Thunder rumbled in the distance as Link loaded the last suitcase onto the carriage; he cast a wary glance up at the leaden skies. No rain had fallen here yet, but it was bound to happen soon, and he'd prefer not to be standing in it when it did. Even if it did match his mood.

Their honeymoon was over, and it was now time to head to Hyrule Kingdom. The carriage would take them down to the harbor, where a ship awaited them. They'd sail down the river again, past Goponga, and onwards to another harbor. From there another carriage would bear them overland the rest of the way to Castle Town.

Link didn't need to look at Mipha's face to see the sorrow he knew she was struggling to hide the bulk of. If anything, it was better that he not, for the sight of her unhappiness had the power to break through the stoic mask he was just barely maintaining on his own face. His feelings of loss and misery at their departure didn't compare to hers, but they roiled inside him all the same. To him, it felt like he'd barely gotten to be in the place he considered his true home before being yanked out of it again. Yanked out and tossed back into a place he had ambivalent feelings on at best. Castle Town had its entertaining diversions as he'd told Mipha, but it was also where he'd endured bullying from his peers, and a nearly decade-long absence from her. Not to mention the fact that he constantly felt watched while there; his position as a titled knight and one of Rhoam's foster sons meant that he was expected to maintain a certain image, a fairly strict standard of behavior. Those expectations meant that growing into the man he was today had entailed learning to hide his feelings better and become more guarded. He wasn't always as successful as he wanted to be, and it often felt like living a lie, as much as he recognized its importance in helping him to conceal his love for Mipha. But it remained a fact that it had changed him, and as a result he felt less comfortable in the Hyrulean capital. Less himself.

In Zora's Domain, though, it was different. He still had to hide his feelings for Mipha, and it was hard to let go of deeply ingrained habits at this point, but at the same time he could relax so much more easily. He could be silly and playful with Mipha and his other friends in a way he'd never dared to even with those in Hyrule that were kind to him. Being back here had started to reverse some of the changes in himself he didn't like, had let him start to get back to the core of who he was, more like his childhood self. Now that he had to return to Hyrule Kingdom, though,he would have to go back to being conscious of every public action, something he'd only gotten the tiniest bit of a break from. With the added bonus of seeing Mipha have to struggle with being uprooted from her lifelong home, her family. In the face of all that, it was hard not to feel a fresh wave of resentment for Rhoam.

Heavy footfalls came from behind; Link didn't have to turn to know who it was, but he did anyway. "Good morning, Your Majesty."

"Good morning, Link." Dorephan nodded to him. In his arms, a yawning Sidon squirmed. "And Mipha, my dear..."

"Father, you..." Mipha blinked furiously. "You did not have to come all this way from the palace just to see us off... we have already said our goodbyes..."

"I know, but Sidon insisted." Dorephan chuckled as his son squirmed again. "And I could not say no."

"Lemme—go—" Sidon struggled, and this time his father lost his grip on him. He would've fallen, if Link's instincts and lightning-fast reflexes hadn't kicked in and sent him darting forward to catch him. His amber eyes, so similar to Mipha's, widened as he realized who held him now. "Hey! Put me down!"

"In a minute." Link smiled and balanced Sidon on his hip. "I just want to say my goodbyes to my little brother first, if that's alright."

"Whaaaaaaat?" Sidon smacked Link in the chest with one of his little fists. "I am not your brother!"

"Technically you are, since I married your sister." He laughed. "There's even a special term for that—you're my brother in law."

Sidon scowled. "That's weird."

"Maybe," Link conceded. "But I like it. It means I'm part of your family now." He pulled Sidon into a hug. "Which I'm very happy about." I hope I can someday tell you about how I wanted that even before you were born.

"But... I..." Sidon struggled to find an argument for that. "You—you're stealing Mipha away! That's not being part of our family!"

"I know it seems like that, but I'm not." Link pulled Sidon back so they could look at each other. "I promise. When it was agreed on that I would marry Mipha, it was arranged that we'd spend part of our time here, and part of it in Hyrule Kingdom. I didn't have any more say in that than she did. Trust me, I'd rather stay here too."

"Really?" Sidon looked doubtful. "How come?"

"Because I love it here. This used to be my home when I was your age, remember? I didn't want to have to leave it back then and I don't want to now." Link sighed. "I don't have a choice about it, though. But we'll definitely be back. Hopefully sooner than we think."

He sighed too. "It feels like it'll be forever..."

"I know." Link hugged him again. "But I promise we'll write lots of letters, and bring back a suitcase of souvenirs for you."

Sidon scowled. "Two suitcases. One from each of you. You have to make up for taking Mipha away."

"Oh, Sidon, really!" Mipha had been talking quietly to her father, but Sidon's pronouncement had clearly gotten her attention. She let out a watery laugh. "Do not be ridiculous."

"I don't mind." Link met her eyes and smiled. "I'd be happy to help spoil him."

"Helpful is exactly what you're not being!" She tried to glare at him, but couldn't keep a straight face and started laughing. "Whatever am I to do with you two..."

It was on the tip of his tongue to say something like You know you love us, but Link swallowed it down. Instead he laughed, and held a wriggling Sidon out to Mipha. "Whatever you feel is necessary." He winked.

"Incorrigible man." She took Sidon from him. "You mustn't let him be a bad influence on you, Sidon."

"Listen to her." He moved to stand closer to Mipha. "She would know, since I was a very bad influence on her when we were younger." Link grinned. "I'll have to tell you about all the mischief we got up to back then."

"Link, no!" Mipha buried her face in one hand. "Oh, Sidon, please ignore him..."

"No way, I want to hear about it..." Sidon looked back and forth between them with an awestruck expression on his face. "Maybe he's not so bad..."

"I'll take that as a compliment." Link patted him on the head.

Mipha gave a long-suffering sigh. "Absolutely impossible..."

Link moved away to give the two of them a moment to say their goodbyes again before the departure; as he did, he caught sight of Dorephan, who looked vaguely amused. "You realize, Link, that I have a very long memory, and that I vividly recall several things that the both of you denied being involved with at the time?"

"Ah..." Link smiled guiltily, and scratched the back of his head. "I was, um... kinda hoping you'd forgotten some of those..."

"A wise king never allows his memory to slip." His eyes glinted with mirth. "Nor his wits to dull. And as I remember it, the two of you were always up to something, whether it was mischievous or not. Wherever my daughter went, you were sure to be at her side."

"She's always been my best friend," Link said softly. "I really did hate being separated from her back then, and having to leave the Domain. I still love it here."

"I know." Fondness filled his eyes. "I also clearly recall your grief at being taken from here, and I can see how much you still care about Mipha. I confess I was uneasy about the marriage before I knew it was you she would be paired with, and I lost much sleep over what I was condemning my daughter to in the name of peace. Needless to say, I have slept much easier since learning you would be her husband, and from the bottom of my heart I thank you for being so good to her."

