"Tis I! Prince Sidon, astride my trusty steed!" cried the young Prince from atop Link's shoulders.

"Link, you know that you are not required to act out every one of his fantasies, correct?"

"Aww, c'mon Mipha," Sidon whined. "Link has fun too, don't you Link?"

The Hylian whinnied in response while giving her a large grin.

"Prince Sidon! Get down from that miscreant's head at once!"

Link didn't wait for prodding from Sidon. As soon as he heard Muzu's voice he took off, holding on to Sidon with one hand to make sure the energetic Zora didn't fall.

"I knew that Hylian was trouble," Muzu carped as he glared at Link's retreating back.

Mipha didn't reply. No matter what she said, the Elder would begin harping her for her continued involvement with him. Her father had put an end to Muzu's attempts to forcibly remove the boy and had resorted to disciplining him publicly whenever he had the chance. Mipha found it ironic that one who was constantly criticizing the other races for their intolerance used such cheap and underhanded methods against another. Then again, her mother had often speculated that what people despised in others was often something that they despised in themselves.

"As for you, Lady Mipha, you are far too old to be spending time with such pitiful examples of- "

"Put a cork in it."

Mipha glanced beside her to find her instructor, Seggin, standing beside her.

"I wouldn't expect you to understand such matters," Muzu replied hotly.

"As a general rule," Seggin growled back, "I don't care for Hylians either. Link is an exception."

"He is no different- "

"Since the beginning of his stay, he has helped wherever he has been needed. Dento, Kapson, myself, even King Dorephan has been able to rely on him for small tasks. He does what is asked reliably and without complaint."

"That does not change the fact that he is a poor influence on the younger generation."

"Have you not noticed how many, Prince Sidon included, have taken their duties more seriously since he has come along."

"Perhaps you are just relieved that someone was able to teach your son to wield a blade," Muzu snarled back.

Mipha watched nervously as a tight-jawed Seggin thrust his face into Muzu's.

"I have no more love for his kind than you, but I will give credit where credit is due."

"That is enough, both of you." Mipha hoped her intervention would stop the conflict from escalating any further.

The two aggressors gave her a shocked look then looked back at each other. The look passed between them was far from amicable. They scoffed at each other and walked away, both too full of pride to apologize to the other.

Mipha sighed quietly. She had hoped they would reconcile themselves, but it seemed that hope was misguided.

"No matter what you may do or say, you cannot change another. Those two will either learn themselves or they will not."

"Father," Mipha nodded in greeting as the King joined her.

"I'm glad to see that you have finally dropped unnecessary formalities," Dorephan chuckled. She smiled in return as she searched for a reason for his presence. It was unlike him to be out and about during the day.

"If I may ask, what are you doing here?"

"Seggin informs me that your abilities with your trident have surpassed even his own skill. I was hoping that I would be able to witness it, but I suppose it will have to wait," he sighed. "Will you walk with me?"

Mipha nodded. Her father smiled approvingly and made for a walkway just outside of the training yard. Dorephan said nothing for a long time as a thoughtful silence lay between the two.

"Muzu informs me that you continue to excel in your studies. Seggin takes pride in you and all that you have become capable of. I have even heard that your healing abilities have been steadily improving these past months. I am proud of you."

"Thank you," Mipha murmured quietly. She couldn't shake the feeling that her father wishing to express pride in her was not what the conversation was truly about.

"I must confess to some concern though. Sidon tells me that you have not been spending as much time with your friends of late."

"I…"

"It's Link, is it not?"

"Yes," Mipha replied helplessly. "It seems the less time I spend with him, the less… irritable Muzu is."

"Hmm," Dorephan hummed to himself. "I think you should worry less about keeping Muzu satisfied."

"But- "

"The three of us had an agreement," Dorephan interrupted sternly, "you kept up with your duties and Muzu allowed you your free time. As far as I can see, you have more than kept up your end of the bargain."

Mipha didn't reply.

"I don't think you realize how much you need your friends."

"What?"

"Do you believe it is a coincidence that your ability to heal increased as you made friends and played with them?"

"I never thought of it like that."

"I am also assuming that you haven't noticed how your confidence has grown by leaps and bounds as well."

"It has?"

"I can remember a time when you would have sat and nervously listened to Muzu and Seggin argue rather than attempt to appease them."

"I didn't want the conflict to escalate more than it had."

