Link kept a knowing glance upon the Domain as the two Zoran soldiers escorted him down the massive bridge, which was very much all that crossed much of the Zoran people with the outside world. Sure, Link recognized, it had, for millenia, bridged a geological gap, but there had been a number of times, within only the most long-lived of memories now, and no doubt recorded in texts, where such a concrete construction was near destruction.

King Rhoam's grandfather, eager to do away with the middle-managing of the Zora when it came to much of the Kingdom's water, had led an army against the seafaring people, a war which had, at one point, nearly seen the Hylian's success, the Kingdom of Hyrule nary a mile from the Domain when it had been decided by the Zora to destroy the very bridge upon which Link now strode in a final attempt at sovereignty.

It was that battle which the King of the Zora, Dorephan, first earned his stripes, so to speak, begging the then-King for one final retaliatory strike, wherein he would gladly assure his own demise before ever witnessing the destruction of his home. Such a ferocious assault proved fatal to the Hylian's advances, and the tide turned under Dorephan's newly appointed leadership, his mettle proving ever-appealing to the Princess of the Zora at the time, by whom Dorephan would eventually become King himself.

It was a tale Link knew so very well, his penchant for war stories proving rather ravenous at times during his childhood, and at his mother's side, coming to the Domain offered him a whole new world of valiant heroes and demons, all of which were overcome by the Zora's tenacity and unflinching resolve. He so admired these people's ability to truly revere and look up to the greatest amongst themselves, treating their soldiers with nothing but professional zeal and-

"Friends!" Tovar shouted within earshot of the Zoran guards standing at the end of the bridge, yanking Link from his thoughts.

The older Zora threw an arm around his son's shoulders and pulled him forcefully into his side, "Zevan has felled his first rargvunt!"

A boisterous chorus of praise burst from the guards as Tovar pushed his son into their brusquely brotherly embrace of congratulatory pats and playful shoves, all with a light enough air that took Link aback as he watched Zevan laughing happily amidst the childish praise.

"Cut it out!" he pleaded through his incessant laughter.

Tovar ordered, "To the mess area! Get him some wine- the finest!"

As the collective group began to disperse, Link shamefully lowered his head, thinking back to how otherworldly the Zora in ancient tales had been in their stony presentation amidst heroics.

He returned his thoughts to Dorephan, or rather, his daughter, wandering back to where his previous thoughts had left him. That union between Dorephan and the Princess solidified not only Dorephan's place within the annals of Zoran history, but also his incredible size. From what little Link knew, something particular took hold of the Zoran male from which the royal lineage continued, causing their bodies to increase rather dramatically in size, perhaps as some inwardly biological requirement to .maintain the abilities of a King. Perhaps, Link had thought, this was responsible for those ancient Zora who, once upon a time, worshipped giant fish- perhaps in some fish-y way, they had some silent rite to bear. Of course, this was all far more in Zelda's realm of thought, and Link hadn't ever thought much of the Zora in this way, even if, now, he worried Zelda might begin asking improper questions to construct hypotheses.

Mipha's mother, however, was quite a different matter. He remembered her well from his childhood journeys here, even at his young age finding her incredibly beautiful. Beyond even that, she'd had such grace within her benevolence that Link recalled believing her to be of another, more serene world entirely, even her words taking to the wind like a gentle stream of water rolling down a brook.

It was all the more jarring, then, upon learning she had passed away some time ago. By then, he'd matured enough to delve into legitimate research when free from his training, discovering that, in a tragic bout of fate, Zoran women often did not survive more than a handful of births, usually only allowing three or four offspring before perishing. Old tales cast this event as a beautiful one amidst the tragedy, for whom else would offer up their very lives for those who would surely become far better Zora than the women of this race?

Of course, before she left this world, she had blessed her people with a male heir to pair with Mipha, the princess's brother, Sidon, who would ultimately succeed their father, much to Mipha's relief, Link had already found out during this journey. For all her grace that so emulated her mother, Mipha hated the idea of being bound to this place, not when there were conflicts elsewhere- when there were ties to be bound and spades to be buried amongst the people of Hyrule.

