Chapter 8 - Happy Anniversary!
Summary: A year goes by, and Link pledges his loyalty to the Zora Kingdom, as Mipha and Link celebrate a quiet but memorable first anniversary.
It was early evening in Zora's Domain, and Mipha stood in the highest gazebo structure looking out at the Great Zora Bridge. She had finished her work for the day and was awaiting Link's return from Hyrule Castle. Queen Zelda had needed him there for a week, but Link had promised he would return today, and she knew he would keep his word. For one thing, he always did. But for another, tomorrow was a special day for them, their first anniversary, and he promised he would not miss that for the world. She was waiting to see him ride up, hop-off Epona, and then run across the bridge. He always did that when he returned from a trip, run across the bridge. He told her he did that for two reasons. First of all, he liked to keep in shape. Secondly, he couldn't wait to hold her in his arms again. Then he would kiss her and tell her the second reason was the more important one. And she knew that too.
As she waited, she remembered other times they had spent together in this gazebo. When Link was quite small, they had played here, sliding down the waterway together. She would hold him in front of her, and he would giggle all the way down as they slid together along the curved waterway, treating it like a water slide. He was such a cute little boy, and so active! And when he was older, they sometimes came here to sit and talk or share a snack. They used to talk then about their lives, and he was such a happy person with a ready smile, though always respectful of her as a princess. That was before he was older and chosen by the sword, before Ruta was discovered, and way before he was assigned as Zelda's knight. Those were happy and carefree days too.
The sun had set now, and stars were starting to appear between wisps of gray clouds as she continued to look toward the end of the bridge in the distance. And then she finally saw him, a solitary horseman, riding full speed to the domain entrance. He hopped off Epona, leaving her to graze, and started running. As he reached the other end of the bridge and was welcomed by the two guards on duty there, she shouted and waved to him. He looked up, saw her, and waved back. Then he made his way to her, and they rushed into each other's arms.
"I missed you, darling," said Link as he took her in his arms and smothered her with kisses, ending with a nice long romantic one. It wasn't too long a kiss as Link was still out of breath. But the passion and feeling in his kisses confirmed how much he missed her. And she kissed him back hungrily, for she had missed him too. Very, very much.
"I missed you too, sweetheart," said Mipha finally when they stopped kissing each other. "I'm too used to having you beside me each night. I'm glad you made it back in time, though I always knew you would."
"Of course I would, sweetheart," said Link. "Nothing could keep me from being back with you in time for our special day tomorrow."
Then they kissed again, and she pulled him close to her, and they pressed against each other. How could she ever live without him now? She was hopelessly in love with him, more so than before they were married.
"Have you eaten?" said Mipha finally.
"No, I rode straight through," said Link. "I couldn't spare a moment getting back to be with you, darling."
"So sweet," said Mipha as she brushed his hair back from his forehead. She just couldn't keep her hands off him! "Let's go home, and I'll cook you a fish while you freshen up."
"A princess cooked meal," said Link taking her hand as they started making their way home. "How can I resist?"
"Just don't get spoiled," said Mipha. "It's only because I missed you so much. And you know how I hate to see good fish ruined by getting burnt."
"Well, we won't miss each other for a while, I'm done traveling for now," said Link as they made their way along the path to their Mikau Lake home. "And I'm happy about that. Zelda sends her love by the way, and she apologized for taking me away so long."
"I'm glad you could help her," said Mipha. "I know how much she still relies on you and how much you want to help her. I support that, but I still don't like sharing you."
They reached their house and Link went to change out of his traveling clothes while Mipha prepared a Hyrule Bass and some rice. Link returned, and they sat down together at the table.
"You've already eaten?" said Link after taking a bite of fish.
"Yes, awhile ago," said Mipha. "It's pretty late, you know. It was a quiet day here today. I attended a council meeting with Father this morning, then worked with Sidon on his swimming in the afternoon. Sidon kept asking me when you would be back, and I know he's hoping for another adventure soon."
"That's fine," said Link after swallowing another bite of fish. "You know I love to play with him, and he's so adorable. The fish is delicious, by the way. Thank you, Princess."
