Chapter 56 - Moving On - Part 2
Summary: Mipha reacquaints herself with Ruta as Link overcomes his uneasiness. Mipha explains how she trained and controlled the Divine Beast. Dr. Purah issues a report to Zelda on the Vera time travel anomaly, prompting a rare criticism of Link and a discussion of his loyalties. Laray makes some friends as she prepares to return home. News of King Rhoam's deteriorating health saddens those who know him as they visit Hyrule Castle for a final farewell and then to pay their respects.
It was a typical school day, and after breakfast, Mipha and Link found themselves home alone. Yesterday Mipha had introduced Laray to some people she knew, and Laray had left with two of them for a day trip to Castle Town.
"The house is so quiet now," said Link. "We went from eight people to two. Not that I mind just the two of us here. In fact, that can be kind of nice."
"Yes, it can, but I want to spend this morning with Ruta," said Mipha. "Laray will be back in time for Laina's party tonight, the one Gaddison told you about. I told her we would both go with her, and I think that made her feel more comfortable. Meanwhile, I'd like you to come with me. Ruta and I need to spend some time together, and I'd like you to keep me company."
"You know I find Ruta creepy," said Link. "Do you really need me there? I'll gladly come with you as far as the lake and wait for you," said Link.
"No, I'd really like you to join me," said Mipha. "I think it's been long enough, Link, and it's time to get over your uneasiness. Ruta is special to me. Do you have the same bad feelings about the other Divine Beasts?"
"No, but I didn't linger very long inside any of them, either. I already told you why Ruta was different. To me, Ruta was your tomb. Do I have to explain all that again?" said Link.
"No, I heard it all before, and I know it was painful for you," said Mipha. "But that happened to you over twenty-five years ago, Link, and it never happened here at all. Ruta is not a tomb. She's special, almost alive. Once you bond with her, she's like a giant enormously powerful friend, someone you care about and who does what you ask, but who also does its part to look out for you. It would mean a lot to me if you came with me."
Mipha looked him in the eyes and smiled, and Link paused for a moment.
"Alright, I guess you're right, it has been long enough. And how could I say 'no' when you give me that look? Let's go," said Link.
"Wear your Zora Armor," said Mipha. "There's a waterfall shortcut inside Ruta we may want to use."
Link put on the Zora Armor and joined Mipha as they made their way to East Reservoir Lake. The weather was pleasant, sunny with no chance of rain this morning. Link took her hand as they walked together.
"I know we used to go to East Reservoir Lake quite a bit to swim and be together," said Link. "I do remember some things."
"I'm glad of that. We've been going there together for quite a long time. When you were still small, I brought you there to teach you to swim. We had plenty of room, and there were no fast currents or waterfalls like in Ruto Lake. It took me a while to figure out the best approach for you since you lack fins and foot webbing. But you never got discouraged, and we figured it out together. It was funny. You were generally alone, except when you were playing with those three troublemaker friends of yours. And you always seemed happy to see me when we came across each other. Though maybe that was because of all the cuts and bruises I healed for you. I like to think I took the place of some family you never had back then, with your mother gone and no siblings. When I told Father about you and how cute you were, he told me not to get too attached to you, that you would grow up quickly and leave the Domain. I said I understood that, but you could use someone to look out for you in the meantime. If only I had listened to my father."
Link could tell her last remark was said to tease him.
"Now who's speculating about a different future?" laughed Link. "But I believe we were meant for each other, and you couldn't get rid of me that easily."
"So sweet," laughed Mipha as she squeezed his hand. "But here we are."
They had arrived at East Reservoir Lake, and Ruta was sitting motionless in the middle of it. They swam out to Ruta and Mipha lowered the entrance, then they entered. The Divine Beast was quiet now. Link took a moment to look around. He remembered some of Ruta's mechanisms and the time he spent activating them.
"Let's do a quick inspection of the terminals first to make sure all is well," said Mipha.
