Chapter 21 - I Do!
Summary: Mipha and Link marry in Zora's Domain and begin their life together.
Mipha's and Link's wedding day had finally arrived, and all of Zora's Domain was looking forward to a happy ceremony, and then some good music and delicious food as they partied into the night. The upcoming wedding was everyone's topic of conversation.
Link had awoken early and was standing by the inn's cooking pot making breakfast when he overheard two passers-by.
"I can't believe Lady Mipha is so lucky!" said one. "She is truly blessed."
"Yes, everyone must be pleased with her good fortune," said the other. "And why not? Who wouldn't wish our beloved Princess to do well?"
Link started feeling proud of himself. He had no idea Zoras felt Mipha was so fortunate to be marrying him. He assumed it would undoubtedly be the other way around, which is how he felt.
But if Link knew more Zora customs, he would have realized their conversation had nothing to do with him. Mipha's good fortune they were discussing was the fact that it was pouring rain, and Zoras considered rainfall on a wedding day to be a good omen, a sign that the marriage was blessed.
After breakfast Link remained at the inn and worked on cleaning his Zora armor, making sure it was spotless. Zelda had already left by then. She had risen early, eaten breakfast, and then went to take a walk around the area.
When Mipha had awoken this morning, Alira, one of the female Zora guards, was there to assist her.
"Lady Mipha, good morning," said Alira, "I am honored to be of service to you on this special day. Please do not bend a fin. I will take care of everything for you. I have already caught a fresh Hearty Bass for your breakfast."
"Thank you, Alira," said Mipha as she smiled at her. "I am glad for your help. I feel so nervous though. I don't think I can eat a thing."
"Please try, Lady Mipha," said Alira. "You must eat something. You do not want to grow weak from lack of nourishment."
With some effort, Mipha managed to finish the fish.
"Thank you, I do feel better," said Mipha. "May I ask if you are married, Alira?"
"Yes, Lady Mipha, I married a little over a year ago," said Alira.
"Do you remember if you were nervous?" said Mipha.
"I was, Lady Mipha," said Alira. "I wanted everything to be perfect. But later I realized I should not have worried at all. Our wedding ceremony is very short, and there is not much that can go wrong. And in your case, Lady Mipha, everyone present adores you and wants only happiness for you. You should feel comfortable in the presence of so much affection."
"Thank you, Alira," said Mipha. "Talking with you helps. It's just that I have dreamed of this day for so long, that I feel unsettled in a way that it is finally here."
"I am sure Master Link feels equally nervous," said Alira. "If it helps, just think of him, and it may take your mind off whatever worries you."
Just then Mipha's father arrived.
"Good morning, sweetheart," said King Dorephan. "And good morning, Alira. You look lovely, Mipha! How are you feeling?"
"Excited and nervous, Father," said Mipha.
"Well, your day has already been blessed by the heavens," said King Dorephan referring to the rain. "I believe that bodes well. I have brought the royal tiara for you, sweetheart. It has been in the royal family for many generations, and the last to wear it was your dear mother on the day she became my queen. I know how much she would have loved to see her beautiful daughter wear it. But now it is your turn as a Princess of the Zora to wear this on your wedding day."
King Dorephan handed her the Zora Sapphire tiara worn only on special occasions. It was made of brightly polished silver and adorned with three flawless sapphires fashioned in the symbol of the Goddess Nayru.
"Thank you, Father," said Mipha as she took the tiara from him. Then she reached out, and they held each other.
"I should go now and let you finish getting ready," said King Dorephan. "I love you, my darling daughter. When I return, it will be to walk you to your future husband."
After King Dorephan left, Alira began helping Mipha with her outfit.
"The tiara goes beautifully with the rest of your wedding attire, Lady Mipha," said Alira. "Let me help you with this part."
According to the wedding rehearsal, Link was expected to walk to the designated area and wait for the start of the ceremony. He had put on the Zora armor, but it was still too early, and he was waiting at the inn when he heard some familiar voices.
"You look like someone about to get married," laughed Bazz. "The Brigade is here to escort you safely to the ceremony."
"We were afraid you might change your mind and break our dear Princess's heart," said Gaddison. "We can't let that happen!"
"Are you kidding?" laughed Link. "I'm more worried she'll change hers. I know you're just joking, but I'm delighted that you're all here. I do feel nervous about walking all alone to the ceremony."