"Good," the King replied warmly. "I have seen you grow tremendously since you met Link. I hope that I will continue to see that growth."

"I'll try to make time for them," Mipha murmured.

"That is good. I would hate to lose a potential son in law."

"W-what?" Mipha stammered.

"Well from what I hear, he is rather popular among the girls your age."

"F-father! It would be highly inappropriate for me to get swept up in such fantasies."

"My dear," her father scoffed mockingly, "we both know that the heart is a fickle thing."

"I-I do not have such feelings for him or anyone else," Mipha replied defensively.

"Well if you did, I can't say I would disapprove. He has set a fine example for Sidon to follow."

"You haven't even met him."

"I have indeed," her father replied casually. "He came to ask after you personally when you stopped meeting with him."

"He did?"

"He misses you dearly, Mipha."

Mipha's eyes fell to the ground as guilt overwhelmed her. She hadn't meant to hurt him. She had hoped to protect him, not add to his grief.

"I think you know what you should do."

Mipha nodded.

"Well then, what are you still doing here? Off you go."

"Thank you, father."

"Ha! You're so slow Link!" Sidon cried as he swam circles around the Hylian.

"Hey, it's not my fault I can't swim as fast as you."

Mipha sat along the shore as Link attempted to catch Sidon in the waters of Toto Lake. While her eyes followed the movements of the two children, her mind was far from focused on them. She had attended a meeting between her father and the Hylian King, Rhoam, earlier that week. Rhoam had requested permission to begin excavations in their lands in search of an ancient weapon. Despite the reservations of the Council, her father had readily agreed to help.

Mipha couldn't claim to understand the nature of the meeting or why her father was so willing to help his fellow King. When she had inquired about it in private, he had told her that it was nothing she need concern herself with. So, she had tried her best to push the event to the back of her mind, yet the memory seemed to have a mind of its own as it constantly resurfaced unbidden.

"You okay?"

Mipha's head snapped up at the sound of Link's voice.

"I am well. Thank you for your concern," she replied as she smiled warmly at him.

The Hylian frowned at her and tilted his head to the side.

"If you say so." He sat down next to her as Sidon cut through the water, chasing any fish that were around. "I'm glad you came with us."

"So am I. Thank you for inviting me."

"No problem," Link replied as his eyes followed Sidon. The young Prince would catch a fish, let it go, then turn to find more quarry.

"I'm glad that I never had to talk to him about mistreating those poor creatures."

"Hmm?"

"Some of the children will catch fish and treat them rather cruelly," Mipha sighed. "I am thankful that Sidon has always treated them compassionately."

"Me too," Link murmured. "I hate to see animals in pain."

"I know," Mipha replied warmly. The Hylian would bring birds, rabbits, or any other small creature with injuries to her and would beg her to heal them. If they were too big for him to bring to her, then he would bring her to them. She didn't mind at all. In fact, she was secretly grateful.

Mipha's Grace.

That was the name her people had given her powers. She had developed them far beyond what they had been. It had once been a struggle to reach them at all but now she could use her power at will. Day by day they had grown until she was no longer quite sure what was beyond her. Any opportunity to test herself and further refine her power was welcome.

"Link, don't be boring like my sister!" Sidon shouted as he swam towards them.

"Hey, I think your sister is pretty interesting."

Mipha fidgeted slightly. She had received far more eloquent and deserved praises but for some reason beyond her understanding, Mipha found Link's words oddly pleasing.

"Hey, why is your face red?" Sidon asked.

"Are you feeling okay?"

"Y-yes, I am quite alright, thank you," she replied quickly.

She had to lean back as Sidon pushed his face into hers.

"Hey, wait. That's what your face does when you- "

"What's that?" Link asked excitedly. "Is that a Rito?"

"A Rito? Where?" Sidon asked excitedly as he jumped off Mipha. He looked around wildly for the member of the bird-like race.

"I think he flew over that way," Link whispered as he pointed up a nearby hill.

Sidon took off before either Link or Mipha could warn him to be careful.

"There isn't really a Rito, is there?"

"Nope," Link replied unconcernedly.

"He is going to be disappointed."

"I figured that you probably didn't want him asking you questions."

"Huh?"

"You did that thing where you stutter when you're nervous," Link replied with a mischievous smile.

