Yay! 10 reviews! Thanks a lot guys. I'm still kind of new to this kind of stuff so bear with me alright? Oh and for those who are wondering, I'm an 18 year old male college freshman. I just like to act immature all the time, even though when I don't people say I act like I'm 29 or some thing O.o
Oh yeah, need to reply to reviews!
Mr Gamez: Thanks. I had Colin mimic his dad because he always looks up to him and Link, so he watches and learns from them. I know Zelda is like 19 or 20 (according to my strategy guide I bought for these purposes) but I had to give her some younger girl moments. I find that it fits. Oh, and YAY! I have a fan! You shall be the first I believe, or at least the first to mention it. Thanks a lot my friend. bows respectfully
xakattak: I had to figure out some way to get the castle back in, otherwise it would be hard to fit in Zelda, heh heh. I like the idea of Zelda using her powers to speed up the process. Thanks a lot, I believe you're my most frequent reviewer now.
And now for Ilia's little exploration! Ooohhh… What surprises are in store for her? Read on to find out!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
After leaving the throne room, the servant led them to their sleeping quarters. They were right next door to each other. While Rusl and Colin went into their room to unpack, Ilia entered hers. She was immediately shocked. Her room looked like it belonged to the princess herself!
A soft, lavish carpet was on the floor, feeling very nice under Ilia's tired feet. The first thing she noticed was that there were two, four poster beds with silk sheets and warm comforters. Huh, Ilia thought, I wonder if I'm sharing this room with anyone…
She continued looking around. Two ornate wardrobes stood at one end of the rooms. Tapestries depicting old legends and heroes hid the dark stone of the wall from view. Silky curtains hung over the floor to ceiling windows. A large desk stood opposite the two beds.
Ilia was drawn to something lying on the desk. She walked over to see what it was and immediately knew who she was sharing the room with. One of Link's unique hats lay on the desk to one side. Ilia smiled slightly, This must be Link's room when he stays here.
Although Ilia had felt tired a little bit ago, she suddenly remembered she was practically free as bird inside the castle, able to go anywhere but the restricted areas only the royal family had access to. A sense of adventure awakened within her and she set her bag down on a bed. Tightening the strap of her sword, she walked out and knocked on Rusl's door. There was a slight scramble on the other side before the door opened.
"Oh, Ilia!" Rusl said, looking slightly relieved. "Thought it was someone else, Colin's changing…"
Ilia nodded before speaking, "I just wanted to let you know I'm going out for a while. I feel like exploring a bit."
"Oh okay. Well, have fun! If Link asks I'll let him know."
"Thanks Rusl."
Ilia started off down the hall, thinking that she would explore the town first, then the castle. She headed for the main entrance.
Meanwhile, back in the throne room, Zelda was just finishing updating Link on the progress of the castle repairs.
"If I hadn't helped speed things up," she was saying, "this whole project would have taken over ten years. Now it should only take a few months to have everything back in place."
"It's looking really good Zel," Link said, looking around the throne room. He rubbed the back of his left hand again without realizing it. Zelda noticed but didn't say anything yet. "It actually looks a lot better than before in my opinion."
"Thanks Link, I did change a few things, but not much. So, what was it you wanted to discuss with me?"
"Hmm? Oh yeah. I wanted to ask you if there was someway you could help me tap into my Triforce powers. There are some things you can only do as a wolf you know."
"You haven't been able to use them again?"
"No, I've been trying, but the closest I've come was a small tingling feeling deep inside me. I tried for most of the other night, but got no results."
"Hmm… let me see."
Zelda took of the glove she was wearing from her left hand, revealing the mark of the Triforce there as well. She took Link's left hand and concentrated. The mark glowed and she stayed silent for a few moments before opening her eyes.
"It seems the seal on your powers hasn't completely broken. That's why you haven't been able to use them. The power of Twilight had shaken the seal, causing the dormant energy to react. That's why you became a wolf when inside of the Twilight dominated areas of Hyrule. Would you like me to remove the seal?"
"Will it hurt?"
"No silly," Zelda giggled slightly. "But when it is broken you'll feel like you just remembered a long hidden memory."
Link nodded. Zelda concentrated again and the mark on both their hands glowed once more. Link waited for a moment, then suddenly felt a surge of energy rush through him. At the same time, he realized he could do many things he would never have thought possible before, including turning into the sacred wolf.
Link suddenly jumped up once Zelda let go and walked to the center of the throne room. The look on his face almost made Zelda burst out laughing, he looked like a kid who had just received a magnicent new toy. He stopped and turned back toward her. He glowed with dark energy and began to change. When the glow subsided, Link was gone, replaced with a rather vicious looking wolf. It had dark grey hair with a lighter belly and strange markings all around its head and sides. Though deadly looking, Link killed the vicious appearance by suddenly chasing his tail like an excited puppy.
