Life In Zora's Domain

by andremoi

An AU about Mipha’s and Link’s life together. The first fifteen chapters now incorporate the prequel stories 'His Future is in the Past' and 'Beginning Life in Zora's Domain', so this AU is self-contained in one story. If you've already read the prequels just jump to Chapter 1 - Studying. Cover art is by Nurple(twitter dot com/nurpleynurple) and used by permission.

127. Addition and Subtraction

Chapter 112 - Addition and Subtraction

Summary: Suspecting Link might be discovered, Zelda had Purah's department monitor Tab activity, and Purah decrypts a secret message. Young Link's wife, Tila, becomes pregnant. A Sheikah from North Hyrule turns up missing.

It was late in the evening of the day Link returned to Zora's Domain from Gerudo Town, and it was pouring rain again. Link had just finished telling his story at and after dinner with Mipha, Mila, Midon, and Lapha.

"When you began your return trip, did you remember to turn off the special Tab they gave you, Dad, as I asked you to?" said Midon.

"Yes, I remembered to do that when I boarded the PAT for the homeward trip," said Link.

"Are you sure no one followed you?" said Lapha.

"As sure as I could be," said Link. "Unless multiple people were working together, I'm pretty sure I wasn't, and I don't think there was time for anyone to set up a surveillance team like that. Afterward, I did regret something, though. I forgot that someone in the structure adjacent to the Noble Canteen could overhear my conversation with Banya. We should have spoken elsewhere, but it was hard to orchestrate that in the guise of taking her out for a drink."

"Well, that was a long but interesting story, and I haven't been sleeping well," said Mila. "Thank goodness tomorrow is the weekend! I need to flop the pool now. It's good to have you home again, Dad, really good."

Everyone rose and exchanged goodnight hugs, then went to their rooms. Link was finally alone with Mipha in their room, and he rushed to her and took her in his arms.

"I missed you so, so much, sweetheart," said Link as he held her close, and she held him, then she bent down, and they kissed several times.

"Join me in the water," laughed Mipha finally. "My neck and back are getting stiff!"

"Is it my fault that Zora's grow so tall?" laughed Link. "And I don't mind giving you a massage, by the way."

It was easier for them to kiss in the water since their heads floated at the same level. Link undressed and joined her in their slumber pool. The water was clean, clear, and refreshing, and he breathed a sigh of relief.

"I always miss you terribly when you're gone," said Mipha as she stroked his hair. "Did you think of me while you were away?"

"Of course I did," said Link as he gently massaged her neck. "I just couldn't Tab you as often as I would have liked. I, um, got caught up in the mission a bit more than I intended. Speaking of being tall, maybe it's their height, but Gerudo women can certainly handle their drinks a lot better than I can."

"Mila worried about you so much she couldn't sleep," said Mipha. "I hope you realize how much we all love you."

"Of course I do, sweetheart," said Link. "And I love all of you just as much."

"If you are going on any more missions, I want you to speak with Dr. Purah about the possibility of using her age reducing rune once again," said Mipha. "We both went to North Hyrule to help discover the key to that. She owes you her support."

"Seriously? You think that's necessary?" said Link. "I'm sure Purah would help if I asked her. She's just never been satisfied that she perfected that rune. She's not sure about possible side-effects, and she also told me there's no guarantee it would work a second time."

"I think it could be helpful," said Mipha. "Besides, you're passing me in age again. You told me you wanted to keep even with me."

"I do want to. How many years would I have to take off? I can never figure out equivalent Zora years because your growth rate fluctuates from age to age."

"I think you should take off ten years," said Mipha. "That would put you at twenty-two, which is probably a little bit younger than my equivalent age, but then you'll catch up with me again soon. You would be more alert and physically fit at that age too, which would be beneficial."

"Beneficial? Are you thinking about my combat ability or something else?" said Link.

"Very funny," said Mipha. "And before you give another smart answer, sweetheart, remember you're in the water with me now and still very ticklish."

Link laughed. Then he reached for her and pulled her close to him. She smiled that cute smile of hers, gazed into his eyes, and wrapped her arms around him.

"You are so adorably cute," said Link. "Of course, I missed you! And water feels so good after all that time in the desert. You'll laugh to learn I had trouble falling asleep in a bed. Well, the first night, at least when I hadn't had so much to drink. I'm too used to a Zora lifestyle now, sleeping in water."

"Water always feels better, doesn't it?" said Mipha as they kissed again. "Now, help me understand how much you missed me."

The next morning Link had a Tab call with Queen Zelda, which he took in their study. He gave Zelda a full report of what happened.