Link suddenly thought of how personal this Company might have been to her.

"Hylian," Tovar spoke up with an authoritative tone, jerking Link back to reality, "I know the beauty of this Domain as much as anybody else, yet it does not still hold me idle. We mustn't dally here at its entrance."

Link shook away the lingering thoughts clouding his mind, "S-Sorry. Of course."

Tovar smirked as Link stepped toward him, "You said you've been here before, correct? Surely this is nothing new."

"It's not, just-" Link paused for a moment's respite, "There's just a lot about this place that I've come to know well."

Nodding with an air of nostalgia, Tovar replied, "Understandable, I suppose. Still, I presume you're in search of your comrades?"

"Correct."

The Zora soldier went on, "Merely stumbling upon our home, they would not have gotten far. Come."

Link did as instructed, watching his feet gently take to the marbelline platform beneath him, as if he hadn't left in those many years. Like a fish in water, so to speak, he found that he had taken to it quite readily, though his legs began to ache quickly to his cautious steps, his muscles unable to retain what his mind could.

Soon enough, the rest of his party came into sight, the lot of them huddled together in almost lackadaisical solicitation, spearheaded by Urbosa, who was simply lying there as if she were playing dead, perhaps to attempt and gain some sympathy from the guards, all of whom remained nonplussed. Mipha was still not among them, Link noted, before his attention was drawn to Zelda's wildly waving arm, her eyes wide with excitement.

"Link! Over here!" she chimed, "You didn't tell me it was this wonderful! I mean, look! The cliffs shimmer with the waning sunlight! I even caught a glimpse of a few rainbows catching the misty air earlier!"

Hopping in place, her hands clasped together, she fi ally came to a stop before asking, noticing Link's armored escort, "Did you make it alright?"

"Oh, yeah," Link replied sarcastically, eying Daruk and Revali, with only the former showing remorse, "Thankfully, Tovar here was kind enough to come to my aid."

"Aid?" questioned Zelda emphatically, "The others simply said you'd fallen behind after defeating our skulltula friend."

Link rolled his eyes as Tovar proudly slammed his fist into the armor adorning his chest, "I can assure you, no harm came to your friend. Not so long as I have responsibility over the safety of our guests."

Almost reverently, Zelda's eyes gleamed in deepening g respect for the soldier, her voice wavering in reply, "Th- Thank you so much!"

She offered her hand, "I am Zelda, Princess of Hyrule Kingdom. You have my utmost respect and thanks."

Tovar nodded respectfully, taking the Princesses' hand into a shake, "I was not expected such regal company today, but I can assure you, so long as you're here, I will do everything that I can to make your stay as pleasant as possible."

Revali gave a scoff, "You think you can free us from these villainous guards, then? As soon as we arrived, at a furious pace, mind you!, they had us immediately accosted without so much as an explanation!"

The two Zora soldiers on either side of the group remained motionless, though Tovar replied with a chuckle, "I'm afraid, without approval from either our royal family or the council , that is our standard operating procedure. so lo g as you have Hylians within your Company, that is."

"Gah!" Revali scoffed in a fluttery voice, "Have you no shame?"

Tovar nodded, "I do. I also have men whom I answer to. Councilor Muzu has been adamant for years about ensuring our Hylian guests are treated with some level of discretion."

"Is there any particular reason?" Zelda asked sincerely, "I wasn't- I mean, I was aware our peoples had something of a tenuous relationship, but-"

As she spoke, Link eyed Urbosa's lifeless body, reaching a foot over to shove at her shoulder, leaving the Gerudo to immediately break character, frowning, "Watch yourself, boy."

"Just making sure you weren't dead," Link shrugged.

Shamelessly, Urbosa explained, "If they believe I have a condition, they might allow me to walk freely."

"Or they'll send you away in fear of some encroaching illness," Link surmised with a droll tone.

