Before Twilight

Chapter 17: Confrontation

Zelda's P.O.V

It had been so long since I had used my magic. I forgot how much energy it really did take out of me. Lady Impa had begun my training with me too late. We had just begun to unlock the power that resided in me. Her teachings were cut short when I had to escape from Castle Town and remain here in Ordon. 

I aimlessly walked about Ordon until I came across a peaceful stream. I bent down and slipped off my shoes . I then sat beside the water bank and dipped my feet into the cool water. 

I couldn't help but let my mind wander as I sat there and relaxed. I wondered about my Father and Lady Impa. Before I left the state of the matter was that the possibility of a civil war was on the rise.  

According to royal regulations the King would require a council to ensure a fair and just rule.  A representative from each corner of the Kingdom would be placed into this council . A group known as the Yiga Clan, separatists from the Sheikah Clan, demanded a place amongst the Hyrule Council. It was given to them, but their leader Byrne was insubordinate. 

Times were tense and it was long before the Yiga Clan threatened all that Hyrule stood for. Byrne tried to use me as a way to get my father to falter. He threatened to kill me. So Father gave the order to Lady Impa to take me into hiding. 

In all truth I felt useless here. I felt as if there was something more important that I should be focusing on. 

"Hello." A voice greeted.

I lifted my head up to see a girl I did not recognize. 

"Hello." I greeted back. 

The girl could not have been older than I. She had sandy blonde hair cut short and green eyes. 

"Mind if I sit here?" She inquired. 

"Not at all." I stated as I patted the ground beside me. 

"So can't say I recognize you?" She chuckled.

"Yes well I am not really from here. " I stated. 

"Well where are you from?" She questioned. 

"Termina." I lied. 

"Ah yes you're Uli's cousin!" She exclaimed. 

"Correct." I stated. 

"And you are?" I asked.

"My name is Ilia. " She stated.

"Well it is very nice to meet you." I said. 

She nodded her head in acknowledgment with a small smile. 

"I couldn't help but notice that Link is quite taken with you." She addressed.

I turned to her confused. 

"I don't quite understand what you mean?" I stammered. 

Ilia's whole demeanor suddenly changed. 

"Look I will give you a break this one time since you're not from here but stay away from Link." She demanded. 

I was shocked that she would make such an assumption.

"I assure you there is nothing between us." I claimed. 

Ilia raised her eyebrow in disbelief. 

"I have bigger problems to deal with than this." I thought to myself. 

"Look I am not quite sure what you thought is going on between Link and I, but we've just met and I don't plan on staying here too long. So honestly you have nothing to worry about. " I explained as I stood up and picked up my shoes. 

"Wait!" Ilia exclaimed as she grabbed my arm. 

I turned to face her and gestured towards her viper grip on my arm. She released me before lowering her arm in shame. 

"I'm sorry. I just worry about him so much. "Ilia confessed. 

"You love him." I corrected.

She lifted her head in surprise. 

"Its that easy to tell huh?" She inquired. 

I nodded my head yes and chuckled. 

"Ilia listen to me. I promise you I am not threat to Link and yours relationship. We are just friends." I explained. 

Ilia seemed slightly embarrassed suddenly. 

"I apologize for coming off so coarse." She sighed. 

"Don't dwell on it. It was nice meeting you Ilia but I think I should head back to Rusl's its getting late." I stated. 

"Yes of course! Don't let me keep you." Ilia babbled.

I smiled at her softly before turning and leaving.