Inspirations: "Dig" by Incubus, ninpo ninjitsu (ninki: this is the fighting form with weapons), and maladaptive personality disorder. Audiomachine "Tree of Life" album for the 2020 reedit.

All Original Shout Outs: James Birdsong, ComfortableSofa, SuperSaiyanParadox, Kuro neko dattebeyo, Shade08loveota, and 0-MorningStorm-0 thanks for reading.

New Shout Out: THEcoolmastr, thank you.

Author's Note: Different fighting styles will be showcased in this story. Reuploaded 3/4/2020. Reedited 3/23/2020.

Word Count: 9,774

Chapter 4

Link and I both turned to look. We were both surprised at the blatant intrusion of privacy. Link didn't bother hiding his displeasure with the inconsiderateness and immediately addressed the young lady about it.

"How long were you standing there?"

Ilia didn't seem at all ashamed that she eavesdropped and simply shrugged at the inquiry.

"Not long."

Then, without being invited to do so, she walked over to where Link and I were to engage us further. When I got a more up close view of her face, I found that she was much prettier than I initially gave her credit for. Her light blonde hair was shoulder length and complimented her vivid crystal green eyes. Her skin was sun kissed, smooth, and made all the more golden by the light creeping through the tree lined canopy. Simply put, she was extraordinarily beautiful, and I couldn't help but stare into her eyes when she looked at me. Her due credence was her due credence. I wasn't going to deny her that.

She's really a vision, isn't she?

Ilia may have had the same thought regarding me too, as she gave me a long once over... twice before focusing her eyes back on my face. It was apparent that she wasn't expecting a woman like me to come stumbling into her village and broker the attention of the man she obviously had feelings for. When her brief inspection of me was concluded, she glanced over at the hero and forced another smile across her face.

"You two seemed to have settled what looked like a pressing matter. I certainly hope everything is alright."

Her speech had all the constructs of a reasonable explanation to me. However, for Link it obviously wasn't the absolute truth. For some reason, he rolled his eyes and looked away, visibly frustrated. I stared at him puzzled and realized this wasn't just a simple exchange of words. There was more going on between the two of them than what they were willing to divulge. In any such case, it was none of my business and I wasn't going to inquire of him on the issue. I had no intention of getting involved.

It appears that I came back into his life at a most inopportune time. I really wish I had been more prudent.

I continued to remain silent as the two of them spoke, or stared at each other rather, but then Ilia turned her attention back to me. Surprisingly, she came up and took hold of my hand. It was then my minor astonishment shifted from Link to her. I wasn't expecting her to be so forward, and honestly, I took a small step back because of it.

"Uh..."

I was at a slight loss for words.

"You must be famished miss," she said to me in a sweet voice suddenly. "You must join Link and I for supper."

The surprises never ceased. I didn't let it show, but I hid my unease in that request. There was no way I was going to join the two of them for dinner. It was apparent she made those arrangements with the intentions of Link and her only in mind. I was not about to be in an uncomfortable position as a third wheel chaperone, breaking the milieu between them. That was the worst kind of imposition possible.

"Well…" I tried to think of a proper rebuttal, "I don't want to be an unnecessary bother. I can find other accommodations."

Ilia's smile widened and her green eyes seemed to shine in that instance.

"It's not a bother at all." She fanned off my reply. "And I insist."

My unease never went away, and even though I tried to smile back, I found her forward friendliness a little pretentious. It was only a few moments ago when she looked like she was chewing Link's head off for being seen with me. Now suddenly she wanted me to dine in her home? I think not. I was not going to be baited into any useless theatrics tonight. I had enough to combat with Link's general disposition towards me. I didn't need more problems.

"Really, I'm fine."

However, it seemed she wasn't going to take 'no' for an answer. She surprised me with what she uttered next.

"I don't think you understand, there's nowhere else for you to stay. Castle Town is several hours away by foot, all the other residents are completely booked in terms of their lodging here in the village, and it wouldn't be proper for you to stay the night with a single bachelor like Link. So you must stay with me tonight."

Again, I didn't let it show, but I was completely taken aback with her insinuated response. She was implying things I wasn't even close to thinking about. And, I couldn't lie, I felt vaguely insulted by them. My first instinct was to correct her, but my better instinct told me to just let the matter go. It was obvious she was making it known to me that she cared for Link and felt that I was infringing on her territory. I suppose maybe I was, but she didn't need to worry about me squandering his attention. Link made it very clear that he still disliked me a great deal. Even so, I found her manner to be very off putting. It wasn't necessary for her to be so rude to make her point.

I gave her a quick once over before I replied.

There's something… odd about this girl. It's either that or I've developed an unnecessary mean streak in my first impressions over the years.

I was already a natural cynic. Maybe I was turning into an overall cynic.

"O...kay." I then looked over at Link. "Um, I guess maybe I will take you up on your offer then, just as long as I'm not putting you out."

Ilia seemed relieved, put on another pretentious grin, and squeezed my hand tighter.

"Trust me, you're not."

I glanced over at Link once more who was looking between the both of us before taking in a deep breath and looking away. He seemed very uncomfortable with the two of us talking to each other. I said nothing on it. Ilia then tugged on my hand and headed back towards the impasse. I reluctantly followed with Link following close behind us. This promised to be an interesting evening, but I tried to be optimistic about things.

Well… at least I have a place to stay for the night. There is some comfort in not having to worry about that.

