Chapter 14 - Seaside Holiday
Summary: The children are old enough to travel further, and take a brief family vacation for some Hyrule sightseeing.
"Wow! It's magnificent, Mom," said Tidon as he paused to stare at Lake Hylia from the Hylia River. Mipha, Link, Raypha and Tidon were taking their first trip to the famous lake now that the children were old enough to swim longer distances.
"It's huge!" exclaimed Raypha.
"It is, isn't it?" said Mipha.
"I'm exhausted," said Link, grateful for the pause as he struggled to catch his breath. They had swum down the Hylia River together, and despite the Zora Armor, Link had trouble keeping up with the rest of the family toward the final part of the swim.
"Come on, Dad, we've got you," said Raypha as she swam up next to him and took his hand. "We're almost there. Ti, lend us a fin. We'll pull Dad the rest of the way."
"Sure, Ray," said Tidon swimming over to Link and grasping Link's other hand. "You should have spoken up sooner, Dad. Were we going too fast for you?"
"No, no, it's fine, and it's a good exercise for me," said Link. "I do need to stay fit. I'm just a bit winded for the moment."
"That's a funny expression!" laughed Raypha. "What does 'winded' mean?"
"Oh, it means out of breath, breathing hard from overexertion," explained Link.
"Oh! You mean you're gill gulping," laughed Raypha. "Your expressions are so funny, Dad!"
"Now, don't make fun of your father, Raypha," laughed Mipha. "Remember, he only breathes air."
"It's okay, Raypha sweetheart," said Link as he gently stroked Raypha's head. "Your Mom does it to me all the time, and I love learning how you express things. You go on correcting me all you want."
"I can see you don't need my help, sweetheart," laughed Mipha. "We can stop for the night at the large island near the center of the western half of the lake. Come on!"
With the children pulling him, they made rapid progress across the lake and swam under the majestic Bridge of Hylia until they reached Hylia Island by the small pier.
"Finally on land," said Link as he waded ashore. "It's wonderful that we can travel safely now. This place used to be crawling with Lizalfos."
"What's a Lizalfos?" said Tidon.
"Sorry, Tidon, it was a horrible two-legged monster that was quick on its feet and quick to attack. Mom and I dealt with a lot of them soon after we married," said Link. "Thank Hylia that they're gone now, at least in most of Hyrule."
"It's beautiful here," said Raypha. "The water is so clear and deep. I can sense a lot of fish nearby. Come on, Ti! The first one to catch two fish wins!"
Raypha and Tidon dove back underwater, and a moment later, Raypha surfaced, holding two fish.
"Fine, you win this time," said Tidon as he surfaced, holding two fish a moment later. "But, I think you spotted the fish before you called the race."
Link lit a fire and prepared to cook his fish on a stick while the other three sat down to eat.
"Did you and Mom come this way together, Dad?" said Tidon.
"No, this was not on the way to any of our destinations, so I'm glad we're visiting together now," said Link. "I came this way on my own once or twice before I traveled with your Mom."
"I see there is one of those Shrines here that you told us about, Dad," said Raypha. "But it looks like you didn't open this one."
"No, as I said, we didn't need to come this way," said Link. "And there is no reason to open it now. Our mission is over."
"We did a lot of swimming and walking today," said Mipha. "So, everyone should sleep well tonight. Tomorrow morning we can continue our trip, do a little climbing, then make our way down the Menoat River to the sea. If you think this is big, children, wait until you see the sea."
After a quick after-dinner swim, the two children fell asleep in the water just off the small pier by the shore. Link and Mipha sat together, their arms around each other, as Mipha rested her head on Link's shoulder. The campfire Link lit was still burning, giving off a warm glow. It was a bright, calm and cloudless night, and the stars shone brightly as the light of a quarter moon rippled in the water. Small waves lapped gently against the shore, making a soothing sound. Link leaned toward Mipha, and she looked up at him, then they kissed.
"This is the Hyrule and the life we worked so hard for," said Link. "A land of beauty that's safe to travel, safe to raise a family."
"Yes, and safe to be with the one we love," said Mipha. "Which I am right now."
"And so am I, sweetheart, so am I. They're both such wonderful children," said Link as he nodded his head in their direction. They were both fast asleep, only their heads above water.
"Why wouldn't they be?" said Mipha as she gently caressed his cheek. "You're a loving father, and I've done my best as a mother. We've given them a happy home to grow up. Children can sense that, and they've felt secure and loved since they were hatchlings."
Link squeezed Mipha closer in a hug.
"You know, even for Zoras, they're growing up so fast," said Link. "I don't know what I expected."
"The first stage of our growth goes quickly, where we learn to speak, and so on," said Mipha. "Then we have a long period of late childhood into adolescence. And, of course, our adulthood lasts well over a hundred years. So, our growth starts relatively quickly, and then we slow down quite a bit compared to Hylians."
