A/N: Sorry that this was cut a little short guys, but i'm already pushing it to get this out and put it in front of writing a five minute speech for school and other school related assessments. Also my mom's going off at me to turn my laptop off because it's kinda late - any longer and she'll take it off me and then no chapter xD On with the story!

The next morning, Aries clambered out of bed, scrubbing at her eyes to dry them and attempting to shake off the nightmares. They were getting worse – it was to be expected. It was hard to get going, so tempting to just mope and fall into a pit of despair but she kept moving because she knew it would do her no good. She didn't want her life to become any more of a downward spiral – as far as she was concerned, she had to reverse and walk back up. Going downhill was always so much easier, but the further you went, the longer walk it was back up.

She removed her nightgown and folded it neatly, placing it in her bag before dressing in the same gown that she had worn the day before. Renado had told her to keep it – it would just go to waste otherwise. He had also managed to rustle up a pair of boots and pair of plain tan leggings, which she pulled on under the dress. She didn't know how to ride side-saddle, so the leggings would allow ride properly without fear of showing too much skin. The boots paired with the dress looked a little odd, but it was conventional.

Aries reached to pull a tie off of her wrist and cocked her head in confusion when she noticed the bracelet hanging from it. It was made from plaited straps of leather, a tiny charm dangling from the loop. She brushed her fingers against the charm; it was a tiny silver and rosewood dual ended blade, the ends dulled. 'Cute' Aries thought with a smile, 'But where did it come from?'

She shook her head with a sigh. 'So many questions, so little answers' She mused, and then proceeded to check her other wrist for a tie. Finding one there, she took it and tied her hair into a loose ponytail. In the short time she had been in this world, it was already long enough to brush her shoulders. "Curse my blood and all it entails," Aries groaned, "Why can't my hair just be normal? Why can't I just be normal?" With a huff she dropped her pack on her bed, sorting through it to check that everything was there. Satisfied with the results, she slung it over her shoulder. It was just a plain leather satchel, but it was perfect. She really owed Renado for supplying her with all this and helping her without any real obligation. She decided to visit the graveyard she had heard talk of as well – many of these items had probably once belonged to the ones who rested there, she owed it to them to pay her respects.

After all goodbyes were said and respects had been paid, Aries mounted Epona (with the help of Link of course, her ankle still wasn't perfect and she was too short anyway), hitching up her dress to her hips so that she could sit properly before she spread it over her legs as much as possible. Thank goodness for pants. Link swing himself up in front of her; they had decided that it would be an easier ride if Aries sat behind Link instead of in front of him– He could guide Epona easier that way.

With a final wave, they set off, Aries wrapping her arms around Link's waist as not to fall off. It was a little awkward but it was better than no way of holding on at all. If they rode fast, Link had said, they would reach Castle Town by nightfall.

Aries let out a laugh, riding a horse properly after so long was exhilarating. The feel of the wind in her hair and the sun on their backs could not be replaced by anything. She had not ridden since she was very young; horses were hard to come by in the slums of Ashra, the only ones about had been stolen or found wandering and they were used for work, rarely for leisure.

It was easy to forget all of her problems in the rush. It was nice.

It was dark by the time they reached the east entrance of Hyrule Castle Town. Aries who was engaged in a heated conversation with the young warrior whom she had been travelling with trailed off in awe, staring at the majesty visible from where they sat on Epona's back. The architecture was absolutely breath taking. Not even the noble houses of Ashra could even come close to this. She could see the castle in the distance, more beautiful and refined from the blocky, rugged castles in her home world. She slid down Epona's flank, only wincing slightly as her foot hit the ground. Smoothing out her skirts from the long ride (for they were a little crumpled, but the soft fabric thankfully straightened out with ease). Even in the darkness the town was beautiful, softly illuminated by torches and lanterns scattered around. She shifted her weight impatiently, eager to explore the settlement. She heard the tell tale thump of Link dismounting, turning to watch as he slapped Epona on the rump and watched her take off into the distance.

"Aren't you worried that she won't come back?" Aries enquired, cocking an eyebrow.

"Always has, Always will," Link conceded with an easy grin.

"She must be pretty dedicated," Aries shook her head, "Loyalty like that is hard to come by."

"I guess I'm just lucky, huh?" came his amused reply.

He lead up the stairs and Aries bounced happily behind. She was feeling happy for once and she was determined to make it last.

"Where are we going?" She asked as he lead her through the streets, and down into a side alley. Warm light spilled into the back street as they made their way down a small flight of stairs and through an alcove. Link pulled open the door, the two of them revelling in the gush of warm air that accompanied it. He pushed inside, the smell of food and alcohol in the air. A lady with short red hair and a red and blue dress was working at the counter, polishing the top with a rag. She introduced herself as Anju, and informed Link and Aries that the bar owner was out on business, and that she was manning it until they got back. Link payed for a room, smiling and thanking Anju as she passed the keys across the counter.

"I hope you don't mind sleeping in the same room," He laughed, "But they only have a few rooms and I don't want to put anyone else out for the night."

"It's fine," Aries smiled. She was well acquainted with sharing a small living space with multiple people, it didn't bother her.

The room was just big enough to house two single beds, one against each wall.

"Bathroom's down the hall to your right. If you're looking to bathe, there's hot water in the mornings." Link sighed, dropping his bag on his bed, before plopping down on the thick blankets. "You hungry?"

"Not really," Aries replied, following suit and dropping onto her own bed, tired now that the adrenaline had worn off, "Just tired."

"You aren't alone in that," Link yawned loudly, "Well, if you're not hungry, we might as well just hit the sack early. Being tired ain't gonna help for nuthin'"

"True that."

Link, being the gentleman that he was, stood out in the corridor so that she could change into her nightclothes. She would have been fine with him just turning away, but the privacy was nice. Once she was done, she neatly folded her clothes and placed them on the end of her bed before tapping on the door to let him know that she was done. She slipped under the covers as the door cracked open, and with a yawn she fell asleep almost as soon as her head hit the pillow.

Fast enough not to hear the whisperings between her newfound companion and his shadow.

The next day, Link and Aries left the bar quite early in the day – the sun had not been up for very long at all. It took them until around midday to gather up all the basic supplies they would need – potions, bandage rolls, a needle and medical thread, arrows for Link's quiver, and a small hunting knife so that Aries could defend herself until they could find her a better weapon. They sat on the wall of the fountain, crunching on apples they had bought from the markets. "All we need is a shirt for you and then we can leave," Link stretched with a yawn, "You can't expect to fight in that."

Aries shrugged awkwardly, "I can manage. It would be too expensive anyway."

Link raised an eyebrow at her, "I dunno where you come from but a shirt is hardly expensive. Plus, I'm loaded. This warrior job pays pretty damn well."
"You get paid to fight?" She asked curiously.

"Nah, but you'd be surprised what's left lying around in your average monster camp," He grinned.

A/N: See y'all next time! Please RR as usual :)

R&R as usual :)