Mipha sighed quietly. Link wasn't the most observant when it came to others and their emotions. If he could see that she was flustered, that meant that just about anyone else would see it as well. That was the last thing she wanted while she was suffering from embarrassment.

"Are you sure you're okay?" Link asked worriedly.

"Yes. I just had an embarrassing thought was all."

"I don't mean that. Ever since the King of Hyrule visited, you haven't been yourself. You're distracted all the time."

"I'm sorry Link. I have just had so much on my mind."

Link nodded with a slight frown on his face.

"Thank you for your concern."

"If you want to talk about it, let me know," he replied with a small smile.

"LLLIIINK!" came the voice of a very disgruntled Sidon as he trudged back down the hill, "there weren't any Ritos up there!"

"Sorry buddy," Link shrugged apologetically.

Sidon folded his arms and pouted.

"Now Sidon, you are far too old to behave like this."

He stuck his tongue out and glared at her.

Mipha stared back at him disapprovingly. Her brother had grown up a bit but he still acted far too childish from time to time.

Sidon laughed in delight as Link pounced from behind Mipha and tackled him into the water.

Mipha shook her head, a small smile playing on her lips as she watched the two wrestle playfully in the water. Link seemed to know how to make the people around him smile, no matter how upset they were.

"I think it would be best if we returned. It is getting late."

Sidon whined as he and Link climbed out of the water. Mipha turned to lead them back home when Link stopped her.

"I think there is something you two should know," Link started uncomfortably. "I'm going to leave soon."

Mipha's heart froze as she stared at the Hylian.

"May I ask why?" Despite how hard she tried to control her emotions, she couldn't control the quiver in her voice.

"I want to train as a Knight," Link replied as he assumed his usual pose. His grin was forced and his stance lacked its usual confidence.

"You're really leaving?" Sidon asked. Link's smile completely faded as he saw tears forming in the Prince's eyes. He picked Sidon up and set him gently on his shoulders."

"Yeah," Link replied sadly, "in a couple weeks."

"I see." Mipha tried to swallow around the lump that was forming in her throat. She fought back tears as she tried to smile.

The trio made their way back to their home in subdued silence as they all dreaded saying goodbye.

"We of the Bazz Brigade will be sorry to see you go," Bazz, the leader of the children's brigade, choked out. Behind him, his father, Sergeant Seggin, was rolling his eyes as the few adults that came to see Link off tried to maintain their serious façade.

Each member of the Brigade stepped forward in turn and gave their best salute to their departing comrade. Gaddison grinned at him as she punched him in the arm playfully. Rivan threw an arm around his shoulder and laughed with Link. Bazz thanked the Hylian for his help with his swordsmanship.

To Mipha's surprise, Seggin stepped forward. He gave Link a firm shake of the hand as he thanked the young man for instructing his son.

Kodah stepped up to Link uneasily. She looked everywhere but at him. The Hylian didn't seem to be any more comfortable than she was. Suddenly she leaped forward and hugged Link.

"I'm really sorry Linny. I've been so mean."

"I'm sorry too," Link muttered, "I didn't mean to hurt your feelings."

"It's okay." She stepped back and smiled at him through her tears. "Make sure you come to visit," she demanded, her usual demeanor surfacing.

Link nodded with a large smile.

Kodah retreated to her father and they left together. Kodah threw one last look at Link as she left.

The others followed her example leaving the Hylian alone with the royal family.

Link knelt to the ground and set a hand on Sidon's shoulder as the Prince asked him if he was sure he wanted to leave.

"I must say that I will be sad to see you leave," Dorephan murmured. "I know that at times, we were less than welcoming to you, however, you have been a pleasure to have as a guest. I cannot promise that our hospitality will improve in your lifetime, but I hope you know that you are always welcome here."

"Thank you, my Lord," Link replied gratefully.

"Dear heavens," Dorephan chuckled. "You are just as bad as Mipha."

Mipha gave a pained smile at her father's prodding. The King gave Link a nod and turned back to the Domain.

"Come along Sidon."

"But father- "

"It was not a request," Dorephan interrupted patiently.

"Okay…" Sidon hung his head as he trailed after his father back to the Domain.

It was the moment she had been dreading. It was again time to say goodbye to someone she cared about.

They both stood silently as they waited for the other to say something. Mipha clutched her hands in front of her, trying to find something, anything to say.