"I... of course I am. I mean, that's all I..." Link cleared his throat, trying to rid it of the sudden lump there. "I meant what I said at the wedding, there's no one more important to me than she is, and I want her to be happy. I... I know this isn't the ideal situation, but I—"

"Link." Dorephan laid a hand on his shoulder. "Do not worry so much about details like that. What is done is done, and the political situation between our lands made it unavoidable. What matters now is that you two are good to each other, and as her father I am much relieved to see her united with a fine young man like yourself. I considered you my other son well before you married her, and that has not changed. The Domain will be your home as long as you consider it so, and I am proud to have you as part of my family."

Link blinked, his eyes stinging. "Thank you... I... I'm honored, even if I don't deserve it, and..."

Whatever else he might have said became irrelevant, as Dorephan pulled him into a hug. "Speak not of deserving, my boy," he said quietly. "You are loved and welcomed here. We shall all rejoice when the two of you return, as I have since learning that you would marry her. I have my differences with King Rhoam, but he showed wisdom in choosing you, and I am grateful for it."

It wasn't all him. I had to push him along. Would you be okay with that, if you knew what I did? I know it saved her from Astor, but... Link swallowed hard. "Thank you, I... that means a lot to me, I love it here too... I hope I don't let you all down..."

"I do not think you will." Dorephan pulled back, and smiled down at him. "I have the utmost faith in you. There is no one I trust more to take good care of my daughter."

"You have my word that I always will." Link tried to wipe at his eyes discreetly, pretending that something had gotten in them. "I swear to it."

"Good." He nodded approvingly. "May the Goddesses bless you with joy as well."

I'm married to your daughter. So in a way, they already have. "Thank you." He glanced at Mipha. She was holding Sidon tightly, whispering something to him while stroking his long tail. Thunder rumbled again, sounding closer this time, and droplets began splattering on his face, but he didn't want to rush them. They deserved to have a moment before their separation.

I don't want to do this. I don't want to take her away from her family. No matter what she said about me being part of her family now, it doesn't feel good to know she'll be away for so long from her father, her little brother. Sidon's only six, he wasn't even born when I left the first time. I don't expect him to like me right away, all I can do is try to alleviate his unhappiness with me a little because I know it would pain Mipha if her brother hated her husband. Not to mention that... I already love him too. He's the adorable younger sibling I always wanted to have and never got. And Dorephan is like a second father to me, I wish I was better at saying these things out loud. I'm so—

"Link." Dorephan laid his hand on his shoulder. "Please remember your own words to Sidon. None of this is your fault. If any of us here must bear the blame for this painful period of distance, it is I. For I played my role in the agreements that day, same as your liege."

"He's not... I don't..." Link's voice shook. "I would've preferred to stay here and serve you instead. If I could have, you're who I would've chosen to swear fealty to."

"That is very kind of you to say. It warms my heart to hear it, as selfish as that might be." Dorephan laughed slightly. "For all that it is irrelevant given the current circumstances, know that I would've welcomed your loyalty and service." He sighed. "In any case, I am partially responsible for what is happening now. It pains me to see you and Mipha leave, but as the ruler of Zora's Domain I must concede to a compromise in these matters to keep my people safe. I know Mipha understands this, and would not contest it or resent me for it, yet still my heart aches for us all."

"It's like you said. You did what you had to do." He looked at Mipha again. "I don't blame you at all for it, you're just trying to keep everyone safe. None of this was your fault."

"In truth, it is not Rhoam's fault either." Dorephan sighed again. "The blame lies with his ancestors, not the man himself, and I find it hard to condemn his desire to uphold peace, rather than take his people to war again. He is not the most pleasant man, but I will give him that."

"... You're right." He still had his share of issues with Rhoam, and that wasn't going to go away any time soon, but Link held his tongue. Most of his issues couldn't be discussed freely anyway.

Though it does show how much he trusts me, if he can speak his mind on Rhoam to that degree. He knows I won't jeopardize things by letting any of it slip once I'm back there. I'm not sure what I've done to deserve his trust and caring, honestly, but I'm glad to have it.

The rain started falling harder, and Mipha finally set Sidon down. "I'm afraid it is time," she said over his protests. "We must be on our way, and you should return indoors in case this becomes a thunderstorm."

"No, Mipha, please..." Sidon latched onto her leg and clung. "Don't go..."

"She must, Sidon." Dorephan gently pried Sidon off and lifted him up, holding him in a firm grip as he struggled. "But fear not, your sister will return sooner than you think."

"I don't want her to go," he whined. "I want her to stay... "

"I know you do." Mipha stepped forward and touched Sidon's cheek. "As do I. But as I have told you, this is part of my duty now and cannot be avoided. I will write you as often as I can, though, and we will bring back... what was it?" She tried to smile. "Two suitcases of souvenirs?"

"I want you here more than any souvenir." Sidon's lower lip wobbled. "It's not fair..."

"I know." Mipha stroked his cheek. "But we all must do things we don't want to do sometimes, for the sake of others. You will understand someday."

Link walked up and slipped his arm around Mipha. "I'm sorry," he said, reaching out to take one of Sidon's tiny hands. "I really am. Like I said, if I had a choice in this, we'd be staying here. I hate this too."

"Mmph." Sidon wiped at his eyes. "You better be nice to her while you're away... you better not make her cry..."

"When I was your age... even when I was older..." Link took a deep breath. "If I ever saw Mipha crying, it made me cry too."

"Really?" Sidon stopped rubbing his eyes and stared, as if he couldn't imagine it. "You?"

"Me." Link nodded. "And I don't think I could bear it any better now than I did then. So I'm going to be doing my best to make sure she doesn't have to cry about anything."

"You better." Sidon pouted. "And you better make sure she smiles, too! Real smiles!"

"I'll do my best." Link squeezed his hand. "I promise."

"And we shall hold you to that. Not that I believe you will let anyone, least of all Mipha, down." Dorephan pulled them all into a big hug. "Now go," he said as he released them. "Get into your carriage before poor Link is soaked through. We must be returning home too as you have said, Mipha."

"Goodbye, Father." Mipha's voice quavered. "Goodbye, Sidon. I love you both dearly, I cannot wait to see you again."

They echoed the sentiments back to her, and then she and Link climbed into the carriage together. Despite the rain they leaned out the window to wave goodbye, not pulling themselves back in until Dorephan and Sidon became distant specks.

Only then did Mipha, seated with her back to their destination, start crying. Link immediately moved to sit next to her and pulled her into his arms. He began to stroke her tail, and she cried harder. "I—I'm sorry," she wept, pressing her damp face to his chest. "I... I meant to be strong, but... but..."

"Shh." Link hugged her tighter. "Don't feel bad. Just let it out. I know this is hard on you." True to what he'd told Sidon, there was a fresh lump in his throat and his own eyes burned. Seeing Mipha in pain really hadn't gotten any easier. "I'm the one who should apologize."

