Mornings in Zora's Domain always started later than the rest of Hyrule. Resting in the shadow of Polymus Mountain, the Zora hold wouldn't see the sun until well into the mid-morning. Though the Zora would begin their day before first rays of light illuminated the Domain, a certain Hylian decided that it was the perfect excuse to sleep in.

Link adjusted the covers as he rolled over in his bed. He let out a deep sigh of satisfaction as his back settled into the mattress. If Link was back at the barracks, he would have already been awake, either out on the parade ground running laps, or getting an early repetition of sword technique in. But he was not at Hyrule Castle at the moment, nor were his instructors here. He was on vacation of sorts, a leave granted by his captain. He decided that this break was a good opportunity as any to visit his childhood home.

Link arrived at the Domain last night, close to midnight when he finally trudged across the Great Zora Bridge. It was a four day journey by foot from Central Hyrule. He cut it down to three. In that final day of travel, Link pushed through the night instead of setting up camp. He could have easily stopped and continued his journey in the morning. Yet, he was far too eager to reach the Domain. It was an act he almost regretted, as he tried to greet the entrance guards with exhausted legs and tired eyes. It was as if his body finally realized how fatigued it was when he completed the crossing. Thankfully, the guards at the entrance to the Domain knew who he was, and had him escorted to his room at the palace. Link barely managed to strip his clothes down to his skivvies before he collapsed onto his bed and into blissful slumber.

I should get up soon, Link thought to himself as he lay there in bed. He was a morning person through and through, but the desire to stay in bed was far stronger than his willpower.

Unfortunately for Link, someone else had decided that he should wake up.

As Link began to settle back down for sleep, heard the door to his room slam open. The pitter patter of small feet preluded the launch of a red-like cannonball right towards him. Link soon felt the wind rush out of him as a small as an energetic Zora happily leaped up onto the bed and onto his stomach.

"You're here! You're here, you're here, you're here!" cried out Sidon as he bounced up and down on Link. Link grunted in pain as the Zora tested his ribs. The prince was no longer the lightweight small fry he used to be. He had gained a few pounds, Link's poor chest attested as much.

"When did you get here, Link? Why didn't you say hi? Did you say hi to dad and sis yet? Hey can we play together today?"

Before Link could answer or even tell Sidon to get off, they both heard a firm shout from the hall.

"Sidon!"

Link and Sidon turned towards the doorway as Mipha entered the room, clutching the door frame. There was no doubt that she had been chasing after her little brother. She must have spotted Sidon making a beeline for Link's room and made the desperate attempt to stop him.

As he looked at her, Link noted that the Zora princess was wearing her typical attire. Yellow chords of silk hung around her shoulders and across the top of her chest. A thin, deep blue sash stretched across her torso, from her left shoulder just above the right side of her waist. The sash itself was pinned with a number of silver brooches, each molded into the crest of the Royal family. The silk was clasped together by a small silver medallion of similar design, which he knew was hidden underneath her head fin. Intricate silver jewelry and pendants adorned her head, neck, and arms, accentuating her beauty and her status as Zora Domain's princess.

Sidon, noticing his sister in the doorway, had the decency to look ashamed of himself.

"Sorry."

Mipha sighed. "It's alright. Just think before you act. Link might have wanted to sleep in for a few more minutes."

Sidon crawled off of Link's bed. "Sorry, Link."

The young Zora's large head tail dragged behind him as he walked across the room, not once making eye contact with his sister. Link's heart went out to Sidon. To disappoint Mipha must have been the end of the world for him. Link knew how much Sidon looked up his sister.

Mipha was feeling the same way as Link. She could hardly blame Sidon for his excitement. Goddess knows she was keeping her own exuberance of Link's return under lock and key. She knelt down and lifted Sidon's chin. "Now, why don't you go say good morning to father and give Link some time to get ready. I'm sure he's very excited to play with you today."

Sidon glanced over his shoulder at Link, expectation and hope dancing around like lights in his eyes.

How could Link say no to that? He sat up in bed and smiled at Sidon, giving him stoic nod.

