Chapter 27 - Gossip
Summary: Mipha and Link spend time at the North Hyrule seashore the day before their next grandchild is due.
It was a sunny afternoon at the North Hyrule shore, and the water was perfect for surfing. Lofty blue waves rolled toward shore, crested, and then crashed onto the beach with a thunderous roar and a spray of white foam that sparkled in the sunlight.
Mipha and Link were visiting North Hyrule to welcome their new grandchild into the world tomorrow. Yesterday, their son Link's wife Tila had passed an egg which was being tended to now in a tank of pure, clean water. If all went as expected tomorrow, a Zora hatchling would nibble its way out of the egg, and a new family member would arrive.
Tila was with her husband Link and daughter Tara, recuperating from passing the egg, and everyone understood Tila would feel better if given an extra day to recover before visiting. So, when Mipha and Link arrived in North Hyrule, they had the day to themselves and wasted no time heading to the seashore to swim and body surf. Like any Zora, they were thoroughly enjoying the water, though it had taken Link a short time to feel entirely at ease in the powerful waves.
"That was amazing!" exclaimed Link after he and Mipha rode an enormous wave partway to shore, then began swimming swiftly back out to deeper water to catch another.
"Here comes the next one!" said Mipha. "Ready?"
"Yep! Here we go!" said Link as he floated onto the wave alongside Mipha, and they let it carry them shoreward.
The wave moved swiftly, and it felt exhilarating to be propelled rapidly through the water by its powerful current. Mipha and Link laughed the entire way as they let the wave carry them as far as possible, then left before it broke and floated beside each other.
"Wow! That was another great ride! I'm glad we made time to visit the sea together, just you and me, before Mila, Midon, and Lapha arrive. I love every minute of it!" said Link.
"I knew you would, sweetheart," said Mipha. "It's great fun! And riding waves like this is something we can't do at home, though we have better waterfalls. I can see your swimming is much improved now, too."
"Yes, and I'm having a great time!" said Link. "The sea is incredible today, and the waves are so perfect! But you know, I have to admit when we first dove into the water here, I felt queasy bobbing up and down in the enormous waves."
"Yes, I noticed that, sweetheart," said Mipha.
"I suppose that's embarrassing," said Link. "For a Zora, I mean."
"It is, and I feel terrible about that," sighed Mipha, shaking her head. "I hope you can eventually get over it, but there's a chance you never will."
"It's okay. I'm already over it," said Link. "You needn't be concerned. I'm swimming fine in the waves now."
"Oh, I'm not concerned about your swimming ability, sweetheart. I knew you were fine after a few moments in the water. But, no, I'm worried about all the gossip you will have to endure. I'm afraid you'll be teased about being a seasick Zora - something I've never heard of. And you might never live it down with your Bazz Brigade friends, either. "
"Well, you don't have to tell anyone, do you?"
Mipha was quiet as she seemed to consider his question.
"Do you, sweetheart?"
"My silence might have a price," said Mipha finally, with a coy smile.
Link burst out laughing and shook his head.
"You're so cute! A price for your silence? Isn't extortion a crime?"
"I'm sure Faray or Father will pardon me if I tell them the entire story," said Mipha. "Which will only spread the gossip further, by the way."
"Fine, I'll pay your ransom, sweetheart. I have a feeling I won't mind at all."
"I have a feeling you're right. And it's payable on demand - which is now, dearest."
They both laughed, took each other's hand, dove beneath the waves together, then swam further out from shore to deeper, calmer water. They spent a while together but afterward floated to the surface with their arms around each other.
"Paid in full, sweetheart?" Link asked as they smiled at each other.
"Yes, I loved it! Maybe one more kiss as a final settlement," laughed Mipha.
They kissed, then Link spoke up.
"Where are we sleeping tonight, by the way? Here in the sea?"
"No, I would prefer one of the slumber pools back in their domain," said Mipha. "The shallow seawater is too turbulent to sleep, and I'm not comfortable sleeping in deep water here, as I'm not familiar with this sea and all its creatures. Besides, we should be nearby and ready to see our new grandchild when he or she hatches."
"That's fine. Why don't we walk along the shore first, then head back to their domain through Crimson Grove? I still enjoy walking with you, too, not just swimming. "
They kissed once more, swam to shore, and walked along the sandy beach at the water's edge, holding hands, letting the waves wash over their ankles. Crabs on the shore scurried away to safety upon their approach, as did any sea birds searching for food.
"You know I wouldn't have told anyone about you getting seasick," said Mipha. "Well, maybe just family."
"I know, but what you did was cute," laughed Link. "I love you, sweetheart."
"Love you, too."
They squeezed each other's hands and continued walking.
