Chapter 10 - Together!
The victory celebrations were over, and life began to return to normal throughout Hyrule. The victory over Ganon had come so relatively quickly, certainly compared to the other timeline, that most people did not appreciate the extent of the danger that had been averted. It was more of a repeat of the legend from ten thousand years past. Link, freed of his responsibility to guard Princess Zelda, decided to remain in Zora's Domain, hoping he could restore his relationship with Mipha somehow.
Looking back, this was probably the hardest time for him. Link had done all he could to be together with Mipha, but he could not claim he was the same person she had been with before the time travel event. He had been that person once, 104 years ago in his reckoning of time. But that person no longer existed, and he had taken his place. He had always naively assumed that Mipha would accept him as if nothing had happened.
But what if she couldn't accept him? He realized now it was a lot to ask of her, to overlook his memory loss of their relationship and all their time together. And how did she feel about his Timeshift Stone visit with her at Ruta? Had that been wrong of him, to pretend he was the person she had just been with a week before? He was that person in a sense, but he couldn't even remember what had happened. Did she look back at that visit now as if she had been violated, like substituting a twin brother for a husband? He had wanted to be honest with her then, but Purah had forbidden it. Purah had looked on his visit with her as an experiment, a test of the Timeshift Stone technology on the way to restoring the Temple of Time. But it was much more than an experiment to him. It was a chance to be with the person he loved. But how did she feel about all this now? What a cruel joke it would be if he ended up alone again.
Mipha continued to have a good deal of responsibility as the future Zora leader. While combat training was no longer a priority, she was very active in the Zora government, and committee meetings consumed a good deal of her time each day. She also liked to spend time with her little brother, Sidon. Since their mother had passed, Mipha took the place of both mother and big sister to Sidon, and she did her best to help her busy father raise him.
Link, of course, still lacked many memories of the past, and people believed this was due to injuries he suffered in his final battles with Ganon. Only those few people he had explained his story to knew the truth. He continued to wander around near the Domain alone, trying to recover his memories, and speaking to whomever he could. But he wasn't getting anywhere. Finally, he approached Mipha after she had finished a meeting with her father.
"Princess Mipha, I know you are very busy, but can I speak with you?" said Link.
"Of course, and simply Mipha is fine," said Mipha with a smile.
"I know you still feel I am not the same person you knew, and it doesn't help that my memory of our time together is so lacking. But I truly am the same person. When you are not too busy, would you be willing to set aside any spare time you have to help me recover my memories? I cannot give up on what I know we once had."
Mipha thought for a moment.
"Alright, let's spend an hour each day together to work on this. We can visit different places, and I will help you try to remember. We can see what happens. Let's start tomorrow."
"Thank you!" said Link.
Next morning Mipha met Link in the plaza.
"I think we will work forward from when you were very young," said Mipha. "You used to have some Zora playmates, and I thought I would help you learn to swim. Let's walk over to East Reservoir Lake, and I will show you where it happened. Perhaps it will help your recollection."
They walked over to the northwest pier of East Reservoir Lake.
"It was right here," said Mipha. "It took a lot of effort for me to figure out how to teach you to swim. Sadly you lack fins and webbed feet. I held you as you learned to kick and pull yourself through the water. Eventually, we figured it out together how best to have you swim. Do you remember any of that?"
"No, I'm sorry, I don't," said Link.
"Well, we will keep trying," said Mipha. "We have time for one more location today."
Mipha took Link to a place where she said he had fallen while climbing, and she healed him. He told her he couldn't remember that, either.
"I am not entirely surprised at that," laughed Mipha. "There were many times I healed you, and it would be hard to pick out only one. I remember this one because of how brave you were. It was quite a bad bruise, but you never cried. Well, that is all I have time for today. We can continue tomorrow."
"Thank you, Mipha. It means a lot to me you taking time to do this," said Link.
The next morning, they met in the plaza again.
"Ready to try some more?" said Mipha.
"Yes, and thank you for being so patient with me," said Link.
"Let's start right here in the Domain," said Mipha. "Follow me."
Mipha led Link up one of the waterways, the channels down which water flowed into the plaza level, then stopped at the top.
"You were still quite small, but we slid down these together," said Mipha.
"I held you in front of me, and we both laughed as we glided down the curved waterway. You kept wanting to do it over and over. But eventually, my father saw us and told me my behavior was unbecoming of a princess. Do you remember any of that?"
"I'm sorry, I don't," said Link. "I hope I didn't get you in trouble."
"No," laughed Mipha. "My father understood and was afraid you might fall. Come, I might have time for two more locations today."