That seemed to bring the energy back into the young Zora as his face brightened like the sun. He turned to his sister and gave her a hug before rushing out into the hall yelling 'dad' at the top of his lungs.

"Devious," Link said as he slipped out of bed. His bare feet touched the stone floor, the cool masonry giving him a slight shiver. He then closed his eyes and moved an arm over his head, stretching out a bit of stiffness that had built up overnight.

Unbeknownst to him, he was giving Mipha a very revealing show. In the flurry of Sidon's entrance, Link had forgotten that he was wearing nothing but his dark blue, form fitting undershorts.

Mipha could feel her cheeks heat up as her yellow eyes danced over Link's well-toned body, one groomed from rigorous training. She could not deny the appeal from seeing Link in such a state. Their bodies were far different than a Zora's, exotic with skin and hair instead of scales and fins. It was something she found…alluring.

Not that she hadn't seen Link dressed, or rather, undressed in a similar state before. But that was back when he was so much younger, and before these feelings for her friend had wormed their way into her heart.

Link finally opened his eyes to find Mipha staring at him.

"Something wrong?" he asked.

Mipha quickly tore her eyes away from his chest, and desperately tried to keep them locked onto Link's own eyes. "N-no. I just wanted to apologize for Sidon. I heard you got here late into the night, and you could have used the rest."

He gave her a smile and shook his head. "It's fine. I was considering getting up soon anyway."

"Well, I'll leave you to get ready then," Mipha said as she backed her way to the door. Just before she left, Mipha called out, "Oh, Link?"

Don't look at his chest, don't look at his chest.

"They've started serving breakfast. Would you care to join us?"

"Gladly. I'll be right there."

Mipha nodded, her eyes drinking in Link's form once more before exiting his room. The wooden door closed with a click. Her face immediately grew hot. What was she thinking!? She should have said something, instead of ogling her friend. She quickly moved from the door and made her way down through the palace halls. As she walked, her face grew warmer and warmer. Mipha could still picture him now, stretching out his lean muscles out, and nearly as naked as the day he was born. She knew the image of him in nothing but his undershorts was going to be burned into her mind for the rest of the day. It embarrassed her in more ways than one. Though, she couldn't lie nor deny it. She was secretly glad to have caught such a sight.

As for Link, just as the door closed, he quickly came to the realization that he had practically revealed himself to Mipha. He made a move to go apologize to her. He caught himself before he headed out into the hall. In his current state of undress, he was going to make the same mistake.

Link cursed under his breath. He was going to have to apologize later. This was not how he imagined starting his day.

He moved to a water basin in the corner of his room, splashing the cool liquid in his face. It helped rid some of the tiredness and embarrassment he was feeling. Fishing for some clothing in his bag, Link pulled out a pair of tan trousers and a crimson tunic. He did his best to smooth out some of the wrinkles, then threw them on and headed out into the hall.

Breakfast first, then apologies later.

The sweet aroma of food wafted out of the kitchens and into the halls of the palace. Link knew the way by heart, and he easily allowed his feet to take over as his nose followed the enticing smell of freshly cooked food. A little further down from the kitchens was the dining hall. It wasn't an indoor room, but more of a covered pavilion on the palace's western side. A large roof, cut of luminous stone, acted as the ceiling. Intricately designed archways held up the stonework. They were quite large, enough to fit a ten full grown Zora in both height in width. They had to be, considering King Dorephan's massive size. The plus side to such an open portal was that it gave diners a great view of Domain, as well as the surrounding cliffs and falls. Silken drapes, enchanted with water proofing magic, clung to the sides of archways. They would be closed during rainy days to keep water out. As it was, nary a cloud dusted the skies this morning, so the pavilion was kept opened.

As Link passed through the entrance, he noticed that breakfast was well underway. A long table was situated in the center of the room. The stone table stretched across the width of the room, before splitting off lengthwise into two perpendicular additions. At the center of the table sat King Dorephan, as was his right as ruler of Zora's Domain. To his right sat Sidon and Mipha, the former eagerly tearing their way into the food in front of them. To his left were Seggin and Muzu, each having a plate of food in front of them as well. Seggin appeared content with eating, while Muzu was busy chastising Sidon on his manners. A number of other Zora sat around the table in various spots. Most of them were members of the Zora Council, but a few guard captains, stonemasons, and merchants had joined the King court this morning as well.

