Chapter 27 - Gerudo Desert Trip - Part Six
Summary: Mipha, Link, Sidon, Raypha, Tidon, Gaddison, and Rivan return to Zora's Domain. Mipha feels she needs to take more interest in Link's health.
A soft shade of orange painted the horizon as afternoon flowed into evening at Zora's Domain. Two young Zora guards, Freer and Larana, were ending their day's tour of duty on Ja'Abu Ridge, watching Lanayru Bay. They were awaiting the return of Princess Mipha and her family from their Gerudo Desert trip. And when the guards spotted them, they would signal their comrade Alana at East Reservoir Lake, who would bring the welcome news to King Dorephan.
There was an incredible view from where they stood. The blue-green waters of the Lanayru Sea stretched all the way to the horizon to the east, and majestic Mount Lanayru lay to the south. A brisk but refreshing breeze swept in from the sea, shifting direction occasionally and shaking the coral-shaped pink and purple bushes that grew there.
"Our domain and its views are so magnificent," said Larana as she leaned against her spear and admired the view. "I can't imagine living anywhere else."
"I agree," said Freer, as he also admired the view.
Then Freer stretched his arms. "I hope they arrive soon. Staring at all that water makes me itching to dive into it."
Larana chuckled. "Good luck with that! From here, you'll be rolling in, not diving. But they should be here before it gets too late. They have young children with them, after all."
There was a movement to their left, and they turned to watch a trio of Blue Winged Herons foraging for food, strutting slowly on their long spindly legs. A solitary Grassland Fox kept an occasional watchful eye on them from a distance, no doubt hoping for a chance to snatch a meal but seemed content to hunt for insects in the meantime.
Freer took the opportunity to steal a glance at Larana. She was quite pretty, with her bright golden eyes and smooth, maroon-colored skin. And she had such a cute smile, too! They had worked together a few times before, and he thought they had gotten along well, including having fun and stimulating conversations. He enjoyed being with her, and perhaps when they were off duty, he could ask if she wanted to spend some time together. Larana turned back to Freer and saw him blush slightly as he quickly looked away. Then she smiled. Freer was cute and definitely on the shy side.
"This isn't the most exciting assignment we've ever had, is it?" asked Larana.
Freer laughed and shook his head. "No, though I'm excited we were assigned together. But I guess dull is good. We should be happy we no longer have to worry about electric-arrow-wielding Lizalfos. I'm sure you hear the same stories from your parents that I do."
Freer's and Larena's parents had all served as guards before Ganon's defeat, as had their parents before them.
"Yes, of course," said Larana. "And about how fortunate we all are now. But my parents also say they're happy there's less danger now, and we have a chance for a better life."
After a moment, Freer continued. "I know why we're on this assignment here, though. My friend Langon has been guarding the throne room, and he said our king has been fidgety and unable to concentrate these last few days. His Majesty is worried about his family and eager for the first news of their return."
"I can understand that," Larana nodded. "If I were a parent, I would be anxious too if my children went on a journey to the far reaches of Hyrule - and to a waterless desert, no less! But of course, if I had a daughter as talented as Lady Mipha, and a son-in-law like Link, that would wash away a good deal of my concern."
"I suppose so," Freer said, shaking his head. "I'm still surprised His Majesty agreed to let them go, especially Prince Sidon. But Lady Mipha can be very persuasive."
"Oh, so you and the Princess are good friends now?" Larana teased.
Freer laughed. "No, hardly that, though Her Highness is friendly enough. But you must know how she insisted on piloting Divine Beast Vah Ruta. Both His Majesty and the elders were very much against it, so you'd think that would be the end of the matter. And it certainly would be for anyone else. But not Lady Mipha! She didn't give up and got her way in the end. I only thank Nayru that she didn't come to grief like the other Champions."
"I agree! But remember that she's our Champion, a skilled fighter, and a healer, too," Larana said. "She and her husband helped save Hyrule. So, I'd take comfort in that and trust she can care for herself and keep her family safe."
"Yes, I suppose so," said Freer. "Speaking of family, are yours okay?"
"Yes, my parents are both doing well and planning to take my little brother, Logan, to Lake Hylia for vacation," said Larana. "My brother is breaking our family tradition of serving as a guard, though. Instead, he's more interested in becoming an architect. My parents joke that maybe he played with too many Luminous Stones growing up. But kidding aside, they're fine with him pursuing his interests, especially now that we have peace. How about your family?"
