((Greetings Fanfiction world! It's been years since I've put something up on this site, but I thought this fanfiction was worth it and worthy of your viewing pleasure. Any previous fans I have, you'll known me from my Death Note works. Any new viewers of course are welcome. I believe that 'A Voice in the Darkness' is on the same level as my DN fanfictions. Although it's a Zelda fanfiction and the tone is quite different from my DN stuff, I firmly believe in this story and think it's something special in it's own right.

As always, as a writer, I will try my best to get new chapters up on a regular basis. I know how much it sucks to wait to find out what happens. With that said, there is good news! I already have SEVERAL chapters written out. So you will get those fairly quickly as soon as they're spell-checked and edited. I really hope you guys enjoy 'A Voice in the Darkness' the same way you enjoyed my DN writings. Reviews and comments are always welcome.

I'm so glad to be back!

~Spotofpaint))

Chapter 1

Our First Date

It was early in the morning in Ordon village, and Link had always thought that this was the best time of day. The morning was always full of promise. The rising sun and the pink sky always boasted that it would be beautiful, even if the day turned out to be rainy. And in the morning, one could imagine any number of things happening throughout the course of twenty-four hours. In the morning, a person's day was a dream that could be turned into a reality. And when a person woke up feeling right, well, it was hard to make the day turn sour.

Especially in Ordon.

The village had always been peaceful. It had always been full of life and promise and good people. The people in Ordon village, as far as Link was concerned, were the best people in all the land of Hyrule. And he would know better than anyone else, for Link had actually traveled and seen the entire land of Hyrule: everything from its molten lava mountains to its deep, vast, blue lakes.

He'd even been inside the royal castle and had met princess Zelda herself. And even after the battle with Zant and Gannon, Link had been called back to the castle once it had been saved in order to be knighted. There had been a rather grand ceremony, something he didn't really feel he was too good at, and there'd been a very large crowd. Then Zelda herself bestowed upon him the honor of being named a knight of Hyrule.

But thankfully, ever so thankfully, he'd been allowed to return home. And he was grateful to the goddesses for that, for Link really didn't want to be anywhere else. No matter his deeds and no matter the adventures he'd been on, there simply was no place like home. He knew he would always been a rancher at heart. He loved farm life. He loved the hard work of it, and he loved the goats, and he loved all the people here, in this village, who'd taken him in as one of their own when he was nothing more than a boy.

And…he loved something else in Ordon village too.

And today, I'll finally take her on a proper date.

Excitement and nerves suddenly filled him as he turned away from the beautiful view of the rising sun at his window. That was right, yesterday, he'd made it clear to Ilia that he'd be taking her to the castle market town for a real, genuine, date. There first big date.

There had been plenty of romantic moments between them before now, of course, but there was only so much a person could do in Ordon village. They'd already had a picnic in the woods, and they'd already gone to Farron's fountain to swim. Other than that…there wasn't much else to do for a brand new, blossoming couple. And Link was certainly ready to move their relationship out of the timid phase it had been in before his adventures began.

Before the entire catastrophe with Gannon and the Twilight, Link and Ilia had barely done more than make eyes at one another. The suggestion of romance had been there, but they'd never had the courage to do a thing about it. But after Ilia had been kidnapped…her memory lost due to the trauma…well…it had made Link realize that there was no time to lose. Having her say directly to his face that he was a total stranger to her, that she had no idea who he was…

…well…it hurt much more than any of the physical blows he'd received from enemies during his battles.

Thank the goddesses her memory returned. I don't know what I would have done.

And of course, with her memory back and the kingdom peaceful again, Link had not much else to do but work on the ranch, and think about all the missed opportunities he'd had with Ilia in the past. Well, he wasn't going to waste anymore time. And so, he'd asked her out.

And today I'm going to kiss her.

A determined look rising to his blue eyes, and his chin set firmly in place; Link gave a curt nod to himself. Then he turned and started down the ladder to head to the first floor of his house. It was time to get dressed and then fetch Epona.

