Chapter 34 - Meeting the Tutors

Summary: Link and their son, Tidon, meet with their children's math tutor. Mipha shares some memories with their daughter, Raypha, before they both meet with the history tutor.

It was a sunny morning in Zora's Domain as Mipha and Link lingered at the breakfast table. Their children, Raypha and Tidon, had already finished breakfast, and you could hear the sound of their laughter as they played at Mikau Lake just outside. Link, lost in thought, was only picking at the half-eaten fish on his plate. Mipha had long since finished her meal, and Link's uncharacteristic behavior caught her attention.

"You're eating very slowly, sweetheart. Are you savoring the flavor of your fish, or does it not taste right? Or is the portion too large?"

"Huh? Oh, no, dearest, it's definitely not too large! And it tastes fine, cooked to perfection. I was just thinking about this morning's upcoming meeting with the children's math tutor."

"I'm glad you're thinking ahead. The meeting is at the gazebo nearest the Coral Reef shop, and it's to discuss the upcoming term's topics."

With a sheepish grin, Link replied, "Yes, I know. And I know we agreed to divide and conquer – you attending the history tutor meeting with Raypha and me with Tidon for math. But I'm having second thoughts. I'm wondering whether it wouldn't be better for you to attend this morning's meeting instead of me."

"Why is that?"

"Well, I was only an average student, and math isn't exactly my strength. I don't want to appear ignorant in front of our children's tutor. Given your refined upbringing as a Princess, which included an outstanding royal education, wouldn't you be better suited for this task?"

Mipha chuckled, "Refined upbringing as a Princess? Why it wasn't long ago that you bemoaned my apparent lack of manners, worried I would offend Hylian sensitivities by eating fish raw in their presence."

"What an amazing memory, sweetheart! You even recalled something as insignificant as that!"

"Insignificant?"

"But the excellent memory you just displayed only serves to prove my point: that you're more intellectually suited to discuss academic matters," Link replied. "Anyway, I was wrong about what I said about your eating raw fish, and Zelda herself told me off - that I worry too much. But you can't deny my larger point about your intelligence."

Mipha's eyes twinkled with amusement as she affectionately grasped one of Link's hands and caressed it, "It's so endearing, sweetheart, to hear you praise my intelligence. You never tire of complimenting me for my beauty. But it's so refreshing to know you hold my intellect in such high regard as well."

Link nodded, looking into Mipha's eyes, "Always have, always will, sweetheart."

"I also know you have a gift for flattery when the time is right, my love. But you can't wriggle out of your duties so easily. I'm meeting with their history tutor later, as we agreed. It's your turn as a parent to step up and meet with their math tutor. Show a bit of that legendary courage, hero!"

"Very funny, sweetheart. Alright, I'll do it," said Link, who took another bite of fish. "But flattery aside, I really do admire both your intelligence and your beauty."

"Thank you, dearest. And there's no need to be anxious about the meeting. You're not taking a test. Their math tutor is a Sheikah volunteer that Zelda recruited for us. After the session, you can share your thoughts with Her Majesty and thank her. I'm sure she'd love to hear from you - she always does."

Link sighed, "You always have a way of making perfect sense. I admire that."

"And I admire your courage, dearest," said Mipha, upon which they both laughed and exchanged a kiss.

"By the way, do you know who their history tutor will be?" Link asked after swallowing another bite of fish.

"Her name is Leana. She has experience serving as an apprentice to our royal secretary, so she's well-versed in our history."

Link took a last bite of fish, then rose from his seat. "That's great. I'll gather Tidon and tell you how the meeting goes."

"Please do," Mipha said with a playful smile, standing up too. "And I'll clean up here so you can't procrastinate any further."

Link laughed, "You really do have me all figured out!"

"No one knows you better than I do, sweetheart. And considering our slow-burning romance - how long it took you to express your feelings for me - I think I actually know you better than you know yourself."

Link chuckled, "I'll never hear the end of that either, will I?"

"Not as long as it's so much fun to tease you," laughed Mipha.

Link smiled as he pulled her into a tight embrace. And after sharing a warm kiss, he left to find Tidon and head to their meeting.

Raypha entered shortly after and, noticing Mipha starting to clean up, offered assistance. "Need a hand, Mom?"

Mipha looked up, "Thanks, I could."

After all the breakfast items were cleaned and neatly put away, Raypha questioned, "Any plans for this morning, Mom?"

