Chapter 14 - A New Found Friend

Summary: Zelda and Mipha grow close after a heart-to-heart talk, changing Zelda's plans. King Dorephan pledges his support for Zelda. Link reunites with his fiancée, and they spend a relaxing day together.

It was early morning, and Zelda was the first to awaken at the Seabed Inn. She stretched, looked around and then remembered where she was. As she sat up, she could see Link still sound asleep at one of the nearby beds, and she smiled. It had been a long day for both of them.

Then Zelda rose and made her way out of the inn. She decided not to wait for Link for breakfast, but walked over to Marot Mart and picked out a Sizzlefin Trout and some Hylian Rice. Then she cooked her breakfast at the cooking pot by the inn and made her way up to one of the gazebo structures overlooking the plaza to sit down and eat.

The fish was fresh and tasty, and she watched the activity in the plaza as she ate. A few children were playing, laughing and chasing each other, and some adults were talking together in small groups. Zora's Domain was a beautiful town with its distinctive architecture and gently flowing waterfalls. It gave one a sense of peace, yet the town was still full of activity. The Zora people were justifiably proud of their home and their impressive building skills. And fortunately, the domain had been spared any damage from Ganon's attack.

After breakfast, Zelda planned to meet with King Dorephan to ask for his pledge of support. She had met him only once before, and that only briefly. It was during her visit to ask Princess Mipha to be the Zora Champion and pilot Ruta. When she arrived at that time, King Dorephan had greeted her warmly and then told her that Mipha was swimming with her brother Sidon at Veiled Falls. She had thanked him and then left to see Mipha. Her father had spoken of King Dorephan sometimes and told her they had known each other for a long time.

Meanwhile, Mipha had also awoken. She took a brief swim near the waterfall behind the domain's structure and then caught a tasty Hearty Bass for breakfast. After making her way back, one of the guards spoke with her.

"Lady Mipha, we thought you should know that Princess Zelda and Master Link arrived here late last night. Master Link is still sleeping, but the Princess is eating alone in the structure near the inn."

"Yes, thank you, Alira," said Mipha. "I do indeed want to know that."

Thank Hylia that Link was safely home, thought Mipha. But she needed to greet the Princess. It was terrible Zelda had not been appropriately welcomed and had to eat alone. Mipha made her way to the plaza and saw Zelda where the guard had indicated, then walked up the waterway leading to her location. Zelda had just finished her meal when she saw Mipha. She put down her dish and stood up.

"Princess, welcome to our domain," said Mipha. "I am happy to see you again and that you are well. And I apologize you were not better received. I did not know you had arrived until just now. I am very sorry for your loss, Princess, and offer you my sincere condolences. May I be of any assistance to you now?"

"Princess Mipha," said Zelda. "It is good to see you too. I was thrilled when Link told me you had survived. Link and I both arrived here very late last night after a long ride, so there is no need to apologize. And I understand congratulations are in order. Link told me the good news about the two of you. I am very happy for you both."

"Thank you, Princess," said Mipha. "You are very kind."

Zelda paused for a moment.

"Princess Mipha would you mind sitting with me and talking for a moment?" said Zelda. "And can we address each other by name? I would like us to be friends if you are willing."

"Of course, Zelda," said Mipha as they both sat down. "I would like us to be friends as well."

"Link did not say much about what happened, but can you tell me why you did not enter Ruta the day of Ganon's attack?" said Zelda.

"It was out of concern for you and Link," said Mipha. "I thought I could help you to unlock your power, so I tried to catch up with you both on your way to Hyrule Castle. But in all the confusion I was never able to find you. In any case, you were able to unlock your power without my help."

"I see," said Zelda. "Your thoughtfulness saved your life. Yes, I did eventually unlock my power, but it was a terrible ordeal getting to that point. And sadly so much was already lost by then. Anyway, I have come here to speak with your father and seek his pledge of support in my efforts to rebuild Hyrule."

"When you are ready I will escort you to him," said Mipha. "I am sure my people will do all we can to assist you."

"Oh, before I forget, I noticed a picture of Ruta on my Sheikah Slate. It must have been taken by Link from Hyrule Castle before his battle with Ganon. I am sure he meant for you to see it and must have been thinking of you then. If I can find a way to make a copy I will give you one," said Zelda.

Zelda showed Mipha the picture. It showed Ruta in the distance overlooking the Hyrule landscape with its targeting beam active and pointed almost directly at the picture. Mipha thanked her, and Zelda put away the Sheikah Slate. Then Zelda paused again.

"Mipha, may I speak to you as a friend?" said Zelda.

"Of course, Zelda," said Mipha. "I would like you to consider me one."

"I want you to know that I had no idea Link had feelings for you, Mipha," said Zelda. "I wish I had known sooner. Link never mentioned it or even hinted at it. I would have been more sensitive to how much I kept you two apart. I'm sorry if all his traveling with me hurt you."

