One month after Link's return and the feast, life in Ordon Village had returned to normal. Link herded the goats every morning, begrudgingly showed off his weapon skills to Beth and Talo( who he had given his slingshot to) tutored Colin in basic sword and shield skills, and was often scolded by Ilia about Epona. After a particularly long day of herding, Ilia insisted on taking Epona to the Ordon Spring and, to Link's surprise, asked him to come along. Perplexed, Link agreed. Usually Ilia would give anything to spend time with Epona alone. As they walked, Link beared another one of Ilia's horse-care speeches.

"...I mean, you got thousands of rupees from traveling through Hyrule, you could at least spare some to buy a new saddle. Look at this, the hook is so old it's rubbing into Epona's skin." Ilia scolded, although she had a soft smile on her face.

"Hey, I donated most of my rupees to the Malo Mart, don't tell me I'm greedy." Link responded, grinned, and ruffled Epona's mane.

"Whatever. You can afford to wear those fancy earrings, so you can definitely afford a new saddle."

"Hey, these earrings are traditional Hylian jewelry." Link defended. At that moment, Epona turned her neck around and bit and pulled his left ear. Laughing, Link and Ilia entered the spring. While brushing his horse, Link noticed Ilia looking at him in a way that made him feel strange.

"Take a pictograph, it'll last longer." Link said, laughing. Ilia grinned.

"Very funny...Listen Link..." She put her hand over his. Ohhhno, Link thought. He knew what was coming, and wanted to avoid it as much as possible.

"Mmm-hmm?" He mumbled nonchalantly.

"We've been friends for as long as we can remember, and...and I want to take it to the next level." Ilia recited. It was clear this was something she had memorized.

"What do you mean?" Link asked, even though he knew the answer.

"Link...will you be my boyfriend?"

Link had been dreading this. How could he let her down gently? Could they still be friends if he refused? He didn't care for her like that...not after everything that had happened.

"I...Um..." He stammered.

"HEYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!" Someone shouted behind them. They both whirled around.

"MR. LINK!! WAIT!!" The half-crazed mailman shouted as he sprinted up to the spring. I'm not even moving, Link thought, exasperated.

"I have...1 letter for you..." The mailman gasped and handed it over. Why is he so worn out? Doesn't he do this everyday for a living?

"It is...a letter...from Princess Zelda... I was personally told to...deliver this...as fast as I could...Well...n-now my business...is concluded...on-onward to mail..." he took a gasping breath and ran off.

Link waved by and looked down a the letter and did a double take. It was warm and damp, and had a splattering of dark red on it. He ripped the envelope open, and saw that the actual letter looked even worse.

Link,

I need you to hurry to the castle. The fate of Hyrule once again rests in you hands. Follow the trail of smoke and you will find me. Hurry, before it is too late."

Zelda

Oooh, cliffhanger! Anway, thanks to everyone for the kind reviews, and especially fishylishy for some much-needed ideas! You rock!

-Peaches732