I allowed Ilia to lead me back into the main village. When we were in the designated clearing once again, the adolescents and Beth's parents were still watching me. My discomfort never went away. Talo was right. It was obvious they didn't get very many visitors. However, in my periphery I saw someone I was both expecting and dreading to see all at the same time. I caught sight of Rusl. And, with my hood off there was no hiding the fact that he definitely knew who I was. I just saw him in conference yesterday at the castle. He looked at me with alerted, but cautious eyes. However, he also had the good sense to not announce me prematurely. Even so, I carefully put my forefinger to my lips to silence him. I made the gesture look casual. There was also the added effect of Link giving him a notable stare as we walked by. The last thing I needed was to be found out.

Please don't give me away Rusl.

Rusl was still perplexed with my presence, but then carefully nodded as we passed by. By his side, he had an adorable little girl standing next to him. The child looked about seven.

"Who's the pretty lady daddy?" she asked her father, almost hiding completely behind him.

Rusl smiled at his daughter.

"She's a nice lady that needs a place to stay for the night Uli. That's all."

Overhearing the reply, I closed my eyes and grinned.

Thank you Rusl.

I could always count on him. The little girl raised her brows, then looked back over at me. Ilia, Link, and I continued down the road, passing the young adults once more and Colin looked at me with open concern. He tried to temper his expression with a smile and waved at me. I grinned, waved back, and couldn't help but think he was such a nice young man. I appreciated him being so pleasant. The brief trek continued until we finally reached Ilia's house at the end of the pathway. It was a modest cottage that had a sign on it that read: Mayor Bo on the post. My eyes widened involuntarily as another wave of anxiety went through me. I quickly hooded myself before we entered the house, which prompted Ilia to turn and question my action.

"Is something the matter?"

I tried to shrug her question off.

"I just got a sudden chill."

I wasn't sure if she believed me or not, but that wasn't my primary concern. I didn't want to barge into another villager's house and completely surprise them the way I did Link. Even still, Ilia saw fit to give me an answer.

"Don't worry, I have a fire going on inside. You can warm yourself by the hearth while dinner is being prepared."

I simply nodded.

"That sounds like a wonderful idea."

Afterwards, Ilia opened the door and my anticipation almost went through the roof.

I remember Master Bo from court. He used to present the sword of this village to the castle treasury before Master Rusl took over the task.

I held in a deep breath, fully expecting to be greeted by the burly man. It was obvious that he was this young woman's father. However, to my surprise, when the door opened, I saw that the cottage was empty. I looked around almost inherently.

Where is he?

Not bothering to ask my inquiry aloud, we all situated ourselves once we were inside. I was pointed to the hearth in the main living area by Ilia to warm myself, but I still hesitated. I was expecting her father to make his appearance any second. However, as time progressed that never happened. It was then I finally realized he wasn't here, and for a moment I felt relieved. Even so, that relief was short lived when I understood again what was happening for the evening. My discomfort level grew every time I thought of the possibility of my intruding on what was probably going to be a romantic evening between the two of them, or at least it seemed that way. I sighed, and tried to stay out of the way, while Ilia and Link went about the room gathering things to set the table. I finally untied my cloak and took it off. I could at least attempt to make myself useful instead of just standing around feeling like an invalid.

I walked up to Ilia in the kitchen.

"Let me assist you," I offered.

However, Ilia fanned off my suggestion. She pointed for me to have a seat at the table.

"That's quite alright." She took my cloak I just removed and placed it behind the entrance on a rack. "You just sit down and relax. I'll prepare dinner, you must be extremely tired from your journey."

Ilia then smiled at me and went back to the fire pit in the center of the kitchen to check on the stew she was preparing. I wasn't surprised she declined my services, but I wished she had given me some useful activity to engage in. It was then I followed her suggestion and sat down at the table. There were three places already set, which made me wonder, did she know I was coming? Of course not, this place setting must have been for someone else, but who was discarded so I could join them? I suppose it was a useless question now since I was here. I sat at the setting farthest from Link. I didn't want Ilia feeling any more threatened than she already did. Afterwards, I glanced over at the hero who was already seated at the head of the table. He was staring into his empty cup and he seemed lost in thought. This is not what I was expecting.

This is strange. This doesn't feel right. There's definitely some untoward tension between the two of them. I wonder what they were talking about so intently outside.

I decided to try and break the awkward silence and make conversation.

"Uh… thank you for the invite Miss Ilia, I really do appreciate it."

Ilia glanced over her shoulder and looked at me with a grin.

"It's no problem. I hope Beth, Talo, and Malo weren't too intrusive to you."

I smiled at the inquiry.

"No, they were quite pleasant for the most part."

Ilia giggled all of a sudden.

"You must be speaking about Beth with regards to the 'most part'. Beth can be something when she wants to be."

I raised my brows and nodded in agreement.

"Yes, she certainly can."

There was a brief silence after that start. I did appreciate the attempts on her part to be friendly. It probably wasn't easy for her, but I had to give her credit for trying nonetheless. However, I sensed she didn't trust me or my intentions. My deduction was based on the way she kept looking over her shoulder at Link and I at the table. I wasn't stating that to be grating, or simply because she thought of me as the 'other female', I was simply stating that because it was true. As such, I wasn't surprised when she wanted to probe me further.

"So…" Ilia started ladling stew into bowls, "what brings you to Ordon?"

I raised a brow and grinned.

And so the interrogation begins.

I cleared my throat before I spoke.

