Chapter 38 – Family Interlude
Summary: Biology enriches life for Mipha, Zelda, and their families. Hyrule has five peaceful years, but is this the calm before the storm?
The lake water was clear and refreshing, and looking up from beneath the rippling surface Mipha could see the sun. She was holding her arms around her husband, and he was holding his arms around her as they faced each other and let themselves slowly sink toward the sandy bottom of the lake. He had such soft blue eyes, and the blue of the water only made them bluer. He smiled at her, and she let go of him with one hand and stroked his neck. Her gills were working faster now as he leaned forward and kissed her and then they held the kiss as they continued to sink deeper. Finally, she pulled him closer, and they made love as they held each other floating underwater. She closed her eyes and enjoyed the ecstasy of the moment. When they reached the lake bottom, they kissed again then rested together on the soft sand, watching some Hyrule Bass swim by. It was darker at the bottom, a deep shade of blue, but her eyes were made for this environment, and she could still see. She looked over at her husband resting next to her and tickled him with a short ultrasonic click. He jumped and then made a sound like a laugh. Then he tickled her back with a short burst of his own. This was so delightful! But wait. Something was wrong. How was this possible?
Mipha awoke with a gasp.
"Are you alright?" said Link who was floating next to her in their pool. "A bad dream?"
Mipha looked over at him and gently touched his hair. It was early morning.
"No, it was actually a very nice dream. But you were a Zora," said Mipha.
"Do you wish I was?"
"No. It was just a dream. But I wish you could share the experience of what it's like to be one, traveling through water and feeling at home in it, being one with it. We Zoras spend a lot of time on land but always have a love of water in us, the pure joy it gives us. That's why you'll see even adults splashing and playing in the water when they've been away from it for a while."
That was undoubtedly true, Link thought. He remembered a female Zora named Tula splashing and playing in the water at Lanayru Wetlands when she was supposed to be helping Prince Sidon find a Hylian. He did keep her playing a secret for her, though.
Dreams aside, Mipha had been feeling funny the last few weeks, and she had begun to suspect what it was. It was two months after their tenth wedding anniversary, and the children had turned nine years old now. Mipha scheduled a doctor's appointment for the morning when Link was out doing his combat training, and the children were in school. Her physician, Dr. Larah, arrived and was shown in.
"Your Majesty, I understand you are not feeling quite right?" said Larah.
"Yes, I feel tired sometimes or not able to eat sometimes when I know I should be," said Mipha.
"Let me take a look then," said Larah.
The doctor conducted a brief examination and quickly determined the cause of her symptoms.
"Well, you are not sick, so there is nothing to worry about in that regard. But the good news is that our Royal Family will be growing. You are carrying two fertilized eggs that I estimate are about two months old. So, they should hatch in about a month. Congratulations Your Majesty!" said Larah.
"I suspected that!" said Mipha. "Thank you, that is wonderful news. But Link and I will certainly have our hands full. I wonder what his reaction will be?"
"Well, you are both still young, so I'm sure you can manage," said Larah. "I will make a note to be ready to assist in one month. And congratulations again, Your Majesty." With that Dr. Larah bowed and left.
When Link returned, it was time to have a conversation with him.
"Link, do you have a minute?" asked Mipha.
"Of course, all my minutes are yours, sweetheart," said Link.
"So sweet! Sit down next to me," she said. "You know I've been feeling funny lately. This morning the doctor examined me."
He suddenly felt worried.
"Are you alright? What is it?" said Link taking her hand.
"I'm fine," said Mipha. "But the doctor wondered if you would be."
"Me?" said Link. "Why wouldn't I be alright?"
"Because she told me we have two more children on the way."
"What! Are you serious?" Link exclaimed. "I'm thrilled! I hope you are too."
He leaned over and kissed her, then they hugged.
"Yes, I'm thrilled," said Mipha as she held him. "I think she meant we are both going to have our hands very full!"
"I know we can handle it," said Link. "We're both still young, especially you. And Mila and Midon are older now and more independent. We'll manage. When are the babies due?"
"In about one month," said Mipha. "I have been carrying fertilized eggs for two months now."
They were probably fertilized on their anniversary Link thought during that impulsive visit home after their swim at the lake. Two more children, he thought. They were going to be parents of young children again. And they would have a big family by Zora standards. But Mila and Midon had been such a joy to raise. He could handle two more. He just needed to stay fit.
When the children came home, it was time to explain to Mila and Midon they would soon have two baby siblings.
"You will get to see the babies grow just like you did," said Mipha.
"I hope they're both girls," said Mila.
"Whatever they are," said Mipha, "they're our family, and we need to love them and care for them."
So, they counted down the days to the due date.
"Ready to come swimming with me?" asked Mipha. She liked to get some swimming in each morning in the water adjacent to the Domain before resuming her duties.
"Are you sure it's alright for you to be swimming every morning, and with the due date coming up?" said Link.
