Chapter 9 – A Princesses Pride
Mipha turned over again. Who knows how many times she had done that this night, but she just couldn't sleep. She didn't knew why. Her bed was even more comfortable then she remembered it and it is certainly something to sleep with a blanket again. It was actually more comfortable then sleeping in a normal sleeping pool, so the bed wasn't the problem. Her company wasn't the problem either. A lock over her shoulder confirmed her of the still snoozing, warm body which is Link beside her. He always looked so peaceful when sleeping. Normally his cuddles were more then enough to send her to the land of dreams, but this time obviously not. He had loosen his grip on her a bit which was why she could turn around so much in the first place. But he wasn't the problem either. If it was for him she had been asleep the same moment he had been. Following elimination rule the only thing keeping her awake this night was herself.
The harder she tried to get her mind to rest the stronger it kept her from doing so. Her thoughts spun over everything that had happened in the last few days. From her resurrection by Hylia, over the trip with Link and Zelda , and hers and Links trip to the Domain and the days they have spent here. Everything just shot through her mind, every little detail. The picnic they had with Sidon, the talk they had with her farther, Links terrible Nightmare and the events of the current day. Everything just seemed to float around her. As if she was being pushed around by the current of a river and cannot keep up against it. The water flicks her around as it wills and has no mercy on her. Everything just seemed to spin out of her control and she still was scared of that.
She imagined herself being in that river, the weight of emotions and impressions pressing her downwards as she got the feeling of drowning. A concept she as a Zora shouldn't be familiar with, but she was experiencing it right now. She tried to stay afloat, tried to keep on fighting but it was just all to much for her. She slowly sunk to the bottom. She would never be able to defeat those feelings. She would have to accept the fact that she wasn't the same Mipha that lived here 100 years ago. That had been the pride of the Zoras and their loyal defender. With those thoughts Mipha sank to the floor of her imaginary river of emotions closing her eyes. She would have to accept it and move on. But before she could reach the floor a light shone from above her. A golden glimmer broke through the dark, illuminating everything around her. A shining hand manifested from it as a golden body followed suit. It was Link. He didn't give up on her. He pressed through the water of her emotions downwards to her and grabbed her hand. It almost felt as if her hand was absorbing heat as he pulled her from the floor of depression.
It was at this time that Mipha snapped out of her thoughts as she realised the hand that had gripped her own. A warm and rough hand that took hold of her own, shining in the silver moonlight. A pleasant aura coming from it as the oh so familiar voice ringed behind her. So softly spoken not even a falling feather would make a softer sound. "You are thinking to much, sweety."
Miphas cheeks immediately filled with warmth as Link spooned her from behind, shoving his other arm beneath her head and gripping her other hand.
"I am sorry that I woke you. I just couldn't sleep."
"You don't have to be sorry for that. You were tossing so much, I knew something was keeping you awake." He whispered from behind her as he raised his head to her ear. "Everyone is at one point to occupied with his own mind that they just can't get rest. The difference is how you handle it. Some just need a shove in the right direction."
"This isn't really a shove is it?" she whispered back to him, a smile creeping over her face.
"For now this will suffice." he mumbled into her neck as he pulled her as close as he could.
"You know what?" he said after a few minutes.
"What?"
"You were right. This is so much better than the sleeping pool. Although I liked how you took care of me." he whispered with his sleepy voice. Finally he was to admit it. Mipha couldn't think of another time when he went out of his thick skull and openly admitted he was wrong. The soft smile again creeping over her face she answered him. "It would be for your own good if you start listening to someone. And it would be even better if you start listening to me."
"All right, my princess." he mumbled into her neck as his voice became more and more silent until she could feel his soft regular breathing in said neck. He again had fallen asleep. At least this time Mipha was following her golden knight that had brought her back to the surface and kept her afloat above her river of emotions and fears.
The birds were chirping as the first rays of sunlight shone over the blue mountains and into the room. The feint sound of a waterfall could be heard in the distance as Link woke up. He slept very well without Mipha tossing and turning every minute. He slowly opened his eyes only to be greeted by a pair of amber coloured ones staring back at him. A smile appeared on Miphas face as she noticed Link had awoken.