It was only about half an hour later when Link climbed up onto the back of his mare. Epona, as always, smelt great first thing in the morning when she was clean, and before she got all sweaty from the days summer sun, or the work she helped him perform at the ranch. But of course, Fado had given him the day off once he discovered what Link's plans were. And actually, he'd also elbowed Link in his ribs, a goofy grin on the other man's face as he chuckled merrily and said things like 'go get 'er Link' and 'that's the spirit!' Link had actually also heard other comments from some of the other townspeople. Many along the lines of 'it's about time' and 'we were wondering when you two would get together!'

It felt good to have his family rooting for him. And…because Link knew Ilia felt the same way about him, there was more excitement than fear. He just knew the day was going to be perfect.

Dressed in his newest, plain clothes, (which in reality, weren't all that new…but it was what he had) he gave Epona a kick and a 'ha' to get her going. Epona, as usual, was more than pleased to do as she was told. Reins in his left hand, the mark of the goddesses glowing brightly on the back of it, Link headed into Ordon through the gate that lead from his house into town. And in only a few minutes, he was there.

He was passing the store on his left at a slow trot when Sera, the shopkeeper, quickly came hurrying out. Huffing and puffing, for she wasn't in the best of shape, she jogged over to Epona. And there, peering out the front door of the shop, but seemingly too shy to emerge from it was Beth, her daughter.

"Link wait!" She cried. Link gently pulled on Epona's reins and she came to a stop with a slight snort. No longer moving, Sera had plenty of ease approaching. Still huffing, she stared up at the young rider, her green eyes holding a bit of urgency in them, but mostly joy.

"You simply cannot go to Ilia's without flowers. Here, I've been growing these in the back behind the shop. You take them deary." She immediately held up a cute, quaint, little bouquet of small white daisies, tied with a ribbon in the center to hold them together. Sera grinned proudly.

"She'll love them! I guarantee it! And if she doesn't, just let her know they were from me. Hehe!" Link reached down taking the flowers in his left hand, then shifted them to his right so he could steer Epona. Looking back down at Sera, he nodded his thanks and offered a smile. Sera's smile grew as a result.

"You'll do just fine sweetie! Now good luck! Go on and don't be late!" Sera gently smacked Epona's rump and with a small whinny the mare started up again down her path. Link glanced to his flowers, and then gave them a quick whiff. They certainly smelt good, and they were nicer than the wildflowers that grew in the forest. He was glad he had been stopped.

Passing several more of the small houses that resided in Ordon, it still wasn't long before he reached Mayor Bo's house, the place where Ilia lived. Link caught a few people glancing his way, then quickly turning back to their business out of politeness. The entire town knew what was taking place. After all, how could they not? Ordon only had fifteen residents in it including himself. Therefore, any social news at all was usually much bigger in Ordon than say in castle town. But it didn't bother Link at all. In fact it made him smile. He felt once more, like everyone was rooting for him.

I won't fail.

Stopping Epona just in front of the house, Link dismounted. Here he stopped for just a moment in order to inspect himself. He wanted to make sure he looked alright…which of course…seemed silly, since he and Ilia had grown up together. Why, when they had been nothing more than runts, they used to wrestle each other in the mud on rainy days. And Ilia had seen Link dirty plenty of times from the work he did on the ranch. He was almost always covered in a thin layer of dust. All the same, Link quickly ran one hand through his golden hair, just to be certain there were no tangles. Then he stepped up and approached the front door.

Normally, he just walked into any house in the village without even bothering to knock. A lot of people were like that in Ordon because everyone was so close. But with this being such a formal occasion, Link, this time, raised his hand and rapped his knuckles upon the wooden door.

"Just a minute!" Came the very excited cry from the other side. It had been Ilia's voice, and Link could hear quite clearly from those two simple words, and the tones they'd held, how excited she actually was. A large grin grew over Link's lips. He, of course, was pleased with himself already, even though they hadn't even started their date yet.

"You want me to get the door for you while you finish?" Link heard the much deeper voice of the mayor.