Much to Link's dismay, his arrival did not go unannounced.

"Ah, Link! Finally awake." King Dorephan's booming voice cut through the air, bringing all eyes on him. The King had been watching for the young Hylian, anticipating Link's arrival after Mipha informed him that the Hylian would be joining them.

"Come, come. Sit down. Eat with us. You must be hungry for a freshly cooked meal."

While Link would normally be less than comfortable with being the center of attention, he knew most of these Zora and they knew him. It helped defuse his nerves, but didn't make it any less awkward. Quickly moving to sit down, Link spied a suspiciously open seat next to Mipha. It was almost as if she had saved the spot just for him. Not that he would turn down the chance to sit next to his friend, considering all the time they've spent apart. And, of course, he'd rather sit next to her than next to one of the crotchety council members, or goddess forbid, Muzu.

Link's hunch was right, but what he didn't know was painstaking effort Mipha had went through to save that seat. Before he arrived, one of the Zora council members attempted to sit next to her. She quickly shoed him off, saying the seat was reserved but, not saying for who. A stern glance from Dorephan shut down any rebuttal the councilor might have had. This happened a few more times with various Zora hoping to dine next to the princess. The whole spectacle was of great amusement to Dorephan, as he watched his daughter attempt to save a seat for her childhood friend.

As Link slid into the seat, he gave Mipha a warm smile as she returned it in kind, both doing their best to ignore the earlier incident.

Funny how food could do just that. Now that he was settled, Link was finally able to take a look at the spread set out on the table. What he saw shut down any other thoughts and had his stomach rumbling.

Set out on silver platters and covered in broad leaves were whole plates Hyrulian Salmon. They had been steamed with fresh herbs and covered in a warm honey glaze. Next to them, in large stone bowls, were cooked Cucco eggs. The eggs had been scrambled into fluffy golden piles and topped with rock salt. Golden loaves of bread lay on blocks of wood, neatly piled next to plates of freshly cooked crepes. The thin cakes were covered in butter, enticing those at the table who possessed a sweet tooth.

Mipha couldn't help but giggle as she watched Link's eyes grow wide. He was infamously known throughout the Domain for his voracious appetite. It appeared his knight training only expanded his already ravenous hunger.

Looking at the spread before him, Link knew he definitely was going to have to drop by the kitchens later and grab the recipes. About a year ago, Link picked up a new passion: cooking. It was a skill he had learned during his training. In the Hyrulian forces, Trainees were often asked to complete menial tasks, or assist quartermasters, chefs, and other non-combat roles as part of their obedience and fieldcraft training. When Link had been assigned to the mess hall, both he and the chefs quickly discovered that he had an affinity for preparing food. Under the guidance of the chefs, Link began the first steps of honing this new craft, absorbing their tips and training like a sponge. After his duties in the mess hall finally came to an end, the cooks encouraged Link to continue cooking. He took it to heart.

Much like Mipha, Dorephan had also been watching Link as he eyed the food. "Just looking at it won't do you any good, Link. Dig in."

The King's permission opened the floodgates. Link immediately started dishing himself food, stacking his plate with a bit of everything.

Sidon, watching Link pile his plate with nearly two helpings, attempted to do the same.

Muzu noticed his ward trying to mimic Link. He called out the Sidon as he was halfway through giving himself a generous helping of scrambled Cucco eggs. "Sidon, do not serve yourself more that you aren't going to eat!"

Sidon stuck his tongue out to Muzu. "But Link eats enough for three Zora. And look how big and strong he got."

"That's because the Hylian has a bottomless pit of a stomach. You, however, do not. Do not try to copy that glutton."

Sidon pouted, and ate his eggs with childlike anger.

After the initial activity of Link's arrival, breakfast settled into a comfortable pace. The other Zora at the table went back to their own meals, and conversed with one another. The pavilion air soon filled with buzz of conversation and the clinking of silverware.

As Link ate, Dorephan began asking the Hylian about his training and the state of Hyrule Castle. Link answered the best he could between shoveling food into his mouth.