"So tomorrow is the big day. The egg will hatch, and we meet our second grandchild," said Link. "Amazing! It reminds me of when Mila and Midon hatched."
"Yes, it's exciting. But it will be different for you this time. As a Zora, you will hear the hatchling better. They make some cute sounds in water outside a Hylian's range of hearing, which develops into their echolocation ability when they're older."
"I didn't know that," said Link. "About the hatchling making other sounds, I mean."
"Yes, and that reminds me, you need to practice echolocation again in case you're in deep water or a dark cave."
"I can't believe I've forgotten so much of your training that I needed to battle that underwater blight creature at the bottom of Lake Hylia," said Link as he shook his head. "I thought it would all come back to me on its own."
"It will come back with practice," said Mipha as she squeezed his hand. "I'm sure you'll learn it faster than last time."
Mipha looked over at Link as he walked with his head down.
"Don't feel discouraged. I know it's hard for you not to have grown up as one of us, to begin life as an adult. But you're doing fine, sweetheart, and I'll help you."
"You always have," said Link, looking up and smiling. "As long as I can remember. And no jokes, please!"
"Would I ever tease you about your memory, sweetheart?" said Mipha.
They both laughed and kissed once again as they watched the sun sink lower in the sky.
Meanwhile, Tila, her husband Link, and their daughter Tara were together in a residence slightly north of the throne room and watching the egg in the hatching tank. Tila was resting, floating in one of the slumber pools, while Link and Tara stood near the tank watching the egg.
"Are you feeling better, sweetheart?" Link asked. "Can I do anything to make you more comfortable?"
"I'm feeling much better," said Tila. "Yesterday, I was sore, but not so much today. I'm fine, sweetheart."
"I saw it move!" said Tara. "The egg just moved!"
"Yes, the hatchling inside is getting ready to break out of the egg tomorrow, sweetheart," said Tila. "Then you will have a baby brother or sister."
"Yay!" said Tara. "I've wished for a little brother or sister. Either will do."
"I'm glad you have no preference, sweetheart," laughed Link. "Because there's not much Mom or I could do about that. But you will be a big sister soon, and that's a very important person in your sibling's life. My big sisters and brother helped me a great deal, and now you will have the chance to do the same."
"What are some things they did for you, Dad?"
"I can't even count how many things they did, sweetheart. Uncle Midon defended me at school against some bullies. And later, when I started feeling I didn't fit in with the rest of the family, he taught me how wrong I was about my mother's feelings about having a Hylian child. Aunt Lapha was always there to look out for me growing up when we played water games with friends. And Aunt Mila introduced me to your Mom and taught me many things. She also healed some bruises I got in fights with classmates that I didn't want my parents to know about. That last thing is still a secret, by the way."
"I see what you mean," said Tara. "And I can keep a secret, Dad, and not get you into trouble."
"Now, it's getting late, Tara, and you should sleep," said Tila. "We promise to wake you up if the egg hatches early."
Tara kissed her Mom and Dad goodnight, then made her way to her slumber pool, closed her eyes, and was soon asleep. Tila and Link smiled at each other.
"You should rest too, sweetheart," said Link.
"As should you," said Tila. "It's unlikely, but just in case, you made sure the hatching tank is paired to both our Tabs?"
"Yes, we'll be alerted if the egg begins to hatch overnight."
"Then join me," said Tila. "You haven't slept well either, spending so much time looking after me."
Link joined her in their slumber pool, and they held each other.
"I love you so much!" said Link. "I know it's going to be wonderful raising another child together."
"Love you, too," said Tila as they kissed. "Our children are blessed to have such a good father."
"And mother!"
They both closed their eyes, and they were soon asleep.
Meanwhile, at the Lakeside Inn and Service Area, Sheikah scientist Aldora was speaking with Midon and Lapha. They had been working together overseeing excavation activity in the Faron Region, searching for ancient Sheikah items, but so far had found only Zonai artifacts of no particular importance.
"Are you still planning to travel to North Hyrule with us tonight, Aldora?" Lapha asked. "Our little brother's second child is due tomorrow, and we want to be there to celebrate. So we're planning to catch the ferry from Martha's Landing, and our sister Mila will join us on route, boarding at Spool Bight."
"Yes, I would like to, if you don't mind," said Aldora. "Our excavation work will stop while you're away, and there's a meeting I'm supposed to attend tonight with some of my colleagues. Also, I'm well aware Mistress Tila's child is on the way. I guess you don't subscribe to Bab's Babble Bubble?"
"The what?" said Midon. "I subscribe to a lot of stuff, but not that. I can hardly even pronounce it!"