So, each day they would travel to a different location around Zora's Domain, and Mipha would tell him some things they had done together there. Usually, whatever she told him was brand new information to him. Sometimes she brought up something he remembered on his own, and his excitement at the accomplishment was like a schoolboy proud of giving the right answer in class. She would laugh then and say, "See, we're making progress!"
He kept hoping she would come to accept him as before but understood he couldn't rush things: she had to do all this on her own terms, in her own time, and her own way. Her kindness and caring nature made her want to help him.
It was after the first week or so of doing this together that he noticed a small change in her mannerism. It was on a visit together to Ralis Pond.
"We came here several times at different times of your life," said Mipha. "But there was one time when you were a bit older, and we stayed out late. Sunset Fireflies started to appear, and you challenged me to see which of us could collect more. Amazingly enough, we tied at the very end. You said something sweet then, that it was a sign we were good together, natural companions. Do you remember any of that, Link?"
Again, Link had to admit he didn't. But he realized she had suddenly called him by name, Link. Until now, she had avoided using his name at all as if it really wasn't his. He thought her reliving their times together was helping her as much as it was helping him. And on the few occasions that he did remember something she told him about, he felt that he was helping break down a wall in her attitude toward him and that it helped her convince herself that he was the same person.
And Link was right. Mipha had indeed been experiencing a change in her feelings. As she spent time with Link each day, it all started coming back. Maybe her feelings had never left, and they just needed time to restore themselves. He had the same boyish good looks, the same cute smile, the same mannerisms, and the same kind, gentle and respectful way he dealt with her, so grateful for the time she was spending with him.
And yet he wasn't the same. She could see it when they spoke about the past. He would listen to what she told him, then look off into the distance thinking, trying to piece what she had told him with the other tangled strands of his memory he had recovered.
And she could feel that this version of Link had suffered, had felt the pain of loss, her loss. She could see that sadness in his eyes sometimes, something she had never seen there before. This was a more mature Link than the one she had known, a Link who had lived through a terrible time and could never really forget it. He had done all he could to make things right for everyone. But he could never make things entirely right for himself. He alone carried the memory and the pain of those terrible events he sometimes spoke about. She tried to look at how things must be from his point of view, and she felt herself falling in love all over again. Deep down, it was the same him.
Link remembered the turning point. He was on one of his walks with Mipha in the area around Zora's Domain, and they ended up at the bottom of Veiled Falls. There was a pool of water at the base of the waterfall and grass and trees in the area around it. It was close to the Domain but far enough away to offer some privacy. It was just the kind of place two lovers might choose to be alone together.
"Let's stop here, Link," said Mipha. "Come, sit with me."
He sat down beside her on a large rock jutting into the water. It was a beautiful day as the waterfall threw up a foamy white spray, and the sun sparkled on the water.
"Do you remember anything at all about this place and what it meant for us?" asked Mipha.
"I don't remember," said Link. "And I'm sorry that I can't remember. I wish I could. It's a beautiful location."
"Then let me tell you what happened," said Mipha. "It was right after your visit alone to the domain when we sat on Ruta's trunk, and I healed your arm and told you I hoped we could spend time together when our task was done. You were quiet, under stress from all your duties. It was too late to travel then, and you were too tired. So, you stayed at the Seabed Inn that night. You agreed to meet me the next morning, and when I met you, we walked together here to Veiled Falls. You had told me once you had trouble sleeping, and you still looked tired even after your rest. We sat on this very rock, and the sunlight, fresh air, and the sound of the falls put you to sleep, your head coming to rest on my shoulder. I cradled your head and then let it slide down and rest more comfortably in my lap. Then I brushed your soft blond hair back once from your face. You slept for quite a while, breathing gently. I was happy to see you get some rest, as I knew you needed it. Then all at once, you woke up, startled, not knowing where you were at first. I calmed you and assured you that you were safe. You sat up then, and our eyes met. I smiled at you, and then you suddenly leaned forward and kissed me. I felt like I was in a dream! You seemed unsure of my reaction, but I kissed you back at once, and then we held each other and kissed more times than I could count. Afterward, you told me you loved me but had been afraid of losing me as a friend. I told you I loved you, too. I wished that day would never end! I had hoped to offer you the armor on your visit as you were without the Princess for a change, and I had prayed for the courage to do so. I had brought it with me in a bundle. You told me later you thought it was our picnic lunch, and we both laughed. But after you expressed your love for me, I had no fear of rejection. I offered you the armor, and you happily accepted it. We discussed our plans next, and we thought it best to wait until after our task was done to share the joyful news. You had to return to guard the Princess then, and I took the armor back with me when I returned home and kept what happened a secret. That was the end of your visit, but it was the happiest visit of all for me. I felt my dreams had all come true!"