Quietly battling the urge to argue for her own reasoning, Urbosa slowly rose back up to her feet, grumbling to herself as she shook her head, earning her a gentle pat on the shoulder as Link muttered, "I admire your dedication, though."

"Shut it," she retorted with a wry smirk, turning her attention back to the others.

Tovar pointed in the direction of Dorephan's chamber, "-Until Lady Mipha returns, I'm afraid you'll have to stay put."

Revali complained, "Abd what if she were to never return?!"

Shrugging, Tovar replied, "I suppose you all might die here."

Undeterred by such a threatening answer, Revali's eyes remained locked upon Tovar's frame, the Zora finally cocking his head with a quick, "Or we simply let you go."

Zelda shook her head, "Oh no! Don't worry; Mi- Lady Mipha will return and get us up to that reservoir, no problem! I assure you, we-!"

She paused due to a sudden elbow from Link slamming softly into her arm, her mind rattled as if she understood that she had said something wrong, though unsure what exactly she'd let out. Tovar's suddenly suspicious stare told her all she needed to know, his head remaining still while his eyes scanned the group slowly.

"What business have you with the reservoir..?" he spoke with a somewhat seething tone.

Hoping to play diplomat, Daruk stepped forward, clearing his throat, "My good man, we merely were offered an invitation by Lady Mipha herself to witness its grandeur! to celebrate the formation of this Company, of course."

Rather impressed, Link's lips rolled in agreement as Tovar eyed him down, seeming to be cross-examining Daruk's explanation with whatever little Link had offered on the final stretch to the Domain. The Zora was obviously protective of the gigantic basin, Link knew, which might have been why Tovar was directing his interrogation toward the others.

"And this Company includes Lady Mipha?" he questioned cooly.

Zelda nodded with a smile, "Yes, sir! And she's been a wonderful addition, at that!"

Tovar replied quietly, "And this Company, what of its purpose?"

"To-!" Zelda immediately began to reply enthusiastically, stopping only after another bump at her arm from one of the others.

The Zora's brow arose suspiciously while Urbosa spoke up, "Simply put, we're all-"

"With all due respect," Tovar interrupted suddenly, "I would like to hear it from the Princess herself."

The others' collective heart dropped. Zelda lie? Sure, her intentions in forming this group had been shady at best, but to so plainly lie? Urbosa and Link, those who knew her best, felt their lungs fill with air as they awaited the poor young woman's attempt at espionage, Zelda remaining there with a plain look upon her face, Link especially praying that she wouldn't dare speak of Vah Ruta or the other Divine Beasts.

"We're hoping to travel around and better improve relations with all the people of Hyrule!" Zelda returned with enough excitement to remain sincere, her smile beaming, "So, Mr. Tovar, sir, thank you for having us in your wonderful home!"

Undeterred by her peachy tone, Tovar's lips nonetheless tugged in understanding as he nodded coolly, "I suppose that might be the job of a princess such as yourself. Getting to view the reservoir might be a tall task, even for Lady Mipha. You need permission from either King Dorephan himself, or one of the Guarding Lineages who have overseen the basin for centuries."

"Wow! Quite the protected piece of property!" Daruk with awe.

Tovar nodded, "I suppose the point might be moot for the Gorons of the north, but the reservoir was a responsibility preordained by the goddesses long before we were capable of standing upright. They understood, even then, that one day, we Zora would be able to hold upon the mantle of ownership with tremendous zeal, and to this day, we've kept the waters of Hyrule flowing which also not allowing it to flood."

"Tch," Revali clicked dramatically, "I suppose you believe it takes a great deal of effort to water over still waters."

The Zora smirked, "Perhaps not the water itself, but such responsibility- Even our current watcher, Navo, will tell you, it comes not from the water itself. Our home was once nearly been overtaken by the Hylians, but we were far too prepared to sacrifice our very home before ever dating to consider flooding the Hylian's lands in retaliation."

