6

Flash from the Past

Never in my life have I seen such beauty, abundance and revelry. It is the first time I have ever travelled here, even though it is much closer to home than other places I have visited in the last months as I assisted the princess and her knight in the gathering of the surviving Hylian civilizations. I ponder with amazement on all the things I was missing by staying cloistered in my village for all my life. Leaving my beloved grand-mother to the care of others, venturing in possibly dangerous adventures, pledging my unconditional support to the Hylian Throne were all undertakings I never thought I would have the courage to do. But it was actually Grandma who had shaken some sense into me, pushing me in her classically unaffected way to live up to my true potential, as a Lady of the Sheikah.

In my short experience as a traveler, Zora's Domain is probably the most breathtaking scenery I have ever come across. The Zoras are fascinating people. I have to admit I had a really hard time hiding my amazement the first time I saw one – I did not expect the seven-foot-tall female guard, adorned with fins and gills, who greeted us into the city. I had averted my gaze, worried that I was rudely staring.

But the marvel of that first encounter was royally supplanted by the prince's introduction. The princess – she has asked me multiple times to call her Zelda, but I am not yet used to such familiarity with her Highness – has not talked a lot about her fiancé during our journey; I sensed that she had mixed-feelings about the incoming alliance. I understand it was an arranged marriage; after all, it was announced merely weeks after she had emerged from her hundred-year turmoil, so I doubt she had time to form feelings for him. And since the announcement, she had been roaming through the country while he stayed in his homeland, setting his affairs in order with his people. It seems strange for them to reunite for a single day just to part ways again on the morrow, but the Zora council had insisted on an official wedding before consenting to assist the princess further in her rebuilding efforts, which had expedited the event. Yet, despite these precarious circumstances, when Princess Zelda did speak of this man she only met a few times in her life, it was with the highest respect, and I think a hint of admiration. However, she had definitely omitted to mention the fact that he is a giant, shark-like – oh, how improper of me – most athletic man, who walks around wearing little more clothes than the day he was born. Neither had she mentioned his charming smile, highly civilized manners and good-humored nature. Master Link had to dismiss me rather sharply as I was unable to give any intelligible answer to the prince's inquiry on my enjoyment of the celebration.

I would never be able to marry for anything else than love. I am a hopeless romantic. I can appreciate the significant perks of this alliance, the most critical one being the support of a sovereign with over a century of experience. As an unpracticed seventeen-year-old without any guidance possible from her own people, as much as I believe in the princess, her attempt at ruling was almost doomed. Yet I suppose that, were I in her position, I would be infinitely relieved that my pledged husband be a man like Sidon. I just hope she feels the same. I have taken a liking to the princess and I wish only the very best for her.

I search for her through the dense crowd. Her beauty is so striking that one can hardly miss her. She wears a silvery dress, fascinating in its simplicity, that Claree – our very own Sheikah seamstress – had the honor to fashion just for the occasion. Her golden hair is cascading freely down her back. She is literally glowing, like a beacon of purity. I have seen more elated brides, but she doesn't seem unhappy. Of course, the whole event is a lot more solemn than the weddings we have in my home village. She looks so young. I suddenly feel the burden that rests on her shoulders.

The handsome Zora prince is by her side, towering high above everybody, accepting the congratulations offered by the delegates who traveled from all over Hyrule for the wedding. As most of the Hylian realm is in ruins, this most anticipated event had to take place in Zora's Domain. I don't think this place has ever seen so many Hylians and Sheikahs. Gerudos and Ritos have crossed the entire kingdom to come pay their respect to the returned princess and her new husband. Even a few Gorons are present, easily distinguishable in the crowd. So many exciting new discoveries for me.

"Paya?"

I start, grasping at my chest, as I notice Master Link standing next to me. He is wearing his formal champion tunic, and a circlet of golden leaves rests on his thick blond hair. He looks like a true royal knight.

"W-What?" I stammer.

"I asked you if you had tasted the fish?" He gives me an enthusiastic smile.

"Tasted the… the fish?" I repeat, thinking of the prince I was just observing.