She reached out and set a hand on his shoulder and pulled him quickly into a hug.

"Do you really have to go?"

"I don't want to," Link replied sadly, "but I want to live up to my father's name."

Mipha didn't say anything for a long time. Link was convinced that it was something that he had to do. She was inclined to agree. The Hylian held himself responsible for what had happened to Ordon. Perhaps becoming a knight and gaining the ability to prevent such tragedies would finally allow him to forgive himself.

"Promise me you will come back one day." She felt horribly selfish, asking that of him. He had far more important things to worry about than her.

"I will," he assured her quietly. "This place has been, and always will be my home," he said as he pulled away from her.

Mipha's smile wasn't as forced as she looked at him. It still hurt that he was leaving but his promise to return eased it.

"So I guess it's only goodbye for now," Link laughed.

"Yes… goodbye for now."

Link gave her a small smile. He turned and began walking away. Mipha watched as his pace quickened from a brisk walk to a full out run.

The Princess didn't move from her spot as she watched her friend sprint away. Though her chest ached as she watched him fade from view, she felt oddly elated. He was leaving, but it was with the promise that they would meet again. All she could do was wait for the day that he would return.

The young Princess made her way back to the Domain as her heart traveled with the Hylian.

Mipha sat on her bed, her back against the wall as Sidon sat next to her. It was late for both of them but this was the first time that she had found the time to spend with her brother.

"Are you okay?" Sidon asked worriedly.

"I'm okay," she replied warmly as she ran her hand along the tail that came from the back of his head.

In truth, she was exhausted. Sometimes the weight of her role was almost too much. Every time that she worried that she would crack, she reminded herself that Princess Zelda's burdens were far worse. The Hylian Princess was, as of yet, still unable to access her powers.

Mipha was certain that Zelda felt alone as she struggled to find her place in the world. She had lost the support of her people while Rhoam was determined to play the part of her King rather than that of her father. Even so, Zelda strived to unlock her powers. Mipha found it admirable that the Hylian Princess worked so hard in spite of all she suffered. The Zora Princess was sometimes nearly crushed by loneliness itself.

It had been two long years since Link had left.

In that time, they had discovered a large mechanical being that King Rhoam had declared to be a Divine Beast. They had named it Ruta in honor of an ancient Zora Princess who had been especially loved by her people and had played a vital role in saving the Kingdom. No sooner had they discovered Vah Ruta, they had begun the process of selecting a pilot.

Since she had first laid eyes on it, Mipha had felt a tugging in her heart towards the Divine Beast. It was the first time since Link had left that she felt so excited. The Princess had enthusiastically put her name forward as a potential pilot but, much to her dismay had been removed just as quickly during the deliberations. The council had selected Seggin, who even past his prime, was still among the most capable of warriors.

Mipha hid her disappointment as best she could. It wasn't just that she hadn't been selected. It hurt that her name had been removed so quickly. Her father had explained that it was because she was so dear to them all that she wasn't considered. So, the young Princess did her best to accept the council's decision, holding her protests buried within.

The Sheikah scientists that had visited speculated that, since there was a lack of visible controls, Ruta must respond to the Pilot's will. To everyone's surprise, Ruta remained unresponsive to Seggin's will after it was activated.

Mipha had boarded the Divine Beast while the council reconvened. She knew there would be consequences, but she needed to know why the Divine Beast was calling. As the Princess stepped onto the platform that led inside, the itch became stronger. It was as though there was another beside her, attempting to guide her forward.

Her breath caught in her throat as she stepped into the Divine Beast. Inside were various pools of water, waterfalls that were large enough for her to swim to the upper levels. Gears, pistons, and other machinery covered the walls of Ruta's center. High above her, a waterfall powered a large turbine. Mipha speculated that was what powered the Divine Beast. She shook the thought off as the urge to traverse deeper overpowered her.

Mipha followed the call into a large room just below the center of Ruta. A thin veil of water blanketed the floor. At the far end was a large mechanism that Mipha guessed had been used to activate the Divine Beast. As she made it to the center of the room she felt a shudder pass through Ruta.

The Divine Beast let loose a trumpet of triumph as Mipha felt something brush her consciousness. A sense of elation. A desire fulfilled. The Princess was overwhelmed at first, unsure of where her mind ended, and the other began. She felt water caressing her feet, gears turning inside her. Fins floating, a trunk extending.

