Chapter 4 - Kakariko Village Princess
Summary: Mipha and Link visit Zelda at Kakariko Village to help with Hyrule's restoration. But they find Zelda having difficulties, and need to start her on the road to recovery.
"How should we travel there?" said Link. "I can still arrange for horses."
Mipha and Link were sitting together in their house by Mikau Lake having just finished breakfast and were preparing to leave for their visit with Zelda at Kakariko Village. They had said all their goodbye's the night before, including an emotional goodbye visit to Ruta. Link thought that visit went too far when Mipha told Ruta she would be thinking about her. But he had learned by now it was best to say nothing since Mipha took her relationship with Ruta quite seriously. And who knows? Maybe Ruta really could tell what Mipha was thinking from afar.
"Swimming is much, much better," said Mipha. "I'll help you along by holding your hand. Isn't that sweet of me?"
"It is sweet," said Link. "I'm wearing your gift so I should be able to swim just fine. Just try to control your amorous impulses and keep your mind on swimming."
"Oh, how thoughtful!" exclaimed Mipha. "My darling, darling husband is concerned that his great charm might impair my swimming ability."
Mipha reached out and tenderly stroked his cheek, then ran the tips of her nails lightly up and down the length of his arm.
"I should remind you that swimming is a pure instinct with me," said Mipha. "I can do it without even thinking. And your nearness, dear love of my life, does not affect my aquatic ability. I'm sure the same cannot be said for you, however, can it sweetheart? Am I making you uncomfortable?"
"No, it definitely can't be said for me, and you know very well you're making me uncomfortable," laughed Link as the touch of her nails sent an erotic thrill up his arm. "By the way, I notice you're a good deal more self-confident these days, not so shy anymore."
"Now that you're mine forever and ever, I've gotten over my shyness," said Mipha. "And you're coming around nicely, learning to be an attentive husband. I think our marriage will work out."
"Work out? It's been a dream come true for me," said Link. "I hoped it was for you too."
"You being so easy to tease is another nice aspect of our marriage," laughed Mipha. "It has been a dream. Shall we go? Don't forget a kiss first."
They kissed to start the journey, then made their way to the lower level of the domain and dove into Ruto Lake together. Mipha grabbed his hand, and they swam off at high speed the rest of the way until they had to navigate the twisting portions of the Zora River. They picked up the pace again until they reached the shallows by Kincean Island, then waded through the water there as Hot-Footed frogs jumped out of their path. From there they crossed Telta Lake, and Mipha paused to catch several Hyrule Bass. When they reached the southern shore, it was time to climb.
"Ready for the climb? Now it's my turn to lead, and we can stop anytime you're winded," said Link as he helped pull Mipha up the slope.
The climb was steep and tiring, especially for Mipha, so they paused to briefly rest by a large tree on a small plateau on the western shore. When they were ready, they finished their climb, then circled the hills until they met up with the west road into Kakariko Village. When they reached the village entrance, they noticed the presence of two Sheikah guards who addressed them.
"Greetings, we recognize you as Princess Mipha and Link," said one of the guards. "Her Highness told us to expect you. You may proceed."
"This extra security is because of Her Highness residing here?" said Link.
"Yes, and especially for fear of any Yiga Clan attempts on her life," said one of the guards.
"If we were Yiga Clan warriors, could we not have overpowered you and entered the village right now?" said Link.
"Not without the archers hid above us having something to say about that, Link," said the second guard. "But the less we discuss our security, the better. Suffice it to say we have more protection for Her Highness than it might appear."
"I am happy to hear it," said Link. "And thank you."
They proceeded on into the village and headed toward Impa's house, but first stopped to bow their heads and say a short prayer to Hylia at her statue. Then they approached the residence where two more guards were stationed but recognized them as well and said they could enter.
When they entered the large room, they could see Zelda had set up a small office to their right, and two more guards were to their left. Zelda immediately saw them, rose and rushed over to greet them. Mipha and Link both knelt on one knee and bowed.
"Your Highness," they both said.
"Mipha and Link!" said Zelda. "It's so nice to see you again! Please dispense with formalities and let me hug you both. It feels like forever since we were together and I've missed you. I really have missed you. How are you?"