"You know, it's good for me to get some exercise," laughed Mipha. "What is happening is very natural. Don't worry. I know not to over exert myself. Come on. You could use the exercise too."
"Fine," said Link.
He dove into the water with Mipha and started swimming while she raced ahead. He cringed every time she jumped clear of the water and landed gracefully back with the barest of splashes. But she knew what she was doing.
It was about mid-morning on the due date when Mipha started feeling it was time.
"I think today will be the day," Mipha said. "Please get Dr. Larah."
Link asked one of the guards on duty to please get the doctor, then helped Mipha over to the bed the doctor had arranged be set up a week earlier. Zoras could give birth naturally and unaided in water of course, but the bed made things more comfortable for Mipha and more accessible to the doctor. And It was good to have a doctor present in case there were any complications. Within a few minutes, Dr. Larah arrived, but with a different nurse than last time, Nurse Mirdah.
Dr. Larah examined Mipha and confirmed the eggs were on their way. Mipha was lying down comfortably now. She soon felt the pressure of the eggs moving inside her, and the doctor asked her to push gently when she could. Link was by Mipha's side, holding her hand. Unlike a live birth, Mipha wasn't in pain, just some discomfort. The eggs were much smaller than the size of a full-term baby being only large enough to hold an infant conceived three months earlier. Finally, Mipha passed the first egg. The doctor examined it by holding it up to the light, then handed it to Nurse Mirdah to place in the water-filled hatching tank.
Mipha could feel the second egg making its way through her body. She pushed again and the second egg appeared. The doctor received it but took longer to examine it. The shell of the egg was translucent, and you could make out the image of the baby inside if you held it up to the light. Dr. Larah kept turning the egg into different positions, holding it up to the light and examining it. Link started to worry.
"Is anything wrong?" asked Link.
"No, nothing is wrong," said the doctor, "The baby looks fine. It's just that I am not familiar with Hylian babies."
"Hylian? Are you sure?" said Link.
"Yes," said Doctor Larah. "Congratulations! It looks to me that you are the parents of a Zora girl and a Hylian boy."
Mipha squeezed Link's hand.
"Looks like you will have another little princess to hang onto you and now a little Hylian boy to raise," said Mipha. "This should be interesting for both of us."
"The Hylian baby's egg does not need to go in the water. So, we can use an empty hatching tank for that," said Dr. Larah to the nurse. Nurse Mirdah produced a container to hold the egg, and then the doctor gently placed it there.
"Thank you Dr. Larah," said Mipha. "I appreciate your coming so promptly and the care you and Nurse Mirdah have shown."
"And once again I say you are very welcome Your Majesty," said Dr. Larah. "It has been my privilege. If you are in any pain or need anything, please don't hesitate to summon me. Nurse Mirdah will stay with you today, and another nurse will come later to take over for her. Then tomorrow two nursery staff arrive, but you are already familiar with the routine. The only difference is that this time no Council of Elders member need be present since only one child is a Zora and there is no hatching order concern. However, more importantly, I will need a Hylian doctor's help to prepare the artificial womb for the Hylian baby. And I will ask the Hylian doctor to be present to help me hatch the Hylian baby and transfer him to the womb." The doctor then bowed and left.
Mipha looked tired but glanced over at Link and smiled.
"Four children now," said Mipha. "I hope you're up to the challenge. You may find this harder than saving Hyrule."
"I probably will," Link laughed. "But, sweetheart, I'm so excited and happy I don't know what to say. I love you so much. I hope you're feeling alright."
"You usually don't know what to say," laughed Mipha. "But saying you love me is good enough. I feel fine, just a little tired. I think I should rest now."
Mipha soon fell asleep, and Link walked over to stare at the eggs. The Hylian baby would need special care. In three days, the Zora baby would hatch, emerge into the water and start eating. And at the same time, the doctors would transfer the Hylian baby to an artificial womb developed by Hylian scientists. From then on, the Hylian baby would be fed the proper nutrients and grow in the same way he would in a natural Hylian pregnancy. The Zora baby's birth date would be the date she hatched from the egg, but the Hylian baby's birth date would be the day he was full term and ready to emerge from the womb, likely six months from now.
Link's reverie was interrupted by the arrival of a Zora guard accompanied by Mila and Midon as they returned from school.
"Please be quiet while Mom is resting," whispered Link. "But come over and look at the eggs that contain your new brother and sister. Mom and I will need your help raising both of them."
Mila and Midon stared at the tank and container.
"Why is one egg out of the water?" asked Mila.
"The egg out of the water contains a Hylian baby, not a Zora."
"Are you excited to have a Hylian child?" asked Mila.
"I am excited to have any child," said Link. "Believe me, I will love all of you the same."
"What are their names?" asked Midon.
"That's a good question," said Link. "We don't know yet. Mom and I have to discuss it, but we will let you know. But now let's be quiet and let Mom rest. Do you need me to get dinner for you?"
"No, we'll catch our own," said Midon. "You should stay by Mom."
