Chapter 114 - Royal Couple
Summary: Lieutenant Randall proposes to Princess Zelda. Lapha discusses a brief conversation she had with missing scientist Grendon. Tara's lungs develop enough to spend more time out of water. A body is found in the Eldin Region.
"That was magnificent!" said Princess Zelda as she and Lieutenant Randall stood with the rest of the audience and applauded at the end of the concert. After the cheers and applause ended, they made their way out of the concert hall.
"Do you have time for a short walk, Zelda?" asked Randall as he reached out to take her hand.
"Of course, I'd love to," said Zelda as she smiled and gently squeezed his hand. "It feels good to walk after sitting for so long."
It was a mild summer evening as they walked together toward the park, holding hands.
"I hope you enjoyed the concert as much as I did," said Randall.
"The music was beautiful and quite moving in places," said Zelda. "Thank you for taking me."
"I'm just happy you had time for me," said Randall. "It seems you're always so busy these days, and when you're not busy, it seems I am."
"Duty calls for both of us, I guess," sighed Zelda. "I do need to help my parents, especially my mother. But I'm glad you're back from your extended patrol in the Hebra region. I missed you when you were so far away."
"I missed you too," said Randall.
They continued to walk silently through the park.
"It's a beautiful night, not a cloud in the sky," said Zelda looking up at the moon and stars.
"Yes, it is," said Randall.
A mild breeze shook the leaves and ruffled Zelda's soft blonde hair slightly as they continued their walk. Sunset Fireflies glowed near the trees on their left, and a pair of squirrels chased each other up a nearby tree. The three-quarter moon illuminated the path making it easy to see their way.
Zelda looked over at Randall, and he was looking down at the ground and seemed lost in thought. He had been quieter than usual for most of the evening, and it was clear to her that something must be bothering him.
"What's on your mind, Randall? You've been so quiet all evening, and not your usual cheerful self."
"Oh, is it that obvious?" said Randall.
"It is to me!" laughed Zelda. "We're not exactly strangers, are we? But it's fine if you don't want to talk about it. It's getting late anyway. We should turn around and start heading back before the Royal Guard sends out a search party for me."
"Yes, all right," said Randall. "I need to return, as well. We are supposed to be back in the officer's quarters by eleven o'clock, and I don't want to set a bad example or use you as an excuse for getting special treatment."
They turned around and began walking back toward the Castle, finally reaching the entrance that led to Zelda's room.
"Well, here is where I go in, and we need to say goodnight," said Zelda. "I think it's too late for my sister to be spying on us. Her bedroom window is just over there, and she's probably asleep by now. Goodnight, Randall, and thank you."
They embraced and held a long and passionate kiss, then kissed several more times. Finally, Randall pulled back and took a deep breath.
"Um, Zelda," said Randall nervously, taking her hand. "Can you please give me a moment before you go in? I've wanted to ask you something."
Randall's hand felt cold and clammy and shook slightly.
"You're shaking, sweetheart! Are you cold?"
"No, no, it's not that," said Randall. "I don't know how to do this as it happens in stories, though I wanted this moment to be special. So, I will just come out and say it."
Then Randall knelt on one knee as he held her hand.
"Princess Zelda, I love you with all my heart. I think of you during the day, and I dream of you at night. I miss you every moment we're apart. I want to spend my life with you if you will have me. What I'm trying to say, Princess, is will you marry me?"
Zelda caught her breath.
"Oh! Is that why you've been so quiet and nervous?" said Zelda as she broke into a smile. "You didn't need to be, sweetheart. Yes, Lieutenant Randall, I'll happily marry you! I love you with all my heart too!"
"Oh, Hylia! Will you? You will?" said Randall bursting into a big smile and standing up.
Then they reached out and held each other tightly as they shared another long kiss.
"Yes, I will, sweetheart," laughed Zelda finally. "Did you expect me to say no?"
"I didn't know what to expect, sweetheart, whether you would say no or maybe say you weren't ready yet, or something like that," said Randall. "I'm so relieved and so delighted. I don't know what else to say now other than that I love you and I promise I'll be the best husband to you."
"I'm counting on that, sweetheart!" laughed Zelda. "I'm so happy I don't know what to say either. And don't worry, you made the moment special for me. I know we'll be happy together, and I'm so excited now I won't be able to sleep. I can't wait to tell my family!"
Then Zelda reached out, and they embraced and kissed again.