"Well, it's understandable you haven't heard of it," laughed Aldora. "The Babble Bubble is a periodic gossip newsletter, and the author is a North Hyrule Zora named Babs. She writes mostly about North Hyrule for now, but I believe she's working on expanding into Hyrule too. She likes to 'float news and rumors.' I just sent both of your Tabs the rune to access it. Aside from what she learns on her own, people send her information, and if she finds it useful and publishes it, she compensates them. Let me send you her announcement about Mistress Tila."
Here's a reliable royal rumor, and you heard it here first! Our lovely Mistress Tila and her handsome Hylian hubby Link expect a fresh addition to the family in two weeks. We're all thrilled, of course, and are sure their new child will be as adorable as Tara, their first.
Now, keep those tips coming, and you could win the tip of the week prize!
"Given our access to so much that is secret, we Sheikah are forbidden to send Babs anything. Our Chief, Master Saldon, is quite strict about that," Aldora continued. "But we can read her newsletter all we want."
"Sounds interesting. I'll have to check out her newsletter, thanks," said Midon.
"As if with all the games and such, Midon, you don't already have enough distracting stuff on your Tab," laughed Lapha.
"They're all partly coding research," said Midon, making a face and then laughing.
"Yeah, right! Anyway, we should leave if we're going to catch the next ferry. And thank goodness they built a tunnel to the shore from here. I would hate having to climb over the hills as people did in the old days," said Lapha.
The three of them made their way through the short Luminous Stone-lit tunnel and emerged at the beach and pier. As this was the westernmost ferry stop, the boat was already docked here and waiting to depart on a new run. So they all boarded and took their seats.
"I'll leave a seat next to me open for Mila," said Midon.
"Do you want to have dinner with us, Aldora, before your meeting?" Lapha asked. "We're all looking forward to some deep-water fish."
"Thanks, I'd like to, but Master Saldon is having a staff meeting dinner, and since I'll be there in person, he wants me to report on our progress, such as it is. But enjoy the fish and extend my congratulations to your family when you see them."
After another five minutes, one of the boat's two officers made a safety announcement, released the moorings, and the other officer steered the ship into open water, sending them on their way. The Faron Sea was calm today, and the ride was smooth. The sun was just beginning to set behind them, and its orange glow reflected in the water.
The first stop was the harbor by Lurelin Village, and they passed a couple of fishing boats returning home with their catch. As the ship docked, you could see the torches burning throughout the village and make out the sound of its peaceful music that appealed to both tourists and residents. Several more passengers boarded here, and then they continued to the Hateno Village stop, where some passengers disembarked and a few others boarded. This ferry did not stop at Lanayru Bay, and the next and final stop before their destination was Spool Bight. As the ferry docked, they could see Mila waiting on the pier. She waved, then boarded and sat down next to Midon.
"Hey, everyone! Nice to see you again, Aldora."
"Nice to see you too, Mistress Mila," said Aldora. "This is an exciting time for your family."
"Yes. We can't wait to see the new hatchling," said Mila.
The boat pulled away from the harbor, then picked up speed until it rushed past the northern Hyrule coast and then onward to North Hyrule.
"I hope you haven't eaten, Mi," said Midon. "Aldora can't join us, but I'm starving and can't wait to sink my fangs into some deep-water fish at Mandel's and Palla's restaurant. I would think the fish they serve here is even fresher than at their Akkala Fish House in Castle Town."
"My mouth is already watering too," laughed Mila. "Forgive us for being rude discussing our dinner plans in front of you, Aldora."
"It's fine," laughed Aldora. "I know the fish they serve there is quite tasty, and I'm sure you will enjoy it."
The rest of the ride was uneventful, and it was just turning dark when they finally docked at the North Hyrule pier. They disembarked, said farewell to Aldora, then Mila, Midon, and Lapha made their way to the now named Original Akkala Fish House for dinner. After being seated, they ordered some Porgies as appetizers and a large Akkala Angler to share.
"How do you two find working with Aldora?" asked Mila as they snacked, waiting for the main course. "I ask because she was the apprentice to the scientist Grendon, who unwittingly helped the Yiga Clan, and that experience must have affected her trust in people."
"Maybe, but she seems to have gotten over it," said Midon. "I find her pleasant to work with."
"Like most North Hyrule Sheikah, she says less than she knows," said Lapha. "She was a bit on her guard with us at first but has gotten more comfortable as we worked together and got to know each other. As Midon said, we get along fine now."
"Ah! Here's the Angler!" said Mila as the fish arrived.
"Wow! Maybe we over-ordered? It's bigger than I thought," said Lapha.
"No, looks about right to me," said Midon as he began cutting up portions. "I'll split the liver equally."
"Mm," said Mila as she closed her eyes after taking a bite. "Just perfect!"
They enjoyed the fresh Angler, and after a few minutes, Midon spoke up.
