Chapter 10
A Visitor

Zelda, Rusl, and Link began making their way back to Ordon Village. It was warmer here than it had been outside of the woods. Link wondered if the seasons ever changed. Zelda was carrying her cloak in her hands and Link could now see her clearly. Her hair was tied into a ponytail that fell over one shoulder in soft messy waves. There was no crown on her head, no jewels, or anything to symbolize her status. The clothes did look like they had come from Castle town, but as far as being royalty there was no evidence. Her top was a navy v-neck cut shirt with a white shirt underneath that tied. Delicate ruffles lined either side of the strings.

Link may have looked at her a little too long, because she raised her eyebrows questionably.

"Sorry, I was just admiring your… um choice of fashion." Link wanted to say he loved seeing her dressed like this. She had some dirt on her face from the battle earlier, and her hair was loose and messy. He wondered if she preferred the look of royalty or the one she was wearing now.

She seemed to read his thoughts. "The crown is heavier than it's physical weight. Besides, it would be impractical of me to dress uncomfortably."

"It looks good on you, if I may say your highness." Rusl cut in gently, while studying Link's behavior.

"Thank you Rusl."

They continued walking in silence for a while. Link held the sword Zelda had given him in his hands. The Master Sword was strapped to his back. He wanted to drop off the gift at his home. If he was going to see battle there was no doubt which sword he preferred. They walked a while until he stopped suddenly.

"Do you hear that?" Link asked.

"Link, I don't hear anything." Rusl was pretty positive he hadn't heard much more than his own footsteps.

"Rusl, perhaps he has more sensitive hearing due to the wolf situation?" Zelda offered when Link didn't answer. He was ahead of them by a few paces and had continued to walk again.

"How can you not hear that? It's so loud!"

Concern crossed Zelda's face. "What's loud? Link, are you sure you're okay?"

He covered his ears, checking to see it was all in his head. When he uncovered them he still heard the sound.

"The music. It's not Skull Kid's horn, it's different… more melodic."

Zelda and Rusl shared a concerned glance. Who was this Skull Kid?

Link heard a chuckle and gripped his hand tighter on the sword already in hand.

"Calm down, buddy."

He stopped in his tracks. His friends paused behind him and looked around perplexed. Link glanced behind himself for a second and realized he was seeing and hearing something they couldn't. A figure appeared in his view.

"So, my spirit can 'breathe' again." Time was leaning against a nearby tree holding a familiar looking blue ocarina. "Which means I can play this again."

Link just blinked at the old hero.

"It doesn't take me anywhere though." His shoulders slumped as if he were disappointed. "By the way, that staying in your shadow idea that Midna had? Genius."

Link walked forward a few paces and whispered. "So, you are just going to hang out in my shadow and play songs no one else can hear?"

"Wolfboy. I can let anyone see or hear me that I choose to." He played a few notes on the ocarina.

"What was that?" Zelda and Rusl asked in unison.

Time lifted the Ocarina proudly. "See?"

"That is a nice trick. But making me look crazy isn't."

Time just laughed. "It doesn't take much. But in time I will let them see me. I really just wanted to let you know I was here. And not to tell them about me, at least not yet."

"Well, I have told Rusl I learned some swordsmanship from a 'spirit.'"

"Hmmm… and that's all he will know for now."

"Alright." Link's voice was still a whisper.

"Link? Are you talking to someone?" He had forgotten Zelda was right behind him. "I heard music too. Is everything okay?"

"Everything's fine it was just…" Time appeared right in front of him

"Your guardian angel!" He spread his arms wide as he titled himself.

Link chuckled. "It was a friend. Don't worry."

"If you say so…" Rusl didn't seem so sure.

Time patted Link's head so that his hat moved a little.

"Good Dog." He proceeded to disappear back into Link's shadow. Link growled in annoyance.

The trio had reached the entrance to the woods, where Epona and Storm were waiting. Storm studied Link curiously and leaned forward to sniff him. Link changed form and the horse jumped back in surprise.