"That's all there is to report, Zelda," said Link. "It's clear the extra funds in the Gerudo economy are being used to pay for additional gems being mined in the Eldin Region by Hylians. But why that is the case is still a mystery."

"All right," said Zelda. "That's useful to confirm, and I appreciate your looking into it. I also enjoyed hearing about your adventures as a Vai and how lucky you were the other Hylian Voe didn't show up at the Kara Kara oasis. And, come to think of it, I guess he was lucky too. So, it seems the answer to the puzzle lies in the Eldin Region."

"Yes, that's how I see it," said Link. "And I am ready to investigate if you wish, Your Majesty."

"Thank you, Prince Link, perhaps when the time comes," said Zelda. "But I think we should wait to see if anything happens first. While I know you did your best to be careful, there are many eyes and ears in places like Gerudo Town. Your interest in this matter may not have gone unnoticed, though they may not know who you were. And I am sure Mipha and your family will not be thrilled about you going off again so soon."

"All very true, Zelda. Well, as you wish, then," said Link. "Please let me know if there is anything else I can do."

"You can be sure I will," said Zelda. "Until next time then. Give my regards to Mipha and your family."

Zelda ended the call, and Link went downstairs, where Mipha was waiting.

"So?" said Mipha.

"So, we wait and see what happens," said Link.

"Good!" said Mipha. "I like having you home. Now you should repeat your story for Father and Sidon. They need to be kept informed."

"Of course," said Link. "Let's go. I'm ready."

That morning Queen Zelda had her daily meeting with her older daughter and discussed Link's mission.

"What are our next steps, Mother?" asked Princess Zelda.

"I'm waiting to meet with Dr. Purah next," said Queen Zelda. "I requested her department monitor Tab communications from the Gerudo area while your uncle was on his mission. You should stay and join us."

"Was that appropriate, Mother, to monitor communications like that? What about people's privacy?"

"Dr. Purah has an automated way of reviewing messages transmitted through the Sheikah towers," said Queen Zelda. "Only something flagged as suspicious will be read, and only messages from near Gerudo Town or the Kara Kara oasis were collected. The logs are purged every three days, so I wanted her to check at once. Ah, here she is now. Welcome, Dr. Purah. Have you found anything suspicious?"

Purah was admitted to the meeting room and was eager to share her findings.

"We have found something, Your Majesty and Your Highness," said Purah. "There was an easily decoded encrypted message transmitted the second day Link was there. I think they used such a simple cipher because they did not expect to be discovered and had not yet bothered to establish a more secure code. Future transmissions may be more challenging to crack. Anyway, here are the decoded messages.

Purah shared the messages on her Tab.

From:4:To:1:: Someone in GT inquiring about gem sales. Suggest stopping for now to avoid scrutiny, though will take longer to raise needed funds. Eliminate anyone?

From:1:To:4::Agreed. Will stop for now. No. Take no further action.

"I just knew this was organized activity!" said Queen Zelda. "And this talk of eliminating someone makes whoever they are sound quite ruthless. So, we have a secret group amassing funds, and that's where the missing Rupees are going. Can you determine anything else, Dr. Purah?"

"Only that the message originated in Gerudo Town, and the reply originated in the Eldin region, Your Majesty," said Purah.

"It seems Uncle Link was detected, and he failed in keeping his mission a secret," said Princess Zelda. "Perhaps he is getting too old for fieldwork, Mother?"

"Yes, he was detected, but I don't believe he's too old," said Queen Zelda shaking her head. "I know his skills are more with combat than in being stealthy, but I trust him completely, and he has vast experience. His loyalty to me and our land is unmatched. Who else would you send in his place?"

"His Hylian son, perhaps?" said Princess Zelda. "He is also brave, loyal, and skilled."

"Yes, he is, but he lacks his father's field experience. Remember that both you and he had the luxury of growing up in a largely peaceful Hyrule in no small part thanks to your uncle Link. But the matter is done now, and there is no point in second-guessing things now. The question is what to do next."

"The Eldin Region can be difficult to monitor, Your Majesty," said Purah. "The high heat there plays havoc with drones. And there are many mines and tunnels there as well. Perhaps the Gorons could keep an eye out?"

"Yes, I will speak to their ambassador," said Queen Zelda. "If anything else occurs to you, Dr. Purah, please let me know."

"Of course, Your Majesty and Your Highness," said Purah bowing and then leaving.

"Why would someone be amassing Rupees, Mother?" asked Princess Zelda.

"I don't know," said Queen Zelda. "To fund a project, to bribe people, to purchase equipment or supplies, it's hard to say. But it's worrisome. I hope we can deal with it before it gets too far along."

