Mipha slid down from her perch atop the boulder in Lulu Lake. A small waterfall surged down behind her, masking the noise made by her slipping under the surface. Above her head stars twinkled brightly in the night sky, alongside a sharply-pointed crescent moon; below, she could see the faint glow of her quarry. Even in the dark depths of the lake they were visible to her keen Zora eyes, and she descended gradually so as not to scare them.

The temperature of the water cooled as she descended, making her shiver a little, but Mipha kept going. This was the best time to catch the river snails she was after, for their glow faded by daylight, much like the luminous stones her people used all over the Domain. It was vital that she obtain them, so there was nothing to do but suck it up and endure it, and hopefully she would finish her task swiftly and be home soon.

Snail after snail she caught and inspected, using their glow to aid in her search. Not all of them had what she was looking for, but enough did that by the time she swam back up, her bag was full to the brim and her heart was happy. Mipha secured it to her sash as she emerged from the little lake and then made her way down the well-worn path to the adjacent Mikau Lake. She used its two waterfalls to get back to the level of the city, and then walked the rest of the way from there.

Her legs were aching a little by the time she reached her front door, but she didn't mind so much. It'd been a long day, but a good day, and now it was just about over.

I only hope he is still awake...

Pushing the door to their bedroom open slowly, Mipha breathed a sigh of relief. The lamps were still lit, and Link sat in a chair beside the fireplace, an open book in his lap. At the slight creak he looked up and smiled. "Hey, Mipha. You get what you need?"

"Yes, I did." She pulled the bag out of her sash as Link closed the book and rose, crossing the room. As he reached her she opened it for his benefit, revealing the pile of irregularly shaped pearls within. They gleamed in the light, and seemed almost to have a faint blue tint to their sheen.

Link cupped her hands in his to support the weight of the open bag, peering down at them. "Wow... these are beautiful." He bent closer. "You're using them all for that ritual?"

Mipha nodded. "They are the only offering that Naydra will accept in exchange for her scales."

"I know, it's just kind of a shame." He picked one up and held it up, inspecting it. "These would look great on you."

"Oh... I..." She blushed. "Thank you, but... it is more important that I obtain the scales I need for your armor. This is the only way to get them. And it is forbidden to harvest them for any other purpose."

"You said the snails that have them only live in Lulu Lake, right?" He returned the pearl to the bag, and she closed it back up. "And that's why you had to go all that way at night?"

"Yes." Mipha set the bag of pearls on a nearby table. "I am sorry, if there were any other way to get them I would not have done this..."

"It's fine. I was just worried about you being out alone at night." Link tucked a stray lock of hair behind his ear. "You didn't run into anything out there?"

"I did pass a fox, but he was more frightened of me than I was of him." Mipha smiled and took Link's hand. "I am fine, but thank you for your concern. I am grateful you care."

"You know I do." He seemed to relax a little as she squeezed his fingers. "I would've gone with you if you'd wanted."

"It wasn't that I didn't want you to, I just thought you'd be bored." Mipha frowned. "I'm sorry—were you hurt that I said no? It had nothing to do with your company, I just feared that you would find it tedious to wait for nightfall with me and then just watch me dive down to get them."

Link shook his head. "Spending time with you is never tedious. But no, I wasn't hurt. Don't worry about it."

"I do wish you'd been there with me, now that it is over." Mipha looked down at their hands. "I'm sorry. I did not properly think about it."

"Hey, I said it's fine." Link squeezed her hand. "We can always go there during the day, you know. That'd probably be more fun anyway."

"That is true." Mipha sighed. "Still, though..."

"No, no still." Link gently lifted her chin with his other hand so that she had to look at him; her heart thumped at the softness of his eyes, his smile. "We'll make a day of it and have fun. So don't worry about tonight. Okay?"

Mipha smiled back at him. "I will try not to."

"You're ridiculous." He undercut the words with a quiet laugh, and by pulling her into a hug. "Mipha, you're sweet to think of me, but I don't want you to take it to where you feel bad over every little thing, especially when I tell you it's fine. I'm sorry I brought it up, I really wasn't slighted. I just felt like..." Link exhaled. "I wanted to be there to keep you safe. That's all."

"I know." She closed her eyes. Oh, he smelled so good. "I just regret my choice, is all. It... would have been nice to have you there. This is all for you, after all, so I want to include you in the process."

"Even though it's not traditional?"

Mipha laughed. "None of this is really traditional, remember? I am already breaking with tradition by making this for you after we are already married... what is a little more? I think it will be more fun anyway, to have you be a part of this."

"... I wish I had something I could give you in return." Link's voice sounded thicker, somehow. Rougher. "I'm sorry."

"Don't be." She pulled back just enough to look at him, and reached up to wipe at his eyes. They looked wet suddenly, and regret hung heavy in them; it pained her heart to see it. "This is an ancient tradition of my people, you do not need to reciprocate. Or to worry about it. We have done this for countless centuries."

"Because of the legend of Lulu and Mikau, right?" Link cleared his throat. "How she wasn't able to protect him from harm?"

Mipha's eyes widened. "You remember the story?"

"Most of it... let me see..." His face scrunched up in a look of concentration that was so adorable her knees felt weak. "He fell in battle protecting her and their children, and in her grief Lulu wept so many tears that it formed the lake named for her. But the purity of her heart and her love made it so the waters were fresh, not salty."

Mipha nodded. "And when she prayed at Nayru's spring for the spirit of her beloved to rest in peace, she was gifted with Naydra's scales, that other princesses after her might use them to craft armor."

"Thus it is that ever since, all Zora princesses craft armor for their intended husbands, to honor the memory of Lulu and Mikau and ensure that no other royal couple is so tragically separated." Link smiled shyly. "Does that sound right?"

"Perfect." Mipha beamed up at him. "You are so good at telling a story, and you remembered it all. I am glad."

"I—thank you." Link blushed. "And... I always liked that one. I liked all the stories you used to tell me when we were kids."

"I remember. And it was a joy to see them through your eyes, to have you take such an interest in our legends and culture." Warmth flooded her chest. "I always appreciated that, I hope you know."

"I do. I mean, I did. I mean..." Link sighed. "Please tell me that didn't sound as stupid to you as it did to me."

"Not at all." Mipha laughed softly. "I understood you perfectly."

"Oh, good." Link fell silent for a moment, just looking at her, and with pounding heart Mipha suddenly remembered just how close they were standing, with their arms still around each other. Her immediate instinct was to lean in and kiss him, but fear paralyzed her, even as he seemed to be tilting himself slightly towards her. He soon spoke, though, and broke the illusion. "Is there anything I can do for you before we go to bed? You must be tired."

"I... yes, actually." Mipha cleared her throat. "I was... I went to see Dento earlier, about the other supplies for your armor, and he reminded me that I have yet to measure you for it... so if you don't mind? It shouldn't take too long."

"Oh, uh, sure..." Link looked slightly startled, but nodded. "What do I need to do?"

"Well, I need to get my measuring tape, and if you could..." Mipha swallowed. "If you could remove your shirt while I do that... it won't be accurate otherwise..."

"Right, yeah..." His cheeks were as red as hers felt. "I'll do that..."