She smiled gently, her golden eyes looking straight into his. He looked back into her eyes and started feeling warm inside. She looked so irresistible!
"Mipha, can we start again? I hope you know by now it's really me. I love you so much!"
He leaned forward and kissed her. She returned his kiss, and they embraced.
"I love you, too," said Mipha as she smiled at him. "I know it really is you after all."
"Oh, thank Hylia!" exclaimed Link. "I thought you might never come to accept me! I've lived for this moment for so long, sweetheart, for over four years. I haven't stopped thinking about you, dreaming about you, and loving you all that time, though it's only been weeks for you. I love you so, so much, Mipha! I never want us to be apart."
Then he reached for her, and they kissed again, and again, and again.
"We won't be apart now, sweetheart," said Mipha finally. "We have each other now and always will. Let's go back to the Domain now. There's something I would like to give you."
They held hands as they walked back to Zora's Domain and then to an area near the throne room. Mipha told him to wait while she went back and returned in a few minutes with a bundle.
"Link, I want you to have this," said Mipha. "Again, I might add."
She handed him the bundle. He unwrapped it and saw the finely crafted set of blue and silver Zora armor he remembered. It was indeed a labor of love. And, of course, he knew what it meant.
"You don't need to say anything. I know what this means, and you've made me happier than you know. Of course, I accept it, Mipha, and I will always cherish it and you," said Link.
He reached forward, they embraced and kissed with a passion he did remember.
"I know you don't remember, but this is the second time you accepted this Armor. I'm glad you haven't changed your mind! But this is the last time you're going to put me through all this drama," Mipha laughed.
"I promise!" laughed Link. "I think our relationship has had enough drama to last a lifetime, or maybe two. Should we be thinking about a wedding date now?"
"We can speak with Father about it," said Mipha. "We should be able to marry in a couple of weeks. But until then, you owe me some romantic time together. You don't know what you put me through!"
"I know, and I'm sorry," said Link. "But I've dreamt of this moment for so long, and I'm still floating with joy."
"That's a nice Zora way of putting it, though we might say sinking with joy," laughed Mipha. "Let's go tell Father now."
"I assume he will approve, right?" said Link.
"Well, there is only one way to find out," said Mipha taking his hand.
Link was starting to get nervous.
"Mipha, don't you have any idea at all about how your father feels about us marrying?" said Link. "It didn't come up in conversation at all?"
"It did, and I have some idea how he feels," said Mipha. "But that was about the original Link. I haven't specifically spoken to him about you."
"But I am me!" said Link. "I mean, I am the original Link, just different in a sense. So he should feel the same way toward me, right?"
"You would think so, wouldn't you?" said Mipha as she smiled at him.
"Mipha, please don't put me through this," said Link. "Your father is a rather imposing figure. I would not like to see him upset with me."
"I'm just teasing you, sweetheart," laughed Mipha as she squeezed his hand. "Father will be thrilled. Don't worry."
Link squeezed her hand back and let out a sigh of relief. When they reached the throne room, King Dorephan saw them enter holding hands. He realized what must have happened and burst into a smile.
"Father, I have some wonderful news," said Mipha. "Link and I are to be married!"
"That is indeed wonderful and very welcome news!" said King Dorephan. "I am so happy for you both. Congratulations! And welcome to the family, Link."
"Thank you, Your Majesty," said Link. "I love your daughter very much, and I couldn't be happier."
"We were wondering if it was possible to have the wedding in a couple of weeks," said Mipha.
"Yes, we can manage that," said King Dorephan. "Leave everything to me. Just let me know whom to invite."
The next two weeks together were a romantic interlude of sorts when, as an engaged couple, they could relax together, swim, hike, and enjoy each other's company. They spent it exploring areas around the Domain, with Mipha sometimes telling him of past times they had spent there.
When their wedding day finally came, the Champions all attended, as did Princess Zelda. Kapson, the Zora priest, was to perform the ceremony. Link thought it a happy irony that the wedding service was taking place where Mipha's memorial statue had stood in his former timeline. The plaza was quite crowded: a royal wedding didn't happen very often. Zelda and the other Champions stood near the front. Link wore the full Zora armor, and his beautiful princess fiancée wore her Zora headdress. Zora wedding customs were somewhat similar to Hylian, but not quite so formal. There was no exchange of rings, and there was no wedding party. Zoras loved music, so there would be some of that, and of course, there were marriage vows.