"I came to borrow the assistance of your resident hero." I decided not to beat around the bush.

It was going to come to that anyway. I had no ill will in the comment, but Ilia didn't seem to take it that way. She looked at me surprised when she set down a bowl of stew in front of me. She looked between Link and I again.

"Borrow?" she inquired with a serious expression.

I nodded, taking a whiff of the food. It smelled heavenly.

"Yes," I thought nothing of it, "and I promise I'll bring him back in one piece."

Apparently, Ilia found my words more disconcerting rather than reassuring. I said the expression with an inflection of humor hoping to ease the tension. However, it was apparent she didn't find any humor in what I was saying. She was now openly staring at me curtly. Things were rapidly taking a turn for the worse.

"Oh... really?" She glanced over at Link.

Wanting to resolve this quickly, I looked over at the hero again myself. I wondered why he was being so quiet regarding the matter. He was acting so distant. What had gotten into him all of a sudden? Perhaps there were other things on his mind. Or, maybe he was thinking about what I proposed to him regarding Midna. Whatever the case, he wasn't coming to my aide in the here and now and that was what I needed. It wasn't even for my sake. It was for his.

"Really," I answered, turning back to look at Ilia. "I want to buy some pumpkins from here and have them delivered to my village."

Ilia found the request odd, and looked at me with open suspicion when I stated my intentions. She didn't reply right away, until she went back to the hearth to ladle another bowl of stew.

"You came all the way to Ordon for pumpkins? There aren't pumpkins where you live?"

I already answered that question on the onset and didn't want a repeat like the exchange I had outside with Beth. So, instead I decided to be more amiable and answer the question as it was presented, very simply.

"Not quite like the ones here. I'm sure you heard my reasons to Miss Beth why a pumpkin isn't quite the same from locale to locale."

Ilia turned and looked at me slightly taken aback. I didn't know why. I didn't mean anything slighting by what I said. It was simply the truth. However, I figured she thought I came here with ulterior motives, which, to be honest, I did. But not the ones she was thinking. She immediately darted her eyes back to Link and looked concerned. She must have assumed I was insinuating something by my use of the word 'pumpkin'. She then narrowed her eyes at Link. When I saw that, I edged back a little in my seat.

Oh goddesses, she looks like she's ready to kill him.

Ilia took in a deep breath and walked back over to the table. I raised my eyebrow at her approach, wondering what she was going to say next. She looked very unhappy all of a sudden. She placed a full bowl of stew down in front of Link, hoping he would ease her mind, but he still continued to be silent. I wasn't going to lie, his insistent quiet disposition was very irritating to me as well. All he was doing was making the situation worse.

What is going on between these two? Why is Link so uncomfortable right now? Why hasn't he said a word?

As if in tandem with my thoughts, Ilia inquired of the silent hero.

"Cat got your tongue Link?"

Link didn't answer right away and shook his head of his thoughts, then forced a look of interest across his face.

"I'm sorry," he finally snapped back to reality, "what were you saying?"

I wanted to fall through the floor.

Did he seriously miss all of that? Really Link?

Ilia was more up front with her displeasure about his apparent absent mindedness. She obviously wasn't happy with his nonchalance regarding her question. She raised a brow and looked mildly upset.

"If you paid attention you'd know we were talking about your plans in leaving the village. Miss Elga was telling me she plans on borrowing you for a pumpkin delivery, is that true?"

I found the way she worded that question a little juvenile. Did he now need to get permission from her to travel throughout Hyrule? Was she his fiance or something? Why did she feel the need to ask all these probing questions? However, Link seemed to take no issue with it. He was probably used to such behavior, and as such, he just looked over at me and nodded. He didn't bother to elaborate more.

"Oh, yes, that is true."

Ilia then sat down across from me and looked between the two of us.

"Hmph," she moaned thoughtfully, "I see."

I hid my annoyance with her behavior, possibly because I wasn't used to people questioning me in such a manner. However, I remembered I needed to stay in role and keep the conversation focused. A few inquiries wouldn't kill me and this was more related to this woman's worry about my possible relationship with Link, not his going on a quest with me.

Ilia went on.

"When do you plan to leave?"

A thoughtful expression came across Link's face before he took a spoonful of stew and blew on it.

"Tomorrow." He then ate the contents.

I was sure she was aware that our departure would be imminent due to common business practice. But, even still, a look of surprise crossed Ilia's face, which afterwards made her turn her attention back on me.

"Tomorrow?"

I nodded.

"Yes, tomorrow. It's imperative that I get back to my people with these goods as soon as possible."

I probably shouldn't have said that and been more discerning regarding her behavior, because Ilia's next question seemed to slip right out of her mouth.

"That was certainly impromptu, wasn't it?" she asked me with a hint of sarcasm. "Link wasted no time saying yes to you, did he?"

I ignored the inflection in her tone, but I was beginning to understand what Beth was saying earlier.

It seems the sassy little lady was onto something. She certainly -how did Miss Beth put it?- she certainly has it 'bad' for Link.

"Unfortunately, yes it is, and I'm glad he agreed, but I really am in a bind, and Link will be most helpful."

I wondered if he was hearing anything I was saying. I was going at this alone. Ilia only nodded at my words and looked at me oddly for a moment. I was growing tired of her constant stares. However, instead of pursuing the issue further, she forced another smile, got up from her seat, and went to go back to the hearth. I let my eyes follow her, wishing to Hylia I had another option for residency that evening. This was going to be a long night. The sooner I was able to get out of here, the better. This is not what I was anticipating at all.