The children and their bodyguards left to catch some fish. After dinner, they had some homework. Then it was time for bed. Mipha had awoken by then.
"Come here Mila and Midon," said Mipha. "Let me kiss you goodnight. I'm still a little too tired to get up."
"Good night, Mom," they both said after kissing her.
"We're happy for you and Dad," said Mila. "And it will be fun for us having a baby brother and sister."
Link gave them each a kiss too, and when they were comfortably in bed, he walked back to Mipha.
"Did the rest help?" said Link. "Can I get you something to eat?"
"I feel better," said Mipha. "Nurse Mirdah is getting me that special meal Zora mothers eat after laying eggs. You probably want to let me eat it alone! I know you won't like it."
After she had eaten Mipha called Link over.
"We should talk about names," said Mipha. "I was thinking of 'Lapha' for the girl, and 'Link' for the boy."
"'Lapha' sounds beautiful to me," said Link. "It's consistent with your royal naming custom. But are you sure about the boy?"
"Well, he is a blood descendant of the Hero of Hyrule, and the Hyrule legends all show a distinct lack of originality in such names. So, I was assuming we should follow the tradition," said Mipha.
"Alright, if you don't mind two people turning around each time you say Link," said Link.
"I think I can figure out a nickname for the baby. Or you. Speaking of nicknames for you brings back some bad memories. Maybe I should start calling you 'Linny' like your girlfriend Kodah did," said Mipha.
"Oh, please, can you ever forget about that?" said Link. "That was ages ago."
"A little over eleven years ago. That's when you broke up with Kodah. Not that long for Zoras," said Mipha.
"What! You remember that exactly? I can't remember any of it," said Link.
"Yes, very convenient," said Mipha. "You don't know how jealous I was back then when I learned from a friend that you went to a party with Kodah. I wasn't allowed to go to parties like that, unbecoming of a princess and such. And besides being pretty, she had a reputation for being outgoing and fun to be with. But I did take some comfort that you always visited me first when you came to the Domain. And I felt much better when a mutual friend told me you had broken up with her after she pushed you to decide between us. So, you eventually got things right. But I was a little jealous again when I saw the two of you laughing together in the plaza when you were supposed to be studying."
"That last part I remember," said Link. "Sorry."
So, they waited the three days until hatching time. Mipha was able to rest while nurses made sure she was comfortable, and the eggs were safe. On the third day, the egg in the water showed signs of hatching. One of the nurses asked the guard on duty outside to summon the two doctors assigned to help. Dr. Larah and the Hylian doctor, Dr. Faran soon arrived. The Zora baby emerged from the egg on her own and started swimming around looking for food. It had consumed all the nutrient in the egg. The nurse promptly fed the baby Zora. Then Dr. Faran, with Dr. Larah's assistance, eased the three-month-old Hylian baby from the egg and transferred him to the artificial womb. Dr. Faran then went over the instructions on how and how often to provide nutrients to the baby. Everything went smoothly.
"Your Majesty, I will visit once a month to check on the baby's progress," said Dr. Faran. "I have also given instructions to Dr. Larah about what to do in my absence. Please don't hesitate to summon me anytime you have concerns. I will also return before the six-month due date to assist with the baby's birth."
Mipha and Link thanked them both, and the two doctors left. Now, with help from the nursing staff, it was time to watch them grow.
"Raising a Hylian baby will be a challenge and a unique experience for me," said Mipha. "Zora babies are self-reliant at a young age. I hope I can be the mother he needs. He will definitely need more care at first but will grow faster than Lapha. Anyway, we need to make a birth announcement soon, but it will only mention Lapha because little Link is technically not born yet. Link will get his own announcement in six months."
"Don't worry," said Link. "I'm sure you will make a wonderful mother, just as I've tried to be a good father to our two Zora children. Knowing you, you will probably be overprotective. In all the excitement about the boy, let's make sure Lapha doesn't feel neglected. But you know I will love all our children equally and treat them fairly."
"I know," said Mipha. "And the other person you should be careful about is Mila. She has always been her father's little girl. You don't want to lose the relationship with her because of Lapha. And let's not forget about my brother. He is older now, of course, but he still needs us. Be sure to make time for him too."
"I know," said Link. "I'll be extra careful about all of that."
As expected the royal announcement came out later that day. Lapha was third in the line of royal succession after Mila and Midon.
"The Zora Royal Family is pleased to announce the birth of Princess Lapha, daughter of Her Majesty Queen Mipha and Hylian Champion Link. Her Majesty and child are both doing well."
Later that evening Mipha felt well enough for a walk, and she and Link strolled together to Mikau Lake. The weather was mild, and skies were clear.
"It's a beautiful night," said Mipha. "Let's sit by the water for a while."
Link took her hand, and they walked to the edge of the water, then he helped her sit down on a rock and sat next to her. The giant fish tail that announced the presence of Zora's Domain glowed a soft blue behind them and the sound of water splashing from the waterfall filled the air. They put their arms around each other as they sat together.