"Tidying up our room," Mipha began. "I've set my eyes on two dresser drawers, but right now, they're brimming with your father's old clothing. I think the closet would serve better for those, seeing as only his Zora armor, Hylian hood, and trousers, along with the Champion tunic from Zelda, currently occupy it."

"That sounds like a good idea," Raypha agreed. "I guess those two outfits must hold special significance for Dad, coming from the two most important women in his life."

"But of course, his heart is all yours now," Raypha quickly added.

Mipha chuckled, "I would certainly hope so, sweetheart! Anyway, if you don't mind helping, I can pass the outfits to you, and you can hang them up."

As Mipha began to rummage through the drawer, the first outfit she retrieved was a Sheikah outfit, complete with a mask, chest guard, and tights.

"These look brand new, Mom, hardly worn at all," Raypha remarked, inspecting each piece closely and admiring the meticulous crafting.

"I think your father rarely wore it," Mipha recalled. "He said a merchant in Kakariko Village convinced him to purchase the set, explaining it was made of a special fabric that would enhance his stealth. Initially, he said he found it useful for skirting around enemy camps. However, as his combat prowess grew, he felt less need for stealth and more inclined to bring the fight to whatever evil creatures he encountered."

Raypha smiled, "That's Dad, fearless to the core."

Mipha beamed, "Indeed. You've glimpsed only a fraction of his skill when he defeated the Ice Breath Lizalfos in the Gerudo Highlands. He's the greatest swordsman in all of Hyrule, dear, and a skilled archer as well."

Raypha gently draped the Sheikah attire on a hanger when Mipha handed her the next outfit: a set of sturdy Hylian soldier armor.

"Feels heavy-duty," Raypha commented, examining the durable build. "I don't remember Dad ever wearing this, either."

"It was his armor after he joined the Hylian army," Mipha recounted. "He wore it with pride, and its thickness offers protection in combat. I still recall how mature he looked the first time he wore it. Once, during one of his visits, clad in this very armor, we headed to East Reservoir Lake for a swim. I still remember it."

I hope you don't intend to swim wearing all that armor! You might not float as you imagine. In fact, I think you'll sink like a stone!"

"Um, actually, it's not as heavy as it looks, Princess, but of course, I should remove it first," said Link.

Watching him grapple with the armor's clasps, I offered to help.

"Need help taking it off?"

"Oh, um, well, okay," said Link, and he blushed the cutest shade of pink!

I helped him remove the armor, enjoying every minute of our closeness. We placed it on the bed there, dove into the water and had a great time. When it was time for him to go, I couldn't resist offering to help him get dressed again, if only to see his cute blush.

"No, no, Princess, that won't be necessary," said Link, blushing again as expected. "The armor is easier to put on than take off."

Mipha grinned, "Your father had this endearing bashfulness."

Raypha chuckled, "Sounds like a delightful memory."

With a dedicated spot in the closet for the armor, the next set that emerged was the resplendent Royal Guard uniform, accentuated by its white gloves and glossy white boots.

"Now, this is regal looking!" Raypha observed, clearly taken by its splendor.

"It is, and your father wore it with such grace. His outstanding combat ability didn't go unnoticed for long, and soon, he was inducted into the Royal Guards. As you know, this elite force is entrusted with the safety of the Hyrule royal family. Your father was the youngest recruit ever to join their ranks."

A hint of awe colored Raypha's face, and her eyes shone with pride. "I never knew that about Dad. That's truly amazing!"

"This dress outfit was only worn inside the castle or on formal occasions like ceremonies," said Mipha. "If the royal guard were accompanying a member of the royal family outside the castle, they wore their regular combat armor. Anyway, that's all that's in this drawer. Let's get to the next one."

After sliding the top drawer shut, Mipha gently pulled open the next. Nestled inside was a meticulously folded set of Flamebreaker Armor, the very armor Link had acquired during his perilous journey to Goron City.

Raypha's eyes widened as Mipha carefully lifted each piece and handed it to her.

"This feels even heavier than the soldier armor," Raypha remarked, struggling slightly with its weight. "It seems like something a Hylian might wear for underwater explorations."

Mipha smiled softly.

"Actually, your father first wore this when he bravely ventured alone to liberate Divine Beast Rudania," she reminisced. "I remained behind here in the domain, as the land near Death Mountain is treacherous with its molten magma and searing heat. Without this armor or a potent elixir, anyone other than a Goron would soon be reduced to ashes. That's precisely why our family has never journeyed there together."