"Thank you." She let go of him and walked over to the cabinet where she'd started storing the materials for the armor. There were a few footsteps from behind her, and when she turned Link had taken his shirt off and draped it over one of the bedposts. Meeting his eyes was difficult, but she forced herself to, lest he think she was ogling him.

No matter how much I want to.

"What else do I need to do?" Link asked as she reached him.

"Lift your arms and keep your body relaxed." He did as he was told, and she wrapped the measuring tape around the widest part of his chest. Touching his bare skin made her heart beat even more frantically, but she forced her mind to focus on the number she saw there, which she wrote down with a hand she struggled to keep steady. Link's breathing seemed a little louder than normal, but that was just because he was so close, she figured. She went diagonally across his chest as well, remembering the chain he'd worn at their wedding and how it needed adjusting.

Next came the narrowest part of his waist, and he seemed to tremble slightly as she wrapped the tape around him. Mipha looked up. "Don't be nervous, you're doing fine. Just keep yourself relaxed, that is all you need to do."

"... Alright." He nodded.

His face still looked a little flushed, as if he was embarrassed by what was happening. Strange, considering how freely he undresses in front of me every night... but I suppose this is a bit different. It was on the tip of her tongue to try and reassure him somehow, but the right words wouldn't come to her, so she busied herself with getting the correct number. Once again she wrote it down, and then paused. She shut her eyes for a moment, recalling her sketch of the armor's design, and almost kicked herself. "Um..."

"What is it?" She opened her eyes to see him looking at her with concern. "What's wrong? Did I mess you up?"

"No, I just..." Oh Nayru, I don't know where to look right now, help me... "I need... to measure your hips as well, so... so if you could..."

"... Oh." Understanding flared in his eyes, and his cheeks got even redder, if that was possible. At this rate it wouldn't be long before he was the same color as her scales. "S-sure, that's..."

Link undid his belt, and let his pants fall down around his ankles. He gave her a questioning look, and Mipha nodded back. Stepping close to him again, she wrapped the measuring tape around him. It was hard to ignore the fact that her fingers brushed the curve of his buttocks, nearly blanking out her thoughts for a moment, but she bit down on the inside of her cheek and shoved her wayward thoughts back in order. It took a couple tries to absorb the number she saw, but finally she stepped back and wrote it down as Link pulled his pants back up.

"Is that all?" he asked.

"No." Mipha moved closer again. "I need to measure your arms and your neck too, and then I will be done, I promise."

"Okay."

She started with his arms, measuring from the center of the back of his neck over his shoulders and down to his wrists, as well as his palms and fingers. Lastly, she wrapped the tape around the base of his neck, loosely enough that she could slide two of her fingers under it. She could feel his pulse throbbing, and his hair brushed her face, filling her senses with the warm, woody scent of him again. Mipha's eyes almost closed, the desire to kiss the soft skin of his neck overwhelming her. Even just pressing her face against him would feel so good.

Instead, she took a deep breath as quietly as she could, and took note of the number on the tape one last time. With it fixed firmly in her head, she unwrapped the measuring tape and looked up at him. "Thank you, Link."

He nodded. "Of course."

This time, he was definitely tilting his head towards her. He had to be. Which was so dangerous, because they were already so close—if she moved even the slightest bit wrong, their lips would brush. But as much as she yearned to taste him again she had to restrain herself. So Mipha merely smiled and stepped back, reciting the final number over and over in her head. "That completes it, so go ahead and get dressed. Or changed, if you need to."

"... Yeah. Yeah, I need to do that."

Mipha scribbled down the last number, and then pretended to review them while stealing furtive glances at Link as he took off his pants again and went to his dresser to get something to sleep in. His underwear outlined that part of his body very nicely, and she had to bite her cheek again as she tried to divert her thoughts. It'd become her habit to pleasure herself during her morning baths as a way to deal with what she saw every night, and it helped, but right now it felt so far away.

Once she'd removed her jewelry she climbed into bed, and watched as Link sat on the edge of his side, brushing his hair. A pit opened in her chest. If she were braver, if only she were braver, she would ask to do that for him. There were so many things she wanted to do for him as his wife, but she kept getting her tongue tangled up in her anxieties and never saying anything until it was too late. Just like now—her resolve to ask him if he needed help finally kicked in seconds before he set the brush down. Mipha restrained a sigh.

I must stop holding myself back. I must. We used to have that kind of closeness as children, emotionally and physically, and I want it back. I know he does too. I need to stop worrying that he will mistake it for romantic interest in him. I do have that, of course, but he is so oblivious that I doubt he will catch on if I try to resume where we left off eight years ago. I will... well, I cannot say for sure that I will do something next time, but soon. Soon I will find my courage. I swear it.

She stared at him in the dark for a while, at where the flickering firelight silhouetted the shape of his head, his body under the sheets. Longing clawed at her, the need to be held here, too. Being in his arms earlier had felt so wonderful, and curling up close to him was the one of the things she most wanted to do in bed with him. Particularly if it followed consummating their marriage.

"... Thank you," she said finally, hoping she wouldn't wake him as he dozed. "For coming with me tomorrow. I think it will be so much better to have you at my side."

"Of course." Link yawned, and then reached out to touch her hand. "It's okay, right? It doesn't violate any rules or laws?"

"No." Mipha curled her fingers around his. "It is not traditional, but neither is it taboo. Actually, I..." She yawned too. "I am not sure why we are expected to make such a journey alone. You would think it would bring couples closer together, to share in such a ritual."

"There's probably a reason for it that just never got written down." Link yawned again. "And everyone just forgot why, but still upheld it. Not that anyone was silly, but..."

"No, I know what you mean, I think—they assumed there must have been some sort of reason and wanted to respect it. Is that what you are getting at?"

"Yeah." He shifted, but didn't pull his hand away.

"And you are probably right, I wouldn't..." Mipha stopped to yawn once more. "Oh, look what you've done, I cannot stop... they really are contagious."

"I'm looking at you, but I can't really see you." Link laughed. "Mostly just your eyes."

"That is not the—" Mipha paused. "Should I close them?"

"What? No, not unless you want to." Link's voice softened. "It's... really cool how they shine in the dark like that."

It was a good thing they didn't shine brightly enough to show him her newly red face. "I—yes, I think you told me that years ago... I did not realize you still thought so." She cleared her throat. "In—in any case, my point was that you caused me to start yawning, and now I cannot stop."

"Sorry." He didn't sound remotely apologetic, which mostly distracted her from the way his thumb was idly moving over hers.

"No, you are not." Mipha yawned and closed her eyes. "But I forgive you all the same."

Link laughed again, though it turned into a yawn of his own partway through. "You always were very softhearted."

Most of all with you. "Is that a bad thing?"

"Not at all." There was quiet for nearly a minute before he spoke again. "Goodnight, Mipha."

"Goodnight, Link."

They rose early in the morning, and set off down the river. Instead of going west to Goponga, however, the ship headed east into the Rutala River, where they docked at Mezza Lo Harbor. There they paid for a horse to carry them the rest of the way to the West Gate of Lanayru Road. From that point it was only a short ride to the promenade of Lanayru Heights, their destination for the day.

