Disclaimer: I do not own the Legend of Zelda series. It and the Twilight Princess belong to Nintendo.

Author's note: Link doesn't talk in the games, so he doesn't talk here. I am not turning him into a fool by giving him crappy dialogue.

This is also an adult story with a love scene in it, hence the "mature" rating. It isn't an explicit love scene, but it is a steamy one. If you are not of age, and you are reading this, I will find you and I will smack you!

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Link yawned, wiping the sleep from his eyes. It was another typical morning for the young rancher of Ordon Village. Getting up this early everyday was routine for him. He had duties to keep at the ranch. Sometimes he just wished he could sleep in from time to time, but he didn’t really mind. He didn’t begrudge his responsibilities. In fact, he liked working at the ranch. It brought him a certain peace tending the livestock.

Having gotten himself ready and eaten breakfast, Link made his way out of his house, ready to start his day. He let out a quiet gasp as a boy stood before his house with a pleasant smile for Link.

It was none other than Colin. Link greeted him back with a smile, though he was a little surprised to see him up this early. Link climbed down the ladder to Colin’s level, greeting him more properly. He was about to ask Colin what he was up to, when someone else came up to them.

“Ilia.” Colin greeted her with a smile.

“Good morning you two.” Ilia greeted back.

Link’s cheeks flared up seeing her. Ilia, too, blushed at seeing Link.

“I asked Ilia if I could come with her to wash Epona this morning,” Colin explained. He then walked over to where Epona was tied to, petting her. “Good morning, Epona.”

Link and Ilia’s eyes lingered for a moment on each other. They were the best of friends ever since they were children, and now, they were so much more. Their relationship has grown deeper over the years to the point that the other villagers, not even Colin, knew how much more intimate they have become.

Ilia giggled under her breath, breaking their momentary silence. She knew she couldn’t stand there, keeping Link from his daily responsibilities.

“It’s alright if we take Epona for the morning, right?”

Link smiled and nodded at Ilia. Of course it was alright, since he doesn’t need Epona right away. Plus, he knows how much Ilia enjoys grooming Epona.

“Well, I won’t keep you waiting any longer. Fado might not last long if you’re not there.” Ilia said, causing her and Link to share a laugh. “See you later, Link.” Ilia moved towards Colin and Epona.

Colin paused for a moment just as he was about to leave with Ilia. He had remembered something, or rather, he wished he hadn‘t. Colin rushed over to the young man. Link looked at him quizzically, wondering what was up.

“Link, my dad wanted me to tell you to meet him later today at the springs in Faron Woods when you are done at the ranch. He said he had something important to talk to you about.”

Link was a bit surprised only because Colin looked a bit worried as he told him this. Ilia overheard Colin and noticed his uneasiness. She looked on puzzled. Link looked at her and smiled, then patted Colin on the shoulder, trying to ease the situation.

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At the Ordon fountain, Ilia happily brushed Epona’s mane. Colin, with a brush in hand, tried his best to mimic the way Ilia groomed Epona so he could do it just as effectively for Link’s horse. Though, he had been oddly quiet. It was strange, since he was with Ilia, and Colin always has something to say if he is with either Ilia or Link. Something was troubling him.

“Alright, Colin,” Ilia began, “spill it. I’ve known you too long to know something is bothering you when you get this quiet with me.” Colin looked at her with troubled eyes, looking like he was about to say something before deciding against it, trailing his eyes downward. “It has something to do with what you told Link earlier, isn’t it?”

By the small gasp he let out, Ilia knew she was dead on.

“You told him your father wanted to speak to him. Is that so bad? He has spoken to Link many times before.” Ilia let out a gentle laughter after she finished, trying to get Colin to perk up.

“He’s going to ask him something,” Colin finally told her. The way he conveyed it to her got Ilia a little worried.

“About what?”

“Ilia, you remember how your father asked mine to go to Hyrule to deliver a gift, right?”

“I do,” Ilia nodded.

“Well, last night I overheard my parents talking. My dad was talking about how he was going to ask. . .” Colin paused, unable to get it out.

“It’s alright, Colin, go on.”

“. . .He wanted to ask Link to go in his place.”

Ilia paused to take it in for a moment, stopping her grooming of Epona. She did her best not to let Colin see how his words were actually getting to her. Ilia felt a pang in her heart hearing the possibilities of Link leaving the village. They had spent their whole lives in the village, and now there was the prospect of her being separated from her childhood friend, her companion. . .and her lover.