"Don't. It is not your fault." A small sob escaped her. "You didn't choose this any more than I did, and I know you are unhappy too."

"I am, but... it's not the same for me as it is for you." Link closed his eyes and rested his head against hers. "You've lived there your whole life." He paused. "Have you... ever even been away from there for very long?"

"No." Mipha shook her head. "I have taken brief trips outside the Domain in the past, but until now I have never been apart from them for lengthy periods of time." She hiccuped. "The longest I have ever been away from Sidon since his birth was that first trip to Goponga."

A pang went through him. "No wonder he's so upset, then, if you've been a constant in his life all this time." Six years of being nearly inseparable, before being forcibly separated by powers outside their control... where have I heard that before? Hasn't Mipha endured enough of that?

"I have..." She hiccuped again. "I have been like a mother to him, for he has never known our real mother. To leave him for such a long time like this, when he is still so young... it is so hard to bear, for both of us."

"I'm sorry." Link wiped at his eyes frantically, trying not to let Mipha know he was crying too. "I'm so sorry. This is—"

"Not your fault," Mipha said firmly; his stomach flipped over as she lifted her head to look at him. "I know you don't want to go. I know you would never want to separate me from them. We all know this, even if Sidon is stubborn about admitting it. He will come around in time, I know, and Father loves you like a son already."

"I love him too," Link said in a choked voice. "And Sidon. I feel like I'm hurting them both by taking you away. But you most of all."

"Shh, no." Mipha reached up and wiped the tears away; his breath hitched both from emotion and her touch. "You are not hurting any of us, I promise. You are only doing what was agreed upon by others that we both do."

"Don't." Link shook his head. "You shouldn't be comforting me. You're the one having a harder time with it."

"We both are, in our own way." She continued to stroke his cheek. "I don't see what is wrong if we both comfort each other. And you clearly need reminding that you are not taking me away. We both lost our choice in our own living arrangements, and I wish you would listen when I tell you that, instead of continuing to let unfounded guilt weigh on your heart."

"I'm sorry." Link closed his eyes again. "It's just... I'm trying to believe that, I really am, it's not that I'm not listening to you. But our leaving is so tied to our marriage that it makes it hard not to feel responsible." He sighed. "I know you're going to tell me that this would've happened no matter who you married, and that I'm part of your family now. I know. And I know you're right. I just..." He took a breath. "I'm a mess, I guess. And I hate to see you upset, and my first instinct is always going to be to try to fix it, so when I can't..."

"You do more for me than you know." Mipha pulled him close, leaning her head against his shoulder. "Just a short while ago, you stood there in the rain and said nothing to rush me. You gave me and Sidon that moment together, despite that you were no doubt getting soaked. And you did your best to comfort him too. When I think of how I could have been wed to someone callous and uncaring, with little concern for our distress, and wanting to hurry away... it fills me with such gratitude all over again that you are my husband."

"Yeah." Link laughed unsteadily. "You sure could've gotten worse. I'm at least better than nothing."

"Don't." Mipha pulled back, and his heart cracked at the fresh tears in her eyes. "Don't, please. Please don't say that. I..." She took a gulping breath, and stared at him for a long moment before speaking. "Link, I am sorry," she said more quietly. "I think I have done you a disservice."

"What?" He frowned. "What do you mean?"

"I have spoken in ways, when it comes to my gratitude and feelings about marrying you, that have given you the wrong impression, it seems. It was not intentional, but I see now that it has done you harm anyway." Mipha let her breath out slowly. "You seem to believe that I regard you only as better than nothing, that I am primarily concerned with how things could have been so much worse for me. That is not true. You have been wonderful, Link, and I am happy with how things worked out, not simply because they could have been worse, but because I cannot think of how they could be better. I feel so fortunate to be your wife, and the only reason I haven't spoken more strongly on the matter is that I feel so selfish for being glad of it, and reluctant to hurt you by celebrating your loss of choice in the matter. You have been trapped by the choices of others so many times in your life, and it seemed cruel, to me, to revel in the latest occasion of it. So for all of that, I am sorry."

"Fortunate?" His heart thrummed rapidly. "How so?"

"You said that it wasn't a bad thing to marry your best friend." Mipha took his hand. "It isn't. It is one of the very best things. Getting to spend so much time with you again is such a gift, and I wouldn't trade it for anything. You've spoken to Sidon and Father about doing your best to take care of me and make me happy, and you have done an admirable job so far. Please know that."

"It doesn't feel like I have." Link touched her face, wiping away the tears that had fallen. "It feels like I've done barely anything for you."

"Which is not true." Mipha closed the distance between them again, resting her face in the crook of his neck. "I know that for whatever reason, you have a hard time believing me when I speak kindly of you. And I am no better, I admit." She laughed weakly, and he laughed too. "But please... please remember that I would not lie to you."

"You'd be terrible at it anyway." He laughed as she playfully swatted him. "But... okay. Yeah. I do know that." Link exhaled. "And I wouldn't lie to you either." At least, not about that. Guilt surged through him. I'm sorry. I don't mean to keep things from you... I just need to find the courage to tell you. Soon, I hope. I'll try, at least.

"I know." Mipha sighed. "So... do you feel better now?"

"A little." Link ran his fingers over her tail. "What about you?"

"I am trying." She raised her head to look at him. "That I do not feel as good as I would like is no fault of yours, however. It will take time for this ache to subside."

"I know." He nodded. "We've only just left, I don't expect you to just get over it. That's not fair to you."

"Very true." Mipha wiped at her eyes. "Yet, you are a comfort all the same, and I am deeply grateful."

"Whatever I can do for you, I'm glad to." I love you. I could never be hurt by you being glad to be married to me. If I thought I could explain myself about that, I'd tell you not to be sorry. That you've always been my choice.

"Thank you."

To his surprise, Mipha settled herself in his arms again as he leaned back in the seat, her head on his shoulder. Link held her quietly as the carriage rattled along toward the harbor. He couldn't see where they were going, only where they'd been, but that was fine for now.

Mipha slept in his arms that night; she'd barely been able to speak, but Link had understood her need for comfort and pulled her close without objection. She'd fallen asleep with her head on his chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat and letting it lull her to sleep. After all the tears and traveling, utter exhaustion was the only thing she really felt at the end of the day. Bone-deep exhaustion, in body, mind, and spirit, dulling the feelings that had been in such turmoil earlier. It would be a relief to be so numb if she wasn't painfully aware from past experience that her emotions were likely to spring back to life at the worst possible moment to overwhelm her again.

After a small breakfast she barely touched she went out to stand at the railing, and Link quietly held her as they watched the land pass by. They'd docked at Moor Garrison for the night, but now they were finally moving again. It would only be a matter of hours before they were in Castle Town. A reality she didn't know how to feel about.