"Hey."

Storm looked at Epona in complete shock. Link was sure he heard her laughing.
"Y-you're really a human, I mean a wolf? "

"Yes, I told you that earlier." Link replied mischievously.

"See Storm? And you didn't believe me!" Mock-anger filled Epona's voice.

Link changed back into a human and watched Storm shake his head.

"What was that about?" Rusl didn't quite understand the exchange.

"I told him that I was human earlier. He didn't believe me." Link shrugged.

"Alrighty then." He dropped the subject.

Now that they had exited the woods Zelda put her cloak back over her shoulders. The temperature was significantly colder. Link decided to walk in front; he wanted to stretch his legs as a man again. Ordon Village wasn't far away and the closer he got the thicker his mix of excitement and nervousness had become. He realized he'd been walking in silence again.

"Princess?" He asked softly.

"Yes, Link?"

"Have you ever been to Ordon Village?"

She looked down for a moment. "No, I haven't. There are a few small villages that I've never been to that are outside of Hyrule proper's borders. They are still under my jurisdiction though, so I should really make more time to visit these places."

It wasn't Link's intention to make her feel guilty. He wanted to kick himself. Then he had an idea.

"You're highness, perhaps we shouldn't tell the village who you are."

"What? That's preposterous if I'm to visit the village I shouldn't do it in disguise! If they found out they may never trust me."

"If I may Princess, I think it's a good idea." Rusl seemed to understand Link's reasoning. "You could see Ordon village as an average visitor. Most of the people here have never seen you, only pictures. Pictures that showed you in jewels and royal garb, they wouldn't recognize you."

"Still I don't want to deceive them."

"Heh. The Zelda I knew didn't seem to care." Time's voice echoed through Link's ears and he had no clue what the old hero was talking about. Maybe he was senile? He fought the urge to glare in his direction, then realized Time was probably still in his shadow.

"We'll tell them before the night is over. You have my word." Link replied.

Zelda's eyes lit up. True, she didn't want to deceive her people, but having a night to be a normal citizen was pretty appealing.

"Okay." She smiled. "I'll do it."

They came across a small clearing where she saw a house built directly into a tree. A ladder led to the front door, she'd never seen anything quite like it. Then Link climbed the ladder and ran inside to drop off the sword Zelda had given him. When he walked back out Zelda seemed perplexed.

"Is this your home?"

Zelda was studying the property it was such a small area, just a few patches of tall grass and the strange tree house. She also noticed some targets and makeshift practice dummies. Link deserved a mansion, as far as she was concerned. But there was something nice about the little property and she decided today's visit to Ordon would give her a lot of insight on the hero.

"Yes it is."

Rusl laughed, "It started out as a small tree house, but Link here just kept messing with it and by the time he was twelve it became his home."
Zelda studied Rusl. She knew the man wasn't Link's father, but honestly he could have been. The way he treated Link, it was obvious the bond they shared. Link had never spoken to her about his parents, but she had begun to piece together that he might never have known them at all.

"Why not come in for a while?"

Rusl started climbing the ladder first and Zelda was glad he did. She followed him and gasped when she walked in the door. Light filtered in from the ceiling illuminating the small home. The home was rustic and charming. It was simple; there wasn't much more than necessities here. Zelda noticed some tools around Link's home, and there were a few weapons as well. Link was placing those in his pouch that seemed to hold an infinite amount of things. He had laid the sword she had given him on a shelf. Zelda didn't take any offence to Link wanting to use the Master Sword. By now the blade may as well have been attached to him.

"This is a lovely home."

Link turned to look at her. "Thank you. I know it isn't much compared to Castle Town, but it works perfectly for me. It's pretty dusty in here… I haven't been home much lately."

The princess was well aware of the reasons why he hadn't been home. She found herself looking across his bookshelf and just taking in her surroundings. Who was Link of Ordon? He seemed to enjoy reading and drawing as well. Zelda noticed an extra saddle and tack supplies in the room. Obviously, he had done some work with animals as a profession.