"I'm grateful to see as much of their growth as I can," said Link. "But, I know you hate talking about that, so I'll stop."
"Yes, I do hate talking about it because you don't know what the future holds," said Mipha. "Now, let's relax and enjoy this beautiful evening under the moon and stars."
"Yes, of course," said Link. "This reminds me of our big journey together. I'm so glad I didn't have to do it alone."
"So am I," laughed Mipha as she hugged him back. "So am I! You know my little brother wanted to come with us. But Father is too nervous having both of his children travel too far together."
"It would have been fun having Sidon with us, but I completely understand how he must feel, especially now that I have two children of my own," said Link. "He's used to a more dangerous world, and you two are all he has left."
"Yes, that's exactly how he feels," sad Mipha. "He still worries about me but takes a good deal of comfort that you're with me. He's never fully accepted that I can take care of myself. But I don't mind. I know how much he loves me, and I love him dearly."
"I've grown to love him too," said Link. "I am still so grateful that he accepted me so readily."
"He knew how much I loved you and wanted me to be happy," said Mipha. "So, you made us both happy by returning my love. Now relax and get some sleep, sweetheart, or you won't be able to swim tomorrow!"
They fell asleep in each other's arms.
The next thing Link knew, he felt a splash of cold water on his face, and Raypha was looking down at him, smiling. The sun was out, and Mipha and Tidon were already up as well.
"Since you were so tired yesterday, we thought we would let you sleep late, Dad," laughed Raypha. "But Mom said it was long enough. Here, we got you a fresh fish. The rest of us already ate."
"Thanks, sweetheart, I guess," laughed Link.
Raypha handed Link a Hyrule Bass, and after re-lighting the fire, Link cooked it, then ate it.
"Ready for some hiking?" said Mipha. "We'll swim to the southern coast, and then climb the hills there to Cora Lake. Then we will swim down the Menoat River to the beach and the sea. This will be your first saltwater experience, and the fish are different too. It should be fun!"
They made their way south across Lake Hylia until they reached a gently rising green grass-covered slope that was reasonably easy to climb. Climbing down the opposite side led to Cora Lake.
"You'll find it's easier to float here," said Mipha. "And there are some tasty Porgies along the way. But there is plenty of time later to get food."
They all dove into the lake and made their way south until the lake merged into the Menoat River, which wound between grassy green hills.
"You can always walk along the shore, Dad if you get tired of swimming," said Raypha.
"No, I'm good," said Link. "Let's keep going."
They made their way under a stone overpass, and soon you could see the first palm trees. They followed the river down as Razorclaw Crabs scurried along the shore. Then they finally reached the coast, and the children's eyes stared wide.
"It goes on forever!" Exclaimed Tidon as he stared out to sea.
"Maybe," said Mipha. "We don't know. It hasn't been explored very far yet. Perhaps someday it will."
The squawk of sea birds could be heard over the gentle breeze, and it looked like it would rain soon.
"There is some shelter on Puffer Beach. I can build a fire," said Link.
"And we can all swim from there," said Mipha. "There's no lightning."
They made their way to a part of the beach covered by a large rock outcropping, and Link built a campfire. Then everyone headed to the sea.
"It's beautiful, Mom," said Raypha as she dove underwater to look at the coral formations and marine plants of purple and pink.
"Yes, the sea holds a great deal of beauty," said Mipha. "Feel free to swim anywhere, but don't swim too far away."
Raypha and Tidon disappeared beneath the water, while Mipha stayed with Link at first.
"I knew this would be a great experience for them," said Mipha. "And I enjoy it too. Are you comfortable for now, sweetheart? I'm going to do some underwater swimming with the children."
"Sure, you go ahead, you should do that and keep an eye on them," said Link. "I'll swim here for a bit then go back to shore."
They kissed, then Mipha dove and disappeared beneath the waves. Link swam back and forth a few times, then made his way back to shore and sat near the campfire. He looked out at sea but could see nothing at first. Then he saw three heads poke through the water and look his way. They all waved, and he waved back. Then they dove underwater again.
These were the times he regretted being unable to share their watery experience, but it was understandable. They needed to have the full Zora experience, and only Mipha could help them with that. So, he waited patiently by the fire until he saw Raypha's head pop through the surface, then swim rapidly to shore.
"Sorry to leave you all alone, Dad," said Raypha as she sat down next to him and put her arm around him. "But Mom wanted us to see some of the fantastic coral formations there. I wish you could have seen it."
"It's fine," said Link. "It's important you see it."
"They're catching dinner for us," said Raypha. "I have to say the Porgies look pretty tasty. And there are plenty of crabs around for a snack."
Just then, Mipha and TIdon could be seen making their way ashore carrying some Armored and Mighty Porgies. A pair of Blue Winged Herons that had been combing the shore for food flew away as they approached.