"Good morning my dear." she said to him. He could feel the vibration of her speaking in his torso, so close was his beloved Mipha to him. "Good morning to you too." Link answered as they shared a quick good morning kiss. Link sat upright and began crawling out of the bed. As he reached the end he got up and began with a few stretches and started his morning exercise. He had slacked on it in the last few days and wanted to stay in form, especially know that he was assigned as captain of the guard.
While Link did his morning routine Mipha still laid in bed. She had seen him topless a few times but she still liked it very much to see his muscles in action and preferably not while defending his or her life. After Link was done he turned around to Mipha, who still hasn't moved from her position. "You should get up too and stop daydreaming.". Mipha knew he was right and reluctant followed Link and crawled out of the bed, stretching a bit before a loud yawn escaped her. In union to her yawn Links stomach began growling. "So where do we get our breakfast?". Before she could answer a knock was heard on the door on which Mipha answered to come in.
A Zora carrying a tablet came into the room. "Well from where do you think?" she told him with a wink as she went over to the Zora, taking the tablet from him and allowing him to leave. Curiously Link followed Mipha, after putting some pants on. His stomach growled again as he smelled cooked fish. Sitting down next to Mipha on the couch he had a look at their breakfast. It was mostly a bit of raw fish mixed with salads or bread, but there were also a few cooked fishes on there. Link knew that the Zoras ate their fish raw and dislike cooked fish, so the cooked ones had been made specifically for him. Mipha explained him that she made sure he would get fed for as long as they resided in the palace, while Link already began eating. While he filled his growling stomach he began thinking. After the last night he knew that Mipha wasn't feeling well with her current situation. Although his support eased her up a bit, he knew the problems could only be resolved if they talk it out with her brother and farther. He wondered if they knew anything. Maybe they were at least suspecting something since they never pressured here about leaving in the palace, or having guards with her. He would need to arrange a meeting with them as soon as possible. And it would be best if Mipha couldn't prepare for that, although he did not like the idea of lying to her.
After they had finished eating they both got dressed for the day. Mipha went into the room next door, which turned out to be her walk in dresser, while Link simply walked over to his equipment a Zora had brought in from their house. As he rummaged through his bag he came upon another potential problem. One that could very well be way bigger then anything else. As he looked over his shoulder to make sure Mipha was still busy he turned his back to the door and took out the Zora Armor. He had never told her Sidon and Dorephan gave it to him. He would need to somehow smuggle it back into her dresser without her noticing, but the problem was he didn't knew where exactly to put it. His mind spun on the question as he heard footsteps from behind. He quickly put the armor back in the bag and pulled out a normal hylian travel tunic. He quickly put it and his missing boots on before he went over to Mipha, who for his luck hadn't seen anything. Together they left the room, closing the door behind them.
Link had been so sleepy last night that he didn't knew the way to Miphas room. They went down a few hallways and stairs until they reached the entrance room of the palace where they parted ways. Link moved down the hallway leading to the courtyard while he thought about how he could best approach Sidon and Dorephan. But fortunately for him luck seemed to be on his side as Sidon came around a corner in front of him. He almost seemed dancing as he walked with a joyful skip and elegance in his steps.
"Ah good day Link. I heard you and Mipha stayed in the palace over night. How was it?"
"Hello Sidon. Actually it was great. I slept very comfortable." Link shifted from one foot on the other before he started the next sentence.
"But not everything had been nice. Can I ask you for a favour?".Sidon looked a bit surprised at Links reaction as he opened his moth again to speak. "Of course, what is it?"
"Can you keep Mipha after work with your farther and yourself until I arrive? There is something we four need to talk about urgently." He expressed with a tone of worry in his voice. Sidon now looked more shocked then surprised as he opened and closed his mouth multiple times before he answered Link. "Ehm of course, I can arrange that. But what exactly has happened?"