"Hey." Mipha turned her head, and Link pointed to their left. "See that mountain? That's Crenel Peak. Not to be confused with the Crenel Hills, which we'll get to a little later." He laughed and rolled his eyes.

Mipha followed his gaze. "Why would they give them both the same name?"

"No idea. Maybe they liked it so much they just decided to use it twice?" He shrugged. "It probably means something silly anyway. Wouldn't surprise me."

Mipha laughed. "It would not surprise me either."

They fell silent again for a while, and then Link nudged her once more. "Can you see that building up there?" He pointed to their right this time. "On the hillside?"

Mipha leaned over, and shaded her eyes with one hand. "Yes. What is it?"

"Just an inn, and next to it is Pico Pond. Not much to see. But if you head north up the road, you'll pass through a bit of the Minshi Woods on your way to the training camp that's located up in the hills."

His arm around her was so warm and comfortable; part of her wanted the trip to go on longer just so they could stay like this. "Were you ever sent there?"

"To the camp? Yeah, too many times to count. It always seemed to rain a lot whenever we were there, and they made us do our exercises out in it, so it was pretty miserable." Link sighed. "The woods, though... those were interesting." He leaned his head against hers. "Up past the camp there's a huge forest called the Lost Woods, and there's a different legend about it depending on who you ask. Like some people say they're cursed, and that if you set foot in them misfortune will befall you. Other people think they're sacred to the Golden Goddesses, and that a forgotten minor deity sleeps there, waiting to be awakening by the right person and guarded by the spirits of the forest."

Oh, how she loved listening to his voice. It was so soft and warm and soothing. "Which one do you believe?"

"I'm not sure." A flapping noise filled the air, and they watched as a pair of ducks flew up from the water and disappeared into the horizon. "And in Rauru Settlement—we'll be able to see that soon—they tell yet another story. There, it's believed that children that die young become protectors of the forest, never aging and always playing."

"That is terribly sad." Mipha frowned. "Do you think it is true?"

"It... might be."

At the odd tone in his voice, she turned and looked up at him. "And why do you think so?"

"Because of an experience I had the first time I got sent to the camp." Link's gaze traveled to what looked like a distant watchtower. "I got dared to sneak into the Lost Woods at night, and I agreed so they'd all shut up and hopefully leave me alone for a while. So when everyone else was asleep I slipped out and headed up the road. It was nothing special at first, but then it got foggy, and I came to this ruined stone arch with some sort of crest on it that I didn't recognize. I went through it, but I didn't get very far before the fog thickened and closed in around me. I couldn't see a thing, and the next thing I knew I was back outside the arch. And I swear I heard laughter in the mist as it swallowed me up."

Mipha found his hand and held it tightly. "Children's laughter?"

"Yeah." Link nodded. "Some people would say I was imagining things, but I know I heard it. I would've gone back in to see if it happened again, but then this guy named Pipit who was a year ahead of me showed up to take me back to camp. He'd heard about the dare and wanted to be sure I was safe."

"That was kind of him." She squeezed his hand. "I am glad he was looking out for you."

"Me too. We'd never really talked much before then, but after that he took it upon himself to watch out for me whenever he could, to make sure the other guys weren't bullying me too badly and that I wasn't getting in over my head." Link smiled ruefully. "Which you know I have a tendency to do."

"Indeed." Mipha laughed. "I'm happy to hear that even in my absence there was someone there to pull you back out of trouble when you needed it. Are you two still friends?"

"Yeah." He nodded. "We aren't as close as you and I have always been, but he's a good friend. I'll introduce you two when we get the chance. And hey..." Link used her hand to point at something in the distance: what looked like a town built largely on the hillsides above them. "There's Rauru Settlement."

"It looks pretty from here." The sun sparkled on the roofs and windows, and even though they were too far away to see anyone, she liked imagining the people walking through the streets. "Have you been there?"

"Mostly just through it on the way to the camp, but a couple times we got to walk around and explore. Despite the name, it's pretty ritzy and expensive. So I didn't end up buying anything because everything was so overpriced."

"Then I shall have to treat you to something when we visit. As a wedding gift, or simply for being you." Mipha looked up at him again, and her heart fluttered at the way he blushed. "I wonder what, though..."

"You don't have to get me anything." His blush deepened. "Really, I should be buying you something, in return for that armor." Link looked almost pained for a second, but it passed quickly. "I do want to take you there, though. Some other places too."

"Oh?" She tilted her head. "Like what?"

"Well..." His eyes grew distant. "Ridgeland Province has some interesting spots, like Mount Satori and Sanidin Park. Which probably sounds boring, but there's actually a lot to do there. I think you'd also enjoy seeing the Temple of Time on the Great Plateau, and... I've always wanted to go to Lurelin, down in Faron. I think that would be a fun trip for us."

"I've heard of Lurelin." Mipha smiled. "It is a seaside resort, right? And there is something interesting on top of a local mountain, if I remember correctly."

"Yeah. Tuft Mountain. There's a heart-shaped pond there, and so of course people have come up with all kinds of superstitions and legends about it that all have to do with romance." Link's blush seemed to come back. "Still, it... might be worth checking out, just to say we've seen it. You know?"

"I would like to, yes." She brushed some hair out of his eyes. "And perhaps when we are back home again, we can go see some places within Akkala."

Link smiled. "I'd like that."

A comfortable quiet settled in again as the ship took them past Rauru Settlement and on to Helmhead Harbor, where they finally disembarked. Link loaded their luggage onto the new carriage and away they rode, snuggled up together near the window so he could point out more things to her. Hyrule Castle was visible in the distance, but they wouldn't be there for a while; the carriage drove through what he told her was called Hyrule Forest Park, catching the eye of many of the people they passed. Beyond that was Boneyard Bridge, so named for its proximity to Hyrule Cathedral in Castle Town and its cemetery. That Hylians chose to bury their dead in the ground was still so odd to her—Zoras were laid to rest in the river, where they could return to the water that birthed their people in antiquity.

After that there wasn't much of interest until they drew up to the Castle Town gates. Despite her apprehensions about the place, it was hard not to be awed at her surroundings as they rode into the city. A sea of blue-roofed stone buildings spread out as far as the eye could see, and a dizzying amount of people thronged the cobblestone streets. Poles bearing flags adorned with the royal family's crest lined the sidewalks along with trees and planters full of flowers and shrubs, and the central square was dominated by the biggest fountain she'd ever seen, with benches placed carefully around it, and market stalls on the outer edges of the plaza.

"It truly is a wonder," Mipha breathed. "There is so much to see that I do not know what to look at first."

"Well, there's plenty of time to take it all in." Link took her hand. "Maybe later tonight after we're settled in we can come back here; there's a market at night that sells interesting stuff."

"Oh yes, that sounds good."