She makes Beth seem like an angel. At least that young lady was outright about her dislike for me. She wasn't snide or evasive.

I looked over at Link once more, he was still silently eating, and I sighed to focus back on my own belly, but my appetite was slowly leaving me. This was the strangest dinner I had ever been invited to. When I looked up again, I caught Ilia's hypnotic green gaze once more. She served herself some food and sat back down across from me. Afterwards, she turned her attention back to Link and continued her inquiries further.

"Well, at least that means you won't be gone long, right?" she asked him, breaking the brief quiet. "It should be a day or two at the most, correct?"

He was still downing his stew and shook his head.

"That I'm not sure on."

Ilia looked taken aback when she heard that, then looked over at me a little uneasily.

"It's just a pumpkin delivery," she said to me as if I was hearing it for the first time. "There's nothing else you have to do, is there?"

I was about to answer, when Link interceded first.

"Ilia, I just told you I don't know. It all depends on how things turn out."

Ilia took in a deep sigh, now she was upset.

"First of all, I was speaking to Miss Elga before you rudely interrupted," she did not bother sugarcoating her tongue. "Second, how can you not know? It shouldn't be a job that requires a great deal of your time."

I felt my eyes widen at her relentless questioning.

Link has got to be getting frustrated with this. This would drive any rational person mad.

I could see his patience wearing thin.

"Anything can happen. It's always best to plan for the worst. That's what I meant by I don't know."

It seemed that explanation wasn't good enough for her.

"Well, what about the Hyrulean Festival?" she continued. "You will be back before that, won't you? You promised me you'd go with me."

Link then closed his eyes and sighed.

I was starting to feel his frustration too.

"Ilia..."

It was apparent Link did not want to discuss this in front of me, but Ilia didn't let up. I actually felt bad for him, and attempted to help him with a reassurance.

"The Hyrulean Festival is several months away. Surely we won't take that long."

However, Link held up his hand to silence me.

"I'll handle this." He then focused his attention back to Ilia. "Like I said before I'm not giving you a time line because I'm not sure of what will come of it. I will be back when I will be back, stop worrying."

She was now livid at his response.

"How can I not worry Link when you won't answer a simple question?" Ilia went on with a hint of desperation in her voice. "All I want to know is how long I can anticipate you being gone? A week? Two weeks? A month? Six months? A year? How long Link?!"

I couldn't believe her behavior and found her inquiries beyond grating. This was ridiculous. Was she serious? Did she honestly think she was going to get answers to her questions acting this way? Why couldn't she understand that he didn't have to answer to her? I couldn't believe how irrational and persnickety she was being, but it wasn't my place to interfere.

Her behavior is very unnerving, but I'm sure there must be a reason.

Through it all, Link was being surprisingly calm.

"Ilia you know it's not going to take a year." He did not want to make a scene, "I just don't want to give you a time and have your expectations mapped by that and that only."

Ilia obviously wasn't in a mood to listen to reason. She looked at him in disbelief and put her hands on her hips.

"I don't understand why you can't just tell me," she continued anyway, then shot her eyes to me. "Unless this has something to do with something else."

I stared down into my bowl at this point, embarrassed for her, but I wasn't going to be baited into an argument. The unspoken word here was someone else, and she wanted to make sure nothing or no one infringed on what she considered hers. I could see the frustration now on Link's face, and at this point it was more than warranted. His interactions with her reminded me on some level of what I had to deal with when it came to Elbourne. He could act spoiled and silly too.

Try to keep your calm Link.

Link put his spoon down and took in a deep annoyed breath. He pushed back from the table and crossed his arms over his chest now. It was the first display of real emotion I had seen from him since supper began.

"Drop it Ilia," he warned.

I sat there, wanting so badly to leave.

I remained silent.

Ilia looked at Link stunned.

"I just asked you a simple question."

"Which I gave you the answer to. Now I want you to drop it."

Ilia narrowed her eyes at Link. "Why are you-"

"There is nothing else, okay!" His tone was quiet but effective. "And if you really must know there is no one else Ilia! If I knew when I was going to be back I'd tell you. If I wanted you to know, I'd tell you!" His aggravation was mounting. "But as it stands I just don't know, so please back off with all the questions!"

My eyes widened stunned, but I couldn't say I blamed him. Ilia had been needling him all evening and he was bound to lose his composure at some point. She was even bothering me. After Link's stern correction, the tension in the air was palpable.

Ilia just stared at him surprised.

"Back off?" she repeated in disbelief. "Are you serious?"

There was a tense silence between the three of us before anyone said anything else. I honestly wished it could have stayed that way, too much was coming out in the open unnecessarily.

Ilia was lost for words for a moment.

"I-I'm sorry, I was just concerned, that's all."

I gave her a slightly offhanded look. I couldn't necessarily agree with that. This was more than just concern. This had all the components of jealousy and insecurity along with it. Link sighed and ran his hands over his face, clearly discomfited with what just took place. I had to admit, I was uncomfortable with them having such a tense discussion in front of me too. But, in a way I was glad Link stopped her interrogation the way he did. Ilia was just doing too much in the way of bombarding the man with questions. 'Are you this?' and 'Will you that?' That progression over and over again would irritate anybody. No one wanted to be pigeonholed into making a decision or giving an answer they weren't comfortable with or ready to give. Why couldn't she see that? And to make matters worse, now Ilia was getting emotional. Her eyes filled with tears all of a sudden, and her whole disposition changed. It seemed the 'other' Ilia was now gone. I wasn't going to lie, I often got frustrated with women who used such antics to get their way. If she couldn't get what she wanted by yelling, then she would try to do so by crying. I thought at this age we were past such progressions in life. However, it seemed I was wrong. But, then again everyone progresses differently.