"No! No, no father! I just need this one last hairclip! It's almost in."

"But you've been fussing with your hair for over an hour…"

"It hasn't been that long. Besides…I just need this one last…there! Perfect!" Link felt flattered. Ilia was dressing up then. But of course…so had he. Link heard light footsteps approaching the door, and only a second later, the door swung open.

Ilia's bright young face appeared, and the moment it did, Link felt his face start to burn. He had no idea what she'd done, some girlish secret he was sure, but she was somehow more beautiful than usual. Her pale skin was smooth, and her short, dark golden hair, had been brushed to one side and held up with an ornate clip. Her eyes, as green as fresh grass shoots, seemed somehow more radiant. At least that, Link knew, had to be his imagination. All the same, he was suddenly much more nervous than before, even if she was wearing an outfit that he'd seen her in a million times.

Link cleared his throat, then quickly thrust the bouquet of flowers forward. Ilia's face lit up like the fires on the rising sun. Her mouth opened in delight as she lifted her hands.

"Oh Link! They're beautiful!" She reached out, taking them from him. "I don't even recognize these! Where on earth did you get them?" But of course, as with all questions, Link couldn't answer. And, as was the result most of the time, it left the questioner open to mystery. It made the flowers, which seemed so simple when from the local shop, seem suddenly that much more exotic because Ilia had no idea where they were from. Of course, Link was sure someone would tell her later, probably Sera herself, wanting to boast about it. But for now, it was a pleasant anonymity.

Ilia bent her head and closed her almond shaped eyes as she took in the flowers scent. Exhaling deeply, she sighed contently. When she opened her eyes again, she turned to look into her house.

"Father, can you take these and set them in water for me? I'd love to get going with Link right away." Mayor Bo, stepped up to the doorway, his big belly taking up much of the remaining room. He nodded. And once he had the flowers in hand, he turned to Link, facing the boy with his tusks.

Link had heard as a child, that Bo had gotten his tusks as a type of right of passage from the Gorons long ago. It was a symbol of his boorish bullheadedness. But of course, no one in Ordon had anything to fear from the large man. And in fact, at the moment, he was smiling brightly.

"You take good care of Ilia now, you hear me, Link?" Link quickly and immediately nodded. Although he had already made his plans for the date clear to the mayor, even before he'd asked Ilia, Link still got a little jittery around Mayor Bo. They were rather good friends, but all the same, he was still Ilia's father. Bo let out a deep chuckle, the kind that sits in the back of a person's throat even when they're finished.

"I know she couldn't be in any better hands for anyone in all of Hyrule," he said. "You've proven yourself in ways a man should never have to." Bo reached out, slapping the young warrior on his back. Still smiling he waved with his free hand. "You kids go have a good time."

"Oh father, you're embarrassing him." But of course, it was clear by Ilia's face that the mayor was actually only embarrassing her. With another rolling chuckle, Bo stepped back into the house and closed the door. The moment it was, Ilia faced her date and smiled brightly.

"Let's go!"

Link was ever the gentlemen, and helped Ilia up and onto Epona's back before climbing on himself. Once they were both seated comfortably in the saddle, Link waited until Ilia put her arms around his waist. He didn't want her to fall, and so made sure she had a rather good grip before he urged Epona forward.

But of course, the plan of riding together through the woods and into the field toward the castle had seemed much easier in his mind. Now that he was actually doing it, he realized how very close riding with another person in the saddle really was. He could feel Ilia's warmth seeping into the clothes on his back. And once it was through that thin layer of cloth, it started seeping into his skin. And before they'd even left the village, Link's face was a bright pink due to the feel of Ilia's breasts pressing into his back.

He swallowed harshly, his Adams apple rising from the pressure that there suddenly was forming in his throat. And with her arms around his waist, well, it wasn't helping.

Sweating, he tried to focus on the area around them. They were entering the woods now, and it was as beautiful as ever. The sun was high in the sky, and yellow light was flittering down like leaves through the green canopy above. Forest animals, having awoken hours ago, were busy in their daily routines. He spotted a squirrel frantically digging in the ground, seeking the acorns he'd misplaced. And there on the left was a bird, singing his heart out as loud as he could muster.