It was fascinating to watch how efficiently Mipha moved from terminal to terminal without a moment's hesitation. He had eventually puzzled out all five terminals, but his progress had been nowhere near as quick or graceful as hers. He had used trial and error sometimes, but she was indeed at home here.
"The terminals are all fine," said Mipha. "The main control unit is next."
They made their way to the main control unit in the rear.
"I always wanted to ask you how you control Ruta," said Link. "I was able to control her trunk position with a Sheikah Slate after first plugging it into the guidance stone. But you and the other Champions somehow control your Divine Beasts without a physical device of any kind."
"That's due to my training," said Mipha. "I say my training, but it's actually a combination of my training and Ruta's training. When you start training, you need to learn how to control Ruta from here, the main control unit. You use it to have Ruta perform some action, and at the same time, you think about asking her to do that. She learns to read your thoughts and associates the thought with the action. The panel will flash when Ruta thinks she has learned your thought for a given action. In the beginning, you make a lot of mistakes, such as not concentrating hard enough on the action you are asking her to perform or not being precise enough. So Ruta misunderstands you, though it is more your fault than hers. Then you have to retrain her on that movement. But over time Ruta learns your mind, and you learn to think the way she needs you to. When you're learning how to think the correct way, it sometimes helps to act out a movement to focus your thoughts on that action, but it's not necessary. It's the thought that matters. That's why I could raise Ruta's trunk, for example, while we sat together and spoke on top of it. I had trained myself to think the way she needed me to think, and Ruta knew how to read my thoughts. It was an almost unconscious effort for me by then, Ruta and I knew each other so well."
"It's an amazing piece of technology," said Link. "I think the Sheikah from North Hyrule are proficient enough to build a Divine Beast. It's such a shame so much knowledge was lost to Hyrule by the king's hostility to Sheikah technology way back in history. So, what do you have to do now?"
"I want to take Ruta through some actions using my thoughts," said Mipha. "I haven't done this in a while. Remember, in our old timeline Sidon had taken over for me as Champion. If I get something wrong, I'll have to re-train on that. It looks like you've overcome your uneasiness, by the way."
"Yes, I'm trying," said Link. "Seeing your work with Ruta is helping. And of course, it was a long time ago. Remember I used to have nightmares about this place? I always feared they would start up again if I returned here. I think enough time has gone by now. But if I wake up in the middle of the night and reach out for you, you'll understand?"
Mipha could see the twinkle in his eye.
"Yes, I'll understand," laughed Mipha. "But I'll know it has nothing to do with a nightmare. I know where your mind is at right now, sweetheart. But I need to focus."
Mipha had Ruta perform a variety of movements and actions, and all went well. She raised and lowered the trunk, as Ruta bellowed out her acknowledgment each time. Then she had Ruta turn around completely. Mipha was quite pleased.
"It looks like Ruta, and I still know each other quite well," said Mipha happily. "I'm glad I didn't lose my touch."
"Well, you were a quick learner as I recall," said Link. "Even Zelda and Revali were impressed by how quickly you mastered Ruta. And that's saying something, especially for Revali. So, are we done here?"
"Yes, I think so," said Mipha. "But let's not rush off. Come, let's sit on the trunk and enjoy the view while we're here."
They made their way to the trunk and sat down. It was still sunny out, and the sunlight reflected brightly off the surrounding blue cliffs. The lake below was calm and quiet, several ducks visible swimming far below.
"I never get tired of this view," said Mipha. "Our Domain and its surroundings are so beautiful, with its ice blue cliffs, gushing waterfalls, and fish-filled ponds surrounded by trees and colorful shrubs. There is a serenity here, a peacefulness. But it's not dead calm. Our Domain is teeming with life and in harmony with it. You won't find anyplace else like it. You and I spent many times together here, playing, laughing, teasing one another, and just having fun. I know you've forgotten most of that, but I haven't. And looking out at the Domain I am reminded of the many places we went together and the happy times we had. But, of course, we're together still with happy times ahead of us as well. Anyway, I'm glad the Domain beats out the desert in your mind."
"Yes, it is the most beautiful place I've ever been," said Link. "The desert doesn't even come close, sweetheart. And being with you here has made it that much better."