"I've asked about your trips in the past before and you've never gotten so defensive," she said all of a sudden. "What has gotten in to you?"

Ilia's throat tightened and she turned away from looking at the hero.

There was another brief silence. I avoided looking at either of them at this point. Ilia then slumped her shoulders, got up from the table, and walked over to the basin where the pump was in the kitchen. Soon after, her whole body began to tremble. I stared at her in disbelief at her actions. However, I knew it was only a matter of time before she started crying. Link looked more embarrassed than anything as he watched her go from the table to the washing basin in the kitchen. He glanced over at me, almost apologizing with his eyes. Afterwards, he got up from the table to go see about her.

"Will you excuse me for a moment?"

I nodded and turned away to afford them a little bit of privacy. This was a very odd position for me to be in. I wish now from the onset I never came here. This turned out to be worse than I imagined. I expected to hear some audible whispering or something, but it was quiet and I was curious to see what the two of them were doing. So, I reneged on my first notion of privacy for a moment to see what was going on. When I did, I was a little taken aback at what I discovered. Link had his arms wrapped around Ilia's waist from behind, holding her close, and he was whispering something in her ear. I couldn't make out what it was, but apparently it had the desired effect it needed. Ilia then turned around and hugged him tightly. Afterwards, she wiped the tears from her eyes. I could hear her whisper she was sorry and that seemed to be the end of it.

I sat there wishing I could disappear.

This was clearly something I shouldn't have been a witness to. They had to have been courting or something to be that close. He was holding her like how he once held me years ago. The recollection made me look down. There were a lot of things that were going through my head at the sight of them holding each other. I tried not to let myself be bothered by it. Jealousy was an ugly trait. I wasn't going to give it intentional credence anymore. Anyway, afterwards Link led Ilia by the hand back to the table, and pulled out her chair for her so she could sit back down. He then took his seat again. I was staring into my untouched bowl of food, looking at my fractious expression in the settled liquid, wanting so badly to leave.

I then glanced up at Ilia and Link, hoping everything was resolved.

Should I even ask?

I cleared my throat before I spoke.

"Is… is everything okay?"

Ilia took in a deep breath and nodded.

"Everything is fine now." She grabbed Link's hand and squeezed it affectionately.

Link squeezed it back, let it go, and then resumed to eating his supper. He didn't answer me. I think he just wanted to forget what happened, which I completely understood. I just wanted to get out of here, and because of such, it prompted my next question.

"Uh… Miss Ilia, would it be better if I left? I can assure you I can find other accommodations. I have no problem sleeping under the stars. Actually, that sounds quite adventurous."

Ilia looked at me and blushed. She stroked her blonde hair behind her ears nervously.

"I'm a little embarrassed for the display you just saw," she said, detracting the subject a little. "I apologize, and no Miss Elga there's no need for you to go elsewhere. I have plenty of room here."

I raised a brow.

The room is not what concerns me.

I forced a smile and nodded. If I were truly using my Triforce of Wisdom, I would have gotten out of there whether she protested or not. However, I decided to give her the benefit of the doubt and give her a second chance. It was only for the night... the rest of the night.

I might go to bed early.

"Alright, if you're completely sure."

Ilia grinned at my reply.

"Thank you for understanding Miss Elga, and again, I'm very sorry."

I merely nodded and didn't reply.

Ilia then raised her eyebrows when she saw my bowl of food was still untouched.

"Are you not hungry Miss Elga?" she asked me all of a sudden.

I looked at her surprised, then stared down into my bowl once more. I was hardly concerned with eating after what just took place.

"Uh… I'm sorry, I'm afraid I don't have much of an appetite."

Ilia nodded.

"I see."

I didn't like how she was staring at me so intently after the fact of my saying that. Another outburst was sure to take place if I didn't force something down. So, I cleared my throat, and took up a spoonful of food. I wasn't expecting anything spectacular, but it was surprisingly delicious. The flavor of the butter based bouillon accentuated the potatoes and carrots perfectly. It was really wonderful.

"Mmm," I moaned in pleasure, and then wiped my mouth of the drippings. "You're an excellent cook Miss Ilia."

"Thank you."

It was then I noticed she wasn't eating even though she ladled a bowl for herself.

"Are you not going to have supper yourself?"

Ilia shook her head.

"I'm not hungry... for food," she said softly, and then muttered something else under her breath.

I raised my eyebrows at her inaudible tongue.

"Excuse me?"

She forced a smile just then.

"It's nothing," she said, then added, "at least I don't think."

She then smiled at me, and held out her hand to take my empty bowl when I finished. I gave it to her and watched her go over to the basin to clean the dirty dishes. It was then Link backed up from the table again and nodded towards me.

"I'm going to bid you goodnight Miss Elga."

I nodded back in acknowledgement, but I didn't want to be left alone with this woman.

"Goodnight Mr. Link," I wished he wasn't leaving so soon.

I watched him go over to Ilia and hug her from behind as she washed the dishes. He whispered something else in her ear and kissed her cheek. My cheeks blushed at the sight and quickly looked away. I raised my eyebrows at the action.

