A.N: After much deliberation, I've decided to finally post this. I've already got three and a half chapters written up so I believe I know where I'm going with this. Just putting this up to check reception and things, hopefully updates won't be too long. Would like to get it finished before the release of Skyward Sword, as my free time would be taken up playing that obviously lol. Hope you enjoy!

Disclaimer: I do not own the Zelda universe and no profit has been made from this.

A Wolf in Goat's Clothing

Chapter One

He'd tried, but he just couldn't go back to how life was. Things were just...too different. It was never ideal, life in Ordon. It had been far too tame. He'd always felt there was something missing from his unsubstantial life.

He'd been lucky, the goddesses knew he'd been lucky. The sixteen years he'd spent in the small forest village had been peaceful and cheerful. True, he'd lost his parents at such a young age, been abandoned on Uli's mother's doorstep when he was just a toddler, but Uli and Rusl had been the best foster parents anyone could ever ask for. He had so many friends, so many good times. He even had a job, herding goats up at the ranch, even if it was the most boring career in the history of man.

But there had always been an empty fire in his belly during the sword training with Rusl. The dull, routine drills and exercises seemed pointless, he knew things would always be different in real life. The basics had helped him, but the gold wolf's teachings had saved his neck far many times. He'd never tell Rusl. The older man knew his gratitude, and he also knew it had only been a matter of time before student surpassed the master.

Link sighed and closed his sketchbook. Inspiration just wouldn't come to him. After delivering Hyrule from darkness and defeating both Zant and the evil Ganondorf, he had changed so much. No. He hadn't changed. He'd been unleashed. Discovering the ferocious wolf within himself had released the glorious blood lust from inside. He was not a complete monster. He knew justice, mercy, wisdom. The wolf had taught him to follow his instincts, sharpened his senses. With the shattering of the mirror and Midna returning to her own world, the furry pelt and form had vanished with them. He didn't know whether to be grateful or disappointed. It was there when he fought though, and he relished it.

He'd always secretly wanted something better before the war. He lived for a challenge and Ordon just didn't provide it. He'd been expected to marry, grow old in the village. But it'd always been the last thing he wanted. He wanted battles, excitement, danger. It was the reason he'd leapt into his journey with such vigour. Sure he was to save Ilia and the children, but there would be thrills and glory. Everything he'd ever dreamt of.

He didn't think about the heartache, the fear, the anger. His very soul had ached for days after he first murdered a living creature. Then when he had to fight Darbus, the gentle Yeta, his heart burned with regret. The beast within him lusted for the taste but the man within him despaired. That was the life he knew now.

Things with Ilia were different also. Before the war his feelings for her ran so deep he didn't know what to do with himself. Maybe he'd loved her, he didn't know. All he knew was that since then, he no longer felt the same. She was his sister, his best friend. That was all she was. He was not the man from before and he could never be that man again.

It wasn't like he hadn't attempted to be. But he couldn't force that which wasn't there any more. The only women in his life now were Epona and his blade. That was how it would remain for many years, he knew. Maybe he would find a nice girl and settle down in the village. But he doubted it. He was a lone wolf.

He briefly considered moving to Castle Town, the heart of Hyrule, but just as quickly disregarded it. What on earth would he do with himself there? Run the Castle branch of Malo Mart? It would be even worse than it was here. At least here he had a valuable skill. If you could call goat herding a skill. It wasn't like he could just join the army. He wasn't noble-born. Only aristocrats could become pages and learn the role of knighthood in Hyrule. He was too old anyway, boys went to the palace to learn aged just ten years old.

He was just a common ranch hand from Ordon who happened to have some talent with a blade. He might have had noble blood once, if the Hylian Triforce emblazoned on his hand was anything to go by, but that would have watered down years and years ago. No, it was no use fantasising. He was better off staying here, out of any more trouble.

The sun burned bright this late morning, despite the chill wintry breeze. He could hear the children larking about outside, enjoying the weather before the snow came from the west. They didn't understand, not even Malo, who had always been cynically wise beyond his years. His parents had been awestruck to hear their son had opened up not one but two shops of his own, and prouder still when they learned Talo had took it upon himself to be the lookout for Kakariko village, saving it from ambush many a time.