He nodded proudly, "To hold watch over that basin is an honor, I'm afraid, that the Rito might find incompatible with all that makes them glorious among the sailing winds."

Revali was taken aback by the poetry waxed upon the end of something of an insult, offering little else in the way of resistance as Tovar continued, "Navo himself, he's of an odd sort, but he has become so much in tune with the reservoir's waters, the expanse of which the basin flows, and of Vah Ruta herself."

"Ah!" Zelda suddenly seized, Link recognizing that she had merely been waiting for him to bring it up first, "What might you tell us about Vah Ruta?"

Tovar chuckled, such a tone coming across as rather out of character, given his austere presence, "If Lady Mipha truly is a part of your Company, I will leave it to her to reveal whatever she chooses. It is not the place of a soldier to do the same."

"Oh, come on," Zelda smirked, leaning on closer to bridge the gap from her softened words, "You can tell us-"

Link's eyes lifted to find Mipha approaching, the words around him nearly evaporating as he watched her gait, which seemed to take on a far more pronounced grace now that she was among her people. Her eyes matched his own, though she was quick to raise a hand to hide her sweetly smiling lips, averting her eyes in whatever of a blush a Zora might behold.

"I don't care how many Hylian Fish candies you send our way," Tovar groaned in exasperation, already tired of Zelda's pestering.

Urbosa took hold of the young woman's shoulder, reigning her in as Zelda quickly retorted, "W- What about-?!"

"That's enough, child," chided Urbosa with a frown.

Her arms now folded in frustration, Zelda noticed Mipha's presence with elation, suddenly raising a hand in greeting, "Mi-! Er, Lady Mipha."

Tovar turned with a swift bow as Mipha joined the group, smiling softly as she asked, "Tovar hasn't been too stiff, has he?"

"That's one way of putting it," Revali frowned.

Happily enough, Mipha offered, "He's one of our greatest assets so far as our soldiers go. He's a big softie, though, when he's not worrying about potential threats."

Suddenly turning his head with nervousness, Tovar scratched his chin, "L- Lady Mipha, I-"

"Don't bother trying to explain it away, Tovar," Mipha giggled, "Have you any idea how long my father has been cloistered within his chambers?"

The Champions' ears perked up.

Tovar shook his head, "I was not aware of such a thing. I just returned from patrol with my son, so I'm a bit late on any new information. I will be sure to get with my soldiers, however, and get back to you."

Nodding slowly, Mipha's lips curled feverishly, "It's not like him to prevent any audience to any matter that arises. I'm a little bit concerned; I waited outside for an hour before coming down here, but nothing new arose."

Tovar acknowledged her worries with an authoritative tone, "I will be sure to gather what information I can for you, Lady Mipha."

"Thank you," she smiled, turning to the Champions, "These are my friends, as well, so allow me to alleviate any misgivings you might have about them."

Tovar stepped back, "I- I was just-"

"I understand," Mipha nodded gently, "Thank you."

The senior soldier took his leave, allowing Mipha to take a sharp breath as her shoulders slumped, shaking her head, "Sorry to leave you all down here like this."

"It isn't a problem!" Daruk assured her, "Even while being prisoners, it's quite easy to take in the scenery here!"

Mipha groaned sadly, "Sorry…"

Urbosa quickly took hold of her shoulder with a grin, "Never apologize, especially not in your own domain. So, your father isn't seeing anyone at the moment, leaving us with little when it comes to reaching the reservoir, correct?"

"Pretty much," Mipha agreed, "Though, we could ask Navo to allow us entry, but he's very… strict about who sees those waters. He's kind of, well-"

Her lips curled, crossing her arms in reservation as her brow furrowed in worry, "He's been a Watcher for many years, and- As a result, he's kind of, uh-"

The Company awaited an answer with quiet curiosity, rising rather gradually given Mipha's apprehension, the Zora's voice finally breaking, "You remember how Vah Nabooris was a machine, yet still seemed to have properties of a living being?"

