"Like this?"

They were on their way to Zora's Domain and Princess Zelda did what her knight had suggested and squeezed her legs tighter around her white horse's body. She didn't need an answer from him because just seeing how easily she could maneuver the animal with this simple move was bringing her enough joy. "It worked!" she beamed. The horse took a few steps before she said "Wait, I need to try it again." She made it stand still before she gave the move another try. "It really works!"

The duo was on an open field under a sky which had finally begun to show some blue patches behind the clouds. Link, on horseback as well, watched the Princess trying to master the advice he had given her. He didn't say much because she seemed to get the hang of it fairly quickly but he stepped in to stop her after a little while.

"Your Highness, I think you should let your horse rest before you'll make it more annoyed."

"But I'm doing so well, don't you think?" She jokingly whined and stopped anyway. "Why do you think it's annoyed?"

Link was genuinely surprised that she didn't know how to tell that, but he made sure to not show it. He didn't want her to feel stupid. "… The ears, your Highness."

"The ears?" Her eyes went from her knight to her horse's ears and back to him again, expecting him to go on, before she saw his brown mare's ears and compared them to her white's ones. "Oh." She said flatly. "Oh, so it means that they're annoyed when the ears look like this?" Link nodded. "I had no idea, I'm so sorry, little one!" she cried.

"Try giving it a pat or a treat to show your gratitude for its work, it'll love it."

"Yes… of course." She brushed her hand through the white mane and gave it a nice pat on its neck. "Thank you, and I'm sorry." The ears rose slightly and Princess Zelda felt relieved that it worked. She turned her attention to her knight. "Thank you, Link." He bowed his head as a reply.

They continued through Trilby Plain, left their horses at a smaller village and followed the road by foot until they were met up with Zoran soldiers at the end of Zora River for escort, as agreed in the letters exchanged prior their visit. The closer they got, the more Link remembered moments from his childhood days spent with the Zoras. He hadn't been here for… years. He couldn't tell how many, but he found himself still recognizing a tree around a corner, still remembering how he had looked down at the river the first time he had crossed Oren Bridge with his father and his comrades, the sweet story of the Bank of Wishes that Mipha had told him… Mipha, Princess of the Zoras and a childhood friend of Link's. She had always been kind to him. She had always found time to play with him while their parents had some boring adult discussion. Always healed his wounds and bruises when he came back crying from playing recklessly with her little brother, Prince Sidon. And when he grew a little bit older, the playing became less frequent but they were still close.
He hadn't seen them for years. He hadn't sent many letters to Mipha in all these years. Life simply went on and on those rare times he considered sending her a letter, he never knew what to write, and as time passed, he wasn't even sure if she remembered him. His childhood visits in Zora's Domain had been several but short since his father only came for official business as a Knight of Hyrule. It was a wonder that he still recalled small details of the path along Zora River at all.

The Zora soldiers took care of monsters along the path well before they were even close to the Hylian Princess. When Princess Zelda and Link finally reached Great Zora Bridge, they could fully see the spectacular architecture of Zora's Domain. It was just how Link remembered it – soft lights spreading across the tile floors, water falling down to the lake beneath, peculiar slides (at least that was what they were to him when he was really young) leading down from one floor to another and Zoras gracefully jumping down into the water far below them. The Great Zora Bridge was only built for visitors such as Hylians to enter their home easier – water was the natural choice for the Zoras to transport in after all.

"Welcome to Zora's Domain, Princess, Hylian Champion!"an upperclass Zora greeted them and bowed low. "Or perhaps I shall say 'welcome back' to the young man? I remember seeing you here many years ago… it is always a pleasure to have you back!" The Zora grinned. Link only bowed his head slightly to acknowledge the Zora man and Princess Zelda glanced over at her knight. She had forgotten that Princess Mipha had exchanged a few words with Link after the ceremony she had held for him. Her curiosity grew anew but said nothing. She could ask him about it later. Maybe he'd give her an answer now when he seemed to be more open to talk. Not that he really said much, but it was a big difference compared to a few weeks ago.

"Thank you." She replied politely.

The Zora presented himself before informing them that King Dorephan was awaiting them in the throne room. It wasn't difficult to find it but they were still escorted up the elegant staircase.

"Aah! Princess Zelda, beautiful as always! Welcome back to our Domain, I believe it has been a while since your last visit, has it not?" The large, chubby Zora King happily greeted.

"King Dorephan." Princess Zelda curtsied before him. "It must have been a year at least, I apologize. I have been very busy since we last met."

King Dorephan hummed approvingly. "You've met my daughter, Princess Mipha, more recently but I hope you still remember my son, Prince Sidon?" He moved an arm to his right to point in their direction.

"Of course I do" she smiled to them, especially to the little Prince. She knew somewhere in the back of her head that he must surely be older than her but his height was not taller than an average Hylian twelve year old. The Zoras usually grew older than Hylians but their adolescence went on for a longer period, so he was still mentally younger than her. The red Zora Prince was adorable in her eyes.
She returned her attention to the King when he spoke again.

