Chapter 16 - School Trip - Part 2
Summary: The second part of Mipha's and Link's family trip.
It was a sunny and cold morning at the Tabantha Bridge Stable where Mipha, Link, Raypha, and Tidon had slept while Rivan and Gaddison alternated between resting and guard duty. You could see Divine Beast Vah Medoh clearly in the distance perched on the slender rock and facing to its right toward Hyrule Castle.
After a quick breakfast, Link arranged for the rental of four horses.
"I want to ride with Dad," said Raypha.
"I want to ride with Dad," said Tidon.
"Thank you," laughed Mipha. "Don't all of you rush to ride with me!"
"Raypha asked me first, Tidon," said Link. "So, she can ride with me part of the way, and I'll take you the rest of the way. You know Mom knows her way around on horseback too. We rode together here when we took back control of Medoh."
So, Link helped Raypha onto his horse, Mipha helped Tidon onto hers, Rivan helped Sidon onto his.
"I'll take the lead," said Gaddison as she rode first.
"Now hold onto me tightly, but please watch your nails, sweetheart, or Mom will be working on me later," said Link as Raypha sat behind him.
"Don't worry, Dad," laughed Raypha. "I'll fold my hands around your waist."
They started off riding slowly.
"It feels funny," said Raypha. "It's like waves are pushing us up and down."
"It takes some getting used to, sweetheart," said Link. "You might even be a little sore the first time you ride because your body is not used to it. But we'll go slowly, so don't worry."
The first part of the journey took them west across the Great Tabantha Bridge, and they rode carefully across the structure. The cliffs of Piper Ridge were straight ahead, and the vast Tabantha canyon lay below them.
"If you're afraid of heights, sweetheart, don't look down," said Link. "But if not, it's a great view."
"Hylians have a funny way of saying things," laughed Raypha. "Do you mean afraid of depths? The canyon is below us, Dad. And I'm not afraid of depths."
"Well, I guess Zoras look at it differently, since you relate things to water," laughed Link. "We Hylians think of it as we're above the canyon. But that's what makes life interesting."
They moved slowly single file until they reached the other side of the bridge, and the grassy path opened up. They picked up the pace a bit then and headed toward the left, following the road as it curved north of the Rayne Highlands. The dormant remains of two Guardian Skywatchers, and a Guardian Stalker lay alongside the road.
"Those two airborne guardians were active when Dad and I last traveled this way," said Mipha to Tidon as he held onto her. "We had to time our ride to avoid their search patterns."
"I never realized how big these things are!" said Tidon as they rode past.
"Yes, they were big and relentless in pursuit if they spotted you," said Mipha. "And as I hope you recall from your lessons, they were built long ago to protect the hero. But they were corrupted by evil and used against us."
They continued riding through the canyon, Gaddison in front, then Mipha and Link in the middle, and Rivan with Sidon in the rear.
"Now, while I concentrate on steering the horse, Prince Sidon, I'm counting on you to keep an eye out for enemies, all right?" said Rivan.
Rivan knew they were safe, and Gaddison would alert them in the unlikely event they were not. But Rivan wanted Sidon to have some fun along the way, and looking out for enemies would occupy his attention and encourage him to study his surroundings.
"Of course! You can count on me!" said Sidon as he scanned the area very soldier like.
"Don't you feel funny riding another animal, Mom?" said Tidon.
"I did at first, sweetheart," said Mipha. "But I came to realize it was the only way to travel on land at a reasonable pace. And a good rider loves and cares for their horse, and the horse cares for its rider. They form a bond of sorts. I wouldn't want to own a horse, but I've gotten over my initial distaste for riding them."
"Someday, I would like to learn more about your travels with Dad," said Tidon.
"Your Dad kept a journal, and when you're older, perhaps you can read it. It's a long story, though, and took us almost everywhere in Hyrule together."
The road curved sharply to the northeast as they passed south of Nero Hill. Then Link signaled Gaddison, and they all stopped.
"If you're up for a little climbing, there is someone exceptional nearby," said Link. "We can climb up here."
They all dismounted, and Gaddison agreed to remain with the horses on the road while the rest of the party began the climb up the northwestern side of Piper RIdge. When they reached a plateau, you could make out the large fountain home of the Great Fairy Kaysa.