"Can you not send our army to the Eldin Region to search for these people, Mother?"

"Eldin is a vast area with a hostile climate," said Queen Zelda. "Without a more specific objective, it would be a waste of resources. Plus, it would leave the rest of Hyrule undefended. No, we need to learn something more specific before taking such drastic action. But you should speak to your cousin Link about this matter and the need for the Royal Guard to be aware of it."

"I'll do that at once," said Princess Zelda. "I know this is his day off, but I'm sure he won't mind, and this could be important."

Young Link and Tila were resting in their pool when Tila awoke and looked over at her still sleeping husband. It was the weekend, and they could both sleep late. Tila wanted to pick the right moment to share the exciting news but wasn't sure when that should be. When he first woke up? After a meal? While they were out for a swim or a walk? Maybe anytime was good enough. She couldn't wait to see his reaction. Would he be as excited and happy as she was? Or would he feel like it was all coming too soon? They had already discussed it and agreed that waiting too long was not a good idea. But that was theoretical. Now nature had taken over, and this was actual.

"Link, sweetheart, wake up," said Tila finally.

Link opened his eyes, then smiled at her.

"You are so beautiful to wake up to," said Link. "I love you."

"I love you, too," said Tila. "Are you fully awake?"

"Yes, of course," said Link. "Is something wrong?"

"No, just the opposite," said Tila smiling. "I wanted to be the first to congratulate you."

"Congratulate me? … Oh! You don't mean…?"

"I do mean," said Tila. "You're going to be a father!"

"Oh, Hylia! That is so wonderful, sweetheart!" exclaimed Link as he reached out, then hugged and kissed her.

"You're sure?" said Link.

"Umm-hmm," said Tila. "In about two months, we'll have a baby hatchling to raise. I'm pretty sure it's a Zora."

"Whatever, I'm thrilled," said Link. "Tila, you are just amazing! My life with you gets better every day!"

"Well, you helped make this day, too, sweetheart," laughed Tila. "Now, we should get up and share the news with our families."

"Yes! This is fantastic news!" said Link.

Just then, Link's Tab went off, and he could see it was Princess Zelda.

"Oh! It's the Princess," said Link as he answered.

Link listened as Princess Zelda spoke.

"Yes, of course, Your Highness, right away," said Link, then the call ended.

"What is it?" said Tila.

"The Princess said she needs to meet with me briefly, something urgent," said Link. "There is some possible new danger that the Royal Guard needs to be aware of."

"Link, the last thing I need is you exposed to more danger now," said Tila. "You promised me when this day came that you would seek another position so we could raise our child at home."

"I know, and I'll tell the Princess," said Link. "Trust me, sweetheart."

While Link made his way to see Princess Zelda, Tila called her sister Faray.

"Hi, Ti," said Faray. "This is a bit early for you on the weekend, isn't it?"

"I'm too excited to sleep, Fa," said Tila. "I'm carrying a fertile egg!"

"Oh! Tila! That's wonderful!" said Faray.

"I know! I'm so excited! I just told Link, and he is thrilled too," said Tila.

"Is he there with you?" said Faray. "Let me congratulate him too."

"Princess Zelda needed to see him," said Tila. "He'll be back soon. And he promised me he would make some arrangements so we can raise our child at our domains."

"I am truly happy for you, Ti," said Faray. "I hope you can come home soon. I miss you, dear sister, especially now, after, well, you know. Anyway, give my love to Link and remind him he is always welcome here. This is his home as much as anyplace now."

"I will, Fa," said Tila. "Talk to you later."

Tila ended the call, then looked around the apartment. It had been fun living here, and they had some sweet memories of time together at Hyrule Castle and Castle Town. They had dated here before they married after Link joined the army. But now she wanted her child to grow up with Zoras.

Meanwhile, Link made his way to where Princess Zelda received visitors and entered.

"You wished to see me, Your Highness?" said Link.

"Yes, and you can dispense with formalities, Link," said Princess Zelda. "It was some work your father did that led to the discovery there is a group in the Eldin Region doing something secretive that requires a good deal of Rupees. We just need the Royal Guard to be aware of this and enhance their security."

"I will be sure to make that happen, Your High…Zelda," said Link. "But something has come up that changes my situation. Tila just told me she is expecting a child in two months."

"Oh! Congratulations, Link! That is wonderful news," said Zelda. "I'm very happy for you and Tila. Have you told anyone else?"

"No, I haven't even had a chance to tell my parents," said Link. "I found out just before your call. But I promised Tila that I would seek a way for me to be with her back home so we can raise our child there. So…."