"I'm sure you both must be tired after your journey, the sun will set soon after all. I won't keep you here much longer. I'm sure you need proper rest to refill your energy for your task tomorrow. What was it you wrote in your letter…? Some adjustments were needed on Vah Ruta?"

"That is correct, King Dorephan."

"Excellent. All improvement that can be done is necessary for facing Ganon. I thank you, Princess."

"It's my pleasure, your excellency."

"Pleasure?" The Zora King gave a small laugh of surprisement, but it wasn't a mean one. The King sounded more amused.

"Yes, working with and researching about these ancient technologies is a hobby of mine" she replied shyly.

"I see. A very fine hobby you have dedicated yourself to, Princess Zelda, and it's for a good cause if these machines can protect our people like you've said."

"Thank you." The words warmed her heart but also saddened her. She wished her own father could see her research with a positive mindset as well.

"Let Mipha know when you start your work and she'll be there – isn't that so, Mipha?" he said to his daughter.

"Oh, Princess Mipha doesn't have to stay with me if she is busy with something else" Princess Zelda interrupted and faced the red Zora Princess. "Most of it can be kind of boring to watch and it may take some time until I've figured it out how to improve Vah Ruta."

"Oh, I wouldn't want to get in your way" Princess Mipha softly answered. "But I could stay for a little while if you'd like me to?"

Princess Zelda smiled. "A little company wouldn't hurt." She received a smile back.

While Princess Zelda was busy with Vah Ruta, Link played with the little Zora Prince. He was glad that Prince Sidon remembered him. Although the Prince had been a little shy at first, he soon dared to approach Link and became that energetic kid Link remembered from his own childhood. Link wasn't used to play anymore and mostly did whatever Prince Sidon wanted him to do. Fortunately it was enough for the little Zora boy.

"Sidon, make sure you don't tire out our guest." Princess Mipha approached them with a smile on her red lips. Seeing Link playing with her little brother again brought back so many memories. The only difference now was that Link was much older.

"But sis!" the little Prince protested, "We were just going to beat a huge octorock on a pirate ship, we can't stop now!"

"Ooh, that's very courageous of you!" the Princess played along. "But you have been playing for many hours now, right, little brother? Maybe you should rest a little bit so you have enough strength to face the octorock? It's going to be tough to take on if it's really, REALLY big, right?"

"No! Link and I can take it now!" Prince Sidon waved his arm in the air with a wooden toy spear in his hand.

"Do you think you can beat it, Link?" Princess Mipha turned her attention to Link with an amused look on her face. Link shrugged. Fighting against invisible monsters in a little boy's mind was much harder now when he was older and it honestly took a lot of mental energy to keep up with the sudden changes in his play but he didn't want to disappoint the little Prince either. "I think your companion needs a little rest, Sidon." She smiled.

"But sis…!"

"You can continue playing later, Link isn't going anywhere for a while." She crouched down and gave her little brother a pat on his head.

"… Fine." Prince Sidon pouted. He was clearly not happy. "But then you'll have to play too!"

"I promise" she giggled. She received a quick hug from her little brother before he ran away to a pool. Her silver headpiece jingled when she stood up again. "I'm sorry about that, I hope he didn't make you tired. Sometimes he still surprises me with how much energy he has in him."

Link shook his head. "Kids are like that." He looked in the direction Prince Sidon had gone. Playing with him reminded Link of how much had changed since the last time he had been here. Gone were the innocent days of childhood. Instead he had the heavy weight of a whole kingdom's future on his shoulders.

Princess Mipha waited for him to say something more and glanced at him. "Thank you for playing with him" she said genuinely after a while. But she didn't get a reply and his serious expression was so different from the Link she remembered. The only smile she had seen from him since he arrived yesterday with the Princess was when he had been playing with Sidon.

She began walking to one of the many bridges of Zora's Domain and was glad that Link followed her. She had always liked being around him.

"You know…" She dragged her hand against the railing as she walked and stopped. Link observed the water below them. She kept her eyes on her hand. "I know we haven't seen each other for a long time but I… I hope you still consider me as your friend?"

Link looked up. "Of course." He would always think fondly of her.

"That makes me happy to hear." She smiled and a light blush spread across her cheeks. "Then, as a friend, I hope you don't mind me asking… did something happen? You seem to be a little bit… different from what you used to. I hope you know you can tell me anything?"

Link looked at his friend. A part of him really wanted to tell her everything – but where would he start? – and another told him to stay silent. It would feel so good to just let everything out and maybe get a comforting comment back but he had to remind himself of who he is now. And who Mipha is. He's wielding the most powerful blade held by many heroes before him (if those legends were true, something he wasn't completely sure of) and Mipha was a Champion too. Together with the other Champions and Princess Zelda, they would defeat the Calamity. They were friends, yes. But he couldn't let her know of his insecurities when she is depending on him as well. He needed her to have faith in him, he knew she would worry about him when the time would come. That was in her nature, it is a part of her. She was the most kind and caring person he'd ever known. He didn't need her to worry more about him than necessary. And not only Mipha would depend on him, the other Champions would as well, even all of Hyrule and the Rito children from before and-

"If something is wrong, you can tell me, alright?"