Just then Link's Tab buzzed, and he reached for it. There was a message from the Hyrule Royal Secretary saying Queen Zelda wished to have a private video call with him in one hour and he should please make himself available.
"That's strange," said Link. "It's not a very friendly message either, more like a command. Zelda wants to have a private video call with me in an hour. I guess we should get back home."
"Yes," said Mipha. "Let me know what it's all about."
They made their way back home. Mipha said she wanted to meet with her father anyway so Link could take the call in private there. At the appointed time a call was put through, and Link and Zelda could see each other on their Tabs.
"You wished to see me, Your Majesty?" said Link. "Is something wrong?"
"Yes," said Zelda. "This report I received from Dr. Purah on the Vera incident is rather unflattering toward your and Mipha's actions. Not your combat. That was magnificent as always, and we owe you a great thanks. But Dr. Purah points out that you two deliberately tampered with the timeline, changing the future to what it is now, despite her express warnings to avoid doing so. I can't say I'm pleased about that, Link."
"Is this a formal hearing, Your Majesty? Or are we speaking as friends?" said Link.
"Formal in a sense, but I would like to keep it friendly, so please call me Zelda," said Zelda. "I understand you two did what you did with the best of intentions, but Dr. Purah has always warned us about the unintended consequences of such actions. I think you both took a huge risk and I don't feel you two had the authority to act in that fashion. I know Mipha was the one who initiated the action, but as an officer in the Royal Guards, sworn to protect Hyrule, I believe you had an obligation to stop her."
"May I speak now, Zelda?" said Link.
"Of course," said Zelda.
"Are you forgetting my first loyalty is to the Zora Royal Family? We agreed to that way back when you gave me dual citizenship," said Link. "Is there a law forbidding what we did? If there is, then I agree with you, I would be bound as a Hyrule citizen to obey such a law. But I am not aware of any such law, it's only Dr. Purah's advice. And in that case, I have no legal grounds for refusing a command by a member of the Zora Royal Family. In fact, as a Zora citizen, I have sworn to obey them. So, I don't see what legal grounds you have to charge me with any offense. Or Mipha either, since no law is involved. I will agree with you, unofficially, that my instincts would have been to follow Dr. Purah's advice more strictly. But once Mipha asked me to help her, I really had no choice but to obey. I assume you can see that?"
Zelda was quiet for a moment.
"Let me understand your thinking," said Zelda. "So, if I, as the Queen of Hyrule, were to command you to hold up your right hand and Mipha, as a Zora Princess, were to command you to hold up your left hand, what you would do?"
"Well, hold up both hands," laughed Link. "But I know what you're getting at. I would obey Mipha first and you second. That's what I think it means to me to be a Zora citizen first and a Hylian citizen second. Don't you agree?"
"No, I don't," said Zelda. "I think as Queen of Hyrule I am a higher authority than a Zora princess and you have it backward. I might be more inclined to give you some benefit of the doubt if King Dorephan, the ruler of Zora's Domain, was the one who contradicted me."
"Ah, well, at the time the incident occurred, Mipha was actually Zora Queen and the ruler of Zora's Domain," said Link. "She reverted to Princess only after we changed the future."
"Yes, Dr. Purah mentioned that in her report. I can see why Mipha wanted to change things after what apparently happened to her father. And I realize you didn't go back in time willingly but were thrust there by Vera's actions. Anyway, you seem to have an answer for everything," said Zelda.
Zelda paused to think again.
"Alright, I am not going to argue with you further about the order of your loyalty, though I still think you're wrong. I wouldn't imagine Mipha, and I would be in conflict very often anyway. I will agree with you that no laws were broken. And your heroism saved us all. I don't want to lose our friendship, Link. We know each other way too long and too well for that to happen. But in the unlikely event such a circumstance ever occurs again, I would ask you to please be mindful of Dr. Purah's advice. Will you promise me that?"
"Yes, of course, I will," said Link. "Are we good now, Your Majesty?"