Link stood in the plaza before Kapson awaiting Mipha's entrance. The Zora musicians played a song that Link took to be their equivalent of a wedding march, and Mipha and her father, King Dorephan, advanced across the plaza. As they walked past the audience, the Zoras bowed their head in respect for the King. Zoras did not typically kneel except in certain formal situations. Eventually, King Dorephan walked Mipha to Link and then stepped aside.
Link glanced over at Mipha, and she looked back and gave him a quick smile. If he thought she looked beautiful before, she looked radiant now. Kapson asked the crowd for silence, then began the ceremony.
"It is my great honor and pleasure to perform this ceremony that will seal before Nayru the marriage of Lady Mipha and Link. I ask all of you in the audience to remain silent while I ask Link and Lady Mipha to repeat the marriage oath," said Kapson.
Link went first.
"I, Link, do swear before Nayru and all those present to take Mipha to be my wife and to be a faithful and loving husband to her as long as we both shall live."
Next, it was Mipha's turn.
"I, Mipha, do swear before Nayru and all those present to take Link to be my husband and to be a faithful and loving wife to him as long as we both shall live."
"By the authority granted to me as Zora priest, I now pronounce Lady Mipha and Link to be married before Nayru and the Zora Kingdom," said Kapson.
Link reached over and kissed Mipha while the crowd erupted in applause.
"I have never been happier than this moment. I love you so much!" said Link.
"I'm glad you found some words," laughed Mipha. "But I am the happiest I have ever been too, and I love you with all my heart."
They kissed again, and soon everyone was congratulating them. Sidon came over to Link and hugged him.
"Father said I just got a big brother," said Sidon.
"You sure did, Sidon," said Link hugging him back. "And I just got a little brother. I hope we can have a lot of fun playing together."
"Welcome to the family," said King Dorephan. "You have made my daughter very happy and me as well. I hope you will feel comfortable calling me Father."
"I am honored, and I may not be comfortable, but I am happy to do so Father," said Link. "Your daughter has made me the happiest I have ever been!"
It was time for the reception, which would be held right in the same plaza. There was plenty of food and dancing. Link was not a good dancer, but he did his best. It was the first time he danced with Mipha.
"So we finally get to dance together," said Link. "I apologize for not being very good at it."
"No problem," said Mipha. "Just follow my lead. We Zoras love music so much that Royal Family names follow musical scales. But relax and listen to the music. This is one of my all-time favorite songs. It's called 'Waves of Love,' and I used to think of you every time I heard it. Now I can finally enjoy it with you as my husband."
"It is a beautiful piece of music. And I think the speeches start after our dance," said Link. "That's another great reason to keep dancing."
The dance finally ended, and each Champion gave a short speech. Revali went first and given their history, Link was not sure what to expect.
I am sure I don't need to introduce myself since everyone knows me as the famous Rito Champion Revali. I am happy to see Mipha and Link married. Mipha has always been a kind and caring person, but I have also admired her ability to excel as a Champion. I have to admit she mastered her Divine Beast as quickly as I could. Link and I have had our differences in the past since neither of us wants to be number two. But I have to say Link has done well for himself, and I respect his accomplishments. He and Mipha will always be welcome at Rito Village, and I wish them a long and happy life together.
It was Daruk's turn next.
I am not very good at speeches. I have always liked Mipha and thought of Link as my "little guy" friend. They make a great couple, and I'm thrilled they're married now. May they be happy together. And, Mipha and Link, if you ever have time to visit me in Goron City, you would be very welcome. Oh, remember to bring a lot of elixirs.
Urbosa was next.
Vasaaq everyone! And congratulations to the newlyweds! I have suspected Mipha had feelings for Link for some time now, and I am happy to see Link came to return her love and recognize how lucky he is to have such a beautiful, caring, and loving a person as Mipha. Most of you don't realize Link traveled a harder road than you know to get here, but I am sure he is happy now that he did. They are both wonderful people and very deserving of each other. I know Zoras can't easily visit the desert, so I don't expect the newlyweds to visit me. But I offer them my sincerest best wishes for the happiest of lives together.
Finally, it was Princess Zelda's turn. Of all the guests, she was the person Link felt closest to.
I wish to extend my congratulations as well as that of my father, King Rhoam, to Mipha and Link on this special day in their lives. We both wish them well and want them to know they are always welcome at Hyrule Castle. I consider both Mipha and Link to be good friends. I have not known Link as long as Mipha has known him since they were childhood friends. And what a rare treat it is to see childhood friends grow up to be sweethearts and eventually marry. But I have known Link for a long time and under unique circumstances. When I was 16, my father assigned him as my knight to protect me throughout my travels across Hyrule. We have spent many days together and traveled far, often in dangerous situations. In that time together, I have come to know Link and respect him as a selfless champion. Lady Urbosa spoke of how lucky Link was to marry someone as wonderful and caring and loving as Mipha, and indeed he is fortunate. But I want to say that Mipha is also lucky to have as a husband someone I can attest with all my heart is loyal and selfless in the face of overwhelming danger. Link has put his life on the line for me countless times without any concern for his safety. And he has never, ever, let me down amidst all the perils we faced. I want you to know, Mipha, you have married someone who will always be there for you when you need him and will do whatever he can to care for and protect you. My best wishes for a long and happy life together. To Mipha and Link!