They each embraced.
"Fine, we couldn't be better," said Link. "And you look well, uh, Zelda."
So Link said, but as he looked at Zelda, she did not look well at all, certainly not how he remembered her. Her eyes seemed slightly red and puffy, and she looked as though she had not been sleeping well.
"Thank you. I am so grateful you both could come," said Zelda. "Are you hungry? Have you eaten lunch yet?"
"I have some fresh fish I just caught," said Mipha. "There's enough for the three of us."
"That would be wonderful. The proprietor of the High Spirits Produce store insists on cooking for me," said Zelda. "Let me have a guard bring her the fish and let her know you're here, and she will make us each a fish lunch with some Swift Carrots. She wants to do it for me as a public service, but I insist on paying her."
Zelda signaled one of the guards and Mipha handed over the fish.
"While we wait, perhaps I could explain why I could use your help," said Zelda. "First of all, Mipha, your domain has been exceedingly generous with architects and stone masons. And I have recruited carpenters and builders from Hateno Village as well. But now so much reconstruction work is taking place that I can't coordinate all of it. I know this is not your area of interest, Mipha, but I am hoping you would be willing to stand in for me on this project for the next month, answer questions and make decisions when needed. You can always consult with me if necessary. After a month, I think things will be well enough along not to need so much oversight."
"I will be happy to help you any way I can, Zelda," said Mipha. "Do not feel you are imposing. And all of us Zora have some education in architecture."
"And Link, I could use your help rebuilding the army to preserve order and protect our people," said Zelda. "The Sheikah have posted recruitment signs throughout the land, but I need someone experienced to select suitable candidates and begin their training, see who is worthy of promotion, start building a chain of command, and so on. The Sheikah can check an applicant's background to verify who they are. If you could spend the next month getting that started, I would be very grateful."
"Of course, Zelda," said Link. "You know I will do anything I can for you whenever you need me."
"I know, Link," said Zelda as she smiled at him. "Then that's settled, and it is such a relief! Since we are not allowing visitors, I have reserved the Shuteye Inn for you both, though I understand, Mipha, you might prefer to sleep in the water. I am working on restoring the government and training my new ministers. I want people to see we are making progress giving them back a future, to undo the harm I, um, we suffered. The Rito have been a big help in eliminating monsters, and the roads are much safer now. And the living quarters at the castle are expected to be restored well enough for me to return there in another month, so the timing should work well for all three of us."
"I'm sure I speak for both of us in saying we will be happy to stay with you as long as you need us, Zelda," said Link.
"Of course we will, Zelda," said Mipha.
"I know you are true friends, and I can always count on both of you," said Zelda. "But I want you to feel free to return home anytime you wish. I imagine young Sidon and King Dorephan will both miss you. Of course, I am presuming you don't mind staying here with me in the first place. I guess you could also do the same work out of Hateno Village if you prefer. It would be closer to home for you. Would you prefer staying there?
Link looked at Mipha, but she nodded no.
"No, we prefer to stay here with you, Zelda," said Link. "We've missed you too."
"I am so happy you feel that way!" said Zelda. "Ah, here is our lunch. Now I want to hear what you two have been doing and how life in the domain is treating you."
They sat down to eat at the bench along the wall.
"We cleared out all the monsters there," said Link. "It took some long nights, but it was well worth it. And for the rest, we are just getting comfortable being with each other as a couple."
"Such a nice way of putting it, Link," laughed Zelda. "I hope you've been happy together. You both deserve it."
"We have, Zelda," said Mipha. "Very happy."
"The fish is delicious, Mipha," said Zelda. "Thank you. By the way, I am busy the rest of today with meetings, so you two take the afternoon to do whatever you wish. We can start on your projects tomorrow morning."
After lunch, they wished Zelda good day and left.
"So, we have the afternoon off," said Link. "Anyplace you would like to go?"
"I would like to visit the Great Fairy near here," said Mipha. "You said you often came to see her, Cotera."
"Yes, to upgrade my armor," said Link. "It's a short walk."
