Hey y'all!

WOWZA! I wrote that quickly, aren't y'all proud of me? And DOUBLE DIGIT CHAPTERS! OH YEAH BABY! Haha anyways! Two announcements: one, forgive me for any bad grammar, spelling, or anything else bad, I'm submitting this now because my computer is acting up. I will edit this as soon as I am able! Two, we are nearing the end of part 1 of (most likely) 3 of this story! One more chapter at least. This will still be one story, but there's going to be three distinct parts. Okay? Okay! Anyways, without further ado, the next chapter! There is something in here that might blow your mind, I hope it does ^_^ So, review, comment, critique, favorite, follow, tell your friends, and the whole shebang! Enjoy the story, folks!

I do not own, nor ever will own, the rights to the Legend of Zelda or any of the characters, objects, creatures, etc. Nintendo owns all rights to this franchise.

Preliminary Edits: 04/05/2018

Chapter 10: Trapped Within

Cuccos crowed a customary tune as the sun rose over the tall mountains of Eldin. Visitors and villagers staying at the Kakariko Inn threw several small objects out of their windows at the cuccos' pin, hoping to buy a few more minutes of sleep before the day started. That did not stop the annoying caws. Begrudgingly, the townspeople woke to begin the day. Many of them cursed the birds and swore to turn them into supper that night, but that was said every morning and rarely ever followed upon.

Streams of sunlight passed over Death Mountain, one of Hyrule's most dangerous landmarks and its only active volcano. Not a cloud could be seen in the sky, leaving the sun to shine wherever it pleased. Silence fell over the town as people either slept in or went to Eldin Spring or Goron City, for business and leisure. These were the kind of days that Barnes chose to enjoy.

The door to the village's bomb shop opened with a gentle push. Barnes paused in the doorway before stepping outside, taking a deep breath of the fresh morning air. As he did so, the door closed right in his face, causing him to topple back inside onto his rear end. Beaten and embarrassed, Barnes kicked the door with as much force as he could muster. Clinging to the shop's sheet metal exterior, it stayed put this time.

A foldable chair was held by Barnes under one of his arms. While in his other hand was a glass of water. Not just any old water, but the Goron's best spring water; chilled and filled with minerals for the onslaught of summer heat that made its way into Eldin Province every year. Even though the beginning of fall drew near, Barnes still enjoyed the chilled water. Some would call him crazy, but it was one of the few luxuries he could afford when the entirety of his stressful profession revolved around bombs and explosions.

On such mornings as these, Barnes believed it to be perfect to just sit outside on his foldable chair, drink his glass of water, and begin the day feeling refreshed. A brilliant plan if he did say so himself, which he did numerous times to any passerby. Brilliant indeed.

So, without further ado and eager to begin his morning ritual, Barnes made his way down the steps of his shop and opened his chair. Positioned perfectly, right in front of the stairway to his shop so he could make sure no one tried going in without his permission, the bomb maker sat down with a content sigh.

A sudden darkness and painful smack to the face broke him out of his quiet morning. His metal welding visor had fallen on his face again. Loudly, he let lose a few choice curses before removing the mask from his face.

Suddenly, any anger and frustration had all but disappeared. Again, he laid back in his chair with a content sigh. Barnes picked up the glass of spring water he brought with him, bringing it to his lips slowly. Very slowly, as to savor the moment. So slowly, his mouth begged him to hurry up with the ceremony. And just as he was about to quench his thirst, replenish himself, satisfy his desire, Barnes heard an echoing whinny from the southern end of Kakariko Village.

Ignoring the discontent he felt at being interrupted, the bomb maker peeked over his glass to see who, or what, was paying a visit to the lovely, out-of-the-way mountain village. Barnes adjusted his glasses to get a better view. He squinted, waiting to see who was riding around the corner. To his dismay and displeasure, it was a chestnut mare that Barnes knew all too well.