"I think you're hungry," laughed Mipha. "I don't want to rush you, but I'm eager for you to finish and join me. It's getting late."
"I'm done," said Link taking her hand.
And then he pulled her to their room as they both laughed. She entered the water and, after pulling off his clothes, he joined her in the slumber pool. And then they made love with a passion and urgency that reflected how much they had both physically missed each other. Afterward, they fell asleep almost at once. It had been a long day.
Next morning Mipha opened her eyes to see Link smiling at her. She reached out and stroked his hair, and she could never get over the feel of his hair. She couldn't imagine hair on herself, as it seemed such a nuisance to care for and would only slow down her swimming. But it looked cute on him!
"Happy Anniversary, sweetheart," said Link as he leaned forward and they shared a long sweet kiss.
"Happy Anniversary," said Mipha. "It's been the most wonderful year of my life."
"Mine too," said Link. "I've never known such happiness as I have with you."
"We slept late," said Mipha observing the sun streaming through the window.
"We were both pretty tired," said Link. "I had a long ride home for one thing."
"You weren't that tired from the ride," said Mipha. "I can vouch for that."
"Maybe it was the fish dinner," laughed Link. "Should we get up?"
"Yes, we should," said Mipha. "But let's not. I want to discuss today with you. You do remember the other thing you promised to do today, right?"
"Yes," said Link. "And Zelda has no problem with it. I felt I should double-check."
"That's fine," said Mipha. "I believe Father already checked with her. I'm happy you're doing this, sweetheart. It may seem only symbolic to you, but it means a lot to Father."
Link planed to take an oath of loyalty to the Zora Royal Family today at lunch and formally become a subject of their kingdom. It felt a bit odd to be doing that since he had been a soldier and member of the Hyrule Royal Guard for years now. He was duty-bound to defend the Hyrule Royal Family, which consisted only of Queen Zelda at the moment. Not that he was sure any of this really mattered, as no one envisioned a war between the Zora Kingdom and the Kingdom of Hyrule. They had been allies for thousands of years and had no areas of disagreement. But if it mattered to Mipha and his family, then, of course, he would do it.
"I'm happy to do it," said Link. "I feel honored as a Hylian to be invited to become a member of your kingdom, and I have nothing but the greatest respect for it after all I've learned about your history and culture. But you know my loyalties were always with you anyway."
"I know, but this will make Father happy knowing everyone in his family is a citizen here," said Mipha.
"Well, I guess we should get up now," said Mipha finally. "Father is expecting us for lunch and for you to take the oath. We have the afternoon to ourselves."
They got up, Link dressed and they made their way to the throne room.
"Welcome home, Link, and congratulations to both of you!" said King Dorephan upon seeing them. "I can't believe it's been a year already. But you two look wonderful together."
"Link!" shouted Sidon as he rushed over to Link.
Link picked him up, hugged and kissed him, then put him back down.
"I missed you bro," said Link. "But I'm staying home for a while now. So we will have plenty of time to play together."
"I'm here too, Sidon," said Mipha.
Sidon rushed over to his sister, and they embraced and kissed.
"Now, before we have lunch together, perhaps we can perform the ceremony," said King Dorephan. "Are you ready, Link?"
"Yes, I am," said Link.
"Then, just repeat after me," said King Dorephan.
Link did as asked.
"I, Link, from this day forward do solemnly swear to be a loyal subject of the Zora Royal Family, to obey Zora laws and customs, and to defend the Zora kingdom to the best of my ability," said Link repeating King Dorephan's words.
"Having taken the oath, I now declare you to be a citizen of the Zora kingdom with all its attendant rights and obligations," said King Dorephan. "Congratulations, and thank you, Link."
"I am honored, Father," said Link.
"Now Link is a Zora citizen," said Mipha to Sidon.
Sidon looked skeptical. Was his sister teasing him? First Link was his brother and now a Zora citizen. But it didn't seem to change anything about him.
Mipha went over and hugged Link.
"Congratulations, sweetheart," said Mipha. "Now I can order you around, you know."
"You always could, Princess," laughed Link.
"Now, let's have lunch on this doubly memorable day," said King Dorephan.
