell.

The castle got closer and towered over me. The sunlight hit it at a perfect angel, a large shadow casting over the town. Flowers and different assorted rocks decorated the outside. Small pointy spires jutting out from its roof and a large bridge connecting it with the surrounding area, and small tents surrounded the grassy area behind.

"You will be sharing one tent with three other men. Food is served three times a day in the dining hall. You will not be dining with the royals-" This erupted boos and hollers from the men, "If you don't like the food, fine. Don't eat it. But you will not be served an alternitive. You will awake at 6 o'clock promptly, and you are allowed to settle at any time, but no one outside the designated area except Sundays. On Sundays, you must be back at 9 o'clock sharp. You will not be paid if you miss one day, one hour, one minute. We will take name checks. Today is a free day, so feel free to relax for now!" The man with a helmet read from a scroll and took a long, hard look at everyone, "And no one, I repeat, no one is to enter Hyrule castle without permission. If anyone is found there, especially in a particular Princess's room (large howls of agreement surfaced) you will be liable to prosectuion. We will assign a number that coordinates to a certain tent. Thank you. Enjoy the rest of your day."

Number 30076. I didn't have a name now, just a number. Epona was dismissed to the Court stables. She was stubborn to go without my leading her, but she ended up getting a whip and a slap on the rear and off she went.

Night arrived quickly as I nervously scuttled to find my tent. Two other men, one old yet foul-mouthed, the other young but nervous and flittery. The mass surrounded by a fire, telling stories and jokes. I watched from a safe distance, beside a boy who looked fourteen at the most. He occasionaly glanced at me slowly, but looked away when I tried to return a look of disdain.

"Lemme tell ya boys," On man with large muscles, dark skin, and white facial hair burped out, "My girl back at home-she's fire. All stubborn and sassy. But she does what I say by the time of night." He winked at received hand slaps from others.

"Mine is like a slave lemmuh tell ya," A skinny light-skinned man retorted, "She wanna get married, but I tell her imma wait. It's whatev-uh."

"What about your girl?" The elder man who shared my tent asked hushly, "Wha'she like?"

"She's different," I replied in a small voice, "Her name is Illia. And I have to remember to write to her tonight."

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Author's note: a wee bit slow at first, but I promise it'll pick up. I'm real exicted for it. So review with critism, praise, and y'know the deal, aye? (;