Chapter 2 - Lizalfos on Ice
Summary: Mipha and Link continue working together to help make Zora's Domain safer.
Soft white clouds drifted across a sunny midday sky in Zora's Domain as Mipha and Link walked hand in hand up the grassy path to Ploymus Mountain. As was usually the case, Link was wearing his Zora armor, and they had raced up three waterfalls to shorten their trip. Now they were passing the single pine tree where the path curved up and to the right leading directly to the plateau just northeast of Shatterback Point.
A vicious Lynel used to strut about here, arrogantly treating this location as its home, and terrorizing any who dared approach it with deadly Shock Arrows or the swipe of its giant blade. Even now you might still find the odd Shock Arrow sticking out from a tree, a reminder of that horrible creature. But the Lynel was long gone now. It had been some time since Link dispatched the Lynel with a display of his skillful swordsmanship that earned Mipha's instant admiration. Link remembered that encounter as they made their way to the plateau. Then he suddenly remembered something else.
"Oh no!" said Link. "Did we forget about lunch?"
"We didn't," said Mipha as she squeezed his hand. "But it seems you did. I have two fish with me, but you didn't bring anything?"
"No, I forgot. I was too busy thinking about what we discussed with Father," said Link.
"I'm happy to share one of the fish…," said Mipha.
"I didn't bring anything to cook with either," said Link. "Well, I guess I can skip a meal."
"You didn't let me finish, dearest," said Mipha smiling at him. "I was going to say you have such a thoughtful and caring wife that she brought one of the fish cooked."
"Oh! You're wonderful!," said Link as he leaned forward to kiss her. "I love you more each day."
"And I not only love you too," laughed Mipha. "I know how important your meals are. We can eat our lunch by Shatterback Point and enjoy the view from up there."
Rocks lined the gently sloping path to Shatterback Point as well as an occasional pine tree. Pink and purple bushes that were reminiscent of sea coral added color to the base of the trail. They walked hand-in-hand, Link's mood brighter now. When they reached the top, they sat together to eat lunch on a patch of grass, leaning against a tree and looking down toward the plateau. In the distance, an Islander Hawk circled, presumably looking for its own lunch.
"It is beautiful here," said Link after swallowing another bite of cooked Hylian Bass. "And thank you for thinking of me. I was getting a bit hungry, and the fish is delicious."
"I'm so happy you've developed a taste for fish," said Mipha. "It makes living here with you much better."
After finishing their lunch, they stood up to look around, and Link put his arm around her. It felt good to hold her. She felt so soft and smooth, and so desirable. He pulled her closer and held her tighter, and she turned to him and smiled. Then she stroked his cheek, and they kissed once, then turned back to admire the view. And the view from Shatterback Point was indeed worth the trouble of traveling there.
Looking south and straight ahead from the edge of the point was the snow-covered peak of Mount Lanayru, home of the Spring of Wisdom and Nayru's servant, the great dragon Naydra. If you looked at the right time and you were blessed by the Goddess Hylia, you could even see Naydra making its way up or down the mountain and circling the area. Looking straight down you could see Ruta in the middle of East Reservoir Lake, facing right with its trunk pointed upward. Ruta was quiet now, not pumping water, and from a distance, you could see her impressive elephant form in its entirety. To the east was the great Lanayru Sea. The sea was an area Link would like to explore further with Mipha's help someday. Who knew what adventures lay far away in the distance there? He had only visited some nearby islands. To the north was Death Mountain glowing red with cascading rivers of molten lava. And straight west was Hyrule Castle.
Seeing the castle reminded Link of Zelda. He was sure she would be relieved when the castle was at least partially restored. She must miss her home, the place she had grown up and spent her whole life. Sometimes he had to remind himself he didn't need to worry about Zelda anymore, that she was safe now and surrounded by Sheikah in Kakariko Village. But something told him he would never stop worrying about her. He had protected her for so long, and she had grown to mean so much to him. He loved her, but not romantically, not as Mipha's rival. Was it how he would feel if she was his sister? As far as he knew he never had a sister, so he couldn't say. But he didn't think so. This feeling he had for Zelda was different and impossible to explain. It was partly spiritual, a connection they shared through Hylia, her with her bloodline and him with the soul of the hero and her sword.
"I can tell that you're thinking about her," said Mipha as she watched Link staring at the castle. "And that's fine, I understand."