Mipha for her part, ate in silence a she listened to Link and her father talk. She was just glad to be able to spend the morning with him. Just the chance to share a meal with him after months of being apart gave her great joy. She knew there would be plenty of time to talk to him later. In fact...

"Link?" Mipha asked as he proceeded to shove a whole crepe into his mouth. "I was wondering, if you would you, that is to say, would you care to join me for a walk after our meal?"

As dignified as Link could with the thin cake in his mouth, he nodded to Mipha, causing her to smile.

In that moment, the two failed to notice the twinkle in Dorephan's eye as he watched them, nor the small smile that graced the King's lips.

"Hey wait a minute!" Sidon called out, grabbing everyone's attention. He leaned forward to get a good look at Link. "You promised you'd play with me."

Muzu narrowed his eyes at Sidon. "You'll have your chance to bother the Hylian after your morning studies, Sidon."

"Awwwwww. But studying is so boring," Sidon pouted as he sat back in his chair, the rest of the food on his plate abandoned.

Dorephan reached down and affectionately rubbed the top of Sidon's head with his thumb. "I know you want to play with Link, but Muzu's right. Finish your studies first, then you can spend some time with him after." Dorpehan then turned his gaze to Link.

"He'll be here for some time, won't you, Link?"

Link nodded to Dorephan in agreement.

Yet, why did he get the feeling the statement had some sort of double meaning.

"About a week, then I have to return." Link responded.

Dorephan looked back to Sidon, giving his son an affectionate smile. "See, plenty enough time."

Sidon's eyes lit up at that. He then jumped up and stood on his chair, giving his father a toothy smile and his signature thumbs up. Everyone laughed, except for Muzu who once again began to berate Sidon on his manners.

The morning sun continued its steady climb, heralding what would be a peaceful day. Not too far from Zora's Domain, two weary travelers kept a slow pace as they traveled along the side of Zora River. Birdsong and insect calls filled the air. The grass along the banks swayed with each pass of a morning breeze. Yet, the travelers looked downright beaten. For with the, they carried with news that contrasted the day's tranquility.

Loran and Junkins were traveling from Goponga Village. They had left the Lanayru Wetlands that previous night on swift feet, and traveled through the darkness without a break. They only stopped long enough to quench their thirst and catch a breath. The pair had to be swift, for the fate of their very village was on the line.

"You think the Zora will actually help us?" Junkins asked his companion, breaking the silence between them.

"What kind of question is that? Of course they gonna help! Now come on, we still got the rest of the mornin to make it there."

"But what if the village is attacked by the time we get help?"

Loran stopped and roughly grabbed Junkins' vest.

"Quit that gab! Everyone is gonna be fine. We just gotta worry about lettin' ol' King Dorephan know what's goin' on. Then he an' his guard will take care of it. Frettin' ova what ifs ain't gonna help."

After Loran released Junkins, the latter looked apologetically at his companion. "Sorry, Loran. It's just, I'm worried about Deliah and the rest. I keep thinkin' that we're gonna come back and find those Bokos all over the village.

That caused Loran to take a sharp breath. Damn it, he was just as worried as his companion, Junkins was just more vocal about it. Though, Junkins had every right to be worried. A few weeks ago, Bokoblins started appearing in the wetlands in small numbers. Only about one or two wandering the dry islands and shallow waterbeds surrounding the village. It was nothing that Goponga's little militia couldn't handle. Yet, last evening, one of the militiamen had spotted nearly a score of the beasts on the southern edge of the wetlands. To make matters worse, the scout claimed to have spotted a few Lizalfos and Moblins amongst their number. Thankfully, the monsters seemed content where they were camped. Yet, every villager knew it would be only a matter of time before the they decided to attack. Whether it be the villages' fishing parties or the village itself, the beasts would have blood.

There was no way Goponga could handle such a force without risking heavy casualties amongst their ill-equipped militia. The villagers floated around the idea of evacuating, but nobody was too keen of simply giving up their homes. Goponga was a poor village, most of their trade done by selling fish, herbs, and other reagents found in the swamp. To pack up and leave would mean a life on the streets in any other town or village. Eventually a consensus was met to seek outside help. With the nearest Hyrulian garrison two days away and Zora's Domain only a few hours of travel by foot, the decision had been made to request the Zora for help.