"Thank you, Zelda," said Mipha. "That is very considerate of you, and I certainly believe you. For even I did not know of Link's feelings for me, at least not for certain, until only last week."

"You're serious?" said Zelda. "Only last week? Well, I know Link is very quiet, so it's often impossible to tell what he's feeling. And he seldom speaks of his feelings either."

"Yes," said Mipha. "And I know him for a long time. But may I now also speak to you as a friend, Zelda?"

"Yes, of course," said Zelda. "It should work both ways."

"I know you and Link are very close," said Mipha. "I would not like to be the cause of you two losing that special relationship you both have. I realize this must be very hard for you, Zelda."

"Yes," said Zelda looking down. "I do want to keep my relationship with Link. He is the only one I was close to who is still alive. My father, Urbosa, my other friends, they are all gone now. Link was really all I had left, Mipha. And now that he's gone, I have no one, and I feel very much alone. Link offered, with your approval, to have both of you accompany me. And I so much wanted to say yes to his offer, Mipha, to have him there with me, someone I could talk to and discuss ideas with, someone I could trust. But I knew that was selfish of me and unfair to you, that you two deserve time to be together here now. I just need to be stronger as a leader sometimes must."

Mipha reached out and took Zelda's hand, and Zelda looked up.

"Zelda, you should never feel alone like that," said Mipha. "I care about you, and we are friends now. Instead of losing a friend I would like you to feel you gained one. Link and I are also your loyal subjects and want to support you. We will both help you to fulfill your dream for Hyrule. Ganon is gone now, and rebuilding Hyrule is our next great task to work on together. If you will have us, it can start with Link and I joining you on your journey as Link offered. It will give us a chance to know each other better. There will be ample time for Link to settle down with me here in the domain once you have gotten more settled yourself. And by then you may well be sick of our company."

Zelda laughed.

"You would do that for me, Mipha?" said Zelda.

"Of course, Zelda," said Mipha. "Hyrule is our land too, and you are Hyrule's ruler now. I'm sorry you did not speak with me first about this matter. Link should have insisted on going with you."

"He did want to. I was the one who refused his offer," said Zelda. "But are you sure of this? I must admit I feel my burden lighter and my heart happier just thinking of having your and Link's company and support."

"Then let us consider it settled, Zelda," said Mipha. "I will let my father know. But you should remain here and relax today. You cannot be fully rested if you arrived so late last night. We can all leave tomorrow morning, and that will give Link and I a chance to prepare and spend some time with each other."

"Of course, and that is the least I can do in light of your generosity," said Zelda. "I will find things to do here. I feel so much better now, Mipha. Thank you. Perhaps I should speak to your father now?"

"Yes," said Mipha. "I will escort you there."

Mipha led Zelda to the throne room, and King Dorephan welcomed her.

"Princess, welcome," said King Dorephan. "Let me offer my deepest condolences for your loss. I knew your father for quite a long time, even back to the days he was still a young Prince learning about Hyrule. I considered him a friend and will miss him."

"Thank you, King Dorephan," said Zelda. "I have come seeking your aid in rebuilding Hyrule. Perhaps you could supply architects to help. There is a great deal of work to do, and any help would be most welcome."

"Of course," said King Dorephan. "We will be happy to help you in any way we can. We Zoras have long been supporters of the Hyrule Royal Family and have worked together in the past. Just let us know where and when you need assistance, and we will be there for you."

"Thank you, King Dorephan," said Zelda. "That is most generous of you. Once I know more I will let you know. Next, I must seek help from the Gorons, and will be traveling to Goron City."

"And I wish you well," said King Dorephan. "I know the burden of being a ruler is being placed upon you at a tender age, Princess, and you may feel all alone now. If I can offer you any guidance, please do not hesitate to ask. Early in his reign, your father used to write to me, seeking my counsel. I know it would please both him and me if I were able to aid his fine daughter in some small way as well. Until we meet again then, farewell."

"Father, I feel it is Link's and my duty to help Princess Zelda now and ease that burden you just spoke of," said Mipha. "To start with we plan to accompany Princess Zelda on the rest of her journey."

"Very well, Mipha, if you feel it is your duty then you should certainly do so," said King Dorephan. "I wish all of you safe travels then."

Mipha accompanied Zelda back to the plaza.

"I think Link has slept long enough, don't you?" said Mipha. "I am going to wake him now."

"Enjoy your day together," said Zelda. "I will go check on my horse and do some riding."

"We can all meet for dinner then," said Mipha.

Zelda looked at Mipha, then she reached out, and they hugged each other.

"You are a remarkable person, Mipha," said Zelda. "I did not expect this of you, and I am very grateful."

Then Zelda left, and Mipha walked to the inn. With a nod to the innkeeper, she approached Link who was still fast asleep.