"The fish."

He is offering me a short skewer holding a small raw fish piece, seasoned with finely chopped herbs. Master Link's handsome face is shining with excitement. He has always loved cooking, but rare fine cuisine like this makes him positively ecstatic, and this just warms my heart.

"Thank you." I mutter, taking the small stick.

"Zora cuisine is amazing." He assures me, looking back at the assembly facing us.

I don't feel at ease surrounded by too many people, so I had strayed from the crowd and walked up a bridge overseeing the congregation. Master Link has been a lot more talkative recently, following me around, making sure I am comfortable.

I have made peace with the fact that the sentiments I feel for him are not returned. But recently, I started wondering if Master Link really did love the princess. He has not stopped her from marrying another man – he has even assured me of his complete approval of the Zora prince, whom he regards as his very best friend – and ever since the engagement, he has shown no signs of pain one would expect from a broken heart. If anything, he seems to have an even better disposition than before. My heart dares not utter what this could possibly mean.

"Do you think she will be happy?" I ask Master Link as we observe the newlyweds from our vantage point.

"She may not think so for now, but I know she will. Sidon is a fiercely loyal companion." He answers confidently. "Zelda just needs a little time warming up to new people."

Admittedly, it had taken the princess a few weeks to open up to me as I followed her and Master Link through Hyrule with a few other devoted Sheikahs and Hylians.

"Then I hope we can all be as lucky as her." I smile at him. "This seems like a promising start for the new Hyrule Kingdom."

"It sure does, Paya." Master Link nods in agreement.

We are looking at each other. It is easier for me now to uphold his deep blue gaze, but the connection stretches for what seems like an overly long time.

"Link!" An exhilarated cry brakes our staring.

We both turn to see a Gerudo girl, on the verge of womanhood, rushing towards us. Her face shines with glee, eyes fixed on Master Link. With incredible red hair that reaches down to her calves and jade eyes, she is probably one of the prettiest young woman I have ever seen. A formidable, exotic crown of gold adorns her fiery mane.

"Riju!" Link beams at her.

She rushes into his arms, hugging him shortly. I feel myself blush.

"Sa'oten! It's good to see you, my friend!" She rejoices. "I was hoping you would be here."

"I'm glad you came all the way from Gerudo Town yourself." Link smiles at her. "You're far from home, little Queen!"

"This is a historical moment. The rebirth of a kingdom! It deserves the attention of the queen herself, not some mere delegate."

For such a young girl, she speaks very wisely.

"Well, technically, the real coronation of Zelda and Sidon will take place in Hyrule Castle, when it is properly restored. Hopefully, with the help of the Sheikahs and now the Zoras, it shouldn't take more than a few months." Link indicates. "But yes, this is the start of an important alliance."

"And I hope the Gerudos can contribute as well. Surely you will be in need of strong warriors." The Gerudo smiles before shooting me a curious glance.

I flinch and bow to her, having gathered from the conversation that she is royalty.

"Riju, this is Lady Paya of the Sheikah Tribe." Link introduces me, briefly putting a light hand on my upper back. I shudder at the touch.

Queen Riju politely nods my way. After exchanging a few formalities, she reluctantly returns in the heart of the festivities where she is expected. I am grateful that Master Link and I are not of royal lineage and don't have aristocratic duties to fulfill. As the sun slowly sets on majestic Zora's Domain, we both stay away from the excitement surrounding the new royal couple, although a few other guests recognize Master Link from his travels and affably come to meet him. At last, dusk is upon us, and the Zoras in charge of catering invite everyone to sit down for supper.

"Finally," Master Link exclaims, "I'm famished!"

I can't help but stare at him in disbelieve. He has been eating all afternoon!