"We should enjoy some quiet moments together once in a while," said Mipha.
Link sat there enjoying the sound of the water.
"You know, we didn't come here very often when we were younger," said Mipha. "It was too close to the east bridge, and we wanted more privacy. So, we usually ended up at Veiled Falls or East Reservoir Lake, or sometimes even as far as Ralis Pond. But it's nice here too."
"Yes, it is," said Link. "And I'm glad we can get away for a while like this. We do need some quiet time together."
Then Link couldn't help himself, he started thinking back to all that had happened to get to this point in his life. He unconsciously held Mipha tighter, as if reassuring himself she was really there. Mipha sensed it and looked at him.
"Did you have a bad memory?" said Mipha. "You haven't had one of those in a while now."
"I'm sorry," said Link. "I shouldn't be, in the midst of all this happiness. I guess my mind just works that way, that the better things get for me, the more I fear to lose them."
"You won't lose me," said Mipha. "I will always be here for you."
"Yes, you promised me that once before," said Link. "But you're right, I need to clear my head."
"Relax," said Mipha. "You have a new daughter and son to raise, and Mila and Midon need you too. And I need you. Forget what happened and especially what didn't happen. Look forward to the life we have ahead of us."
They got up and headed home, and Link could sense the guards with them were relieved. When they got back, the nursery staff was busy feeding Lapha. She would eat every two hours for a while as she put on weight. For now, little Link was not much trouble. But all that would change dramatically in six months.
Just as with Mila and Midon, as time passed Lapha grew and had to be moved to a community pool with other baby Zora children of about the same age. Little Link grew too, and it was fascinating to watch his development. He was moving around slightly, and his features were becoming more well developed.
When Lapha was three months old another happy moment was occurring, this time in Hyrule Castle.
Princess Zelda lay in bed, exhausted, but excited. The doctor had just handed her the most beautiful little girl she could imagine. Her husband Rudin was at her side as he watched Zelda cradle the infant girl in her arms.
"Isn't she beautiful?" asked Zelda.
"Yes, like her mother," said Rudin.
Zelda laughed. Then gently rocked the baby in her arms. The baby's hair was a bright blond color, which made sense since both Zelda and Rudin had blond hair. The baby's eye color might change somewhat, but so far it looked like bluish green, a mix between Zelda's green eyes and Rudin's bright blue eyes. A few minutes later King Rhoam walked into the room.
"I heard the happy news," said King Rhoam.
"Father, please come and see your granddaughter," said Zelda.
"She's beautiful!" said King Rhoam wiping some tears from his eyes. "You've made me so happy, Zelda. You've been the most wonderful daughter a father could ever hope for. It's times like this I so wish your dear mother was here to share this joyful moment. But there I go sounding a sad note during this happy time. Congratulations to both of you. I don't suppose there is any doubt about the name you'll choose?"
"No, father, we will continue the tradition," said Zelda.
"So, Princess Zelda meet Princess Zelda," said Rudin with a smile.
"I will leave you now and have an announcement sent out. You have made me so happy!" said King Rhoam. Then he left to have the announcement made.
"Do you want to hold her?" said Zelda to Rudin.
"Of course," said Rudin. Zelda handed the baby to him, and he cradled it gently.
"She is beautiful," said Rudin. "But how are you feeling, sweetheart?"
"Sore but happy," said Zelda with a smile. "And I haven't seen father so happy in a long time."
"Well, you've been wonderful and done everything he and Hyrule could ask of you," said Rudin. "Besides your heroism, you have preserved your bloodline for another generation. What more could anyone ask of you?"
"Thank you. But you had a small part in preserving my bloodline, too," Zelda laughed.
"And that duty was the happiest of my life, one I would gladly do often," said Rudin laughing back.
Mipha and Link received the royal birth announcement in the mail.
The Hyrule Royal Family is pleased to announce the birth of Princess Zelda, daughter of Her Royal Highness Princess Zelda and Prince Rudin. Her Highness and child are both doing well.
"So, the bloodline of the Goddess Hylia will persist for another generation," said Link. "That is good news for Hyrule and of course wonderful news for Zelda and Rudin. I will write them a note of congratulations."
Lapha was six months old when Little Link's due date finally arrived. Both doctors were present.
"I think it's time, Your Majesty," said Dr. Faran. "Are you ready?"
"Yes, I am ready," said Mipha. "I've been looking forward to this day for six months."
Dr. Faran and Dr. Larah carefully separated baby Link from the artificial womb, and in a moment the air was filled with the crying of a newborn Hylian baby, a sound not heard in Zora's Domain in living memory, perhaps ever. They handed the baby to Mipha who cradled him in her arms and looked down at him smiling.
"He's adorable!" said Mipha.
"Congratulations again," said Dr. Faran. "Your baby looks very healthy indeed and has strong lungs and a clear voice."
"Well, we know he didn't get that from me," said Link laughing. "But thank you, doctors."