"It's late, though, and I need to go, or the Royal Guards really will be dragging me inside," said Zelda. "I love you, sweetheart, and I will forever cherish this beautiful moment. Sweet dreams and goodnight."
"Goodnight," said Randall. "I love you, and I don't think I'll be sleeping much either! I've never felt happier!"
They embraced and kissed once again, then Zelda ran back to her room as Randall left to return to the officer's quarters.
Zelda did have trouble sleeping, and when morning came, she rushed to the family breakfast. Before anyone had a chance to say good morning, she blurted out the news.
"Randall proposed to me last night, and I said yes!" exclaimed Zelda out of breath. "We're going to be married!"
Zelda embraced her mother first.
"Oh, that's wonderful, sweetheart, I'm so happy for you!" said Queen Zelda as she hugged her.
"Yes, sweetheart, I'm very happy for you too," said Rudin hugging her next and kissing his daughter on the cheek.
"Finally!" said Astra. "What took you two so long?"
"Now, be nice, Astra," said Queen Zelda. "You can't rush these kinds of things. Both people have to be ready."
"I guess," said Astra. "But congratulations, Zel."
"Thank you," said Princess Zelda. "I'm still giddy and a bit light-headed. I didn't sleep much at all last night."
"I can see that! I'll reschedule my staff meeting this afternoon for tomorrow as it's not that pressing. Then we can begin discussing wedding plans," said Queen Zelda. "Please invite Randall and his parents to join us for afternoon tea if they can."
"Yes, gladly, Mother," said Princess Zelda. "Randall and his parents are a bit intimidated by you and Father, but I will try my best to put them at ease."
"And so will we, sweetheart," said Rudin. "We want them to feel part of the family."
"And I'll put them at ease too, Zel, and tell them all about you," said Astra.
"Astra, remember what I said about sisters," said Zelda. "I expect you to live up to that."
"Don't worry, Sis," said Astra. "I'm just teasing you."
"Now, you need to eat something, sweetheart, and then I want you to go back to your room and take a nap," said Queen Zelda. "You need to rest. Otherwise, I'll have to do all the wedding planning myself, and you may regret it!"
"Of course, Mother," laughed Zelda. "I'm so happy!"
Everyone sat back down to breakfast.
Meanwhile, in Zora's Domain, Lapha was on a Tab call with Sheikah Apprentice Scientist Aldora.
"I'm sorry I didn't contact you sooner, Mistress Lapha," said Aldora. "I only just recently learned in conversation with Dr. Purah that you also had some dealings with our missing scientist, Master Grendon."
"Yes, I understand," said Lapha. "And I only just recently learned Grendon was the scientist who went missing. I've been away from Hyrule Castle for a while, and the details hadn't reached me. How can I assist you, Aldora?"
"I have been collecting whatever information I can about what Master Grendon may have been working on before he disappeared," said Aldora. "Unfortunately, I have little to show for my efforts. Did Master Grendon ever discuss his work with you?"
"Not really," said Lapha. "He and I did meet briefly once when I was visiting your land with my sister. He said he had heard I was seeking a way to cure disease, and he was interested in how far my research had come. So, I explained what I had learned so far, and he agreed with my findings. Then we discussed some obstacles that one would need to overcome."
"I see," said Aldora. "Did you get the impression that curing disease was Master Grendon's current area of research?"
"No, I couldn't go so far as to say that," said Lapha. "We also talked about several other topics that interested him, not all of them scientific."
"Can you give me some examples, Mistress?" said Aldora.
"Well, let me see," said Lapha. "We discussed efforts to control the weather, what Zora's perceived underwater, how did I like working with Dr. Purah and what did I think of her, how did my father become so skilled in combat, what is it like to live in Hyrule."
"That's interesting," said Aldora. "Do you recall if anything he said sounded unusual?"
"Let me think," said Lapha as she paused to reflect. "No, I'm sorry, nothing like that comes to mind."
"Well, thank you, Mistress Lapha," said Aldora. "I appreciate your help, and if you recall anything else, please let me know."
"I certainly will, Aldora," said Lapha. "I wish you success in your efforts."
They ended the call, and Lapha sat thinking for a few moments about her conversation with Grendon, then shook her head and resumed her work.
Meanwhile, just outside the house, Tila and Mipha had taken Tara swimming in Mikau Lake. Tara had been chasing after the fish there but was still not quite agile enough to catch one.