"All good and in somewhat the same situation," said Freer. "My younger sister loves reading and is more interested in history than being a soldier. She hopes to become the royal secretary someday, but I'm not sure that's realistic."
"There's no harm in striving for what you want, swimming after your dream as long as you can," said Larana as she paced to the edge, looked down at Lanayru Bay, then turned back and smiled. "It's good to pursue what you want, right?"
"Yes, yes, it is," said Freer, who swallowed hard at how taken he was with her beautiful smile and wondered if what she said had more than one meaning.
As night fell, the brightest stars grew visible, their light piercing through the veil of intermittent gray clouds that drifted lazily overhead. Against this darkening backdrop, a pair of Blue Nightshade flowers nearby came to life, their petals glowing a soft blue that seemed to radiate from within. This display of bioluminescence appeared to cast a spell over the surrounding landscape and infused it with a sense of magic, like Luminous Stones.
"I love those flowers," said Larana. "They're like a beacon of hope in the darkness."
"That's very poetic, Larana," said Freer. "They're beautiful flowers, day or night."
They turned back to watching the bay, and then Larana squinted as she detected movement.
"I think I see them," said Larana as she pointed. "Look over there."
"Yes, you're right. Good eyes!"
"I can make out all seven of them now," said Larana. "Signal to Alana so she can inform His Majesty. Then let's head home. I'm starving!"
Freer signaled to the guard waiting by the pier at East Reservoir Lake, and Alana rushed off to deliver the news to King Dorephan.
"Um, Larana, now that we're off duty, would you like to spend some water time together? I know a nice, secluded spot south of Tal Tal Peak where we could get in some welcome water time. And it has some of the tastiest Hearty Bass around."
"I'd like that, Freer. It sounds like fun, and I could certainly use the water time and the Hearty Bass," said Larana. "Lead the way."
Meanwhile, as Link steered the boat across Lanayru Bay towards the shore by the Samasa Plain, Mipha and Sidon swam alongside, with Gaddison, Rivan, Raypha, and Tidon following close behind.
Sidon could barely contain his excitement about returning home as he exclaimed, "I can't wait to tell Father about our trip, Sis! It was so exciting! The Sand Seal surfing was fun, and we had a bit of an adventure with the Lizalfos on Daval Peak!"
Mipha smiled. "I knew you would enjoy it, Sidon, and I think you also learned more about Hyrule and the Gerudo people in the process. However, let's not exaggerate the danger we encountered. We should never say anything untrue to Father, of course. But we should not embellish what happened either. I hope you know that Uncle Link and I had the Lizalfos situation under control and would never let you or our children come to any harm."
"Yes, I get your drift, Sis," said Sidon as he nodded, understanding the importance of not over-dramatizing the danger.
After Link beached the boat and secured it, the seven began making their way to the Rutala River and up the Rutala Dam to East Reservoir Lake.
"I can't wait to sleep soak!" yawned Raypha. "I should have never let you talk me into racing so many times, Ti."
"I shouldn't have talked myself into it either," laughed Tidon. "I think I'll be asleep before my first gill gulp!"
"How are you holding up, sweetheart?" Mipha asked Link as they reached the lake. "You've been very quiet."
"I'm fine. It was just a bit tough handling the boat at the end with all the shifts in the wind direction. But I managed," replied Link.
"You did an excellent job," Mipha said, squeezing his hand. "But you must be exhausted. Let me pull you across the lake. I love you."
"Love you too," said Link with a yawn as he squeezed her hand back. "Love you to - I mean, I'd love you to pull me. I must be too tired to speak properly!"
"That's two different 'to's,'" laughed Mipha.
"Now three!" replied Link.
They both laughed as everyone dove into the fresh cool water of East Reservoir Lake and began their swim towards the northwest pier.
Gaddison exclaimed with delight, "Ah! Freshwater again! I still can't get used to salty seawater."
"It does feel more natural, doesn't it?" Rivan agreed.
And just then, Ruta greeted Mipha with a loud bellow and sent a shower of water into the air from her upraised trunk.
"Thanks, Ruta," laughed Mipha. "I hope you didn't awaken the whole domain to welcome me home!"
After making their way across East Reservoir Lake and, finally, to their house by Mikau Lake, Mipha announced she would take Sidon back to their father and then be right back. Rivan and Gaddison offered to accompany her and Sidon to the foot of the stairs that lead to the throne room - and then head on to the slumber pools.