A yap of surprise followed as he recognized the rider atop Epona as well: the famed Hero of Twilight himself, Link. Donned in his iconic green tunic, no one, not even Barnes, could mistake the figure. The bomb maker's eyes followed the young man and his horse as they came to a jarring halt, forcing Epona onto her hind legs, in front of Renado's home.

Link dismounted his steed and ran straight inside the building. Barnes had heard the rumors of Ilia being brought into Kakariko Village. In worse condition than when she lost her memory, some had said. Everyone knew, all of the villagers saw the escorted caravan pull into the village two days earlier. So, it was no surprise that the young hero had arrived to see her. It was only a matter of time after all.

Knowing his peaceful morning was ruined, Barnes dumped his glass of water unceremoniously onto the ground. A grimace etched his facial features now and every movement was marked by a jolt of frustration. From the way he folded up his chair, with emphasized movements to the marching sounds of his boots on the metal structure that served as his shop. And finally with the jerking of his door open, nearly breaking the already tattered entrance.

Barnes turned back to Epona and let loose a heavy, draining sigh. "So much for peace and quiet today. Anytime that kid comes to town, trouble is sure to follow." With that, he pulled down his metal visor and stomped inside.

The sun didn't look as bright anymore. In fact, clouds seemed to have begun to roll in, promising rain. Banter from the other villagers of Kakariko Village rang off of the canyon walls. The few street merchants hocked their wares to the small populace. Seems like this quiet, peaceful morning was now anything but. What a way to start the day.

Upon entering Renado's home, Link went blind for a moment in the dimmed light. Flickering torches were alit along the walls, but they only provided small amounts of illumination within the confines of Renado's humble and clean abode. Once Link's eyes had adjusted to the room, he saw the familiar Eldin statue which he had moved during his quest to restore light to Eldin Province. The stone eyes of the statue stared at Link with an immense wisdom, one that he could feel even though this was not the real light spirit. Next to it lay a hole which led to Renado's basement. Another feature of the house which Link made use of during his quest. But those were not what caught his attention, it was the two familiar figures of Renado and his daughter Luda.

They stood in the back of the room, Renado on his knees and Luda standing loyally by his side. Both turned their attention towards Link. A smile highlighted Luda's face, as well as Renado's. The father and daughter walked towards the hero. Renado bowed in reverence, as he always did with his guests. Luda followed suit, but gave Link a hug after, one that he halfheartedly returned.

"It is good to see you again, Link," Renado greeted once Luda had broken away from the hero. "Though, I am not surprised at your visit. I assume you have come to see Ilia?"

Nodding eagerly, Link confirmed. "Yes, Renado. Is she alright?"

A grim smile came to Renado's face, showing hope but also the severity of the situation. "She's… stable for the moment. See for yourself."

Renado moved out of Link's view, gesturing towards the back of the room where the shaman and his daughter had been moments ago. Lying on one of the clay and carpet covered beds was none other than Ilia. Scratches and a few disappearing bruises covered the parts of her body that were visible. Many of them had begun healing, which was a good sign. The hem of her shirt was raised to her chest, revealing the near fatal wound at her side. A white, recently changed bandage covered her waist. It was bare of blood, showing the wound had healed, at least to the point where it didn't put Ilia on the brink of death. Link sighed in relief, happy to see her still alive. But the way in which Renado spoke and acted…

Link walked up to Ilia and knelt by her side. Something didn't feel right. He grabbed her hand and cupped her cheek with his other hand. As soon as he did so, he could feel something different about her. Ilia's hand did not squeeze Link's hand in return, no reassuring him that she was alright. Sweat dripped from Ilia's face and drenched her body. Alarming warmth ran from Ilia's cheek to Link's hand. No doubt caused by her unnatural fever. Though her wounds had begun healing, the fever, sweat, Ilia's limp hand, and warm skin drained Link of any hope that he still had for Ilia's immediate wellbeing.

The hero leaned over Ilia's face, looking into her closed eyes. Hoping that she would open them and he would be able to see the beautiful green meadows her eyes reminded him off.