"Yes, we're good, Link," laughed Zelda. "And for someone who had so much trouble finding words to say, I think you might have actually made a pretty good lawyer."
They ended the call.
When Mipha returned later that afternoon, Link explained Zelda's call.
"Thanks for sticking up for me," said Mipha. "And for showing such loyalty. I actually think Zelda was more correct than you. She does have a higher position than me, but it was smart of you to remember I was Queen here then. Anyway, let's put that behind us. Oh, I think that's Laray at the door."
"Hello, Mipha and Link," said Laray. "Thank you so much, Mipha. I had a great time with your friends. And I consider them my friends as well, now. We plan to keep in touch and visit each other now and then."
"Wonderful," said Mipha. "Let's have a light dinner, and then the three of us can go to Laina's party. I'm looking forward to some music and dancing. The children are eating with Sidon, and he offered to take care of the two young one's tonight."
Laina was throwing her party on one of the rock formations in Ruto Lake. It wasn't long after dinner they could hear the music, and it was time to go.
When they arrived, there were about twelve people there. Link recognized Gaddison, Kodah and her husband, Kayden, and Bazz. He didn't recall meeting any of the other guests or Laina herself. Seeing them, Gaddison took the opportunity to make introductions.
"I'm thrilled all of you could come," said Laina. "Of course I know who Lady Mipha and Link is, and I am pleased to meet you, Princess Laray. Welcome, and I hope you all enjoy yourselves. The food and drink are just over there, and let me know if there are any favorite songs you want to hear. The dancing should start soon."
Link went over to talk with Bazz.
"Are you here by yourself?" said Link.
"Yes, though Gaddison sort of suggested I come," said Bazz. "But we're not a couple if that's what you mean."
"Maybe you could ask Princess Laray to dance at some point? She doesn't know anyone here and has been going through some tough times. We're trying to show her a good time."
"Well, if you consider dancing with me a good time, then I'm all for it," laughed Bazz. "But I think she'll get asked to dance by more than me, and you don't have to worry about her."
Bazz proved to be correct as Laray was asked to dance by several people there. Link noticed her in conversation with some people, laughing and obviously enjoying herself. Great, he thought.
Link made his way to the food and drink table wondering what he could eat. He was getting hungry now thanks to Mipha's 'light dinner,' and aside from some rice, everything else was raw seafood. Well, it was a Zora party, after all, he realized. He took a plate and some rice, then walked to the side to eat it. Mipha was talking with two people, and almost everyone else was dancing. He finished the rice and was debating whether to have seconds when Kodah approached him.
"Still hungry?" laughed Kodah. "Some things never change! You always liked to hang out near the refreshments. Come on! Dancing will take your mind off food."
"Hi, Kodah. Sure, I'll give it a try," laughed Link.
They moved to the dance area together and began dancing.
"How have you been?" said Link.
"Good," said Kodah. "The Seabed Inn has been keeping Kayden and me busy. We're getting more tourists these days. And I enjoy talking to different people who stay there. How are you doing?"
"Fine," said Link. "The kids are growing up. Our oldest two have a boyfriend and girlfriend already. Sometimes I think it's all going too fast. But my oldest told me to stay young at heart, so I'm doing my best."
"That's good advice," laughed Kodah. "And you do look great. The years have treated you kindly. Still having memory issues? I guess you still don't remember the parties we used to go together way back when?"
"No, my memories of those years never returned," said Link. "I'm thinking they're probably lost forever. And since getting married and having a family, I stopped dwelling so much on the past and started living for the present. I'm happier for doing that, though still pleased on those rare occasions a memory does return."
"Well, who knows?" said Kodah. "Maybe someday your mind will heal itself further. If it does, let me know what you remember about us."
"Of course," said Link. "And I know where to find you."
"Yes, I'm usually the one greeting guests," said Kodah. "But I also handle the financial aspects of the business, keep the books and such. Kayden handles more of the running of the inn. But the music is ending now. Thanks for the dance!"
"Thank you!" said Link. "And you were right: I'm not feeling hungry anymore. See you around."