Link looked around them to make sure no one was listening as he came closer to Sidon,who lowered his enormous body to be on one height with Link.
"Mipha isn't feeling well at all. Yesterday she had an emotional breakdown. She believes she is not the same person any more that lived here 100 years ago. She thinks everyone sees her as a great and shining person she isn't and because of that thinks that she doesn't deserve being treated as royalty, or even as Mipha. It has been worrying her ever since we first entered the Domain, but my thick skull just noticed it yesterday. We need to talk this out. I simply don't know how to help her." He whispered into Sidons ear.
Sidon was shocked. He knew something was off with her but he and his farther assumed that she didn't wanted to overwhelm Link. They would have never thought she was in such an emotional crisis. Sidon swallowed as he lifted himself upright again.
"Thank you for telling me Link. I will make sure my farther hears of this. Don't worry, if necessary I will chain her down in the throne room until you arrive." He said with a small grin.
"Thank you Sidon." Link answered. "I will see you later then." he said as he moved towards the courtyard and Sidon walked towards the throne room , now with less elegance in his steps and a worried expression on his face.
Link continued his way to the courtyard. Although Mipha was his highest priority he still had work to do. As soon as he entered the courtyard the few guards there saluted to him. He greeted them too before he walked into his office. As usual the paperwork on his desk had increased overnight. He quickly skimmed through them before he worked on the most urgent ones. He completed them in under half an hour and put the remaining paperwork to the side for now. He stretched his arms as he stood up from his desk and looked outside of his window. The courtyard had filled with more people in the last half hour. A few of them were regular guards on their normal training, or they were beginning their shifts. A big group on the other side of the courtyard however consisted out of potential recruits. He had delegated the recruits to three of his most experienced guards. Link still needed to get to know his subordinates and figured this was a good way to find out how they work. He walked towards his door and entered the courtyard, walking over to the quit large group.
No one saw him coming, for their eyes were fixed on the three Zoras standing in front of them. The three were dressed in armor typical for a Zoran guard. A small chest piece which went up to cover the throat, small and long bracers , and a helmet that covered their forehead. The Zoran armor were all pretty small to don't impair their swimming ability.
As Link came closer the guards began to quiet the crowd done before the Zora on the left, a man named Zelas, began talking. Link sat himself on a crate on the other part of the wall while he listened to them.
"All right then, everybody quiet down so we can begin. You are all here to become members of the Zoran guard and protect our beautiful Domain and its people and maybe even the royal family itself. However this will be no cakewalk. If you just came here to boast with your status, or if you want to admire our captain then you can go immediately." The Zora said with a clear authority in his voice. A bit of whispering went through the crowd as the next Zora, a women named Nahru, spoke up.
"The work you will be doing here is one of the most essential to our community. Therefore we will make sure that you are fitting to fulfil the role of a guard. We will observe your capabilities by parring you up in sparring matches. It doesn't matter if you win or lose. They way you fight is important." She said. Link noticed a few of the potential recruits gawking at the Zora. He admitted her light pink scales and her slim body made her quiet attractive. But it was definitely no good behaviour for a future guard if they have their eyes all over a beautiful female instead of a potential thread. As Links gaze wandered through the crowd, the third Zora, another man named Talis, addressed the crowd.
"As my colleagues have stated this is no place for braggers. You can choose some equipment that fits your style of fight over there. Your partners are listed on the paper hanging next to the weapon racks. Grab your things and get going."
With that the crowd dispersed , walking to grab some training weapons and their respective partner before they walked back on the field and began sparring. As Link had supposed quit a few of them really had been braggers. Their fighting style was either extremely barbaric with no thought what so ever besides from hitting their opponent, or just for show, with many unnecessary movements that would have easily killed them in a real battle.
