It's been a year since Link returned.
You'd think that after spending a year using sharp objects (such as the knife in Link's hand), he would be able to manage them better.
This was not the case. Not at all.
Link stuck his bleeding thumb in his mouth.
Rusl laughed.
"You cut yourself?"
"So?"
"You, of all people?!"
Link glared at him as continued carving.
"How's Andi doing?" he asked finally.
"The same. Quiet and energetic at the same time. She's only two!"
Link laughed.
"That sounds like me when I was a baby."
As they talked, Link's eyes drifted over to Ilia's bedroom window.
She was playing on her violin.
He could hear her playing.
Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso.
Her favorite piece.
She saw him staring at her.
She stumbled slightly and closed the curtains, blushing furiously.
Link smiled and shook his head.
She became unusually nervous around him.
Just like the way they used to be.
"C'mon, the pond froze over, and it looks thick enough to skate on. Let's go!"
She dragged him by the arm, Link stumbling behind her, smiling to himself.
"You know, Ilia, it's really cute when you act like that."
He smiled at her, and she slapped him, her face turning bright red as she spoke.
"S-Shut up!"
He laughed and took her hand as he led her to the pond.
"You wanted to go skating, didn't you?"
Link smiled.
"I think she likes you." Rusl said, noticing the exchange.
"You're eighteen, almost nineteen." he continued.
"So?"
"Sixteen's considered old enough for marriage. She's seventeen. She's also fourteen months younger than you."
Link turned red.
"W-What? I mean, I already know that, but..." he said, searching for the right words.
"You like her." Rusl stated matter-of-factly.
"I-I mean, well..."
"Tell her."
Link was silent.
"Do you love her?"
"Yeah..."
Ilia closed the curtains quickly, feeling herself blush.
What was wrong with her?
He was Link.
Her friend.
Her best friend.
She didn't want to be in love with him.
She sighed and put her violin away.
She had to admit, he was kinda cute.
But not the kinda cute that she would fall in love over.
Maybe.
No.
Not him.
She sighed. Why was life so complicated?
She didn't want these feelings.
'So you do like him, hm?' Sable asked her.
Ilia blushed and turned away.
I-I guess.
She sighed again and stood to leave. Sable jumped onto her shoulder.
'You're leaving?'
Yeah.
'I'm hungry.'
Ilia sighed.
You're always hungry.
'Either tell him you're in love, or feed me.'
She laughed and got out some food for the lairyn.
"Mr. Link! HEY!"
Link turned around to see the Mailman running up to him. He smiled and held up his hand in greeting.
"Greetings, Mr. Link!"
"Hey."
"I have a latter from you. From Princess Zelda."
Link raised his eyebrows and took the letter.
It was indeed from the Princess Zelda.
"Thank you."
He nodded.
"Well, my buisness is concluded! Onward to Mail!"
And with that, he ran off.
Link smiled and shook his head.
What a peculiar fellow.
He opened the letter and began reading it as he walked back to his house from the spring,
Link,
It has been quite a while since I have written to you. My apologies.
But, to the purpose of this letter. I was wondering how you would feel about joining the Hyrulean Army.
I know, this is sudden. But as things stand now, Hyrule needs more soldiers, and I could only think of
you when it comes to this topic for several reasons. First, you know Hyrule and its terrain only too well;
second, you have quite a bit of experience in had-to-hand combat (We are in need of more instructors
of this matter)...
Link flopped down onto his bed and sighed.
Zelda wanted him to join the Hyrulean Army.
That, at least, was clear.
Although she had never said it directly, it was obvious that he would need to leave Ordon.
Leave.
Again.
He sighed.
He already knew his answer.
Maybe.