Chapter 21 - Father Daughter Time
Summary: Link and his daughter Raypha spend a day together, and Link explains how he came by the Master Sword.
"Mm, mm! That was a splendid breakfast if I don't say so myself," said Link proudly after he swallowed the last bite of a crab dish with rice that he had prepared from two Bright Eyed Crabs, Rock Salt, and some Hylian Rice. "Next time, I think I'll add just a pinch of Goron Spice to give it a bit more flavor. But I feel quite the culinary master now."
It was morning in Zora's Domain, and Mipha, Raypha, and Tidon had long since finished their fish, but everyone was still seated at the breakfast table.
"Did you learn how to make it yourself, Dad?" asked Tidon.
"Well, no," Link admitted. "I got the recipe during one of my trips to Hyrule Castle. Somehow the topic of meals came up when I was meeting with Zelda - funny how that is. Anyway, she showed me a cookbook from the castle library, and this was one of the recipes. I made a point of remembering it because I knew I could find all the ingredients locally."
"I'm glad we could watch you enjoy it, sweetheart," said Mipha. "And the culinary master didn't even burn his hand like the last time he cooked rice."
"Was it my fault the spoon slipped when I stirred the rice, and my instinct was to lunge for it as it fell into the boiling water? But thank you again for healing my hand."
"It was my pleasure. I think healing you is one of my unspoken wedding vows, dearest," said Mipha. "Anyway, it's time for me to attend a council meeting with Father. Sidon said he was free this morning to play with the children. Are both of you ready to go?"
"I'm ready," said Tidon. "I always have a great time with Uncle Sidon!"
"Unless I am in the way, I'd rather stay with Dad today," said Raypha.
"Of course, you won't be in the way, sweetheart. I'd love your company," said Link. "But are you sure you won't have more fun playing with your uncle and brother? I'm fine being alone for a while if that's what's on your mind."
"I'd rather stay," said Raypha. "It's not like I don't have fun with Uncle Sidon and sometimes even my brother."
At that, Tidon and Raypha each stuck out their tongues at each other.
"But today, I'd like to swim with you, Dad," Raypha continued.
"After that enormous breakfast, some strenuous swimming sounds like an excellent idea," said Mipha. "If you change your mind, Raypha, Dad can always drop you off later. Now I must go, or Father will lecture me on punctuality. Come on, Tidon."
Everyone hugged goodbye, then Mipha left with Tidon while Raypha helped wash the dishes and put them away as Link cleaned the cooking pot.
"Thanks, sweetheart," said Link as he kissed Raypha on the forehead.
"Ready for some swimming, Dad?"
"Sure. Where would you like to swim?"
"To keep out of Uncle Sidon's and Ti's way, let's swim up the falls here, then walk over to Lulu Lake," said Raypha.
"Let me change into my armor, and I'll be ready to go," said Link.
Link returned to the room he shared with Mipha, slipped into his Zora Armor, and retrieved the Master Sword. Then he rejoined Raypha, and they made their way out the door to Mikau Lake. It was a sunny morning with a gentle breeze, and a family of ducks was paddling about the lake.
"Race you up the two falls!" said Raypha over the splashing noise of the falls.
"You're on! I should warn you I'm getting better."
"So am I," laughed Raypha.
They waded into the water, then stood alongside each other on top of the large rock near the foot of the waterfall.
"Ready?" asked Raypha.
"Ready."
When Raypha shouted "go," they both dove into the water and swam up the falls. Raypha was first to the top of the first waterfall, but Link made up some of the distance between them as he ran toward the second falls. But it wasn't enough, and Raypha won, yelling "time" as she reached the top of the second falls.
"Well done," said Link as he caught his breath, and they walked together toward Lulu Lake, scaring away a group of Blue-Winged Herons hunting for food in the grass. "Maybe all that rice I ate at breakfast is slowing me down."
"Good excuse, Dad," laughed Raypha. "You sound like my brother. But I think you would also swim faster without the sword on your back. Do you still need to carry it?"
"Yes, sadly, I feel I do, sweetheart. There are still wicked people in the world, and I need to be ready for them. And frankly, the sword has become like a part of me by now. I feel incomplete somehow going anywhere without it."