"Ilia?" the hero questioned hopefully, wanting his voice to wake her. Absentmindedly, his thumb gently traveled across her cheek in a sweeping motion.

"Ilia…?" his voice croaked again.

For a moment, Link assumed the worst. But he then saw her chest rise slowly, like a reassuring wave, and an uneven shallow breath flow from between her lips, a cool ocean breeze that calmed Ilia's worried childhood friend. Link himself let out a breath that he hadn't noticed he had held in.

Renado knelt by his side and put a reassuring hand on Link's shoulder, squeezing it gently. "She is still alive, my friend. However," the shaman paused, thinking upon his next words carefully "her mind is… clouded. Shrouded in a fog of darkness which my healing arts cannot cure. Truly, I have only heard of such a curse in the legends of heroes' past. Troubling indeed."

Link's attention was still focused on Ilia, but he digested every word Renado had said. "'Fog of darkness'? Do you know what caused it?"

His attention now turned towards Renado.

Pondering, the shaman rose from his feet. "I believe it to have been caused by a powerful wielder of dark magic. The soldiers who brought Ilia here spoke of a battle to save Ordona and Faron Provinces, but they did not explain in detail what happened. They said it was against an evil Bulblin shaman? Please, Link. Tell me what happened. In your story I may be able to find a way to save Ilia."

Thus, Link recounted the battle that occurred in Hyrule Field and the events leading up to it. From the moment he had heard the news from King Bulblin to his victory, the hero recounted the events of the past two weeks. He spoke of his capture and what followed after. Shivers ran down his spine when he spoke of King Grask harming Ilia and Shade appearing from the hero's body. Link decided to leave out the part about him being a beast of legend, not knowing exactly how Renado would take it. Though the shaman rose an unsure eyebrow at Link's telling of how Shade came to be. Just 'coming from my body' didn't seem to satisfy Renado's curiosity. But Link continued on without skipping a beat, not noticing Renado's look. So, the shaman decided to the let the matter drop. For now.

"…and now the leaders are coming together to discuss the outcome of the battle and its results. I left as soon as I made sure I wasn't needed any longer, telling Rusl and Zelda they could send a messenger for me here if I was needed." Link concluded his story with a sigh, and let himself catch his breath.

Both Renado and his daughter stood contemplatively for some time, thinking on Link's story. After some thought, it was Renado who broke the silence. "Hm. Just as I thought. Clouded eyes. Actions unlike Ilia. Not feeling pain. This is no simple curse. King Grask brainwashed Ilia's mind with otherworldly magic. For what purpose, I am uncertain. Possibly to get to you and cause you harm? That would explain why she has been mumbling the words "Link" and "monster"."

A sudden pain crept into Link's heart. She still thought of him as that. He looked towards the floor, disheartened. Now, it was Luda's turn.

The young teenager patted Link's shoulders reassuringly. He rose his head to find her looking at him with a small smile. "Link. I know this is hard for you right now. If anything happened to my father," Luda turned towards Renado, then back to Link "I would be devastated. But take comfort."

"Take comfort? In what?" Link interrupted Luda with a little more anger in his voice than he wished. Blue eyes stared hard at Luda for a moment longer, then the hero let his head fall again and let out a deep, shaky breath. All the while, Renado and his daughter watched in silence, allowing the hero a moment to calm himself.

When his eyes met Luda's again, she continued. "Take comfort, Link, in the fact that she is alive. And what's more, we can save her. My father and I have been discussing this matter since we realized there was powerful magic at work."

A small flicker of hope passed behind Link's eyes. A questioning glance towards Renado confirmed what Luda had said, as the shaman nodded with a grin. Slowly, the young hero stood back up on his feet.

"There is indeed a way, Link. But, I must ask for your help, as neither my daughter nor I can leave Ilia's side, lest something happen while we're away." A determined expression and slight nod from Link was all the confirmation Renado would receive. It was all the shaman needed to continue.