The carriage eventually carried them into a quieter area, a tree-lined avenue close to Hyrule Castle. Modest manor houses rose up on both sides, and the driver soon pulled to a stop in front of one of them. Constructed of brick and stone, with a small flower garden just inside its wrought iron gates, it too had a blue roof, and a path that led to the back of the house.

"This is it," Link said quietly. "My— our house." She turned in time to see him wince. "Sorry—habit."

"Don't worry about it." She smiled. "It is only natural. After all, when last you left this place we were not yet married."

"That's true." He smiled a little too. "Come on. Let's go inside and get unpacked, and then I'll show you around."

As Link paid the carriage driver and started unloading their suitcases, the front door opened. The butler, having heard the commotion from outside, had brought a couple other staff members out to help. They took the luggage and carried it inside the house; she and Link followed them inside.

It felt cozier than she'd expected, perhaps because of the rich, dark wood of the walls and the banisters off to the left and right, leading to the upstairs portion of the house. A wooden table bearing a vase full of sweetly scented flowers stood in the center of the foyer, and beyond it she could see what looked like a dining room with big windows and an even bigger fireplace. Intricately patterned rugs covered much of the well-polished floor, and tapestries and paintings had been hung on the walls to liven things up. Every piece of furniture she could see looked both elegant and expensive.

"It's... not as big as what you're used to, but I hope it'll be comfortable for you." Link shifted. "It was already furnished when I moved in, but we can always pick out other things if you don't like something."

"I will keep that in mind, but please do not worry so about its size." Mipha smiled encouragingly at him, and took his hand. "It seems like a lovely home, and I am happy to be here with you."

"I'm... glad to hear that." His nervous expression didn't budge. "Come on." He tugged on her hand. "I'll show you around."

The room just ahead of them was indeed a dining room, with double doors that led out to another small garden, as well as the stables. Also on that floor were the servant's quarters, the kitchens, a library, and a parlor. The upper floor held a few guest rooms, some bathrooms, and finally they came to the master bedroom, where their luggage had been taken.

Mipha held her breath as Link opened the door, and then her eyes widened in delight. It was a strangely contradictory room—the dark wood of the walls and the richly upholstered furniture made it feel cozy, as did the massive fireplace, but the large windows gave it an airiness nevertheless. A little settee sat at the end of the large bed, an expensive looking desk and a vanity with a large mirror at the windows on the right side, and large wardrobes dominated the left side of the room, beside the door that led to their private bathroom. He showed her a glimpse of that too, the over-sized tub another source of joy, and then they walked together over to the bed.

"And you... still want to sleep in here?" Link asked hesitantly as she ran an appreciative hand over the thick comforter. "With me?"

"Yes." Mipha nodded. "If that is fine with you."

"It is. I just wanted to make sure." Link's eyes strayed to the bed. "I don't want you to feel pressured into anything."

"I do not." She moved closer to him, and touched the cloth that hung from the canopy. "What are these for? I've never seen anything like it before..."

"Curtains." Link laid his hand over hers and pulled on the curtain to demonstrate. "When you close them, they help block out any light."

"Oh... I suppose that is terribly obvious, now that I think about it." Her face burned. "You must think me so silly..."

"No, I don't." He shook his head. "You've only recently started sleeping in beds at all, I don't expect you to know everything about them."

"That is true." I still feel so embarrassed at my ignorance, though. "Now then... where should I put my things?"

"That one's empty." Link gestured to the wardrobe on the left. "I bought it for you when I found out we'd be getting married. And don't say I didn't have to," he added. "You deserve space for all your stuff, and I wanted to be sure you had it. I didn't know where we'd be living, but I wanted to be prepared anyway with some things I thought you might need or want."

"Things?" Mipha tilted her head. "What sort of things?"

"That's a surprise." Link grinned, his cheeks going pink. "You'll have to wait and see."

"Oh, you." She nudged him, and he nudged her back, both of them laughing. "Thank you, though, for thinking of me."

Link took her hand again and squeezed it. "Of course."

The tour done, they started unpacking. Mipha knelt in front of her wardrobe with her single suitcase of clothes; she didn't envy Link, who'd had to bring two, owing to the fact that Hylians wore so much more than Zoras did. If she didn't know from all the injuries he'd incurred as a child just how much more soft and fragile his skin was compared to her scales she'd think it was some silly modesty issue. Which, to be fair, Hylians did have in spades, but their clothing norms were at least as much about protection and practicality as those.

Not to mention the fact that they didn't have anything to safeguard their genitalia, either, and had to rely on external things like clothes for that. Which would add another layer of awkwardness to everything should she and Link ever attempt to conceive a child together out of duty. Mipha tried not to sigh at the thought. If she'd had the sense to fall for—and marry—another Zora, none of these things that troubled her would be a concern. Her body would be seen as normal and beautiful as it was, rather than odd at best, unattractive at worst.

It almost makes me wish that I did not have these feelings for Link. That I truly could see him as a friend and nothing else. Perhaps that would make things easier, if I did not have to struggle every minute of every day with my desire for him. If I could forget our promise as easily as he has. I shall have to try, if only to spare my heart this pain. He treats me with such kindness, but I need to be careful not to mistake it for more than what it is. I am his dear friend, and that is all. I must try to see him the same way, and give up on these foolish hopes, give up on him.

And yet... my mind keeps replaying that moment at the inn. It did seem as though he was about to kiss me, and I cannot forget it no matter how hard I try. We haven't had anything like that since, and yet sometimes I think I can sense something from him, something besides platonic affection. It is probably just my imagination, though.

Something was stuck in one of the inner pockets, so she lifted the suitcase up and shook it. Only to freeze in horror as the opal brooch fell out along with a coil of golden cords. Mipha could only stare at it for a terrible second before snapping out of her temporary stasis and grabbing it. Heart pounding, she glanced over at Link—no, he was busy unfolding one of his shirts and hadn't noticed. She breathed out slowly.

One glance. That was all. Just one glance at her ill-gotten memento, and then it was going back into hiding.

It is still so beautiful despite the scratch. A lump formed in her throat. Oh, where are you? Who are you? If only I knew anything about you besides the fact that you are kind and—if I am honest—a bit odd. But in a good way. For most Hylians would not be so taken with me as you claimed to be, and I could tell you were sincere. Empty flattery has never impressed me, but you... you were something special, and you deserve to have this keepsake of your beloved back in your hands. If only I knew your face, your name, anything, I would return it to you, and then I could lay the memories of that night to rest. For it is wrong to dwell so upon a stranger when I am married, particularly when my heart is in the process of being stolen by my husband. Even if he does not return my feelings, Link deserves better than for me to let my thoughts linger so on one night, on one person I only knew for a handful of hours.

