If you haven't check out "The Blood Moon" on YouTube by devinsupertramp. It's one of the most beautiful things ever. Not to mention Zelda is an archer in it...eeee! :D

Chapter 40

Taking It Easy

Zelda's PoV

After sharing breakfast at the Jeweled Hook we join the rest of the Zora in the main square, who are bidding farewell to the Indigo-go's. As we walk up Lulu politely moves through the crowd and says good morning before hugging both Link and I tightly. She tells us it was great getting to meet us and she hopes we cross paths again soon, adding on she'd also like to sing with me again sometime.

"How about right now before you leave?" I suggest. Lulu nods excitedly and tells me she might be able to make that happen. She turns around and jogs up to Mikau and we watch them exchange a few lines before he grins and pulls his guitar off his back then waves us over.

I grin and quickly jog up next to them and a few minutes later, Mikau shouts to everyone that they will be performing a farewell song before heading out. The Zora cheer as the sound of his guitar fills the air with the intro to one of their more popular songs. The song is a duet that the couple usually sings so our performance actually goes quite smoothly as I sing Mikau's part. Many people ask for another song when we finish but Lulu just giggles and assures them there will be another time. Link joins us and we exchange more hugs and handshakes with the rest of the band, then we stand with everyone else, calling out goodbyes as they walk across the grand entrance bridge.

xxx

By noon, we have not one, but three letters handed to us by Finley, who has taken it upon herself to deliver them to us since her mother asked her to gather their own mail. I hand them to Link so he can open the one addressed from Lurelin for me, as I only have one hand right now. He unfolds two pieces of paper and it and hands them to me. The top one is written in Tetra's handwriting.

Zelly! Goddess, I'm glad you're okay! Mom is freaking out at your news, I've had to calm her down twice in the past twenty minutes since we've received your letter. Is that Link's handwriting? It's so messy I had to squint and read it out loud to make sense of it and almost had to guess at a few words. Tell him he should work on that. Zora's Domain must be beautiful, definitely tell more about it, alright? Don't worry about mom, I'll make sure she doesn't over stress herself over your accident. After all, you've got Link to take care of you. I love you. I miss you so much already. I hope your shoulder heals quickly. Be safe and next letter you send, it better be full of fun news to read.

PS. The interview in the Hyrule Ledger is full of lies. I assume you fed that Traysi chick a bunch of it. I hope you get as much of kick out of it as I did. I absolutely never expected that you would talk to a reporter! I'm shocked. Does that mean you're done hiding from Hyrule?

Tetra

The second letter is from my mom and it's a lot shorter than I am expecting.

Zelda,

I'm so relieved you're okay. Tell Link your dad and I are eternally grateful to him for saving your life. You had better be more careful from now on, I never want another letter in the mail with such terrible news, not to mention the newspaper! Are sure you're fine? That must have been traumatic for both of you. Is Link okay? I love you sweetheart and your dad does too. Take care and keep us updated on your health! You know I'll be worried till I know you're all healed up. You're always on our minds and in our hearts here at home. Please take care and rest up so you heal quickly.

I love you. Stay safe.

Love mom.

I'm relieved my letter reached them before the news did. I only had Link write vague details of what happened in my letter, leaving out how huge of chunk of the mountainside actually fell off. It really is a miracle that Link was fast enough to catch me, we were at least four feet apart. Pushing the memory out my head, I ask Link if I can read the first letter he has already finished reading and he says nods as he reads the second. The first word makes me laugh and I have the desire to call Link by the name I know he hates so much as I read it.

Linky!

Jeezus you gave me a heart attack with how you started your letter. I was under the impression that something much worse had happened to Zelda! Thank the goddess that she is alright, minus an unfortunate hurt shoulder. You better act on her every need and want for a while mister! Poor Zelda, let me know how she is feeling. Congratulations on winning the Golden Arrow! Yes, I know that was a while ago but you know how I get all caught up in everything else around here in Hateno. I hadn't gotten the time to write you. The newspaper says Sheik and Karane were both there at the FOW too but neither participated. I guess that's why you were able to win.

Just kidding. Kinda.

Anyways, I'm so happy for you. Write me more! It's been almost a month since I saw you last. I shouldn't have to wait for the paper to tell me what's going on in your life. Aryll and Paya came over this way for a visit the other day. They filled me in on your guys' cute love life. I'm glad you've found someone as wonderful as Zelda is. I've been thinking of doing a bit of traveling myself soon, but I haven't decided where to go yet. I'll be expecting letters soon!