"Legends of a land long forgotten by living memory speak of a hero saving it from an ancient, terrifying evil. Though this evil's name has long since passed into the bowels of history, stories speak of a song that helped the hero heal many denizens of this forlorn land. With their aid, the hero vanquished the evil, sealing it away within a mask.

"The mask has disappeared from existence. Something foreboding indeed, but that it is not something we can worry ourselves with at the moment. We must focus on helping Ilia. And the song I spoke of, I believe, is the only way to save Ilia from the darkness that now plagues her. This song was said to remove any and all curses. It's a slim chance, but a chance.

"And this is where you come in, Link. For Ilia's sake, you must find this song and play it for her. It is the only way."

Link didn't falter in his determination, but instead strengthened it. A steel fortitude formed inside of him and his brow furrowed even more, accepting whatever Renado required of him. To Link, the cost of saving Ilia did not matter.

"I will find it. Where do I need to go?"

Breaking his calm façade, Renado let a worrying sigh escape his lips. "That is the problem, Link. I do not know where such a song could be found. As I said before, it has been lost to the ages. Possibly a place where time crawls at a slow pace and memories of these legends are recorded."

All three of them pondered for a moment, thinking on Renado's words. Where time crawls at a slow pace and memories of these legends are recorded and kept.

Where, in Hyrule, could a place such as this exist. It hit Link, like the stampeding goats he dealt with back in Ordon Village. Of course, he had already been to such a place. It existed not a half day's ride from Kakariko Village as well. Hope again swelled inside of Link and a grin came to his face.

"I know where to look," he spoke with certainty.

Both Renado and Luda gave him a questioning glance. They wondered where such a place existed, but did not get a chance to ask.

Link ran straight out the door. Epona, who patiently grazed on a few strands of grass, noticed her master run out of the building. Swiftly, the Ordonian jumped on his horse, causing her to rise on her hind legs and whinny in surprise. Once calmed, Link ushered her to leave Kakariko Village. Before he could however, Renado and Luda made their way outside next to Epona's side.

"Wait! Where are you going?" Renado asked, wishing to know where the song could be hidden.

"To save Ilia! I know where to find the song. I'll be back in a day, maybe a day and a half. Till then, please watch over Ilia. I…" Link looked to the side, breaking his eyes away from Renado's. "I can't lose her again."

Renado calmed his expression and smiled. "Of course. And we will make sure she is safe until you return. Be swift, I do not know what will happen in your absence." Link nodded in response, having turned his attention back to Renado and his daughter. "And before you go. There's something… Luda, will you go check on Ilia."

Luda, without even questioning her father, bowed slightly. With a soft "Yes, father", she left to attend to the young woman. It wasn't until she entered the house and closed the door behind her that her father continued

"Link, I do not know what Ilia speaks of when she says "Monster", but it quite obviously has something to do with you. Whether it be that shadow you spoke of, or something else, I do not know. But I must warn you: even if you find this song, even if you save Ilia, harm may still come to the two of you."

For some reason, Link knew that Renado spoke of his twilight form. His wolf form. How he knew, Link could only guess. But he snapped back into reality before alluding to Renado that something in what he had said caught Link off guard.

"Of course, Renado. But as long as I'm around, no harm will-"

"I do not believe it can be controlled by you. All I am saying is tread carefully after this. You never know what the future may hold." With that, Renado turned to let Link embark on his quest. Before opening the door to his house, the shaman glanced over his shoulder and gave one, last piece of advice to Link. "Listen to your dreams' whispers. They carry meaning and clarity of what is to come."

Then, Renado entered his house, leaving Link with a dumbfounded look on his face. He shook it off as soon as the words had sunk in. He would think upon them later. But for now, he had to focus on saving Ilia. With a yell and smack to Epona's rear, Link was off.