"It's a new day, sweetheart," said Mipha leaning down to kiss him. "Time to start living it."

Link opened his eyes, saw Mipha and quickly sat up. Then he grabbed her in his arms and held her.

"I missed you, sweetheart," said Link.

"You can tell me how much over breakfast," said Mipha.

Link looked over at the empty bed Zelda had occupied.

"Did I sleep that late?" said Link. "Has Princess Zelda left already?"

"She left to go riding," said Mipha. "We are going with Zelda. Tomorrow we leave for Goron City."

"Are you serious?" said Link. "I offered to do that, but Princess Zelda refused. What changed her mind? And I didn't think you were able to travel there."

"I helped change her mind," said Mipha. "I will travel as far as I can then wait for your return. Zelda feels very much alone Link and frightened by all of her responsibility. We can't let her down like that. How could you not insist on accompanying her?"

"I don't know," said Link. "For one thing, I wasn't sure how you felt about it. And for another, I've gotten used to taking orders from a princess."

"Which is an excellent way to start our marriage," said Mipha. "Now you should get up. I want to spend today with you."

Link got up, made himself breakfast and then Mipha and he sat where Zelda had eaten earlier in one of the gazebo-like structures overlooking the plaza.

"You already ate?" said Link.

"Yes, at a normal hour of the day," said Mipha. "Now, between bites, can you tell me all that happened since you last left here? And add in how much you missed me every now and then to flavor the story."

Link proceeded to describe his journey to Hyrule Castle and his preparation to battle with Calamity Ganon.

"The view was magnificent from the Hyrule Castle Bell Tower," said Link. "I had never been up there before. I took a picture of Ruta from there, and it's on Zelda's Sheikah Slate. And by the way, that is one more indication of how much I missed you, sweetheart."

"Yes, that was very thoughtful," said Mipha. "Zelda showed it to me this morning."

By the time Link finished the entire story, right up to when he and Zelda arrived late last night, he had long since finished breakfast.

"I am very proud of you, sweetheart," said Mipha leaning over and kissing him. "You truly lived up to everyone's hopes and are indeed the hero of Hyrule. Now a swim together would make me happy. Come, let's go to East Reservoir Lake."

Mipha took Link's hand as they made their way across the eastern bridge and then up the two long flights of steps to the Northwest pier of East Reservoir Lake.

"I remember the swimming lessons you gave me here," said Link.

"Let's see how well they paid off," said Mipha. "Swim with me to the pier just south of here. It will be good exercise for you."

Link was wearing his Zora Armor now, so his swimming was vastly improved. They both dove in and swam to the adjacent pier, which took almost an hour. Link was winded by the end of it and was glad to climb ashore to catch his breath. Mipha swam a few more moments, then joined him on the pier. The lake was calm with several ducks swimming in the distance and the only other sound the gentle lapping of the waves against the dock. Ruta stood atop the mountain to the Southwest.

"You're not a bad swimmer now," said Mipha. "You might even be able to catch Sidon the next time we play tag. I think he'll be astonished."

"Can we rest here for a minute," said Link still catching his breath.

They sat together at the edge of the pier, their arms around each other and their feet dangling in the water. Everywhere around them were tall cliffs with their icy blue sections glistening in the afternoon sunlight. In the distance, you could make out the waterfall just southwest of Tal Tal Peak.

"Isn't it beautiful here?" said Mipha.

"It is, and so are you," said Link as he leaned over and they kissed. "I love you. I always enjoyed being here, and now this will be home. I have to keep telling myself that all this is real."

"And I love you, too," said Mipha. "It was my dream to share a life with you here and now we shall."

They sat quietly for a few minutes.

"Speaking of our life together here, should we be discussing our wedding?" said Link. "I don't really know what is involved in preparing for a Zora wedding."

"I will speak with Father about it," said Mipha. "I think we should have our wedding shortly after our trip with Zelda is over. That will be a perfect time, and give Father a chance to organize it."

"I can't wait, sweetheart. But, forgive my ignorance, do I need to do anything special?" said Link. "I mean, I've never been to a Zora wedding before. Come to think of it, I've never been to any wedding before."

"I can't wait either. But yes, now that you mention it, I had better prepare you," said Mipha. "We don't wear wedding rings, so that part will be easy for you. But let me try to remember the steps for a Zora wedding. First of all, it is a Zora custom that the bride and groom share a Tireless Frog as symbolic that their marriage will be strong and endure, and then a Hearty Bass as a symbol of their love. Then…"

"Wait a moment," said Link. "Do we have to eat those raw?"

"Yes, of course," said Mipha. "It would be sacrilegious to burn them. But they're not alive at least, so you needn't worry. Shall I go on?"