"You don't need to say anymore, Link, I understand completely," said Zelda. "I will speak to Mother about this. I am sure we can work out something suitable. But while I am happy for you, I must tell you I will miss your company. We've shared a lot of moments, you and I, since we were just kids. I'll never forget your bravery and loyalty, as well as the good time we had that summer you spent here. It was so funny when you showed up that snotty swimming instructor! He said later that you swam like a fish!"

"That was funny! But thank you, Zelda, I have fond memories as well, and I will miss you, too," said Link. "Perhaps someday I can serve you directly again, and it would be my honor to have that opportunity. You know I remain your loyal servant. It's just that this is a special time for Tila and me."

"Yes, I realize that," said Zelda. "I know you are still here for a while, but let me hug you in congratulations for the happy news and in gratitude for all you've done for me."

Zelda stood, and they embraced.

"No, go home and enjoy this special time with your lovely wife," said Princess Zelda. "And give her my love and congratulations. I will speak to Mother and make arrangements for you."

"Thank you, Zelda," said Link. Then he bowed and left the room.

Zelda began to reach for her Tab to call her mother and share the news, then smiled and thought better of it, realizing she should wait. Her mother would immediately call Link's father to congratulate him before his son even had a chance to tell him first. Just then, Astra entered.

"Daydreaming about Randall, Zel?" asked Astra.

"No, I wasn't," said Zelda. "But, I know something special about our family you don't."

"Which means you can't wait to tell me, right?" said Astra laughing.

"Cousin Link is going to be a father! Can you believe it?" said Zelda.

"Oh, wow!" said Astra. "So that will be another cousin in the family, right? It's getting too confusing, Zel. Did you tell Mom?"

"No, I need to give cousin Link a chance to tell his parents first," said Zelda. "What are you doing here anyway, Astra? Don't you have lessons now?"

"It's the weekend, silly, did you forget?" said Astra. "And you're supposed to take me apple picking."

"Oh, yes, sorry, I did forget," said Zelda. "The news about cousin Link startled me. He's three months younger than me, and he's already married and starting a family. Are you ready?"

"If you are, Zel," said Astra. "The guards are waiting. And this time actually pick some apples with me. Don't spend all your time Tabbing Randall."

Meanwhile, Link returned to their apartment.

"Well?" said Tila.

"I need to organize the Royal Guards to provide enhanced security," said Link. "There is some threat originating in the Eldin Region. But the Princess is going to speak to Her Majesty about my position and work something out."

"That's perfect, sweetheart," said Tila as she embraced him, and they kissed.

"I am so happy," said Link. "You've made my life wonderful!"

"I told you I would," said Tila as she pulled him close and they kissed again. "Now you had better call your family. I already told Faray."

"Oh, yes!" said Link. He put through a call to Mipha.

"Hi Mom, is Dad there too?" said Link.

"Yes, he's right here," said Mipha. "Is everything alright?"

"Yes, everything is fine, but could you put the call on speaker?" said Link.

Mipha did so, and then young Link spoke up again.

"Tila is expecting a child in two months, Mom and Dad," said Link. "You're going to be grandparents."

"Oh! That's wonderful news! Congratulations to you both!" said Mipha.

"Yes, congratulations," said Link. "I can't wait to have another little one in the family."

"Will you and Tila be coming home soon?" said Mipha. "We would love to celebrate with you both."

"I'll try," said Link. "I need to take care of some things here today."

Link mouthed tomorrow to Tila with a questioning look, and she nodded.

"We can be there tomorrow if that's alright," said young Link.

"Of course, it's alright," said Mipha. "You even have to ask? Our home will always be your and Tila's home whenever you want it to."

"Then we'll plan on being there tomorrow," said Link. "Love you both."

"Love you too," said Mipha and Link together.

Then they ended the call.

"Well, that is great news," said Mipha. "I know Tila has been anxious to start a family soon."

"Yes," said Link. "And now we're going to be grandparents. Where in the name of Hylia did the time go?"

"We lived it, sweetheart," said Mipha. "And we still are. Being grandparents is just another chapter in our lives together. And I plan to enjoy it as much as all the others. Come on. A swim always helps when you start feeling old."

"A swim with you does," laughed Link. "Either kind of swim."

"Oh, I can't wait to get you in the water, sweetheart!" laughed Mipha. "You're going to be begging me to stop tickling you."

Meanwhile, in the North Hyrule Sheikah community, Sheikah apprentice scientist Aldora was growing upset as she waited in the academy lounge. She was the apprentice to senior scientist Grendon, and she recalled how excited she was when she first drew the assignment after graduation. Grendon was reputed to be brilliant, though perhaps a bit eccentric, someone you could learn a great deal from.