But aside from those there were also some quiet good fighters. Link watched a few battles with anticipation. It seemed that most of them hadn't not come to join the guards without some kind of talent, or motivation. Link also kept a keen eye on what his three captains were doing. They walked between the lines of sparring soon to be recruits, observing every step and movement. They didn't interfere most of the time, aside from giving a few tipps or corrections here and there. Most of them had completed their sparring matches by now, and had been assigned to new partners. All went pretty well so far and Link was relieved to see that his captains had their title for a reason. He was pleased with the work they were doing.
As he sat on his crate observing the sparring he came across a group of Zoras who were all cheering on another one currently fighting. He was one of the showmakers, making way to much unnecessary movements while he fought. However he still managed to win his match while he was cheered on by the the group around him. As the Zora spoke Link couldn't help it but listening to him and the group.
"All pipsqueak here. Defeated him with ease, like the other three before him." The Zora said.
"You definitely wiped his ass Zole." said one of the Zoras.
"And I thought this is going to be hard. With this amount of skill I will definitely become a guard. Maybe they even enlist me as one immediately for my amount of skill." Said Zole while he spoke to the group.
Link didn't like him from the beginning. He was not like someone as Revali, who boosted about the skills he actually possessed. He was just bragging, thinking he was something better. Fortunately Talis had noticed this and walked over to the group.
"Before we would even think about enlisting you as a recruit you would have to get rid of that shitty attitude of yours. And if your on it you should get rid of that hot potato game you call fighting. And the rest of you, you are not her to be someones personal fanclub. Start doing you matches or get a move on." He said while he stood in front of the group, seemingly towering over all of them.
The group quickly dispersed, leaving only Zole and one other of his group. Zole stared into at Talis before he too turned around and walked to the rim of the training field, followed by his comrade. They stood with their backs turned to Link as Zole began speaking again.
"They are just envious of my talent. No one here could defeat me, not even the captains. They are just to proud to admit it." He said as he looked around the training field. Most of the other Zoras were still sparring or got advice from the captain.
Disgusted by their weakness Zole averted his gaze as he spoke to his comrade. "You know, looking at this I cannot even believe these are the Guards trusted with our safety. Once the will recognize my skill I will turn this whole please around. Not even the great hero of courage could defeat me." He spit out the last words as if they were acidic.
He raised his voice in the last part getting some attention from the surrounding Zoras. Nahru was standing near to him and began walking over to him as she saw Link, who had gotten up from his crate and moved towards Zole. If he had such a great amount of skill, Link wanted to give him a chance to prove what he says. Zole on the other hand seemed to be only encouraged by Nahru and the other captains stopping, thinking they were scared of him. A grin spread over his face as he spoke with such a confidence in his voice, it almost rivaled that of Revali.
"Once you all recognize my skill I will move up directly to the royal guards, no you know what once I beat this useless prick of a hylian who calls himself The Hero of Hyrule I will bring this place in some new shape. Maybe Lady Mipha then realises what kind of men she should really be getting her hands on instead of some mindwashing Hylian."
Everything was silent after that. Everyone in the courtyard had turned around to the bragging Zora by now, not believing what they had just heard. One could hear a needle fall to the floor as the Zora leaned back, seemingly happy with himself while everyone was starring at him, with utter disbelief written on their faces. What Zole didn't knew is that they were not only starring at him, but at also at Link who stood only a few meters behind him by now.
He had stopped in his tracks while Zole bathed in the attention. Link did not care if someone were to insult himself. He had experienced to much to be bothered by that and and learned early in his life to ignore such provocations. But this time someone had insulted the person that was the closest to him. He had directly insulted the feelings the Zora princess had for her dear Hylian. He clenched his fists as he tried calming the storm that was building up in him. Link wouldn't let someone insult Mipha and her feelings while he was near and let them get away with it. He would give this one a lesson he wouldn't forget for the rest of his life, Link thought as he made the last steps towards the Zora.
"If you want to have a duel with me you would just have to ask." Link said, his voice colder than the peaks of Lanayru mountain. Zole immediately jumped up from where he stood and turned around only to be met with a gaze that seemed to pierce his very soul. Although he shortly lost his composure Zole quickly regained it as he grinned back at Link.