There were times…when Link missed being able to speak to them. But without the power of Twilight, and without Midna, he had no way of ever transforming into his wolf shape again. All the same, he knew it was for the best. He had to get back to being himself. And he was an Ordonian.

Feeling a little better about Ilia's presence against him, the heat in his face began to fade. They crossed over the bridge, and he knew in a moment more, they'd be in the field.

Of course, Ilia took that moment to sigh dreamily, and then rest her chin on his shoulder, so that her warm breath ran past his pointed ear. The blush that Link had defeated rose up tenfold from what it was before, and incredibly quickly he became flustered all over again. He wondered…if Ilia hadn't done it on purpose.

Resting her cheek on his strong shoulder, what Link didn't realize was that Ilia was having the same exact problem. And how could she not? She could feel all of Link's hardened muscles moving in his back as he rode. And her hands were pressed to his abdomen. Her own face was very pink, he just couldn't see it because he was facing forward. But she had never, in all of her life been happier, and she felt very much like a giddy little girl again. So much so in fact that she giggled as the trees around them began to thin and the grass beneath Epona's hooves grew longer and more golden.

"I'm having so much fun already!" she exclaimed. And in simply hearing how happy she was, Link started to relax all over again. That was right. There was no need to feel anxious. This was Ilia after all. And he knew there was nothing he could do to really screw this up. The morning had promised him a perfect day, and he was going to make that dream come true. For Ilia too.

I'll give her the best day out she's ever had.

His confidence boosted and the field coming into view, he suddenly gave Epona a sharp kick and his voice rose to let out an equally sharp "ha!" Epona whinnied, then was very happy to break out into a run in the wide open grass plains of the southern fields.

Ilia let out a gasp, startled, and increased her grip around Link's waist. But in only a second, the start she'd felt faded and a thrill filled her instead.

"Oh!" She lifted her head, looking around her. The wind from their speed raced through her carefully prepared hair and in only a second, her fancy clip had come undone, and then was tossed back behind them.

"Ah!" For a brief second she was upset, but then, looking forward and at Link, she saw his shining happy face. And in seeing that grin, her own grin invaded her pale pink lips. And in only an instant more, she was laughing.

It was such a delight to be riding horseback with Link on Epona through the golden fields of Hyrule. It was such a breathtaking view. Everywhere she looked, the sun kissed the yellow grounds and it also kissed Link's golden hair.

Thanks to the knight she was riding with, there were no more monsters for anyone to fear. Without Gannon, the twilight and Zant's evil presence, the monsters had simply faded away. Everyone had been freed.

Ilia laughed again, unable to contain her joy at the wind in her face and the warmth of Link's back in front of her. And Link, in hearing her laugh, and in feeling her joy, could not help but to let out a laugh himself. He smiled brightly, almost as widely as his passenger. It was already the best first date ever.

When they had arrived at Castle Town, Link tethered Epona at the south gate near the fountains so she could have a drink while she waited. He wasn't sure how long the date would last, and so wanted her to have access to fresh water at all times.

"Should we leave her some hay?" Ilia asked, concerned as they started to walk away from the horse. "If we want to stay for a while, we should buy her some hay and bring it out to her." Link, knowing very well how much Ilia loved Epona, nodded. Ilia immediately smiled. "You're good to her Link. I'm always glad when I see you two together." Link smiled, and then stepped in through the southern gates to Castle Town.

Passing through and under the high stone walls, they immediately entered into a lively, bustling place. The streets were made of cobblestone, and the buildings surrounding them were tall and towering. They were all built in tightly around one another, leaving very little room between places. This, of course, created several alleyways and cut-throughs to other streets.