Mipha seemed to be done speaking with the people she had been with, so he thought it an excellent time to catch up with her.
"It's nice to see Laray enjoying herself. I don't suppose you could squeeze in a dance for me?" said Link to Mipha.
"Sure," said Mipha. "I've been waiting to dance a bit."
They began to dance together.
"I noticed you had a warm-up dance with your old girlfriend," said Mipha.
"Yes, she asked me after I finished a plate of rice," said Link. "She and her husband are keeping busy at the inn she said. She asked me if I remembered any of the parties we used to go together, but of course, I didn't. I know you Zoras have a different sense of time, but that was still a long time ago."
"It was," said Mipha. "And so much has happened since then. But I remember you did go to some parties with her, which made me a little jealous at the time because I wasn't allowed to. She was always very outgoing, so you two were natural opposites in that respect. But somehow I always believed that you had more genuine feelings for me. I may not have been a party person, but we had fun together swimming and hiking, and talking as well. You weren't quite so quiet before you drew the sword, and you were so carefree then, too. Before we were married, I would say the time between when you grew up and before you drew the sword was the happiest time we had together. But I'm even happier now."
"Yes, believe me, I am too!" said Link as they shared a kiss.
There were some more dancing and conversation. But eventually it was getting late, and some guests were starting to leave. It was time to go. Link sought out Gaddison and thanked her for getting them invited. Then the three of them made their way to Laina and thanked her for a wonderful time.
"I think I will head home tomorrow," said Laray as they walked back to Mikau Lake. "I do feel much better. I met a few more people here tonight, and suddenly I feel like I have a social life again. I can't thank you both enough."
"You are more than welcome and very welcome to stay longer if you wish," said Mipha. "But whatever you decide, we were happy to help. Good night and see you in the morning."
Next morning Laray said goodbye and began her journey back to North Hyrule. Mipha and Link were going to tell King Dorephan that they thought her visit had accomplished its goal when they received an urgent message to come to the throne room at once. When they arrived, King Dorephan explained.
"I have some sad news from Queen Zelda," said King Dorephan. "As you know, her father gave up his crown about five years ago due to health reasons, but now Zelda writes that the Royal Physician says her father has very little time left. He is still lucid, and she wants those of us who knew him to have a chance to say farewell. I plan to go and thought you two might want to as well, even if only to offer Zelda some comfort."
"Of course, Father," said Mipha. "We will both go. I am so sorry to hear this."
"I thought you would want to go. We will leave this morning as soon as we're all ready," said King Dorephan. "Sidon will stay here, and he and the guards can look after the children while we're gone."
After getting together what they needed, the three of them accompanied by two guards made their way to Hyrule Castle. Mipha couldn't remember the last time her father had left the Domain. But she knew he and King Rhoam were friends from way back. In a twist of irony, King Rhoam had spoken at her father's funeral ten years ago, before they tampered with time.
When they arrived at Hyrule Castle, they were greeted by Zelda, and it was evident she had been crying. They exchanged some words of comfort with her, then she began to escort them to where her father lay in bed.
"He's physically weak," said Zelda. "But his mind is still good. I wish he would let us do something, but he refuses any special treatment like Purah's rune or some advanced North Hyrule medical procedures. He said he wants nature to run its course and looks forward to being with my mother soon. I think you arrived just in time."
Then Zelda started sobbing again, and Mipha reached out to put her arm around her.
"Zelda, is there anything I can heal or do?" said Mipha.
"No, it's an internal illness," said Zelda between sobs. "But here we are. My daughter and husband have already said their farewell. It's almost as if he has been waiting for you. I think, Link, you are the one he especially wanted to thank before the end. Let's go in."
King Rhoam was sitting up in bed with a doctor and two assistants standing beside him. He smiled when he saw them enter the room.
