Chapter 9 - Hatchlings

Summary: Mipha lays two eggs that hatch and she and Link enter the world of parenting.

After sharing the happy news about the two eggs she was carrying with her dear husband on the evening of their first anniversary, Mipha couldn't wait to tell her father the next morning.

"Will you hurry up, Link!" said Mipha as she waited impatiently for Link to finish his breakfast. "You Hylians are so inefficient. First, you have to heat the fish, and then you have to let it cool. If you were a Zora, you would be long done by now!"

"I'm eating as fast as I can, Mipha," laughed Link. "You know I can't eat it raw! Do you want me to choke?"

"There was no need to answer me and waste even more time," said Mipha. "Please, just keep eating."

Link did as she asked, chuckling inside. It was rare for someone to accuse him of eating too slowly, as his reputation with food was usually the opposite. Life in the wild where danger could occur at any time had taught him to eat quickly.

"There, I'm done," said Link finally as he swallowed his last bite and wiped his mouth.

"Come on, then," said Mipha taking his hand and practically pulling him to the door.

They made their way to the throne room, and King Dorephan was not yet busy.

"Mipha dear," said King Dorephan seeing her pulling Link into the room. "Whatever is the matter?"

"We want to share some good news, Father!" said Mipha. "In about a month you are going to be the grandfather of two children!"

She ran to her father, and he enveloped her in a big hug.

"My darling girl, that is wonderful news!" said King Dorephan as he held her. "I am so happy for the two of you, and I know you must both be thrilled. But am I really that old already, a grandfather?"

"You're not old, Father," laughed Mipha as she kissed him on the cheek. "We're very young parents."

"Well, never mind about me, this is about the two of you. This is a fabulous way to start the day," said King Dorephan. "And you are positively glowing, Mipha. I haven't seen you this happy since the night Link accepted the armor from you."

"Yes, Father," said Mipha as they released their embrace. "I am ecstatic!"

"And I am as well," said Link. "I must admit I'm still a bit in shock, though."

"I know exactly what you mean," laughed King Dorephan. "I can still remember my feelings when I found out about Mipha and then later about Sidon. But you'll get over it soon. Oh, I see I have a meeting coming up now. We can talk further later. Congratulations again, and I look forward to learning what names you decide upon."

They left holding hands as they made their way down to the plaza. Link made a burping sound, and Mipha glanced at him.

"Are you alright?" said Mipha.

"Excuse me, and yes, I'm fine," said Link clearing his throat. "I'm just trying to deal with the effect of wolfing down my breakfast as Your Highness requested."

"I'm sorry," said Mipha. "I was too excited, that's all. Do you want to sit down or is walking better?"

"Walking is better, and I'll be fine in a minute," said Link. "But I forgot we have to pick names."

"Yes, and they need to follow the musical royal naming convention," said Mipha. "I'll give it some thought, and we can talk about it."

And so life resumed as they counted down the days. Mipha noticed Link kept expressing concern she not overexert herself to the point she had to remind him it was fine. And she began to see a slight swelling in her body, but it was not too pronounced or uncomfortable.

About midway through the month Mipha and Link paid a visit to Ruta, and as usual, Mipha lowered the entrance, and they both boarded.

"I have good news, Ruta," said Mipha. "We are having two children in a couple of weeks."

Ruta bellowed and let out a spray of water from its trunk.

"Yes, we are both excited, too," said Mipha.

"Hello Ruta," said Link.

He had learned by now to treat Ruta as a family member. Ruta bellowed softy twice.

"Well, yes, they may well inherit some of Link's characteristics," said Mipha. "But they will be all Zora."

Ruta bellowed again, and Mipha burst out laughing.

"You're so funny, Ruta," said Mipha. "But that's how reproduction works."

"Why do I feel you two are having a conversation about me as if I'm not present?" said Link.

"Oh! Sorry, sweetheart," said Mipha. "Ruta was just wondering how much each of us would contribute to our children's characteristics."

Link waited, and when Mipha said nothing more, he continued.

"And?" said Link. "That can't have been everything, and it certainly wasn't what you were laughing at."

Oh, yes, that's right," said Mipha. "Well, Ruta just expressed her opinion that perhaps the children would be, um, somewhat better off let us say if they were to inherit more of my characteristics than yours, and was there any way to achieve that outcome."

"I knew it," said Link. "Ruta hates me, doesn't she?"

"No, no, sweetheart, let me explain," said Mipha taking his hand. "You have to make some allowance for her. Aside from the Sheikah who created her, whom you would have to admit were brilliant, Ruta has not had any contact with non-Zora races. So, she tends to judge Hylians she meets like you in comparison to the Sheikah she once knew, which you would agree is too high an expectation, an unrealistic one in fact. So, I'm working on lowering her expectations of you, that's all. She does like you."