There were people all around. Many hurrying to and fro to their destinations. There were tall people, short people, thin people and fat people. There were even a few Goron's and Zora's roaming about. Everyone looked different from one another. And many people had pointed ears like Link did. And there were market stands all around. Some merchants sold their items straight from the wooden carts they'd arrived in, wheels still attached and all. Others set up booths and tried to look a little more permanent. But of course, the only really permanent shops there were located in the main square, which they had yet to come to. Ilia was far too busy looking all around her at all the new sights.

She had been to Castle Town once before, but that had been during the time she'd lost her memory. Because of it, her experience now with Link was new and fresh and untainted by the horrors of her kidnapping. Now she was able to enjoy everything in the light of Hyrule's sun, and truly absorb the scale of the town.

"Oh Link! Look at all the food! I've never seen so much in my life!" She gazed at the fruit stands and the bread stands and the meat stands. People were selling live cuccoo's and fresh watermelons the size of one's head. And all of the colors from the foods and the exotic clothes people wore created a delightful scene for the eyes indeed. Banners hung down from the buildings all around them, dressing the town in royal purple and gold. Ilia immediately ran up to the nearest clothes stand.

"Oh Link! Look at these blouses!" In Ordon, a lot of people simply wove their own cloth and made their own clothes. Link's clothes were made from woven goat hair, he was sure Ilia's were cotton from the fields.

"Oh my word! This is silk! Oh it's far too expensive!" All the same, she was clearly enjoying moving it across her fingers.

"Does the young lady like the feel? I have something similar." The shopkeeper, a kind looking brunette with a ponytail turned and grabbed a similar looking blouse from off one of the other wracks. She handed it to Ilia.

"Now it's not quite as fine as silk, but that there is some fine thread. It's softer than cotton. It's not the cheapest thing I have, but it's affordable." Ilia loved it. She held the blouse up by its shoulders in order to look at it better. It fell long, like the shirt she currently wore, but this one was a beige color with a cute pattern of leaves and flowers just across the top and nowhere else.

"Oh it's lovely! But…I'm afraid we don't have any extra rupees today." Link, of course, immediately wanted to give her some money for the shirt, but truth be told, he didn't have much either. The rupees he'd brought with him were specifically for a nice lunch at the fine restaurant in the market square. And of course…some hay for Epona. There wasn't any extra. He was a farm hand after all, and Fado only gave him what they were able to earn in a season. It wasn't yet time to sell any of the goats they had, and so Link was living off of the last profit they made from selling the last batch of milk and cheese.

Ilia knew that. And she was as right as rain. His heart a little sore, he watched as she folded it up neatly and handed it back to the shop keeper with a smile.

"Thank you. But I'm afraid we're just looking." Ilia turned away from the booth and faced her date. Smiling brightly, for she didn't want Link to feel bad about his money, she stepped up to him.

"Well! I know you brought me here to show me around! Why don't you lead?" A grin of Link's own reached his lips. But of course, now he knew he'd have to get that blouse for her, even if it was at a later date. But in order to do that, he'd have to have it put aside. Offering Ilia a grin, he reached out and put two strong hands on her shoulders.

"Oh! What-?" But before she could finish, Link spun her around so that she was facing away from the booth. Immediately Ilia knew what Link was doing. She giggled. It was kind of silly to have her not look, especially since it was quite obvious to as what it was he was having done. But all the same, it was cute, and terribly romantic.

I'm such a lucky girl. Blushing lightly, she stared across the way at the fruit stand.

"Ok Link, I won't look!" And once her back was turned, Link went up to the clothes stand. The booth keeper, curious now about the young couple, gave Link her full attention when he approached.

"What is it?" She asked. Link lifted a hand and pointed to the shirt Ilia had just been holding. The shop keeper blinked at first, puzzled by Link's silence. But she turned and took up the shirt in her hands anyway.

"This? You want to buy it?" Link shook his head negatively. The clothes seller stared, for a moment looking baffled, but then suddenly, her eyes lit up in recognition. "Oh! You're Link! The royal knight! I've heard so much about you! Oh wow! You look so different without your green tunic on! Are these Ordon clothes?"

The booth owner leaned over in order to inspect what Link was currently wearing. Link took a slight step back for the sake of his comfort levels.