Mipha was sitting down now holding the baby and rocking him gently. Then one of the nurses passed her a baby bottle, and she fed little Link for the first time. He stopped crying as he sucked at the bottle and his eyes looked up at Mipha. He had soft blue eyes, just like his father's. But his hair was a bit on the reddish blond side rather than pure blond like Link's.
"He's so cute!" said Mipha as she watched him drink. "He has your eyes, Link. I feel like I'm holding a little you."
"In a way you are," said Link. "But he is part you, too. And I think that will make him even better than me someday."
Meanwhile, Lapha continued to grow in the community nursery pool. After seven months since her hatching date, Lapha was alert enough to play with, and she could stay out of the water briefly. Mipha and Link took turns visiting her and wiggling their hands at her while she tried to catch their fingers. And they could pick her up and hold her for a few minutes each visit to help exercise her lungs. By nine months after hatching Lapha could stay out of the water indefinitely, her lungs now fully developed. And it was time to take her out of the nursery and home.
Lapha had the same bright golden eyes as Mila, and her gaze had the same intensity when she looked at you. But her skin pigmentation was different. She was a light shade of blue.
Sidon, Mila, and Midon waited at home while Mipha and Link went to pick up Lapha. Little Link was also at home but fast asleep with an attendant who was taking care of him.
"Your Majesty and Link, good morning," said the nursery attendant. "Today you're taking our little princess home. It's been our pleasure to have her in our care, and I wish you and your family the best of times together."
Mipha thanked the attendant while Link signed a form. Then they walked over to the nursery pool. Lapha saw them and swam across the pool, lifting her head out of the water expecting to play again. But instead, Mipha reached down and lifted her up and out of the water.
"Time to come home little princess," said Mipha.
It was a short walk home, and then Mipha put Lapha down in the child size pool that had been set up for her. Mipha told the nursery attendant watching little Link she could leave now. He was still fast asleep having been fed a little earlier.
"We are all together at last," said Link. "This is a happy moment I will never forget."
Then there was the birth announcement.
The Zora Royal Family is pleased to announce the birth of Master Link, son of Her Majesty Queen Mipha and Hylian Champion Link. Her Majesty and child are both doing well.
At ten to twelve months old the little ones started talking and then it was time to teach them words. Having two older siblings helped at that too.
"Can you say Lah-Fah?" said Link as he cuddled Lapha on his lap and emphasized the pronunciation. She looked at him with her golden eyes, and Link smiled at her. "Lah-Fah," he repeated. Lapha said something that sounded like "laugh." Then Link tried again. Lapha again said "laugh." Then she rubbed her hand across Link's cheek, reached higher up, took hold of Link's hair and pulled. Link tried hard not to cry out and scare her as he gently pried her fingers from his hair, then he had to laugh. He guessed she was fascinated by something no Zoras had. Anyway, he tried again.
Midon, seeing what was happening, had a suggestion.
"Why don't we just call her 'Laff'?" said Midon.
And that's what the children did, as a nickname, but Mipha and Link insisted she learns to say her real name. And after two more days of coaching, she could do it. It sounded so cute because her intonation was a little slow. "Lah – Fah" she said. But she soon caught on, though she always responded to someone in the family calling 'Laff' as well.
Some nights Link would rock little Link to sleep, humming a lullaby. Mipha would look at them, smiling at how cute they looked together. To avoid confusion, they decided to call little Link 'Linky.' The Bazz Brigade used to call Link that when he was a child, and it was easy to get used to. And it was a lot safer than having a conversation with Mipha about 'Linny' again, thought Link.
So, Link spent a good deal of time with the two little ones. But he was careful not to neglect the older children. Link would sit with Midon and tell him stories of adventures he had or knew of and parts of Hyrule he had explored. Midon was always fascinated with these and whenever he finished one adventure Midon would want to hear another. And Link would sometimes play combat games with Midon, much as he had with a young Sidon years ago.
He would also cuddle with Mila who liked hearing some of his stories but also loved telling him what she had learned at school. Mila often asked about the people in his stories and how he felt about them or what happened to them. She was very sensitive to people's feelings. At the end of a story where some danger was involved Mila would tell her dad she loved him and she would always take care of him. Sometimes he wanted to tell her a story just to hear that. Mila's and Midon's growth spurt wouldn't happen until they were at least seventeen, so they still looked younger than their age. And Link didn't mind that at all.
Mila and Midon also played with the little ones. Lapha would sit in Mila's lap as Mila played a game with her, tickling her now and then and making her giggle. And Midon would lay on the ground and play with little Link as he learned to crawl.
Sidon would also look after Mila and Midon sometimes when Mipha and Link were too busy.
"You two ready for some races?" Sidon would say to Mila and Midon.
"Let's go!" the children would yell.
Then Midon and Mila would take Sidon's hands as they headed off to one of the nearby falls to have races up and down the waterfall and play tag.