Eventually, Mipha was able to define what was her and what was Ruta. She still felt Ruta's mind next to her own. She shook her head and looked around her. She had fallen down at some point during her trance. The Princess tried to get up but stumbled as the Divine Beast shifted beneath her. Ruta stopped moving as Mipha froze in place.

The young Zora thought back to what the Sheikah had said about how the Beast was likely controlled. It was a struggle as she attempted to move her legs but keep Ruta still. She fell several times as her concentration lapsed time and time again. Finally, Mipha found her footing as Ruta remained mercifully still.

As she left the Divine Beast and returned to the shore, she saw the worried eyes of Muzu and Seggin and the pride in her father's eyes. After that, nothing was the same.

She was selected as the pilot of Vah Ruta despite the reservation of the council. A training regimen designed to help her navigate her bond with the Divine Beast. It took up most of the Princess' time and energy. She was sad that she no longer had much time to spend with her friends and her brother and it clashed with the sense of honor she felt of being considered worthy of being Ruta's partner.

"Are you sure? You always look so tired. Do you get enough sleep?" Sidon's concerned voice brought her back to the present. The Prince had pushed his face into hers as had been his habit since he was a small Zora.

Mipha felt terrible for leaving Sidon alone. She had avoided him for a time and now she had far too little time for him. In spite of her absence, the Prince had grown astoundingly. While he still maintained some of his childish antics, he had matched it with his seriousness for his responsibilities. At one time he would have been upset with her for her lack of attention to him but now he worried about her and her needs first.

"Don't worry about me," Mipha replied.

"If you are certain," Sidon murmured quietly. He nuzzled into her side as they continued to sit on her water bed. "I really miss you."

"And I you."

"I hope that we can be a real family again soon," he yawned.

"What do you mean?"

"Link is gone, you are always busy, even Father doesn't have time for me anymore."

"Link?"

"He's like the older brother I never had," Sidon murmured sleepily. "Besides, you smiled more when he was around."

Guilt washed over Mipha. She had never realized just how much Link had meant to Sidon. She had been so focused on her own loneliness that it hadn't even crossed her mind that the Prince had also lost someone. Now that it had, she realized that he had lost even more than she.

"I am so sorry, Sidon. I have been so- "

She was cut off by a soft snore from her younger brother. She smiled down at him. His face seemed younger now as the weight of his responsibilities were forgotten for a brief moment. It pained her to finally see how much he had been forced to grow up.

She gently picked him up and cradled him as she left her room. Sidon curled in closer as she walked the short distance to his room. She struggled to place him in his bed. She didn't want to leave him alone anymore but she couldn't abandon her duties.

"Please don't go," Sidon mumbled through his sleep as he grabbed her retreating hand. His voice sounded so small and defenseless.

Mipha decided as she lay down next to him that for once being a sister could be more important than being a Princess.

She looked up at her father, trying to mask her excitement and impatience. The council had chosen to convene at the worst possible time. Not long after it had begun, Sidon had quietly entered and informed her excitedly that Link had returned.

She wanted to be finished with her current task. As she continued watching her father, she noticed that the King was paying far more attention to her than he was to Muzu. Finally, the Elder finished his report.

"Thank you Muzu," Dorephan said. "I am afraid that Lady Mipha will be leaving us."

Mipha was as shocked as the members of the council.

"She has other tasks to attend to at the moment," Dorephan replied in answer to everyone's unasked question.

Mipha politely excused herself and removed herself from the throne room far more slowly and more gracefully than she wanted to. It was short lived though for as soon as she was out of sight she quickened her pace. She caught sight of a familiar mess of blonde hair as she made her way down the steps that led to the center of the Domain.

The fact that Link was taller didn't surprise her. The fact that Sidon seemed to have reverted back to a younger child didn't surprise her. The other Hylian surprised her greatly.

He had short brown hair and mischievous green eyes. He may have been a bit taller than Link but it was difficult to tell seeing as he was chasing Sidon around the center fountain.

She smiled as she watched the young man chase her brother making loud growls as Sidon shouted in delight. She eventually found herself next to Link.

"Hey, Mipha," he greeted quietly.

"Link," she replied warmly, "how have you been?"

"Good."

Mipha's smile melted slightly. Link was quieter than he used to be. It was a pained sound as though his voice was suffering from a lack of use.

"How are you."