After a few minutes they decided to go into the village. Zelda pulled up her hood, more out of nervousness than the chill in the air. A young boy with blond hair ran up to Link and Rusl with a wooden sword in hand. He swirled it around and thrust the sword forward, all the while keeping a good stance.

"Daddy! Link! Did you see that?" Colin jumped into the air enthusiastically.

"Wow! That was amazing, no one stands a chance against you!" Rusl replied.

"Yeah, Colin that was a fantastic move!" Link complimented.

The young boys face was beaming. Zelda could tell he thought a lot of Link. She looked around the village. It was a beautiful place. A lake of blue water bordered the town. Water spun through a waterwheel supplying a soundtrack to the small community. Around her there were simple cottages and a shop. Most of the houses had pumpkin patches that had been picked over. The trees were all filled with auburn, gold, and yellow leaves. Her stomach rumbled and she realized the fragrance of pumpkin dishes wasn't helping anything.

"Wow! It smells amazing! What's going on here?" Rusl asked his son.

"Oh, the ladies were arguing about who had the best pumpkin recipe. They decided to all cook their best and we could all eat and decide who made the best food!" Colin was pretty excited. He seemed to just now notice the cloaked figure behind Link. "Who's that?"

Zelda noticed Link's shoulders stiffen for a moment before he replied. "This is my friend Ellie. She's from Castle Town."

"Oh that's neat!" Colin walked to Zelda, put away his wooden sword and offered his hand. "It's nice to meet you miss Ellie."

"The pleasure is all mine." Zelda smiled and took off her hood.

Colin ran back to Link a bit nervously and whispered a little too loudly. "She's really pretty."

Link just smiled. As they continued through the village they noticed a lot of people were gathered at some tables outside of a house. There seemed to be a lot of food there and from the looks of it, they were getting ready to eat.

"So Link, you think Uli has the best pumpkin recipe! Wait 'til you try my new and improved pumpkin pie!" Sera held up an amazing looking dessert, and Zelda couldn't wait to give it a try.

"Who's this young lady?" Jaggle asked after seeing Zelda with Link.

"Ellie." Link introduced her.

"Well, it's nice to have company here in Ordon Village once in a while. You came at just the right time too. When these women argue about who has the best recipes…" he whispered, "we ALL win!"

Link nodded in agreement.

"Oh GODDESSES!" Mayor Bo's voice boomed through the small valley. "Fado! You've got another goat on the loose."

Zelda saw the creature running down a nearby hill. She looked to Link to see if this was a normal thing, but he was already gone. When she looked back at the goat Link had run directly in front of it. He stopped and placed one foot behind him, bracing himself. The goat's horns made contact with Link's hands but he wrestled it and twisted so that the goat lay down. Crouching down beside the beast he spoke to it soothingly until it's breathing evened out and it stood. Link began to guide it back up to the ranch.

"It's good to have our wrangler back in town!" Pergie called out to Link.

He looked to Zelda as he started up the hill with the goat. "I'll be right back."

Link was a goat wrangler? Zelda had wondered about Link's life, now she was witnessing it. He was a ranch hand for the small village of Ordon. It was a simple life, probably a life he was pretty well content with. He'd grown up around the same people for as long as he can remember. Most likely he'd get married to someone from here and raise a family. They could share pumpkin recipes. Zelda almost felt guilty. This life was a peaceful life and he had traded it for that of a warrior. She had heard legends of the past heroes. They weren't expecting to be awakened and told they were chosen. She knew she was a princess the day she was born. She'd prepared all of her life. Link had his duties thrust upon him. Rusl cleared his throat and Zelda realized she was staring at the hillside.

When Rusl led her toward the tables she was given a plate full of pumpkin flavored goodies. There were soups, breads, desserts, and even drinks. She had always liked the taste of pumpkin but she had never had it so many different ways before. The way these ladies cooked it was divine. Citizens of Ordon village were so friendly, she observed. They made an effort to make sure she was comfortable and even made small talk with her.