It was a waypoint of sorts, a town that had been built into the sides of the mountains that rose over a narrow waterway that originated at a waterfall in between the Peak of Awakening and the Phalian Highlands, where the border with Hyrule Kingdom's Necluda Province lay. From that waterfall it forked east and west, ending at each gate of the little settlement. The town had been built primarily to accommodate travelers seeking to make pilgrimages up Mount Lanayru, with shops, inns, restaurants, and other facilities designed around giving them a place to stay before making the trek up the mountain. For it wasn't only Zora princesses who had an interest in visiting Nayru's Spring—one of the three holy springs of the Golden Goddesses—atop the snowy peak. Zora and Hylian faithful alike sought it out on their religious journeys, paying honor to the goddess and making offerings and prayers for her favor and wisdom.

It was to one such inn that Link guided their horse as they rode into town, Mipha seated behind him and holding on tight. In her head she reviewed their plans while letting her eyes travel over the impressive stonework of the towering buildings constructed in the cliff sides. Right now the sun was setting, which meant it was far too late to begin the trip up the mountain. That alone would take a few hours, even on horseback, and the temperatures on the peak dropped to dangerously low levels at night. So for now they would check into their lodgings, and in the morning would head out on the next leg of their trip.

Link carried their luggage in after they stabled the horse, and after checking in and arranging for food to be brought up they were shown to their room. It was smaller than their room at home, with a narrower bed, but there was still a fireplace, a vanity, and a table and two chairs where they could sit and eat their meal once it arrived. Mipha immediately went to the fireplace while Link set their suitcases beside the wardrobe.

"Hey." She looked up as he joined her, laying his hand on her back. "You okay?"

"Yes. Mostly." Mipha shivered. "It is so much colder here than it is at home... I suppose I need to adjust to it."

"Yeah, I know it's rough on you." Link took her hand and tugged on it. "Come here."

"Huh? Oh..." She trailed off as he gently turned her and pulled her into his arms, holding her close. Mipha closed her eyes. The fabric of his clothing was so soft, and the heat of his body combined with the crackling fire they stood next to did wonders for her, calming her shivering in minutes. "Thank you..."

"Of course." He ran his fingers down over her tail. "It's what I'm here for."

Oh, that felt so good. "To warm me up?"

Link's chest shook as he laughed. "Just one of my many duties as your husband."

"And me?" Mipha pulled back just enough to look up at him. "What would you have me do as your wife?"

There was a long pause, and then he spoke quietly. "Just let me take care of you." His hand moved from the back of her head to her cheek; she could feel the metal of his wedding ring, warmed by his skin. "I want to do what I can to make this easier for you. I know you didn't have a choice in all this, and that it'll be hard for you to be away from your home and your family for part of the year."

"Link, did you forget?" Mipha laid her hand over his, leaning into his touch. "You are part of my family now. It would be one thing if I were going to be living alone amongst strangers, far from everything and everyone I know, but I am not. I will be with you, and that in itself will make the adjustment easier."

"And that's enough?" He bit his lip. "I feel like... like I'm dragging you away from home, to live in a strange place you've never been."

"You're not." She leaned closer, holding his hand in place. "You didn't have any more choice in this than I did, and the details of our living situation were decided for us by others. Remember?" When he nodded, she continued. "So to me, it is not that you are dragging me away, but that we are both being uprooted from where we'd rather spend all our time."

"That's true." His thumb caressed her cheekbone. "I'd rather stay in the Domain all year myself, you know that."

"I do." Mipha nodded. "But we cannot. However, we'll be together, and that's what matters. Having you back with me after so long apart more than makes up for whatever difficulties we may face as a result of having to move twice a year."

Link's eyes widened. "It does?"

"Of course it does." She smiled. "Why wouldn't it?"

"I... well..." Link gazed at her for a moment, his expression hard to read. "I've... I don't want to make this harder for you," he said finally. "I want... I know you said you were relieved it was me, but I didn't know if... if that was enough to make it bearable."

"Oh, Link, it's more than bearable," Mipha whispered. "Didn't you say yourself that it's not a bad thing to marry your best friend? It isn't. You have made this so much easier than you can imagine, believe me."

"I'm glad to hear that." His voice seemed to shake a little. "I know it's a been long time since I left, and we've both changed... but I never stopped caring about you, and the last thing I ever want is to make you unhappy."

"You don't." She reached up to touch his cheek with her free hand. His skin was so soft that it made her breath catch. "I stopped dreading this marriage the moment you walked into the room that day, because I knew that my fears had been unfounded. That you would never treat me cruelly."

"No. Never." Link shook his head, even as he leaned closer to her, their foreheads brushing. "I've only ever wanted to see you happy."

"I am." Her own voice was barely audible to her, drowned out by the sound of her racing heartbeat. The room had suddenly gotten so much warmer; how? "You... I..."

Link's lips parted, surprise and... something else she couldn't decipher kindling in his eyes. "Mipha?"

Time seemed to stutter to a halt; and without it to measure the length of a moment with, there could be no true reckoning of how long they stared at each other. Heat shimmered in the air, and Mipha was only vaguely aware of anything that existed beyond Link and herself. Frozen in place, she struggled against the stasis she found herself in, only to be tugged forward by an invisible force. Link seemed to lean in too, and she felt so lightheaded that her legs threatened to collapse from under her.

And then a knock sounded on the door.

Like a rock being dropped onto water, the spell broke instantly. They turned as one, just as a voice spoke from outside. "Your food is ready, Your Graces."

"I'll get it," Link murmured. Without looking at her, he let go of her and headed to the door. Mipha watched him go, barely seeing or hearing anything.

What... what on earth was that? What just happened? Or should I say, what nearly happened? For a second there, I believed we would... no, I must be mistaken. He cannot have been about to kiss me... right? Oh, I don't know what to think or how to address it...

The door closed, startling her out of her reverie; Mipha looked over blankly to see Link carrying a tray. Two glasses of wine, a bowl of steaming hot soup, and a plate of raw fish rested on it. He set it down on the table. "Are you hungry?"

"A little bit, I think, but not—" Mipha broke off as her stomach abruptly made a liar of her with its loud rumbling; her eyes finally met Link's again, and the two of them burst out laughing. "Oh, alright, more than I thought, I suppose..."

"Seems like it." His eyes shone with amusement, and she had to hold back a sigh of relief.

"It does, yes." They sat down, eating silently at first; Mipha stole a glance at his meal. It looked to be some sort of rich, creamy broth brimming with generous cuts of fish and shellfish, scented with plenty of aromatics. "How is it?" she asked.

"Pretty good." Link took a sip of the wine. "I had something like this when they sent us to Deya once. Some of the others made fun of me for asking for the recipe." His cheeks turned pink.

"Oh?" Mipha frowned. "That was most unkind of them... I see no reason why you should not want to learn to cook something you enjoyed."

"Yeah, a few others actually stood up for me on that one. We'd all been taught how to cook as part of our basic skills, after all, so they thought it was a good idea to try and make meals at camp less boring." He laughed.

"How interesting, I did not know they taught you such things." Mipha picked up a piece of fish. "Dancing, cooking... you are very well rounded, it seems."

"Well, as squires we were expected to be able to provide for the knights that way in the field, and when we were sent off on training missions and expeditions there was a rotation in the kitchen tent." Link sipped some broth. "I think they also said that if we were ever sent to war, it was important that everyone be able to make at least a rough meal."

Mipha set the fish down, her eyes dropping to her plate as her stomach churned. "I... hate the idea of you being sent off to war..."