"We caught dinner!" Yelled Tidon. "And does it look tasty!"
Mipha handed two Porgies to Link, and he proceeded to cook his while the others waited. Then they all sat down around the campfire and ate their fish. A gentle rain had started to fall by now in the late afternoon, but there was no lightning. And in any case, they were sheltered by the rock formation.
"Mmm, I love these fish," said Raypha as she swallowed a bite of Armored Porgy. "They have a sharper taste than the fish at home, but they're very moist and tender."
"They are good, aren't they?" said MIpha. "This is such a scenic location too. I love the palm trees and the sand and the great sea."
"It's funny that no one lives here," said Tidon. "It would seem to be a delightful spot to build a village."
"There is a village along the shore, but it's quite a bit east of here. It's called Lurelin Village, and it's largely a fishing community with some tourism as well," said Link. "Mom and I had a nice time there not long after we got married."
"How did you and Mom meet, Dad?" said Raypha. "You've never really told us about that."
"It's not a secret, Raypha, just something we didn't think would interest you," said Link. "Well, it started…"
"You know this can lead into a sensitive subject, don't you?" said Mipha as she glanced over at Link.
"Oh!" said Link as he paused. "Oh, yes, I see what you mean now."
"Your father and I have known each other a long time," said Mipha. "He used to visit me at the domain before we married, and later we worked together. That's all there is to it, Raypha."
"Oh, okay," said Raypha. "I just wondered."
But she glanced at Mipha and then Link, wondering what the sensitive subject was.
The sun was sinking in the west next to the red cliffs at the eastern end of the Gerudo Desert.
"Where I grew up, we sometimes used to sing a song when we sat around a campfire in the evening," said Link.
"That sounds like fun!" said Tidon. "Let's do it."
"All right," said Link. "I think I should let Mom pick the song, though. I can't think of any at the moment."
"That's funny you would bring it up but not know a song," laughed Mipha. "But, I'll pick one that we all know."
Mipha picked a song about a Zora who went looking for every kind of fish. The verses accumulated, so you kept repeating all the prior fish. The song encouraged memorization as well as the names of all the types of fish. Link had learned it from hearing Mipha, and the children sing it before, so he joined in.
The happy Zora looked for fish.
Zo zo zo Zora!
And the fish he found was a Hyrule Bass!
Zo zo zo Zora!
What fish did the Zora find?
A Hyrule Bass!
Zo zo zo Zora!
The happy Zora looked for fish
Zo zo zo Zora!
And the fish he found was a Stealthfin Trout!
Zo zo zo Zora!
What fish did the Zora find?
A Hyrule Bass and a Stealthfin Trout!
Zo zo zo Zora!
The happy Zora looked for fish.
Zo zo zo Zora!
And the fish he found was a Hearty Bass!
Zo zo zo Zora!
What fish did the Zora find?
A Hyrule Bass and a Stealthfin Trout and a Hearty Bass!
Zo zo zo Zora!
And so the song went on and on, naming fish after fish. Before they even came to an end, they were all laughing because saying all the kinds of fish in a row was a real mouthful, and keeping the order straight was difficult too. Someone would invariably make a mistake, making everyone point at the offender and laugh.
"That was fun!" said Tidon. "I could barely get all the names out at one time."
"It was fun," said Mipha. "But now it's getting late. There's a nice tide pool here that's sheltered by the rocks, and you should both sleep there."
They exchanged good night hugs and kisses, and then the children settled down into the pool of water for the night. Link decided he would sleep next to the fire on land this time, and Mipha said she would stay with him.
They sat with their arms around each other as they looked over at the children, who had quickly fallen asleep after all the swimming.
"You know they changed that song to be a bit gentler," said Mipha. "When I was growing up, it was a hungry Zora ate some fish. But I guess it was silly thinking of eating so many fish at once, so they changed it. Anyway, it's a fun song for children."
"It was fun and educational too. By the way, I'm glad you stopped me in time before I spoke about our first meeting," said Link. "The children don't have to know how young I was when we met. I don't want them to worry about me."
"Yes, they're old enough to start drawing conclusions, sweetheart," said Mipha. "Unwarranted conclusions, in my opinion. Anyway, It's nice cuddling by the fire, isn't it? If you had been more outspoken about your feelings sooner, we could have done this at all the stables we stayed at during our long journey."
"Yes, I know," laughed Link as he rubbed his hand up and down her arm and shoulder. Her skin was so incredibly smooth! "But we've had plenty of cuddles since. That whole journey together seems so long ago now. I think I've settled into family life. But I know I still need to keep fit for combat. I haven't forgotten we have unfinished business with the Yiga Clan when Zelda is ready."