"All right," said Link with a rueful expression. "I'll try to get through it if it's necessary. I hope that shows how much I love you. And I hope I don't throw up and ruin the ceremony. What else?"

"Next it is customary for the bride and groom to hold hands underwater while the priest recites a prayer for them," said Mipha. "It's a pity, now that I think of it, but without gills I guess you will have to breathe, right? That does rather spoil things. The priest will have to pause the prayer whenever you come up for air. So, try to hold your breath as long as you can. And please don't pass out on me, or we will have to start all over again."

"Thank you for your concern," said Link. "All right, I'll do my best at that. Is there anything else?"

"Yes," laughed Mipha. "The third thing you need to know is that I'm teasing you. All you really need to do is swear before Nayru to be my faithful husband. Can you manage that?"

"You had me going," laughed Link. "So, no raw frog or fish? I can definitely handle what you just said. I don't even have to practice it."

Then they kissed and sat holding each other as they watched the waves on the lake and the clouds roll by.

"You know, remember how I used to worry my life would have no purpose after Ganon?" said Link. "Now I feel so silly about that. You've given me a purpose in life now, to make you happy and share a life together."

Mipha squeezed him, and they kissed again.

"But there was one thing I was wondering about, though I guess it is a bit early," said Link. "What about children? Do you know if we can have any?"

"You are thinking far ahead, aren't you, sweetheart?" laughed Mipha. "But I'm glad you are. Yes, we can have children. One of our doctors can explain to you how it is possible. When I asked her about it, her answer was very scientific involving common genetic material our races share and things like that. But I would have happily married you anyway, even if we could not have any children."

"And obviously I would have done the same since I didn't even know the answer. But that's wonderful to know, sweetheart," said Link.

Link stopped to think about being a father someday as Mipha rested her head on his shoulder. Their lives were carefree now, two young people in love looking forward to a future together.

"After all we've been through, it's nice to have some quiet moments together," said Mipha. "When we return here I want to take you everywhere. I want you to know and love our home as I do. There is so much to see here, so many places to swim, and places to hike with gorgeous views. Once you live here, you will never want to leave."

"I already never want to leave," said Link. "Are you forgetting how much time we spent together here? We swam together, took walks and talked, collected rocks, chased butterflies, laughed and played. In my heart, this was always home for me."

The sun was drifting lower in the sky casting long shadows from the cliffs above.

"We should get back and meet Zelda for dinner," said Mipha. "She hasn't seen you all day. Other than asleep that is."

They made their way back to the domain holding hands and found Zelda waiting in the plaza.

"I hate to admit it," laughed Zelda. "But you two do make a charming couple. Thank you again for your offer of help."

"You are very welcome, Princess," said Link. "I am happy we will continue to be traveling together."

"We are all friends here," said Zelda. "So let us dispense with titles."

"I will get you a fish dinner, Zelda," said Link.

"I will help you, and eat mine cooked as well because of Hylian sensitivities," said Mipha.

Link and Mipha prepared three fish dinners and brought them to where they had sat together earlier. They ate dinner together and discussed their travel plans.

"Oh, two Sheikah arrived earlier," said Zelda. "They are coming with us as well."

"Ah, the Sheikah guards Impa sent," said Link. "That's fine."

"Now I need to go," said Mipha after they had finished dinner and their conversation. "I want to say goodbye to Sidon before his sleep time and discuss some planning with my father. We can meet in the morning."

"And I will go with you, Mipha, to say goodbye to Sidon as well," said Link.

"Thank you for dinner," said Zelda. "I will take a short walk and then head to the inn."

Mipha and Link made their way to the throne room where Sidon was playing in some water. Mipha went over to him and knelt down.

"Now Sidon I need to travel again with Link for a while," said Mipha. "I will return as soon as I can."

Sidon gave her a frown.

"If you are good and let me give you a goodbye kiss, Link will tell you three adventure stories when we return. Is that all right?"

Sidon looked over at Link and then back at Mipha. He nodded.

"And I have another big surprise for you," said Mipha as she stroked Sidon's cheek. "When we return, Link is going to live with us here. So, you can play with him and listen to his stories all the time. In fact, he is going to become your brother. Won't that be nice?"

Sidon looked over at Link again and nodded. Link staying here would be fun. But his sister was so silly, always teasing him. Link could never be his brother. Where were his fins?

Then Mipha gave Sidon a kiss on the forehead and a hug. Link said goodnight to everyone and returned to the plaza to stay at the inn. He found Zelda waiting for him there.

"I wanted to thank you, Link," said Zelda. "I will never forget you doing this for me."

"The Captain of your Royal Guard is happy to be back on duty, Your … uh Zelda," said Link.

"That's half a rupee," laughed Zelda. "Do it again, and you owe me a full one."

"I wonder if I'll be able to afford this trip," laughed Link. "Good night, Zelda. It's good to still be together."