"I am well, thank you."

"Ha! You're so slow compared to Link!" Sidon cried out as he just managed to stay out of the Hylian's grasp. Mipha giggled as she watched the two. The young man who had accompanied Link would slow down if he got too close to the Prince and would throw his arms sloppily around. She appreciated his efforts to indulge her brother.

"So who is this," Mipha asked.

"Owen," Link replied with a grin.

"Owen! But I thought…"

"I did too," Link replied quietly. "He found me not long after I started my training."

"That's fantastic news." Knowing that her friend was not alone relieved her greatly.

"It was awesome," Link replied as boyish enthusiasm crept back into his voice.

"I must say that he isn't all that different from what I imagined."

Link laughed at that. She hadn't realized how much she missed the sound.

"He'd surprise you," he chuckled.

"I should have known you were the reason behind Lady Mipha's unorthodox departure," Muzu growled as he came up behind them. The Elder's hands were clasped behind his back as he stared down his nose at Link. "I still cannot possibly imagine what you see in this-this- "

"So you're old Grumpy Gills, right?" Mipha flinched as Link's friend materialized next to her.

"How dare you?" Muzu screeched. "I'll have you know that I am- "

"Definitely Grumpy," Owen finished cheekily. "And who might you be my lovely Lady?" he asked Mipha with a grand bow.

"That is Lady Mipha," Muzu snarled, "and you will treat her with- "

"Mipha? So you're the fish girl he never shuts up about?" Owen asked as he gestured to Link with a thumb.

Mipha suppressed a cringe as Muzu's rage increased by the second. The old Zora stepped towards Owen aggressively, opening his mouth to lecture the Hylian. Mipha frowned as Owen glanced at Link and gave him a wink.

"Prince Sidon!" Owen declared loudly, completely ignoring Muzu, "I, Sir Owen, challenge you to a duel!"

"Absolutely not!"

"I accept your challenge!" Sidon proclaimed.

Hylian and Zora began advancing towards each other as Muzu's meltdown progressed further still. Just before they reached each other Owen sprinted away from the Zora Prince.

"Hey! Get back here coward!" Sidon called giddily. The young Prince dashed after Owen's retreating form.

"Sidon! Get back here at once! Si- "

Mipha was left speechless as the irate Elder charged after the two "combatants."

"I have never seen Muzu so upset," she finally said dazedly.

"I didn't think he could move that fast," a wide-eyed Link replied.

The two friends looked at each other and started chuckling. Mipha's hand covered her mouth and Link doubled over as their chuckles became full-blown laughter.

Eventually, their mirth subsided. Link straightened and looked at her. Her smiled faded as she saw Pain in his eyes. She reached a hand out to him. It stung her as he reached to take her hand hesitantly as though he didn't really want to come with her.

She guided him gently away from the Domain, intending to lead him to where they had watched Naydra years ago. As she led him along the path leading to the top of the veiled falls, Mipha watched him out of the corner of her eye. There was little to nothing she could glean. His expression was blank and his movements were stiff and controlled.

They finally arrived at the crest of the falls. Mipha sat gracefully and motioned for Link to join her. He obliged slowly and carefully.

She stared at him sadly as he looked everywhere but at her.

"Link… what's wrong?"

He rubbed the back of his head and refused to meet her eyes.

"It's just been really… difficult," he finally sighed.

She said nothing as she waited for him to continue. Link managed a subdued smile.

"I really shouldn't complain," he muttered.

Mipha reached out and took one his hands into both of her own as he retreated into himself.

"You don't have to bear this burden alone, Link."

Her heart broke for him as she saw Longing in his eyes.

"I'm… really glad to be home."

She pulled him into a hug. The Princess was worried when he remained limp but eventually his arms wrapped around her as he returned her hug.

Naydra didn't appear that night, leaving the two friends alone to make up for two long years.

Mipha slowly made her way through the Domain. She wanted to put off saying goodbye for as long as she could. The Princess had seen the Knight in training off many times but that never made it any easier. It only became harder each time.

The Zora again doubted the decision she had made. She wondered if she should have brought the armor that she had made for him. She had crafted it painstakingly, going so far as to recruit Owen to help her obtain Link's measurements.