Mipha, of course, tried hard to balance her duties as the ruler with being a mother. She too spent as many moments with the children as she could. She remembered how important it was that her father did that with her and Sidon, and she promised to do the same for her family. So, she also told the older children stories or cuddled with them. And the younger ones got plenty of attention too. Mipha could have had attendants care for the two younger children, but she always tried to be the one who fed them or, together with Link, helped put them to bed. They had a standard land bed built for little Link. They couldn't expect him to sleep in the water at night.
So, time marched on. As Lapha and little Link got bigger they would go on family picnics much as the family had done with Mila and Midon at that age.
"Is everyone ready?" asked Link.
Sidon was busy with some friends, but Mipha, Link, Mila, Midon, Lapha and little Link were going on a family picnic at Veiled Falls. The Royal Guards had checked the area thoroughly and would be stationed at various points to keep an eye on things. Link had thought it a shame to have so many Zora guards involved in something like a family picnic, that perhaps this was a waste of resources. But Mipha said they didn't have picnics very often, and the guards expected them to live as a typical family, not hide. So, Link shouldn't feel bad.
Mipha and Link carried picnic items while Mila took little Link's hand and Midon took Lapha's. Then they walked across the western bridge and over to Veiled Falls.
"Come on Laff," said Midon. "Let's hit the water."
Midon held Lapha's hand as they ran into the water, Lapha giggling all the way.
"Linky, do you want to swim with us?" said Mila as she held little Link's hand.
"Sure, Sis," said Linky. "I like swimming, but I'm not very good."
"You shouldn't say that," said Mila as she bent down and held his shoulder with one hand and gently caressed his cheek with the other. "You can't expect to swim as well as a Zora, but you swim very well. Just play in the water with us and have fun. I'll keep you company."
So, Mila took little Link's hand and walked over to the water with him. Then they both dove in, and Mila played some simple water games with him. You could hear them both laughing.
Mipha and Link sat down near the water and watched the children playing.
"Tell me life isn't wonderful," said Link as he smiled at Mipha.
"It is wonderful," said Mipha.
She leaned over and kissed him. After some time in the water, everyone was hungry, and Link started unpacking the food they brought while Mipha organized it. There was a variety of fish both cooked and raw as well as some apples and bananas. After lunch, there was time for some more games.
"Let's play 'land tag,'" said Midon. "No going in the water. That's fair to Linky."
"Fine, Mido," said Mila. "Since it's your game, you're it!"
Then everyone scampered off, and Mido chased after them. They went easy on Lapha and Linky who couldn't run as fast. At least not yet. 'Tag' was a game they could safely play. They tried to play 'hide and seek' once, but it turned out to be no fun because the guards had to keep the children in sight at all times and ended up giving away their hiding spot. Before getting ready to head home, everyone went back in for a swim.
"Let's join them," said Mipha to Link.
Then they both dove into the cold water. Soon everyone was playing water tag. It was amazing how well Lapha could swim already. She could easily outmaneuver Link when he tried to catch her, giggling as she did. And all the time spent with his siblings was making little Link a pretty good swimmer too. Better than Link had been at that age. After some games of 'tag,' Mipha and Link stayed to watch the little ones while Mila and Midon raced up the waterfall under the eyes of two guards stationed at the top.
It was when the older children were off playing with each other, and Lapha was alone with her young brother, that some of the cutest moments took place. Seeing little Link alone, Lapha went over to him and took his hand.
"Swim with me, Linky?" said Lapha.
"Sure, Laff," said Link.
Then Lapha held him by the hand and pulled him through the water as they splashed each other, both giggling. Sometimes she swam near the waterfall, and they would both laugh as the spray splashed over them. Lapha was very protective of her brother in the water and never let go of his hand. And when they finished playing in the water, she pulled him back to shore. Then they sat by the water's edge and talked or made funny faces at each other.
After a while, it became clear the little ones were getting tired, and it was time to go home. Mipha and Link gathered up the picnic items, then asked Mila and Midon to help carry them. Mipha then picked up little Link, and Link picked up Lapha. Before they had taken ten steps home, both little ones were sound asleep, their heads resting on their parents' shoulders. When they reached home, they carefully put the little ones to bed. Then the two older ones went outside to play for a while before it was time for them to sleep too. Mipha and Link cleaned up and put away the picnic materials. By then it was bedtime for the older two.
"Nice picnic," said Link. "I'll go get Mila and Midon."
Mila and Midon were soon asleep, floating peacefully in the water.
As time passed Mila also grew attached to Lapha and vice versa. Mila took special care to play with Lapha in the water and teach her swimming tricks. And Link wondered what was going through each of their minds when he would see Mila and Lapha sitting together, their golden eyes each gazing into each other's. Could they read each other's thoughts? Link thought he would ask.
"Mila, when you and Lapha look at each other, what are you thinking about?" said Link.