They nodded, with Urbosa replying, "True. It's sandstorms are powerful, but not once has it ever happened to wander close enough to our town to do damage. If anything, it seems more liable to help defend us."

"Well," Mipha weakly continued, "Vah Ruta is much the same. In Navi's case, however, it seems as though he's taken the sentiment a bit too far…"

Revali's mantle shook, "I beg your pardon?"

"He's, uh, taken his responsibility greater than most, and as a result, hes become tremendously protective of the Beast," Mipha finally offered, shamefully.

Urbosa cocked her head to the side, "What, is he, like, in love with it?"

"How sweet!" opined Zelda.

Mipha rubbed her face dismissively, "So to speak, I suppose. Watchers have to be very much in tune with the life-giving waters that Vah Ruta provides, so the best of those families have to sort of understand the Beast to predict water generation, and whether, and when, to release our waters when it becomes necessary. Navo seems to have truly come to revere the Beast as a result of his many years in her service."

Daruk's eyes fell quizzically, "But… it's a machine."

"I know, I know," Mipha sighed, "But he's, easily, the best Watcher in recent memory."

Arms crossed in consideration, Link chewed at his lip, "So we might require your father's decree before Navo allows us anywhere near Vah Ruta?"

"Basically, yes, you're correct," Mipha nodded, "I could try convincing him, but I doubt my words would hold the amount of sway required to break him from his guard."

Zelda leaned down to take hold of her backpack, "Well! We've clearly not been on the side of the odds this far into our journey. Might it be worth at least checking out?"

Shrugging meekly, Mipha nodded, "It wouldn't hurt. Besides, it'll take some time to prepare your rooms for the night."

"Rooms?!" Daruk spoke up excitedly, "How luxurious!"

Urbosa challenged with a grin, "A man made from rock, I suppose, would find any old room to be so."

"Hey, the elements here might be the most detrimental to us Gorons," Daruk retorted with a worrisome air, "The thought of these waters coursing across my body… It's enough to erode my sediments."

Mipha smiled as proudly as she could manage, "They're not rooms, exactly, but they should be enough to keep you from any mist that might rise high enough to bother you. At least, not if…"

Her tone suddenly began to vanish as Mipha stroked her chin with worry, earning a suspicious reply from Zelda, "'Not if-' what?"

"Well," Mipha struggled, "The only rooms available- Four of us will have to double up, so as long as Urbosa doesn't mess around with the curtains too much-"

"Ha!" Urbosa laughed quickly, shooting a glance toward Daruk, "Roommates?! I'll be sure to accommodate your presence, only if you finally avail me to chance to take you on in a arm wrestling match."

Daruk boasted back in reply as Zelda did the math in her head, turning toward Mipha, "So you and me-"

"Uh, actually…" Mipha managed, "Revali, I figured, would prefer a room alone, and- Well, it would be imprudent for a Princess such as yourself to resort to such a situation…"

Zelda smirked with a look of incredulity, "Rooming with you? Really, it wouldn't be any-"

Her eyes caught a weakened pulling of Mipha's shoulders as the Zora averted her gaze, smiling with all the sincerity of a child, as Zelda realized her intentions, "O-Oh! You and-"

"Shh!" Mipha quickened her timbre as she hastened close to Zelda, turning to find the others still-entranced by Urbosa and Daruk's challenges, "D- Don't!"

Reassuringly so, Zelda patted her fellow sister in royalty upon the shoulder, "Don't worry; I won't say a word. We gotta stick together, right?"

Such sisterly words hadn't often been given to Mipha, allowing her a moment of warm respite before she nodded solemnly with a grin, "Yeah."

Without further provocation, Zelda suddenly wondered aloud, "I bet there were rooms, huh? You were just-"

"Z-Zelda!" Mipha shouted in fright, only then catching the abrupt halt of conversation behind her, turning to find the others entranced by her outburst, not the least of which Link, who's eyes carried over her like moonlight.

"So- Sorry…"