Oh, and Zelda, I hope you're keeping dear Linky in line. We all know he needs it. Call him that name for me please.

Lots of love for the lovebirds, Purah

I can practically hear Purah saying this as I read, with her attitude and everything. I suddenly really miss her. We had gotten quite close in the two weeks I stayed in her house. Link offers me Aryll's letter before I can ask for it and tells me I want to read it. I hand him my sister's in return, feeling it's only fair.

Hey Link,

I got your letter with the newspaper and unfortunately, that headline told me what happened before I could open your letter. Don't worry though, I read what you had to say first out loud in front of Impa, Cado, and Paya before they even saw the newspaper so nobody could freak out. We're all relieved to know you are both safe. Tell Zelda I'm happy she's okay, but are you okay? I've seen the way you look at her, it would have devastated you had she...yeah. I wish I was there to hug you both even if you'd say you're just fine. It's so scary we could have lost you both in a freak accident. You could have died...Are you sure you're alright? You're not secretly injured too are you?

It didn't take the press too long to find you. Don't be offended to know I expected the spotlight to be on Sheik though. I mean, the world knows absolutely nothing about your pretty traveling partner. Don't worry about me or anyone in Kakariko knowing her secret, we know how to keep it just that. Not that anyone really knows anything but her name.

Don't be late on your next letter. In fact, I expect two in one week now.

Oh, and Zelda, thank you making sure that Link wrote me yesterday. I know better than to think he came up with that idea on his own. Will he ever learn?

Love, Aryll

I stifle a laugh at that last line. So they do know who I am in Kakariko...alright. I appreciate that they are all considerate enough to realize who I am but not make a big deal about it. I feel special knowing that I have so many more people outside my family who sincerely care about me. I wish I could write them all back right now with my own hand, but I can't and that spoils my good mood a bit.

Stupid mountainside. Stupid bad luck.

x.x.x

We decide to stay in Zora's Domain until my shoulder is all healed up and back to normal. Since I've been ordered to take it easy for a few days, I go to the little library located behind to the food and weapons shop on the first floor of the domain. I spend a lot of time reading everything I can find on Divine Beast Vah Ruta which, unsurprisingly, there are several books on.

I find a book that goes it to detail on how Ruta's mechanics used to work. I read eagerly and am shocked to learn that it used to be in the reservoir above town! I swear my brain is about to implode. How does a more than massively ginormous, ancient stone animal, get from a lake filled with water to on top of a mountain at least a few miles away? Oh, and without leaving a trace anywhere. What? Unfortunately there isn't much information about how it got onto of the mountain it rests upon nowadays, leaving that another giant unanswered question. I flip through a few more pages and learn facts about the three other Divine Beasts that leave me with equal fascination. I can't wait to see the rest of them as we travel around the world. Maybe we will be just as lucky and get to see inside them too.

I set the book aside then get up to browse another section of books to the left of the Ancient History section. I find one with a blank cover and spine. Curious about this unmarked book I open it to find pages and pages of handwritten writing. Unfortunately I can't read a single word as it's written in a different language, which is a real bummer. With how old this book appears, its cover beat up and ripped at the spine and how the pages crinkle as I turn them, it's probably ancient. I return it to the shelf, sad that I'm unable to read it.

Moving on and looking absently I notice a bright red book that stands out among the rest and grab it. I open it to discover it's a cookbook. I set it down on the small table in the middle of the room and flip through it. I salivate over some of the recipes, some with hand drawn pictures next to them. I want to try so many. A few minutes later when Marot, the girl who works in the library, walks into the room. I tell her that these recipes sound so delicious.

"You should keep that one and use it for meal inspiration on your travels."

"Oh, I couldn't possibly-" I start.

"Please, I insist you have it. Nobody has touched that book in years." She says with a pointy teethed grin.

"Thanks. I'm going to make every single recipe in this cookbook." I tell her with a smile and Marot wishes me good luck.

I go to grab the stack of books I've been skimming through and she takes them for me saying not to strain myself. I thank her with a forced smile, feeling slightly annoyed even if she just wants to help. Just because I'm a little injured doesn't mean I can't put a book on a shelf. I feel useless with this sling on my arm, I can't wait for the stupid thing to be off. I've had a cramp in my right elbow for a while now and not being able to move my arm a lot without getting pain within my shoulder is borderline torture. I really wish I could write my sister a letter. I have so much to tell her that I didn't mention in my short one that Link helped me write the other day. The moment I no longer have to wear this sling will be the one I go sit down with my blue stationary paper and pen and write a super, duper long juicy information-ed letter. I especially want to tell her about Lovers Lake, because that night was so special to me and Tetra's going to love hearing all about it.