"Well, alright," said Link. "I guess that makes some sense."

"And it seems I haven't lowered her expectations of you quite enough yet, but I'll keep working on it, sweetheart," said Mipha.

"Thank you," said Link. "But why does it feel I shouldn't be thanking you for that? Anyway, I hope Ruta is pleased you are having children."

"Yes, she is," said Mipha. "I think all is well with Ruta, and we can go now."

So, life continued normally until they finally reached the point where Mipha's eggs could be ready any day. The big day itself started memorably.

It was afternoon, and the rainfall was nothing short of torrential, a fact Mipha was later happy to recall as Zoras believed rain was a lucky omen. The channels of water around the domain bubbled like boiling water with the impact of huge raindrops that fell almost continuously. Mipha and Link sat huddled together, having taken shelter in one of the gazeboes. They had just left an all morning council meeting when the storm had begun, and they had run laughing to where they now sat side-by-side. They were sheltered here and didn't mind an excuse to cuddle. Looking down they could see the village plaza now uncharacteristically empty of activity, the heavy rain having driven everyone to seek shelter.

"You feel alright?" said Link.

Mipha looked over at him and smiled. He was so anxious, she thought, but it was cute. He cared so much about what was about to happen and wanted everything to be perfect. But she needed him to calm down.

"Sorry," said Link shaking his head. "I know I just asked."

"You need to relax, sweetheart, you're way too anxious," said Mipha as she took his hand. "I know all this is new to you, and it's new to me too. But it's been happening successfully for thousands of years. Just be there to help me when the time comes, and everything will be fine."

Link's only job was to have a container of fresh, clean water ready to hold the eggs.

"I'll be ready," said Link." I carry a vessel for the eggs with me whenever we're not close to home."

Mipha cuddled up against him and rested her head on his chest as the rain made a steady patter on the roof of their shelter.

"It's quite the downpour we're having when even Zoras seek shelter," said Link as he gave her a gentle squeeze. "Did you discuss the names with Father?"

"Yes, and he was fine with them," said Mipha. "Raypha and Tila for girls, Tidon and Midon for boys, as we agreed. We use the first name on each list if we have one of each."

"They are all nice-sounding names," said Link. "I keep saying them over and over in my head. I feel I am living a dream, sweetheart."

"Our life together has been a dream for me as well," said Mipha as she snuggled up closer against him. "And this is just the next part of it."

Something else had been on Link's mind, and though he had mentioned it before, he liked having more reassurance.

"You believe they will accept me as their father, right?" said Link. "I mean with me being a Hylian and all."

Mipha looked up into his eyes, smiled, and gently touched his cheek. He had asked her this before, but it clearly preyed on his mind.

"Trust me, I know they will, sweetheart," said Mipha. "I promise you they will love you as much as they do me. You don't have any trouble accepting me, do you? They are going to grow up with you there for them, raising them and playing with them. They are going to love you dearly. Please stop worrying."

"Alright," said Link giving her another gentle squeeze.

She had told him that before, but he liked hearing it. That was one of his chief worries that his Zora children would feel he was too different from them. But Mipha kept telling him that wouldn't happen, and he hoped she was right.

It was about half an hour before the rain finally let up enough to head home. They spent the rest of the day there, which was uneventful, and retired for the evening at a reasonable time. Link fell asleep quickly, but the next thing he knew Mipha was calling his name and shaking him.

"Link, wake up!" said Mipha as she reached out for him and shook him gently.

Link was instantly alert.

"I think the eggs are coming," said Mipha. "Go fill the container from the lake and hurry back."

Link jumped out of the pool, grabbed the container from where he had left it, and then rushed to the lake outside their house, returning with it full of lake water.

"It's easier and more natural if I lay the eggs in water," said Mipha. "It's not painful. I just feel some pressure. Oh! I feel one coming! Get ready, Link!"

Link could see an egg emerging from her, and he gently took it in his hands and carefully placed it in the vessel of water.

Mipha groaned again, then she squeezed her muscles, and he could see a second egg emerge from between her legs. He carefully grasped the egg as it did so, and transferred it to the container as well.

"Are you alright?" said Link.

"Yes, I'm alright, just a bit winded," said Mipha slightly out of breath. "That wasn't as bad as I feared. Let me see the eggs, sweetheart!"

Link picked up the container and brought it over to her.

"They look fine," said Mipha as she examined them. "In a few days there will be two hatchlings swimming there, and we will need to transfer them to the nursery tank and start getting them food. Are you excited?"

"Yes, I'm excited!" said Link. "I love you so much, Mipha! I can't believe this is happening."

He leaned over and kissed her as she floated in the water.

"Do I need to do anything else?" said Link.

"We just need to make sure the water stays clean over the next three days," said Mipha. "We can replace the water if we need to. Otherwise, there is nothing to do. When they are ready, they will bite their way out of the egg."