The lunch was delicious, and they discussed some of the work Link had done for Queen Zelda at Hyrule Castle. When they finished lunch, Sidon asked if he could go with them.
"Now, Sidon, this is your sister's and Link's special day," said King Dorephan. "I think they should be able to enjoy the day by themselves."
Link looked over at Mipha, and she nodded.
"Father, we don't mind taking Sidon for the afternoon," said Link. "We will have dinner and this evening for ourselves. But I missed my little brother."
Sidon beamed with pleasure.
"Well, that is very nice of you," said King Dorephan. "By all means, enjoy the afternoon together. And Sidon, please behave and don't make Mipha and Link regret taking you with them."
Sidon nodded, then took Link's hand.
"Come, let's work off lunch with some swimming at the lake," said Mipha. "And hello, Sidon. I'm here too."
They spent the afternoon playing tag in the water and swimming up and down waterfalls. As dinner time approached, they had a challenge to catch the first fish. Mipha won, and Sidon finished second, as expected. Sidon enjoyed beating Link, and it proved his sister was teasing him. Link was no better at catching fish now than before the ceremony.
They dropped Sidon off at home, then had a quick dinner together and afterward decided to take a walk.
"Well, it's been a fun day," said Link. "I had wanted to do something special for you, but being together with you and the family is special enough, I guess. Where should we spend the rest of our day?"
"Someplace we can sit and talk but with a nice view, like Ralis Pond," said Mipha. "Come, let's go."
They held hands as they made their way along the path and finally reached Ralis Pond as a Hot Footed Frog scampered away upon their approach. It was early evening, and the western sky was turning orange with the setting sun. Ralis Pond was a scenic spot with purple and pink shrubs shaped like undersea coral spread among the pine trees. Fleet Lotus Seeds grew in the pond itself, and various types of mushrooms grew near the trees. A heron stepped slowly through the grass looking for insects or frogs, while the chirping of smaller birds perched in the trees filled the air.
They walked to the western edge of the plateau and looked out across the landscape. The view was magnificent and encompassed most of western Hyrule. Straight ahead you could make out Hyrule Castle and beyond it the figure of Divine Beast Vah Medoh perched above Rito Village. To the left, you could see Divine Beast Vah Naboris atop a mountain peak. And below them was the forest where they had begun married life together cleaning out Lizalfos.
"You like coming back here, to Ralis Pond, don't you?" said Link as he put his arm around her.
"Yes," said Mipha. "Here and Veiled Falls. I like the view and the chance to get away. It's a peaceful spot, private but not too far from home. We've come here often together."
"I know," said Link. "I have fond memories of us playing together here when I was small. I also remember you knocking me on my backside here several times when we sparred before our marriage. But I also have fond memories of us playing together here after we married."
"So do I," laughed Mipha as she reached out and gently stroked his arm.
Mipha looked at him and his soft blonde hair ruffled by the gentle breeze. He was so handsome, and such a wonderful husband too. He understood her moods now and her sense of humor. He was a tender yet passionate lover, and she could sense how much he loved her and cared about her happiness. In short, he was perfect for her.
And he was still the modest and kind person she was so attracted to from early on. She remembered how he was back then as a young teenager. If you saw him walking around at that time, you would think he was just some ordinary kid, maybe a bit on the quiet side. You wouldn't pay any particular attention to him. He didn't brag or strut or swagger or act conceited. He usually kept to himself and minded his own business. He could be moody sometimes, but he was basically good-natured, willing to listen to anyone who needed help. He was the kind of kid a stranger might ask to help gather wood, and he wouldn't mind. He would happily do it for them like he had nothing more important to do.
But if evil threatened and he drew the sword that seals the darkness, then you would see a side of him you wouldn't believe existed. There would be a fearless determination in those bright blue eyes of his, an overpowering will to overcome whatever evil he faced. And that shy, quiet kid who might have helped you with your chores earlier in the day, suddenly became the most formidable adversary in all of Hyrule, a ruthless fighter who would risk his life to protect you. His combat skills were second to none, a fluid blur of precise movements, and a wonder to behold. She had seen that skill on display when he defeated the Lynel on Ploymus Mountain, and she would never forget it or how it affected her.