"Sorry, sweetheart," said Link as he turned to her. "Was it that obvious? But you know you're the one who has my heart. I just want her to be well. Kiss?"
They embraced and kissed.
"Now it's time for you to keep in shape and work off some of that lunch," said Mipha.
Link looked at her.
"It's not what I think you're thinking," laughed Mipha. "Not now at least. Let's dive from here and swim out to Ruta. We need her help tonight. Come, I'll race you! And I'll let you dive first to give you a chance."
"You're on!" laughed Link. "I'm swimming better and better these days."
Link walked to the edge, looked down, then did what he felt was a perfect dive into East Reservoir Lake, and started swimming as fast as he could. Even so, it took an hour to reach Ruta in the middle of the huge lake. He wasn't sure where Mipha was. He hadn't seen her since he dove into the water. But he was a bit astonished when, upon reaching Ruta, Mipha was sitting at the entrance waiting for him.
"Swimming underwater is faster," Mipha laughed. "But you'll admit you got a good workout, right? Come, let's visit Ruta and discuss our plans for tonight with her."
Link climbed up the entrance, and they made their way to Ruta's trunk, which Mipha adjusted to help them reach it.
"You must be joking. How can Ruta possibly help us with clearing out Lizalfos in the woods?" said Link as they sat down on the trunk high above East Reservoir Lake.
"I'm sorry, Ruta," said Mipha ignoring him and gently patting Ruta's trunk. "My husband is still new."
Ruta remained silent.
"Please don't say anything else to hurt Ruta's feelings," said Mipha as she turned to Link. "She is going to help us by making it rain and thus allowing us to sneak up on our enemies more easily. Is that not so, Ruta?"
Ruta let out a bellow.
"I know Ruta, and I agree with you, it will be a big help," said Mipha.
"Alright," said Link. "I admit I didn't think of that. You can tell Ruta I'm sorry for doubting her."
"I already did," said Mipha. "And she forgives you. She knows you are a good person, just ignorant. Now, let's discuss what we want to do tonight. Concerning the Lizalfos I mean."
"Well, I know you are saying 'we,' but I wish you weren't," said Link. "The Lizalfos are armed with Electric Arrows, and having you there at risk makes me nervous. Are you sure I can't talk you out of coming? I am confident I can do this on my own."
"We've been over this before," said Mipha. "Having you go there alone would make me nervous. We can help each other."
"Alright, I won't argue with you," said Link. "I suggest we paraglide from Ralis Pond down to the wooded area. I know of a small shelter, an alcove, by the path where it curves sharply. I had to stay there overnight once when I got caught in a bad thunderstorm. We can use that as a base of sorts and retreat there if we must."
"That makes sense," said Mipha.
"We need to be very quiet when we land though," said Link. "Sometimes a Lizalfos is guarding that part of the path. I need to take it out quickly. I still have plenty of Ice Arrows. Ice Arrows will need to be our weapon of choice, as we want to freeze our enemies before they can do anything. We don't want an alarm raised alerting the whole camp."
"I can pick up more arrows when we stop at the domain," said Mipha. "Remember I need to retrieve my trident after Dento finishes with it?"
"Yes, right," said Link. He looked around the lake, and his eye fell on the northwest pier.
"As I recall the Lizalfos have a pretty substantial camp there, so it will be a long night of moving stealthily," said Link. "Perhaps we should get some rest this afternoon, take a nap? Since we can't go home, how about the bed on the pier? I mean, I don't mind sleeping in the water here, but you got in enough water time last night, right?"
"Yes, plenty," said Mipha. "Alright, let's go."
Mipha then touched Ruta's trunk gently.
"We're counting on you tonight, Ruta," said Mipha.
And Ruta bellowed her acknowledgment.
Then they left Ruta, and Mipha helped pull Link to the northwest pier. They climbed ashore and waited at the edge of the dock for a while to dry off. Then they made their way to the canopy covered bed and lay down next to each other. It was a comfortable bed and sheltered from the elements.
Link put his arm around her, and they looked in each other's eyes. She brushed his hair back.
"Did I ever tell you I love the feel of your hair," said Mipha. "It's such a novelty, having hair. It doesn't bother you or get in your way? I know it slows swimming which is why the Zora helm covers it."
"No, I hardly think of it," said Link. "As long as it doesn't get in my eyes, I'm fine."
Then Mipha smiled again, and her look changed. She was wearing her seductive smile now.
"You're not too tired after the swim are you, sweetheart?" she said as she rubbed his arm and chest.