"How each of us feels, Dad," said Mila. "We can detect feelings when we look carefully at each other's eyes. It's like the way I can usually tell how you're feeling, but Lapha can do the same thing back to me. We have a special attachment to each other. I don't know how else to explain it."
Midon grew attached to little Link and would play catch with him or have mock battles with him. He would take Link's hand and help him when they were in the water together. And whenever any of them got a bruise, Mila was quick to use her healing power to make everything right. As promised Link was scrupulous about spending equal time with each child. But Lapha often ran to Mila when she came home from school, and little Link often ran to Midon. Then Mipha and Link would laugh, saying they weren't needed anymore.
By the time little Link was four years old, it was clear he was growing up much faster than Lapha. This was as expected but it was interesting to see in person. And much as it had happened with Midon and Link, it was during a play battle between little Link and Midon that little Link displayed the same flurry rush ability. So now Midon had an opponent worthy of his skill, and it was fascinating to see the battles the two of them had with soft weapons, their hands moving like a blur. So, little Link had inherited his father's flurry rush ability. But as far as they could tell Lapha had not inherited Mipha's healing ability. At least not yet. Only time would tell.
Link had also agreed to work with Sidon on combat skills, and so that had become a daily routine. Since Zoras relied primarily on spears for offense and defense Link thought they should start there. Link was pretty skilled with a spear although his weapon of choice was usually a sword.
"The key with a spear, Sidon," said Link," is to hold it in such a way you can angle it to block your opponent and then thrust it back at them if they let their own guard down. So, let's practice you attacking me, and I will show you what I mean."
They were practicing with special sparring spears which had sharp heads replaced with ones that would cause no harm.
Sidon tried attacking, but Link parried his blows. Then he explained what Sidon should do, and they practiced some more. When enough time was spent on offense Link had Sidon switch to defense.
"Bro, you are really good at this," said Sidon out of breath.
"Don't be discouraged," said Link. "I've been practicing for years. You just need to keep working on things."
It took months, but Sidon ended up skilled enough to hold his own with a spear against most of the Zora knights. Then they moved on to archery. To his credit, Sidon was an enthusiastic student and refused to get discouraged. And all the exercise helped Link stay fit as well.
When the little children turned five, it was time to start thinking about school, and the question of what type of schooling little Link should have was a subject of discussion. Zelda had offered to have little Link stay with her at Hyrule Castle and study with the same Hylian tutors as her daughter who was about the same age. She would make sure he was cared for and could return home when time permitted. This was a very considerate opportunity and one Mipha and Link needed to discuss.
"You know we need to think about what's best for the child, right?" said Link.
"Yes," said Mipha. "But it may come down to deciding what 'best' means. But what are the arguments for sending him to Hyrule Castle?"
"The education he could get there is the best in Hyrule," said Link. "There is no doubt Zelda has access to the finest tutors. And the castle library is outstanding. It might also be good for him to spend time growing up among other Hylians. Here all his interactions are with Zoras."
"Those are all excellent points," said Mipha. "Let me give some others. I think you know our schools are outstanding and he can get an excellent education here too. And are you forgetting who I am? Don't you think I can arrange for tutors to supplement his education here if necessary? And what about the emotional side? Do we know how he will cope with being sent away from his family at such a young age? You make a good point about spending more time with Hylians. I'll need to think about how I would accomplish that."
"You sound like you've made up your mind already," said Link. "Have you? And are you sure you're not putting your feelings about missing him ahead of what's good for him?"
"No, and I'm trying hard not to," said Mipha. "And won't you and the children miss him too? He and his siblings are very close."
"Of course, I'll miss him. Very much. But I am trying to be objective," said Link.
"Let's leave it for now and talk again tomorrow," said Mipha.
It was the next afternoon when Mila and Lapha were off playing together in one of the pools as Sidon watched them that Mipha and Link had another conversation. Midon and little Link were playing near where Mipha and Link were sitting, and Mipha was staring at little Link with a smile on her face.
"What are you thinking about?" asked Link. He put his arm around her, and she took his hand and squeezed it.
"I was thinking about the little boy I healed when he fell near here a long time ago," said Mipha. "The little boy who looked so much like our young son."
"I remember that," said Link as he squeezed her hand back. "It was the first time we met. You were so very kind to me."
"You were such a cute little boy," said Mipha. "But then you grew up so fast. And I didn't mind that. Now I look over there and see that same cute little boy all over again, and I know he will grow up fast too, and I do mind that. And that's another reason I prefer he stay here with us rather than go to Hyrule Castle. I want to see him grow up. I don't want it to be like you."
"Alright," said Link. "As you've told me, you always follow your heart, and maybe that is best for him and all of us. I agree with you he can stay here."
She leaned over and kissed him.
"Maybe he could spend one month a year at Hyrule Castle if Zelda is willing," said Mipha. "I think I can handle that."
So, in the end, Mipha and Link opted for little Link to remain with his family. They could always supplement his education here with tutors if necessary. The Zora teachers said they would have no problem instructing a Hylian child, and thought it might even be helpful to have him in their class. So, it was settled that Link would attend school here in the Domain with his sister Lapha.