… I think I know why I cannot let it go, though, and it is not all because of guilt. Though that does play a role. No, I think it is less about the stranger himself, and more that I wish Link would speak to me the way that man did. To compliment me and express his attraction to me. It is not the stranger's love and attention I want, it is Link's. Is it truly so wrong to crave my husband's affection? To want him to desire me? I don't think anyone would tell me it is, and yet... the manner in which it is manifesting feels so wrong. I must put this object out of sight and out of mind.

Closing her fingers around it, Mipha put the brooch back in the suitcase pocket, careful not to make any noise that would alert Link to what she was doing. Putting something back in when they were meant to be taking everything out would only raise questions she didn't know how to answer.

She'd only just withdrawn her hand and started to close the suitcase up when Link turned. "Hey... you done already?"

"Y-yes, I..." Mipha swallowed down the thudding heart that had shot up to her throat. "I just need to put away one more thing." She picked up the golden cords, praying her hand wouldn't shake. That was close! If I'd been a little slower, he would've seen that thing! "What of you? I know you have many more things than I do."

"Well, I'm pretty much done with this one, but..." A guilty smile spread over his face. "I kind of want to save the other for later and go have lunch."

Despite her slowly dissipating panic, Mipha couldn't help but laugh. "Of course you do. But I confess to feeling rather hungry myself, so let us take a break for nourishment." The trunk containing her armor-making supplies didn't need to be sorted through just yet, after all.

"Thanks." Link walked over and extended a hand; her heart fluttering, Mipha took it, and let him help her rise to her feet. Releasing her hold on him so she could put away the cords and follow him downstairs brought up a wealth of mixed feelings.

I am in so much danger.

And I do not know what to do about it.

Dusk had long since descended upon Castle Town when they left the house at last. Clouds lined the sky in multicolored striations, blue and gray and soft coral, the sun asleep in its bed till the morrow's dawn. In its place the people of the city had lit countless lamps and lanterns, their dancing flames lending a glow nearly as bright as midday to the streets. Light poured forth from the windows and the occasional open door of houses, and laughter and music spilled out from them too. Despite that, there were still plenty of people out and about, especially as they got closer to the city center.

They walked together, Mipha's arm tucked in his; Link stole glances at her whenever he could, wanting to see not just her lovely face, but her reaction to their surroundings. As mixed as his own feelings on Castle Town were, he nevertheless hoped she could find things to enjoy about it. It would make things easier for her while they were here, after all, even if her homesickness never really went away. His own distaste for being back here might be eased too, perhaps, by seeing it through her eyes.

In the central square the lights were brightest, the crowds biggest and loudest. Mipha's eyes seemed to widen, and Link's heart swelled with affection for her. The way her eyes shone in the dark, reflecting light, had always captivated him ever since he'd first noticed it when they were children. And he'd never, ever forget the sight of them gleaming back at him from behind a white half-mask, her face framed by an arch bearing a brick heart with a tale of love attached to it.

"Oh, this..." Mipha took a tentative step forward. "It almost reminds me of Goponga, in a way..."

Link's breath caught. "It does?" I know she couldn't possibly know what I was thinking about, but...

"Yes." She nodded. "I don't know when it was that you arrived there for our first meeting, but I got there the night before, when the Festival of the Goddesses was going on. It is not quite so full of people here as it was that night when we made our way to the inn, but in a strange way this does remind me, somehow, of what I saw."

Breathe. Just breathe normally. And ask her normal questions. "I can see that. That must've been annoying, though, if it held you up after a long day of being on the boat."

"Oh no, not at all." Mipha's eyes sparkled. "It was nice to be walking around again, and to see everyone in their costumes and masks. I had never been before, so it was very interesting."

"Did you get to participate in it?" Link tried to keep his voice light and casual. "After you checked in, of course."

"Only a little." Her eyes darted away, apparently caught by something at a nearby stall. "I walked around a bit, because Sidon had wanted me to experience it, but I was too tired to fully enjoy it."

… She's lying. Why is she lying? Link's heart sped up. Is she... did she get too attached to the stranger I pretended to be, and doesn't want to talk about it because she feels guilty or something? I'm not sure, and I don't know how to call her on it, either, without revealing myself. "Oh... that's a shame. Maybe we should go there together next year, so you can really experience it."

"I—" Mipha looked... surprised? It was hard to tell. "Yes, I would like that, I think. We could both dress up this time, and explore the city together."

And this time you'll know it's me you're with. "Then we'll definitely do that." He smiled, burying his conflicted feelings deep below the surface. "I think we—"

"Link! Hey, Link, is that you?"

He started to freeze up, but then relaxed as he turned and saw who was approaching them. "Oh, hey, Pipit."

"Thought that was you!" Pipit clapped him on the shoulder. "Good to see you back, I didn't know you were back in town already!" His gaze traveled to Mipha. "Oh, and this must be...?"

"Yeah." A more genuine smile spread over Link's face. "This is my wife, Mipha. Mipha, this is my friend Pipit that I told you about earlier."

"It is a pleasure to meet you," Mipha said with a smile of her own.

"Same to you, your—wait, you told her about me?" Pipit's eyes darted back and forth between the two of them. "I'm afraid to ask what..."

"Oh, nothing bad, don't fret!" she said, laughing. "Only that you have been very kind to him, ever since you dragged him back from the Lost Woods years ago."

"Oh yeah, that incident!" Pipit threw his head back and laughed. "I hate to be the bearer of bad news, your Highness, but I'm afraid your new husband can be a bit reckless sometimes."

Link opened his mouth to protest, but Mipha's laughter drowned him out. "Believe me, I am well aware of his tendencies towards that. Did he not tell you that he lived in the Domain for six years before coming here for his knight training? I was his closest friend during that time, and so it often fell to me to patch him up after he got into trouble."

"... Really now?" Pipit eyed him in a way that made Link want to shrink back and run away. "He told me about living there, but not that you two were that close."

Please. Please don't say anything I'm not ready to tell her. "H-hey, you got in just as much trouble as I did!" Link nudged her, trying to keep his nerves out of his voice. "It wasn't all me..."

"It's true." Mipha sighed. "I'm afraid he was a terrible influence on me. Has he been such to you?"

"Nope." Pipit crossed his arms and grinned. "I've tried to be a good influence on him, but I'm not sure it's taken." He gave Link another significant look. Goddess only knew how Mipha would interpret that, but so far he was staying silent about that day at the castle. Maybe he assumes she knows? "I'd say that maybe you'll do a better job, but if you two were both little troublemakers that could be off the table."

"We shall see." She giggled. "In all seriousness, though, I am grateful to you for looking out for him. Everything he's told me so far indicates that your concern was well-needed."

"Yeah. Both from the little jerks in his year, and from himself." Pipit shook his head. "Trying to go into those woods... honestly ... and not just once but twice? I don't believe those stories about it being cursed or anything, but if fog pushes you back and you hear disembodied laughter, you don't go back in! " He rolled his eyes.

"I just—I—" Link sighed. "You're never gonna let me hear the end of that, are you?"