Link reached out and took Mipha's hand, and they began walking up the path that led to the Great Fairy Fountain. They turned the hill past the shrine, and part way up Link suddenly stopped. He turned to face Mipha and took her other hand in his, so now he was holding both her hands as they stood face-to-face.
"Is anything wrong?" said Mipha.
"Yes," said Link. "Being here, seeing Zelda, it's bringing it all back to me again, all the bad memories. I haven't thought about that while we were in the domain together. My only thoughts were about being with you and the family. But now I remember all we suffered, the friends we lost. And most of all, I remember how I nearly lost you, how I thought I had lost you twice when Ganon attacked and then at Naboris. I know we tease each other, but I love you so very much, Mipha, and spending this last month married to you I realize just how empty my life would have been without you. I never want us to be apart."
"Relax and don't worry sweetheart, we never shall be apart now," said Mipha as she reached over and they held each other. "You know you have my heart and always will. It was my love for you that saved me, that made me follow after you and not rush off to Ruta. It makes me believe more than ever how important it is to follow your heart. And my heart leads straight to yours. Now we have to look to the future. We will never forget the loved ones we lost, but we can't let their memory stop us from doing what we need to do now."
"You're right, of course," said Link. "It's just that life has been so blissful with you this past month that I put all of that out of my mind, and now it just suddenly all came back."
They kissed, and after holding each other for a moment, resumed their walk to the fountain.
"Blue Nightshade grows here!" said Mipha excitedly and trying to lighten Link's mood. "That's my favorite flower."
"Shall I pick some for you?" said Link.
"No, I'm happy to enjoy them growing here in the wild," said Mipha. "But they are especially beautiful at night."
Link stood on the large fountain petal and prayed. With a cascade of splashing water, the Great Fairy Cotera appeared.
"Ah, you have returned," said Cotera. "My sister Kayasa told me of your visit, you and Princess Mipha of the Zora. Welcome to you both. I know you do not need to upgrade armor, Link. How can I assist you?"
"My visit this time is not to request your help," said Link. "But to offer my heartfelt thanks to you and your sisters for all the help you have already given me. It was thanks to your help that my armor was strong enough, and I was able to avoid injury in battle. No donations can ever repay you for that."
"It was what we could do to help you save our land," said Cotera. "And you have been very generous with past donations. Now, how can I assist you?"
"Great Fairy," said Mipha. "What can we do for Hyrule now?"
"Help your Princess," said Cotera. "She has a noble heart and a deep love for her people and our land. She badly wants Hyrule restored, and she needs Hyrule restored. She still harbors feelings of guilt for Hyrule's destruction and blames herself for not achieving her power sooner. That haunts her thoughts, though she seldom speaks of it. She wants desperately to make amends as best she can, and you must help her. She has a heavy burden ahead of her, to rule a kingdom that was on the brink of destruction and make it whole again. That is the only advice I can offer."
"We will do as you say," said Link.
"Is there anything else?" said Cotera.
Mipha and Link both said no.
"Then I should go. Bye!" said Cotera. And with that, she plunged back into her pool.
"I should have realized Zelda wouldn't easily get over what happened or stop blaming herself," said Link. "Did you notice her eyes? I don't think she's sleeping well. But it really wasn't her fault. She did her best."
"I know, and we will look out for her, sweetheart, relax," said Mipha.
"Let's spend a quiet moment by a small grove near here," said Link. "It's peaceful there, and it's near a small body of water with Hyrule Bass, Staminoka Bass, Armored Carp, and Mighty Carp. We can sit and talk for a while. I know you used to like doing that."
"And I still do," said Mipha taking his hand. "I know what the Great Fairy said about Zelda is bothering you. We are going to help her and help her be happy again. Now let's enjoy the time we have together. Starting tomorrow, we may be busy."
They strolled up the hill and across the small wooden bridge to the little grove almost directly south of the Great Fairy Fountain.
"Sometimes you can spot a Blupee here," said Link keeping an eye out. "They are strange creatures."
"Let's sit against this tree and relax," said Mipha.
Mipha and Link sat down with their backs against the base of a large tree, their arms around each other.