Gusts of wind blew unrelenting through the village enclosed by walls of rock on all sides. Dust followed wherever the wind told it to go. Most of it was commanded to flood the abandoned wooden buildings, numerous as they were. This loose dirt composed most of the air in these buildings, creating a barely breathable atmosphere and a choking hazard for anyone who entered. The weight of the dust was so much on the structure of one of the buildings, in fact, it collapsed; only noticed by a cucco with its entourage of twenty cats, and an old lady living at the far end of Hidden Village, formerly known as Old Kakariko.

The lady, a small and elderly thing, went by the name of Impaz and lived alone in this village due to ancient Royal Decree. Though the conditions of the decree were met almost two years ago, she still kept her post, unable to leave the place where she had lived in for so many years. It was as if something called to her, telling her to stay. Perhaps the voices of her ancestors' spirits reminded her of her duty to the village. That was the only answer she could think of.

To pass the remnants of her twilight years, old Impaz knitted, cared for the many cats, and swept her home clean in a never-ending war against the encroaching sands that wished to desertify her home. Today was one such day where she fought this battle. Outside of her house, she swept endlessly as a windstorm constantly covered her home in layer after layer of dirt.

Dutifully, Impaz cleaned, not giving the encroaching ground an inch.

Swish, swish.

Her broom made this consistent sound as she continued her work.

Swish, swish.

Impaz closed her eyes and listened to the rhythm of her tool.

Swish, swish.

Gallop, gallop.

Neigh?

Impaz, in her confusion opened her eyes and stared at the end of the broom. "What?" she asked dumbfounded. "Since when do brooms…?"

Then, she heard another neigh. Her gaze shifted from the straw of her broom to the entrance of Hidden Village. Eyes widening in surprise, she saw a familiar green clad figure riding atop a brown mare. Her eyes became gentle then and she smiled, leaning her broom against the post that surrounded part of her house. Slowly, she went back inside to prepare some refreshments for her incoming guest.

"He doesn't knock anyway," she mused to one of her cats as she entered her home "so no point in inviting him in." Impaz chuckled softly to herself.

Quickly, she laid out two cups filled with the remaining water from the tea she had earlier. Then, she placed two packets of tea inside each cup, allowing the tea leaves' flavor to mingle together with the water. She also pulled out a book containing the legends of the Heroes of Hyrule; Link would no doubt ask for some piece of wisdom from the old woman. Even though he had visited her since his quest to save Hyrule, this was the first time in almost a year since she had seen him. So, she could only assume she needed her help. Again. But the old woman smiled, happy to have company and pass what she knew down to someone.

Just as she sat down with her book, the door opened swiftly. Politely, but stiffly and in a manner to show he was in a hurry, Link entered Impaz's home. He had done so many times now, so without a second thought he sat across from the older woman.

"Hello, Impaz," Link said quickly. "How are you?"

Impaz chuckled, amused by the urgency Link showed. But it was short lived, for this meant something was indeed wrong.

"Hello, Link. Shall we skip the pleasantries this time, dear?" Her smile continued as Link visibly sighed in relief. "I take it something is the matter?"

Link took a sip of his tea, letting the robust flavor of the beverage warm and wash over his weary body. He hadn't slept in days, so this drink helped him immensely.

"Yes, Impaz. It's… it's Ilia."

At this, Impaz's smile disappeared. "I see." Without a moment's hesitation, she opened the book of legends to its table of contents. "What is it that she needs? I'll see what I can do."

Link's urgency was now mimicked by Impaz. The old woman saw Ilia as something akin to a granddaughter, something she never had. In turn, Ilia saw her as a grandmotherly figure, so Impaz moved to action to help the young woman she cared for those two years ago.

"She's in a coma, caused by dark magic. Renado told me only a song could help her? Something about it being able to heal people who have their minds clouded in darkness? One of the hero's used it during a journey to a faraway land. And… and…" Link tried to remember if there was anything else Renado had told him about the song. Nothing came to mind. It didn't matter, Impaz knew of what he sought and quickly turned the pages of her book to the song he described.