"If this was so easy I would have done it as soon as I entered here." Zole answered with a dirty grin on his face.
"Then lets begin, shall we?" Link answered without a single change in his mimic or voice. He walked through the crowd, who quickly parted to let him through, towards the weapon rack. He grabbed himself a wooden sword and a simple wooden shield which was reinforced with a metal stripe running around its rim. He slipped his left arm through the leather straps of the shield and drew them tight. He grabbed the sword and walked towards the now empty middle of the training field, where his opponent was already waiting.
Zole leaned on his wooden trident as he taunted him. "Common. I wanted to fight with you now, and not tomorrow."
Link didn't change his pace as he walked towards a spot opposite from Zole. He stopped as he looked around the the training field. As nearly everything in the Domain it was made out of the blueish silver metal, with ornaments running through the entire thing. Although the metal appeared quiet smooth Link had no problem finding grip in his leather boots. He looked at his enemy, who had been grinning and taunting him the whole time. From there his gaze wandered towards the crowd, where his three captains stood in the front.
"Zelas, if you would be so kind to referee here." Link sput out, with the same cold tone in his voice as he returned to look at Zole. The Zora captain walked forwards as he explained the rules.
"The duel will start on my mark. It will end via three ways. First if one of you should be unable to fight on any more. Second if one of you yields and admits his defeat. Third if one of you leaves the arena which is indicated by the green line beneath you. Are there any more questions ?" Neither Link nor Zole said something.
"Duelists get ready on my mark."
Link went into his normal stance while Zole did the same.
"1"
"2"
"3"
"Go"
Immediately after that Zole lunged forwards with his trident trying to hit Link in the shoulder. Link waited till the last second before he evaded the attack with a simple sidestep. Zole flew past him as the momentum of his attack kept throwing him forward. He had thought Link would try to block the hit with his shield, rather than simply dodging the attack. Zole turned around and immediately started with the next attack. He tried slashing him diagonally from below. As he had thought Link simply dodged the attack by making a step back. Zole used the momentum of his attack to his advantage as he throw he trident upwards trying to hit Link on the head. As soon as he let his spear crush down Link avoided it again with a little spin to the right. Zole was getting furious at this point. "This isn't even real fighting. Is that how you achieved your fame, by simply dodging and letting someone else do the work?!" He shouted in his direction as he started with storm of attacks.
Link had no problem whatsoever dodging every single attack. They were all driven babaricly poor. Each time Zole missed one he began with another spin around himself slashing or stabbing from another side. Even a blind person would have seen the pattern in his poorly guided attacks as he repeated his slashes and stabs over and over while Link kept dodging. He could see the anger building up on the Zoras face as his attacks became more and more brutal the more Link dodged. He enjoyed seeing Zole get frustrated more and more, but knew it was time to attack for himself. He had observed his pattern and waited after he had spun around trying to slash him horizontally and again began with one of his spins. As soon as he bgean spinning Link used his moment. In the blink of an eye he moved closer to Zole as he spun himself lifting his shield up. As Zole turned around the only thing he could see was a metal rimmed wooden shield slamming directly in his face. Link could hear the crunching as he probably broke Zoles nose and flung him across the field. A gasp escaped from the crowd, which had been silent up to know as Zole landed on his back sliding a few meters until he came to a stop. Zole had been completely surprised by this attack as he fought himself to stand up, blood shooting from his nose all over his blue scales.
"What? All ready giving up, after just one attack?" Link shouted towards him. He could see the anger rising up in his face, which had a dark blue ring going across it while blood continued to shoot out of his nose. Zole fought himself up and picked up his trident which had been flung from his hand. He angrily starred at his opponent. He would never let someone embarrass him this hard infront of so many people. Especially not if his opponent was a filthy Hylian. As soon as he had his trident in hand he began charging at Link. Zole flung his trident around to try and confuse him. Shortly before he reached Link he again spun around on the spot while he readied his trident to horizontally slash at Link. He put all his anger in this swing as he came out of his spin and slashed at his opponent. Before he could feel his trident hitting flesh however he suddenly felt it being jolted upwards, as Link had easily parried the hit with his sword, before he rammed the iron rim of his shield into the Zoras abdomen. The trident was ripped from his hand as he was again thrown on his back now with another blueish purple ring going horizontally over his belly. Zole still didn't want to admit defeat as he stretched his hand out towards the wooden trident, only for Link to stomp on said hand before he held his sword against Zoles throat, rendering him unable to fight on.