"Her swimming is coming along very nicely, Tila," said Mipha as she watched Tara swim. "Her fins are nice and firm and her strokes smooth. She's not only beautiful but strong and healthy."
"She is, isn't she?" said Tila beaming with pleasure. "But it's no wonder with all she eats! I think she's finally starting to tire, though."
"Yes, it looks that way," said Mipha as Tara was slowing down.
"Here, you can hold her now, Mother, if you like," said Tila as she picked up Tara and handed her to Mipha. "Her lungs are also developing nicely, and she can stay out of the water for some time now."
Tara rested her head on Mipha's shoulder and put her arms around Mipha's neck as Mipha gently stroked Tara's tail fin. Then Tara sighed and nestled her head closer to Mipha's, closing her eyes.
"She is so adorable, Tila," whispered Mipha. "I don't want to ever put her down!"
"Hold her as long as you like," laughed Tila. "She's gotten very close to you with all the time you spend with her. And I'm so grateful how caring the whole family has been with her. She's blessed with so much love, and I can see we made the right decision to raise her here."
"She's fast asleep now," whispered Mipha. "Let me carry her back to your slumber pool. She'll rest comfortably there."
They left the water of the lake and made their way indoors. When they reached Tila and Link's room, Mipha gently placed Tara in the slumber pool. She didn't awaken, and they stayed to wait until Tara's gills automatically took over her breathing. Then they quietly went to the kitchen.
"Has she spoken much yet to you and Link?" said Mipha.
"Just sounds," said Tila. "But we talk to her all we can, and she understands which of us is Momma and Dada. She just needs to form the words."
"That's wonderful," said Mipha. "She's still quite young to be speaking."
"Tara has brought out another side of my husband I never saw," said Tila. "It's so cute watching him play with her. You can tell he just adores her, the way he holds her in his arms and kisses her so affectionately. And he talks to her and plays in the water with her. He's like a child again himself."
"I know what you mean," said Mipha. "My husband was the same way with ours. Mila is still very attached to him."
"Really?" said Tila. "That's amazing. My sister Faray wants to visit again. She keeps pushing for us to take Tara there, and we will when she's a bit older, but still only to visit. I believe Tara will be better off growing up here amidst her family, and that's what's most important to Link and me."
"Whatever you both feel is best," said Mipha. "Now, how about a nice Hyrule Bass for lunch? I have two ready to eat."
"Yummy!" said Tila. "Since living here, I've come to appreciate freshwater fish more."
Meanwhile, Link and his son Link were sitting at Veiled Falls and talking.
"Any words of advice, Dad?" said young Link.
"About being a father?" said Link.
"Yes," said young Link.
"I'm no expert," said Link. "All I know is that I've always tried to do the right thing in life. I pray to the Goddess each day in gratitude for the life I've had and for the well being of all of you. I also pray for Hylia's guidance. I don't think I can teach you anything more. You've already learned all you need to."
"I've tried to live up to that," said young Link. "But you're the proverbial tough act to follow, Dad. At first, I felt bad that I wasn't chosen by the sword that seals the darkness, and thought perhaps you might be disappointed in me. But I've gotten over it now."
"No, no, I'm not disappointed at all!" said Link. "It's not a competition, son, and being chosen by the sword is not something you can control. I never wanted you or any of my children to have the hard kind of life I did. I was happy the sword didn't choose you. The sword requires you to dedicate yourself to it, and it consumes you in a way, takes over your life. The burden of trying to live up to all it expected of me turned me into a different person, solitary and morose. It put a great strain on my relationship with your mother. Be grateful you have a happier life. You've found love with a fine wife and a beautiful daughter now. Live every moment in Hylia's grace and in caring for your family. You need to teach your child the same thing and help them to grow to be the fine person you and Tila are. That goal will guide you as to what you should do. And I couldn't be more proud of you, son. You've done very well and will continue to do so, I'm sure."
"Thanks, Dad," said Link. "You and Mom have been my role models, and my sisters and brother have been very supportive. I owe whatever I am to my wonderful family."
Young Link paused, and they both sat quietly, listening to the sound of the waterfall and watching its splashing. Then young Link spoke up again.
"How did you feel raising Zora children?" said young Link.
"I never thought of it," said Link. "They were just my children, and I loved them the same as I do you. Their race never entered into my thoughts."
"I feel the same way," said young Link.
They sat quietly for another moment, staring at the waterfall.