"Let's not worry about that now. And we have plenty of cuddles to come," said Mipha as she hugged him tighter. "You know, Sidon will want an adventure when we get back. He told me you're never too old to have an adventure."
"I'll be ready," said Link. "We can have another three against one battle when we get back. Or you can join in and be on my side for once."
"I could, but I think these adventures are special moments for you and the children, a chance to be close to the three of them," said Mipha. "Besides, a tough guy like you can handle three little Zoras on your own, can't you? Especially on land."
"I'll do my best," laughed Link. "Right now, I just want to handle one beautiful bigger Zora."
"I'm all yours, sweetheart, and you're all mine," said Mipha as she stroked his chest.
They held a long kiss, then lay down in the sand together.
"Can we stay a little longer?" said Tidon next morning. "It's fun to swim in the sea, and the porgies are so tasty!"
They had all awoken to the sun rising, and the chatter of birds hunting for food, and the two children had raced into the sea as soon as the parents permitted them. Now they had all finished breakfast.
"We can stay a little longer, then we need to start heading home so we can arrive before sleep time," said Mipha. "You're too big to carry home now!"
The children played in the sea awhile longer and caught some porgies for later.
"Time to head home," said Mipha finally. "I hope you've learned something about our beautiful land."
They began making their way home the way they had come. The trip was uneventful, but everyone was happy when the blue architecture of the domain came into view.
It's customary to kiss when first sighting home," said Link to Mipha as he reached out for her in the waters of Ruto Lake.
"Such a good memory!" said Mipha. "It's funny how quickly you learned some Zora customs."
"Who wouldn't pass up a chance to kiss the most beautiful princess in Hyrule," said Link.
"Oh! Isn't Dad sweet?" said Raypha.
"I guess," said Tidon. "I never heard of that custom, though."
"Be quiet, silly," said Raypha pinching Tidon. "Mom probably made it up."
"Oh!" said Tidon. "To get a kiss? I see."
"You're so slow sometimes, Ti," laughed Raypha.
"Let's go home," said Link finally.
Before retiring for the night, they paid a quick visit to King Dorephan. It was already late, and Sidon was asleep.
"Ah, you're all safely home," said King Dorephan. "I hope everyone had a great time."
"We did, Grandfather!" said Tidon. "And no school lessons either!"
"The sea and the palm trees were so beautiful," said Raypha.
"I'm glad to hear it!" said King Dorephan. "It's good to see parts of Hyrule as you grow older. And I think your lesson was learning more about this great land of ours. Oh, I have a letter for you from Her Majesty. It came while you were away."
King Dorephan handed Link an envelope.
"Well, it's past your sleep time, children," said Mipha. "Let's all say good night."
After exchanging hugs and kisses with their grandfather, they made their way home and were soon fast asleep in their slumber pools. Mipha and Link then retired to their room, and Link opened the letter and read it aloud.
Dear Mipha and Link,
I just wanted to say hello and keep you informed on our progress. The reconstruction has gone very well, even faster than I first hoped. I am quite excited about it. I hope you will find time to visit and see the progress for yourself.
One major accomplishment has been the reconstruction of the Royal Ancient Lab. As you may know, it sustained substantial damage, and it almost seemed like Ganon singled it out for his wrath. In any case, Dr. Purah and her assistant Robbie have been excited to resume work there, and I expect their research will also contribute to a better Hyrule and future for our people.
I hope you and the children are fine. Keep sending me pictures when you have time. You both are truly blessed with such a beautiful family. Until we meet again.
Love, Zelda.
"All good news," said Link after finishing.
"Yes, it is," said Mipha. "Now, come join me in the pool."
Link undressed and joined her.
"You enjoyed our trip?" said Mipha.
"Immensely," said Link. "I loved it. Why do you ask?"
"I sometimes wonder if you miss the life of adventure you used to have," said Mipha. "Combating evil was your whole life for so long. Are you sure you don't miss it?"
"I don't miss it at all, sweetheart," said Link as he took her hand. "I did that as my duty and for Hylia and her people. I trained to be good at combat, and I'll admit I got a good deal of satisfaction when I could destroy something evil. But it was always a means to an end, not an end in itself. It was the means to a happier, safer Hyrule. That's all I ever wanted. Well, and your love. And now, having gotten both, I couldn't be happier."
"I'm glad to hear you say so," said Mipha. "I felt the same way. We did what we had to, and that's behind us now."
"Believe me, this is the happiest time in my life," said Link. "I love you and the family so much."
"And I love you so much," said Mipha. "Living my life with you here was all I ever wanted. I did everything with that in mind."
"And I'm glad you did," said Link.
"Are you tired, sweetheart, after the long swim? I noticed you asked the children to pull you a good deal of the way," said Mipha.
"Not tired at all," said Link as he smiled at her. "I saved my energy for what's most important."
"Such a smart husband!" said Mipha as she reached out for him.