And there it was, written in the music notations used by the musicians of old Hyrule, such as the Composer Brothers. The song, mentioned as the Song of Healing, had only eleven notes. Its composer was not given credit, only the abbreviation of "H.M.S." was found under the song. What it stood for, only the goddesses knew, but that did not matter at the moment. Link needed the song, and that was it.

"Here, my boy," she turned the book upright for him. "This is what you seek. Or so I believe." As a reward for her task being completed, she allowed herself a smirk and drank calmly from her cup of tea.

The hero's face beamed as he memorized the song. "This looks simple enough. Thank you, Impaz." His brow furrowed in determination again as he quickly finished his tea and stood from his seat. "This is the second time you've helped me save Ilia. If there's anything I can do…"

"I understand, Link," Impaz smiled and shooed him away with her hand. "Now, leave this old woman in peace. You have someone to save, don't you?" A knowing smirk came to her face as she again sipped from her cup.

Link smirked in return and made his way to leave Impaz's house. As he opened the door, he heard a "Wait" come from behind him. He turned to see Impaz standing up and walk towards him. In her hands, she carried the book that held the history of the Heroes of Hyrule.

"Before you go, I wish to make use of that favor you offered." The hero nodded, waiting to hear Impaz's request. "I am not long for this world, Link. So, please, return this book to the Royal Family. My work here is done, and there's much Princess Zelda could learn from these histories. Please, do this for me."

Without another word, Impaz laid the book in Link's hands. He looked at it, the dark green leather covered in many symbols he saw throughout his journey. In the center was the familiar golden triangles that formed the Triforce. Written in Hylian on the front of the book was "Hyrule Historia."

Link smiled and kneeled down to give Impaz a hug, afraid this might be the last time he would ever see her. "Again," he whispered in her ear "thank you. For all you have done for me, and for Ilia."

"Of course, my boy," Impaz broke the hug first, tears threatening to fall from eyes. "Now, get! I want my last days to be filled with peace. And as long as that book is here, I will never be able to do that."

Again, Impaz shooed the young hero away. Link, with a smile on his face, left with a soft "Goodbye".

Once the door closed, Impaz went to work putting away the small tea set she had laid out. She smiled as she cleaned the cups. Then, softly to herself, she spoke. She spoke something she had always known, something she had seen in those familiar blue eyes of Link's. The way he walked, how he talked, everything reminded Impaz of… him. Link was so much like him. Though she never wished for Link to know, she could let herself know.

And in a whisper only the dead spirits of all Sheikah before her could hear, she uttered, "Goodbye, my dear, sweet grandson."

…"Link… Monster…"

The voice stopped. Memories halted. Pain had ceased. She felt normal again. She glanced up from her position, tear stains leaving trails down her red cheeks. Though her inner turmoil had ended, she still had the wolf in front of her.

It stood there growling for a moment longer. Then, it jumped towards Ilia, intent on ending her life. Everything moved slowly, increasing the torment of Ilia's inevitable demise.

Ilia raised her arms up in defense, though she knew that would do nothing to help her. She closed her eyes, hoping she would reopen them to find herself in her bed in Ordon Village. Hoping to find Link holding her after she had awoken from a terrible bout of daydreaming. Her body clenched, ready to defend itself as best as it could. Then, everything returned to normal speed.

Just as the wolf was mere inches from being upon her, it disappeared in a wisp of purplish-black smoke. Ilia lowered her arms and opened her eyes when the death she had been expecting did not come. The wolf had disappeared.

"What just…?"

Then a light overtook her. Had she still died someway? Was this part of her death and she just didn't see it? No. A song echoed from some unknown source, but it enveloped Ilia with its descending tune. It sounded sad, but oddly comforted the young woman. Memories came to the forefront of her mind.

Link and her swimming in Ordon Spring.

Link and her exploring Faron Woods.

Link and her playing with the baby goats at Ordon Ranch.

Link and her…

Link.

And her.