"Why Dorephan! I haven't seen you here since I don't know when maybe as far back as my coronation," said King Rhoam. "It's nice of you to come. And Link and Mipha, I'm happy to see you both too. You still carry that sword well, Link. We owe you so much, and I'm happy I have a chance to thank you again for all you've done for Hyrule and for taking such good care of my daughter way back then. I was always comforted in knowing we could call on you if we ever needed to. And Mipha, I know you have been a friend to my daughter, and she tells me how happy you and Link are. That's wonderful to know! I thank you all for coming."
"Rhoam, I'm sorry to hear about your health," said King Dorephan. "It doesn't seem that long ago to me you were a young prince visiting our Domain for the first time. Do you remember that? But you should be proud. You raised a wonderful daughter, a true leader. She will keep your kingdom safe and look out for your people. It is everything a King could wish for, to leave his kingdom in such capable hands when his time comes to leave this world."
Mipha looked over at her father. Those words were more than just words of comfort for King Rhoam. Those words were meant for her to hear as well.
"Yes, I take great comfort in that," said King Rhoam. "My Zelda is a remarkable daughter. I only wish her dear mother could have seen her grow to be the fine person she has become and the fine granddaughter she gave us as well. Soon I hope to tell her all about that myself. But I am too weak now for a long conversation, much as I would wish it. Let me give you my royal blessing, and I ask for your prayers as well."
The three of them knelt. King Rhoam raised his hand.
"In the name of the Royal Family of Hyrule, I pray that the blessings of Goddess Hylia be with you and that she looks after you for all the rest of your days," said King Rhoam.
Then they all rose.
"And now I would like to spend some private moments with my daughter," said King Rhoam. "I am glad I had this chance to see all of you once more. You have made my life the richer and happier for knowing all of you. I wish you well. And ... I think that's it. Farewell."
The three of them left the room leaving Zelda behind. It wasn't long before one of the assistants came outside and told them that King Rhoam had passed. They waited outside for Zelda to come out, which she did soon after, tears in her eyes. There was not much to be said other than a few words of comfort. Zelda was going to let her husband and daughter know. She said the funeral would be the day after tomorrow. Then she left to be with her family.
Link didn't feel like recording much for his journal at this time.
The news of King Rhoam's death went out. Village Elders and the former Champions who knew him all planned to attend the service. There would be a private service within the castle, then he would be interred with the other past Hyrule kings beneath the castle.
Zelda naturally spent her time with her family. She did not want many speeches at the service, but King Dorephan offered to speak, and as her father's oldest friend, Zelda agreed. Link offered to speak as well, but Zelda declined his offer. She knew how much he hated public speaking and that he was only doing it for her. But she said it wasn't necessary. It was, of course, a solemn occasion. The only thing about it Link recorded in his journal was King Dorephan's speech.
I will be brief since Queen Zelda requested speeches be kept to a minimum. But I feel I owe it to say a few words. We are here to pay a final tribute to a great King and someone I counted as a dear friend. He ruled through the most turbulent times in recent Hyrule history and always did what he believed was best for his people. He put his duty to his people above all else, even family. I first met him as a young prince just learning about the great land of Hyrule. His father had asked him to visit the various places in Hyrule and become acquainted with the people there. He wanted him to get to know Hyrule firsthand, not from reading about it. And so Prince Rhoam paid me a visit at Zora's Domain. We got along well from the outset. And those visits made him that much more comfortable when his time came to rule. I remember his and his wife's joy at the birth of their precious daughter, a child he had somewhat late in life. And I remember his grief at the passing of his dear wife, leaving him alone to raise a six-year-old girl. But what parent would not be proud of the fine daughter he raised? We hope and pray that King Rhoam will rest in peace, and that even now his spirit is sharing a kiss with the dear wife he missed so much. Let us pray for him as we say farewell.
Then the rest of the funeral proceeded, and King Rhoam was laid to rest. As was customary, a meal was provided after the service for the special guests, and it was a brief chance for Link to catch up with the former Champions he knew.
He spotted Daruk first. That was no surprise. Daruk was hard to miss. But he first wanted to say something to Zelda. He waited until she was free, then approached her.
"So sorry for your loss, Zelda," said Link.
Zelda reached out, and they hugged each other.