"Oh! Wow!" gasped Raypha. "It's beautiful!"
Tidon and Sidon had similar reactions.
"Before we make an offering in hopes the Great Fairy will appear, how about a little fun and education at the same time," said Link. "The first one to find a Mighty Thistle, Endura Carrot, and Silent Princess can donate the Rupees. Ready? Go!"
Sidon, Tidon, and Raypha all rushed about hunting for the items. The Mighty Thistles were easy to locate, but the Endura Carrot was behind a rock and the Silent Princess hidden behind the fountain itself. Sidon was the first one to find all three, and he grinned proudly.
"Well done, Sidon," said Mipha.
"All right, let us all stand here in front of the fountain, and Sidon, please throw these Rupees into the water," said Link.
Link handed Sidon the Rupees, and he tossed them into the water. Soon the water began bubbling, and then with a flourish and a splash, the Great Fairy Kaysa appeared and looked over the group. Her hue was purple, and she wore a large golden necklace rimmed with red jewels. The children jumped backed, involuntarily holding onto the nearest adult, but Kaysa tried to put them at ease.
"Don't be frightened, little ones. I won't hurt you!" said Kaysa. "Hello again, Mipha and Link, and welcome Rivan. I am very grateful for your donation. Sadly I still see few pilgrims here, but hopefully, that will change in time. What brings you and your lovely family here?"
"We are taking the children on an educational trip through parts of Hyrule," said Mipha. "We are journeying to Rito Village next."
"Wonderful! I am happy to see all of you traveling about our great land," said Kaysa. "There is indeed much beauty to see and many things to learn in Hyrule. And Raypha, Tidon, and Sidon, you are fortunate to have Mipha and Link as your family. I urge you to learn all you can from them. For no matter how much you learn, when you are older, you will wish you had learned more. Now, is there nothing I can do for you today?"
"Is Hyrule safe now, Great Fairy?" asked Mipha.
"It is safer than before, Princess Mipha," said Kaysa. "And the road you are traveling is safe. But sadly, evil still lurks in Hyrule. I wish I knew more. Is there nothing else?"
"No, Great Fairy," said Link. "You have already done so much. I wished to thank you once more, and for my family to meet you."
"Then I will say farewell, and hope in your travels you meet my three sisters," said Kaysa. "I know they would like that."
With another flourish, Kaysa disappeared back into the waters of her pool, and then all was silent once again.
"Wow!" said Tidon. "That is amazing. And she has three sisters just like her?"
"Yes, alike yet different," said Link. "And in different parts of Hyrule. Perhaps if we venture to Kakariko Village, you can meet another. But now we should press on before it gets too late."
They made their way back down the side of the cliff to their horses.
"Now, Tidon, you can ride with me," said Link.
"And you're stuck with me, Raypha," laughed Mipha.
"And Prince Sidon, perhaps you would ride with Gaddison now as it's my turn to scout the road ahead," said Rivan.
After sorting out who was riding with whom, they continued along the road as it turned from grassy to rocky. Large windmill structures could be seen turning slowly in the breeze to their right.
When they finally reached the narrow Kolami Bridge, everyone dismounted, and they walked their horses across single file. Upon reaching the other side of the bridge, Link conferred with Gaddison and Rivan.
"There used to be some Lizalfos hiding in the canyon ahead," said Link. "If we keep to a steady pace, we can put them behind us. Just be wary."
"We will," said Gaddison. "But let Rivan and I scout ahead. I would feel better if we eliminated any Lizalfos that remain. We will signal to you if it's safe."
"There might be Lizalfos here, Dad?" said Tidon as he stood next to Link and their horse.
"I don't think so anymore," said Link. "But there were three here at one time."
"The children could use some water time soon," said Mipha as she gently stroked a tired-looking Raypha on the head. "Let's head straight for Lake Totori when we reach the stable."
"Yes, fine," said Link. "Is that okay? Or Strock Lake is right below."
"Let's wait, we're almost there," said Mipha.
Rivan and Gaddison returned and said the coast was clear. So, they mounted up again and made their way through the rocky cavern that curved from north to west. Then the path opened up again, and it was an easy gallop down a long grassy slope to Rito Stable.