Now she understood how Colin felt. He had always known both her and Link. The two were like older siblings to him, and Colin was very much considered a little brother to them. He was a sweet boy, though timid and shy, which made it hard for him to make friends, so Ilia knew very well how much he looked up to her and Link. So, it is understandable for him to be a little upset that Link could be leaving the village.

Ilia leaned forward, placing a hand on Colin’s shoulder and smiled.

“Colin, even if Link accepts to go in your father’s place, he won‘t be gone long.” Not only was she telling Colin this, but she was trying to convince herself of this as well. “He would only be going to deliver a gift. He’d come right back.”

“But he has never left the village before, Ilia.”

“I know that, but he is Link, remember? You know he can take care of himself.”

“I know he can,” Colin murmured. “It’s just. . . Link has always been around.”

Ilia was a little taken back, once again feeling her heart sinking. She kept repeating in her head what she had been telling Colin.

“Colin, don’t feel upset, alright? Besides, you’ll still have me here, and everyone else,” she smiled sweetly. “And if Link goes, we’ll need someone to fill in for him and take up his duties. You and me can help each other out in doing this for him. Won’t he be surprised when he get’s back to find his responsibilities taken care of thanks to us.”

Colin looked up at her, a small smile stretching his lips. It was hard not to smile when Ilia was always so nice and cheerful.

“You don’t have to worry, because wherever Link goes, you know he will be there for you, Colin. He always has been for the both of us. That’s the kind of guy he is.”

His smile grew just a little bit more. “We can always count on Link.”

Ilia let out a cheerful laughter, “That’s exactly right, Colin. Always remember that.” Ilia straightened up. “Now let’s finish cleaning Epona.”

“Right,” Colin nodded. He was feeling a little better thanks to Ilia.

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“Tell me. . . Do you ever feel a strange sadness as dusk falls? They say it’s the only time when our world intersects with theirs. . . The only tine we can feel the lingering regrets of spirits who have left our world. That is why loneliness always pervades the hour of twilight. But, enough of this sadness. . . I have a favour to ask of you, Link.

“I was supposed to deliver something to the royal family of Hyrule the day after tomorrow. Yes, it was a task set to me by the mayor, but. . .would you go in my stead?

“You have. . .never been to Hyrule, right? In the kingdom of Hyrule there is a great castle, and around it is Castle Town, a community far bigger than our little village. . . And far bigger than Hyrule is the rest of the world the gods created. You should look upon it all with your own eyes.

“It is getting late. . . We should head back to the village. I will talk to the mayor about this matter.”

Link fell back on his bed, looking up at the ceiling of his home with a sigh escaping him. The words Rusl spoke kept repeating in his head. He accepted Rusl’s request to take his place in delivering a gift to Hyrule.

Link was getting nervous. This will be the first time leaving his village. He’ll now get a chance to get out into the world and see it first-hand. It was exciting yet scary at the same time.

“Hey! Link! You there?”

Link widened his eyes in surprise. Someone just called out to him. It sounded like Fado. Link pulled himself up off his bed and walked over to the window. It was indeed Fado.

“Hey, you mind helpin’ me herd the goats? They ain‘t listenin‘ to me lately.”

Link chuckled to himself. Poor Fado, he is always having some kind of trouble at the ranch. But, he was happy to help a friend. He walked away from the window and made his way outside.

Fado gasped as he took a look around, not seeing Epona where she usually is.

“Hey, where’s Epona?”

When Link finally came outside, he was surprised as well to find Epona missing. He scratched his head, wondering where she went. He then looked over in the direction of the springs. It then dawned on him what might have happened to Epona.

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There she was, just as Link thought. Epona was with Ilia, and Link had a feeling she had something to do with this.

“Oh, hi Link,” she said, turning to him with that gentle smile of hers. She didn’t seem too surprised that Link came. She acted as if she expected him to come. “I washed Epona for you.”

Link pursed his lips and raised an eyebrow. She had just washed her this morning. He didn’t think Epona had gotten that dirty since then. He knew something was up.

Ilia saw the look on his face and laughed. Link walked over to her and Epona. “Epona is a girl too, so you have to treat her nice like one.”