No, they still looked upon him in awe, completely unaware of the heartache he had endured. His face was pretty much unscathed. It was underneath his clothes where the majority of the damage could be seen. Shiny burns from the Goron mines, stings from the jellyfish in the Zora temple, bites from Tektites he couldn't dodge, a raw slash across his chest where he had tripped and fell prey to Ganondorf's blade in the final battle. The list was endless. He was still stiff and sore many days later. Still, he couldn't ruin the happy looks on the kids' faces by telling them the truth.

Rusl understood, to a degree. Link was grateful for it. It meant there had been no awkward, prying questions, just a pat on the back for a job well done and a welcome home. He'd gone back to work the same day. Uli had tended his wounds tenderly and motherly, then he'd gone up to the ranch. He'd shut the goats up on foot, giving Epona a well deserved rest.

He dressed carefully, old and new bruises twinging from the simple task. It took more than a couple of fairies to heal months of constant warfare. Still, he was on the mend. His Ordonian clothes were comfortable, familiar, but impractical for swordplay. He practised in the hero's garb, then changed. He knew the green tunic and cap looked silly to some but he felt as if they were made for him and only him.

Sighing regretfully, he stepped outside, momentarily blinded by the sun's watery rays. Leaping down the ladder – climbing always felt so mundane nowadays – he was mildly surprised to see the kids continuing with their games instead of rushing towards him. Either the novelty had worn off, or their parents had given them a stern telling off. Whichever it was, he was thankful. He returned their greetings and walked on.

The village was just how he remembered. It was hectic today, people were rushing to and fro, preparing everything that would be taken to Castle Town for market day tomorrow. He'd always wanted to go with them when he was younger, having never been to the capital. He had never been allowed, there was only him and Fado to run the ranch.

Now he considered tagging along just for something to do. He'd already been turned away by the farmers, by the shop keeper. Relax, they'd said, before your shift at the ranch. They just didn't get he couldn't relax, needed something to occupy himself with and keep the beast at bay. Instead, he decided to visit Uli and her newborn. No doubt she would welcome a helping hand.

Colin was out with Ilia, his foster mother explained after she had let him in. He'd always loved their tiny house, there would always be a cheerful fire blazing, the smell of some tasty broth Uli was preparing for their dinner. He'd been sad to move out just before the war, but he understood that with a new baby on the way space would be vital.

And truth be told, Link enjoyed living on his own now. He had so much freedom, he felt liberated. It wasn't like he never saw his foster family anyway, he was always round for dinner, seeing as his cooking skills were equal to that of a Moblin. It had always made Rusl chuckle. Can't be good at cooking and swordsmanship Link, it would cause an imbalance in the world! That's what he used to say.

Uli never once asked him about his journey, which he was pleased about. She must have learnt from Rusl not to talk about such things unless he mentioned them first. He'd have to thank the older man. He just wasn't quite ready to discuss his adventures just yet, the loss of Midna still burned and he found himself wanting to give in to the beast that wasn't there any more.

"I saw you practising this morning Link. How many more times do I have to tell you? You'll end up tearing a muscle," Uli scolded gently, breaking him out of his thoughts.

She looked well today, he'd decided. There was a sort of radiance about her which Ilia, the Princess Zelda and other women he knew didn't have. She was glowing with the love and pride of motherhood, he realised. He glanced down at the baby in the crib by the hearth. He'd seen a change in Colin too, and Rusl especially. It was like their whole world revolved around this little girl. Looking upon her vulnerable and innocent beauty, it wasn't hard to understand why.

"I know," Link replied softly, accepting the mug of hot, sweet tea she offered him.

Link didn't talk a great deal. He preferred to observe and learn. A lot of people found him ignorant, but he just didn't have a lot to say. Ilia used to speak for him when they were growing up, that girl certainly made up for his lack of vocals. He always liked listening to her, she used to tell the best stories, about horses mostly. It was through one of the legends she knew that he named his horse Epona.

"See to it you listen this time. I know you're bored Link, but adults have responsibilities, and you're-"

"An adult now. I know Uli, it's just...I don't want to..." Link broke off awkwardly, struggling to find the correct words without sounding like a spoilt child.

"You don't want to spend the rest of your life as a shepherd in Ordon," Uli finished for him. She patted his knee sympathetically.

"You must think I'm silly," He looked down at the tea warming his palms and felt a blush rising to his cheeks.

"No. Wanting different things is not a crime Link. For some, this is enough, for others, not. Rusl and I always knew you were meant to chase better things for yourself," She shrugged, smiling fondly.