"Thank you," said Zelda. "Even though we could see this day coming as my father's health worsened, it is still hard to accept at the end. You know, he often spoke of you. He was so grateful for all you did to protect me and then help to save his kingdom. I sometimes had to remind him I played a role as well! But he liked you very much. In truth, I think at first he regretted you and I didn't grow closer and marry. But he eventually accepted your cousin, and he certainly loved his granddaughter."
"He was a good man and a noble king," said Link. "He had a difficult life, but he managed well, and he did his best for his people. What more can you ask?"
"Thank you. Well, I need to speak with the other guests," said Zelda. "I hope to see Mipha and you again soon under happier circumstances. Where is Mipha, by the way?"
"She's here somewhere with her father," said Link. "I want to catch up with a few people here. Then we probably should be going. Again, you have my sincerest condolences, Zelda. If you ever want to talk or reminisce, don't hesitate to let me know. You know how special you are to me and I always enjoy talking with you."
"Yes, thank you, Link," said Zelda. "I very well may take you up on that."
Zelda left, and Link went back to find some of the others. He spotted Daruk, Revali, and Urbosa talking together, while Mipha was across the room with her father. Link approached the three former Champions.
"Good to see all of you, though a sad occasion," said Link.
"Yes, and especially so for Zelda," said Urbosa. "How are you Link? Not much changed from our twentieth anniversary get together."
"Um, no, I guess not," said Link. "What is happening with all of you?"
"Still giving archery lessons at the flight school," said Revali. "It keeps me busy. And it turns out I am as good a teacher as I was a fighter. You should visit, Link. You would benefit from it."
"I'm sure I would!" laughed Link. "You were always the best at archery. And Daruk, how are you?"
"Same old, same old," said Daruk. "My son, Darno, is grown up now and Champion. I hope you meet him someday. I told him a lot of stories about you when he was a kid."
"I hope the reality will live up to your stories," laughed Link.
"Well, Darno felt pressured growing up, thinking he had to live up to everything I was. He's not quite as big as me, you see. So that's why I told him about you, that even a little guy like you could be a hero if you worked at it and didn't give up. You didn't have to be the biggest one around. I think it helped him. He sure learned Rudania faster than I did, that's for sure. But I hope he won't have to battle anyone. I'm happy we're all at peace now," said Daruk.
"Yes, that's certainly true," said Link. "And Urbosa, you are well?"
"Sarqso, yes," said Urbosa. "I'm still Chief and doing fine. My cousin, Baleria, is Gerudo Champion now though. She is quite an accomplished fighter, and I am very proud of her. I have been training her to take over when the time comes for me to step down. Where is Mipha, by the way?"
"She's across the room with her father," said Link. "It's pretty rare for her father to leave the Domain and I think she wants to stay with him to make sure he's alright."
"Well, we need to do all we can to help Zelda get over this loss," said Urbosa. "We should each offer to help."
"Of course," said Link. "But I think right now she wants to be with her family most of all. Later she may reach out to us for some company or to reminisce. I'll be ready."
There was not much more to be said. When people started to leave, King Dorephan, Mipha, and Link got together. They exchanged a few more farewells, then it was time to head home.
"He was a good person and did his best," said Link to Mipha as they made their way back to the Domain. "I know Zelda and he had their moments of disagreement, but it was his way of trying to put the interests of his people first. They got over all that later. He was always nice to me, and I realized what an honor it was for him to place his trust in me to protect his only child during those dangerous times. And he was quite knowledgeable about Hyrule. I have only good memories of him."
"Yes, he did his best," said Mipha. "But I feel for Zelda. I know what she is going through. When we get back, we should say a prayer at Hylia's shrine for King Rhoam as well as Zelda and her family."
"We will," said Link. "I pray there every day I can for all our blessings, and I will certainly add that."
"You're a good person, Link," said Mipha. "Your heart is pure. I'm so glad it's mine."
"It's all yours forever, sweetheart," said Link. "And all my love goes with it."
"And mine to you," said Mipha.
They kissed, then resumed the journey home.
