Faithful

Even though Ilia's no princess she's still an important part in the game's story, and not just because she's a supporting character or even the friend of our green clad hero, but because she represents everything Link holds dear to his heart: his home, his family, his friends, and basically everything he's ever known.

During Twilight Princess, Ilia and the children are taken from Ordon by a small ban of bulblins, leading Link to give chase, setting the events of the game in motion. By following his friends into twilight is he able to encounter Midna and, soon after, Princess Zelda. I'm going to point out that even though Ilia is captured she never has to actually be rescued by Link, but instead manages to escape her captors and seek refuge with her in the Hidden Village, where she helped care for the elderly Impaz. Later, and suffering from memory loss, Ilia rescues the unconscious young zora prince, Ralis, and takes him with her to Castle Town. Never once parting from his side, Ilia cares for Ralis until he is able to return home. It's interesting to note that if the player (Link) fails at saving the wagon from burning up Ilia chooses to remain with Ralis inside the wagon instead of escaping. This is the only point in the game where Ilia can actually die, so if anyone had doubts about her selflessness, I'm pretty sure I just layed them to rest. In a way Ilia is similar to Zelda, in that they both put others before themselves and are essentially strong female characters.

She's also not without character development, something not often seen in a Zelda title. Ilia's recent expereiences take a toll on her personality, noticable in both her words and the subtle sad music which plays in the background. In the beginning we see Ilia is kind and caring, but we also see that she can be rather immature and chiding at times. This is not to say Ilia is mean or spoiled, far from it, but that there are just certain things she feels rather strongly about. Link and Epona are a big part of Ilia's life and their safety means the world to her; she was distraught to discover that both would be leaving her for the very first time and simply overreacted (a common teenage emotion). However, later, once her memory is restored, Ilia encourages Link to continue in his efforts instead of being upset by his departure like before. This tells me Ilia has matured since the game's beginning; she understands Link has a destiny fullfil and that it's something she cannot be a part of. Accepting this, she offers her prayers and support and promises to wait faithfully for him until his return. ...Whenever that might be.