"I guess you can't tell if it's a boy or girl yet?" said Link.

"No," laughed Mipha. "You have to wait for them to hatch. When it's a decent time of day, we need to share the news with Father. I'm sure it has been on his mind."

Link kept staring at the eggs, and now and then one of the eggs would move slightly.

"The miracle of life," said Link. "It's so humbling."

"Yes, before us is perhaps the future king or queen of the Zora," said Mipha.

"I'm in awe," said Link. "I don't know what to say. How is it determined which one will rule?"

"Since they came into this world together, the council of elders will choose when the time comes," said Mipha. "Come back to sleep with me. The eggs are fine, and it's still the middle of the night."

Link joined her back in the pool and Mipha fell asleep a few moments later, but he kept opening his eyes to check on the eggs. Eventually, he must have fallen asleep, because the next thing he knew it was morning and Mipha was already up.

"Good morning!" said Mipha. "You must have been tired. I already saw Father and gave him the good news. Hungry?"

"Shouldn't you be resting, taking it easy?" said Link.

"I'm fine," said Mipha. "There's an extra bass in the kitchen."

The next two days, they made sure the water stayed clean, and on the third day, the tension was palpable.

Link hoped the babies were fine, but he knew Zora/Hylian marriages were rare and how their children would turn out possibly unpredictable. They took turns watching the eggs, and had already prepared the nursery tank with clean water and had cut up small pieces of fresh fish.

And then it happened when it was Mipha's turn to watch.

"Link, come here! Hurry!" said Mipha.

Link rushed over to where Mipha sat looking at the container with the eggs. One of the eggs had started to break open as the hatchling inside was motivated by lack of nourishment to work its way out of the shell. They both watched as slowly a little face peeked through an opening. Then through further effort, the hatchling wriggled free of the egg and began to swim.

"That's a boy!" said Mipha excitedly. "He looks perfect. And he has your eyes, Link! They're gorgeous!"

His skin coloration was red like Mipha's, but his blue eyes were clearly inherited from Link.

Mipha carefully scooped the hatchling up in both her hands and gently placed him in the nursery tank.

"Add some cut up fish," said Mipha. "Little Tidon is hungry."

Link did as asked, and Mipha was right. Tidon went after the tiny pieces of fish at once and swallowed them whole.

"Come here, Link!" said Mipha. "The other one is hatching now."

Link joined her and watched a similar occurrence. But this time the baby had the same red skin but bright gold eyes.

"And that's a girl!" said Mipha. "She looks perfect, too, and adorable!"

Mipha scooped her up and transported her to the nursery tank too while Link cut up some more fish.

"Hello Tidon and Raypha," said Mipha as she watched them swim and eat. "Welcome to your home. Aren't they precious, Link?"

Both hatchlings gobbled up the food until they were full, stopped to stare at each other for a moment, then floated gently to the bottom of the tank to rest.

"They will eat like crazy for a while," said Mipha. "Their growth will be so fast. You'll see. But now you're a father, Link, and I'm a mother. Doesn't it feel wonderful?"

"It does," said Link as he leaned over and they kissed. "It does indeed."

"We need to take turns getting them fresh food," said Mipha. "It will be tiring for a while, but as they get bigger, they will eat more but less frequently. When they're a month old or so you can start playing with them a little, wiggling your finger at them. They won't bite, but they might grasp it. And when they're a few months old, we can start briefly lifting them out of the water to help their lungs develop. In less than a year they will be able to live on land or water, though they will still prefer water."

"It sounds like a long time, but I expect it will go by fast," said Link as he stared at the two hatchlings resting now. "I want to cherish every minute of it."

Mipha smiled at him and took his hand.

"I know you will be a wonderful father," said Mipha. "You're a wonderful person, and I love you so very much."

They kissed, then Mipha spoke up again.

"I'm going to go tell Father, and he will want to see the children," said Mipha. "I'll be right back."

Mipha left, and Link returned to watching the babies. They were still resting at the bottom of the tank, asleep, but you could make out the gentle movement of their tiny gills. He said a prayer of thanks to Hylia that all had gone well. In some ways, he realized having Zora children was more interesting. You could see them grow and develop day by day. A Hylian baby would do most of the same development in the mother's womb, hidden from view. Of course, either creation of life was miraculous and had its advantages and disadvantages. But he was living a remarkable experience and something unique in his life. He did want to cherish every moment of it. His reverie was interrupted by some noise, and a moment later, King Dorephan, Mipha, and Sidon entered and went over to the tank.

"Congratulations, Link," said King Dorephan. "This is a momentous family moment. Let me see the new prince and princess."

King Dorephan and Sidon both looked at the tank. Whether it was the increased activity or coincidence, both hatchlings opened their eyes and began swimming.