The Miracle of the White Scale was her favorite story that her mother would tell her. It was the legend of a King who, despite his inability as a warrior, led his army into battle against an army of Lizalfo. His Queen, fearing for his safety, created for him a special set of armor. Within it, she sewed her White Scale, a scale that only female Zora grew, into it, hoping that her love for him would protect him.

The Lizalfo general was cunning and cornered the ancient King. Before the monster could strike the King down, a beam from the sun reflected off the Queen's scale and blinded the opposing general. The King, seizing the opening that had been given to him, pushed the monster back and was able to lead his army to victory.

The tale had inspired the tradition for each generation's princess to craft a set of armor for the man she chose to wed. Mipha had chosen to follow the tradition with Link.

She pushed her doubts aside. It was not the right time to present him with it.

It pained her but she didn't have time to devote to such matters so she chose to wait. She and three others, along with the Hylian Princess, had been named Champions of Hyrule. King Rhoam and his daughter had been impressed with her abilities when it came to piloting Ruta, however, they desired more from her. Her training had stepped up after her first meeting with Rhoam.

Before her training had been to help her command Ruta efficiently. She had mastered the art of moving the Divine Beast while performing some other unrelated menial task. Now she was expected to be able to spar several opponents at once while maintaining control over the Divine Beast.

King Rhoam had been satisfied with her initial abilities. When he saw her progress with combat training, he had praised her far more than her father or Seggin had. The praise had embarrassed her greatly. That was until she saw Princess Zelda's reaction. The Hylian Princess had given her an envious look.

Mipha let out a small sigh as she reached the edge of the Domain. There was so much that required her attention and so little time to devote to those things. She had managed to repair her relationship with Zelda and excelled at her duties as a Champion and as a Princess.

As a friend, she felt that she failed miserably. In Link's most recent visit, she had barely been able to make any time for him. She had only been able to spare a few minutes here and there for her old friend. She felt selfish asking him to marry her when he would always have to come second to her responsibilities.

So she made up her mind to wait as the two Hylians came into view. Sidon was already there, taking his usual place on Link's shoulders. Clustered around the two were the Bazz Brigade.

"So, ready to hold up your end of the bargain?" Owen asked with a large grin.

"Yes," Mipha replied graciously. This was going to be painful to watch but she intended to uphold her end of the bargain.

"Then here I go," Owen grinned as he walked away.

Link sent her a questioning gaze.

"He helped me with a special project, and I promised to heal him in return."

Link frowned.

"He isn't going to try and 'woo' Gaddison is he?" Mipha asked worriedly. Owen had set his sights on the light violet Zora not long after his first visit. She had rejected him relatively kindly at first, but as time went on and his efforts didn't abate, the Zora girl had resorted to… more violent methods of turning him down.

Sidon giggled hysterically while Link nodded and rolled his eyes.

"Oh dear," Mipha sighed. It was too late to dissuade the Hylian. All they could do was wait.

Right on cue, Owen shouted in pain. Not even a second later, Gaddison began yelling at him angrily.

"So, how was your latest attempt to win her over?" Mipha asked, wincing slightly as Owen hobbled up to her.

"A minor setback," Owen muttered through his discomfort.

"Maybe it's time to move on," Mipha murmured gently as she healed his latest injuries.

"What?" he asked in disbelief. "This is the worst time to give up!"

"What?"

"She definitely likes me," Owen sighed contentedly. Mipha could do nothing but stare at him speechlessly. She looked to Link in the hopes that he had some idea of what could be done. To her surprise, Link was staring at Gaddison. She sent a glance to the Zora girl to find her staring off into the distance with a small smile.

She had seen many oddities in her years. An ancient race of warriors devoted to the Royal Family of Hyrule, technology from another time that responded to her will; her own healing powers were beyond her understanding. In spite of all she had seen, she had never expected to see anything so peculiar as Owen actually winning Gaddison over.

Mipha shook her head and Link sighed. They finally made eye contact and smiled at each other.

She hated to see him go again. By the time he came back, he would have retreated further into himself as he always had. It saddened her to see him like that. He rarely spoke anymore, only doing so when it was just the two of them. Even Sidon had noticed that Link had changed, however, he had developed the tact to not comment on it.

"Well," Mipha sighed, "I suppose this is goodbye, isn't it?"

She graced Owen with a smile and pulled Link into a tight hug.

"It's only goodbye for now," Link whispered.

"I'll miss you just the same," she replied.

