Chapter 23 - Gerudo Desert Trip - Part Two
Summary: Mipha's glance at a wedding picture raises some concerns in her mind. She and her family begin their trip to the Gerudo Desert area.
"This is too cute! Don't move! I'll be right back," shouted Mipha as she rushed into their house to retrieve the Sheikah Slate Zelda had loaned them.
The family had been playing in Mikau Lake just outside their house, and now Link was standing in shoulder-high water with Raypha on one shoulder and Tidon on the other. It reminded Mipha of when the children were small, and she wanted to capture the moment.
"Hold still, everyone, and smile!" shouted Mipha as she returned and took the picture. "Perfect! Now go have fun!"
Mipha returned to the house to put the Sheikah Slate back. She loved taking family pictures, and they already had quite a collection by now. Her interest in picture-taking began years ago, just after the Champions Inauguration ceremony, when Urbosa first showed her that the Sheikah Slate could reproduce lifelike images. Back then, she had wanted a picture of Link and was afraid she had been a bit too obvious about it. But only Daruk seemed to have noticed. So anyway, she still loved having pictures of Link, but also photos of their two children. And pictures of all three of them were even better.
Before putting away the Sheikah Slate, Mipha took a moment to look over their pictures collection. She enjoyed doing that from time to time, especially with Link, so that they could reminisce about their happy life together. Most of the recent pictures were of their children, of course. Some were even taken on their family trip to Rito Village. But eventually, she scrolled back to the photographs Zelda had taken on their wedding day.
What a joyful day that had been! She had realized her heart's desire and married her one true love. And Link said he felt the same way about her. It had been a perfect day, even blessed by the Goddess with a rain shower in the morning. She paused at a picture of her and Link dancing. Link looked so handsome in the clean and polished armor she had made for him! And anyone could see how he beamed with happiness, his bright blue eyes sparkling as he held her close. Then she looked closer at Link and became lost in thought for a moment. But the sound of laughing and splashing from the lake outside brought her mind back to the present. So she put the Sheikah Slate away, ran outside, and waded into the lake.
"We can play for a few more minutes, and then it's time for lunch," said Mipha.
"How about the last one to Lulu Lake has to catch lunch?" Tidon shouted.
"Yay! A race!" shouted Raypha.
"No fair! I'm already worn out," laughed Link. "I should concede the race and save all my energy for catching the fish."
"A little playing with your children tired you out, sweetheart? So do you want me to race you with one flipper?" said Mipha.
"Very funny."
Mipha came beside him and gently caressed his left cheek with the back of her hand. Yes, she was right. Her memory hadn't deceived her. There were some tiny, barely visible lines below Link's eyes now that were not there when they married. It was probably from being outdoors so much, squinting in the bright sunlight reflected off the water. Or maybe he wasn't getting enough sleep.
"What? Is there water on my cheek?" Link asked.
"No, no, it's nothing, sweetheart. Are you ready to race?"
"Seriously? What chance do I have against three Zoras?" said Link.
"Aw, come on, Dad! Don't be a shallow shoal!" shouted Raypha. "We'll give you a head start by counting to three. Tidon will probably lose his balance anyway and finish last."
"I only have trouble controlling my descent, dear sister, not swimming up," said Tidon. "But I agree Dad deserves a head start."
"Fine," laughed Link. "Begin counting to three when I start. Slowly!"
They raced up the two falls that spanned Mikau Lake, then rushed into Lulu Lake, and despite the head start, Link didn't win. It was Tidon who edged out Raypha for the win this time. But Link didn't lose either because Mipha finished alongside him and called it a tie for last place.
"Told you so!" said Tidon to Raypha as he gave her a smirk while they floated together.
"We should make it an up-and-down race so you end up belly-flopping on the way down like you did the last time. Then we'll see who ends up gloating," said Raypha. "You know what the word 'gloating' means, right?"
"I should know it since my talent allows me to do it so often," said Tidon.