"I'll get them some more food," said Link as he went to cut more fish.

"Look, Sidon," said Mipha. "That's Tidon and Raypha. Try saying their names."

"Tie-don and Ray-pha," said Sidon slowly, then smiled, proud of himself. He was speaking much better after all the classes he had.

"When they're bigger you can play with them like I used to play with you," said Mipha.

Link returned with the food, placed it in the tank, and the babies started eating.

"They look adorable," said King Dorephan. "Tidon has your eyes, Link, and Raypha reminds me so much of you, Mipha. I wish your dear mother were here to see this. I know she would have been so happy and so proud. But there I go turning a happy moment into a sad one."

"No, not at all, Father, it's not sad," said Mipha as she went over and hugged him. "I remember Mother too, and it's fitting we think of her at moments such as these. I was thinking of her earlier as well. Please don't feel bad for remembering her."

"Thank you, sweetheart. Well, Sidon and I should go," said King Dorephan. "Do you need any help?"

"No, thank you, Father," said Mipha.

"Can I stay?" said Sidon.

"Now Sidon, your sister, and Link are going to be busy taking care of the babies," said King Dorephan. "They won't have time to play with you."

Mipha looked over at Link.

"If it's alright with you, Father, Sidon is welcome to stay," said Link. "He won't be any trouble, and I might be able to squeeze in some playtime with my little brother."

Sidon turned with an excited expression to his father.

"Very well, if you don't mind," said King Dorephan. "But please bring him home if it gets to be too much for you. Well, I'll repeat congratulations and prepare the official announcement. They're adorable, and this happy grandfather can't wait to start spoiling them!"

King Dorephan then left.

Sidon returned to watching the tank. Thank goodness they looked just like other Zora hatchlings he had seen, except for the boy's eye color. When his sister had told him that she and Link were having children, he had this image of a baby being part Zora but with hair and big ears. It was frightening! But thankfully that hadn't happened.

Mipha came over beside Sidon and put her arm around him, then kissed him on the forehead.

"I think you will enjoy being an uncle when you're older," said Mipha. "What are you thinking?"

"They're so small, Sis," said Sidon. "Was I like that once?"

"Yes, you were, and so was I," said Mipha. "You don't remember, but I loved playing with you when you were a hatchling. You would grab onto my finger, and I would pull you gently through the water. And later, when you were older, we could play real games together. Do you remember any of that?"

"I remember you playing with me," said Sidon. He reached out and hugged his sister. "I wish I could remember Mother, though. Father said she became a spirit when I was small."

"Yes, she did," said Mipha. "I know she loved you dearly and wished she could be here for you. But sometimes life does things we wish it didn't and then we have to go on living the best we can. You understand, right?"

"Yes, I think so," said Sidon. "And now you're a mother too. I used to think of you as my mother when I was small."

"I tried to make up for her being gone," said Mipha. "But I couldn't, not really. And yes, I am a mother now, but I am still your sister. We will always be close, Sidon, and you can always come to me for anything. You know that, don't you?"

Sidon smiled at her.

"I know that, Sis," said Sidon.

"Let me get you some lunch," said Mipha. "Then maybe you and Link can play for a while. I need to stay here and feed the little ones. Alright?"

Sidon nodded.

After lunch, Link was able to have an adventure with Sidon outside their house by the lake. This time Link pretended to be two Moblins, and Sidon had to deal with the second one after finishing off the first.

"That was fun, Link!" said Sidon after the battle was over.

"You are getting good with a spear, Sidon," said Link. "Those evil Moblins didn't have a chance. Let's say goodbye to your sister, and I will walk you home."

After going inside and kissing Mipha goodbye, Sidon took Link's hand, and they walked back to the throne room.

"You're a father now," said Sidon as they walked along the path.

"Yes," said Link. "But I am still your big brother. And don't you forget it."

"I won't," laughed Sidon.

Link hugged and kissed him when he reached the throne room area, then returned home to find Mipha watching the tank.

"It's good you found time to play with him," said Mipha. "I don't want him to become jealous of our two little ones, and he is still a bit young to understand. Thank you for being so thoughtful."

"I wasn't thoughtful," said Link. "I enjoy playing with him. And you know, someday I may even be able to defeat him."

"You're so cute," laughed Mipha. "Come sit with me. I can't take my eyes off them."

"Me either," said Link putting his arm around her. "I think raising these two will be some of the happiest moments in my life. And I couldn't have done it without you."

"And the same goes for me," laughed Mipha. "I love you so, so much!"

"And I love you, with all my heart," said Link.

The official announcement came out later that day.

The Zora Royal Family is pleased to announce the arrival of Princess Raypha and Prince Tidon, daughter and son of Princess Mipha and Master Link. The parents and children are all doing well.