Raypha's face softened with empathy as she carefully hung the armor. "It must have been a terrible worry for you, Mom, knowing Dad was facing such dangers all alone."

Mipha sighed.

"I couldn't get him out of my mind, and my heart ached every moment he was away. Even your uncle Sidon, still young back then, could sense my mood. After Link's successful mission, I resolved to stand by his side during the liberation of the other Divine Beasts, Medoh and Naboris. The thought of him facing the unknown alone without me to aid him or heal his injuries was unbearable, regardless of any reservations he had about my being there."

She continued, a touch of nostalgia in her voice, "Perhaps it will surprise you, but when Zelda, your father, and I later visited Goron City together, Link insisted I wear this very armor for protection while he used an elixir to combat the searing heat."

"Oh, wow! Conditions there must be really terrible!" said Raypha.

"They were - unbelievably so! And this time, Link was the one who helped me put on and take off armor whenever we soaked in one of the Goron Hot Springs," said Mipha. "The outfit wasn't really made for a Zora, and I had to squeeze my tailfin into the back. It was difficult and uncomfortable. But your father teased me that it looked good on me as it matched my skin color. Anyway, let's continue."

Delving back into the drawer, Mipha revealed the Snowquill Armor, its lining filled with Rito feathers and its headdress adorned with a ruby.

Raypha's face brightened with recognition. "Ah! This brings back memories of our family trip to Rito Village."

Mipha nodded in agreement. "Before our arrival in Rito Village to appease Divine Beast Vah Medoh, a Rito courier delivered this and another set for me to the Tabantha Ridge Stable. Medoh used to soar high above the clouds, and the chill at that altitude was piercing. Thankfully, these sets ensured we stayed warm throughout our mission."

Upon stowing the Snowquill Armor, Mipha brought forth the final outfit: the unmistakable Gerudo Vai attire, the one Link had worn to blend into the all-female Gerudo Town. It consisted of a delicate veil, a fitted top, and baggy sirwal pants.

Raypha's expression brightened in recognition. "This must be the famed 'Linka' disguise you once mentioned during our Gerudo tour, isn't it?"

Mipha responded with a hearty laugh, "Exactly! It was his clever ruse to get past the guards at their Vai-only town. And oh, how I relished teasing him in it! So concerned about blowing his cover, your father barely uttered a word lest his deeper voice give him away. Seizing the moment, I playfully coerced him into joining a workshop to assist young Gerudo women in the art of courtship. I had to tell the instructor that Linka had temporarily lost her voice. Anyway, the sight of him trying not to stand out was priceless. But, to both our surprise, the climax of the class was a romantic dance between us. It turned out to be a tender moment, with the instructor praising our chemistry, declaring we were the epitome of a loving couple!"

Raypha grinned as she hung up the garment. "That's adorable and a sweet story, Mom! It'd be fun to see if we can persuade Dad to wear this again."

"Witnessing that again would be a treat. But coaxing him into it might be a challenge! That said, your request might just sway him. He seldom turns down anything you or Tidon ask for."

"I'll have to think of a clever way to bring it up," laughed Raypha.

"Maybe I can help with that, too," laughed Mipha.

With a contented look, Mipha concluded, "Thanks to our efforts, I can finally use these drawers to put away my things."

Raypha, curious, decided to broach a more personal topic, "Speaking of romance, I've heard Dad's account of when he first fell for you. I was wondering - could I hear when you first fell for him?"

Mipha paused, reminiscing, "When did it begin? Well, initially, I saw myself as someone taking care of an adorable Hylian boy who often came here. But after several years apart, he returned one day to our homeland, grown from a boy into a handsome young man. It took me by surprise, and I struggled to maintain my poise around him. I could sense he felt the same about me. The dynamic between us had shifted from his childhood days. So, I would say that's when I developed a crush on him. He visited often after that, and we grew closer. And by the time your father conquered the Lynel atop Ploymus Mountain, I was completely in love - my heart was his. It was after that I began crafting the armor for him."

Raypha asked, "Could you tell how he felt about you back then?"

Mipha sighed, "Yes and no: it was a bit ambiguous. I could tell he cherished our friendship and cared for me. We had a rich history of fun times together and shared moments. Whenever he had enough time off, I was the one he always came to see. But then, after some time with the sword that seals the darkness, he grew quite reserved and tended to conceal his feelings. And that continued throughout our adventure to save Hyrule, though I think my constant company helped him to unburden himself eventually. I believed in my heart that he loved me. But it required some gentle prodding on my part to get him to admit it."

