Hello, once again. This is chapter four of my story! Woop! And to all those people who reviewed, you're all awesome. And, for Link Zelda lover, don't worry. The romance is coming soon ;) Speaking of which, Link Zelda lover brought a good point to my attention. You said that even though Link doesn't talk in the game, he should talk in the story... so, to make this fanfic less confuzzling, I went back and edited it to make Link talk. But, he speaks very minimally. I'm sorry, but I'm a stickler when it comes to Link talking! Hahaha I hope it's better for you guys :DDD

Chapter Four: The Letter

Stuffing the letter inside his shirt, Link placed his hand on Fado's shoulder and nodded appreciatively. Then, he mounted Epona and left Fado to himself and his disobedient blue goats.

"Hyah!" Link pushed Epona into a gallop in order to get the necessary power to jump the fence, and when they soared majestically through the air, Link closed his eyes. All he felt was the adrenaline of jumping on Epona and the wind blowing through his hair without any green hat to create restraints. As Epona landed heavily on the ground, he blinked back to reality and remembered the letter he was about to open. He already knew who it was from, and just thinking about it made his heart pound. Just the thought of her face…

Epona trotted into the village, where things were beginning to stir. People were walking around tending to their daily errands, children were running and playing, and the animals were simply strolling. Link held his head high, casually waving, smiling, and nodding to all of the people he passed.

"Hi, Link!" Colin jogged up to Epona's side, walking alongside them. Link flashed his teeth in a bright white smile. Rusl's young, timid son began rambling on. Though Link nodded and looked him in the eyes to make it seem like he was paying attention, the letter was the only thing on his mind.

"Ilia told me to tell you that she's waiting for you up by your house." He said. That statement was the first to truly catch Link's attention.

"Thanks, Colin!" Link, from atop Epona, ruffled Colin's blond hair.

"You're welcome! And don't forget to teach me how to ride a horse!" Colin closed his eyes and gave Link an adorable smile before running off to join Beth, Talo, and Malo.

In no way or form did Link wish to talk to Ilia. On a normal day, he would be excited. But today, he had someone else waiting for him. He resisted the temptation to roll his eyes, and his sweet temper allowed him to do so. But he knew that at this rate, it wouldn't last long.

"Um, hey Link." Just as Colin had said, Ilia was waiting for him in front of his home. He halted Epona and dismounted, wrapping his arm around Ilia in a friendly, one-armed hug. She smiled sweetly, gazing into his eyes. Then her eyes moved to the corner of the envelope poking out of his shirt collar. "What's that? A letter?"

Ilia became suddenly playful, and ripped the letter from his shirt. He reached to grab it, but she had already it pulled it away and had turned her back to him.

"Who's it from?" She said in a singsong voice, waving it around tauntingly with a mischievous smile on her face. She held it up high, and Link jumped to grab it, but she pulled it back down in the nick of time. "Hyrule Castle, huh?" She raised her eyebrows.

Link teasingly rolled his eyes, reaching for the letter. Ilia, much to his dismay, had more agility than he expected. She giggled, and he gave her a semi-serious warning glance.

"Come on, Linkipoo." Ilia joked, using his childhood nickname. "You can trust me! Why don't I just open it for you?"

He shook his head more vigorously than he meant to, his eyes widening involuntarily. Ilia furrowed her brow, and her shoulders slumped.

"Is it that important? Fine." She shrugged and gave him the letter, turning her face away proudly yet playfully. There was a smirk playing on her thin lips. He inconspicuously sighed in relief, taking the letter and stuffing it back under his shirt. "Why did you hide it away again? Just open it now! I won't bother you or look over your shoulder or anything." Ilia winked.

With a soft chuckle, Link decided to listen to her for once, so he pulled out the letter. He clumsily ripped open the envelope, creating a nasty tear in it. The letter, however, remained perfectly intact. He read it with a special eagerness and a twinkle in his eyes.

My Dear Link,

I know it's only been a few days, and you probably still haven't figured out what you want as your reward. You don't have to figure that out just yet. But I have yet another favor to ask of you, if it's not too much trouble. I was wondering if perhaps you could come to Castle Town this evening. I have some things to discuss with you, and some important issues that need to be taken care of. Link, I am so very sorry for tearing you away from your home after just arriving. I feel horrible for doing this to you. You've already done so much for Hyrule, and now I'm asking more of you. I know it's not fair. Please forgive me for this. There are just some things I need to talk about, and you're the only person I trust my words with. We are, after all, both Chosen Ones. If you cannot come or do not wish to come, simply write back telling me so. I will understand. It is not urgent, but I do wish that you could come. If you do come, meet me at the fountain in the center plaza of Castle Town. I will be in disguise, and nobody can know it is me. So please remember this.