Maybe they are courting each other.

Even still, it was one of the strangest evenings I ever encountered. I had never seen two people so restrained from exhibiting their true feelings to each other. There was so much more said with their unspoken body language than anything else. It was apparent with Link and Ilia tonight, I stepped into something that I shouldn't have. I couldn't help but wonder what the real story was between those two. My recourse was cut short when Link addressed me again from the door.

"I'll call for you at dawn Miss Elga."

I nodded.

"Dawn it is."

"Goodnight."

"Goodnight."

The door was halfway closed when I suddenly remembered something. Something that could perhaps save me from an uncomfortable evening with Ilia alone.

"Master Link."

He turned to look at me expectantly.

"Yes?"

I hesitated for a moment, then suddenly without thought or recourse blurted out my question.

"Don't you have a sparing match with Master Colin this evening?" I divulged out of the blue.

Link looked at me surprised. It was apparent he had forgotten about it.

"That's right, I do indeed."

I then got up from the table and walked near the door. I clasped my hands together in front of my dress.

"Do you mind if I watch the both of you?" I asked with a slight measure of pleading. "I could get a sense of insight from such a well trained warrior as yourself."

It was a rare opportunity for me to watch the Hero of Twilight teach in such an informal setting. I wanted to take advantage of that if I could. Ilia and Link both looked at me surprised. I noticed Link glance over at Ilia with a bit of unease, but afterwards he nodded in agreement anyway. I was relieved, I couldn't wait to get out of here.

"Of course I don't mind. I'm going back to my home to get ready. I'll see you down at the impasse in a little bit."

I nodded at his recognition, happy that he agreed to it so readily, and went to get my cloak. I wanted to get out of here as soon as possible. There was no telling when Ilia would have another episode. I got my cloak from the rack behind the door. I tied the strings around my neck, when suddenly Ilia intercepted me. She grabbed my wrist and didn't allow me to advance. I turned to look at her surprised and found that she had a pernicious look on her face that faded into a forced grin. I didn't want to be mean, but she looked a little unstable.

Oh no.

Her hold tightened a little as she narrowed her eyes.

"How did you know about that?" she demanded quietly.

I felt my unease rise at the accusation in her tone. I briefly glanced down at her hand before answering her.

"Know about what?" I pretended ignorance.

Her grip tightened even more.

"You know what I'm talking about."

I rolled my eyes and pulled my wrist away from her clutch. I was getting tired of her up and down display.

"I heard about the sparing match in passing from Master Colin."

It wasn't exactly the truth, but I wasn't going to tell her it was because I eavesdropped on a conversation. Ilia stared at me long and hard, trying to determine if she believed me or not. I honestly didn't care if she did. I was trying to understand what difference it made to her. The friendly radiance and manner Ilia displayed earlier was all but gone, and it was replaced with this strange, neurotic, maladaptive tendency she kept regressing to. I didn't know where it came from or why she was like this, but she wasn't going to take her insecurities out on me any longer. Even still, she attempted to let me know what my place was.

"I don't know what you're trying to do," she said to me in a low, almost threatening voice, "but you're not going to take Link away from here. He has family and friends who love him here."

I looked at her surprised.

"I have no intention of taking him away from Ordon," I reassured. "This is his home."

Ilia looked into my eyes for a moment, but just as quickly as she looked, she looked away.

"I just… never mind," she whispered more to herself than to me.

There was a brief tense silence between us. I truly felt bad for the young woman. There was something that had to happen to her to make her so unsteady and insecure. As if traversing emotional plains in tandem, Ilia smiled at me and took hold of my hand again. It was very strange. Very strange indeed. Her emotions swayed like a pendulum in a clock.

"I'll go with you. We'll watch the match together."

That wasn't what I had in mind.

Oh wonderful.

"…Okay," I wanted to make sure I watched Ilia's behavior patterns closely.

I wasn't going to argue with her. That would only make things worse. If she wanted to watch the match, then by Hylia the woman had a right to watch the match. I just wanted to get out of her home for the time being. We left the cottage and went to the impasse leading to Link's house. When Ilia and I arrived, we saw that Talo, Malo, Beth and Colin were already there. Beth rolled her eyes when she saw me. I merely grinned, not paying her any mind. She was there to support her friends, not me. Colin seemed the most excited at seeing me. His eyes got wide and he smiled when I approached the rest of the group. However, he wasn't the only one watching me. His father Rusl was there giving me the eye as well. I nodded at Rusl, respectfully acknowledging him. He nodded back, and almost bowed, but then caught himself and stopped.

Good save.

Ilia saw the attention I was getting, and inadvertently stood ahead of me to divert it.

"Hello everyone, how are you all?"

"Hi Ilia," Malo and Talo said in unison, they then turned to me. "Good evening Miss Elga."

I waved and smiled at them.

"Good evening gentlemen."

Beth grunted at the attention I was getting and was more than willing to ignore me. She went out of her way to make a fact of that too.

"I'm fine Ilia," she replied to her long time friend. "How are you? Is your guest causing you any problems? How terrible of her to impose herself on you!"

I sighed at Ilia and Beth and merely let their conversation be. I didn't eavesdrop because I didn't care. I was a stranger to these people. It didn't matter anyway.

I'll be out of their lives soon enough, and with the way things are going, tomorrow can't come soon enough.