They reached Lulu Lake and waded into the water together. Then they floated alongside one another, their backs held against one of the large rocks by the strong, steady current from the waterfall.
"How did you come by the sword in the first place, Dad? I don't remember you ever telling us."
"No, I don't think I did," said Link. "I don't mind telling you the story, though, if you don't think you'll be bored."
"Of course, I won't be bored, Dad. I enjoy learning about you and Mom."
"Well, stop me anytime you lose interest," said Link as he thought back. "I was just a young soldier back then, part of a unit in the Hyrule Army. It was our unit's turn for some training drills at the Military Training Camp by Minshi Woods. We were all kept pretty busy during the day, practicing swordsmanship, combat techniques, and archery. But our Lieutenant allowed us to leave the base in the late afternoon after all our training exercises were over. We could relax or socialize as long as we were back in time for roll call in the morning. Some of us would rent a horse from the Rauru Settlement and go riding. Others would meet family or friends at the nearby Woodland Stable for dinner and some company. You get the picture, sweetheart?"
"Yes, I understand," said Raypha.
"Anyway, the story begins one evening. My roommate, Arno, and I were both retiring for the night. Arno was a few years older than me.
"Did you spend all day here in the camp, Link?" Arno asked.
"Yes, I used the time to get in some extra archery practice," I said. "What about you?"
"I met my girlfriend at Woodland Stable for dinner, then we hung around together and shared some kisses in the moonlight until her older brother showed up to accompany her safely back home," said Arno.
"Nice!"
"But it was funny. The stable proprietor kept complaining to anyone who would listen about all the noise from our Bomb Arrow practice today. He said it spooked all the horses."
"I can understand that," I said. "It was pretty loud!"
"But Link, you really should take some time off to relax. You're all work and no play. Don't you have a girlfriend you can visit, someone you're sweet on?"
"I have a dear friend who's a girl. But she lives in the Lanayru region, which is too far away to visit and return in time."
"Well, you're still young," laughed Arno. "Anyway, goodnight, Link."
"Goodnight, Arno."
We each climbed into our bunks, and I fell asleep pretty quickly. But then, sometime during the night, I began hearing a strange sound. It was like a voice calling me, but in a language that I couldn't understand. It kept repeating over and over until I opened my eyes. My first thought was I had been dreaming. But then I heard the voice again, and I knew I was awake now. So I sat up, listening, trying to tell where the noise was coming from. Now the wooden bunks on the base were quite old, and my movements made my bunk squeak. The noise apparently disturbed my roommate, and he sat up as well.
"What is it, Link? What's wrong?" Arno whispered.
"Don't you hear that?" I whispered as the noise repeated. "That strange sound?"
Arno strained to listen for a moment.
"No. I don't hear it. Is it an owl or some animal?"
"No, it's much too strange sounding to be any kind of animal, and it seems like it's right outside," I said. "There it is again!"
"No, I don't hear a thing," said Arno as he shook his head after straining to listen once more. "It must be in your head, Link. Maybe it's some ringing in your ears from all the Bomb Arrow practice. Go back to sleep."
Arno lay back down and closed his eyes, and I could tell from his breathing that he fell right back to sleep. But I kept hearing the sound as clearly as ever. So, as quietly as I could, I got up, put on my clothes, picked up my sword, then went outside. And it was then I was shocked to see this strange bluish female-looking creature in a purple and blue cape floating in the air and staring at me.
"That must have been frightening," said Raypha.
"You would think so, and yet strangely it wasn't, though certainly startling," said Link. "She did not seem hostile, and the noise stopped when she saw me."
We stared at each other for a moment, but when I approached her, she flew backward a short distance and then paused, looking at me as if waiting for me to follow her. I followed her in that manner several times until we reached the guard on duty at the eastern end of the camp. He didn't react to the blue figure, so I realized by then that apparently, only I could see or hear her.
"Leaving camp at this hour, soldier?"
"Yes, Sir," I said. "I can't sleep and need to stretch my legs a bit. I don't want to disturb anyone by walking around the camp."
"Very well, but stay alert and stay safe."
"Yes, Sir," I said.
I followed this creature north along the road until we reached the entrance to what's known as the Lost Woods. Now, all of us soldiers knew not to dare enter those woods. They were said to be haunted, and there were tales of people who had entered the Lost Woods and never returned. I hesitated for a moment but then realized this must be a test of my courage.