I'm too restless to sit around any more today. I've been good, taking it easy like Link and the Zora doctor have warned me that I should, but now I want to get up and do something. Even though I've been having fun studying up some of the ancient past, I wish that I could have gone with Link and Sidon when they left today. I don't even know where they went, but I can imagine they are having fun more fun than I am. With my new cookbook in hand, I walk out of Zora's Domain and cross the beautiful bridge to the horse stables. I'm sure that spending some time with Starlett will help me feel better, it always has.

When I get there I grab my curry brush from my bag and give her a good, slow brushing. Her coat and mane are pretty clean and clear of anything, since Link has taken it upon himself to take care of my horse, but I still do it since it calms me. I like to imagine that it feels good for horses when you brush them anyway, maybe like a soft scratching massage. Starlett drinks from the water troph as I do so, and somehow even that sloshing noise is kind of soothing. This morning, Link would barely let me in the stall our horses temporarily reside in since he's worried about me. He didn't want me to do anything, which kind of made me mad. I hate not being able to fully take care of my own horse, who is my responsibility. I sigh as I realize I've let my thoughts rile me up again.

I decide to take both our horses outside for some fresh air, accepting a little help from the stable owner to lead them behind the stable into the fenced in horse pasture. I'm glad that all stables have these as well as indoor stalls where our horses can stay dry when it rains or when it's very hot out. I bring my sack of horse treats with me, which contains oats, carrots, and a few apples right now and spoil Starlett and Epona with a smile on my face.

x.x.x

I walk back into town and meet up with Mipha as I wander up one the curved staircases. I ask if she's up to anything and she says no, so we walk up to the top level of Zora's Domain together. We became fast friends when went up and explored inside Ruta. We have a lot of the same appreciation for the same things, loving books and nature and weapons.

I just absolutely love this room we are sitting in, it's so gorgeous. Don't get me wrong, everything in this town is beautiful, but it's extra peaceful way up here. I admire the statues of the Indigo-Go's and smile recalling singing with them. I still can't believe that Lulu asked me to do so. That was like a dream! I never expected that would ever happen, but I could say the same for like five other things in my life. I was so nervous at first but it was super cool and fun in the end. I've got to tell Tetra about that in my super letter later. I tell Mipha about the book I found earlier that I was unable to read.

"I think I know the one you're talking about. It belonged to the Zora princess who lived during the Great Calamity. She was also the Zora champion who piloted Ruta."

"Wow. That's amazing. Wait, can you read that ancient text?"

Mipha nods. "We study it here in the domain."

"Cool. What did the Zora princess write about?" I ask, excited and genuinely interested.

"She mostly talks about meeting the chosen hero, the man who wielded "the sword that seals the darkness" better known as Calamity Ganon. He was the Hylian champion and was a very skilled swordsman from a very young age. Her diary says she met him as a child and then several times after he grew up. A lot of her entries are about him, actually."

"How so?" I say, curious.

"She was connected to him through the ancient prophecy about Calamity Ganon. Since the princess of Hyrule chose her to pilot Divine Beast Vah Ruta, making her one of the five champions, she was included in their carefully thought out plan to prevent Ganon from ever awakening. The Divine Beasts were created to assist the chosen hero when he faced Ganon. There was another reason she wrote about him so much as well."

"Do tell." I say, grinning from this overload of new and old information.

"Well, one day the Zora princess told him about a dangerous man-beast creature called a lynel that was terrorizing everyone around here. So the hero bravely went to hunt it down. When she followed him, it attacked them from behind. She wrote about him taking it down swiftly with much grace and courage. After that her entries show she had fallen in love with him."

I am loving this more and more as Mipha goes on. "Did he love her too?" I ask.

"We don't know. But, her last diary entry talks about her making a special armor for him that she was sure would fit him perfectly. This specific armor she handcrafted for him was meant to be a gift when she told him she loved him. She even wrote about having a plan to bring him up on top of Ruta during the sunset to confess."

"How sweet."

"Yes, it was. However, she never got the chance to give him her gift or tell him her feelings since when Calamity Ganon awoke, spreading his evil malice into Ruta, she lost her life."

My expression drops as my heart does. "Oh. That's so sad."