Link put his hands on his hips and scoffed lightly with a smile. Ilia looked at him sweetly. She knew Epona was in good hands with Link. He was a great young man who treated everyone with kindness and respect. Ilia knew she had nothing to worry about.

“I guess I didn’t need to tell you that, though. It’s obvious how kindly you treat everyone, including her.”

Ilia’s face became a little more serious now, turning her eyes downward.

“Link, I actually didn’t bring Epona here to wash her.”

Link didn’t seem to be too surprised by that. Ilia placed her gaze back on Link.

“I overheard Fado telling my father that he was having a hard time herding the goats. They both knew you had just your finished chores, and Fado didn’t want to bother you, but they both knew that you, along with Epona, never seem to have trouble with the goats. That was my chance. I made sure to get here before Fado. I knew you’d look for Epona if she was gone.”

Ilia paused. She took the moment to just stare into Link’s eyes. He couldn’t help but blush.

“I found out that you’d be going to Hyrule in Rusl’s place.”

Link tried to think of something to say, but couldn’t.

“This could be our last chance together before you go. So I want you to come back here tonight, alright? I was hoping for at least one more special night. Who knows how long it could take you to deliver that gift.”

Ilia didn’t need to convince Link. With a smile and a firm nod, he agreed. Ilia let out a big sigh of relief and put back on her cheerful smile. Link grabbed Epona by the reins and was about to go before Ilia stopped them to ask one more thing.

“Oh, but listen Link. . . Could you do something for me? Can you use a piece of grass to play that song for me? You know, the one that Epona likes?”

Link happily agreed and did so for her.

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Night fell over the village. Link sat on the shore of the village springs, mesmerized by the sparkles the moon made on the water. Ilia hadn’t shown up yet, but he hadn’t been waiting for long, though.

“Hello, Link.”

He wasn’t going to wait any longer, either. He turned his head, and there was Ilia, looking as beautiful as ever.

“Forgive me if I made you wait long.” She walked over and sat beside him. He smiled and shook his head. Ilia didn’t need to be sorry. “It certainly is a beautiful night, isn’t it?” Link agreed.

They both sat in silence for a few seconds, watching the water and simply enjoying each other’s company. Then Ilia finally mumbled something.

“‘We can always count on Link.’”

Ilia was amused by his surprised expression. He wondered where those words came from.

“Colin said that, and I believe it as well,” Ilia said. “You know, he is worried, just as I am, that you are going. You have never been away from us before, Link. It will be strange without you for a while. But, you shouldn’t be gone for long. Plus, this will be a great opportunity for you to see the world outside our village. So, there should be nothing to worry about, right?”

Link looked at Ilia with sympathetic eyes. Link does realize that this will be first time away from home, Ilia. . .and Colin. His mind wandered to earlier that evening when he was talking to Rusl. Colin was there to meet them after their talk. Link figured he knew he was taking Rusl’s place. He and Colin shared a smile then, but now Link was regretting not going over to him and actually talking to the boy. Colin was probably the most worried out of anyone that Link was leaving.

Link opened his mouth, about to say something to Ilia when the howl of a wolf caught his ear and seemingly stole his voice for a moment. It was far off and feint, but still loud enough to be heard. Link didn’t know particularly why that caught his attention.

“Is something bothering you, Link?” Ilia asked, concerned by his prolonged silence. Smiling, Link shook his head. “Well, that’s good.” Ilia then curled herself up, hugging her knees to her chest. Even in the night, Link could swear that Ilia’s cheeks turned scarlet.

Ilia stared at the ground, clearly reminiscing.

“You know, this is where we first did it.”

Link was taken aback. A mischievous smile crossed her lips, and then she pounced on him. Link gasped, his hands quickly getting behind him to keep him from falling on his back. Her lips were mere inches from his, while she positioned herself in between his legs so she could get even closer.

“That was special to me, Link, as were the other times after it. Seeing as how this could be our last night together for awhile, let’s share another special moment we won‘t forget.”

She finally closed the gap between their lips and gave Link the kiss she had waited all day to give him. It didn’t take long for Link to get into it, pressing his lips further against Ilia’s. It was clear that they had done this before. They shared many nights together -- in secret -- enjoying every intimate embrace. No one knows that they have become this close, and the two of them do not know when they will reveal their growing relationship. Maybe one day. . .