Zelda giggled and Link stopped, padding along the floor on his four paws, tail wagging. He looked up at her.
Thanks Zel!
Zelda was taken aback. Was this one of Link's abilities. Link suddenly shook his head.
I can only communicate with you and Midna in this form now. I can talk to you because of the Triforce powers we share, and I can talk to Midna because this sacred wolf is technically a Twilight creature.
Zelda understood. Link chased his tail again before sitting down.
Time to test my voice. I wonder if it's still as good at howling songs as before.
Link threw his head back and started to howl a melody. At first, Zelda thought it somewhat eerie sounding, but she soon warmed up to it when she heard him howling the melody of the Royal Family. When he stopped, he stepped back and transformed back into a Hylian again.
"Wow," he said, plopping down on the couch next to Zelda. "That was fun. I am so glad I can do that again. It'll be so much easier to explain this to everyone at the ceremony now."
Zelda giggled again, happy she could help. Link sat up.
"I think I'll go look for Ilia, then maybe run around the fields for a little while. There's something out there I want to check out."
Zelda nodded and they rose. She gave Link another friendly hug and he left. Zelda smiled to herself. Now maybe we can get some work done now that he's back.
Ilia stared down a side alley. For some reason it was a little hard for her to go down to Telma's Bar. When she finally noticed some of the girls she'd seen earlier staring at her with looks of death, she finally descended the steps into the alley and turned down a short tunnel. She saw a door with a tiny window and a full window in the wall letting out a warm, welcoming glow of a fire.
She walked up to the door, opened it and stepped inside. The tavern had a very homey feel to it. On the left was a wall length bar, behind which stood a somewhat heavy looking woman who had her back turned. Round tables and chairs were scattered around while only a select few were occupied, those closest to the fire.
Ilia smiled softly as she remembered when she'd first been here, only to replace it with a frown. Link had found her here during his journey, only to find that she had completely lost her memory. She could still see Link's hurt face when he had found out.
Ilia walked over to the bar silently, taking a place just behind the woman.
"Good to see you again Telma," she said, just loud enough for the woman to hear.
Telma stopped what she was doing. "I know that sweet voice anywhere," she said, slowly turning around to face Ilia. "Ilia child! You decided to finally pay a visit!"
Telma raced around the bar and she and Ilia embraced. Then Telma stood Ilia at arms length and looked her up and down.
"My my! You've grown a little child. And I see Link managed to find you," Ilia looked puzzled for a second before Telma pointed at her necklace.
"Oh yeah," she said. "He had this made for me. He's so great. He's up at the castle right now discussing something important with the princess."
"More than likely discussing the upcoming ceremony. Which reminds me, do you think Link will be joining us for our little party in a few days?"
"I believe so. He said he wanted to meet up with his rebellion friends again. I'm sure Rusl'll come. He came along with me and Link."
"Oh Rusl's here? Then this will definitely be a swell party! Hmm…? What's that sound?"
They both looked around, looking for the source of an odd series of sniffing sounds. When they realized it was coming from the door, Ilia followed Telma, who grabbed a broom near the door. She grabbed the doorknob and yanked it open. Outside sat a wolf. Ilia couldn't help thinking how beautiful it looked with its curious markings and two-tone fur.
"Get out of here you vicious mutt!" Telma yelled, swinging the broom. The wolf ducked, it's ears turned backward and lying flat on its head. It turned it's gaze from Telma and looked straight into Ilia's eyes. She was shocked, the wolf had a very familiar set of captivating blue eyes.
Telma was about to swing the broom again when Ilia stopped her. She knelt down in front of the wolf, which suddenly turned around in a circle and turned to the alley exit. It was almost as if it wanted her to follow. She stood again and it walked to the alley exit, stopping and turning to her, waiting for her to follow.
"I'll be back Telma," Ilia said.
"You sure? That is a viscious creature. I've dealt with it before."
"I'm sure Telma. Link taught me how to take care of myself," she said, patting the sword on her back.
"Just be careful."
Ilia nodded and followed the wolf. It led her out of the city through the southern gates.
-----------------------------------------------------
I bet all you avid TP fans will know what Ilia just saw outside Telma's Bar! You get a digital cookie if you're right. You'll have to get it from the cd-rom drawer somehow, but I don't know how to do that lol. You're on your own there.
Ilia's not quite done with surprises just yet. Stayed tuned for the next chapter to find out what happens next!