"I don't think I will be." Link laid his hand over hers. "We have strong alliances with all our neighbors, I can't see war breaking out."

"I hope not." Her eyes blurred. "Losing you would..." Destroy me. More thoroughly than you realize.

"You won't. If it makes you feel better, remember that you've kept me safe just by marrying me." He squeezed her hand. "And... I would've deserted and run back home if they'd tried to make me take up arms against you all, anyway."

"Oh, Link..." She swallowed a sob. "Do not make me think of such things, I cannot bear it."

I have never asked Seggin or anyone else about this, but I know that in many lands, Hyrule Kingdom almost certainly among them, deserters are executed if discovered. I cannot stomach the thought of that happening to Link.

"I'm sorry." He sighed and let go of her hand. "I'm really sorry, Mipha."

"It is fine." Mipha wiped at her eyes and looked up at him with a tremulous smile. "It is a moot point, after all, given that you are here and safe, and the alliance has been strengthened." She drank some wine. "So, I take it you found cooking more interesting than some of your fellow squires did?"

"Yeah." His eyes lit up, and Mipha's heart warmed. "I know you're not interested, but for me it's really fun."

"No, I want to hear about it—I want to know all about the things you enjoy, what you are interested in." Mipha leaned forward. "We have so much to catch up on, and I feel as though we have only scratched the surface."

"I feel the same way." Link smiled ruefully. "We lost out on so much time with each other."

"Which is all the more reason for us to talk about everything we can." She smiled. "Go on, tell me about you and cooking."

"Well..." Link scratched the back of his head. "Like I said, it was just taught to us as a basic skill, and we had to take turns cooking meals for everyone in the field. It could be a bit hectic at meal times, but... I kind of enjoyed it, and there's something almost relaxing about the actual preparation aspect. Chopping everything, mixing, tending to the heat... and it just feels good to see your work pay off, you know?" Pride crept into his voice. "When it all comes together, and you have something nice to eat that you made, all by yourself... I like that feeling." He stirred his soup around, seemingly looking for something in it. "I know this is probably boring you, though. Sorry."

"No, not at all." Mipha's heart swelled as she watched him. "I am happy you found something you love while there, and that it wasn't all misery. And I like hearing you talk about such things, I want you to share them with me." She started to lift another piece of fish to her mouth, but then stopped, an idea occurring to her. "And... perhaps you could share it with me more literally sometime, by cooking for me?"

Link stopped and stared at her, his spoon forgotten where it hovered over the bowl holding a piece of crab. "I thought you didn't eat cooked food?"

"I don't, usually. But I would if you made it for me." Mipha smiled. "I want to be able to share our interests with each other. This could be something special for you and I alone to have." She took a drink of wine. "So, will you?"

"Of course," Link said softly. "I'd love to share that with you."

"Thank you, I cannot wait."

They resumed eating for a moment, and then Link wiped at his mouth and spoke again. "What about you? What things have you been doing that you'd like to talk about? I don't want to just talk about my own interests and not hear yours."

"Oh... well..." Mipha took a deep breath. "I have continued my spear training, of course, but you know that... as well as swimming, and all the things I am expected and indeed required to know as the princess..." Feeling suddenly on the spot, she cast about for something to speak of that inspired the same passion in her that cooking did in him. "Oh, and as part of my training and developing of my healing powers, I have been taking instruction from the physicians in the Domain, teaching me all about the structures and functions of the body so that I may use my magic more efficiently."

Link sipped some broth. "That sounds interesting. Are you enjoying it?"

"For the most part, yes. I confess I was a bit squeamish at first, but I soon got over that and discovered that it fascinated me to no end. What actually frustrated me was when my magic was still unreliable." She sighed. "I had so much trouble accessing my power at times, it could be rather... finicky. Which was not only irritating, but frightening—I feared what would happen if someone was badly injured and on the brink of death, and I was not able to save them because of my incompetence."

"Hey, you were never incompetent." Link reached across the table to take her hand again. "You just needed to find out what worked for you. If you ever find yourself in need of more practice, or anything else, just let me know."

"Thank you, I—" Mipha paused. "That... had better not have been you volunteering to get yourself hurt so I can practice on you..."

"It wasn't, I swear." Link held up his free hand. "Although I guess it's not a bad idea, now that you mention it..."

"Oh, Nayru preserve me from your recklessness!" She groaned, and Link laughed. "And more the fool am I, for putting such a thing in your head."

"Well, there's plenty of room for it to rattle around in." Link shrugged. "Not a whole lot of brain in there, you know?"

"Link, don't." Her amusement faded. "Please. It pains me to hear you speak so ill of yourself."

"I'm just... being honest." His eyes suddenly wouldn't meet hers. "I'm aware of my own limitations."

"And there is nothing wrong with being aware of our own faults, but this isn't that." Mipha tugged on his hand, trying to get him to look at her. "You are kind to everyone except yourself, and you deserve better. I don't know who has made you think you must behave this way, but I would like to see an end to it. I care about you, Link. Not in spite of anything about you, but because of who you are."

Link finally looked at her, but he seemed at a loss for words, holding her gaze and saying nothing at first. When he did say something, his voice was low and a little scratchy. "... Thank you. I'm sorry."

"Don't be." An ache rose in her chest. "Just try to be as kind to yourself as you are to me. I cannot bear to see you hurt any more than you want to see me in pain. Can you do that for me?"

"Of course," he said quietly. "You can ask me for anything. I hope you know that."

"I do, yes." Except for the things I most want from you. "And the same goes for you."

They finished what was left of their respective meals, and then Link placed the tray outside the door for the staff to take back before he headed into the small adjoining bathroom. Mipha settled herself on the floor beside the fireplace; there weren't any chairs, but there was a soft, plush rug. She ran her fingers slowly over her tail as she stared into the flames.

If I thought you would say yes, I would ask you to kiss me. To touch me. To take me to bed and join yourself with me. If I thought it was something you could do, I would ask you to love me. To remember our promise, and truly cherish me the way you swore to in our vows. Because I... am greedy and selfish, to my eternal shame. I want so many things from you that I cannot have. I want you. If you could truly be mine, I would need nothing else.

Her troubled thoughts occupied her mind until Link returned, freshly bathed and in the clothes he'd sleep in; a pang of disappointment went through her at not having gotten to see him undress tonight. He sat down across from her, a towel around his shoulders. Mipha's gaze strayed to him as he squeezed his damp hair with the towel. "Do you feel better now?"

"Yeah." Another sharp pang went through her as she watched him comb his hair. Oh, how she longed to do such things for him. "It wasn't that long a ride, but I still felt like it kicked up all the dirt onto me." He wrinkled his nose. "It'll help me sleep, too."

"Oh, as if you need assistance with that," Mipha said teasingly, and giggled when he pretended to scowl at her. "I am glad you feel better, though. I need to get up and do the same." She sighed. "It is so warm here..."

"The water'll be hot too," Link pointed out.

"Yes, but the distance between here and there will not be." She glanced at the door. "I know it is not that far, but..."

"Well, in that case, should I carry you?" Link's eyes sparkled with mischief. "That could keep you warm..."

"A tempting offer, but no thank you," Mipha said lightly. Oh, if only you knew how tempting it really is. "I shall manage, I think." She rose to her feet. "I will be back soon."