"Food usually helps you, Link," said Rivan. "It's lunchtime, and we brought you a nice Hearty Bass for extra vitality. And it's burned, or cooked as you call it, just the way you like it."
"And you had better eat it," said Gaddison. "You have to keep up your vitality for today. And even more so for tonight."
At that Bazz and Rivan both laughed.
"Yes, I know that," laughed Link. "Reminding me doesn't help, Gaddison. But thanks for the fish."
Link managed to eat the fish while the others talked about the party.
"I noticed they brought in a lot of food from the sea, crabs, and porgies," said Rivan. "Try to hurry the ceremony along, Link. Thinking about all that tasty food is making me hungry."
"Yes, those Razorclaw Crabs are delicious," said Bazz. "I can't wait to bite into one either."
"So, are you feeling any better Link?" said Gaddison.
"Yes," said Link. "Thanks for coming by. Your company did help, and so did the fish."
"The Brigade always sticks together," said Bazz. "You know we like to tease you, Link, but you've always been a good sport, and we're your friends. And we're all proud to say you are ours. Take good care of our Princess and be happy together."
"Thank you," said Link. "It means a lot to me to have all of you as friends."
They chatted together for a while longer until finally, it was time to go.
"All right, Link, we need to go now," said Bazz. "Take a deep Hylian breath, and relax. Once the ceremony starts, you'll feel better, and it's a brief service. It will be over in no time."
The rain had stopped by now, and the sun was shining. Everyone attending had already assembled on the level just below the throne room where the wedding ceremony would take place in front of Hylia's statue. The reception would be held on the plaza level below that, and buffet style food and drink stations had already been set up. There would also be dancing in the plaza and in the water on the lower level. The musicians had begun getting ready and could be heard tuning their instruments.
The four of them left the inn and climbed the steps to the next level. As Link passed through the crowd and approached his position in front of Hylia's statue, everyone broke into applause. Link acknowledged the warm reception with a wave of his hand and bows of his head. The Zora people were so accepting of him, and their openness and good nature never ceased to amaze him. He had initially expected hostility toward a Hylian for stealing away their princess, but he never detected any evidence of that. Then the Brigade members each patted Link on the back, wished him well, and moved to join the rest of the crowd, leaving him to stand and wait where he had practiced during the rehearsal.
Link looked around and saw Zelda standing near the front on the right. She smiled and waved at him, and he waved back at her. Zelda had brought her Sheikah Slate with her and planned to take some pictures of the newlyweds.
Link could hear multiple conversations in the background but tried to block them out of his head. He gazed at the statue of Hylia in front of him and said another brief prayer, partly to calm his nerves. Then he looked up at the stairway to the throne room. Soon King Dorephan and Mipha would descend those stairs, and the service would be underway. He couldn't wait. The tension of waiting was making him nervous again.
Then the crowd quieted down as the musicians began to play. It was time.
The musicians played what Link took to be a Zora wedding march, and it was a happy, joyful melody that gave him a thrill as he listened to it. Zoras were masters of composing and performing music that could touch your heart and create the mood they wished. Then King Dorephan proceeded slowly down the steps from the throne room with Mipha at his side and holding his daughter's arm. This was Link's and the audience's first view of Mipha, and there were murmurs of awe from the crowd. Link found himself staring with his mouth open at how beautiful she looked.
Mipha wore most of her traditional ornaments. But now she also wore an elbow-length pale blue lace veil parted in the front, her face uncovered. Upon her head, she wore the precious Zora Sapphire tiara. The tiara gleamed a bright silver in the sunlight, and the three sapphires glowed a deep rich blue. In her two hands that she held clasped before her, she carried an elegant bouquet of Swift Violet and Blue Nightshade flowers.
King Dorephan escorted Mipha to Link's side, then Mipha and Link both knelt on one knee facing him. King Dorephan then placed a hand on each of their shoulders and said a short prayer. The audience all bowed their heads.
"On behalf of the Zora kingdom, I pray that the Goddess may bless this couple, protect them from harm and guide them to live their lives in her grace."
With that, King Dorephan withdrew to the side. Mipha and Link both rose and stood side-by-side as the Zora priest approached to take King Dorephan's place.
Mipha stole a glance at Link and smiled, and he smiled back. Then they turned back to face the priest.