"The duel is over!" Zelas shouted from the side as he walked onto the training field. Link watched in satisfaction as Zole squirmed beneath his feet, before he took it of his hand and stepped off of him.
"The winner is Link!" Zelas exclaimed as the crowd began cheering. Link looked up from his former opponent as he remembered the day he won the Swordsmanship Tournament and became the wielder of the mastersword and Princess Zelda's personal bodyguard. He dwelled in the memory as two guards came onto the field and picked Zole from the ground, who had been unable to stand up himself. Link turned to the two guards who were carrying.
"Take him to the doctor and then throw him out. And you. If I ever see you step foot even near the palace, or may Hylia help you, the royal family I will personally lock you up for high treason against the crown. And should I ever again hear you insulting the feelings of Princess Mipha I will make you wish you had never been born. Now get him out of my sight." he said to the guards and Zole before they carried him out of the courtyard. Links muscles began loosening as a tension dropped from him he hadn't even realised was there. He took a quick breath before he addressed the crowd.
"For those of you who came here to defend Zoras Domain, its people and the royal family, you are all gladly invited to join us. For those of you who came to boast with their skills, you now know what happens with you if you want to stay." he said as his gaze wandered to the blood spots on the silver floor.
"Nahru, Talis, Zelas, I await your report in my office. Clean this mess up."
His order was followed by a "Yes Sir!" before the three captains began bringing order in the crowd . Link meanwhile took of the shield and placed it together with the sword at the weapons rack. The wood had splintered in a few spots and the iron rim was dent in on multiple places with blood covering them. He went towards his office and closed the door behind him before he sat himself in his chair and propped his head on his hands.
"Maybe I have gone a bit to far."
Link continued doing the paperwork that had landed on his table. At least the piles weren't that big today so he made some good progress while the hours flew bye. He completed the last piece of paper and put it onto the pile before he heard a knock on his door. He allowed whoever it was to enter which was followed by Nahru, Talis and Zelas coming through the door and closing it behind them before they lined up in the middle of the room.
"Before we begin with our report all three of us would like to apologize to you for the unfitting behaviour of the Zora we brought in for recruiting." Nahru began but was unable to continue as she was interrupted by Link.
"It is not your fault. You cannot judge someones personality by an application. Its better to get a direct view of them, and im glad that this came out now, and not much later. So please go on with your report..."
The last members of the council left the throne room, leaving only the king and his children. King Dorephan sighed in relief as he laid back in his throne, knowing that the official business was done for today. But another sigh escaped him at the thought of what was still following. He had been shocked after what Sidon had told him in the morning. He internally scolded himself for not having noticed it himself. His gaze wandered over to his daughter. She didn't seem to be bothered. Instead she actually looked quit happy, going through the papers of the day. But Dorephan knew very well how good of an actress she can be. She never liked showing her emotions to anyone. She didn't want anyone to feel bad for her. What a surprising coincidence that the love of her life was exactly the same. Dorephan hopped that with his help they could sort this out very easily, even though the small voice in his head told him that this will probably not be done in a single evening. With those thoughts in mind he stood up from his throne.
"Common, let the work be done for today. We all need to relax a bit." he said as he walked down the stairs leading to his throne and towards a side door, leading to the private chambers that were reserved for the royalty. Mipha wanted to say something, but Dorephan knew exactly what she was going to say and interrupted her before she could start speaking. "Don't worry Mipha, I have invited Link as well. After all he kinda belongs to the family already." Dorephan sad with a smirk. Sidon and Mipha stored the papers away and quickly followed their farther.