"I wish it was enough," He said sincerely.

"Even Mayor Bo knew you would leave in search of adventure someday, even if you weren't the cho-"

It was she who hesitated this time, glancing quickly at him to gauge his reaction to her slip-up. They'd all been warned not to mention the war, the poor boy had been through enough, far more than someone his age should be expected to suffer. She could see the change in him, the battle fever and thirst for a challenge.

"Even if the war hadn't happened," He answered to reassure her it was okay, he wasn't going to turn into a wreck at the mere mention of it.

"Right. It was just a matter of time," She nodded, getting up to check on their dinner, bubbling merrily in a pot over the fire.

"I don't know why I'm getting so frustrated. I can't really do anything about it. I can't join the Royal Warband or anything," He responded bitterly.

For the first time in his life he almost wished he hadn't been an orphan raised in a tiny village tucked away in the countryside. He never really thought about his parents, Rusl and Uli had been too good to him for that. But right now, he did wonder if things might have been different if he hadn't been left to them.

"Well, no, but could apply for the Foot Troops," She suggested thoughtfully.

"Foot Troops?" His head snapped up, interest piqued.

"Mm. It's a force made up entirely of commoners who are called upon in times of war. The process takes months and months though. There are so many trials, so much training. You have to prove you're as good a warrior as a noble you see," She caught him pulling a face, clearly offended. "Oh I know we're worth two of them, but you know how proud aristocrats are,"

Link nodded, easily mollified. Truthfully, this sounded ideal. Sure, he would be no fully fledged knight, but this would be rougher, dirtier, more challenging. He wasn't afraid to get his hands filthy, certainly not. He didn't care how long it took either, he was young yet, would keep going until he had no breath left in his lungs and no willpower left in his heart to fight.

"It sounds...perfect. How do I join?" He asked eagerly.

"Mayor Bo needs to send a letter of recommendation to the general in charge at the castle. They have recruiting days once a quarter I think," Uli replied, sipping her tea. "Although you could ask Rusl to put in a good word for you, he was all set to become a member,"

"How come he didn't?" Link questioned, puzzled. He remembered times when the older man was away for weeks on end when he was just a boy, probably training he now realised. It sounded a much better job than hunter for Ordon.

"He felt that he would be a better husband for his family if he stayed with me. I'm incredibly thankful, though in his heart, I don't think he was ready for such ordeals," She smiled softly, caught up in memory.

"Am I?" He whispered uncertainly. If Rusl, of all people, wasn't ready to become a soldier, how could he? She examined him thoughtfully.

"You are younger than he was, it's true. But you are mature, you have already been through so much. He never had your...thirst for adventure," She mused, regarding him fondly.

"Everything has become so tame here. I don't like it," He shared, his voice flat and disheartened.

"I think you should go where your heart tells you. I have here what I've always wanted, a doting husband and three beautiful children," She smiled widely and proudly at his shy blush. "You should go and find what your heart wants," She paused, not quite knowing how to address the next subject. "You will be...missed greatly," She said delicately.

Link looked away nervously, knowing what she was trying to say. Ilia. He guessed everyone else must have thought the pair of them would probably marry and grow old together in the village. He had to repress a shudder at the thought. It was farthest from what he wanted right now. He just didn't know how to bring it up to her.

"I know. Things are...not the same," He frowned unhappily.

"People change. Sometimes, what might have felt right before is suddenly completely wrong. No one's to blame Link, I'm sure Ilia will understand that," Uli reassured him gently. He nodded again, then drained his tea.

"Thank you. I have to be getting to the ranch. Fado will be running round like a headless Cucco," He chuckled, climbing to his feet.

He turned and looked down into the tiny crib by the hearth. The baby was sleeping soundlessly now, minute fingers curled around her blanket. She was a pretty thing, all pink skin and dark tufts of soft hair. It was hard to believe such a perfect creature could emerge out of a bloody war, but here was living proof. Link smiled at his adoptive sister and went on his way.

It was chilly outside, reminding them all that winter was on its way. He never liked winter much, it was always too wet and too cold. Still, he couldn't deny the beauty the season brought with it, and it would be nice to spend it how he always did. That was the one thing he knew would never alter, and he didn't want it to.