"Link…"

The music stopped, the light faded, and Ilia saw something unexpected. Something all too familiar. Something she had seen just minutes ago.

Birds tweeted their merry songs as if nothing had change – the song brought her peace, she had heard it before. The waterfalls flowing over the edges of the cove surrounding Ordon Spring added to the sweet symphony of nature – the spray felt relaxing against her skin. Light, whispering winds played their own tune, joining in with the forest's musical medley – it held no dark promises or poisoning whispers. Insects chirped and small animals skittered along the sand separating the spring from the rest of the forest – it felt soft and warm between her toes. The fairies flew quietly around the pool, skittering on top of the spring, just barely touching the water enough to create small ripples – they were still there, not frightened away by the wolf or the voice.

The wolf…?

She smiled.

Then, she heard a voice speak behind her.

"Ilia."

She perked her head up and turned slowly towards the all too familiar voice. Her green eyes, those of a forest meadow, met Link's blue eyes, those of calm water. Tears threatened to fall down their cheeks. It was the moment they had waited for, for so long. They rushed to each other. Ilia made to embrace Link and never let go.

She jumped into the hero's – her hero's – arms. They closed around her protectively as Ilia's came around his neck. The young farm girl nuzzled her head against Link's chest and under his chin. Both closed their eyes and enjoyed the moment, letting out relieved breaths that they had held in at the same time.

He was back. She was there. And they were together, at last.

They broke apart and smiled at each other, red blush covering their faces. The hero grabbed the young woman's hand, bringing her next to him as they left Ordon Springs; as they left to begin their lives together. For the first time, in what seemed like an eternity, Ilia let herself just simply be at peace.

The Song of Healing lingered a moment after Link had finished playing it, echoing off of the earthen walls that made up Renado's home. He lowered Ilia's Charm, from which he played the song. Thankfully he still had it, as there was nothing else he could use to perform the piece. Renado said it was probably best that the song came from the charm, as it helped that he played on something that held a deep connection between him and Ilia. Or that's what he believed.

Link watched Ilia, expecting her to open her eyes and see him. To softly say his name as she awoke from her slumber. To feel her arms around his neck as they embraced, happy to be together again. But none of that happened. Her eyes remained close and she was still in her unending sleep.

Dumbfounded, and scared to say the least, Link turned to Renado.

"Renado?" he asked shakily.

The shaman knelt on his knees next to Ilia, removing the moist towel that had recently been put on her forehead and moving his hand to feel her body's temperature. A sigh of relief came from his lips, and he moved the towel to the side. His hand moved to Ilia's wrist, holding it up and feeling her pulse. A nod followed. Gently, Renado lowered his patient's arm, then stood up.

"Her fever has broken and her pulse has returned to normal." The wise shaman turned his attention away from Ilia to Link. "From what I can tell, the song worked and she should be on her way to a full recovery. But we won't know until she wakes up, which won't be for a couple days, possibly."

"She still needs sleep?" Link asked skeptically, still worried that something didn't go right.

"Yes, her body has been fighting the darkness inside of her. She needs to recover her energy."

"Oh," Link responded halfheartedly, looking at Ilia with worried eyes.

Renado smiled and clasped Link's shoulder, squeezing it reassuringly. "Trust me, Link. She should be fine now. Just give her some time." He let go of the hero, who appeared a little more optimistic, but not by much.

The shaman made his way towards the door, leaving the Link and Ilia alone. "Luda and I will be at the inn if you need us. I'm sure she is in good hands right now, and I wish to leave you two alone, even if she still needs rest. I'm sure you have much to tell her and that you wish to figure out how to word it."

Without turning to face Renado, Link nodded. "Thanks," he spoke quietly. The shaman, still smiling, bowed and left the two alone.

Holding Ilia's hand, and noticing that it softly grasped his, Link retreated to his thoughts. Of course, Renado was right. He had to tell Ilia about the entirety of his journey now. Yet how Ilia would respond caused the hero to hesitate.