Link looked slightly away from her and shook his head. Maybe he could tell her once it was all over. Or maybe he would never have to tell her. He saw the disappointment in her face and he felt bad for not confiding in her but he really couldn't. He hoped she could forgive him.

"Well… But if there is something, you can always tell me later, ok, Link?" She smiled at him. It just made him feel terrible. He didn't want her to think that he didn't trust her, he just… couldn't tell her. He only managed to give a small nod.

She changed the subject. "I've heard the soldiers mentioning how monsters are appearing more frequently recently. Is that something you have noticed too?" He nodded again but Mipha didn't look too worried – she knew Link was carrying the Master Sword for a reason. "Have you seen any lynels? There's one on Ploymus Mountain that's been really troublesome and we haven't been able to get rid of it yet." She looked above and beyond his head, presumably at the mountain top. He couldn't help but turn around and follow her gaze. "It has a fairly good view all over our East Reservoir so if we're not careful… Well, it doesn't matter. We'll make him go away eventually. Hopefully sooner than later."

Link began to return back to Zora's Domain and Princess Mipha happily followed him, thinking that he was just continuing their walk. But there was a determination in his walk that Mipha didn't notice, and he passed by the domain, he crossed another bridge and continued up the hills and towards Ploymus Mountain. Mipha slowly realized what he was about to do.

"Link, I didn't mean that you had to do anything. It's our problem, not yours." She softly called after him. He didn't say anything back.

Link had fought against several monsters, he had even fought his old commander in the royal guards when he was challenged. But that time had only been practice. He might be foolish for going to a lynel with only a sword but that was the point. He still hadn't felt any connection whatsoever to his sword but maybe, if he fought against a real threat and had a proper challenge, then maybe the sword would make him feel something. He wasn't sure if he was only foolish and not desperate, too, for a sign that he truly was the one destined to face the Calamity.
Maybe he should just do what normal people would and say a prayer to the Goddesses instead.

"Link, please."

He turned to his friend. "It can get dangerous, Mipha. I wouldn't want you to get hurt, please turn back."

Hearing him worry about her safety melted her heart but he didn't understand that she was worrying about him as well. Lynels weren't something to play around with. "I won't leave, Link, what if you get hurt?"

"I'll be fine."

"But what if?" she stubbornly replied.

"Mipha, I'll be alright, don't worry." He always made sure to not show his emotions anymore but he didn't care if she saw them right now – he just wanted to be sure she wouldn't get injured.

"Can't I just stay in case you get hurt? I could help you…"

"Mipha, I have a sword and you have nothing to protect yourself with if something would happen." He looked at her with a serious expression to tell her that he wasn't joking. But she wouldn't move. Sighing, Link took a few steps back to her for another attempt to convince his friend to return but then he stopped in mid-tracks. He was sure his long ears had picked up something.

Link barely had time to react when the lynel was fast approaching them from behind. He unsheathed his sword and held an arm out to keep Mipha behind him as he faced their enemy. With a roar that could match the lynel's, Link swung the legendary sword with all his might and managed to make the lynel slightly wobble. He took this opportunity to run away from Mipha to distract the lynel from her.

"Hide, Mipha!" All of his focus was on the lynel but he noticed her duck behind a large rock for cover from the corners of his eyes.

The lynel began to circle around him and Link stood with bent knees and sword in a strong grip with his both hands, ready for the next move. The lynel raced forward again and Link waited for the precise moment to strike back and that familiar feeling he sometimes felt came back – everything seemed to slow down. Each slice was perfect, he knew exactly where to hit his enemy and he knew how much time he had before he had to move out of the way.

He flipped backwards and the monster growled in agony. But he didn't have much time before the lynel charged at him again. Luckily, Link managed to dodge him. The fight went on and Link felt his desperation for the sword to react grow bigger with each passing minute. Frustrated, he finished the battle with a quick spin attack. He watched the lynel fall to the ground and took a couple of short, deep breaths.

Nothing. Still nothing.

He thought to himself that this must mean that the connection Princess Zelda had briefly mentioned could only mean that he had to accept that he was indeed the only one meant to carry the legendary sword. It wasn't behaving any differently compared to other swords he had held in his life. He had been silly for ever thinking that it would.

He remembered Mipha and turned around to the rock she had been taking cover behind. She looked at him with large eyes filled with admiration and he would've smiled back at her now that the danger was over if the disappointment of not sensing anything different wasn't clouding his mind.

First of all, THANK YOU to orchid-with-lilies for the multiple, sweet reviews! I'm really glad you're enjoying the story so far and you're a great person to chat with, haha.

Second of all... I know basically nothing about horses so don't come for me if the beginning of this chapter is lame lol.

I know that Mipha is a fan favorite and I hope I could give her a fair representation. I didn't want her to "just" be an admirer of Link - she's also a big sister after all and I'm sure that Sidon adored her as a kid.