"Thank you both for your company and your help," Link said, expressing his gratitude to the two guards.
"We enjoyed the opportunity," said Rivan, and Gaddison nodded. "Good night."
Mipha kissed a tired Raypha and Tidon goodnight. Then the four of them left, Mipha and Sidon finally making their way to the throne room, where King Dorephan eagerly awaited their return.
"Thank Nayru, you're all home safe!" the king said, embracing his daughter and then his son. "I can't imagine how you managed in such a dry place!"
"I had a great time, Father! I'm so glad I could go," said Sidon.
"But it is good to be home, where there's plenty of refreshing, life-giving water," Mipha replied. "I hope you weren't too worried about us while we were gone, were you, Father?"
"Oh, no, no, of course not, dear!" said King Dorephan. Then he chuckled. "Who am I kidding? I barely slept a wink!"
Then King Dorephan noticed Sidon's yawn and spoke up.
"But it's late and way past Sidon's normal sleep time," said King Dorephan. "And you have had a long journey home and should return to your family, dear. There will be ample time tomorrow for me to learn all about your trip."
"Yes, Father, we have much to tell you tomorrow," said Mipha.
Mipha kissed Sidon good night before leaving him in his slumber pool, then began to return to her house. Given the lateness, one of the guards on duty offered to accompany her, but she thanked him and said it was unnecessary. Before rounding the turn in the path home, Mipha stopped to look back at the domain's impressive architecture as it glowed a faint blue in the night. You tended to take these things for granted when you lived here every day. But being away for a while made you appreciate it. Their domain was unique among all places in Hyrule and well worth admiring. It filled Mipha with pride at her people's marvelous accomplishment in building it.
The house was utterly quiet when Mipha entered, and a peek into Raypha's and Tidon's rooms confirmed they were both sound asleep. Link was also fast asleep when she entered their bedroom, floating peacefully in their slumber pool. Mipha quietly slipped into the water beside him, then put her arm around him to help keep his head above water.
Link stirred and opened his eyes briefly, then smiled back at her.
"Go back to sleep, sweetheart," Mipha said. "And sweet dreams."
"About you, I hope," Link replied as he closed his eyes and drifted asleep.
Mipha lovingly kissed Link on the forehead, then watched as he settled back into a deep sleep. His breathing was slow and steady, a comforting sign that he was in a peaceful slumber.
Mipha smiled, memories of the early days of their marriage when they first began sleeping together flooding back to her. Her dear husband had told her he had trouble getting used to her breathing stopping altogether, as her gills took over when she slept in water. He said his first instinct was to panic. And she, in turn, had to grow accustomed to his deep Hylian breathing and occasional snoring as he slept. His snoring had initially startled her, but afterward, she thought it endearing and didn't mind it at all.
However, she had noticed a change in Link's sleeping habits lately. At the beginning of their marriage, they fell asleep in each other's arms almost simultaneously. But now Link often drifted off to sleep before her. Mipha didn't mind that, as it allowed her to ensure he was comfortable and settled before she fell asleep. But it made her wonder if something had changed. Anyway, she tenderly kissed Link's forehead once more before closing her eyes for the night, content knowing that they were together and safely home.
Everyone slept late the following day, and Mipha and Link might well have slept even later. However, Mipha awoke first to the sound of their children, Raypha and Tidon, arguing about something. Link woke up a moment later, looked over at Mipha, then they smiled and kissed.
"Good morning! I slept well," said Link. "I don't even remember when you joined me last night."
"You were already asleep, sweetheart," said Mipha as their children's argument grew louder. "But you awoke for a moment and shared a cute smile. Shall we get up before our two dear children start fin slapping each other?"
"Yes, we had better!" laughed Link.
As they reached the dining area where Raypha and Tidon stood, Mipha asked, "Alright, what's making such a big splash between you two?"
"Ray forgot it's her turn to catch breakfast," said Tidon. "She didn't keep track of the days while we were in the desert."
"No, you forgot it's your turn, Ti," said Raypha. "Your brain must have dried up in the desert sands."
Mipha interrupted before the argument could continue.
"Let me settle this. And by the way, thank you both for waking up your father and me. So, you can both catch breakfast today, Raypha for yourself and me, and Tidon for yourself and your father. And we can keep doing it that way each morning until you two behave more maturely and settle your disagreement without fighting."
"Fine, Mom," each answered, then stuck out their tongues at each other as they headed out the door, making Mipha and Link laugh.