After dinner, the night of their decision Link sat with little Link in his lap. He had just finished telling him a bedtime story.
"So, are you looking forward to starting school here?" said Link.
"I think so, Daddy," said little Link. "I told Mido I felt a little funny being the only non-Zora but he told me to let him know if anyone picked on me and he would help them to understand things better."
Link had to laugh, wondering what Midon had in mind. He sounded like a gang enforcer.
"I don't think anyone will pick on you," said Link. "I've always found the Zoras to be very kind people. But if someone does pick on you or make fun of you, you should just ignore them. That kind of person is not worth fighting about. Just make friends with the nice people you meet. And be proud of who you are, but be kind to others and don't yourself ever be a bully. If you lead a good life, you will be happier in the end."
"Mila told me you might send me away to school. She said she hoped you wouldn't," said little Link.
"Mila shouldn't have worried you about that," said Link. "But we thought at first going away might be good for you, since it was a chance to meet and study with the new princess at Hyrule Castle and make new Hylian friends. But I think we would all miss you too much. We will do our best to make sure you meet other Hylians and get a good education. I hope we made the right decision for you. It is one of those times in life that you can do one thing or the other, but not both. And you can never be sure which would have been better, but you just have to pick one."
"I think you picked the right one, Daddy," said little Link. "I'm very happy here, and I would miss Laff, Mila, and Mido. And you and Mom too. I'm sure I will meet the new princess someday."
Then he hugged Link, and they kissed goodnight. And Link thought, yes, I am sure you will meet the new princess someday too. But hopefully not to save Hyrule.
The family had just enjoyed two unexpected additions and a peaceful and happy five years. Life was good.
But Mipha and Link both knew there was still unfinished business in Hyrule and that someday one or both of them might be called upon to deal with that.
The Yiga Clan had been strangely inactive these last five years, and the fear was they were readying themselves for something significant. But Impa's husband, Kalan, had not reported anything and he would have done so if he knew of anything significant the Yiga Clan was up to. It was about the Yiga Clan that Mipha wanted to meet with Link one morning.
"You know as Queen I get reports from all over Hyrule about things that might be of interest, right?" said Mipha.
"Yes, you've shown me a number of them. Is there something of interest in the latest one?" said Link.
"Nothing too dramatic, but the reports from Hyrule Castle note an increase in activity of suspicious individuals in the area near the Sacred Grounds," said Mipha. "Apparently people from Mabe Village have noticed this. The suspicion is these are Yiga Clan spies. Can you think of any reason for that?"
"No, I can't," said Link. "As far as I know the Sacred Grounds is just a ceremonial location where Royal Guards are honored. I recall a rather long and boring ceremony there once that I never heard the end of from Revali. But that is strange. And no one from Hyrule Castle has any idea?"
"Not at this time," said Mipha. "But this is an early report. I am sure they plan to investigate. I just wondered if anything occurred to you."
"No, nothing," said Link. "But what kind of suspicious characters are they talking about?"
"Well, travelers that people don't recognize who are seen wandering around at odd hours and appear to be searching for something but act like they are not," said Mipha. "When approached by anyone they say they are lost and ask for directions, but their request for directions somehow doesn't feel genuine like they are asking for directions to someplace that should be well known to them or to someplace not close to there. Normally this would be nothing worthy of reporting, but Hyrule Castle has asked everyone to be especially vigilant. It's strange, but the lack of Yiga Clan activity has been more alarming to the authorities there than if they had experienced some. The fear is they are planning something major."
"Yes, that's my fear too," said Link. "And five years has not quenched my thirst to repay Dark Link for his actions."
"Well, quench your thirst on the fact you have a family that loves and needs you," said Mipha. "And keep that in mind before you go off recklessly seeking revenge. Somehow it feels like we have this same conversation every so often."
"I promise you I will only do what I need to do and will remember my family to the end," said Link. "I want to live my life with all of you too. Is there anything else of interest in the reports?"
"You're welcome to read them," said Mipha. "In fact, it is probably a good idea for you and Sidon to start reading them each time I get them. I need to start training Sidon to take over Divine Beast Vah Ruta now."
Sidon had gone through his growth spurt and had two years of combat training with Link at this point. He was ready to take on more responsibilities.
Mipha handed the reports to Link, and he sat down to read them. There wasn't too much else of immediate interest. Some of it concerned construction projects or military training exercises and combat preparedness reports. It seemed all the races in Hyrule were keeping their forces up to date and ready if needed. He read that Revali was organizing special groups of Rito warriors that could be stationed at various places throughout Hyrule and be prepared to respond quickly to attacks.
So, everyone was taking things seriously. They just needed more intelligence about what was going to happen. And his thoughts came back to the Sacred Grounds. What was unusual about that place? Who would know? Mipha probably wouldn't be keen on him investigating in person. But he wished he could. Maybe soon.