"You know, it's funny," said Mipha. "When you were small and visited the domain, I sometimes took you for walks. Then you would get tired, and we would sit down together to rest, something like we're doing now. And you would cuddle against me, rest in my arms and sometimes even fall asleep. Then I would brush your hair back out of your face. I loved the soft feel of your hair, and you were so cute sleeping in my arms like that. Then, of course, you grew up. It took a long time before we cuddled again."
"I don't remember the times you mentioned," said Link. "I must have been very young. But knowing I was in your arms back then makes me happy. I couldn't have been in a better place."
A deer moved warily across the grove as it searched for food, then scampered away when some birds fluttered nearby. Otherwise, the forest was quiet and peaceful.
"There's a nice view of the village from the edge of the cliff here whenever you want to get up," said Link. "You can even paraglide right into the village from here."
"Maybe in a little while," said Mipha as she leaned her head on his chest. "I like resting here with you right now."
Link held her head against his chest, and she could hear his heart beating. She relaxed against him and dozed off. Link cradled her head from sliding down, then held her close. A few minutes later, he was fast asleep, as well.
Link awoke first to the chirping of crickets and the glow of Sunset Fireflies and Silent Shrooms. Mipha was still asleep in his arms. He kissed her on the cheek and whispered that she should get up. Mipha lifted her head, looked around, and then smiled.
"I must have been tired from pulling you through the water," said Mipha.
"I must have been tired too," said Link. "I fell asleep and just woke up. Where do you prefer to sleep tonight? The inn or in the water? Either way, I am staying with you."
"Let's stay at the inn tonight," said Mipha. "I got enough water time in during the swim here. But you are not sleeping in a separate bed. I want to hold you."
"Of course," said Link. "We can paraglide down from the cliff here."
They made their way to the edge of the cliff, and you could see the flaming torches of Kakariko Village flickering in the distance below. They jumped and glided to the inn entrance where a Sheikah guard was posted. He was aware of who they were and wished them goodnight. Before entering the inn, Link saw three people walking near Impa's house. He assumed they must be guards. Then they made their way inside, and as expected, the inn was deserted with its two beds up against the left wall and separated by a small low table.
"Do you want me to push the two beds together?" said Link.
"Why? You want to be far away from me?" said Mipha.
"Far away from you? The beds are made for one and are pretty narrow. Never mind," laughed Link as he undressed and then they climbed into bed together.
They had to hold onto each other and stay close to even fit on the bed. The afternoon nap had taken away their fatigue, and being pressed against each other was stimulating. After some kissing and fondling, they made love for the first time in the Shuteye Inn. Then they slept soundly until the next morning.
Link awoke first and found himself wedged against Mipha who was still sleeping soundly, her breathing steady and shallow. It was utterly impossible to move without disturbing her, so he stayed still. Finally, a shrill Cucco crowed right outside the inn, and Mipha stirred, then opened her eyes.
"This is nice and cozy," said Mipha. "You didn't mind being close to me after all, did you?"
"No, I certainly didn't mind at all," laughed Link. "But I think it's late and we should get up."
As they left to get breakfast, they met Impa who seemed to be waiting for them. She got right down to business.
"Mipha and Link, welcome," said Impa. "We need to talk."
"What is it?" said Link.
"Her Highness," said Impa. "She has been pushing herself to do too much. She seldom sleeps well and takes walks at night to try to settle herself and calm down. Then she has to take naps in the afternoon to avoid collapsing from fatigue, and she pretends to everyone she is having meetings to cover the fact. I wanted to send for you earlier to help her, but she absolutely refused to allow it, saying you two deserved time together. But she desperately needs your help."
"I had no idea things were this bad," said Link. "I wish you had sent for us sooner. Why is she doing this to herself?"
"You know why, Link," said Impa. "Whatever she may have told you, she has never really moved on from what happened. She blames herself for everything that went wrong. When you and she were together it helped, it was a comfort to her. You understood her and everything that happened. You knew how hard she tried, and she didn't feel she needed to justify herself to you. But to others, she still feels shame, that she betrayed their trust in the royal family and, in particular, her. She desperately wants to make Hyrule the way it was, Link, to give her people a chance for a good life. And she can't make it happen quickly enough. You need to speak to her. You are her friends, and I hope she will listen to you. And your company may help as well."