The crowd cheered. After the speeches, there was some more dancing, and the party went on into the night. Link saw Zelda talking with Urbosa, then Urbosa left to get some refreshment. He walked over to Zelda.
"Your Highness," said Link. "May I have the honor of the next dance with you?"
"Of course, Link," Zelda laughed. "How could I pass up a dance with you on this special day!"
Link took Zelda's hand, and they walked to the dance floor in the center of the plaza. The music began, and it was a slow dance. They held each other.
"That was a beautiful speech," said Link. "Thank you so much for coming. It means a lot to me."
"I meant every word of it," said Zelda. "And I'm happy to be here. I hope you know how special you are to me. The experiences we shared are once in a lifetime, or maybe twice in your case, but they are something I will never forget. What we did together was extraordinary! Together with our Champion friends, we saved Hyrule. The last time that happened was over ten thousand years ago."
They continued to hold each other as they danced.
"Yes, what we did, we will hopefully never do again," said Link. "You're very special to me as well. I miss the talks we used to have during our travels. It's too bad, you're so far away and so busy. Talking again sometimes would be nice."
"You and Mipha are always welcome, and I am never too busy for you," said Zelda. "And I don't mind visiting Zora's Domain. It's beautiful here. And they do know how to party!"
The music was ending. Link had a feeling he couldn't put into words that something in his life he didn't quite understand was also coming to an end. Not that the rest of his life wouldn't be happy. And it wasn't about romance. He loved Mipha dearly. But what he and Zelda shared would never happen again, and their relationship was unique.
"Thank you, Zelda, for the dance and everything," said Link. "I do miss you."
"And I do you," said Zelda. "But enjoy your life with Mipha now. We shall meet again."
The party was starting to wind down. The oldest and youngest guests had already left. Mipha and Link went around together, thanked everyone for coming, and wished them goodnight. They were planning to travel overland to Lanayru Bay tomorrow morning and then take a boat to Lurelin Village, where they would spend five days relaxing. At Lurelin Village, the seacoast and weather were beautiful, there was plenty of fresh fruit and fish, and they could enjoy swimming together. It was a favorite honeymoon spot. After saying goodnight to the remaining guests, Mipha and Link headed back to where they could sleep, holding hands.
"I cannot believe this day is finally here," said Link.
"I cannot believe it either," said Mipha. "Once I fell in love with you, I always hoped this day would come but feared it never would. We spent many happy days together growing up and grew very close. But I was never sure, with you being a Hylian, you would ever return my feelings. I missed you so much when you were gone and was thrilled every time you returned here. After you became a Champion and Zelda's knight, I feared you would be injured in your travels, and I would not be there to help you, or you would develop feelings for Zelda or someone else while we were apart. But then you finally told me you loved me on that special day together at Veiled Falls when we kissed for the first time. In the end, you stayed true to your heart as I stayed true to mine, and now, we can be together."
"I'm glad I did stay true to my heart. But you don't know how hard I worked to get here in the other timeline! The loneliness of waking up with no memories and no friends, and the few people who recognized me blaming me for my failure. The many Sheikah Shrines I had to work through, the endless Guardian, Lynel, and other monster battles, the long journeys alone through scorching hot and freezing cold deserts, snowy mountains, burning lava fields, and deep forests, and all the time with monsters hiding, ready to attack on sight. It meant sleeping alone at remote stables or camping out alone in the wilderness with the rain or snow blowing around me and finding new weapons to replace the broken ones, and searching for food. And, worst of all, freeing the four Divine Beasts from the malignant creatures Ganon spawned and finding out my Champion friends had all perished a hundred years before. It was the most horrible life I could imagine!" said Link.
"Was it all worth it? Would you do it again?" asked Mipha.
"In a heartbeat, if it meant I could be with you," said Link, leaning over to kiss her.
"Oh, by the way, what is your favorite flower, sweetheart?" said Link after their kiss ended.
"Blue Nightshade. Why?"
"It's just been something I've been meaning to ask you for a very long time and keep forgetting," said Link. "That's a beautiful flower. I like it too."
The End