"Genuine Ordon goat hair! They're really fine!" She lifted her face back to meet Link's then. For a second she was quiet, then she glanced at Ilia's back. "You want this blouse for your girlfriend don't you? But you don't have enough rupees."

Link nodded. He discovered that most of the time, in fact, quite a lot of the time, when he remained quiet, people would draw their own conclusions about him, his circumstances or even what it was that he was thinking or feeling. Sometimes, they were right. Other times they were wrong. But correcting them was far too much trouble. So Link often times let people think whatever it was that they wanted about him. Because by the end of it all, a person would have given him a new opportunity that he hadn't had before. If they simply kept talking and thinking, they usually eventually offered him something, whether it be advice, company, or in cases like these, physical things.

"Tell you what," the shopkeeper said with a smile. "I like you. You saved our land from imminent doom. And you have a cute girlfriend. I want you two to be happy. If you give me your Ordon wrap, the blue one around your middle, including the ties, I'll give you the blouse."

Link had a suspicion that his Ordon wrap was worth more than the shirt. But all the same, he had another one at home, and Ilia would be so happy with the shirt.

Shad had once asked him what magic it was that Link worked with. At the time of course, it had been Midna's Twilight magic. But Link was aware that he had another power. His simple silence often times more than not, made things happen for him whereas they wouldn't if he'd had a voice to express himself with. But he also knew that this power only worked, because the people of Hyrule were kind and warm hearted. They took time out of their day to consider him and think of ways to help him.

He honestly couldn't imagine what it would be like, being voiceless in some other world where the people were hard and cruel. He'd never be heard. Because people would be too busy to notice him, or even worse…they'd take advantage of him.

But here, in the great land of Hyrule, the result with the clothes seller was often the outcome. Link, grinning, quickly nodded. He reached down to his ties and undid the wrap around his waist. In a moment more, he was handing it to the woman across the counter. She received it happily, then handed Link the blouse.

He nodded his thanks, then turned to face his date once more. Her back was still turned as she'd promised. He stepped up behind her, then gently touched her shoulder to let her know she should turn back around.

"Are you done?" She asked as she turned. And immediately her eyes lit up with surprise.

"Oh Link! How did you do this? You couldn't possibly have had enough for it!" She reached out, taking the shirt from his hands. She held it up all over again, admiring it. "Oh! I wanted to wear a new shirt for our date today, but I just didn't have one! And there wasn't enough time to make one! This is perfect!" She laughed merrily, then brought the shirt into her chest where she hugged it. She was so cute…Link could hardly stand it.

But of course, as soon as she focused on her date, she noticed a key part of his outfit missing.

"Oh Link, you're wrap." Link shrugged. But of course, Ilia immediately knew what he'd done to get her the blouse. She lifted her gaze, to look into his kind blue eyes. It was one of the largest reasons she loved him so much. Link was the type to literally give someone the clothes off his back if they'd asked him too. His kindness knew, seemingly, no bounds. He went out of his way and took on tremendous trouble to help others. Even before he'd become a knight and saved the land and the princess…he'd had these qualities.

Ilia had an urge to just throw herself at him and wrap him in an embrace. But…she was still a little shy about physical contact and they were in public. It was only their first date after all. And she didn't want to rush things. She knew that when Link was ready for such things, he'd let her know by making the first move.

And of course, it was at this very moment that Link reached out taking hold of Ilia's hand. Her heart jumped at the touch. She could see the Triforce symbol glow softly on the back of his left hand. It was quiet, yet persistent in its presence. Much like Link himself. Smiling, Link turned and started to lead Ilia down the next alleyway. Ilia, having been in the city once before, immediately recognized where they were going.

"Oh, you're right Link! We should visit Telma while we're here! She's done so much for us." And that was indeed where Link had been going. The bar, although a place he wouldn't usually frequent otherwise, was now one of his most favorite places in all of Hyrule. He had so many friends and allies that went there that it was more of a safe haven than a bar. Anytime he stepped into it, there was a friend waiting. It was warm, and welcoming. And after Ilia had escaped her kidnappers, well…Telma was the one who took her in and housed her.