They finally pulled away. “Link, make love to me.” Ilia whispered. Her hands had already found his pants, undoing his belt then tossing it aside. She then helped him remove his shirt. Ilia marvelled at his toned chest, no doubt from all that work at the ranch. She found him very handsome, and he only looked more so with the light from the silver moon bathing his magnificent form.

Now it was Link’s turn. He had a wicked grin for Ilia. He grabbed her shoulders and pushed her down on her back. Both of them kicked off their sandals in the process. Link dropped his head, initiating the second kiss of the night. At the same time, Link placed his hand underneath her shirt, feeling her upper body. Ilia flinched in delight at the touch of his warm hands. Her shirt didn’t stay on for long. Link momentarily broke the kiss to lift her shirt over her head, then went back and locked lips with her again.

Neither stopped removing articles of clothing from their bodies. In a heartbeat, their pants were thrown aside without another thought. Now Link was just in his pair of slacks, and Ilia only had her undergarments on. But, the lust-filled couple wouldn’t be completely satisfied until they saw each other’s bodies completely.

Finally giving their lips a rest, they parted. Ilia used this opportunity to fully disrobe herself, hurriedly throwing aside what little she had on. It became Link’s turn to be enamoured. He looked over her supple, nubile body, paying extra attention to her blossoming breasts. The strain of his arousal against his slacks was obvious to Ilia.

Link didn’t waste his time just staring, though. He dove right in, ravaging her breasts with his mouth. His tongue caressed her perky nipples, each one getting a fair turn from him. Ilia wrapped her arms around him, grabbing a handful of his hair, moaning. All the while, Link worked frantically to remove his slacks. He didn’t care where it ended up as he threw it aside. Ilia let out a deep breath as she could feel his manhood touching her thigh.

“Mmm. . . Link. . .”

It was as though Link had transformed into a beast, only wanting to fulfill his carnal desires. That didn’t bother Ilia as the sensation of Link taking her body just turned her on. Link was kissing and licking practically everywhere. Ilia’s nails raked at Link’s back as she tried to pull him closer to her. She let out another breath as his arousal made contact with her womanhood, sliding against its pomegranate folds. Link wasn’t waiting any longer, he was going for it all.

Link lifted his head up from her chest, capturing her lips once again. Their tongues met, lapping at each other, battling for dominance.

Ilia sucked in air through her nose, her eyes widening. Link had shoved himself inside of her. It felt like she had held her breath for an eternity, but she finally let it go, along with a groan, which traveled from her mouth into Link’s.

He finally let go of her lips, the lustful lovers gazing into each other’s eyes with great passion. Link started to pull out of her, but then pushed himself back in, going even deeper inside Ilia.

“Ahh. . . L-Li. . . Unngh!”

Link had already found his rhythm, thrusting harder and harder. Their breaths became heavy. Ilia’s hands traversed his body, her legs wrapped around his waist, and her ankles pushed against the small of his back, wanting him to go even deeper.

Link’s grunts were almost like growls, making Ilia more aroused than she already was. At this point, they didn’t care how much noise they were making. Their bodies were on fire, and that fire needed to be quelled.

Ilia started to push against Link now with the limited movement she had underneath him. Every time she bucked against him, Link pushed into her even harder. After all, he was on top and he loved it there.

With each thrust, Link practically forced the moans out of Ilia. They completely lost themselves in their pleasure. Ilia tightened her grip around Link, trying even harder to grind against him. At the moment, she was defying him, trying to make it a challenge for him to keep up his dominant position. That wasn’t going to deter Link. Much to Ilia’s delight, Link was up to the task.

With a grin, Link managed to grasp her wrists. He then slammed them down over her head, pinning them in place. Ilia knew that was it. Link had an extraordinary grip, so her hands were now useless for the time being. Now she could only hold onto him with her legs. Link was in charge tonight.

Both covered in a sheen of sweat, Link drilled even harder into Ilia, not letting up for an instant. Her ability to move now was almost nonexistent. She was loving this. Her mouth hung wide open, all kinds of noises flowing through.

“Unhh. . . Aghh. . .”

The noises coming from Ilia were the most pleasing sounds to Link’s hear. It just spurred him on even more. Like Ilia, he looked like he was out of breath, yet he felt he could go on forever. Link didn’t want to stop.