"All of you head to the lake," said Link when they arrived and dismounted. "I'll return the horses. But it's a steep climb down to the water, so be careful."
"We're big enough to dive in now, Dad," said Tidon.
"Let me go first," said Rivan.
Rivan dove into the water below and checked the area, then waved that it was okay.
"Yay!" shouted Tidon and Raypha as they dove into the lake, and MIpha and Gaddison followed. Link could see them splashing and playing, then went to board the horses.
"Were the horses satisfactory, Sir? No problems?" said the stable manager.
"Fine, no problems at all," said Link.
Link then para-glided down to the lake to join the rest of the family. It was late afternoon by now, almost evening, and an Islander Hawk circled above looking for a meal.
"The water's great, Dad!" shouted Tidon as he dove underwater. Raypha, Sidon, Tidon, and Gaddison were playing tag while Rivan kept a lookout, and Mipha waited for Link.
"Brrr," said Link as he swam over to Mipha, and she rubbed his shoulders with her palms.
"Maybe you should go back to the stable, sweetheart?" said Mipha. "You're not used to water this cold."
"I think I'll be okay, and just need to get used to it," said Link. "But I wouldn't mind if you warmed me up."
She leaned forward, and they kissed several times, but Link was still shivering.
"Seriously, I don't want you to get sick, sweetheart," said Mipha. "Why don't you and Rivan go back to the stable and you can have a hot meal. We'll catch dinner here. And when you're tired, get some sleep at the stable, and Rivan can return here to rest. Gaddison can stay here in the meantime, and we'll be fine. The children need the water time anyway, and they're having fun."
"Are you sure, sweetheart?" said Link.
"Yes, I'm sure," said Mipha. "Now go! You and Rivan can reminisce. In which case, it's just as well I'm not there to listen to some of your misdeeds."
Link kissed Mipha goodnight, then gave goodnight hugs to Raypha, TIdon, and Sidon. Finally, Link and Rivan climbed back up to Rito Stable.
"Can I get you anything, Rivan?" asked Link as they sat by the fire, and Link began to cook his meal.
"No, I already grabbed a fish from the lake," said Rivan. "Your two little ones are certainly getting big, Link. It seems not all that long ago we learned they first hatched. But they're both adorable. You have a beautiful family."
"I know, and I'm just thrilled," said Link. "I've never been happier, Rivan. But what about you? Is there anyone special in your life?"
"Oh, I'm seeing someone, but we're both still too young to get very serious yet," said Rivan. "I guess you realize Mipha was a little on the young side to marry. Not too young, just younger than average."
"Yes, that's come up on occasion, like with her friend Alicia. But it leads to a sensitive topic, so we don't talk about it," said Link.
"No, I can see that," said Rivan.
They sat beside the fire as Link finished his meal. Finally, Rivan spoke up again.
"Sitting here by the fire reminds me of that picnic the four of us had by Ralis Pond," said Rivan. "It was you, me, Bazz and Gaddison, and we called it one of our strategy sessions, a secret meeting to plan the Brigade's next missions. You were a bit older then what you Hylians call an adolescent. We joked about how your voice had changed. Anyway, you managed to burn your hand. Do you remember?"
"Yes, I remember burning my hand," said Link. "You guys never cook your food, and I didn't think to bring anything to prepare mine. So, I put my fish on a stick. After cooking it, as I lifted it from the fire, the fish started to slip off the stick. Like an idiot, I grabbed for it with my hand, and my hand went into the fire. It hurt like crazy, but it wasn't a nasty burn."
"Do you remember you didn't want to tell Mipha about it? We kind of figured you were sweet on her then."
"Why? What do you mean?" Link asked.
"Well, when you were younger, you never minded if Mipha healed you," said Rivan. "But when you burned your hand that time it was like you were too embarrassed to admit it and didn't want her to know. We kept telling you to ask her for help, but you wouldn't do it."
"But she did heal me later. I remember that clearly," said Link.
"Yeah, because Gaddison told her about it," said Rivan. "I remember after you left the three of us discussed it, and we thought Mipha should heal you. But Bazz and I didn't want to be the ones to tell her. We figured she would blame us, like she always did, and take her temper out on us. She was really protective of you, Link! Anyway, Gaddison called us both spineless jellyfish, and she ended up telling Mipha about it."