Telma had kept Ilia safe until Link was able to track her down and find her. And even then, due to Ilia's forgotten memory, Telma continued to keep Ilia safe for the time Link needed to go out and find ways to help restore her lost memories. If it hadn't been for Telma…Ilia could have wound up dead. And Link's quest would have hit a brick wall. Hyrule never would have been saved.

Telma had more courage than anyone else Link had ever met. Well…except maybe Rusl, the man who had first taken Link into Ordon when he was a boy, and had taught him the way of the sword. Rusl was the closest thing Link had to a father.

Reaching the back of the alleyway, the couple made their way carefully down the stairs. At the bottom, they reached the entranceway to the bar. The door was always open a crack to let people in, and as was Link's way, he simply went inside without knocking.

The bar was warmly lit with torches and candles as it always was. There were a few people seated at the front bar drinking, but the place was mostly empty. It was the middle of the day after all, and the bar was much busier at night. Link was a little disappointed to see the back table empty too. None of his friends were currently present.

Well, that wasn't true: Telma was here, of course. And the moment he and Ilia stepped in, she was shouting a greeting at them from behind her bar.

"Well if it isn't Link and Ilia. You're welcome as always!" She was currently scrubbing out one of the beer mugs she used frequently in her business with a clean rag. Her large, busty figure, as always, seemed absolutely perfect for the setting. And Link had always thought her long red dreadlocks; tied back into a very thick ponytail, suited her.

"Ooo! I see you're holding hands! Finally moved forward with the romance?" Link and Ilia both immediately blushed, Link lifting a hand to rub at the back of his neck while Ilia smiled shyly and glanced to the side. Telma burst out laughing, startling the two men she had at her counter. Her laugh was like her voice, loud and domineering.

"Come closer and have a seat, love-birds." And when Telma said it, a person felt like they had little choice but to do as she asked, so they did. Moving up to the bar, Link and Ilia both took seats in the stools. But neither drank alcohol so they didn't look to the menus.

"How've you been Telma? Link and I wanted to visit while we were in town."

"Business is pretty good. But we don't really want to be talking about something so dull do we? What about you two? Why're you in town today? On a date are we?" Link immediately nodded, a proud, wide grin on his face. And at such an instant response, Telma started to laugh all over again. She reached out, slapping the youth on his shoulder causing him to flinch just a bit. The woman was much larger than he was, and much more forceful and physical as well.

"Good for you honey! You go and you get what you want! Nothing ever stops you! And you deserve it after all you've been through. I never met a better man! Except maybe a certain Shaman who will remain nameless." She gave Link a quick wink. But then she turned to Ilia, her grin only widening.

"And how about you, Ilia dear? How is it dating Hyrule's best knight? Link's made quite a name for himself since that ceremony the princess did for him. I bet there were a lot of disappointed women out there when they found out he was already taken." Ilia's face turned a brilliant scarlet.

"Telma!" Ilia shot a harsh look Link's way, as if it could have possibly have been his fault that there may have been other woman who found him attractive after his escapades. He lifted his hands in defense and shook his head. But of course, Ilia knew he hadn't really done anything wrong. A lot of women simply liked to pine over famous men, especially ones who were fighters. There were a couple of other knights in the kingdom who received similar attention. Ilia let out a 'hmph' then turned away from Link's sweet face, lest it ruin her resolve. She crossed her arms over her chest and lifted her chin into the air. Telma only laughed again.

"It can be hard, knowing your knight is prime property, but on the other hand, you should also be proud of it, especially since he's never had eyes for anyone else." Telma looked to Link as if to say 'don't worry, I'll fix it' then offered him another wink.