"What about Astra? Do you think she will ever learn the truths about you?" said young Link.
Link looked over at his son.
"I don't know," said Link. "And I leave that to Hylia. It was her doing that somehow brought Astra into this world, and Hylia must be looking out for her for some special reason. If it is the wish of the Goddess that she learns who I am, so be it. If not, I'm fine with that as well. I don't feel it is my place to interfere with her family situation."
"No, of course. I understand," said young Link. "But I couldn't help but think of her as my sister after you told us what happened. Anyway, my lips are sealed, as we all promised. Let's get back. I miss Tara."
Link laughed.
"I don't blame you," said Link. "She's adorable, and you and Tila are truly blessed. Let's go."
"I'm glad I'm home again with you and Mom," said young Link as they began walking home. "It just feels right to me, and Tila has been happy as well."
"This is your home and always will be whenever you wish," said Link. "And we love having you, Tila and Tara here with us. It's given Mom and me a lot of pleasure. You know Mom wasn't used to a child leaving home so soon, subconsciously forgetting you're a Hylian. She loves that you're back again. And of course, so do I."
"Thanks, Dad," said young Link smiling.
It was a week later that the formal announcement and wedding invitations arrived, as such things were still communicated by physical mail. There were two separate invitations addressed to Mipha and Link and the other to Tila and Link. The enclosed card announced the upcoming wedding of Lieutenant Randall and Princess Zelda in one month. Aside from the formal announcement, there was also a small note from Queen Zelda in Mipha's letter and Princess Zelda in Tila's.
Dearest Mipha and Link,
Our children are indeed growing up! I hope you will be able to attend, and bring as many of the family as you wish. We have plenty of room, and it should be a great party. We will all be thrilled to have you there. And you owe me another wedding party dance, Link. Will this be our fourth? Don't feel the need to obtain a gift as Zelda and Randall have insisted everyone's presence is gift enough. Hope to see you soon!
Love, Zelda
Dear Tila and Link,
I hope you can both attend my special day. I would love to share it with you as you have been very special to me, especially you, Link. Feel free to bring your lovely daughter, Tara, if you can. Mother has been sharing some pictures your Father sent of her, and she is so beautiful! If she is still too small to travel, I hope you can both attend anyway. Your apartment is available for your use while here, and I dearly hope to see you! And please do not get us a gift. Our gift will be seeing you.
Love, Zelda
Tila and Link felt Tara was still too small to make the trip, but agreed to attend, as did Mipha and Link. The rest of the family would take care of Tara while they were gone.
As the weeks went by, wedding preparations took center stage at Hyrule Castle. Food and drink were ordered, decorations prepared, musicians reserved, accommodations for guests arranged, and so on. The Royal Guard also stepped up their security arrangements, and young Link received several Tab calls seeking his advice. Though he had been reassigned as Zora liaison officer now, he was still consulted on occasion based on his Royal Guard experience.
Finally, the big day came, and everyone arrived at Hyrule Castle. As they entered, one of the guards spoke up, addressing young Link.
"Captain Link, Sir, welcome back!" said Arnold. "We've missed you, Sir. But I understand congratulations are in order on your and Princess Tila's lovely daughter."
"Yes, thank you, Arnold, and I hope all is well with you," said young Link. "You've met Tila, but I don't think you've ever met my mother and father, Princess Mipha and Link."
"I'm very honored, your highness and Captain Link, Sir," said Arnold. "Of course, I know who you both are from studying history. But I must say you look much younger than I expected! Anyway, welcome, and I hope you enjoy the festivities."
Mipha and Link thanked him, then they entered the Castle and were directed to the chapel.
"I'm glad historical figures like us still look young," said Link.
"You know what he meant," said Mipha as she took his hand. "We are historical figures, and we are still young. Isn't that wonderful?"
At Princess Zelda's request, the wedding was not a large affair. Only family and dignitaries, as well as close friends of Zelda and Randall, were invited.
Mipha, Link, Tila, and young Link were seated in the second row, just behind Astra and Queen Zelda in the first row. Rudin would walk Zelda down the aisle, then sit with his family as well. Randall's family was on the opposite side of the aisle, and Randall was standing at the front, waiting for the ceremony to begin.
"I'm so happy you could come," said Queen Zelda turning to them.
"We wouldn't miss it for the world, Your Majesty," said Link.