However, my treatment wasn't completely terrible, Colin soon came over to where I was and stood next to me. I had to admit, he was a rather handsome young man with his sparkling blue eyes and golden blonde hair.

He's going to make some young maiden very happy someday.

I saw his father watch his son carefully out of my periphery. It made me almost giggle.

Don't worry Rusl, he's much too young to be a conquest of mine.

"I'm so glad you're here Miss Elga," he said to me with a smile. "I'm about to duke it out with the best swordsman in the country. You're just in time to watch."

I nodded at his words, and out of the corner of my eye, I saw Ilia turn around and give me a flagrant stare.

I merely raised a brow.

What now? Why can't she just relax?

I chose to ignore her.

"Yes I know. Uou must be quite good to come against Master Link."

Colin looked down shyly and shrugged.

"I'm okay, it'll take me some years to best Link."

I smiled at his modesty.

"Nonsense, I'm sure you'll do just fine."

Colin grinned and looked down again.

"Yeah... are you... are you going to cheer for me?" he asked me suddenly without looking at me.

I chuckled a little at his shyness. He reminded me a little of myself.

"Of course."

Colin looked back up again and smiled. He then impulsively took my hand and kissed the back of it. I was surprised that he was so bold right in front of his parents. His father was watching the whole thing and simply shook his head.

"That boy," I heard him mutter.

I giggled again at Rusl's reaction.

Colin then released my hand and went to pick up his wooden sword. Ilia had been watching the entire interaction, and when Colin resumed his position she approached me.

She gave me a quick suspicious once over.

"What was that all about?"

I looked at her puzzled.

"What was what all about?"

Ilia looked over at Colin.

"I was under the impression he told you about the match earlier," she divulged.

I looked at her surprised.

"He did."

Ilia narrowed her eyes at me, knowing she just caught me in a fib.

"It seemed like he only knew of your knowing about the match just now," she said with a slight accusation in her inflection.

I groaned.

Why is she trying to be difficult? I wondered.

"Maybe he's just acting shy," I wanted her to mind her own business. "Maybe he doesn't want anyone to know we talked about that."

Tomorrow couldn't come soon enough. This was ridiculous.

"Or maybe one of you two likes to tell tales."

It was then I turned from her and didn't acknowledge her further. She was getting on my nerves. I didn't know why she bothered talking to me. It was obvious she didn't like me.

"Maybe," I replied back, looking away.

A moment later, Link emerged from his home, dressed in a sleeveless cotton shirt with a warriors sash around his waist. My eyebrows did go up, because I could swear he was only wearing that shirt to show off the large muscles in his arms.

Men.

I smirked and shook my head. However, there was no denying he wore that garment very well. Link climbed down his ladder and confronted Colin in a friendly, but competitive manner.

"Remember there's no crying when you fight me," he said to Colin, then grinned.

I was surprised at his disposition. He was like a whole different person from before.

"I never cry when victory is nigh," Colin said back boldly.

That made me smile and Link raised an eyebrow at him and smirked.

"Well said, let's see how much of that is true."

I studied the insignia on Link's clothes a little more closely now that he was on the same plain as everyone else. From what I could tell from his garb and wooden sword, he was going to fight Colin using the Hylian sword technique of ninpo ninjutsu. It was an Eastern Hylian form of fighting that was perfected by the Sheikah people. It was a highly effective form of combat that focused on the art of defense. He had the sign of Gi and Chi on his warrior cloth I saw, just now noticing the front flap of Link's sash: wisdom, and courage, the altruistic aspects of the Triforce. Link and Colin both bowed, and then initiated the bojutsu stance. The bojutsu stance was the common engagement in the ninpo fighting style. There were eighteen different aspects to the Bugei Jūhappan, or studies of the warrior. However, the one focusing on the sword was the one they were using now known as ninki.

I looked on excited.

This promised to be quite an education. Colin engaged first. He was performing the basic technique of naname ushiro omote waki uchi, which was an alternating of his hands at the midpoint and endpoint of his wooden sword. Afterwards, he went to attack Link at his midsection.

He's actually pretty good with the handling.

However, Link countered with yokomen uchi ude kime nage, a specialized attack where the fighter grabs the opponent's weapon and flips them onto their back. Since both men were using wooden sticks, it was the perfectly logical choice for a counter attack. Poor Colin landed hard on the ground.

Ouch, I winced, I hope he's alright, Link wasn't playing, was he?

"Come on Colin!" I called out enthusiastically, trying to give the young man some motivation.

I knew he could do this.

Link looked down at Colin and smirked. He then offered him his hand.

"You alright?" he asked with a slight glint of arrogance.

My rallying must have worked, because Colin reached up and grabbed Link by his shirt and flipped him onto his back instead of allowing him to help him up.

My eyes widened in surprise.

"Wow," I heard Beth say underneath her breath.

I couldn't agree more. How often did something like that happen to Link?

Colin then jumped back onto his feet and reengaged his stance. Link lay on the ground, stunned for a moment that he was bested, but then a mischievous smile crossed his handsome face and he jumped back onto his feet. He picked his stick back up and initiated his stance once more. He looked a lot more confident now.

"Alright, let's see you try that again Colin."

I couldn't help but smile, now his competitive side was starting to show. I wondered if this was how he got things done at the castle. I continued to watch.

Colin narrowed his eyes slightly, and raised his wooden sword. He cried out a vivacious yell, and then leaped at Link in the Ken Gi one: bokken shomenuchi attack stance, or rose the sword above his head with the intention of striking downward. The yell was important because it protected the un-girdled area of the gut by tightening up the core muscles. However, when Colin landed, he was in for a serious surprise.

