Chapter 1 - Studying
It was a weekend morning in Zora's Domain, and Link was sitting with a book in hand studying. Mipha was sitting nearby reading as well. Link looked up from his book and rubbed his hand through his hair.
"How's the studying coming?" asked Mipha.
"Okay, I think. But there's an awful lot to learn!" said Link.
The Zora citizenship test was coming up in a few weeks, and he was determined to do well on it.
"You don't have to get a perfect score you know," said Mipha.
"I know. But I don't want to be an embarrassment to you, your family and myself, so I'm giving it my best."
He was studying Zora history now and had never realized how extensive their history was. It made him all the more humble and grateful for the opportunity to be a part of it, and to complement his Hylian background. But the first step was passing this test!
"Do you know who will administer the test?" asked Link.
"I'm not sure. It doesn't happen very often. Likely a member of the Council of Elders. Try not to worry. Growing up we studied Zora history of course, and even I didn't always get a perfect exam score," Mipha teased.
"Well, shame on you, Princess," he teased back. "And here I thought I could ask you for help. Maybe I should be asking Sidon instead."
The three of them were going on a family picnic later that day. The weather looked promising so far, though the rain didn't bother Zora's all that much.
Link got up and sat next to Mipha. He put his arm around her. "Maybe sometime you could help me with the history of Queen Rutela," Link said. "There seems to be some uncertainty regarding her background."
Mipha smiled at him. "That's a sorrowful story, but don't think I'm so naïve I don't know why you mentioned it."
Link feigned a puzzled look. But Mipha said, "Don't act dumb with me. I can read you better than this book. Although most accounts of Zora history don't think it's true, there are some who say Queen Rutela was part Zora and part Hylian."
"Really?" said Link smiling back.
"Maybe you're going to flunk that citizenship test after all," she teased. "But I know what you're getting at, and I'm happy you're thinking about it. It's sweet you brought it up. But I'm not quite ready for that yet," said Mipha. She leaned toward him, and they kissed.
"Is that all you're having difficulty with?" said Mipha. "Should I quiz you?"
"Sure, go ahead," said Link.
"Do you know the significance of East Reservoir Lake?"
"It was a joint project of the Zora and Hylians and a symbol of their close ties," said Link. "It also prevented the flooding that used to occur."
"How long did it take to build it?"
"One year," said Link.
"And when was it built?"
"Ten thousand years ago," said Link.
"Well, you got all that right, so maybe there's hope for you yet," said Mipha. "Anyway, given where your mind's at about children, I think you've had enough studying for now. Let's go get Sidon and have our picnic."