The princess has insisted that we be seated at the royal table with her. I can understand the merit of Master Link, but I don't see what I have done to deserve such an honor. Admittedly, there is so little nobility left in this devastated age that their table would be pretty lonely without the presence of friends. Said table has been set in the throne room, as there would have been no other place spacious enough to welcome the seat of the gargantuan Zora king. His presence weirdly eclipses that of the spouses. Next to him sits on one side the Zora Council, and on the other side the Zora prince, followed by our princess. She beckons her appointed knight to come sit at her side. I nervously sit after Master Link, at the end of the table. On the other side of the table are seated the most eminent guests. Queen Riju has taken place in front of us, flanked by what I can only imagine are her guards – the most preposterously muscular women I have ever seen.

But before Master Link can satisfy his hunger, he must endure the traditional speeches that come with weddings. His fingers nervously crumble the delicately embroidered tablecloth, for after King Dorephan, he is expected to make his own speech – as the prince's best man. The groom's father seems genuinely touched by the event.

"My dear, dear Sidon." The king says of his deep voice, his strange cat-like eyes shining with affection. "As your father, you may think I am biased, but I know the Zoras stand by me when I say that you are, and will always be our greatest pride. The unbearable thought of losing you as a son is eased only by the joy of seeing you unify our realms as a husband."

The prince's torso swells with impassioned pride as he tenderly gazes up at his father.

"Dear Princess." The latter continues. "Our paths have crossed before, in what now seems like another life. You were righteous and kindhearted. My daughter was very fond of you. And now you have returned to us, having bravely and relentlessly fought the demise of this world. Know that, while I still would have offered our assistance, I could not have consented to my son marrying anyone less worthy."

I don't think I have ever heard more dignifying words. But Princess Zelda doesn't look flattered: she looks shocked. Obviously, she has never thought of herself this highly, and now it must seem like a terrible deal to live up to. It must be really hard not to feel like an impostor.

Poignant applauses signal the end of the king's speech. Queen Riju nods her approbation in a distinguished manner. Master Link breathes in deeply as silence settles back in the assembly. He stands up, his stature not allowing him to stay seated like the king.

"I should have gone first." He utters apologetically.

The prince lets out a barking laughter, thundering over the shy chuckle of the crowd. Queen Riju smiles encouragingly at Master Link.

"Zelda." The knight's blue eyes are fixed on her as if they could pierce her soul.

The whole domain seems to have frozen in time, transfixed by the knight's single word.

"Sidon." He turns to the husband at her side, holding his gaze for an equally long time.

I mouth the words I have helped him find and rehearse, as he pronounces them.

"The both of you are… inexpressibly precious to me. I know that, in time, you will feel the same way for each other."

The princess looks as if she wants nothing more than to throw herself into his reassuring embrace. Even the prince seems positively beholden, as if his destiny had just been blessed by an infallible fortune teller.

Master Link resumes his seat, and the crowd, as if emerging from a trance, slowly claps in a confused manner. Granted it was probably the shortest allocution in the history of weddings, but it had been strangely powerful. From the corner of my eye, I can see the princess throw her delicate face skywards, seemingly holding back tears.

Finally, elegant shell-like plates containing meals each more exotic than the other are disposed by the caters around the table for choosing. The two men at the princess's side ravenously attack the meal, but she remains still for a few minutes. Maybe is she only now realizing the magnitude of her choice. I wish I could do something for her.

Between greedy mouthfuls, Master Link and Prince Sidon are soon entertaining the Gerudo Queen with tales of their past adventures. I listen with concealed interest as the little queen devours their words with fascination. While Master Link mostly nods or replies when his input is begged for, the prince's story-telling is exuberant and spellbinding. How mysterious are the ways of friendship, for such different people to become so close!

I don't know how much time has passed since we started eating, but the moon is now shinning softly on us and guests are starting to leave their seats as tables are set aside. A broad-shouldered Rito, his feathers as blue as Master Link's eyes, is playing his accordion for those desirous of dancing. Formality is disappearing from the event as people carelessly stray into various entertainments. Master Link is enjoying a mostly one-sided conversation with the King as he scavenges for leftovers on the royal table. Prince Sidon is roughhousing around the shallow water coursing through the structures of the domain with the few courageous Zora children who are still awake at this late hour. Queen Riju has asked Princess Zelda to dance with her. And I just wander, enjoying the general peacefulness.