A young Zora priest named Kapson was performing the service today. He had recently assumed that responsibility when his predecessor retired, and this was his first wedding. However, given the importance of the occasion, he had thoroughly prepared for it.
Kapson cleared his throat now and addressed the audience.
"I am now going to administer the oath of marriage to Lady Mipha and Master Link. This is a sacred and precious moment in their lives in which they will swear their love and devotion to each other. So please respect this moment with your silence."
Then Kapson addressed Mipha and Link.
"I will now repeat the marriage oath to each of you," said Kapson. "And if you accept the oath, then I ask that you acknowledge it by saying 'I do.'"
Mipha and Link both nodded their understanding.
Kapson cleared his throat again and spoke in a louder voice.
"Link, do you from this day forward take Mipha to be your wife, and do you swear before Nayru and all present that you will love her, honor her, care for her and be a faithful husband to her for as long as you both shall live?"
"I do," said Link.
"Mipha, do you from this day forward take Link to be your husband, and do you swear before Nayru and all present that you will love him, honor him, care for him and be a faithful wife to him for as long as you both shall live?"
"I do," said Mipha.
"Master Link and Lady Mipha have now each sworn their love and commitment to the other. Therefore, under the authority granted to me as priest of the Zora, I now pronounce Master Link and Lady Mipha to be husband and wife in the eyes of the Goddess and the Zora kingdom. You may now seal your commitment to each other with a kiss."
Link and Mipha kissed, and the crowd burst into hearty applause.
"I love you, and I have never been so happy as I am this very moment," said Link.
"Nor have I, sweetheart," said Mipha. "I love you, and may this be the first of many happy moments in our life together."
"And to say you look beautiful would almost be an insult," said Link. "You look as if you stepped from a dream."
"As long as it is your dream, my love, I am happy," said Mipha as they kissed a second time.
King Dorephan then approached holding Sidon's hand.
"Welcome to the family, Link," said King Dorephan. "I hope you will feel comfortable calling me father now."
"I may not feel comfortable yet," said Link. "But I will happily do so, Father, and I am very honored to be part of your family."
Link then bent down and gave Sidon a fist bump.
"Hello Sidon, we're finally brothers now," said Link.
Sidon still didn't understand how Link could suddenly become his brother, but as long as they could still play together, he didn't care. He grinned, and fist bumped him back. Fist bumps were apparently a fun thing Hylians did.
Then Zelda approached.
"Congratulations to both of you!" said Zelda. "I've said it before, but you two make a charming couple. And, Mipha, you look lovely. I took some pictures of you both and will get you copies."
"Thank you," said Mipha. "I would love to have them."
"Thank you, Your … Zelda," said Link. "Wait. Is this a formal or an informal occasion?"
"Informal," laughed Zelda. "But I'll give you a free pass on your wedding day. Now I'll move on and leave you to greet your other guests, but don't forget you owe me a dance later, Link."
Others started to come up to them now and congratulate them, and eventually, the three Brigade members stopped by.
"Well, if it isn't my husband's good friends," said Mipha upon seeing them. "Gaddison, Bazz and Rivan, how nice to see all of you again. We always have such memorable conversations, don't we?"
"Yes, Lady Mipha, and congratulations to you and Link," said Bazz. "As you look to the future and a new life with our dear friend, I hope you can also look favorably on us, your loyal subjects, who share our beautiful domain with you both, and that you may see it in your generous heart to forgive his friends of any minor indiscretions of the past."
"Well, Bazz, that was very well spoken indeed, though I would hardly call all the events of the past minor indiscretions," said Mipha. "But I know you were all young back then and I trust age has made you all wiser. In a spirit of forgiveness, I will wipe the sand clean and start fresh in my relationship with my husband's good friends."
"Thank you, Lady Mipha, that is most generous of you," said Bazz. "And may your lives together be all the happier for your kind and forgiving nature."
Then King Dorephan addressed the crowd.
"Now everyone let us all adjourn to the plaza below and celebrate," said King Dorephan. "There is plenty of food and some excellent dancing music. It is my royal command that all of you have a wonderful time!"
Everyone applauded and then began to make their way down the two stairways to the plaza level. Link and Mipha held hands as they walked down the stairs. After a few minutes that gave everyone time to arrive, one of the musicians announced that it was time for the newlyweds to have their first dance together.
They began to play a song, and Link took Mipha in his arms then began to dance as the crowd applauded again.