"Oh, so that's what happened," said Link, thinking back. "Yeah, I remember I did want Mipha to think of me as more grown-up back then, not still a little boy always getting hurt. I hope Mipha didn't get upset at Gaddison."
"No, on the contrary, Gaddison said Mipha thanked her for telling her," laughed Rivan. "And then they had a conversation about how silly boys were. So, Gaddison being the one to tell her probably worked best. Anyway, all of us in the Brigade were happy things worked out for you two. It was kind of obvious, though, Link."
"Thanks for telling me," said Link. "I'm going to take a peek down at the lake, then get some rest."
Link and Rivan walked to the edge, and Link could see the children asleep in the water while Mipha was speaking with Gaddison.
"If you're going to bed, I'll join them in the lake," said Rivan. "Good night!"
"Good night," said Link. "I learn something new every time I talk with you guys."
Rivan dove into the lake and swam over to Mipha and Gaddison. Mipha looked up and waved as Link waved back. Then they blew each other a kiss, and Link returned to the stable and rented a bed for the night.
As he lay in bed, he thought about what Rivan had spoken about. He did remember the picnic and burning his hand, and how he felt stupid going to Mipha again like a little boy. But she had run into him later and healed his hand, though she never said Gaddison had told her. He turned over and fell asleep.
The next morning Link made breakfast, and the family soon rejoined him at the stable.
"All ready for Rito Village?" said Link.
"It might be wise to wear some warmer clothes now," said Mipha. "The air is colder than the water."
Everyone donned warm clothing, and then they walked across the bridges that spanned the gaps between the tall stone structures that led to the village entrance. When they arrived, the Rito guards welcomed them. Link and the family then made their way to the top of the structure as the children gazed at the stores and shops.
"The Elder is at the top," said Link as they continued climbing stairs.
When they finally reached the Elder's residence, Medli was not busy and beckoned them in at once.
"Mipha and Link, so, this is your family," said Medli. "You are all very welcome here. You know, children, it is no exaggeration to say Mipha and Link saved us all. I hope you realize how special they both are."
"How are you getting on, Medli?" said Link. "The village looks as good as ever."
"Yes, we're managing," said Medli. "Zelda has asked us to do all we can to keep the roads safe, so we send out patrols. We're finding less and less to deal with, though we keep a special eye on suspicious travelers by themself who tend to wait at certain locations. Some have turned out to be Yiga Clan spies. So, keep your distance from any such people. But your journey back and forth from here should be safe, and I'll send a couple of scouts to check on you if you plan to travel further, and give your Zora guards a rest. It's the least we can do for all you did for us."
"That would be very helpful," said Link.
"But perhaps I can offer the children a treat if you feel they are old enough," said Medli. "How about a quick view of the area from the sky? You won't fall, I promise you."
"Oh! I'd love that!" said Tidon and Sidon in unison.
"Me too!" said Raypha.
"Is it okay?" said Medli looking at Mipha and Link.
"We trust your people," said Mipha.
Medli summoned three guards and asked them to scout the area for monsters and bring some Zora helpers along. They nodded with a wink, then helped the children onto their backs and explained how to hold on.
"We won't go too high, and we will stay over water," said one of the guards.
Then with a jump and a flap of their wings, they took off, and Link watched as they rode the children around Lake Totori.
"Thank you for making this fun for them," said Link.
"Of course," said Medli.
The three Rito circled three times around the lake carrying Sidon, Raypha, and TIdon, then slowly descended and landed, letting them hop off.
"No monsters to report," said one of the guards.
"Wow! That was neat!" exclaimed Tidon.
"We got up close to Divine Beast Vah Medoh!" said Raypha. "It's huge!"
"What do all of you say?" said Mipha.
The children thanked the guards, who smiled, nodded to Medli, then left.
"Well, we won't take up any more of your valuable time, Chief Medli," said Mipha. "We wanted to show our children some of Hyrule, and appreciate your gracious hospitality. I'm happy to see you and your people are doing well."
"Yes, thank you, and as I said, you and your family are always welcome here," said Medli. "Until next time, then."
They made their way back toward the stable.