Throughout their journey, Loran tried to his best to keep on a brave face. One of them had to be strong, else both of them were going to fall apart at the seams.

"Which is why we ain't stoppin' for a break until we get there," Loran said as he began to walk again. "Spend less of your energy on worryin' and more into getting' your feet movin'. Now come on, we're close to Inogo Bridge. We ain't got much further to go."

A few minutes later, true to Loran's word, Inogo Bridge came into view. The river crossing was the sole entrance into the winding canyon housing Zora's Domain. Twin watchtowers made of luminous stone stood watch over the small bridge and the approaching road.

Normally, Zora's Domain didn't see much in the way of visitors. Only a handful of traders, tourists, or the occasional Zora born outside of the Domain would make the trek to visit the Zora hold. Because of that, Inogo Bridge would usually be posted with a single guard. However, with the rise and of monster attacks, bandits, and the Yiga clan, necessity demanded the bridge be stationed with a full post. The towers were now manned by a sizeable squad, six in total, ever watchful for danger.

As Loran and Junkins came into sight, they were warily watched by the Zora guards until the pair came within earshot.

"Ho! Travelers!" a purple scaled Zora, called out. "What brings you to Zora's Domain this morning."

"I'll tiddins I'm afraid," Loran shouted back out as he and Junkins drew closer.

The guard climbed down from the watchtower and approached the pair, loosely clutched her spear. The travelers before her appeared harmless. The only arms between them were a worn hunting bow and a shortsword stuffed into a makeshift scabbard. It was clear they were exhausted. Heavy rings were visible underneath their eyes, and their hair and clothes disheveled. Beads of sweat dripped down the sides of their face.

Despite their fatigued look, she did not let her guard down. With recent appearance of the Yiga Clan and their tendency to disguise themselves as travelers, one could not be too careful.

"And what ill tidings would those be?" she asked.

Loran blinked his tired eyes. "Monsters, ma'am. Monster near Goponga Village."

"Monsters you say?"

"Aye. A whole score of em, campin' out on the edge of wetlands. Our boys and gals have been able to keep the surroundin' area safe so far, but it's gonna only be a matta a time 'fore they turn their beady eyes on our village."

Loran ran a hand through his hair, his hand coming away damp with sweat. "We was hopin' His Highness, Dorephan, might be able to help us. What with the nearest Hylian garrison bein' days away."

Another guard, a blue scaled Zora wearing a badge on his breastplate marking him as a sergeant, joined his companion. He had caught most of the conversation and heard all he needed to hear.

"You two did well to come this far," the sergeant said. "Can you still walk? I think King Dorephan would want to hear this from you directly."

Loran and Junkins looked to each other before nodding at the Zora guard.

"We've come this far already. Can't just turn around now." Junkins replied.

The blue scaled Zora turned to his companion. "Bring these two before the King. We'll stay here and keep an eye out for anything suspicious. Hopefully they weren't followed."

The first guard gave him a salute and turned towards the bridge.

"Follow me," she called over her shoulder, and began a steady stride across the bridge.

Loran and Junkins followed after her. Both of their feet hurt, they were tired, and hungry. All they wanted to do was rest. But with the fate of the village on their shoulders, their own fatigue seemed next to none. They were driven to see King Dorephan, hoping the Zora monarch would grant their request, and give aid to Goponga Village.

Author's Note:

Hey all! Yes, I am back to writing. Now some of you may be thinking, 'hey man, what ever happened to The Way the River Flows. It's been almost a year, I thought you were writing that?' Let me preface by saying this: things happened. I had written myself into a little corner, with thinking of where to take the next chapter, when life got in the way big time. I had to put the story on hold. Now though, I am back. I plan on finishing this story first, with the intent of going back to WtRF afterwards. I am hoping that by writing this fic, it will bring back the will and the drive to start up WtRF again, and actually write that chapter 3.

Anyway, hope you enjoyed what I have written and let me know what you think!