What would she think of him? Would she still want to be with him? Or, now that she knew Link had the wolf's blood inside of him, would she be afraid of him? Link didn't know, and that scared him. He sighed audibly.

A soft smile came to his face. She was safe. That, for now, was all that mattered. He laughed a humorless, giddy laugh.

"She's safe…"

With that, Link fully retreated into his mind, thinking on what Renado said. In his thoughts, the young hero recounted his journey to tell Ilia. He considered everything she would say to him, everything she would ask. And he prepared himself. But a hero could only do so much, especially when he was as tired as he was.

Several times, Link found himself nodding off. And eventually, when it became too much to bear, he let sleep take him over. His head fell in between his arms as his hands still held on to Ilia's.

The young hero drifted into a blissful sleep, full of dreams that he and his childhood friend shared.

Renado opened the door quietly, so as to not disturb the guests who were asleep inside of his home. Following behind him was a Hylian guard, carrying an envelope in his hand. They walked softly towards the sleeping couple.

Link's head was bent forward in between his arms, his hands holding onto Ilia's. He could hear the shuffling of feet. His journey had taught him to always be alert, especially when he slept. Slowly, he opened his eyes and turned his attention to shadowed figures behind him. Before reaching for his sword, he stopped himself as he recognized Renado's voice.

"Link, it's me. Renado," he whispered softly in the darkened room, hoping his message got across.

Link relaxed, lowering his hand and rolled his neck around, trying to get rid of the stiffness he felt from sleeping in such an uncomfortable position. Then, he stood up, putting Ilia's hand gently next to her side.

He walked to the two figures. "Yes, Renado?" Link greeted in an audible whisper. Upon seeing the Hylian soldier next to him, Link asked, "Is something wrong?"

Before Renado could speak, the soldier cut in. "Sir," he spoke softly and saluted. "I have an urgent letter from Princess Zelda."

His hand extended towards Link, and in it was an envelope with the seal of the Royal Family on it. Link took the letter and opened it. A small cream piece of paper fell from the envelope. It was written in an exquisite formal writing style, obviously Zelda's.

As the hero read over the letter, the soldier summed it up. "The council has gathered back at Hyrule Castle. Princess Zelda wishes for you to be at the summons. She says it's of the upmost importance. Mayor Bo and Rusl will be there as well."

Link's eyes came to the end of the letter, where it said:

Cordially signed, Her Highness,

Princess Zelda

"So," Link spoke as his arm fell limp "they need me now? Thought it would take longer to gather all of the politicians."

"Yes, sir," the soldier responded. "I have come to bring you this letter and escort you back to Hyrule Castle as soon as possible. Sir?"

Link wasn't paying attention to what the soldier was saying any longer. Instead, his gaze fell on Ilia. The hero rubbed the back of his neck.

"Are you sure it can't wait?" Link asked, almost desperately so.

"Yes, sir."

The hero sighed and gave the soldier a curt nod as he composed himself. He walked to Renado.

"Please, if anything happens…" Link pleaded.

Renado smiled, though it could barely be seen in the darkness they were in. "I will look after her Link, I promise."

"Good. And," the hero paused as he reached inside one of his many magical pouches, trying to fish something out. Renado watched Link with curiosity. Then, Link pulled out what he was looking for: a tattered brown journal that had indeed seen better days. "Could you give this to Ilia when she awakes? She needs to know what happened during my journey before I see her again. This journal… it catalogs most of it. I need her to understand what happened to me."

The shaman took the journal in his sure hands. "Of course, Link. I will make sure she gets it as soon as she awakes."

Link nodded. He went back to the still sleeping Ilia and knelt by her side. "I will be back as soon as I can. I promise." The hero softly kissed Ilia's forehead, causing her lips to form a small smile. "Please, understand everything I did during my journey, every act, it was for you, Ilia." With that Link stood from his kneeling position and followed the soldier out of Renado's house, giving the shaman a short farewell before saddling Epona and leaving for Hyrule Castle.

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