"How did you like flying?" Link asked.
"It was cool! Then I asked the guard who flew me if he liked going in the water, and he said they don't like to get their feathers wet or they can't fly," said Tidon. "So, I guess it's a trade-off."
"Yeah, I'd love to be able to fly," said Raypha. "But not if I had to give up swimming."
"I think we have time to get in some shield surfing before nighttime," said Link. "We just need to ride over to those hills by Rospro Pass."
When they reached the stable, Link retrieved the horses and was able to borrow two old shields. Then they rode across the snowy field, left their horses, and made their way to the top of one of the smaller hills. Gaddison and Rivan remained below with the horses.
"It's a lot like gliding on water," said Mipha when they reached the top. "Just keep your balance. I'll go first."
Mipha hopped on a shield and made her way down the hill without incident.
"It doesn't look too bad. I think I can do it," said Sidon.
"If you fall, just get up and keep going," said Link. "The snow is soft."
Sidon hopped on a shield, and he was a bit shaky at first but made his way down. Then he applauded himself.
Raypha went next and did about as well as Sidon.
Then TIdon went, and he tried to be a bit aggressive, resulting in a small fall. But he laughed, got up and resumed the run.
Finally, Link went last and managed to do fine.
"We have time for one more run," said Link as he glanced up at the sun.
This second time everyone did better, laughing as they glided down the hill.
"Looks like you all had fun," said Gaddison.
They rode back to the stable together, then dismounted.
"It's getting late," said Mipha. "Time to grab dinner and get some rest in the lake. Tomorrow we start heading home. Did you all have fun?"
"We had the most fun!" said Sidon. "The view from the ride on the Rito guard was incredible!"
"It's been a really fun trip," said Tidon. "It's much better than lessons at home!"
"Yes, I loved it," said Raypha. "I hope we can make more trips like this. I know you told us about Hyrule, but seeing it was so much better."
"We will try a slightly different route home, so you'll get to see a bit more of Hyrule," said Mipha. "Now, good night hugs for your poor Dad, who has to sleep alone at the stable."
They each hugged Link goodnight. Then Mipha and Link embraced and kissed.
"We can go on ahead with the children," said Gaddison.
Rivan and Gaddison accompanied the children to the edge, and then they all dove into the lake. After the splashes, they could hear Sidon shouting.
"The last one to catch a fish is a smelly frog!" yelled Sidon.
"You okay?" said Mipha as she held Link in her arms.
"I miss not being with you," said Link. "But I think it's been wonderful for the children."
"I miss that too, sweetheart. But we'll be home in a couple of days," said Mipha. "I can hardly wait!"
They kissed again.
"I'll be fine," said Link. "Go look after the children, and I'll see you in the morning."
They kissed once more, then Mipha joined the rest of the family at the lake as Link made his way back to the stable for another night.
The sun was setting now, and the sky was clear, stars just beginning to appear. Link took a short stroll around the stable grounds. He remembered the stacks of wood here and those annoying Octoroks that used to spit rocks at him from the nearby woods. Then he looked up at Medoh, sitting proudly above Rito Village and thought of Revali, Daruk, and Urbosa. He missed them, and he would never forget them. He loved each of them in his own way. Yes, even Revali, whose bluster concealed the heart of a hero. And he loved Hyrule, every part of it. Sharing it now with his family was a blessing, and he said a short prayer to Hylia for Zelda, his family, and the spirits of the departed Champions.
An older traveler was sitting by the fire, preparing to cook his meal, and he nodded at Link.
"Fine evening, isn't it? My name is Pallin."
"Pleased to meet you. I'm Link. Yes, it is a beautiful evening, and a beautiful location," said Link.
"I do business with the Rito, sell their warm clothing in my shop," said Pallin. "My father opened the shop quite a while ago and left it to me. It's wonderful to see Hyrule safe again, to be able to travel safely. We can live our lives without fear now, have a family, raise our children. We all owe Her Majesty and the brave heroes who helped her so very much, don't you agree?"
"I do agree," said Link. "And I'm sure it would warm their hearts to hear you say that. Good night, Pallin."
"Good night, er, what was the name again? Sorry, I'm getting old," said Pallin.
"Link," said Link. "But it's not important. Good night."