"Take your time," he called after her. "Just relax."

Wind whistled outside the window as Mipha sank into the hot water; she shivered, despite that she couldn't feel it. On a brighter note, the air in the bathroom was still faintly scented with whatever soap Link had used on himself, prompting her to close her eyes and breathe deeply. There were parts of him she still had yet to see for herself, but that had never stopped her from trying to imagine them. Eyes still closed, she concentrated on creating an image in her mind of Link in this very bathtub, lathering up his hands with soap and spreading it all over his body.

Her hand wandered down as she indulged in the fantasy, but faltered as it was interrupted by the memory of that strange moment just before dinner. That look he'd given her haunted her—try as she might, she couldn't begin to decipher what it could've meant. He'd looked surprised, but by what she couldn't say. Had he really been about to kiss her? No, that couldn't be. She must have misunderstood him somehow.

Still, it was hard not to hope. Even the possibility of Link seeing her the way he once had sent her heart soaring and made her head spin. She would never be able to forget the shy little kiss he'd given her the day of their promise, or how he'd reacted to the one she'd given him just prior. His behavior between then and the all too hastily arrived day of his departure stood out too. They'd always been physically affectionate with each other, but during that little space of time he'd become... well, as unflattering a word as "clingy" could be, she couldn't think of a better one to describe it. Link had spent every minute he could with her, and had almost constantly held her hand or stroked her tail.

He kissed my cheek a lot too, Mipha recalled. And hugged me so many times. We both needed soothing, and I tried to make him feel better just as he did for me. He never outright asked me to touch his hair, but I knew from the way he'd sigh and snuggle closer when I did that he wanted me to do it. Could there be a chance that he still wants that sort of affection from me? It seems so unlikely, and yet I wonder.

I still doubt that he wants to be sexually intimate with me. But he surely must crave something from me, the friendly affection we used to share. And I am his wife, after all. Even if he doesn't want what I do, it must nevertheless be a bit lonely to have me holding back so much, especially when we used to touch each other so freely. I really must try harder to overcome my fears, for his sake.

Link was still sitting by the fire when she emerged; he looked to be on the verge of falling asleep, but snapped to attention at the sound of the bathroom door. His eyes went to her, and he frowned. "Mipha, if... if you're cold, you should probably sleep close to me."

"What?" Mipha stopped walking, unsure if she'd heard him right.

"You should sleep close to me," Link repeated, his cheeks acquiring a tint of pink. "I know it's harder for you to get and stay warm, so let me help with that. If you want, anyway."

"I—yes. Yes, that would be appreciated." Mipha nodded gratefully, her heart fluttering in anticipation. "Thank you."

"Don't worry about it." Link rose, yawning. "I'm gonna get in bed now, but you're welcome to stay by the fire for a while if you want."

"No, I am tired too." Mipha let out a yawn of her own. "I suppose the hot water got to me, after such a long day. And we must rise early again tomorrow as well."

"Yeah."

They doused the lamps, and then Mipha let Link climb into bed first. Her shivering was worse by the time she got under the covers, but started to calm as she moved next to him and the heat that radiated from his body. It was further soothed when Link slipped an arm around her and pulled her even closer, holding her gently against him. He ran his fingers over her tail a few times, and it was all she could do not to completely melt into his embrace. The warm, pleasant scent of him seeped into her senses, and Mipha breathed deeply as she had in the bathroom. What a wonderful thing to be so close to him, no matter the reason.

If only we could share this every night. This, and so much more. Oh, Link. No one else has ever captivated me the way you do. I remained faithful to our promise all these years, and none I have met tempted me in the slightest to be untrue to you. You are all I want. If only I dared say that to you.

"Mipha?"

Panic rose in her for a second, that in her drowsiness she'd somehow murmured something she couldn't explain away, but she smothered it. "Yes?"

"Are you comfortable?"

The last of her anxiety faded away. "Yes. Very much so." Mipha couldn't restrain a contented little sigh. "Thank you, Link."

"You're welcome." Something seemed to hang in the air for a moment, as if he was about to say something else, but it too faded away.

After another minute or so they bade each other goodnight, and then Mipha finally drifted off into a much-needed sleep, her fragmented thoughts full of images of Link.

Mipha was still asleep when Link carefully extracted himself from her arms early the next morning. It was a bit strange for him to wake up first, but fortunate, given what his dreams about the night before had caused; he did not need for her to awaken and notice that. So he cautiously crept out and to the adjoining bathroom.

Once everything had been dealt with he returned; a glance at the clock on the mantel told him he might as well start getting dressed. He retrieved his clothes for the day as quietly as he could, and set them down on the vanity so he could change.

He'd just taken his shirt off when the mattress creaked; he turned. "Morning," Link said in as light a tone as he could.

Please, please don't let her somehow guess what I just did. I know it's normal, but... she doesn't need to suspect that I think about her during it. That would make things so weird for her.

"Good morning. Although I suspect I may still be dreaming if you are awake ahead of me." Her eyes twinkled with amusement.

"It happens sometimes. But don't get used to it," Link said with a laugh.

"I don't believe I will." She lifted her arms above her head to stretch, yawning, and he froze, struggling to keep his eyes on her face instead of letting them dip lower. He didn't want to avert his gaze from her, lest she think he found her unappealing to look at, but at the same time it was so hard not to stare at the way the motion pushed her chest out, those soft little mounds he yearned to cup and stroke. On top of that he also didn't want her to suspect just how much he did enjoy looking at her, so he was a bit stuck.

I'd say it puts me between a rock and a hard place, but that feels a little too literal considering how I woke up. Ugh. I have a sinking feeling that I'm gonna be found out one of these days, and then it'll be so damn awkward for both of us. I hope not. I don't want her to be uncomfortable. Which she probably would be if she knew how badly I want her.

"I will be back soon." Mipha got out of bed, and Link's heart hammered at the sight of her. Something about knowing that being without any jewelry was the Zora equivalent of complete nudity made it hit differently than seeing her in her usual scanty attire, despite that her sashes and cords didn't leave anything to the imagination either. She shivered; it occurred to him that he could keep them both very warm by pulling her into his arms and kissing her before climbing back in bed with her. "We will leave as soon as we're both ready, I suppose?"

Link nodded. "Yeah."

"Then I shall try not to be overlong."

Not for the first time he found himself hopelessly distracted by watching her walk away, the way her hips swayed, the tantalizing roundness of her derriere beneath those pretty fins. Link stared longingly at her, his mouth watering even after she'd closed the bathroom door. These morning baths were necessary for her to moisten her gills and scales, he knew that. It didn't stop him from having thoughts about her in the water that were no doubt deeply inappropriate.

I mean, yeah, okay... she is my wife. Theoretically I'm allowed to think of her this way. It just somehow feels vaguely wrong, considering that we don't have that kind of relationship and I doubt she'd want it to progress to that. We might have to eventually if she wants or needs to have children—we haven't talked about it, so I'm not sure what the situation is in that respect. But there's plenty of time before we have to worry about it either way, so there's no need to rush into that awkwardness.