She barely even noticed Link walking back towards the table with a guy and a girl that appeared to be near his age.

"Welcome back Link." Zelda was feeling pretty relaxed. "Is everything taken care of?"

"Yes." He seemed nervous, and Zelda realized the girl seemed to be studying her. "Um… Prin- ahem- Ellie these are my friends Ilia and Fado. I've known them my entire life. We grew up together here in Ordon."

Fado stretched out his hand and Zelda shook it. "It's nice to meet you Ellie. I know Ordon's no Castle Town, but I hope you enjoy your stay here."

"This is a lovely village, it's a pleasure to be here."

Ilia looked to Zelda and then to Link suspiciously. "Welcome to Ordon Village, Ellie." She smiled a genuine smile and sat down next to Zelda at the table. "What part of Castle Town are you from? I stayed there a while when I was, uh, sick."

"Oh, I live around the square." Zelda answered quickly, she was glad Link had introduced her as being from Castle Town at least this was the rest of her story was true. She took a bite of pie and her eyes widened. "Goddesses this is delicious!"

"I love it when these ladies think recipes are a competition!" Fado chuckled.

"So what brings you to Ordon Village?" Mayor Bo asked curiously. Zelda looked at Link and saw he was shooting the mayor a death glare. The rotund man cleared his throat. "I mean it's a pleasure to have company in our village. Who is your friend, Link?

"This is Ellie. She's from Castle Town." He answered fully aware that Bo knew exactly who she really was.

"I see. Well miss Ellie I hope you do enjoy your stay. I'm the mayor of this village. If you need anything at all let me know."

Link slouched into his chair comfortably, now that Bo had decided to play along. He began to eat the ridiculous amount of food in front of them. The afternoon was filled with laughter and stories. Zelda even heard from Fado about Ilia's little crush on Link, and how he had occasionally returned it.

"I can't decide if they think they're friends, enemies or lovers." Fado seemed to not realize when he added. "Although, I'm hoping it's not the last one."

Zelda was amused by the fact that Fado had a crush on the girl. But she was also shocked at the hint of jealously that had tugged at the back of her mind when Fado had said Link liked Ilia. Or at least he had at times. She shook it off. It really wasn't appropriate to think of the hero of her kingdom in that way. After dinner Mayor Bo decided to take the opportunity to announce some upcoming things in the village. Preparations for the winter months, tips for staying warm, those types of things.

He looked around the table and inquired if anyone else had something to say.

Link leaned toward Zelda and whispered, "I promised you didn't I?"

She nodded.

"Ellie has something to say." Link stated simply.

"Please come up here Ma'am, where they can all hear you." Mayor Bo smiled and nodded approvingly.

"First of all, thank you for your delightful welcome. Secondly, I would like to apologize for deceiving you." There were a few murmurs from the Ordonians. "It was Link's idea, and Rusl agreed to it. They thought I should see Ordon as a regular traveler. I agreed as long as I could reveal the truth before the night was done." Zelda paused, she really didn't like introducing herself.

"It is okay your majesty." Mayor Bo stated simply to which the villagers just seemed confused. It was enough for Zelda to feel more comfortable.

"I am Zelda, Princess of Hyrule."
Gasps went throughout the small crowd.

"I want you to know that Ordon Village is such a pleasant place to be. You have treated me with respect and dignity and had no knowledge of a title. I hope to come visit your village again." She laughed. "There are no finer pumpkin recipes in all of Hyrule, that much I can guarantee! Thank you for your hospitality and kindness!"

After a moment of silence, Uli was the first to speak. "It has been an honor to have you here Princess. If I may say if someone as down-to-earth as you are is leading our country I'm proud to be a in a providence of Hyrule." She raised her pumpkin apple-cider and the rest of the village followed. "To the Princess of Hyrule!"