"No, and the more I look at you, the less tired I feel," said Link.
East Reservoir Lake was a quiet and private place, a family of three ducks the only other occupants. They embraced, kissed and finally made love. Then they both fell asleep in each other's arms.
It was shortly before sunset when they awoke and smiled at each other.
"Rested?" said Link. "I feel great!"
"A quick dip in the water and we should head home and get ready," said Mipha.
After they both had a short swim, they made their way back to Mikau Lake and their house. Mipha's trident was inside the door, Dento having finished working on it. It looked shiny and polished, and the points had been sharpened as well. After a light dinner, they made their way down to the plaza and Mipha purchased a supply of Ice Arrows.
From there they walked west toward Veiled Falls and stopped briefly there for a kiss. Veiled Falls would always be a special place for them. It was where they had first declared their love for each other, and they couldn't pass it by. They each remembered the thrill of that moment when they finally admitted their long-held love for each other. But now it was time to move on. They continued up the path to the left of the falls and onward toward Ralis Pond.
Ralis Pond was a small shallow body of water with no fish but an abundance of Fleet-Lotus Seed plants along with some Tireless Frogs and Sneaky River Snails. Some Hylian Shrooms and a Hearty Truffle grew near some pine trees there. A lazy fat Hinox used to sleep there, but Link had eliminated it some time ago. Now it was a peaceful spot, another pleasant place for a picnic or a lovers rendezvous. They made their way to the western edge of the Ralis Pond plateau and looked down. It was dark now, and not much could be seen other than the glow of some Zora constructed Luminous Stone markers. It was also pouring rain now, Ruta having lived up to its part in the mission.
"My plan is for us to destroy all of them one-by-one with Ice Arrows," said Link. "I would prefer to avoid any hand-to-hand combat which would leave us vulnerable to getting hit with an Electric Arrow from one of the others. Do you agree?"
"Yes, that makes sense," said Mipha.
Of all the enemies that socialized in groups, Lizalfos were the worst. They were smarter than Bokoblins and Moblins. Admittedly that was not a very high standard, but they did present more of a challenge. Lizalfos could conceal themselves through camouflage and be quicker and more energetic in battle. Even without weapons, they could land a nasty smack with their tails. So, he and Mipha needed to emphasize stealth. Taking on a whole camp of Lizalfos at once was a sure way to get yourself killed.
"Ready?" said Link.
Mipha nodded, and they began paragliding down toward the dark woods below. They paraglided quietly across the Zora River and silently landed on top of a small rock archway above where the path curved sharply and to the right of the highest point in the area. Then they quietly climbed down under the arch and out of the rain.
As Link expected, a single Blue Lizalfos guarded the path below and was crouched down but alert. However, they were above it and hadn't made a sound, the noise of the rain contributing to their stealth. Link crouched and took out his bow, then inched forward under the rock canopy until he had a shot. He aimed carefully and destroyed the Lizalfos with three successive Ice Arrows. Now the coast was clear to make their way to the rock outcropping just above where the Lizalfos had been, slightly ahead of them and adjacent to a small rock archway over the path.
This spot was protected by rock walls on three sides and showed evidence of an old campsite being there, probably the very one Link had mentioned. This would serve as their base and a place to retreat if necessary, but Link hoped it wouldn't be needed for that.
Silent Shrooms glowed on the hillside across the path, and the occasional glow of a Sunset Firefly could be seen. The only other sound was the wind and the rain, and the occasional call of owls and other night birds.
They made their way quietly across the path and up the edge of the hill, then hid behind some pine trees on just the other side of the road. Straight ahead you could make out a small campfire with two Lizalfos. That was their next objective. One Black Lizalfos was near the campfire and the other, a Blue Lizalfos, was perched above it on a rock, peering about, its tongue flicking out now and then to capture some rainwater or perhaps a nearby insect. They continued their stealthy approach until they were in arrow range behind a large rock. The Lizalfos on the rock would pause now and then to camouflage itself. Mipha pointed toward it, and she waited until it concealed itself again, then hit it with three Ice Arrows. End of Lizalfos. The other by the fire perked up a bit when that happened and began looking around for its colleague, suspecting something was wrong. Link hit it with an Ice Arrow, then ran closer and hit it with three more in succession to eliminate the second one.