"Hi Uncle Link, Aunt Mipha, Cousins Tila and Link," said Astra, also turning around. "This is exciting. I've never seen Zel so happy!"
Then Astra and Queen Zelda turned around again.
"I can't wait to do some dancing with you again," said Mipha to Link. "We really should dance more often."
"Yes, I agree," said Link. "It's just that the dances at our Domain these days cater to the young and play the music they like. I don't know how to dance to it and think I look silly. But we can figure something out. Let's promise each other to do it."
"Mom's right, Dad," said young Link. "It's not that hard, and you're both still young. Tila will tell you I'm no great dancer either, but we make time to do it."
"Shhh. It looks like the ceremony is about to start," said Mipha.
The musicians had struck up a wedding march, and soon Rudin and his daughter could be seen walking down the aisle. Zelda looked beautiful and elegant in her white wedding gown and golden Tiara that contained a Triforce symbol representing Hylia, and a sapphire, ruby, and emerald representing Nayru, Din, and Farore respectively. Some guests were snapping pictures with their Tabs as they passed by.
When they reached the front, Rudin kissed his daughter, and they embraced.
"Thank you, Father," whispered Zelda. "I love you."
"I love you, too, sweetheart," said Rudin.
Then Rudin handed her off to Randall and sat down. Zelda and Randall smiled at each other, then faced the official who would perform the ceremony. After the official reminded everyone to be silent, Randall and Zelda repeated the marriage oath.
"I, Randall, take you, Zelda, to be my wife. I promise before Hylia to be faithful to you and to love and honor you all the days of my life."
Next, it was Zelda's turn.
"I, Zelda, take you, Randall, to be my husband. I promise before Hylia to be faithful to you and to love and honor you all the days of my life."
Then the official spoke.
"Having exchanged wedding vows and promised before Hylia to be true to each other, I now declare Prince Randall and Princess Zelda to be husband and wife. Congratulations!"
Zelda and Randall kissed, and the crowd erupted into applause.
"They're a beautiful couple," said young Link.
"They are," said Tila. "And I can read how happy they both are. May Nayru bless them."
Everyone then moved to the banquet hall, where there would be food and dancing. But first, they joined the receiving line there to congratulate the newlyweds and the two families.
"Zelda, you look stunning, congratulations to you and Prince Randall," said Link as he hugged Princess Zelda and then shook Randall's hand.
"Thank you, Aunt Mipha, Uncle Link," said Zelda. "And, thank you both so much for coming."
Mipha and Link then greeted Randall's family.
"I'm glad to finally meet Prince Rudin's side of the family," said Randall's mother, Ralia.
"Yes, though, of course, we've heard so much about you," said Randall's Father, Rolland.
"Hopefully, all good," said Link shaking his hand. "But we are very pleased to meet you and welcome to the family."
By then, Tila and young Link were greeting Zelda and Randall.
"Congrats to both of you," said young Link. "It was a lovely ceremony."
"Yes, everything was perfect," said Tila.
"Thank you both so much for coming," said Zelda as she hugged young Link and then Tila. "I don't know how you were able to tear yourself away from that beautiful little girl of yours. I can't wait to meet her in person. Please enjoy yourself."
And when all the guests had finished going through the receiving line and offered their congratulations, the musicians played the first dance for the newlyweds, then dances for close family. Finally, the dance floor was opened up for all the guests.
"Let's go," said Link to Mipha. "I don't care how I look. I want to have fun with you."
"That's the right attitude," laughed Mipha. "Keep thinking young!"
They made their way to the dance floor and began dancing. When the musicians finally played a slow song, Link took Mipha in his arms, and they kissed as they slowly moved to the music.
"If I close my eyes now, I can see you in my arms on our wedding day," said Link. "And you're just as beautiful now. I feel so blessed to be with you."
"And I feel blessed to be with you," said Mipha as she squeezed him. "See, dancing brings out the best in you. We definitely must do it more often."
"We will, I promise," said Link. "How about another kiss?"
Then they closed their eyes, held each other, and danced.
Meanwhile, Tila and young Link were also on the dance floor. Link pulled Tila close as he wrapped his arms around her, and she put both hands around his neck and pulled his face to her's for a kiss.
"I love you, sweetheart, I love you so, so much," said Tila after their kiss ended, and she began to rub her nails up and down his back.
"I never dreamed my life could be so happy as it is with you," said young Link. "But keep doing what you're doing, and I won't last another minute here. You're going to have to leave with me at once."