Link, already knowing Colin's basic skill set, immediately countered by parrying his attack by striking the butt of Colin's sword. The wooden sword flew out of Colin's hands and Colin looked at Link dumbfounded in surprise. I couldn't lie. I was shocked. How in the world did he do that? The crowd was silent for a moment, before sparse applause filled the air. I looked at Link astonished for a moment, then looked around to see everyone else's general reaction. I was comforted in knowing I wasn't overreacting. Everyone else looked shocked as well.

So it wasn't just me. That last attack did seem rather aggressive on Link's end.

Colin took a step back and took in a deep sigh at his loss.

"It looks like you win again Link." He showed great sportsmanship considering how he was just treated.

Colin then bowed.

Link crossed his arms over his chest.

"But I shouldn't have," the hero said to him seriously, "I've told you time and again that your timing into your shomenuchi is way too long. You have to cut that time down by three seconds. If we were on the battlefield you would be dead."

I looked at him stunned.

He's on him about three seconds?

My mouth became agape after hearing that. Why was he scolding him when this was suppose to be a friendly scrimmage match? No one would have expected an attack like that in a match like this, no one. It seemed the general consensus was the same all around. Everyone was looking at Link like he was being too hard on Colin. Well, I wasn't just going to stand there and allow Colin to be embarrassed so poignantly. I thought he fought well.

"Master Colin," I called to him softly, "for what it's worth, I think you did a wonderful job."

Colin grinned at me. However, before he could reply Link spoke up first.

"That kind of incessant goading is what will prevent a warrior from advancing," Link said to me sharply.

I looked at him taken aback and out of the corner of my eye I could see Rusl look at Link stunned as well. Even Beth was surprised at his tone.

"Link…" she trailed, not understanding where any of this was coming from, "are you okay?"

Link ignored her, never taking his eyes off me.

I couldn't believe it myself. What did I do now?

"I understand that Master Link, however-"

"You could never understand it!" he interrupted me with a sharp poignancy. "You're not a warrior!"

I looked at him shocked, then clamped my mouth shut. Ilia's eyes widened as well when she looked between Link and I. She was taken aback in the same manner that everyone was. I think everyone at this time knew there was something going on between Link and I, be it adversarial or not. He was so angry with me he couldn't even hide it anymore.

"Very well," I said quietly, not wanting to make this more of a scene, "you're right, I'm not a warrior."

However, Colin looked between Link and I offhandedly, but then got indignant on my behalf.

"Link you don't have to be so brash when you speak to Miss Elga. She doesn't deserve that."

Link merely looked over at Colin. There was a little surprise in his face at the defense of my honor.

"Oh is that right?"

Colin nodded and didn't back down.

"Yes, that's right. You should apologize for your indecencies towards the young lady."

I was surprised that Colin came to my defense so readily, but I was also grateful to him for it.

"Master Colin..."

He kept his eyes locked on Link.

Link just stared the youngster down and didn't have much to say in reply.

"Just keep practicing," he ignored what he said about me, "that's where your focus should be." Link then turned his attention to me. "We leave at dawn," he said to me, heading back to his ladder, "be ready."

I looked to the ground as he walked by and sighed.

"Dawn it is," I replied.

When Link got to the top of the ladder, he turned around and stared down at me for a brief moment. Admittedly, it made me blush. I wish I hadn't reacted this way in front of everyone.

Why does he still have this kind of affect on me when I know he hates me? Why is my pull of attraction to him so strong?

Link then cut his gaze and slammed his front door shut. Everyone immediately went into a low hum of murmuring.

"What was that all about?" Malo asked Talo quietly.

"I have no idea," Talo replied shaking his head, "but whatever it is, Link's pissed about it."

Beth pushed herself away from the rock formation she was standing up against and went over to Ilia. She spoke openly about me to her friend.

"I knew she was bad news," she whispered to Ilia audibly. "Did you see the way even Link dealt with her?"

Ilia didn't reply and simply grunted.

Well, Link certainly didn't make my stay here any easier that was for sure.

I sighed.

Colin saw the distressed look on my face and quickly approached me to quell it.

"I apologize for his insolent behavior towards you Miss Elga. There was no need for that."

I nodded and looked down.

"Thank you."

He gave me a quick once over.

"I hope this doesn't deter your future plans for revisiting. I would love for you to come back to Ordon."

I tried to smile at Colin's kindness, but Link's words were still booming through my head.

What was that all about? I tried to understand the true merits of his anger. There's something deeper to what he feels towards me. I have to find out what it is.

A moment later, Rusl approached me with his other child Uli.

"Are you alright miss?"

I looked at him and sighed.

"Yes good sir, I am."

Rusl looked up to Link's locked door.

"He's not usually like that," Rusl reassured.

I know.

"I don't know why his temperament is off today," Rusl said honestly.

I do.. and I hate quarreling, I battedf my eyes so no tears would come, I just hate it.

"It doesn't matter. I imposed myself on him."

Colin saw my reaction and got indignant again.

"That still doesn't give him the right to treat you the way he did. He was acting like an incomprehensible ass."

I smiled at Colin trying to cheer me up and looked back to Link's front door.

"It's no matter. I'll be gone tomorrow anyway."

Tomorrow would be the start of our reckoning.

Dawn it is good sir. Dawn it is.

Thank you for reading.