The room they entered was illuminated by luminous stones in the ceiling. The floor was filled with water, standing around ankle high, with various places where it went around breast high, opening opportunities to sit. Dorephan placed himself in one of the pools, sighing in relief as the warm water surrounded him. Sidon and Mipha followed him and sat in the pool, both too sighing in relief of the warm water.
"So how is it going with you two. Finally found someone to share your life with Sidon? I heard you have quit the fanclub." Dorephan asked as he laid back in his place.
"If I would have you would have been the first to know of farther." Sidon answered with a grin. Dorephan answered with a grin himself before he turned to Mipha.
"And how are things going for you and Link?"
"Wonderful. I cannot express how much I love living with him every day." Mipha answered with a enthusiastic voice. Both Dorephan and Sidon knew that she wasn't telling the truth, but they couldn't confront here with that yet. Shortly after Mipha had spoken a knock could be heard on one of the two doors followed by a "Come in." from Dorephan.
Link walked down the blue and silver hallways of the palace He had completed the rest of paperwork and the reports of his captains after a message for him arrived, telling him where to go. He followed the hallways and was near the throne room as he came to a guarded passageway. The guards shortly looked at him and let him through. He may be the commander of the guards but even he has to follow the rules. He went past the guards and stopped in front of a big silver door. He knocked on it and could here the deep voice from King Dorephan from inside, allowing him to enter. As soon as he walked into the room he noticed the water covering the floor. He stood on a few steps above it where he sat down and took of his boots before he waded into the water. He didn't care about the rest of his cloth getting wet, for he had already began to get used to it. He waded over to towards the pool where the three sat and was warmly greeted.
"Ah speaking of which. Good evening Link. Say how was your day?" Dorephan asked Link while he had turned around to face him.
"Good evening." Link said with a smile as he entered the pool, his clothes now completely soaking wet, and sat himself next to Mipha. "Quit interesting actually. The new recruits made a bit of trouble."
"I assume it was nothing that you couldn't handle?" Dorephan asked him with a concerned look.
"No, we handled it quit good." he answered Dorephan.
"That is good to hear." Dorephan exclaimed before he again leaned back in his seat. An awkward silence fell over the room as three of the four people in it knew that this was just the calm before the storm. None of them wanted to begin and so the room stayed silent for the next few minutes, until Sidon grabbed his courage and began talking.
"Mipha, Link told us about what happened yesterday."
Suddenly all the tension that had build up in the room seemed to disappear at once. Mipha looked at her brother with a dumbfounded expression. Her head turned from her brother over her farther to Link. Although being the bearer of the Triforce of courage, Link couldn't bring up enough courage to look her in the eyes. Instead his eyes were concentrated on the floor beneath him as he began mumbling.
"I am sorry. I didn't knew of any other way to help you."
Before Mipha could say anything Dorephan spoke to her.
"Mipha my dear, please don't blame him. He just wants to help you, and didn't knew of any other way. Please just for ones let yourself be supported instead of supporting others." he told his daughter. One could see the worry over his daughter in the kings face as he spoke to her. Mipha had been overwhelmed by the whole situation. Her mind was spinning like crazy. One part of her told her to playe it down, to run away, to ignore it. That was the part that she had lift with most of her live. But there was also a little part in here that told her otherwise. That little part that told her to accept the help of others. The little part in her mind that resembled her love for her friends and family. And most important her love for Link. A golden light seemed to come from that part as Mipha became more and more comfortable with the idea of, just for once, being the one who would be supported.
Subconsciously she inched closer to Link. She pulled in her legs as she reached for his hand, griping it and feeling the warmth than came from it. As her mind returned to reality she looked up to meet his gaze. She saw it in his eyes, the undying love and care for her. He wanted her to feel safe and well. Miphas eyes wandered towards her brother and farther. Both had the same look on their face. The same look of love and care. Seeing those caring looks had defeated the part of her that wanted to run away as she opened her mouth to talk.
"How much do you know?"