Tila laughed and stopped caressing his back, then put her arms back around him.
"That would be very rude to your princess, sweetheart," said Tila. "But keep the thought for later."
"You're my princess, sweetheart," said Link. "And believe me, I won't forget!"
After a few more dances, Queen Zelda came over to Mipha and Link.
"Mipha, can you spare your husband for one dance?" said Queen Zelda. "The next dance is a slow one, and it's become a tradition of ours."
"Of course, Zelda," said Mipha.
Zelda and Link made their way to the dance floor and began dancing.
"Congratulations, Zelda," said Link. "Your daughter looks so beautiful and happy."
"Yes, I think she's found the right one, the one she truly loves and who loves her," said Zelda. "And that's not always easy, as you well know."
"Yes, I do know," laughed Link. "But your daughter has matured into a fine young woman, Zelda. You should be very proud of her."
"I am," said Zelda. "I know I've been hard on her sometimes, but she's grown up very well, and I have confidence in her."
"Where are they going on their honeymoon?"
"Lurelin Village and we've already increased security there in advance of their arrival," said Zelda. "That's where you and Mipha went, isn't it?"
"Yes, and as you know, it's a beautiful location," said Link.
Seeing his mother alone, young Link approached her.
"Mom, would you like to dance?" said young Link.
"Of course, sweetheart," said Mipha.
They moved to the dance floor together.
"It's wonderful being home again with you and Dad, and all my siblings," said Link. "And Tila tells me how thrilled she is that you're all so close to Tara. I've never felt happier."
"I'm glad," said Mipha. "Your health and happiness are all we have ever wanted. And we are more than happy to help with Tara. Having her home is fun for us, too, and she brings back some fond memories of when we were raising all of you."
Meanwhile, Astra approached Tila, who was standing alone.
"Hi, Cousin Tila," said Astra. "Your red coral and gold tiara is so beautiful!"
"Well, thank you, Astra," said Tila. "Are you having fun? Your sister looks so beautiful and so happy today."
"Yeah, Zel is floating with joy these days," said Astra. "Isn't that how you say it?"
"It is," laughed Tila. "Are you studying Zora expressions?"
"Just a little," said Astra. "Uncle Link uses them sometimes when we go boating together. Of course, I'm told he was a Zora himself for a while."
"Yes, that's true," said Tila. "He has led quite an exciting life. And I have a feeling there may be more excitement to come. But you must feel very proud of what you did, saving his life like that. I feel so terrible about my sister and what she did, but she fooled all of us."
"I know, and it wasn't anyone else's fault," said Astra. "But it was a special moment for me. My connection to Uncle Link is very close somehow, spiritual even."
"Yes, I imagine it might be," said Tila.
The music was ending for a time, as it was time for the musicians to take a rest break, so everyone returned from the dance floor.
"Astra, it's always nice to see my special niece," said Link as he reached out, hugged her, and kissed her on the cheek. "You know you're the only one in Hyrule I tell I love as much as all the stars in the sky."
"I know, Uncle Link," laughed Astra. "But I still love to hear you say it. And hello, Aunt Mipha."
"Hello, Astra. I hope you won't miss your sister too much now," said Mipha.
"I will miss her," said Astra. "But she is still going to live at the Castle, and I'm big enough to read my own bedtime stories now. So, I don't think it will be too bad."
"That's good," said Link. "Is anyone else hungry? The buffet looked quite tasty from the dance floor."
"I'm hungry too," said young Link. "Coming Astra?"
"Sure," said Astra. "Uncle Link, maybe you could dance with me once after we eat? I think I dance better now than I used to."
"I'm glad one of us does," laughed Link. "But I would love to, Astra. Every time I visit, you've grown so much."
They all made their way to the buffet table, selected some food, then found a table to sit together.
"Did you find something suitable to eat, sweetheart?" Link asked his wife, Tila.
"Yes, the cooked trout doesn't look too bad. Just a little dry," said Tila.
"We just have to tolerate Hylian sensitivities, Tila," said Mipha. "As my arbiter of good taste husband once told me, Hylians are apparently appalled when they see us consume our fish raw."
"I can't believe you still bring that up, sweetheart," laughed Link. "I said that ages ago."
"That's fine," laughed Tila. "I can deal with cooked fish, and am somewhat used to it from the Castle Town restaurants we sometimes ate at when we lived here."