Zelda smiled then looked to Link. He may be humble, and perhaps he doesn't want to whole kingdom to know what he did. But Ordon? As far as she was concerned they deserved to know that they raised the man who saved Hyrule. She was about to say something when a group of kids ran from the path to Link's house.

Colin led the group screaming. "Monsters! They're by your house Link!"

Link stood up and Rusl grabbed his shoulder.

"If I'm not back in five minutes then come. It's not worth it to risk both of us if we don't have to." Link's voice was serious.

Rusl nodded, but didn't seem too happy about it.

-
When Link ran up to his home he saw the monsters. Seven Lizalfos were making their way into the village. His village. There was no way that was going to happen on his watch. One of the reptilian monsters lunged at him but he rolled behind him and stood up with a slash of the Master Sword and the creature disappeared. Man, he'd missed that sword. He slashed and knocked another down, which he flipped forward and stabbed his sword through. Link noticed one Lizalfos was hanging back and not as heavily armed. A scout.

Link was a firm believer that actions spoke louder than words, especially in battle. But he had to stop the monsters from invading again. If there were after him and knew he'd be there they would come back with an entire army assuming they had one. So, he offered some banter.

He killed another Lizalfos with a backslice and called out "There won't be any place in Hyrule for you to hide from me. Whoever sent you I will find them." He hoped the threat of him leaving would make them leave Ordon alone, at least for a while. The battle continued until only the hidden scout remained. Link pretended he didn't see the smaller Lizalfos. A messenger going back would be much better than no one returning. Maybe the force after him wouldn't see Ordon Village as a major threat.

After he heard the scout leave he turned into a wolf and sniffed for more monsters. When he sensed none he found Epona and Storm in the woods and made sure they were okay.

It had been three minutes when Link walked back into the village. Uli gasped and handed her baby to one of the other ladies before running to Link.

"Goddesses Link!" The concern on Uli's face pained him. "Are you okay? Somebody get me some bandages!"

Bandages? Link looked at her as though she just spoke in another language. He wasn't hurt. He didn't need bandages. Glancing down at his clothes he understood her concern. He was covered in blood. Lizalfos blood, but it looked red and he was sure the scene wasn't too comforting.

"Uli! Uli I'm fine! I'm not hurt." Her eyes widened. Rusl touched her shoulder gently.

"The blood isn't his Uli."

"Oh." She was stunned. Link had killed the monsters. Sometimes, she had trouble seeing him grown up. She still pictured him as that boy who wouldn't stop climbing on everything.

Link immediately regretted not stopping by Ordon Spring to wash the mess off. But there was no denying it now. His village surrounded him but they weren't sure what to say. Mayor Bo, Ilia, and the kids were some of the few people to not seem surprised. Zelda decided now was the time to tell the village what she wanted to say earlier. She cleared her throat and everyone turned in her direction.

"There is something about Link that you should know." Link tensed but Zelda met his eyes and some sort of agreement passed between them. He decided to trust her not to say too much.

"Some of you may have heard stories or legends of a chosen hero. When the goddesses believe that Hyrule to be in danger they see fit for a hero to be born. If he is needed he will be awakened." Zelda continued to explain in the simplest way she knew how, for even her information was limited. "Hyrule has been in great danger. A shadow fell over our land and many monsters invaded. An evil power tried to destroy the kingdom. Many races, such as the Zoras, were put in peril. The land was cursed." She looked to Link. He seemed uncomfortable that she was talking about him.

"Link is the chosen hero and although many will never know of the sacrifices he made, he saved all of Hyrule. The Master Sword, the legendary Blade of Evils Bane, will only accept one worthy. This is the very blade strapped to his back. He saved you, he saved the Kingdom, and he has done more than that. He has gone to places no one else would dare to go all so we would be secure. And he has asked for nothing in return. You have all raised him well. This entire town is responsible for the man Link is today. You deserve to know that Hyrule is safe because of Link, and therefore because of you."