"Of course, of course," said Link. "Thank you for speaking with us."
They said goodbye.
"We hear this from all sides," said Link. "Zelda is overextending herself, killing herself. First our own eyes, then the Great Fairy, and now Impa. If we don't get a chance to meet with her, I am going to catch her in one of her evening strolls and speak with her then."
After a quick breakfast, they headed off to begin work.
Mipha had no trouble meeting with the Zora chief architect named Kandon in charge of the restoration of the many destroyed structures in Central Hyrule. And it didn't seem like there was much for her to do at this point.
"Kandon, it's good to see you again," said Mipha when they met.
"And to see you, Lady Mipha," said Kandon. "I understand we are to come to you now with any questions related to the building reconstruction?"
"Yes, Her Highness asked me to help," said Mipha.
"I am happy to hear it," said Kandon. "We don't have any questions, as their architecture is quite straightforward and easy to recreate. But when we did have questions in the past, Her Highness was sometimes preoccupied with other matters. It is good to know I can come to you instead."
"Do you have any questions now about what needs to get done?" said Mipha.
"No, not at this time, Lady Mipha," said Kandon.
"Very well," said Mipha. "You know where to find me if you need me."
Link, on the other hand, was busy interviewing candidates for the army. Some of the applicants were the sons and daughters of soldiers killed in the attack. Link found those the hardest to deal with as there were so many sad stories. Brandon, an eighteen-year-old boy, was typical of that group.
"My father was stationed at the castle when the attack came," said Brandon. "I was able to help my mother and younger sister escape to Fort Hateno. I heard later that many of the soldiers, including my father, retreated to the Akkala Citadel, but were all killed there. My father's body has never been found. I need to provide for my mother and sister now and do my part for Hyrule. I know my father would have wanted that, and it is what I want as well."
"I'm very sorry for your loss, Brandon, and we can certainly use the help," said Link. "Let's see how you handle yourself in combat. The Sheikah there will attack you. Take one of those practice swords and defend yourself."
"My father used to spar with me sometimes," said Brandon. "I have some experience with a blade."
Brandon engaged the nearby Sheikah in a short contest and acquitted himself well enough. Link added him to the list of acceptable candidates at this point.
The Sheikah helped organize the process and kept order while Link concentrated on evaluating the applicants. Mipha wandered by to see what was happening and she and Link had lunch together during a break.
"There's nothing else for you to do?" said Link.
"I was going to check with Zelda, but she is still busy, supposedly in meetings," said Mipha. "The architects seem to have everything under control and don't have any questions. Can I help you?"
"Yes," said Link. "After lunch, let's split the line in two, and we each take half. You know what we're looking for."
"Yes," said Mipha. "People like you."
"Or like you," said Link. "I know how good you are with a spear. Remember our little sparring sessions at Ralis Pond a couple of weeks before our wedding?"
By the end of the day, they were both pleased with their progress.
"We have a good start," said Link. "Another week or so and we should have enough candidates to start with. I can take them out on patrol to teach them some techniques in the field. And I can evaluate those who show qualities needed for being an officer."
"That's all well and good," said Mipha. "But I desperately need a swim! Come, join me. We can swim up the waterfalls near Impa's house and have some water time."
They made their way to the water and were soon splashing each other in Lantern Lake. Mipha then relaxed and soaked in the water.
"Do you mind sleeping here tonight?" said Link. "I want to stay up and catch Zelda, and I have a good view of the ground below. "
"No, go ahead," said Mipha. "She will feel better talking with you. Do whatever you need to."
So, it was late that evening that Link kept watch perched atop the small peak at the center of Lantern Lake while Mipha slept in the water below. The moon had risen, and he began to wonder if Zelda would emerge at all when he saw movement below. Zelda and two guards had emerged from the residence and were slowly walking toward the statue of Hylia. Link quietly paraglided down toward them, then announced his presence before landing to avoid over startling her guards.
Upon hearing his voice, both guards turned to confront him, but Zelda stopped them.
"No, it's alright, this is Link," said Zelda.
Link landed and approached.
"What are you doing, Link?" said Zelda.