"So, boy or girl tomorrow?" said Midon. "I'll wager it's a girl since our family's fathers are prone to producing girls. Three out of four of our family's children are girls, and four out of five, if you count Astra. You can't count Linky since Zoras cannot have Hylian females."
"Despite your statistical evidence, I'll bet it's a boy," said Mila.
"Why?"
"I'll tell you tomorrow," laughed Mila. "Do you want to bet?"
"Fine! I'll pay for the next meal we're together," said Midon.
It was late by the time they finished the Angler, then made their way to the slumber pools.
"I still can't get used to sleeping in saltwater, but I'll manage somehow," said Midon as he entered the pool.
"It's not so bad," said Mila. "I lived here for almost a month, and it was fine."
They said goodnight and were soon fast asleep.
Events the next day unfolded rapidly. The whole family gathered mid-morning to watch the egg hatch, and it was two hours later, the process began. The shell started showing a crack, then a tiny hole, and finally, a small head could be seen. The baby rested from time to time as it slowly enlarged the hole and finally swam free of the egg into the water. Most of its body seemed to be tail.
"It's a boy! And he looks perfect!" exclaimed Tila. "Oh, thank Nayru!"
The hatchling had pale blue skin and pale blue eyes, a lighter shade of blue than Tara's.
"Welcome to the world, Lanka," said Linky as he gazed at him. "I can't believe I have a son now!"
"Aww, he's so cute!" said Mipha. "Congratulations!"
"May Nayru watch over and protect you, little Lanka," said Mila.
"Let's give him some fish," said Linky, who had already prepared some small cut-up pieces and then placed them in the water. "He must be hungry."
And he was hungry as he gobbled up each piece to the excitement of all the onlookers.
"I better send some pictures to Father and Sidon," said Mipha as she took several pictures and forwarded them.
"He looks healthy," said Link. "A strong appetite is always a good sign."
"And who better to know that?" teased Mipha.
"Very funny," said Link as he took Mipha's hand, and they watched Lanka swim.
Tila's older sister Faray arrived a few minutes later and, after stopping to look at Lanka, hugged Tila and then Linky.
"I'm so happy for you both," said Faray. "I'll make the formal announcement when I get back. His name is Lanka, right?"
Tila and Linky both nodded.
"Great! And now I'll have a buffet lunch set up outside, so we can all celebrate," said Faray.
The buffet lunch was delicious, and everyone was in as happy a mood as could be as they alternated between the buffet and watching Lanka. It was early evening when Mila, Midon, and Lapha finally said their farewells and congratulations.
"You know Dad, and I are staying here, right?" said Mipha. "I assume Lapha and Midon are returning to the Faron Region, so, Mila, you'll have the house to yourself."
"I'll take good care of it," said Mila.
"Midon and I are staying at our home tonight, too," said Lapha.
After hugs all around, Mila, Lapha, and Midon headed to the ferry stop and boarded the waiting ferry.
"How did you know it would be a boy?" Midon asked Mila as they waited for the ferry to depart.
"I didn't know for sure, or it wouldn't have been fair to bet," said Mila. "But I suspected it might be a boy. I know the future will not be exactly how Dad described it in his journal chapters titled 'A Link to the Future.' But I thought some things might still be true, and in his journal, Tila and Linky had a son named Lanka."
"I think that's cheating, Sis," said Midon.
"Always the sore loser!" laughed Mila. "No, it's learning from history, and that's my profession."
It was a brief ferry ride to the first stop of Spool Bight, and the three of them disembarked and then made their way together to the house by Mikau Lake, nodding good evening to guards they encountered along the way.
"The house feels so quiet, doesn't it?" said Mila as they entered the house and closed the door behind them.
"Yes," said Lapha. "I guess Linky and his family won't be staying here for some time, and Mom and Dad will be spending more time in North Hyrule as well."
"Maybe it's the historian in me, focusing on the past," said Mila. "But as I look around, there are so many memories of the years we spent here growing up as a family, pictures on the wall, things in the rooms. You may think it's silly, but I get sentimental."
Then Mila grew quiet, and Midon exchanged a glance with Lapha.
"It won't be long before the house is full of even more family, Sis," said Midon. "But I know what you mean, and we don't like to see you here alone. So why don't Lapha and I alternate weeks here and at the Faron Region? We both don't need to be at the excavation site simultaneously. I'm sure Dr. Purah would be fine with that."
"Would you mind?" Mila asked. "I would feel much better not being here alone right now."
"Of course, we don't mind," said Lapha. "We love you, and family comes first."
"I love both of you too," said Mila as she sighed with relief. "I'll catch breakfast tomorrow."
"First fish is fine with me!" said Midon. "Goodnight, Sis."
They exchanged goodnight hugs, and each went to their room. They fell asleep thinking of Linky and his new son.