Silence filled the air; most of the citizens were in shock. Even Ilia and Mayor Bo, who had some knowledge of what Link had been involved in, were perplexed. How many battles had Link fought? They remembered the scars that were exposed when he wore his ranch clothes a few days prior. The scar on his face only made it more apparent that Link had been through a lot. Rusl didn't have the right words to say and Link certainly wasn't saying anything. Link was grateful Zelda was so gifted with her words. She had explained the situation well; leaving out the Twilight Realm, the princess of that realm, oh and the fact that Link was a wolf.

Uli embraced Link so tightly he could barely breathe. For a second he stood still, but then he returned the hug. Blood would get on Uli's clothes he was sure. But she obviously didn't care at this point. He could hear her whisper between sobs.

"I am SO proud of you Link. Thank you. Thank you for what you have done for Ordon, for Hyrule." She loosened her grip so she could look at his face. Link was looking down, but Uli grabbed his chin and tilted his head so their eyes met. "Most of all thank you… for coming home."

There were tears in Link's eyes, but he didn't care. Another weight had been lifted. Ordon now knew about hid deeds to some degree. He wouldn't have to act like nothing had ever happened.

"Why don't you go wash up Link?" Uli offered after the exchange, she knew he'd want to be in some clean clothes. She sensed he might want to get away from the crowd as well. "I have a new outfit for you. You're other everyday clothes seem a little snug on you lately."

She laughed a little. Link sighed and realized people were murmuring about him. None of it was negative, and it was much better than the silence.

"That's our boy!"

"Can you believe the chosen hero was from Ordon Village?"

"I'm so glad he's alive!"

Link allowed himself to smile as he followed Uli and Rusl to their home. A pang of memory flushed over him as he glanced at the sky. It was twilight again. He knew the princess was a big part of the reason he was still alive. If only he could speak with her. He tried to shake the thought from his head. There was enough to deal with right now. Something was up with those Lizalfos and he knew he wouldn't be staying in Ordon Village long.

When he entered the home Uli showed him the Ordonian clothes she had been working on. The garment looked a lot like Rusl's normal attire. The pants were made to go to his ankles. The top was green with white sleeves that appeared to be removable. Link started putting the sash around his waist when he noticed the wolf patches. He kept a straight face, because he wasn't sure if it was coincidence or something she had purposely done.

"I hope you like them." She seemed to notice how he studied the patches. "Honestly I would have put goats there but Rusl saw these patches and thought they suited you." She paused. "I think I understand his reasoning now."

Link looked at her quizzically.

"You've faced so much alone. Like the stories of a lone wolf."

He almost wanted to say most of the time he wasn't completely alone. Then he remembered she didn't know about Midna.

"Thank you Uli. It's perfect." He hugged her again and Rusl smiled.

"I'm glad you like it Link." She noticed to bloody green tunic he had taken off in his hands. "I could try to find a way to clean that up for you."

"Thanks Uli, but I can get it clean." Just some water from a spirit spring could do that. He knew from experience. Uli swallowed hard realizing the fact that his clothes had probably seen a lot of blood. Her eyes went back to the large scar above his eye.

When Link opened the door Ilia was waiting for him. She smiled a little at his new clothes, but the gesture didn't meet her eyes.

"I-I don't know how long you'll be staying here or where you might go." She seemed to take a sudden interest in her shoes. "But I really want to talk to you."

Link wasn't looking forward to this conversation, but he may as well get it over with. He looked back in the house at Rusl who nodded. The swordsman would cover for him if necessary. It was obvious Ilia wanted to speak in private. Link led her up to the ranch where he knew no one could hear them. Save maybe the spirit in his shadow.

-
Author's note: I hope you all enjoyed this chapter. The next one is all about Link and Ilia's conversation. By the way, Link will have a love interest in this story and at this point it could be multiple awesome ladies. Who do you prefer Link with. (I'm talking in my story here not necessarily in general.) And what about the Lizalfos attack? It's about to get pretty crazy.