But her apprenticeship had been a disaster. Grendon, it turned out, did not like having an apprentice at all, though the community rules required it. He ended up being very difficult to work with and never shared what he was working on with her. All he did was cover basic science, most of which she had already studied. Nevertheless, she had to put up with him for the rest of her one-year apprenticeship. After that, she would be a full-fledged scientist of her own and could move on.

Aldora consulted her Tab again. It was not uncommon for him to be late, but it was over an hour now. She had Tabbed him three times to see if perhaps something had come up, and they needed to reschedule, but her messages had gone unanswered. Finally, she had had enough and decided to seek him out. She made her way to his room and knocked. There was no answer, but trying the door, she found it open. And then it was her mouth that opened. The room was empty, save only for some clothing and Grendon's Tab lying on the desk. She wasn't sure what it meant, but she needed to see the Chief. Making her way to the central area, she located Chief Saldon.

"Master Saldon, I know something is wrong. Master Grendon is gone, and only his Tab and some clothing remain in his room," said Aldora.

"What!? When did you first notice this, Aldora?" said Saldon.

"Just now, this morning," said Aldora. "I was scheduled to have my usual morning meeting with Master Grendon, but he did not arrive. I went to his room looking for him."

"He left his Tab? That's very odd," said Saldon. "What were you two working on together?"

"We two were not working on anything together, Master," said Aldora. "Master Grendon resented having an apprentice assigned to him, and as much as told me so more than once. He did not share his research work with me, claiming it was too dangerous and too sensitive. He only gave me basic science instruction."

"Yes, I heard something about his attitude," said Saldon. "I'm sorry about that, Aldora. I know Grendon is a bit of an eccentric, but he is quite brilliant. Did he say nothing at all about what he was working on?"

"Only that it required a lot of resources, Master Saldon," said Aldora.

"All right, I will send out an alert," said Saldon. "Given how senior a researcher Grendon was, I had better alert Her Majesty as well. Is there anything else you can tell me, Aldora?"

"No, nothing, Master Saldon," said Aldora.

"If you think of anything else, please let me know at once," said Saldon.

Saldon sent out a general message to all North Hyrule Sheikah to search for Grendon wherever they were, then thought for a few moments. He decided he should report this incident to their ruler in person. He made his way to the North Hyrule domain and requested an audience with Queen Faray. A guard relayed his request.

"The Sheikah Chief, Saldon, wishes to see you, Your Majesty," said the guard.

"Please, admit him at once," said Faray.

"Your Majesty," said Saldon bowing. "Forgive this sudden interruption, but something urgent has come up, and I need to make you aware of it. One of our scientists, Grendon, has gone missing. He did not show up this morning for a meeting with his apprentice, and when we searched for him, we found only his Tab. We have so far been unable to locate him. I wanted to tell you in person since such a thing has never happened before, and we could use your help."

"I'm sorry to hear that, Saldon," said Faray. "Do you suspect foul play? I can alert everyone here to be on the lookout for him as well."

"I do not know if there was foul play," said Saldon. "It's possible Grendon left of his own accord. But why and where to we have no idea."

Faray looked closely at Saldon, and he averted his eyes under the gaze of her penetrating golden eyes.

"You're not telling me everything, are you, Saldon?" said Faray. "Trust between our two races has always been the foundation of our relationship."

"Yes, you're right, Your Majesty," said Saldon. "Forgive me, but I hoped we could clear matters up without getting into the subject. It seems Grendon was working on something he considered secret and dangerous. He took all his research notes with him, however."

"Something secret and dangerous?" said Faray. "Why was he doing that?"

"I do not know," said Saldon. "But the fact he disappeared worries me."

"All right," said Faray. "This is more serious than a simple missing scientist. Do you know anything at all about what he was working on?"

"Not really," said Saldon. "Grendon had an apprentice, Aldora, who said Grendon was always complaining he lacked resources to advance his research. He took on an apprentice only grudgingly and shared nothing with her. He told Aldora his project was too sensitive and dangerous, and he could not share any details with her."

"I see," said Faray. "I will ask our guards to help search for him."

"Thank you, Your Majesty," said Saldon. "And let us hope for the best."

"Please keep me informed," said Faray. "Use the NHC3 code for Tab communication with me from now on."

"Very well, Your Majesty, NHC3," said Saldon as he bowed then left the meeting.

Faray sat and thought for a moment. Then she decided she should alert Queen Zelda. Perhaps this Grendon person had indeed made his way to Hyrule. But if so, where did he go? And who was working with him and why?