Mom will tell you I was on the reckless side back then and probably took more risks than I should have. So, I took a deep breath and followed the blue creature into the Lost Woods. We were at once enveloped in a dense fog. The creature led me in a zigzag pattern past ominous-looking trees with open mouths that looked ready to swallow you whole. It was as creepy a place as you could imagine. And what sent shivers up my back were the trees with mouths sealed shut, presumably having already swallowed something - or someone. Anyway, I followed as closely as I could to this creature, fearing what would happen if I lost sight of her. There was no way I could find my way back out of these woods on my own, especially in the dark.
So, I breathed a deep sigh of relief when we reached a place where the fog finally lifted, and the area looked like a typical forest. I followed her along a path, and eventually, we came to a clearing with a triangular-shaped stone pedestal. And at its center stood the hilt of a magnificent-looking sword whose blade was partially embedded in the stone. I could tell this must be a sacred place. A strange light illuminated the area, and shy little creatures kept peeking out from behind bushes and trees, then hiding again if I looked at them.
It was then that the blue creature finally spoke to me again as it hovered above the sword. I say she spoke, though it wasn't really speaking in the normal sense. My ears heard completely unintelligible sounds as she spoke. But my head somehow understood what she was saying.
"Come, Link," she said. "You must take up this sword. As the one chosen by my creator, it is your destiny."
"How do you know me and that I'm chosen?" I asked.
"Trust me, Link. I have experience in these matters, and my creator does not make mistakes."
I turned to stare at the sword, and I felt more and more drawn to it. Perhaps this creature had the power to influence my feelings and subconsciously motivate me to do as she wished. Or perhaps it was the sword itself that called to me. Soon I learned there was really no distinction between the two. But the sword was a beautifully crafted weapon, and I had this irresistible urge to grasp it and see how it felt in my hand. So, I walked onto the pedestal and stood over the sword. Then I gripped the sword's hilt with both hands, and after pulling as hard as I could until I was almost exhausted, the blade slowly slid out from the pedestal. I at once felt an incredible rush of emotion. It's hard to describe, but it was a combination of awe and purpose. I felt triumphant in a sense and raised the sword skyward, watching as it shone a brilliant white that illuminated the area. I heard more strange sounds that I took to be those shy little creatures talking among themselves about what happened.
"Recognition complete, Master," said the creature who had been watching me all this time.
She then introduced herself as Fi, the spirit of the sword, and explained that I was holding the blade that seals the darkness, a sword created ages ago by the Goddess Hylia herself to combat evil. She said I was chosen to play a special role in protecting Hyrule and its people. I did not fully understand what she meant until much later. Anyway, Fi led me back out of the woods, then disappeared into the sword. I made my way back to camp but was forever changed after that.
"Anyway, I think I had better stop there, or you'll never ask me about my past for fear of another long-winded story."
"We say a slow current story, Dad," said Raypha. "But it's not that at all. It was fascinating, and I feel proud of you."
"It's funny you say that sweetheart, being proud of me. Others like Mom did so too, and I can understand why. But I felt more overwhelmed than proud. The only reason I could think of that I was chosen to wield the sword was my combat ability which I excelled at from a very young age. And so I felt compelled from then on to work hard at being the best at combat, to be worthy of the sword entrusted to me, and to prepare myself for whatever danger lay ahead. I felt enormous pressure. Possessing the sword changed my temperament and even affected my relationship with Mom for a while. But that's an entirely separate story."
"And I'd like to hear it another time," said Raypha. "But thank you for sharing this story. Now, are you ready for a rematch? I know Mom says it's good for you to get plenty of exercise."
"Yes, she does, sweetheart, and teases me I need to keep fit to fit in her armor," laughed Link as he leaned over and kissed Raypha on the forehead. "I love you. You're such a thoughtful daughter."
"I love you, too, and you're a wonderful father. But we're still going to race."
"I'm ready when you are," said Link as they both swam to shore, then walked back toward the waterfalls and prepared to dive down. "I might beat you going down. Does that count?"
"Very funny, Dad," said Raypha.
After swimming for another hour and ending up back at Lulu Lake, they agreed it was time for lunch.
"I'll catch a fish for you," said Raypha, who quickly caught two Hyrule Bass.