Turning back to the vanity, Link met his own gaze in the mirror. He studied himself with a critical eye, taking in the disheveled hair, the face that some of the other trainees had called "pretty" with a mocking tone to their voices. Some Hylian girls, both servants and nobles alike, had used similar words to describe him, but in a more flattering way. He'd carefully sidestepped their interest, not wanting to offend them any more than he wanted to be unfaithful to Mipha, and they hadn't been his type anyway. All the same, though, it made him wonder about the difference between what Hylian women found attractive, versus what a Zora like Mipha liked. Undoubtedly she preferred other Zoras, but it was hard not to want her to look at him with the same kind of unconcealed admiration that those other girls had stared at him with, not seeming to mind his short stature. Their attentions had been embarrassing and awkward, but it'd be different if Mipha saw him that way. So very different. Knowing that he was attractive to her would do much more for his uncertain self-image than any of those Hylian girls cooing over him ever could.

Especially given certain imperfections that she was well aware of. Link's lips pursed as he took in the many scars that crisscrossed his chest and stomach, souvenirs of countless little wounds during training over the years, not to mention a few instances of genuine combat. And then there was the big one. He turned himself, trying to see the one on the back of his shoulder; its reflection made him grimace. Such an ugly thing, that remnant of the burn Astor had inflicted on him. That Mipha had actually touched it—more than once, even—had been a shock. Not an unpleasant one, but still a shock. Even so, he doubted it did anything to help her find him appealing. Probably the opposite.

I just hope she doesn't feel too disgusted when I change in front of her. Link's stomach churned, and he grabbed his tunic and pulled it on. He'd brought clothes with him that he'd bought on a diplomatic visit to Hebra Principality several months ago, lined with Rito feathers for insulation against the cold. They'd help keep him warm on the long trek up Mount Lanayru. Mipha, too—he was going to loan her the cloak he'd gotten there, as the clothes themselves would be enough for him.

Once he'd gotten himself fully dressed, Link pulled a chair over from the table and sat down. It was a tight squeeze, considering the size of the room, but he managed, and began to brush out his hair. The mere action dragged him back to memories of the past, and he let himself sink into them without resistance.

Mipha always liked touching my hair when we were younger... she was so fascinated by it, as something she didn't have. And I loved it when she did that. I was shy about asking her to, but she somehow seemed to know anyway that I enjoyed it. It was something she did a lot in the last few days before I left, and one of the only things that managed to comfort me. I kinda clung to her during that time, which is a little embarrassing to look back on. But... I needed it. I knew I loved her, and I was heartbroken at having to leave. She needed it too, she was just as upset as I was. I'll always wonder how different things might've been if I'd been able to stay, if I would've been able to win her heart. Probably just wishful thinking, though.

Link tied most of his hair back in its usual ponytail, and then began to braid the loose portion on the right side of his face. He tucked the end of it into the red adornment that'd come with the outfit, and wrapped the white ribbons attached to it around the braid, tying them where it wouldn't be visible.

Mipha exited the bathroom just as he started on the left side, and to his surprise she pulled up the other chair. She sat with her back to the wall, facing him, and butterflies flitted through his stomach as she quietly watched him work. As he finished securing the ribbons around it, she reached out and touched the braid. "Link, I..." He looked over; she seemed shy all of a sudden. "Will you... teach me how to do this sometime?"

He blinked. "How to... braid hair?"

"Yes." Mipha nodded. "I... know that must sound useless, seeing as I lack it, but..." She swallowed audibly. "I... used to help you do things like that, and I would like to again. If you don't mind, of course."

"No... no, of course I don't mind." Link shook his head slowly. "That'd be... yeah, I'd like that." His face warmed. "I'd be happy to teach you. It's easy, I don't think you'll have any trouble with it." A castle maid he'd known for sure didn't have any interest in him had agreed to teach him, and he'd picked it up quickly. If he could learn so readily, then surely Mipha wouldn't have a problem either.

"Thank you." She picked up the headset, an ornament crafted out of silver to resemble feathers with a golden piece in the shape of the Rito crest set onto it, bearing a ruby that would aid in keeping the cold at bay. "This is lovely." She glanced at him. "Shall I put it on for you?"

"Sure." His nerves tensed as Mipha stood and leaned close to him so she could place the curved hook of the headdress around his ear. It was all he could do not to gasp as her fingers brushed the tip, the sides, the lobe, sending shivers of pleasure through him that he had to fight to control so she didn't notice. "Thanks," he somehow managed as she finished securing it.

"It is my pleasure." She picked up the earrings he'd chosen to wear, little red hoops that matched the rest of his outfit. "Do you want to wear these too?"

Link nodded. It was hard to breathe, let alone speak, with her so close, touching him in intimate ways. And about to do it again—it was a good thing she couldn't hear his heart pounding.

She doesn't know... does she? She can't possibly have any idea what her touch does to me. Link struggled to keep himself outwardly calm so she wouldn't suspect anything. No, there was no way Mipha knew how she affected him, or she'd keep her distance. To her, she was just picking up where they'd left off as children, always casually touching each other and helping each other with things. For him, it was almost too much. Goddesses, he wanted her so badly. His hands burned with the sheer need to pull her into his arms and hold her, kiss her. To finally consummate their marriage. She was everything he'd ever wanted—he ached for her touch, yearned to touch her. To constantly have her so close and be unable to do anything about it was torture.

And now she was even closer. Her ear fins brushed his cheek as she leaned in close, sliding the wire through the little hole in his earlobe and securing it. Link clutched at the arms of the chair, his fingers digging into the upholstery. Especially when she laid her hand on his cheek and gently turned his head so she could attach the other earring. Her lips were tantalizingly close to his, reminding him painfully of how he'd almost kissed her last night. Would she have been okay with it if he had? Something in her eyes had seemed to suggest it, spurring him on, but then the knock on the door had ruined the moment.

I don't think I have the guts to ask her, but... ugh. I want to believe I really saw what I thought I did. I don't want it to just be my imagination. I know that's selfish, and I hate myself for it, but... but I still want it. I want another moment like that, one that doesn't get interrupted, so I can be brave enough to find out.

"There, done." Mipha sat back in her chair, and Link let his grip on the chair relax. No sooner had he done that, though, then she reached out and touched the earring on his left ear, her claws brushing the lobe again. "When did you get this done, might I ask?"

"I was..." He had to force his brain to think about something besides her, her gentle touch on his skin. "I was twelve, I think, and we were all allowed to go visit the marketplace in town to do some shopping. There was a stall there that was doing piercings and I decided to go for it, kind of on a whim."

"I like it." Mipha let go of his ear, letting him breathe easier. "It suits you."

"Thanks." He let his breath out slowly, his heart still racing. She had her jewelry on now, and a white sash that looked similar to the one she'd worn to the festival in Goponga. It wasn't that one, though—he'd remember. He'd tried to commit every aspect of her appearance to memory that night, drinking in his first sight of her in eight years. "Are you ready to go?"

"Yes." Mipha nodded. "You said you have a cloak for me to wear?"

"Yeah." He patted the folded-up bundle of cloth on the vanity. "We'll take it with us, I have a bag ready to attach to the saddle and we can put it in there if you don't want to wear it to breakfast."

Mipha agreed with that plan, and soon they were on their way downstairs. The bulk of their things remained locked in their inn room, as they'd paid to stay another night. The ride up Mount Lanayru alone would take a few hours, and by the time they got back it'd be late enough that they might as well just sleep here and set out for the harbor the following morning.