Then Raypha and Tidon each stuck out their tongues at each other and laughed.
"I think you felt sorry for me and deliberately tied with me for last place," said Link between deep breaths as he reached out for Mipha's hand while they floated in the water together.
"Come on, sweetheart. We'll each catch two fish, "said Mipha as she squeezed his hand and smiled.
"Hey, it's okay, Mom," said Raypha. "Tidon and I will catch the fish for lunch. I think all the swimming and playing with us tired Dad out. Come on, Ti. The first one to catch two fish can gloat."
"Go!" shouted Tidon.
Raypha dove into a school of Hyrule Bass she had spotted and quickly snatched two of them, prompting complaints of cheating from Tidon when his catch took longer. Then they both laughed, and everyone headed back home.
"Why don't you sit down and rest, sweetheart," said Mipha. "I'll burn your fish for you. I know from watching you how long it takes."
"Okay, thanks," said Link as he sat with Raypha and Tidon at the table. "I am still feeling a bit winded."
Mipha cooked Link's fish, then served it, and they all ate lunch.
"Are you two looking forward to our trip?" Link asked Raypha and Tidon between bites.
"I am," said Tidon. "But it sounds so different from last time. I can't imagine a land with no water."
"I'm a bit worried about how I'll feel not having any water around," said Raypha. "For a change, I agree with Ti. It's scary thinking of a place like that!"
"Some scientists believe that long ago, that entire area was once a sea as there are bones of extinct giant aquatic-looking creatures called leviathans scattered about the desert," said Link. "But don't worry. There are still several bodies of water in various locations. We will make sure you get plenty of water time."
"Perhaps how you dealt with the rare water situation could be one topic you cover in your essays," said Mipha. "Remember, this trip is intended to be educational."
"Aww, essays!" groaned Tidon.
"Says the one with talent enough to gloat," teased Raypha.
"Come on," laughed Link. "Writing essays should not be a surprise."
"Anyway, I know Father wanted to see me right after our lunch, so I should go," said Mipha as the family finished their meal. "And speaking of water time, this might be an opportune moment to explain our trip, sweetheart."
"Good idea," said Link as Mipha rose to leave.
"Bye, Mom!" said Tidon. "Say hi to grandfather and uncle Sidon."
"And Don't worry. We'll look after a tired Dad for you," said Raypha.
Mipha laughed and left.
"Okay, what Mom was referring to was a change in our travel plans," said Link. "We originally intended to travel to the Gerudo Desert area by horseback across central Hyrule just north of the Great Plateau and then onward through the Gerudo Canyon to the stable there. Mom and I thought seeing more of Hyrule on the way would be educational. But Grandfather won't let your Uncle Sidon accompany us unless we travel by water as much as possible, as he is concerned for our safety. So, we're going to journey by sea until we get as close to the desert as we can. We will have a sailboat for us to use, such as whenever anyone doesn't want to swim."
"Yay! No horses!" Tidon exclaimed.
"I didn't know you minded traveling by horseback so much," said Link.
"It's uncomfortable," said Tidon. "Maybe if I rode more often, I would get used to it. But it can never beat swimming!"
"And I'm glad Uncle Sidon can join us," said Raypha. "He's fun to be with!"
"Yes, I'm glad too," said Link. "I understand he was quite sad at the thought of missing the trip."
"Is the alternative route any safer, though, Dad?" asked Tidon.
"That's a good question, and I honestly don't know," said Link. "I'm not sure it doesn't just trade some dangers for others. In Gerudo Canyon, you need to watch out for falling boulders. And your grandfather also worried about an attack by the Yiga Clan, those fanatical Sheikah Ganon followers. Trying to think like a Zora, I can see how traveling by water as much as possible would be safer. But there are still locations we need to cross by land. We'll just have to be on our guard. But we will have two guards with us like last time, Gaddison and Rivan. And you should also take comfort that you're traveling with two of the best fighters in Hyrule in Mom and me. Between the four of us, I'm sure we can handle anything. So, don't worry."