"Link, if you only knew how happy I am right now! I love you so, so very much!" said Mipha.
"I love you, too, with all my heart," said Link. "I used to dream of us being together when I thought it could never be. And now, holding you in my arms as my wife feels so unreal. You know I was never good with words, and I cannot describe how utterly happy I feel right now."
They held each other closer.
"I haven't danced with you since we were in Gerudo Town," said Link as they moved to the music.
"I think the lesson helped, Linka," laughed Mipha. "As I recall you were pretty fervent in your dancing back then, and I guess I was too. We impressed the instructor anyway."
"Somehow it all came naturally," said Link.
One of the musicians announced others were welcome to dance, and other couples joined them on the dance floor. Link saw Bazz dancing with Gaddison and Rivan dancing with someone he didn't know.
"Some of the dancing later will take place in the water on the lower level," said Mipha. "But I asked that our first dance take place here."
"Thank you," said Link. "Though dancing in the water might help disguise how bad a dancer I am."
Mipha and Link danced a few more dances, then went over to sample the porgies. Some guests had already made their way to the lower level and were dancing there now.
The plaza area had several food and drink stations where both salt water and fresh water fish and crabs were served as well as two stations that served various drinks. There were cooking pots available for those who wanted their food prepared and someone stationed there to cook it for them.
"I think I should have that dance with Zelda now," said Link. "Will you be all right?"
"Certainly," said Mipha. "I want to spend some time with Sidon before he gets too tired. And I need to return the tiara and take off my wedding attire. I'll be here when you're done."
Zelda was talking with one of her guards when Link approached. Since others were present, he felt he should be formal.
Your Highness," said Link as he bowed his head. "May I have the honor of the next dance with you?"
"Very well, Link," laughed Zelda. "It seems that I have room for you on my dance card."
Zelda gave Link her hand, and they walked to the dance area. There was considerably more open space now as many of the Zoras had made their way to the lower level so they could dance in the water together, which they preferred.
The music started, and they put their arms around each other as Link held her left hand and began to dance.
"Forgive me for not being a better dancer," said Link.
"You're doing fine," laughed Zelda. "I had lessons growing up, and I'm glad I'm able to put them to good use with you on your special day."
"I know this was a long trip for you, Zelda, and you have so many things to do," said Link. "But it means a great deal to me to see you again."
"I wanted to come, Link," said Zelda. "You and I both know we are special to each other and nothing can ever alter that. We have a unique bond, and you know how we both feel."
"Yes, I know," said Link. "The Goddess Hylia brought us together to save her people, and in the process, we came to love each other in a way I can't describe or explain. I hope we can stay close in the years ahead, Zelda, that our lives won't drift apart."
"I'm sure we will remain close," said Zelda. "We won't let our lives drift apart. I am still counting on your help, and you can always count on mine. Our work to make Hyrule safe is not over, Link. When the time is right, I want to partner with the Gerudo to destroy the Yiga Clan. They had a hand in Ganon's return, and I can never forgive or forget all the harm and hurt that caused. I will want your help with that. And somehow I don't think our feelings for each other will ever change."
"No, they won't ever change, Zelda, because there is no reason for them to," said Link. "And I will be ready when you want me."
The music was ending now, and so was their dance.
"I must be leaving now," said Zelda. "I want to get back before dark and cannot stay too late. It was wonderful to see you again, Link, and to see you so happy. Please say goodbye to Mipha for me and apologize for my needing to leave without seeing her. We shall meet again, Link, as soon as I need you."
And with that, they embraced, then Zelda turned and left with the two Sheikah guards who knew her plans and had been waiting for her.
Link began looking for Mipha and found her snacking on a crab.
"Did you and Zelda have a nice dance?" said Mipha.
"Yes," said Link. "It's always somewhat emotional for me to see her. We grew so close, and she saved my life. She had to leave early and asked me to say goodbye."
"I understand your relationship with her," said Mipha. "Let's try dancing in the water now. It's a Zora thing."
She took Link's hand, and they walked to the edge, checked no one was below, then they both dove into the water of the lower level.
"Now, you can't expect to do it perfectly, but just copy what I do," said Mipha.
A new song started, and Link did the best he could, but in the end, they were both laughing.
"I can see that it's fun," laughed Link. "Especially if you can stay underwater. But I'll keep trying as long as you'll put up with me."