After eating a quick breakfast Mipha put on the cloak, and then they headed out. They made a brief stop at a potions shop along the way, buying a few elixirs to further guard against the cold, and then continued on their way.

Stone arches stood at the far end of the little town, towering over the two of them. Link eased the horse into a gentle trot as they went through, since they were past the settlement. Just beyond the narrow path between the mountain a gate identical to the one they'd passed through yesterday on their way in. Everything widened past that point, the stone road cutting through the middle of a little valley with tall grass and slender, white-barked trees on either side. Wildflowers grew abundantly among the underbrush, and Link spotted some mushrooms nestled at the roots of the trees. As they neared the incline at the far end he guided their horse off the path, towards a small body of water to their right. A tiny waterfall gushed out of a hole in the cliff side, and on a small patch of land beside it stood a single tree, bare of any leaves.

At the edge of the water they stopped and dismounted; Link took the cloak and her sash when she handed them to him. Mipha removed her anklets and the jewelry that encircled her hips as well, placing them carefully atop her clothing. "This will not take long."

"Take as long as you need, this is why we're here."

She nodded and then, with a single glance back at him, waded into the water. As part of the ritual she would undergo here, she was required to briefly soak herself in the waters of Purifier Lake, as this place was called. Privately Link didn't think it was nearly big enough to merit being called a lake, but he wasn't going to argue with whoever had named it however many generations ago. And anyway, it was far more interesting to watch the way Mipha's tail swung as she walked, how her scales caught the faint light of morning and sparkled. She was far enough away from him now, submerged up to her waist in the water, that he let himself sigh at the sight of her.

She clasped her hands in front of herself, and presumably uttered some silent prayers before splashing some water on her face, her head. A whisper caught his ear, but he couldn't understand any of it—it sounded like it had been spoken in Old Zoran. Resentment coiled in his chest. Mipha had been trying to teach him some of it from her own lessons before he left, and it'd been difficult but fun. Another thing he'd been robbed of by being forced to leave her.

Mipha waded back out of the water a few minutes later, water dripping down her sleek, perfect body. Link bit down on the inside of his cheek as he struggled not to stare at her, instead fetching out one of the towels he'd packed so she could dry off. That too was hard not to watch, and he had to pretend to be very interested in the activities of the nearby frogs. When she was finally done she put her jewelry and sash back on, and he wrapped the cloak around her before helping her back onto the horse.

"Thank you," Mipha said as he climbed on and took the reins again; she wrapped her arms around his waist and leaned her head against his back. "I'm sorry for making this take longer, but it really is an important part of all this."

"I know, so don't worry about it." Link guided the horse back to the path, and into a mild trot as they got close to the incline. It carried them up it, and into the aptly named Naydra Snowfield beyond. Thanks to the presence of the icy dragon that guarded Nayru's Spring this area was perpetually blanketed in snow, the skies covered in thick gray clouds that blotted out the sun. It was jarring and honestly kind of bizarre to pass so abruptly from a green meadow lit by pale sunlight into this more harsh environment, but such was the power of Nayru's guardian spirit. "You okay back there?"

"I—I..." A strange sound came from behind him; it took Link a second to realize that it was Mipha's teeth chattering. Since hers were smaller and sharper than his, it only made sense that it would sound different. "I think I n-need to take one of the elixirs..."

"Sure, of course." Link tugged on the reins, pulling the horse to a stop, and then dismounted. He reached into the bag and retrieved one of the elixirs they'd bought, and handed it up to her. "Here. I bought extra, so please don't worry about taking this one early."

"Th-thank you." Mipha uncorked it, and a warm, spicy aroma hit his nostrils. Having taken it before on his trip to Hebra Link was prepared for the smell, but Mipha grimaced. Taking a deep breath, she downed it in one go. She started coughing the minute she swallowed, covering her mouth with one hand and pressing the other to her chest, just below her throat. "Ugh... how does anyone stomach these, they're so..."

"I know." Link took the bottle from her, putting the cork back in before putting it back in the bag. "Apparently it's due to whatever gives it its heat-giving properties, and there's no way to really mask that without losing the effect. That's what a potion maker in Castle Town told me once, anyway."

"And what..." Mipha coughed again as he climbed back up. "What is typically put in them?"

"That depends on the potion brewer." He tugged on the reins again, getting the horse moving once Mipha had slipped her arms around him again. It wasn't quite the way he envisioned in even his more tame fantasies about her, but all the same it felt good to have her hold him. "Some rely on spicy peppers, others on warm safflina or sunshrooms, even cooked sizzlefin trout that's been ground into a paste."

"Oh, that sounds horrid." She shuddered, and he had to try not to laugh. "A disgraceful use of perfectly good fish."

"I have to agree." Link made a face. "I had to drink one of those once, and... it didn't do anything pleasant for the texture going down, I'll just say that."

"Oh, ew!" Mipha shuddered again, and this time he let himself laugh. "Do stop there, Link."

"I am, don't worry." He laughed again. "Anyway, while those are sometimes used, elixir purists tend to prefer using summerwing butterflies or warm darners, claiming that those have the most potent effects. If you want to know how I know that, it's because I overheard an argument between two potion sellers at the market one day."

"Bugs?" A note of queasiness rippled in her voice. "Do you mean to tell me that I just swallowed bugs? "

"Maybe? I don't know what that shop owner uses." It's probably a bad idea to mention what else goes into one... "We can ask on our way back, if you want."

"No... no, I think I will pass." Mipha shifted herself slightly, her cheek winding up pressed to his shoulder blade. "It is better if I do not know, I think. That it is working is all that really matters."

"True."

Silence fell between them, somehow seeming appropriate given their surroundings. The snow was so thick on the ground that it obscured patches of the well-worn stone road, but Link nevertheless was able to easily stick to it. Mipha shivered from time to time when an icy little breeze wound its way through the trees to brush against their faces. In the distance a wolf howled, and she tensed up, but relaxed when none appeared to bother them. Blue mushrooms that seemed to have been carved out of crystal sprouted from the snowdrifts beneath the trees, and if he breathed in deeply Link could smell the herbaceous, medicinal scent of the cool safflina that grew in clumps here and there.

The path grew steeper as they left the snowfield and started their ascent up the mountain, but it was nothing the horse couldn't handle. The snow was even thicker here, and Link kept careful watch on their surroundings, not wanting to be surprised by an ice Chuchu leaping out. Unnaturally large and smooth formations of ice crystals jutted up from the ground, some of them ringing the sides of the mountain. Winterwing butterflies and cold darners fluttered around their heads, the only real sign of life. That was a relief—he had his sword with him, and Mipha had brought her spear, but all the same he didn't want to encounter any threats. Keeping her safe was, as always, his top priority.

When ancient stone pillars draped in frost began to appear he knew they had to be reaching the top, if the directions they'd been given were accurate. And soon enough the path vanished entirely beneath a thick cover of snow, thin white grass sprouting in scraggly clusters. The horse whinnied nervously, but Link leaned forward and petted it, speaking in a low voice to soothe it. It almost instantly relaxed, and a familiar pride surged through him. His early riding lessons at the knight academy had taught him how to do that, and he'd found he had a natural gift with horses, superior to everyone else in his year. That had stirred a not insignificant amount of jealousy in them, and he'd learned to use it to taunt them back when they jeered at him about his height or whatever else they'd decided to mock that day. The rage that the reminder of his successes provoked in them created a carelessness that he used to his advantage in the ensuing tussles. Which only further angered them, that someone they perceived as weaker could beat them so easily. Maybe it was a bit underhanded, but when the alternative was letting the bullies win Link quickly found he had no shame.