"I could ask the same of you, Your Highness," said Link. "I know what's wrong. Come, sit with me. We need to talk."
"Very well. But if we are to talk then let us go inside," said Zelda. "The night can grow chilly. Where is Mipha?"
"Sleeping in Lantern Lake," said Link.
"You two, please keep her safe," said Zelda to the two guards who bowed and ran off.
They made their way back the short distance to the residence.
"Come upstairs, we can sit together on the cot there," said Zelda.
Zelda led the way upstairs, and they sat down together.
"Zelda, I know what you're doing to yourself, and you have to stop it," said Link. "Not just for your sake, but all our sakes. We need you, Zelda, Hyrule needs you."
"Does it?" said Zelda. "It needs me, the person who let it come to ruin? It needs me, the person who let so many lives perish? Why does it need me, Link? I think I am the last person it needs."
"It needs you for many reasons, Zelda," said Link.
"Name one," said Zelda. "Name a single one."
"Because frankly, you're all we have," said Link.
Zelda burst out laughing.
"I am your choice of last resort, I guess," laughed Zelda. "Well, you made me laugh, Link, I have to give you that."
"No, kidding aside, you are our first choice, Zelda, a blood descendant of the Goddess," said Link. "It is your right and duty to lead us. But I am here to tell you that you are not alone in this. Mipha and I will help, and you should have seen all the volunteers we have already enlisted. Everyone in Hyrule is pulling for your success, Zelda because it is their success. You have to realize that."
"But how can they ever forget what I let happen?" said Zelda. "Oh, I am so tired, Link. I cry myself to sleep sometimes."
"They don't blame you, Zelda. They blame Ganon, as they should. Rest your head on my shoulder now," said Link.
Zelda sighed and leaned against him, and he cradled her head against his shoulder.
"You know how much I care for you," said Link. "I will personally put you to bed each night and make sure you stay there if necessary. You need to rest, to take care of yourself. Together we will rebuild Hyrule, and you will be proud of it as you have never been before. But we need you. You need to be here for us."
Then he gave her a gentle hug.
"You need to be here for me, too," said Link. "We have lost too much already, too many dear friends, too many people we love. I can't lose you."
Zelda looked up at him and smiled.
"Let me rest here with you for a moment," said Zelda. "If I close my eyes, I can picture us sitting around a campfire again, sharing stories and a meal. Those were fun days, weren't they, Link? Just you and I adventuring together, so confident in the future."
"Yes, they were," said Link. "And we have more days ahead of us together, building a new future. And those days will be fun, too, Zelda."
Zelda closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and fell asleep almost at once. Link gently lay her down on the cot, then sat on the floor next to it. She was breathing slowly now, already in a deep sleep. He would stay with her all night and make sure she didn't get up again. This was the first step to her recovery, getting a good night's rest, and relying on others to help her.
But just as she was saying, he could picture it too now. The two of them had some beautiful times together as they grew closer. It was easy to forget the bad moments and remember the happy times they had shared wandering Hyrule. If he closed his eyes, he could see those times again, too.
"Link! What are you doing here?" exclaimed Zelda next morning startling Link awake as he lay on the floor beside her bed. He jumped to his feet.
"Just guarding you, Your Highness," said Link.
"Oh, I remember now," said Zelda smiling. "Thank you, Link. And I remember what you said. I will try to do better so you won't have to tuck me in each night. Now I need to get ready. And I will leave it to you to explain to your wife why you spent the night with me alone in my bedroom."
"Thank you, Zelda," laughed Link. "Thank you so much."
Mipha was pretty understanding thought Link as he began to make his way outside. Wasn't she?
"Wait! Link!" called Zelda before he left.
"Your Highness?" said Link turning back and forgetting in his state of mind.
"Oh, good! You owe me another Rupee," laughed Zelda. "And don't worry, Link. Mipha and I both know your heart is true, and you never mix the two kinds of love you have for each of us. And neither do I, Link. Thank you for being a good friend and being who you are."
"Thank you, Zelda, for being a good friend and being who you are. And for helping to make me who I am," said Link.
They smiled at each other, and Link left.
Now, where would Mipha be by now?