He pulled his coat tighter around him to block out the biting wind and set off down the hill. He hopped gracefully over the river then quickly remembered himself. He looked around and relaxed to see the kids were still away, probably out by his house. It wouldn't do for them to see him leaping streams and try it for themselves. Their mothers would be after his blood.

He cast his eyes towards the ranch and froze momentarily, suddenly feeling his heart judder painfully against his ribcage. Ilia was stood with her father, conversing and assessing the carts to go to market. He didn't know why he felt nervous, he'd spoke to her many times since he had returned and nothing had been awkward.

Still, he had to pass them to reach the ranch and it would be rude not to speak to the pair so he continued on. The Mayor waved cheerfully when he spotted the young lad, and Link sheepishly returned the gesture. Ilia gave him a small smile as he approached.

"Link, m'boy! How are you this fine afternoon?" Bo boomed, clapping him heartily on the back.

"Um, good, thanks, you?" Link winced discretely as a bruise twinged. He was pretty sure the Mayor didn't know his own strength.

"Couldn't be better lad,"

There was a strange silence that followed that didn't make sense, as if Link had interrupted something important, or about him. Ilia refused to look at him, occupying herself with the flowers at the waterside instead. Mayor Bo, on the other hand, watched him with an intense pride that gave Link the creeps. He was relieved when the older man saw he was uncomfortable and spoke.

"Ilia. See to it the rest of the carts are fine,"

Link blinked in shock to hear his sudden, clipped tone. To his greater surprise, Ilia scowled darkly and responded just as tensely. The Mayor huffed and stomped off towards the shop.

"Have you...argued?" He asked in bewilderment. Ilia instantly sighed and deflated.

"Yes. A lot, actually," She answered forlornly, watching her father's retreating back.

"Oh," Link thought it would be rude to ask what about, so he didn't.

"It's wonderful to be home after being away for so long, but we aren't seeing eye to eye," She explained quietly. He nodded, understanding. "Father wants me to start learning to be mayor,"

"That's fantastic!" Link exclaimed genuinely, grinning broadly.

"What?" She snapped, glaring at him. His smile vanished immediately.

"Don't you...want to be mayor?" He wondered in confusion.

"No, not right now," She replied angrily.

"Why not?" He frowned, perplexed.

When they were younger that was all she spoke about, becoming mayor. She was so proud of her father, couldn't wait until she could start taking care of the village too. And she would make a good mayor, Link knew this. So why the unexpected antagonism? Ilia had always had a close relationship with her father, arguments between the two were almost unheard of.

"It's just, I don't feel ready. I want to just relax a little longer. I don't want to grow up and face all those responsibilities right now," She ranted, throwing her hands up in the air in exasperation.

Link paused, thinking carefully about his old friend's words. He could understand, to a degree. Ilia had been through a lot, and should be allowed to have a breather. But on the other hand, that was the precise reason Link disagreed. He breathed out deeply, knowing she was not going to like his answer. But she had asked his opinion and she was going to get it.

"Ilia," He began quietly and gravely. "I think you should start learning to be mayor,"

"What? You're agreeing with him? Why?" She cried shrilly, clearly affronted. Link winced, aware people were starting to stare.

"It's a good idea to...learn, everything you can. To prepare yourself for the future," He explained slowly, more thinking out loud than speaking to her.

"What are you talking about? Are you saying there's going to be another war?" She whispered, horrified at the far away look in his sapphire eyes.

She'd seen too many of these looks on his young, boyish face lately, and she didn't like it. She understood that he had seen hardship, but the fighting had changed him in ways she hated. He went to war a carefree, playful boy, but had returned a hard, troubled man. He was no longer her Link.

"No, I'm not saying that," He amended soothingly. "What I'm saying is, you don't know what's going to happen tomorrow. It's best to know everything you can so you can face anything knowing you've tried your hardest,"

There was quiet for a while as she studied his face. There were lines, scars she didn't remember. He was restless, she knew. She couldn't predict him any more and that scared her. Somehow, in her heart, she knew she was losing him. Link wouldn't stay in Ordon forever.

"If I become mayor, what will you do? Shepherd the goats for the rest of your life?" She wondered, barely audible. Carefully, he shook his head, contemplating his next words. He couldn't look her in the eye.

"No. I'm going to ask your father to recommend me for the Foot Troops,"

He grimaced at her gasp. It had been hard to say. He knew it was crazy. He never even knew such a thing existed until half an hour ago, and he had already set his heart on it. But never before had anything sounded so perfect to him. It was as if this chance had been created solely for him, and he wasn't about to miss it.