"But what about the sea-going part of our journey? Will you be okay, Dad? Have you done much sailing?" asked Raypha.
"I sailed with Mom to Lurelin Village," said Link. "Other than that, I have some sailing experience, mostly on rivers and lakes, though."
"Did you enjoy sailing?" said Tidon.
"Well, it was pleasant enough if the wind was favorable," said Link. "And sometimes it was the only way to reach places too far away for me to swim."
"I'm surprised you didn't take more time to sail, Dad," said Raypha. "It's beautiful on the water, isn't it?"
"It can be, and I might have done so if I had more time," said Link. "But back then, I had bigger fish to fry."
"Ugh! Dad! What did you say?" exclaimed Raypha.
"Oh, sorry," laughed Link. "I meant I had more important things to worry about getting done. I need to remember to be careful using fish expressions."
"Just sit and relax, Dad," said Raypha. "The talented Tidon and I will clean up."
Meanwhile, after Mipha finished speaking with her father, she met with Sidon, who was thrilled about being allowed to accompany Mipha and her family on the trip.
"Thank you, Sis, I owe you one," said Sidon when they exchanged hugs.
"Remember that the next time you're about to sulk over something I did," laughed Mipha as she kissed him on the forehead. "But I'm also happy Father relented. I enjoy having you with me, as do the rest of the family. Besides, we could use your help to watch out for danger."
"And you can count on me for that!" said Sidon as he cocked his right arm and flashed his teeth, making Mipha laugh.
The day before they were scheduled to leave, Link went over the route with Gaddison and Rivan, who would be the two guards accompanying them.
"We can travel by sea as far as Laverra Beach but will likely need to spend the night somewhere along the way, possibly Lurelin Village, depending on our progress," said Link. "After that, we have to travel by land. But we can rest in the Nautelle Wetlands, and there are also some small bodies of cold water on the southern end of Daval Peak. Then we will make our way down to the desert, where some Gerudo guards will meet us with Sand Seals. Depending on the time, we can either travel first to the Southern Oasis or directly to the Kara Kara Bazaar, both of which have water. Rivan, you, Tidon, and I won't be allowed into Gerudo Town, but we can visit anyplace else. Gaddison, you can split up with us there and accompany Mipha and Raypha into Gerudo Town."
"Lucky you, Gaddy," said Rivan. "You get to mingle with all those Gerudo warrior women."
"Very funny," said Gaddison. "I doubt most of them have even seen a Zora before. They never visit our domain."
"The Gerudo women tend to be very goal-oriented," said Link. "The ones I encountered in Hyrule were all looking for a Hylian husband."
"But seriously, with the water locations along the way you described, Link, that route should be manageable. Is there anywhere, in particular, we should be concerned about safety?" Rivan asked.
"If I had to guess, the Daval Peak area," said Link. "It's seldom traveled or patrolled by the Gerudo. Monsters have been dwindling and no longer build camps. But there's still a chance of encountering a lone Icy-Breath Lizalfos that can camouflage itself. They can be pretty nasty and freeze you motionless with their breath for a moment, allowing them to attack. And there could be some Ice Chuchus or, at night, some Ice Keese around as well. So we should all carry fire arrows just in case."
"We'll be ready," said Rivan. "We've both been practicing our archery."
"And I will be ready, too," said Link. "I know how these creatures behave."
That night, after the children were asleep, Link joined Mipha in their slumber pool.
"Excited about our trip tomorrow?" said Link.
"Yes, I love traveling with you and the family. And you and I had some interesting times together in the Gerudo area."
"Yes, some fun and some not-so-fun," said Link. "I loved dancing with you in Aspa's romance class. But you scared me half to death with your shock coma inside Naboris. Of course, I was already so in love with you by then! Anyway,…."
"You know, given our trip tomorrow, you should get some extra rest," said Mipha. "I'd like you to get enough sleep, so you're not too tired to enjoy it."