They danced two more dances, then decided to return to the plaza level together, Link entirely out of breath. Mipha could use her gills in the water, but he didn't have any.
"Ah, there you two are," said King Dorephan when he spotted them. "It's time for us older folks to start leaving, and I want to check on Sidon as well. One of the guards is watching him now."
"You're not old, Father," said Mipha. "Can you not stay longer?"
"I may not be old," said King Dorephan. "But all this is bringing back some bittersweet memories for me, and this is not the time to tarnish your special day."
"At least dance one time with me," said Mipha. "I know you did not want a special father-daughter dance, but now this is just an ordinary one."
"You know I can never say 'no' to you for long my dear Mipha," laughed King Dorephan. "Very well, as long as the song is one I can dance to."
"Link, please ask the musicians to play a slow dance song, something suitable for a father-daughter dance," said Mipha.
Link did as asked, and then King Dorephan and Mipha began to dance, to the applause of those who were still on the plaza level.
"You dance very well, Father," said Mipha.
"I used to dance every week with your mother when we were young," said King Dorephan. "She loved to dance and made me learn before she would agree to marry me. It was a very strong incentive."
"I remember she taught me a little before Sidon hatched," said Mipha.
"She loved doing anything with you, sweetheart," said King Dorephan. "She liked to teach you all kinds of things, tell you stories, and take you swimming every chance she could, including endlessly going up and down waterfalls. I used to tease her your lungs would disappear you two were together in the water so much. But she said she wanted you to be strong as well as smart, to be a great ruler of our people when the time came. A lot of how you turned out is due to her care of you. And I think her wish for a great ruler will come true someday."
"May that day be far off, Father," said Mipha. "Thank you for a beautiful wedding. Everything is perfect."
"You are very welcome, sweetheart," said King Dorephan. "Seeing you happy makes me happy. But now I really should go."
The music had ended. King Dorephan kissed Mipha, hugged her, waved to Link, and left.
The party went on until late in the evening. Then guests started to leave and wished the newlyweds both well as they did. Finally, the musicians announced this would be their last song, and they dedicated it to Lady Mipha and Master Link.
Link took Mipha in his arms once again, and they danced to a romantic melody.
"I am very impressed with how beautiful Zora music is," said Link. "Their melodies seem able to evoke a certain mood, even with a Hylian like me."
"We've had thousands of years of practice to perfect our skill with music," said Mipha. "You still have a lot to learn about Zora culture. But we have time, and I will teach you."
They held each other close until the song ended, and then the few remaining guests left. Mipha and Link thanked the musicians then held hands as they walked to their home by Mikau Lake. A guard acknowledged them with a bow and a smile. It was a pleasant evening with a bright moon that illuminated the short walk. Finally, they reached the house.
"It's a Hylian tradition for the groom to carry his new bride across the threshold of their home," said Link. "May I?"
"Of course," said Mipha. "That's a sweet custom. I'm glad I am still not too tall for you to lift me."
Link picked her up in his arms, carried her through the entrance and then they kissed. He carefully put her down.
"I love you, and welcome to our home," said Link.
"And I love you, and look forward to a happy life together here," said Mipha.
Then they looked at each other, kissed, and went straight to their bedroom.
Their room was nicely furnished. It had a comfortably sized pool of water similar to, but smaller than the slumber pools. It also contained a traditional bed, along with a dresser and a small closet.
Mipha and Link kissed again, then took off whatever they were wearing, looked around, then looked back at each other.
"I'm happy to try the water," said Link as he stroked her back.
"And I'm willing to try the bed," said Mipha as she caressed his neck.
"After this past month I can't wait another moment to figure this out," said Link. "Let's do both, water first."
Link pulled her to him, and they slipped into the pool together. Then they caressed and made love for the first time. And when a few minutes after that they left the water for the bed, still kissing, neither cared that they were soaking wet.
Afterward, as they lay in each other's arms, they looked at each other and smiled. Mipha gently touched his hair.
"I am very impressed," said Mipha. "That was wonderful for me. So, which was better, sweetheart? Water or bed?"
"For me, they were equally good, but I think you were a bit more passionate in the water. So I'll go with water."
"You're such a wonderful husband!" said Mipha as she kissed him. "You learn so quickly! Good night."
And with that, she fell asleep. I guess water it was from now on, thought Link. He could handle that.