"Sometimes our dear children seem so grown up for their age," laughed Link. "And other times, so much not."
"Hmm, makes you wonder whom they take after, doesn't it?" said Mipha with a mock, puzzled look.
"You don't mean…?"
"It's definitely you! You were always the little boy at heart," Mipha teased, sticking out her tongue and laughing.
Link playfully rolled his eyes. "Whatever you say, dearest."
Then they both laughed, enjoying the playful banter between them. When their children returned, Link prepared his meal, and the aroma of fresh fish filled the air, improving everyone's appetite. Then they all sat down to eat together.
"Sorry if our argument woke you both," said Raypha. "Next time, we'll handle it better, right Ti?"
"You mean, like, take our argument outside?"
"No, silly, act maturely. But only if you think you can manage it," said Raypha.
"Okay, that's fine," said Mipha quickly. "Your grandfather will want to spend the day with you both and Uncle Sidon, so please be on your best behavior."
"We're always on our best behavior with Grandfather and Uncle Sidon," said Tidon.
"Yes, we are. But it's nice we can be our true selves with you and Dad," said Raypha.
"That's so sweet … I think," said Link.
"Yes, we're so fortunate," said Mipha.
After breakfast, as expected, King Dorephan insisted they leave the children with him and Sidon so he could learn all about their trip.
"Think of telling Grandfather what happened as helping you prepare for what you will write about in your essays," said Mipha as she and Link prepared to leave. "Remember? Essays?"
"Yes, Mom," Raypha and Tidon groaned together.
"Now, you two go off and enjoy the day together," said King Dorephan.
After Mipha and Link left, Mipha took Link's hand.
"Where to, sweetheart?" said Link.
"I owe Ruta a visit, so let's see her first," said Mipha.
They made their way to East Reservoir Lake and nodded greetings to two off-duty Zora guards who were laughing as they swam back to the domain from the east.
"I'll stay by your side, but I'd like you to swim out to Ruta on your own, sweetheart," said Mipha. "I don't think you're getting enough exercise."
"Oh! Okay, but what makes you suddenly say that?"
"Well, I just want to care for you like I always do and keep you as healthy as possible. I'm glad you're sticking to fish in your diet now, but perhaps we should add some vegetables and fruit too. I understand those are beneficial for Hylians."
"That's fine. Fish has been a good substitute for meat. And I like fruit and vegetables too. The more food, the better," laughed Link.
"Well, no, sweetheart," said Mipha. "Portion size is also essential for good health. And combined with exercise, that should keep you in peak condition."
"You make it sound like I'm training for combat or something," laughed Link.
"Come on, dearest, let's swim beside each other," said Mipha. "And try to keep to a steady pace."
They dove into the water and then made their way to Ruta in the middle of the Lake, Link working to keep moving steadily while Mipha swam circles around him, barely flicking her fins in the water.
"You make swimming look so effortless!" laughed Link. "And you're incredibly cute while doing it."
"Thanks, sweetheart. And I don't mind taking hikes with you, too," said Mipha. "That can also be excellent exercise."
When they finally reached Ruta, Mipha lowered the entrance, and they boarded.
"Whew! That swim was longer and more tiring than I expected," said Link as Mipha took his hand. "I forgot how far the middle of the lake is. Maybe I am a bit out of shape."
They turned right after entering the Divine Beast and headed to the lower level, where the main control unit was housed. The afternoon sun shone through the openings, casting alternating light and shadows along the wall and floor.
"Hello, Ruta, I missed you, and it's good to be back," said Mipha, and Ruta bellowed in reply.
"I just need to check Ruta's readings," Mipha muttered to Link, who nodded. "I won't be long."
"I'll just sit down and catch my breath as we Hylians say," said Link as he sat down and rested his back against the wall.
Link watched Mipha as she busied herself with the control unit, muttering to herself or Ruta in a voice too soft for him to hear. But after a few moments, he had to close his eyes as the afternoon sun warmed his skin and the light sparkling off the water reflected into his eyes.
Mipha remained immersed in her work for several minutes, ensuring everything was still in good working order.
"I guess we can go now," said Mipha finally as she turned to Link, but there was no answer: he was fast asleep.
Mipha smiled as she walked over and sat beside Link, then cradled his head against her chest and kissed him gently on the forehead.
"I'll take good care of you, sweetheart, as I promised," said Mipha. "I love you."
Link shifted slightly, nestled his head against her, took a deep breath, and continued sleeping.