After the bird incident, Link seemed a lot more relaxed around me. He spoke a lot more, and soon he was jabbering away like a child.

'This is what I do; I help out on the ranch with the goats. Are you scared of goats? It's funny when you get scared. Do you remember your face when my eagle flew over your head? That was funny!'

I preferred him when he was silent. He led me into a large field with a beautiful mare standing proudly in the middle of it. She had a light chestnut coat and a creamy white mane. She looked incredibly strong; her body was thick and muscly, as if she'd been pulling carts all her life. She lifted her head briefly to glance at us then went back to grazing in the field.

'Her name is Epona; she's my horse. Isn't she magnificent?' his face lit up, 'Oh, and look what she can do!' He motioned at me to follow him as he jogged over to a strange shrub of grass at the side of the field. He plucked at a leaf and held it to his mouth. I was still quite a way away, I didn't jog over with him (frankly, I was quite embarrassed by the extent of his anticipation) but he waited impatiently for me to catch up with him. He held the leaf to his lips once more and blew a tune from it. Immediately, a whinny was heard, and Epona galloped out of seemingly nowhere and was right in front of me. My mouth fell slightly open. Never before had I come across a horse so obedient. I gently patted her neck, but she wasn't interested in me: she only had eyes for Link. She looked at him patiently, as if waiting for a command. He chuckled and tickled her nose- to which she whinnied happily- and went to trot around the field merrily. He chased her and she chased him. It was almost like a dance, it made me feel awkward that I was intruding on this moment between man and his horse.

'I have a great idea, Penthiselea! Come ride Epona!' Link shouted gleefully over Epona's whinnying. Suddenly her whinnying stopped, and she gave a snort of derision.

'No, no, it's quite all right. I'm not a very good rider, please, no, wait!' I shouted as Link grabbed my hands and pulled me over to the horse- whom was standing in a huff in the middle of the field, a little miffed that Link wouldn't be riding her instead. He grabbed my waist and threw me on top of Epona, slapped her backside, and sent me flying across the field.

'Have fun!' Link shouted giddily and slightly crazily (at least to me). At least I knew now what would cheer him up if he ever became upset.

Epona raced me through the village and back the way I came into the village. I attempted to control her, but she seemed set on a destination. I hoped she didn't intend to throw me out of the region and into Hyrule Field. But no, she slowed as we reached the spring that Rusl and Link had found me at, and there stood a girl. But it wasn't Beth, it was a new girl. She must have been slightly younger than me, but her expression was dark and fiery. Her blonde curls drooped and stood out on end and her green envious eyes flickered menacingly.

'And who are you to ride Link's horse? Only Link and I can ride Epona. Get off of her now.' She growled. I jumped off Epona and walked up to the girl warily. She was the polar opposite of me: blonde curly hair, light green eyes and smooth white skin. Whereas my hair was dark red and straight, my eyes golden yellow and my skin dark.

'You have evil eyes.' She remarked. To which I replied, 'So do you.'

She looked disgusted and my quick reply, but quickly composed herself.

'What do they call you where you come from?'

'Penthiselea. Nice to meet you.'

'My name is Ilia, I am the daughter of the mayor here in Ordon Village.'

I stayed silent, and then turned to Epona, 'I better take her back to Link-'

'I will do that.' Ilia told me whilst pushing me out of the way. She gently took a hold of the reins and led Epona out of the spring, cooing over her and stroking her nose. 'I hope the nasty desert lady didn't hurt you, but you're strong and clever, aren't you?'

I looked at them with a slight frown on my face- I was beginning to regret being so sarcastic and mocking towards Ilia. It would most likely reflect badly on me, and maybe even Link. I looked up to the sky, the sun was beginning to set and twilight fell upon the land in seconds. Suddenly, I began to feel sad. Every rock and leaf seemed to lose its sparkle in the dim light, everything just died. Even the waterfall stopped trickling. I walked solemnly out of the spring, casting a slow glance over the spring once more before making my way to Link's home.

'Who is Ilia?' I asked Link whilst eating my third bowl of pumpkin soup- what could I say? It must be growing on me.

'She's been my friend since we were children; she's the daughter of Mayor Bo. Why do you ask? You must have met her today, I assume?' he replied, a little less giddily than when he was with Epona; the high must be wearing off.

'Yes, I did. Epona took me to meet her, she was quite . . . protective? . . . I think . . .' I tailed off, not wanting to aggravate Link by insulting his friend.

'Ah right. I understand, it's one of her less attractive traits. But, nonetheless, she's really great.' Link smiled dreamily. I raised an eyebrow at this but dismissed it, of course he loved her- he'd known her his whole life. I went to sleep that night feeling homesick and a tear dribbled from my eye and across my nose and onto the rug.

I thought I'd better introduce Ilia to the story, as she is very important to the story. This chapter felt like a bit of a mess, I've tried my best to tidy it up and show a different side to Link but please comment and review. But most of all, enjoy the story!