"Link told me that you feel like you don't belong here anymore, that you feel like a complete different person then the one who lived her 100 years ago." answered Sidon.
"That is true. I don't think I am the great hero anyone sees me as. I haven't saved the Zoras from a demise, I more fitting brought them into one. I have this feeling since I came here. I just cannot describe it but I just feel so much different. It is scarring me." Mipha told them, whle she increased her grip on Links hand.
"That isn't true Mipha." Sidon spoke up. "Just imagine what would have happened if the Waterblight would have infected Vah Ruta without the presence of your spirit? It would have had complete control over it and would have brought havoc over all of us. The people of the Domain see what you have done, and appreciate you for it. Nothing more and nothing less."
Mipha wanted to speak up but was cut off by Dorephan.
"And the reason you feel different is because you aren't the same person anymore. But not in a bad way. 100 years ago you have isolated yourself from everyone. You shared your feelings to no one then yourself and kept your fears and the things that worried you to yourself. You hid behind a mask you created so nobody would feel sorry for you. But look at you now. You speak over your feelings and share your emotions and thoughts with someone that isn't yourself. You have found someone you deeply care for, and who deeply cares for you. My dear the thing that has changed is the man on your side." he told her in a calm and soft voice.
Mipha again was dumbfounded. She had never thought about it this way, she never imagined that it could be a good thing that she changed. With a look of confusion she returned her gaze to the one beside her. Again she looked up into those blue coloured eyes. A smile spread over his face as her hero began talking.
"The thing that has changed is we. You don't longer feel lonely or isolated for I am there to keep you company. Mipha, my love, the changed that happened to you is in no way a bad thing. I only realised this through the help of your farther myself. You now have someone to share your feelings with. I guess it will take you a bit to realise this completely for yourself, but know that I am here for you."
Those words made her shiver. To hear that from him opened her eyes. It hit her like a horse. The realisation. Her mind spun and spun as the puzzle pieces fell together.
"It doesn't matter that I am not the same anymore, right?"
"No it doesn't." Link answered.
"Because I have changed to someone better?"
"Exactly."
She starred up into his eyes. Another thought coming to her mind.
"That is not true. I haven't changed to someone better." Mipha answered. Links, Sidons and Dorephans hearts almost dropped to the floor before Mipha continued. "You have changed me to someone better." she said. A silence flew through the room as Links slow mind began processing what she just had said. Dorephan seemingly was the first whose mind clicked as a bright grin spread across the kings face. He was followed by Sidon and eventually even Link. As his mind clicked his heart could spill over from joy as he pulled his dear Zora into a soft hug.
"That is exactly what I am talking about." could be heard from the side. Mipha didn't knew who had said that for she was busy with returning a loving kiss from her Hylian protector. As they parted she once again looked into those sky blue eyes of him. He returned her gaze. He could spend days starring into her amber eyes as a loud yawn escaped him. "IO think there is someone tired here." Mipha said with a giggle. "Seems so." Dorephan answered. "I don't want to keep you away from a peaceful slumber. Go ahead. And now that you can talk with both of us anytime."
"Very well. Good night you two. And thank you." Mipha said to them as she stood up, still holding Links hand.
"Good night." Link added as they headed for the door, where he picked up his boots and left the room together with Mipha.
"Well this went better then expected." sighed Dorephan as he laid back into his place.
"They are just made for each other."
"Exaclty. When do you think will she presentate him the armor she made?" Sidon asked as he laid back in his place too. Suddenly Dorephans eyes shot wide open as he jolted upwards and looked towards his son.
"You mean the armor we gave him before he freed Vah Ruta?"
Sidon shot up aswell as he noticed what the problem was. They both looked at each other. Just one single thought crossing their minds.
"Shit."
So welcome to this mega chapter. I just wanted to thank all of you who have discovered my story in the last few days very much. I enjoy that you all seem to like my writing, but of course there is always room for more. If you have anything you want to say to me just write a review. I promise I will answer every review. For those of you who noticed the new cover art please have a look at my Profile page for more information. Thats it for now. See you soon :D