"Nope." He shook his head again. "I mean, if I thought you'd gotten past that kind of silliness, maybe, but I'm not sure that's the case." He sighed too, and Link squirmed internally. "But I really ought to stop ribbing you, I guess, and let you enjoy a night out with your lovely bride." Pipit smiled. "I'm glad to see you happy, Link. Really."

"Th-thanks..." Warmth flooded his chest, and spread up to his face. "I am. Thank you."

"Good." Pipit's gaze went to Mipha, and he bowed. "My best wishes to you both, for a long and happy marriage. Take care."

"Thank you," Mipha called after him as he walked away. "Now then..." She turned an inquisitive look on Link as Pipit disappeared into the crowds. "What sorts of things have you been getting up to in my absence, if he is so convinced you have not changed? It must be recent, for him to make such insinuations..."

"Nothing—nothing that—" He looked away. "Just—some accidents in training, and... some close calls on a mission I was sent on earlier this year. That's all." And storming into the throne room to tell Rhoam I should be the one to marry you, instead of who he'd already picked. "Nothing to worry about."

"Hmm..." She eyed him closely. "I do not know if I should believe you, knowing you... but as you are in good health now, I suppose I must concede and not fret so much. But..." All the mirth drained from her expression. "Please, do your best to take care of yourself. I hate seeing you getting hurt."

"I know. I'll try harder to keep myself safe for you." Link laid his hand over hers and squeezed it. "Come on. Let's look around at what there is, I'd like to buy you something."

"Oh, now, you—you don't have to do that," Mipha protested as he led her over to some of the stalls.

"No, I don't have to," Link agreed. "But I want to. Besides, we have to start early if we're going to get all those souvenirs we promised Sidon."

" You promised him," she said with a laugh. " I had no part in it."

Link shrugged. "Hey, it's the least I can do for him since I'm stealing his sister away."

"Link stop, you are not." Mipha squeezed his arm and leaned her head against his shoulder; it was all he could do not to stumble, remembering how she'd done that that night in Goponga.

Why can't I be brave enough to tell her that was me? To let her know that she flirted with me, that those compliments came from my heart, not that of a stranger? Is it because I'm afraid to tell her how I feel? Or because I was stupid and lost the brooch that should've been on her dress when we got married? How can I possibly explain that and apologize for it? She trusted me with it, trusted me to bring it back to her, and now it's probably at the bottom of a canal somewhere. I can't tell her I broke her trust like that. No matter how much I wish I could let her know that I still mean everything I said to her that night. That I'm the one she was smitten with, to the point of lying about not doing anything there. Goddess, it feels so weird to know that she's probably into me without knowing it was me. My own fault, I guess, for flirting with her like that in the first place. I really should've just unmasked when she tried to get me to.

"I know." Link looked down at her, his heart twisting at the sorrow in her eyes. "I'm sorry. I know that. But he doesn't understand it like we do, so it's hard not to feel bad."

"It isn't anything to do with you personally, though." She reached up to touch his cheek, and he had to fight not to lean into her touch. "He was already unhappy with the prospect of my getting married and leaving home even before I left to meet you. I had to do my best to reassure him, even when I knew nothing of our future arrangements or even that I would be blessed with you as a husband. I am relieved that fate did not make a liar of me."

"... Me too." I did the right thing. I know I did. I just... don't know if I can tell her why, if she finds out. "Anyway, um... are you hungry? There might be some desserts here..."

Mipha shook her head. "I am too full, but thank you."

Well, there goes that idea... "Okay. I'll buy you something else, then. Something that'll last."

Over her continued protests, Link led her over to a stall where jewelry was on display, shimmering and glittering in the light of the shop owner's lamps. None of them caught Mipha's eye, though, so they moved on.

Several stalls down, a sort of antiques and oddities shop drew their attention. Mipha dawdled, looking over everything, but Link, watching her closely, noticed that her eyes seem to return over and over to a particular lamp. It was small, with a slightly curved body meant to mimic the stem of a flower, leading to a glass shade in the shape of a blue nightshade. When lifted, the petals would part to allow a candle to be secured and lit within. There was one in there now, to show off the blue tint that the glass caused the light to have, and when Mipha lifted it close to her face, bathing her features in its soft glow, Link's breath stilled.

"Let's get that."

"What?" Mipha turned to him. "This?" She indicated the lamp she'd just set down.

"Yeah. I like it. And I know you do too." He smiled. "You keep going back to it."

"I..." Mipha seemed to blush. "You noticed?"

"Yeah, I—"

"Ah, ah, the Nightshade Lamp! An excellent choice!" The shopkeeper had finally taken note of them by now, having just collected money from another customer. "A most famous flower, perhaps known best for growing in abundance at the famed Lover's Pond down in Faron."

Her fingers skimmed down over the glass. "It's beautiful."

The shopkeeper edged closer. "And would make a fine addition to any home, methinks. Shall I package it up for you?"

"Yes," Link answered, before she could say anything. "How much is it?"

He paid the man the requisite number of rupees, and then once the lamp had been wrapped carefully in thick cloth and placed in an equally thick canvas bag, they walked away. Mipha's arm was looped in his again, and he carried the bag on the other arm. More than once she looked over at it, and then finally she spoke. "Link, I... thank you. You did not have to buy it simply because I found it beautiful."

"I told you, I wanted to," he said gently. "You can think of it as a wedding present, or a housewarming gift, whatever you want. But the point is that I wanted to buy it for you." Link nudged her. "Do you have any idea where you want to put it?"

"I... actually was thinking of keeping it on the table beside my side of the bed," she said, shyly. "Would that bother you?"

"No, of course not." His voice was surprisingly steady, given the image her words had just conjured up: seeing her in that ethereal blue light every night, looking as strikingly beautiful as she had on their wedding day. "It's your house too. And your room. You can put your things wherever you want."

"I keep forgetting that," Mipha admitted. "I am having to remind myself that it is not simply your house, and I am not a guest."

"No, you're not." Link shook his head. "I understand why you'd think of it that way now, when we've only just moved in, but... you're no guest. You're my wife. So everything that's mine is now yours too." My heart most of all . "That house hasn't really felt like home to me before, but if we both make it our own, in whatever way we can, then I think it'll start to." It kind of already does now that you're there with me.

"I would be happy to do that." Mipha's eyes seemed to shine even brighter. "I want it to feel like home to both of us while we are here. It may not be our first choice of where to live, but if we can make the best of it, make it into something we have affection for, then it will ease our adjustment every time we must return."

"Yeah." Link glanced around. "So... what do you want to do now?"

"I am not sure." Mipha's gaze followed his. "I am a little tired, but it seems a shame to leave so soon and not see everything."

"This market is here most nights, there'll be plenty of other chances, I don't mind going home if you're tired." He peered at her. "Are your legs aching?"