"Why don't we make a picnic out of it," said Link. "Ploymus Mountain is just up ahead, and we can easily reach it from the top of the waterfall here. I can cook my fish on a stick in a campfire, and we can enjoy the view together."
"Nice idea!"
They swam up the waterfall on the northeast side of Lulu Lake, then followed the path to Ploymus Mountain. The weather was sunny, and it was a pleasant walk past the pine trees and colorful bushes.
Link made a small campfire when they reached the top, then speared his fish on a branch he picked up and roasted it in the fire. Then, when it was ready, they sat beside each other and ate.
"Did you used to cook out a lot, Dad?"
"Quite a bit, and usually simple meals like this," said Link. "But isn't the view of Hyrule from here beautiful?"
Looking south was the snow-covered peak of Mount Lanayru, and the great Lanayru Sea to the east. To the north was Death Mountain, glowing red with its cascading rivers of molten lava. And straight west was Hyrule Castle.
"It is, and I'd like to learn more about it," said Raypha. "Perhaps we can take another family trip to a new location. If we do, I won't even mind writing another essay about our trip."
"Funny," laughed Link as he hugged her. "Maybe you should check with your brother first to see if he doesn't mind either. But I'll discuss it with Mom, and I think it's a good idea. Perhaps the Gerudo area would be a good place to visit next. The desert can be beautiful, and the skies are so clear at night when there isn't a sandstorm. But the weather is harsh, and we must plan the trip carefully to decide where we can stop for water time."
It wasn't until after dinner that evening when both children were at home for the night busy doing homework in their rooms, that Mipha and Link were free to spend some time together.
"You feel up for a stroll? Or are you too worn out from all the time with Raypha?" said Mipha.
"I'm always ready for some alone time with you," said Link as he leaned over, and they kissed.
"So sweet," said Mipha. "Let me get some guards to watch the house, and you can meet me in the plaza when they arrive."
Mipha made her way toward the plaza, then stopped to speak to one of the nearby guards on duty.
"Fallon, would you please arrange for a couple of guards to keep watch on our house for a little while? Link and I just want to take a brief stroll, and I don't want to leave the children home alone," said Mipha.
"At once, Highness," said Fallon.
When two Zora guards arrived at the house, Link thanked them and then joined Mipha.
"I feel better knowing the children are guarded," said Mipha.
"Of course, me too," said Link as they held hands and walked west across the plaza. "Just this morning, Raypha asked me if I still needed to carry my sword, and I said yes. We sealed away a great evil, but not all evil. Anyway, I guess you had a busy day."
"After our council meeting, Father wanted me to join the head architect on an inspection tour of the reservoir and other construction work. It took most of the day but was instructive. How was your day with Raypha?"
"Great," said Link. "We swam a good deal and talked a lot, too. She asked me about how I came to have the Master Sword. Then, after we swam for a while more, she caught me a fish, and we hiked to Ploymus Mountain. I cooked my fish over a campfire there, then we talked and ate lunch while we admired the view. She's so sweet. I can tell she's watching out for me and ensuring I'm okay when we're in the water together."
"She takes after me," said Mipha. "And Tidon has a great time today playing adventure games with Sidon, pretending they're battling something or other."
When they reached Veiled Falls, they waded into the water, then sat on the large rock outcropping there.
"Site of our first kiss," said Link as he leaned over, and they kissed again and then several more times.
Then they sat arm-in-arm, watching the waterfall sparkle in the moonlight.
"Are you happy, sweetheart?" said Mipha. "I know I am."
"Very happy," said Link.
"Not worried about the future anymore?"
"Well," said Link. "Now that you mention it, I am worried a bit."
"What? What are you worried about now?"
"Worried my life with you and the family will be even happier tomorrow," said Link.
"You're terrible!" laughed Mipha. "And you definitely deserve this!"
Mipha pushed Link into the water, then joined him and put her arms around him. Link was laughing as he wiped the water off his face.
"Was that another one of your many Zora traditions?"
"No, but it's a way to be in the water with my handsome husband," said Mipha as she gave him a cute smile. "Maybe we can stay out a bit longer than we planned."
"Wouldn't that be reckless?" said Link.
"I hope so," laughed Mipha as they kissed.