Sincerely,

Princess Zelda

P.S: Since you'll be talking to me anyway (if you come), think about the reward you want. And know that I won't be satisfied until you are properly rewarded. Thank you, Link…for everything.

Link couldn't tear his eyes away from the beautiful handwriting of the princess, and he could hear his heart beating in his ears. He simply stared at the words, curiosity and anxiety intruding his thoughts. Ilia stood beside him, watching his eyes scan the paper. She had respect enough not to take a peek at the letter. He read Zelda's apologies, but found them unnecessary. He had just arrived in Ordon, but he felt as if there was nothing exciting. Being out adventuring for so long created an urge inside of him; it was an urge to go out and do something productive in the world, not just heard goats in the ranch of Ordon, especially since the light spirits were in danger. He loved the people and the atmosphere, but there was truly nothing left for him here. He was different than the rest, and everyone knew it. He didn't belong, and apparently, Princess Zelda also realized this. Of course he was going to travel to Castle Town. There was no doubt in his mind. And, he needed to talk to Zelda about the light spirits anyway. He couldn't think of a single reason not to go.

"…What does it say?" Ilia asked softly, looking at him with large, hopeful eyes. "It's okay if you don't want to tell me." She was making the puppy dog face. There was no way that Link couldn't succumb to Ilia's signature puppy dog face.

"Princess Zelda wants me to meet her at Castle Town tonight." Link prepared himself for an outburst as he explained softly.

"What?" She suddenly became energetic and riled up, and her hands clenched into fists. "You're leaving? Link, you only just returned yesterday! How can you possibly leave, just like that, because the princess asked you to? Leave Ordon, leave your people…" She paused. "Leave me." Her voice was bitter and sarcastic.

Link sighed, flinching as she screamed at him.

"So, after such a long time adventuring around Hyrule, you're just going to leave. I guess Princess Zelda is just more important than the rest of us, huh?" She spat.

"Ilia, I'm different than the rest of you!"

"No, you're not! You're no different than the rest of us, Link!" Ilia cried in response to Link's protests. "You're not a real Hylian. You may not have been born here, but you were definitely raised here, in Ordon! Not in Hyrule Castle Town. You need to accept the fact that you will never be the same as Princess Zelda."

"Zelda and I have more in common than you and I do." Link argued, trying to sound as gentle but as persuading as possible.

"How are you different than me and the same as her? Just tell me, Link. Tell me one thing that makes you different than me." She crossed her arms rigidly and stared at him in pure contempt. Link took a deep breath, and then lifted his hand and pulled down the cloth covering it triumphantly. Right before Ilia's eyes, the golden Triforce began glowing shakily, proving that Link held the power of the ancient Hero of Time inside him. He held the Triforce of Courage and the power that the goddesses had bestowed upon him. Ilia gasped, but tried to hide her amazement by looking away angrily. But she had been proven wrong, nevertheless.

"Oh yeah? A shiny triangle? What else?" She continued to argue, but her tone showed that she knew she had been bested. Link rolled his eyes, and then grabbed her ear. "Ow!" Ilia pulled away stubbornly, tracing the ridges of her rounded ear. As she did, Link pulled on the tip of his pointed ear. "Oh, and you have a pointy ear and I don't. Big whoop." She rolled her eyes and refused to look at him.

He gave her an expression that said, 'Come on Ilia, you're not serious.'

"Okay fine! You're different! You're not an Ordonian, you're Hylian! Happy now, 'Sir Link?'" She spat sarcastically. Link winced. Then, he resorted to apologies, giving her the most sorry expression he had. He just couldn't stand arguing or being angry. His sweet nature wouldn't allow it, even if it wasn't his fault. Though she still wouldn't make eye contact with him, he sensed her calming down.

"I'm sorry... What can I do to make up for it?"

"You want to make up for what you did?" She raised her eyebrow at Link's request. "Fine. Take me with you."

"Huh?" Link did a double take, and his jaw dropped at her demand.

"That's right. Take me with you to Castle Town. I want to see it, and I miss Telma anyway. Plus…" A snicker appeared on her usually calm face. "I think I want to meet the princess. If her Highness will allow it, that is."

"Huh?" That was the only response Link had.