"Oh," said Link feeling a bit puzzled. "Um, well, okay, I guess. Well, uh, goodnight, sweetheart, then."
"Goodnight, sweetheart," said Mipha as they kissed, and then she closed her eyes.
Link closed his eyes, too, wondering why Mipha was so worried about him getting enough sleep. He was soon fast asleep, too.
Early the following morning, after a quick breakfast, everyone met at Lanayru Bay, eager to begin the journey. Sidon, Raypha, and Tidon were already splashing each other in the water and chasing Porgies. Link stood with Mipha, Gaddison, and Rivan on the shore alongside the boat King Dorephan had provided.
"The wind looks favorable," said Link as he studied the sky and the clouds drifting overhead. "And the weather is fair enough."
"Yes, I think we're all ready to go. By the way, it's customary to …," said Mipha, but Link silenced her at once with a kiss, and then they both laughed.
"I'm getting good at remembering Zora customs," laughed Link.
"It's about time!" laughed Mipha, then they kissed once again.
"I'll swim a short way ahead," said Rivan. "I don't expect any danger in these waters, but it's better to take no chances."
"I'll stay with Sidon and the children for now," said Mipha as she made her way into the water.
"And I'll keep you company on the boat, Link, or float alongside it, letting it pull me along," said Gaddison.
"Thanks, Gaddy, but if you prefer swimming with the others, I'll be fine on the boat by myself," said Link.
"Thanks, Link, but I need to rest for the guard duty I may have to perform overnight, depending upon where we stop," said Gaddison.
"Oh, of course, that makes sense."
And with that, Link gave the boat a slight shove into the water. He and Gaddison hopped on board, then Link unfurled the sail and sat down at the helm. They were underway.
As Link had observed, the wind was favorable, and Link navigated the boat along Lanayru Bay past the Brynna Plain and then southeast past Lodrum Headland toward Wintre Island. The shore to the north was strewn with rocks, and the occasional mountain goat could be seen seeking food. Sea birds called out and flew overhead. But the most impressive sight was to the south, where giant Mount Lanayru stood. The snow covering parts of its slope glistened in the sunlight, and clouds floated above its peak.
Link couldn't look at Mount Lanayru without remembering the day, as he sometimes called it. It was a bitterly cold day that he spent with Zelda at the Spring of Wisdom on her seventeenth birthday. It was also bitter in many other ways, too, not just from the cold. He recalled that he and Zelda had traveled there first thing in the morning, and he could only admire her sincere dedication and devotion to duty. What seventeen-year-old girl wouldn't prefer to spend her birthday celebrating with family and friends? Instead, Zelda insisted she travel up a cold mountain to pray, hoping against hope she would stop being a failure and finally live up to her father's and everyone else's expectations of her. Zelda prayed the whole time before the goddess statue at the sacred spring, only stopping when Link interrupted her several times to insist she drink some Spicy Elixir to keep from perishing in the cold. Eventually, as sunset approached, he convinced her that they needed to leave: it was treacherous to make their way down the icy mountain in the dark, and all the Champions were waiting for her at the East Gate of Lanayru Road. Zelda reluctantly agreed to leave and was more depressed than ever, both from her feelings of failure and the disappointment she expected to face from the other Champions. They made the trip down the mountain in silence. He wasn't good with words and didn't know what to say that would do any good. And it wasn't long after they reached the others that Ganon struck, and tragedy for so many followed. Link shivered at the memory, shaking the tiller.
"You okay, Link?" said Gaddison as she sat in the boat's bow and felt it wiggle.
"Oh, yes, sorry, I'm reminiscing too much and not paying attention," Link said as he held the tiller firm, steered them past Wintre Island, and then turned south onto the Lanayru Sea.
Speaking of Zelda, Link thought, at least this time, she wouldn't have him 'arrested' for neglecting to visit. But, unfortunately, their trip was too far south of Hyrule Castle. He hoped she was doing well, then turned back to steering the boat.