"You may not remember Ilia, honey, because it was back during your memory loss, but I remember very clearly what Link looked like when he first set foot in this bar. He stepped in through that door, right there. And he'd looked like he'd been travelling a long hard way. I could tell he'd fought monsters in order to even make it to this town. And when he turned, and saw that you were here…well…he doesn't need to be able to speak to be understood. I saw the love and the light in his eyes. And when he realized you didn't know who he was…well…you had turned the other way…but I saw how much that had hurt him."

Ilia lowered her arms then, and slowly turned her head to glance Link's way. When she did, she saw the truth in his eyes. And it was true that most of the time; he didn't need words like other people. She could see the sorrowful look in those expressionate orbs just as easily as anyone else in the room. He didn't need to say anything at all for her to understand what he must have gone through to find her, and that once he had, it had only been to discover someone who'd forgotten their relationship, their childhood growing up together, catching frogs in streams, and the romantic feelings that had developed as they grew older.

Ilia imagined that it must have been devastating for him. Even more so, because he had no way of telling her who he was, explaining that they knew one another, that they were close. He'd suffered in silence, unable to help her recall her memory in any other way than by delivering her physical, factual things that she could hold in her hands, like the wooden statue, and the flute she'd been making for him before he left on his journey.

Ilia's heart sent a wave of sympathy through her body as she gazed at him now. She couldn't imagine how terrible that must have truly been. Growing up, Link had always relied on the others in Ordon village. The people in their village all knew him ever since he was a little boy. As such, they understood him much better than the strangers out in the rest of Hyrule. As a result, everyone was used to his quiet ways and they were able to communicate with him rather easily. But when he'd come out into the rest of the huge, vast, world in order to find her…he'd lost that security. And when he finally found the one person he truly loved…he'd been unable to communicate with her at all.

His loss of voice had never been a barrier between them before. But for that time period…it had completely cut him off from her.

He must have been so lonely… Her heart picked up an extra beat, and Ilia felt it flutter in her chest. Quickly, she glanced away from him once again in order to hide the blush that had suddenly come to her cheeks.

I care for him so much! She took a moment to get herself under control. But Telma saw exactly what was going on, and a wide, broad grin overtook her lips as she turned and picked up another mug to clean. She chuckled to herself.

But then suddenly, she remembered something important.

"Oh, Link dear?" Link turned from the sight of Ilia in order to face the bar keeper and when he did, he spotted a rather serious expression on her face. "A man came in here a few days ago, asking about you. And now, I know that a lot of people are coming around asking now that you're so well known, but this man was of a different sort. I can always spot a man who's looking for trouble. And honey, this man had trouble written all over him."

Ilia had turned to pay attention now as well, her green eyes widening.

"What kind of man was he?" she asked.

"Tall. Even a bit taller than me. Well taller than Link here. Bald too. He had dark eyes and was built like a fighter. He had a sword with him. I'm thinking he probably heard of you and came to challenge you. Some knights do that around here you know. They want to fight for the highest place of honor. The only way to do that, is to defeat other knights who've been in battle. And sometimes, those matches don't end well…"

Telma looked to Link's face in order to read him, but really, she didn't need to. She knew him well enough to know how he'd respond.

"I know you're not the type to go looking for trouble. And if I were you, I'd avoid a man like that. But if you do run into him and he does manage to challenge you, well…mop the floor with him honey." She gave him yet a third wink, and Link couldn't help but to feel a little special. That was a lot of winks for one sitting. Meeting her eye, he nodded.

"Thank you for the warning Telma," Ilia said.

"Anytime honey. Now, you two should get out of here. I appreciate the visit, of course, but if you're on a date you ought to head on outside into that nice sun and that nice weather. Go enjoy yourselves. I'm sure Link has something in store for you Ilia, but he won't be able to treat you to anything special hanging out in my dark little bar." Telma smiled once more; her usual, big and bright smile. Ilia and Link couldn't help but to smile in return.

"Go on, get!" And with her permission, Link climbed off of his stool, Ilia close behind. He waited for her to come to his side, then reached out and took her hand as he had on the way in. He heard Telma chuckle behind him. Heading for the door, Ilia glanced over her shoulder and waved with her free hand.

"Goodbye Telma! Thanks again!"