They stood together quietly and stared out across the landscape.
"We've traveled together all over Hyrule," said Link pointing to the view. "It was quite an epic journey, and it's hard to believe it's been over a year already."
"Yes, it was an epic journey, one of both accomplishment and discovery," said Mipha. "Somehow, it felt right to me, as I always thought my role in all this was to protect you. But it was such a close call, Link. I almost raced to my Divine Beast like the others. But something tugged at my heart at the moment of decision, just as I was about to head back to the domain. It was my deep love for you, Link, and it was that love that enabled us to be together. So, yes, it was an amazing journey, and one I will always remember. But I'm so glad it's over, and we have each other and our life together now. It's been such a happy year for me, sharing my life with you. And I look forward to many more."
"But speaking of our anniversary, sweetheart," said Link. "It's still not too late to change your mind about a trip, to get away together. We could go back to Lurelin Village, or visit the Faron Region. Or is there someplace else you would like to visit?"
"No, I prefer not to travel right now," said Mipha. "And I'm glad you followed my wishes and did not get me a gift. I told you our gift is having each other."
"I did want to get you something when I was in Castle Town, something special to remember this day. But in the end, I respected your wishes. I didn't want to embarrass you if you weren't getting me something," said Link.
"I think we will both remember today without exchanging gifts," said Mipha as she smiled at him.
"A quiet celebration together is fine if that's what you prefer, sweetheart. Above all else, I want you to be happy. I just felt I should do something special to show you how much I love you and how much this year with you has meant to me."
"I know that's how you feel, sweetheart," said Mipha. "You didn't have to do something special to tell me that."
They stood together for another few moments as the sky started to darken.
"Let's sit under the large rock there before we head home," said Mipha pointing to the rock outcropping that overhung the pond. "I'd like to talk with you a bit longer."
"Of course," said Link.
They held hands as they walked to the spot beneath the rock and sat down. Link put his arm around her, and she leaned her head on his shoulder. Then she took his hand and straightened up to look at him.
"You know, when I said we shouldn't exchange presents, I lied a little," said Mipha. "I did end up with a present for you. Two presents, in fact."
"Now you make me feel bad," said Link as he turned to her. "We agreed not to exchange gifts, and I took you at your word."
"That's alright," said Mipha as she smiled at him. "I just couldn't stop myself."
"Well, then give me a chance to get you something in return," said Link.
"You don't have to do that," said Mipha. "In a sense, you already have given me something."
"What are you talking about?" said Link.
She gently stroked his hand and then looked into his eyes.
"Congratulations! You're going to be a father, Link," said Mipha.
"What! Are you serious? Oh Hylia that is wonderful news!" said Link as he reached out and they embraced then kissed.
"Two presents?" said Link. "That means you are carrying two eggs?"
"Yes," said Mipha. "They should pass in about a month and hatch three days after that."
"How long have you known about this?" said Link.
"I found out this past week while you were away," said Mipha. "I thought I would wait to tell you today. It's the perfect gift to each other, isn't it?"
"It's beautiful, a wonderful gift, a gift beyond anything I could imagine," said Link. "I'm so happy I don't know what to say. Just when I think I can't be any happier, you find a way to surpass it. But can I do something to help you? Are you feeling alright? Shouldn't you be taking things easy now? And was it okay for you to do all that swimming today? And what about us making love?"
"Relax, sweetheart," laughed Mipha. "I'm fine and so are the eggs. It's different than a Hylian live birth. Most of a Zora baby's growth occurs after hatching. I need to stay active, and I want to stay active. And that includes being with you, so don't be nervous. Now we should head home before it gets too late. Tomorrow we can share the good news with Father, and I know he will be thrilled. And happy anniversary sweetheart. Do you think you will remember it now?"
"I will never forget it the rest of my life!" said Link. "I love you so much!"
"And I love you," said Mipha. "Are you ready to be a father?"
"Yes, I am," said Link. "I've been thinking about it on and off but knew it could only be when you were ready. You know I love children. And having two of my own, I can't believe it. I'm thrilled!"
They kissed again, then held hands as they made their way home.
They both realized life was going to be very different for them soon.