They didn't have far to go after that before a truly breathtaking sight greeted them. A stone walkway with steps leading up to an octagonal platform cut through a waterway whose origin was the larger pool above, flowing down over some submerged stone at the height of the elevated platform. Beyond the pool was the altar dedicated to Nayru. He'd heard about it before, but never seen it. A weathered statue of her rose up from the heart of the altar, holding her legendary harp in her hands with a serene expression on her face. It was here that Mipha would make her offering.

Link stopped the horse, and after dismounting he tied it to one of the pillars at the water's edge. He didn't think anything would happen, but he wanted to take precautions all the same. If something appeared to threaten them, even just a wolf, they didn't need to have their spooked horse racing away down the mountain, possibly killing itself in its fright, and leaving them without the elixirs they'd need to make it down on foot.

Mipha led the way, and he followed her to the platform. At its other end a few more steps led down into the water, where he could now see another walkway under the surface of the shallow water. She once again removed her cloak, sash, and the jewelry at her hips and ankles, and handed them to Link. In return he handed her the bag of pearls, and she nodded at him before walking into the water.

She halted momentarily, as if taken aback by the chill of the water; then, shivering, she continued on until she reached the altar. Atop it she carefully emptied out the pearls she'd gathered, their sheen somewhat muted in the dim light. Mipha then stepped back, clasping her hands again, and began to speak aloud.

"Beloved goddess of wisdom Nayru, I come before you today with a single purpose. I seek no answers, nor do I require advice, but instead I offer you this humble gift, that I pray your loyal servant might bestow upon me a priceless treasure in return." She took a deep breath. "For I am Mipha, princess of the Zora, and in accordance with the ancient traditions I require the honor of receiving your scales, o revered guardian of the spring."

It was a traditional prayer that all Zora princesses addressed the holy powers governing this spring with, that Mipha had been working for over a week to memorize. He'd heard fragments of it as she whispered to herself, but never the whole thing.

"Like all Zora princesses before me, and all who will come after, I am need of your precious scales, o Naydra, for the crafting of armor for my husband. My love alone cannot shield him from harm, and so I beseech you: grant to me your scales so that I may keep him safe from any who would try to take him from me."

Link closed his eyes, an ache taking root in his heart. Her love? That was a part he definitely hadn't heard before, and so it'd hit him like a blow to the chest. It was a part of the prayer, written by Zoras who were long dead, and not words she'd chosen herself, but that didn't lessen the impact. And now the words she'd spoken to him last night returned all of a sudden: what would you have me do as your wife?

Love me, he'd wanted to tell her. Just say you love me. That's all I want, to know that I hold your heart the way you hold mine. It was true—as much as he craved her touch, her kiss, what he needed more than anything was to be loved by the one he adored. It burned in him, a perpetual flame fed not by wood, but by his desperate need to have his affections returned.

I think I know what happened. She mistook her feelings of friendship and caring for romantic love, and only realized it later. I was gone, and she grew up, and she was able to untangle it all and see the truth. I get that, and I can live with it, I would never resent her for it. The important thing is that she still cares about me, that we're still friends and she's not completely miserable in our marriage. I have to remember that, and I have to be careful not to burden her with my feelings.

And most of all I have to stop wishing she loved me the way I love her, that she meant what she said just now.

Goddess. Am I really that selfish? I don't want to be. I don't want to need her like this. It's not fair to her. I have to bear this pain in silence somehow, and figure out a way to... to just stop feeling like this. I have no idea how, but there has to be a way. There has to. I don't know what I'll do if there isn't.

A light growing steadily in brightness pressed against his eyelids, interrupting his troubled thoughts; Link opened his eyes, and reflexively gasped at the source of the illumination. An enormous dragon coated in shimmering, opalescent scales, with a violet underbelly, had coiled itself around the top of the mountain. Blue ice sprouted from its head like a crystalline mane, and others jutted up from its back like spikes. They glowed, as did the claws attached to the nearly black limb that curled around one of the ice formations. Multicolored eyes gazed down at Mipha, but Link found himself just as transfixed.

"I have heard your prayer, young one, and come before you to answer." There was a strange, echoing quality to the voice that came forth from Naydra, yet the gentleness with which she spoke was unmistakable. With a jolt, Link realized that her mouth hadn't opened. "I see the truth of your heart, the strength of your convictions, and accept the offering you bring, as I have for countless others before you."

"Th-thank you," Mipha managed, her voice shaking. She was trembling, and Link doubted it was merely from the cold. "You have my deepest gratitude, o wondrous Naydra."

A soft laugh seemed to issue forth from Naydra. "Take these in your hands." The pearls vanished, and in the next instant were replaced with a pile of sparkling scales. "And use them to safeguard the one that is in your heart." Her eyes lifted to meet Link's, and he stopped breathing. "May fate treat you both kindly, and keep you close to one another for all your days."

The mountain itself seemed to shiver as Naydra uncoiled herself and rose into the sky. Link watched, tilting his head back until his neck ached, as she flew higher and higher, and finally disappeared into the swirling clouds far above them. In her wake he stood spellbound for who knew how long, until a sound at the altar attracted his attention. Mipha was gathering up the scales and placing them into the bag that had held the pearls, handling them with obvious care.

Her task completed, Mipha made her way back to the platform. The bag was bulging now, stuffed almost to bursting with the precious scales they'd journeyed here for. Link took it from her, and handed her the other towel so she could dry off. She was shivering again, and he wanted to just wrap the cloak around both of them and warm her with his body, his kiss. Instead he stood still, trying not to let his eyes roam over her body—why did she have to be so perfectly shaped?—and waited for her to be done drying herself. When she was, he handed her the jewelry and sash so she could put them back on again, and then slipped the cloak around her shoulders.

"Is that all you need to do here?"

Mipha nodded. "Yes. I... thank you, Link." She found his hands and squeezed them. "Thank you for coming with me. It was so much better, having you here."

"I'm glad." He smiled, and his heart skipped a beat when she smiled back. Goddess, he really did adore her. The power that she exerted over him with just a smile was so immense it frightened him sometimes. "So, we'll head back now?"

"Yes." She took the bag of scales back from him, clutching it to her chest. "The sooner the better, for even with the elixir I am tired of this cold."

"Can't blame you." Link adjusted the cloak slightly to better cover her. "Come on, then, let's get back to town."

"Gladly!"

Link untied the horse, and they resumed their positions on its back. Another silence settled over them as they rode back down, his thoughts swirling as turbulently as the clouds that Naydra had disappeared into.

The truth of her heart? What... did she mean by that? I don't think Mipha actually loves me, not like that... perhaps Naydra accepts platonic caring? There must be something there, or I don't think this would've worked, you can't really lie to a holy being like that. Can you? And... and the way Mipha looked at me last night... maybe she's starting to... and Naydra...

… no. I can't let myself think like that. I can't get my hopes up.

I have to be smart about this.