"You're leaving? To fight?" She hissed, her breath coming out as a wisp of cloud in the cold air.

"No. The war's finished, there will be no fighting," He corrected gently. He was starting to feel immensely guilty seeing the petrified look on her pretty face.

"Then what are you joining for?" She demanded, tugging his sleeve.

"To make something of my life Ilia. You had to know I couldn't stay here herding goats until I die. You know that's not me," He implored. She scowled at him.

"So you're going to be a soldier? For what? Pointless bloodshed, undeserved glory-" She broke off bitterly.

"Of course not. I'm going for me. For you, for Ordon. For the Princess Zelda, for Hyrule," And to satisfy the beast in my heart he wanted to add but he knew it would only scare her more.

"Princess Zelda. I knew she'd crop up somewhere," Ilia scoffed, removing her hand from his arm and rolling her eyes.

"What are you talking about?" He asked disbelievingly, eyes widening at her surprise change in tactic.

"Is it true what they say? That she's the spitting image of the Old Queen? That her face is so devastatingly beautiful the stars fall out of the night sky in shame?" She spat in disgust, face twisted with jealously.

"What? Yeah, she's pretty, I guess. I only met her a couple of times. I never took much notice, I had more important things to think about. What's gotten into you?" He asked skeptically, shaking his head.

What did Princess Zelda have to do with anything? He wouldn't even see her. He would be at the the barracks or the encampment, far away from the palace. He'd probably never see her again, maybe before they went on a campaign she'd see them off or something. He wouldn't actually talk to her, or get to know her. So what on earth was Ilia saying?

"Just forget it Link," She sighed in frustration, rubbing her temples.

"Ilia, don't be like this," Link begged quietly.

Sadly, Ilia shook her head and traipsed up to her house without even a glance back. Link sighed this time and stomped off towards the ranch in annoyance, ignoring all the villagers who had watched their exchange and were openly staring. No doubt the place would be buzzing with gossip before long.

This was just further proof he and Ilia were completely different people nowadays. He just could not understand her, try as he might. They had never argued like that before, and it unnerved him. He didn't like being on bad terms with anyone, and knowing Ilia was upset with him was distressing.

Fado gladly rushed off to prepare the goats and products that would be off to market tomorrow when he saw the foul mood Hyrule's hero was in. Usually he'd stay and chat before ending his shift but the boy's stormy expression and clipped answers put him on edge. In fact, he didn't think he'd ever seen Link look so irate, especially not before he went away. The war had almost turned him into a different person.

Link settled down on the grass, grumbling to himself as he watched the goats graze and trot around the paddock. The late afternoon sun was watery and hurt his eyes. Snow would fall soon, and he would be bored stupid for the rest of the season. There wasn't much for him and Fado to do when their cattle was cooped up inside due to the bad weather.

It didn't take long for Epona to join him. She must have got fed up with wandering around the spring and realised it was time to be at the ranch. She'd come a long way from being a shepherd's horse. She'd been thrown into the midst of battle without a smidgeon of training and emerged a warhorse as skilled as any noble's. Link was immensely proud of her.

She folded herself beside him, reminding him of the times they lay together for warmth when he was a wolf. Sighing, he petted her nose, his anger slowly starting to evaporate from the mare's calming presence. She had to be bored here too, surely. No other horses to make friends with and nothing to do all day but chase some goats at sunset.

"You'd love to come be a soldier with me, wouldn't you girl?" He asked softly, twisting her mane gently around his fingers. She whinnied enthusiastically. "That's a yes then," He laughed.

Ilia just didn't seem to understand. She was happy to spend the rest of her life here, she had a proper role. What could Link do? The village already had a swordsman in Rusl, and he knew Colin would be far better suited to inherit that than he. Colin didn't have a restless spirit, the urge to travel and experience every adventure the world had to offer.

Eventually, the hours passed and it was time to round the goats up for the night and lock them up. It wasn't even exciting any more, galloping after goats. They didn't fight back, just bleated in annoyance and reluctantly padded into their stalls. Jumping fences was pointless, there was no thrill attached to the activity any more. He didn't know how Fado came back day after day. Finished, he dismounted and said goodnight to the older man.

Dejectedly, he made his way to Rusl and Uli's for dinner.

To Be Continued