She and the rest of the Bazz Brigade watched as the Hylians made their way along the path that led towards Hyrule Field. It was still hard for her to see him leave, even though he always promised to return. All she could do was wait and hope that she had made the right choice.

Mipha was greeted by the familiarity of her ceiling as she opened her eyes. She closed them once again, reflecting on everything she had remembered. Ever since waking in the Shrine of Resurrection, she had felt a connection with Link. She couldn't say she was surprised that she had decided to propose to him. Even at his worst, he was among the best she had ever known.

She sat up slowly and gazed around her room. Sidon and Muzu sat beside her bed. Muzu was hunched over as he slept. Sidon nodded forward and jolted back, only for his head to sink back down. It reminded her of the first time he had attended a council. Despite his exhaustion and boredom, he had attempted to refrain from nodding off. He had been less than successful.

"Sidon," she murmured. The young Prince jolted awake.

"Wha-?" he asked tiredly. His eyes widened as they settled on her. "Mipha," he murmured. He moved forward to embrace her but stopped just as quickly.

A lump formed in the back of Mipha's throat as she watched him open his mouth and closed it again. He looked away.

"I should be overjoyed that you have come back," he muttered, "and I am. But if I am to be truly honest I am terribly… terribly…" The young Prince was unable to finish as he took a strained breath.

"You are upset," Mipha finished.

"I know you didn't mean to leave us. I know you didn't mean to leave me," Sidon continued as his voice cracked, "but how could you do that?"

Mipha swallowed as she tried to hold her tears back.

"It's awful, I know. Here you are after one hundred years, alive and well. Yet I am still so angry."

"Sidon…"

"Why?" he asked, his voice beginning to rise. "Why didn't you come back? Why did it take you so long? Don't you realize how much I needed you?" Sidon took a deep breath. "Why am I still so angry?" he asked shakily.

Mipha looked on, full of sorrow as her baby brother sat, breathing shakily, clenching his fists, again refusing to look at her.

"Do you remember mother?" she finally asked.

"What?" Sidon asked, his face twisting in confusion. "What does mother have to do with this?"

"Do you?"

"Barely," he sighed.

"After she died, I was so terribly angry with her. I should have been celebrating her life but instead, I think I hated her." Mipha stared down at her bed in shame as she continued, "I wanted to yell such horrible things at her. I wanted her to know that she was an awful mother, to leave me all alone."

She looked back up at Sidon.

"I cannot imagine how hard this must be for you and I won't pretend otherwise. It is okay if you are angry. It's okay if you hate- "

She was cut off as Sidon leapt forward and wrapped her in a bone-crushing embrace.

"I could never hate you," Sidon choked out. "I just need time to work through this."

"I never meant to hurt you," Mipha murmured quietly.

"I know… I'm so sorry."

"You have no reason to be."

"I've missed you terribly."

"And I you."

A/N: I could be working on my 5-6 page essay that's due on Monday but why not put it off until Sunday night. Sounds like my kind of plan anyway.

So I'm going to rant for a moment because I am a little bit annoyed. I am going to start by saying that I think it's reasonable for you all to have expectations of me. I think it is reasonable for you to expect me to put effort into this, for you to expect me to update as I am able, and that I will fix serious problems just to name a few. I also think that I can have expectations of you all, my main one being that if you are going to leave a critical review, that you will actually read. I received a review the other day in which my characterization of Revali was criticized, which is fine. My problem with the reasoning though was that the reviewer claimed that I hadn't given Revali a reason to behave the way he does. Here's the problem: I have given him several reasons for his behavior. What's really ironic is that my dialogue was also criticised, which is funny because at least a couple of Revali's problems were talked about in dialogue.

Basically, the only thing I learned from that particular review was that this person had read at least one sentence in chapter five and missed significant portions of two, three, four, and six.

I reread your reviews quite often because they let me know what parts you want to see or where I can improve. For instance, I know that a number of you are excited about Link to get the Zora armor (it's coming, I promise). When you leave a review like that, you waste your time and mine because I can't actually take your comments seriously. It's one thing if you miss a little detail but significant portions of the story were missed here. All I am asking is that if you have suggestions or criticisms, please read attentively.

One last thing. For those of you who don't like how Revali is characterized, don't worry. He's going to get much worse, then he'll get better.

...

But so much worse before that. As always, have a nice day (or night, or whatever you're having)