Link’s hips were a blur, trying to reach that glorious climax for both him and Ilia. His loins were on fire. Ilia clenched her fists, holding on for dear life as Link gritted his teeth and rode his twilight lover with great passion.

“L-Link. . . I. . . I. . .”

Ilia couldn’t last much longer. The young man on top of her, Ilia’s best friend and lover, was pleasing her in ways no one else ever could. She was trapped in a feeling of immense rapture. This has got to be the greatest moment she has ever shared with Link compared to their past midnight encounters. There is no doubt that in the future, they will share a moment that shall be far superior to this one. But Ilia was only concerned about right now.

Ilia tilted her head back, clenching her eyes shut, groaning in delight, as Link somehow managed to speed up, pounding into her with a force she didn’t realize he could muster. With her arms still pinned firmly against the dirt, she was at Link’s mercy. He had her where he wanted her. Link was her obsession, and he’s able to use that against her whether he realized it or not. Link can make her melt. He can take her whenever he wanted. As far as she’s concerned, she belongs to Link.

“Gaahh. . . Link. . . Give it to me!”

Link hissed through his teeth. He was almost there, he could feel it coming. He wanted it badly, and he was going to have it.

Link heard another howl of a wolf.

But that didn’t seem right. It wasn‘t like before. It sounded feint and far away, yet so close. . .so very close. Close to him.

“Li-Link, I’m gonna. . .” Ilia arched her back. She wasn’t going to last any longer. Her fists were clenched even tighter, and her legs were like a vice around Link’s waist. She tried to hold on to him as best she could. He was the sturdy, strong rock she could use to protect her from the oncoming tide. Link could feel Ilia tighten around him. He couldn’t go any farther, either.

Link opened his mouth. . .

. . .The wolf howled. . .

. . .he grasped, grunted, and groaned as he drilled Ilia with astonishing fury before driving himself deep within her one last time, his orgasm overtaking him.

Ilia was a lot more vocal about her climax. She yelled out at the top of her lungs, bending her back as far as she could, revelling in Link’s final thrusts as he finally filled her inner sanctum with his seed.

Link remained in an outstretched position on top of Ilia, who was still pinned down by him, for several seconds before he finally collapsed on his lover, his head resting on Ilia’s shoulder. Link finally let go of Ilia’s wrists as he pulled himself out of her. They both were exhausted, but Ilia managed to wrap her arms around Link, holding him tightly to her. Her wrists were red and a little sore, but easily paled in comparison to the pleasure she received.

That wolf in the far off distance howled, seemingly responding to the call of another.

Link felt Ilia’s body shake beneath him. He looked up at her with a puzzled look. She was giggling.

“This should tide me over until you get back.”

Link smirked at her. He got up off of Ilia and repositioned himself into a seated position, grabbing her by the hand and pulling her along with him. He kept pulling Ilia towards him until Her lips touched his, engaging in a ardent kiss that could only feel this good after having made love.

After their lips parted, Ilia placed her forehead against Link’s, gazing into his baby-blue eyes. “You don’t know how happy it makes me to be like this with you, Link.” Link felt the same way. It was great to be intimate with someone so close as Ilia is. He couldn’t help but have second thoughts about leaving the village.

Staring deeply into his eyes, Ilia could seemingly sense his trepidation.

“You’re not actually worried about leaving for Hyrule, are you?” Ilia asked.

Link sighed, looking down. That told Ilia enough.

“Link, I don’t want you to worry,” she said with a smile. “This is your chance to see the world, and I want you to take it. Do not even worry about me. You know I can take care of myself.”

Link looked up at her and giggled under his breath. He didn’t doubt that she could take care of herself. She was indeed a strong woman.

“I’ve heard some wonderful things from Rusl and my father about Hyrule. I want you to go and see those things, and more. Then, come back and tell me everything about your travels there. I’d love that, and I’d bet Colin would love it, too.”

Link perked up after she finished. He looked at her and thought about Colin. A big smile formed on Link’s lips as he gave Ilia a strong nod of his head. That was motivation enough to go. He would go to Hyrule and bring back stories to share, especially with Ilia and Colin.

Link hugged Ilia, and she embraced him back, both smiling and laughing playfully with each other. Ilia then got up and ran towards the cool water of the spring, with Link following hot on her heels. They chased after each other and splashed water over each other’s naked bodies.

Both of them just wanted this moment to last as long as possible before they inevitably had to retire for the night.