"You're such a fun family!" laughed Astra. "You have a nice way of teasing each other without hurting anyone's feelings. I'm glad I'm sitting with you."
"You're part of the family too, Cousin Astra," said young Link. "So, by all means, join the fun."
After a while, Princess Zelda and Randall stopped by their table as they made the rounds to thank everyone for coming. Hugs and handshakes were exchanged.
"Thank you all so much for coming. I hope you don't mind my little sister sitting with you," said Princess Zelda.
"Not at all," said Link. "She's never anything but perfect, and we love having her here."
Astra stuck her tongue out at Zelda, which brought a laugh from everyone.
"Congratulations again to both of you," said Mipha. "Everything about the wedding has been wonderful, and my husband and I have enjoyed the dancing no end."
"Thank you," said Randall. "I hope I can get to know all of you better. Zelda has told me so many good things about you."
"You two are always welcome to visit us," said Mipha. "Our Domain is very scenic."
"And we may well take you up on that," said Zelda. "I can't wait to see the beautiful little Princess Tara in person. Now, please excuse us. We need to visit the other guests. But thank you again."
Zelda and Randall moved on.
Meanwhile, in the Eldin Region, the late afternoon air was scorchingly hot and filled with floating ash. A pair of Gorons were patrolling the area southeast of Gortram Cliff and had just arrived after rolling part of the way there.
"Well, here we are," said Aron, uncoiling himself from a ball. "What were you saying?'
"I was saying that I hear today's the big wedding day for Queen Zelda's daughter," said Glen as he unrolled as well. "I hope everyone's enjoying themselves. Our ambassador Hadon is there representing all of us. I'm not sure I'd like his job, though, having to travel to all those cold places."
"Yeah, I hear you. But Hadon gets to meet all the Hyrule big shots, and you know how much he likes to talk, so he's a perfect choice," said Aron. "Do you think they serve tasty rocks at those events?"
"I've never been to one, but I would think so," said Glen. "I hear they spare no expense and try to accommodate the tastes of all the different kinds of guests."
"Just thinking about it is making me hungry, bro," said Aron. "I could use a nice rock roast right about now! Want to join me for one when we get off?"
"Why not?" said Glen. "Two more stops after this, and we can call it a day. I'll race you back. The last one to roll across the entrance buys dinner."
"You're on, bro," said Aron. "Let's finish up here and move on."
"Yeah, it sure is quiet, isn't it?. Do you know why we're patrolling all the way out here anyway?" said Aron.
"Just a general alert from the Chief to look for anything unusual or suspicious," said Glen. "Remember there used to be a lot of Hylian tourists mining gems awhile back? But it's slowed down for months now, and nobody knows what's going on. Anyway, I don't see or hear anything. Do you confirm there's nothing to report here? If so, I'll Tab it in, and we can get rolling."
"Yes, go ahead," said Aron. "No, wait a minute! Do you hear that? Someone is shouting. It's coming from way over there by the hot springs."
A man was running awkwardly through the hot spring water and shouting for help. As Aron and Glen rolled toward him, he suddenly collapsed with a splash into the hot spring. When they reached him, he was bleeding from a wound to his chest.
"Here, let us help you," said Aron propping him up from the water.
The man opened his eyes and stared at the two Gorons. He coughed twice, gripped Aron by the arm, and then in a hoarse and raspy voice managed to say a few words.
"I was deceived. Tell them I'm sorry."
He coughed again as he struggled for breath, then spoke once more.
"It can't fool a Zora. Be sure to tell them …"
He tried to finish, but those were his last words. He gasped for air once more, then collapsed, dead.
"Oh, Hylia, he's gone. We lost him," said Glen. "But did you see what happened to him?"
"No. But Tab it in, will you," said Aron.
"This is patrol 11 to base," said Glen. "We've found the body of a Hylian or Sheikah at the pools between Goronbi Lake and the Gortram Cliff. He was fatally attacked, but there's no one else around. Over"
"Base to patrol 11, is there any identification on him? Over."
"No, nothing, just his clothing. Over," said Glen.
"Tab us a picture of his face, then wait there for a recovery party. Base over and out."
"Here, hold him up from the water while I get a good picture," said Glen.
"We also better write down his last words," said Aron. "I didn't have the presence of mind to record him, but I remember them."
"Yes, do that at once. But who is he and what in Din's name is he doing way out here?" said Glen.
"Good question," said Aron as he looked around the area.
But there was nothing to see.