"A little bit, but—"

"Then let's sit down while we decide what to do." Link guided her over to one of the benches near the fountain, right as some space freed up. She sat down first and then he joined her, carefully setting the bag with the lamp down beside his feet. Mipha bent to massage her calves, and Link found himself watching her. He had to avert his eyes when she straightened up, though, and leaned back with her hands resting in her lap.

"How are you feeling?" she asked after a few minutes, reaching up to touch his hair, brush some of it away from his eyes. His skin tingled and his breath caught. "It has been just as long a day for you as it has been for me."

"I'm a little tired too, but..." He shrugged. "I'll stay out as late as you want. Or go home, if that's what you feel like. We can always come back another night if you're not up to it."

"I haven't decided yet." Her hand fell to his leg, doing nothing to slow his heart rate down. "Is that strange? I feel as though I want to see more, given that it is my first time, but I also know that there will be other chances, as you say... it is difficult to choose."

"Well, I'm fine either way." Link laid his hand over hers. "Take your time deciding and don't worry about me."

Mipha shifted slightly. "Have you come here often?"

"A few times." Link leaned his head back, staring up at where a few stars were peeking out between the remnants of clouds. "The thing is... until I got knighted, my time was never really my own. I couldn't choose when to go to bed, when to stay in, or when to go out, how long to stay out even when we were allowed to visit places like the markets... it's been an adjustment to be able to make my own decisions about my time. I didn't know what to do with my freedom at first, so I had to learn not to feel bad for staying out late. Or for staying in when I didn't feel like going out. Getting over the idea that I was wasting my free time took some... well, time." He looked over at her. "And please don't take that as me being unhappy with our situation. I'm not."

Mipha shook her head. "I wasn't. I was... thinking about something you said to me recently... you believe that a marriage would've been arranged for you at some point?"

"Yeah. Remember how I said one of Rhoam's other foster sons is married?" She nodded. "Well, that marriage was arranged too. Rhoam is... invested in making good matches for us. Probably so we don't embarrass him by choosing someone unsuitable."

A shadow fell over Mipha's eyes. "Then... I feel very sorry for whoever ends up tied to that horrible man who hurt you... if he is not wed already."

"... He isn't." Link looked away. "I'm not sure why—maybe something to do with his career as a court sorcerer—but he's not. Which is honestly for the best."

"I would have to agree," she said quietly.

The last I heard, Rhoam hasn't publicly said why he changed his mind and chose me for Mipha's husband. I haven't had the nerve to ask him... or to speak much to him at all since I stormed into the throne room. Didn't want to tempt fate, I guess. As for Astor himself... haven't seen him since the announcement was made about this whole plan. Not looking forward to that reunion. I can't imagine he's happy about losing his chance to marry into royalty, especially not to me. A common country-born knight married to the Zora princess... I'm sure that's got people talking behind my back. But what else is new?

"Link?"

He looked over at her. "Yeah?"

"I think I would like to go home soon... but I am interested in seeing that stall over there." Mipha pointed at one across from them. "Would you mind?"

"Of course not."

They stood, and Link slung the bag on his shoulder before offering Mipha his arm again. She took it with a smile, and they walked over to the little stall.

When they got there, he could see what had caught her attention: a veritable treasure trove of blown glass trinkets and figurines. It was hard not to smile at the wonder on Mipha's face as she pored over the vast selection. He didn't want to interrupt her, but he nudged her anyway. "Hey—pick out whatever you want, and I'll buy it for you. And don't say I don't have to."

"I know. You want to." Mipha laughed softly. "And to make it even, I shall buy you something too. Deal?"

Link smiled. "Deal."

I'm not sure it's really even, given all the work she's going to do on my armor, but... if it'll make her happy, I don't mind.

He'd barely had the chance to start browsing in earnest when Mipha gasped and took something off a display. "Link, look!" She held up a piece of paper with earrings in the shape of little blue seashells stuck through the tiny holes. "I think these would... let me see..." She leaned closer to him, holding the earrings up to one of his ears. "Yes, I think these would look lovely on you... may I buy them for you?"

"Can I have a better look at them?"

"Oh, yes, of course..."

Mipha handed him the earrings; he held them up to the light of the lamp that hung from the stall's roof. "Yeah... I do like them."

"They match your eyes." She sounded shy, suddenly. "As far as I can tell, anyway."

What an odd thing for her to notice. "Well, I like them either way." Link smiled and handed them back to her. "So yeah, go ahead and buy them. Thanks."

Her own smile was almost as bright as her eyes. "It is my pleasure."

For herself, Mipha eventually ended up selecting a sculpture of an elephant; once both their purchases had been wrapped up and put in the bag alongside the lamp, they turned and headed home. The walk seemed longer now that he was more tired, but Link didn't really mind. As nice as it would be to get into bed at the end of such a lengthy day, he treasured every waking moment he spent with Mipha.

Sometimes it still doesn't feel real, even though I know we really are married. I put my ring on every morning, I wake up beside her and go to sleep with her next to me, but in a way it hasn't really sunk in. I still get a thrill from referring to her as my wife, from knowing I'm her husband. I decided I wanted that when I was just a child... how can it be real that I got what I wanted? Especially after so many other choices were taken away from me. Even if I don't deserve it, I still got it, and I'm... happy. Maybe it's wrong to be, but I am. Mipha is everything I've ever dreamed of. I hope I can give her even a fraction of the joy she gives me.

When they got to their room, Mipha carefully unwrapped the new lamp and set it on her bedside table, taking away the one that had already been there and moving it to the desk. She put the candle from the old one into the new one, and then began to rummage around for a match. Link changed while she did that, trying to angle his body so the scar on the back of his shoulder wasn't too visible. Just thinking about Astor earlier had made it itch, and he grimaced at the feel of it when he reached back to scratch it.

He soon forgot about it, though, when he heard Mipha's gasp of delight and turned to see that she'd lit the lamp. Seeing her illuminated by its blue light again, he barely restrained a gasp of his own. What was it about that color that made her look even more beautiful than she normally did? He didn't know, but he could stare at her forever like this.

"Does it look alright?" Mipha turned to him, giving Link a full look at her face. He nodded, not trusting his voice. "Oh, good... I like it too, but I wanted to be sure it wasn't silly."

"It's not." Link cleared his throat. "It looks... perfect."

"Good." She smiled, and he stared, spellbound, at her even after she turned to take her jewelry off. He'd only just shaken himself out of it and turned away when her voice caught his attention again. "Do you want me to close the curtains over here when I'm done and the light is out?"

"Yeah... yeah, that'd be great. Thanks."

When he'd slept alone he usually hadn't bothered to close them, not considering it worth the bother. Now, though, there was something cozy and comforting about being in this enclosed space with her. The soft sound of Mipha's breathing was a lullaby, her nearness and warmth reassuring; the only way it could've been better would be if he could hold her.

But, he reasoned as he drifted off, at least she was there with him.