As I observe the Gerudos playfully teaching our princess one of their traditional hip-rolling dance – which the Rito bard apparently knows how to play – I unintentionally overhear a group of elderly Zoras talking to their close-by prince.

"Here he is, the lucky man!" One of them hails the prince.

"I suppose I am, old chap." He replies, his smile discernable in his voice.

He grunts as the Zora children undoubtedly come charging at him, then laughs as their playful war cries disappear in the distance.

"Be careful who you call old!" The 'old chap' snorts. "I still best you at archery."

"Yes, Seggin," the prince slowly agrees teasingly, "unless the target is set beyond the limits of your decrepit sight."

"Why, being all young and handsome doesn't allow you to pester an old fellow like me!" But the elderly warrior doesn't sound offended. "Besides, I wouldn't be too presumptuous yet, my Prince. We will see tonight just how talented you truly are."

"Meaning?" The prince sounds amused.

"You do remember the tradition! Don't you recall Fronk and Mei's wedding?" Another old Zora cackles.

"The cries of the newlyweds are to be heard over the thundering flows of the water, isn't that how the old saying goes?" Seggin teases.

My face burns with embarrassment and I quickly hide behind my hands, as if this could block any improper idea from my mind. But my motion is not quick enough to spare me the sight of the princess flinching through her dance. Apparently, I wasn't the only one eavesdropping.

Author's notes: I think now is a good time to mention a few things about this story. As you can imagine, next chapter will in part explain why this story is M-rated. However, I think it would have been ok to rate it T; the adult themes and scenes of violence in this story are not that explicit. Yet, I reckon that, as the major themes in it revolve around arranged marriage, the desire for a child, and disappointed hopes in adult life, this story was more suited for an adult audience.

Second, I wanted to share with you how I perceive the Zoras for the sake of the story. I consider them as mammalian aquatic beings (I mean, they do seem to have breasts), who are pretty close to humans, even if in the game it is suggested that they are egg-laying creatures. Otherwise, it wouldn't take a rocket scientist to explain to Zelda why the Goddess won't answer her prayers! Another call I made is their skin being smooth, as they look more like cetaceans or sharks than actual fishes (even though in the game, there is a mention of scales). I know those aren't canon, but its simply my point of view. Other less relevant details can be found in this excerpt of Zelda's research journal ;)

Movement or gasping makes water or air (both of which they can breathe) flow through their gills. Swimming rapidly allows for a big inflow of water, therefore of oxygen. Their metabolism has evolved to endure low oxygen levels (water oxygen levels being 40 times lower than air) – still, they cannot sustain for long in hot or salted water (which are lower in oxygen). As such, even if they are endotherms, their metabolism runs quite low: low hearth rate, low temperature. In the air, they can consume a lot more oxygen, but their skin needs to be kept moisturised. They can endure fasting for a long period, and they are mostly piscivorous. They live over 200 years and achieve adulthood at around 100 years old.

OnePunchFan8: Thank you! Don't worry, Zelda won't be stuck praying for the rest of the story ;) I do know about all those conflicting arguments regarding the nature of Zoras, believe me it was a headache to make a call in all that mess (sadly Nintendo didn't ask for my opinion when they designed them!). But the biggest problem for me was actually the gills. Breathing water simply doesn't allow for endothermic life. I thought about giving them a double breathing apparatus composed of gills and lungs (a little like birds who have archaic lungs and air sacs), but it was starting to get complicated! In the end I decided to stretch the limits of biological possibilities by giving them a body that functions at a lower temperature and supports anaerobic metabolism (my bad for the oxygen energy thing). There are some anatomical mechanisms ment to increase the oxygen flow to the brain for animals that live in extreme conditions. I'm not sure about the breasts being possible air sacs, as those are usually internal breathing organs of the bird, and swim bladders are internal digestive organs of the fish. For the neck, I actually mention it in the next chapter! I've decided they would be thicker, simply long, like a lot of mammals. Oh how I would love to dissect a Zora! Anywho... I didn't mean to elaborate to much on this, but you did have good points :)