Looking to the right of the small Lizalfos encampment, there was another Blue Lizalfos perched on a rock, and it too was taking time to camouflage itself on and off. Link waited until it concealed itself, then hit it with two Ice Arrows. But it dodged his next arrow and came charging down the hill toward him, and managed to swipe Link once with its tail, driving him back. But the Lizalfos hadn't seen Mipha, and she thrust her trident into it while it was dancing back and forth, ending it. Link gave her an acknowledgment of thanks. Fortunately, the Lizalfos had not sounded any alert but had chosen to fight one-on-one. Anyway, that was four down.
They moved forward to the crest of the hill, then began working their way down. This was bringing them closer to the main camp. They moved southeast along the top of the hill and then crouched behind a layered rock covered with green moss. They could make out three Blue Lizalfos from here all perched on rocks. There were two to the right and one to the left of the rock they were using as cover. Mipha pointed to the one on the left which was just beyond a beehive, and Link nodded. She hit it with three successive Ice Arrows, destroying it without raising a sound. Five down.
Link crouched to the right of the rock, so only the closer of the two Lizalfos was visible. This time it only took two consecutive shots to destroy it. Then he crept slightly forward until the other Lizalfos was visible. Again, two successive Ice Arrows took care of it. That made seven down so far.
Link backtracked, and as they made their way to the left and around the large rock they had been using to conceal themselves, another Lizalfos on a rock became visible. A pine tree had obscured it at first. Mipha crept forward behind the tree, then hit it with two successive Ice Arrows, and that made eight down.
They both stopped and huddled together to survey the area. Link wiped the rain from his face and rubbed his eyes. It was getting harder to see clearly, but being quiet and stealthy was vital as they approached the base of the camp.
There didn't seem to be any more Lizalfos to the left, so they decided to retreat and go to the right of the original rock outcropping they had been using as cover and make for two large wooden crates. They crept forward and to their right slowly and quietly. Peering over the boxes, they could see another Blue Lizalfos atop one of the rock structures so common here. Link peered around the left side of crates, and when the Lizalfos turned its back and looked away from his direction, he hit squarely with two Ice Arrows. That made nine down.
They moved past the crates to another moss-covered rock and crouched there. Peering around the right side of the rock, they could make out two more Blue Lizalfos, one perched on a similar rock, and the other one further away on a lookout platform. It looked at first as though one of them had spotted them as it rose up and looked intently in their direction. But by keeping still and remaining crouched down they escaped detection, and the Lizalfos gave up interest. Link was then able to destroy the closer one quietly, but the second one noticed what happened and sounded an alarm. Link managed to get that one too with Ice Arrows, but now they had to look out. That made eleven down.
They beat a quick retreat back up the hill and looked back. Nothing was following them, and no Electric Arrows were flying their way. Whatever alarm had been raised had not produced any result. But it was prudent to wait. After several minutes of inactivity, Link signaled to move further to the right, and they made their way slowly back down.
There was no activity evident. Their attack had taken all night, and the sky was brightening now. And as they carefully approached the camp, it was clear why there was no activity. The lookout that had sounded the alarm had alerted no one but itself. It had been the last Lizalfos. The entire camp was destroyed and now lay littered with abandoned weapons, arrows and body parts. Link examined a treasure chest and found a Royal Bow there. He did not like to think about how the Lizalfos had come into the possession of a Royal Bow.
"Nice work," said Mipha. "I've admired your swordsmanship for some time, but you are very accurate with a bow as well. Some of those headshots were perfect."
"Thanks," said Link. "This went better than I feared, and I'm glad it's over. Let's go home. And be sure to give my thanks to Ruta."
"You can thank her in person tomorrow, sweetheart," said Mipha. "Or I should say later today I guess."
It was mid-morning by the time they made their way back home, and Mipha had helped by pulling Link part of the way in the water. The strain and long hours had made him tired, and their bedroom was a welcome sight. Mipha entered the pool at once and Link undressed and joined her moments later.
"You did well," said Mipha as she smiled at him. "We both did. Now get some rest."
He smiled back at her. He felt pleased they were making progress cleaning up the area around the domain. He wanted to contribute and do his part for his new people, and now he was.
Before he closed his eyes to sleep, he remembered how worried he used to be about what his life would be like after destroying Ganon, that he would be useless and have no goals or purpose anymore. How silly all that worry seemed now. He was living with someone he loved and who loved him, he was using his combat skills as he always did, and he could even look forward perhaps to raising a family someday. Life ahead seemed pretty full to him now. And with that happy thought, he fell asleep.