"It's settled then." Ilia clapped her hands together, smiling sarcastically yet victoriously. "How long does it take to get to Castle Town? An hour? Okay, come pick me up at my house in two hours time. I'll be waiting for you, Link." She gave him one last, dangerous glance before turning on her heel and walking back to the village, leaving Link breathless. It wasn't just him and Zelda anymore… Ilia was going to tag along. And frankly, Link wasn't particularly looking forward to it.

The mayor was not happy about Ilia and Link's departure, but with much persuasion from his daughter, he allowed it. They were on their way in exactly two hours, Ilia clinging to Link as they rode on Epona towards Castle Town. Of course, Link had changed into his green tunic and re-equipped his sword and shield. Ilia herself had taken out her best dress and donned it. It was bright green to match her eyes, and it flowed to her knees and was printed with yellow flowers. It was perfect for summer, and on her usually bare feet, she wore comfortable brown slippers. Link had been surprised when she'd walked out of Mayor Bo's house dressed so formally, but he hadn't said anything. She would definitely have been offended if he had.

Just as Ilia had predicted, they reached Castle Town in one hour. Ilia helped him tether Epona outside of the bridge, and together they walked forward. He could sense her nervousness and slight fright, and she habitually inched closer to him. Their shoulders brushed as they walked, and Link noticed Ilia's cheeks turn bright red. That made him feel even more like a jerk.

The hustle and bustle of Castle Town was so drastically different than the atmosphere in Ordon, and Ilia found herself frightened. Though she'd been here before, that had been when she'd lost her memory of ever living in Ordon. This time was different. There were too many people, too many crowds and people cramped together, and the streets were dirtier than she would've liked.

"You'd rather be here than in Ordon?" She whispered, clasping Link's arm. "I was right all along. You're crazy." He rolled his eyes and gave her a warning look, telling her not to do anything stupid in the princess's presence. "I know, I know. She's a princess. I'm not going to be stupid, like you're acting." She mumbled under her breath. Link ignored her constant bashing, because even though her words were harsh, she was still grabbing on to him for dear life. Link knew her well enough to know that she was hiding her true emotions. Ilia was merely overwhelmed at the moment.

They strolled into the central plaza, and to make it look more normal, Link forced Ilia to weave her arm through his arm formally just like so many other couples were doing. She did it reluctantly, and with a heavy sigh. She simply enjoyed giving Link a hard time. He led her around the fountain, where children and adults alike were tossing coins into the water and praying silently to the goddesses.

"Link!" A harsh whisper beckoned him, and he whirled around in search of the source. "Over here, Link." He finally saw the cloaked figure, the hood covering its eyes and a scarf covering its mouth. The face was completely shaded and unrecognizable, but the butterflies in his stomach began fluttering insanely. The queasy feeling inside him was becoming a bit distracting.

"Link, is that the P—"

"Shh!" Link covered Ilia's mouth with his hand, interrupting her just before she revealed the cloaked figure's identity.

"Link, thank you so much for coming. I appreciate it immensely." The figure said, keeping its voice low.

"Are you Princess Zelda?" Ilia whispered, leaning towards the figure.

"Um…" The figure hesitated, looking to Link. He nodded, letting the figure know that it could trust Ilia. "Yes, I am. And who are you?" Zelda tried to keep her voice calm and kind. Link felt his cheeks turn red, but he tried to hide it.

"My name is Ilia. I happen to be Link's best friend." Ilia straightened up and glared at Zelda with disdain. Link was shocked at her behavior; Ilia was usually a very sweet, caring, friendly girl. Her character had completely changed.

"Well, any friend of Link's is a friend of mine. I'm pleased to meet you, Ilia." The princess bowed her head slightly. Ilia seemed caught off-guard by Zelda's kindness and sweet manners. Link, of course, was expecting it.

"Um, the pleasure's all mine." She was beginning to act a little like herself again, but her expression was still suspicious as it scanned Zelda.

This is going to be a long night. Link sighed, looking from Ilia to Zelda. A very long night…

Okay, so first of all, if you've played the games, you know that Link never EVER talks. And when he does, the only hint is when people answer his question or something. Or, the screen just goes black. I'm the kind of person who strongly believes that Link shouldn't talk. I try to make it easier with the punctuation marks, but... yeah. That didn't work. So he's going to talk only a teensy bit... It was hard for me, but I did it. Hope that makes you happy Link Zelda lover! Hahahah keep on reading and keep on reviewing peoples! :P