"I know. It's was tragic, but that is the story told in the diary. Sometimes I like to think that maybe he felt the same, considering the armor she talks about is something Zora princesses gave to the one they wanted to marry. I mean, that's only logical. Why would she make this engagement armor without knowing his feelings?"

"I agree. She must have known."

I ask Mipha a lot more questions about the diary and everything she has learned about the calamity growing up here. I'm amazed with all the details she has and I make mental note of everything so I can write it down later, as not to forget a bit.

After a while we get up and stretch our legs before we stand at the top of of the stairs just outside. We gaze out toward the mountains across the beautiful bridge leading into the domain. The waterfalls surrounding the statue room behind us create such a wonderful ambience. The sun has started to set, casting an orange glow over the mountains. The Divine Beast shines at the top of it's mountain, like a serene sleeping giant watching over the whole valley. I still can't believe we got to not only see it up close, but actually explore inside it yesterday.

I open up and tell Mipha about growing up with Tetra when she tells me about Sidon when he was little. I'd usually never talk about my family with someone I don't know well, but I somehow feel comfortable and safe telling her about my personal life. I don't go as far as telling her exactly where I'm from, just casually saying I grew up down in Faron, but even that's more than I usually share. Except for Link of course, I spilled everything to him hours within meeting him. Anyway, Mipha doesn't push me for more information like most other people would. She opens up to me as well and I listen quietly.

"I'm actually named after the same Zora princess who piloted Ruta. I used to be picked on for it, but my mom always told me to embrace the name. After I learned the spear, everyone stopped being so hard on me, several saying I lived up my name. I didn't believe I could win the spear tournament at the Festival of Warriors, but Sidon believed in me and he was right. I was good enough. However, I don't like the fame, it's overwhelming. it was especially so just after I arrived home again...but luckily my brother and parents have drove away most of the reporters and fans that have come to see me. I gave all of my rupees to Zora's Domain. I don't need them, and I feel good knowing I can help my people in so many ways by doing so. It feels amazing and the adults see me in a different light now. Sidon likes to joke about them building me a statue like they did for the Indigo-go's in the room behind us, since it's been six years since a Zora won the spear competition. They threw a celebration party in my honor when I got home. Sidon says I should be happy and I am, but I don't need to be praised so much. I'm just Mipha. That's all I want to be."

Mipha looks so sad as she says that last part, looking down the stairs almost absently. I realize that we have a lot more in common than I originally thought.

"I feel the same way. I spent a lot of time secluding myself from everyone, from the world. I'm still learning to accept who I am and how winning the Golden Arrow has impacted my life. I have always thought of it as a burden, but now I am trying to learn to see it differently."

"Maybe I can find a way to accept everyone's praise." Mipha says, finally looking at me.

I put my hand on her shoulder and smile. "If I can do it after hiding myself for over two years, you certainly can." I say, feeling a new inner strength grow inside myself at my own words. I believe it as I say it, so I hope that Mipha does too.

"Thank you, Sheik. I needed that." She says with a small smile.

"Anytime."

I suddenly remember my second favorite moment while we were at the FOW. I'm certain Mipha will enjoy the memory too, since it's one we share. I grin as I recall it aloud.

"Remember the Gerudo guy you so easily beat during the spear competition? He's my friend."

"Yes. Oh, I see. And the orange-haired girl who embarrased him. She's your friend as well?"

"Oh yes. Midna will never let him forget losing to, no offense, "a little Zora girl." I say, putting it the way she did, with a grin.

We both laugh loudly. I love Mipha's laugh, it's a cute joyful little chime that fits her perfectly. I go on telling her how Midna helped me disguise myself during the FOW and how hard it was for me.

"I felt like gravity was too heavy on me with all of those eyes watching me in the arena. I was nervous the whole time. It was really scary."

"You looked so cool and confident down there that I'm sure nobody could tell."

Mipha lets out a relieved sigh. "Oh good. I feel better knowing that."

We spend a long time sitting above the waterfall talking heart-to-heart. I feel like I've made more than a simple friend by getting to know Mipha. It might sound weird, but it feels like we have a bond that is soul deep. I've only ever felt this connection with two other people: Link and Tetra, so the fact I've made another friend who I feel this comfortable with is very special to me. Right before we head back downstairs, I decide to share something secret with her. Somehow I know deep down that I can trust her with this very important information.

"Hey Mipha, when it's just us, you can call me by my real name: Zelda."

Mipha blinks at me several times before she answers with a warm smile. "Oh wow...You have such a beautiful name. I'm honored to know it. I promise I will never tell anyone you go by an alias."