Raypha nodded, "Yes, I recall Dad mentioned something about using the subjunctive case."

Mipha smiled, "I sensed one of his big reservations about sharing his feelings for me stemmed from my royal status. So, I asked him plainly how he would feel or act towards me if I weren't a Princess. That broke the dam of his hidden emotions, and his true feelings flooded out, telling me he loved me. Everything flowed perfectly for us after that."

"That's sweet," said Raypha. "Thanks for telling me, Mom. And I guess trusting your heart paid off."

"I've always believed in following my heart; so far, it hasn't led me astray. Now, how about some swimming before lunch? A few times up and down the waterfalls here should be good exercise. Afterward, we'll meet with your history tutor. Excited?"

"Yes, I am. There is so much to learn," said Raypha.

Meanwhile, Link and Tidon were meeting with the new math tutor.

"Greetings, Master Link, and a warm welcome to you too, Tidon," began the tutor. "I'm Tymin. It's an honor and a pleasure to guide you and your sister, Raypha, in enhancing your mathematical abilities—covering everything from basic calculations to critical reasoning and complex problem-solving. My teaching approach marries theory with practical application, and together, we'll explore the significance of math in diverse areas like architecture, science, and statistics. For some background, I hail from Kakariko Village and graduated with distinctions from the Academy by the Royal Ancient Tech Lab. When the opportunity to teach in your beautiful domain presented itself, I jumped at it—or as the Zoras would say, 'I dove right in.' Do either of you have any questions for me?"

Tidon asked, "What is your stance on homework, Dr. Tymin? Is it permissible for Raypha and me to assist each other?"

Tymin nodded. "Homework, in my view, serves as a test of comprehension. Genuine understanding remains elusive until you grapple with new problems. It's alright for you two to collaborate, but ensure both of you grasp the essence of what's being taught. And, if you ever need it, your parents can pitch in too."

With a hint of amusement, Link confessed, "To be frank, my mathematical prowess is rather limited."

Tymin chuckled, "In that case, reviewing their work might enlighten you. Either Raypha or Tidon can walk you through their assignments. Sometimes, teaching can be the best way to understand. Remember, it's never too late to learn."

Link laughed in response, "I hope you're right."

Tymin asked, "Do you have any other questions?"

"I guess not for now, Dr. Tymin," said Tidon. "Thank you."

"Great! Then I will see you and Raypha starting tomorrow. Enjoy your last day of vacation," said Tymin.

As Link and Tidon left the meeting, Tidon spoke up.

"I think this class will be interesting," said Tidon.

"He appears to be exceptionally well-qualified. I owe Queen Zelda my gratitude for securing such a proficient instructor."

Mipha and Raypha's figures were discernible on their return home, gracefully swimming in Mikau Lake. Without hesitation, Link and Tidon eagerly joined in.

With a buoyant tone, Link said, "The meeting was quite reassuring. I'll share all about it over lunch. But first, I intend to work up an appetite," he added, drawing Mipha into a tender embrace.

"For food? Has that ever been a problem, sweetheart?" Mipha teased.

"Not really," laughed Link. "And with you for other than food either."

Tidon interjected with an eager proposal, "How about a race up the falls?"

And just like that, they were off.

Lunch passed without incident, and afterward, Mipha and Raypha found themselves at the plaza, greeted by Leana.

"Good day, Lady Mipha. And a warm welcome to you, Princess Raypha," Leana began. "Your interest in our history is heartening. As a protégé of the Royal Secretary, I've delved deeply into our rich past. I'm honored to guide you through our extensive Zora history and provide an overview of Hyrule's broader chronicles. I've already mapped out our initial lessons and am eager to begin. Please, feel free to surface any questions – now or anytime."

Raypha inquired, "How much reading is involved? Not that I mind; I enjoy reading."

Leana smiled, "There's essential reading, of course. Beyond that, the depth is yours to decide. The Hyrule Castle library is available for any deep dives into specific subjects. For your final assessment, you'll craft a term paper on an agreed-upon topic, which will require some independent exploration. Any other questions?"

Raypha responded with genuine enthusiasm, "Not for now, and that sounds wonderful. I can't wait to begin. Many thanks!"

"Then I will see you and your brother Tidon tomorrow," said Leana. "Good day to you."

As they headed home, Mipha suggested, "Raypha, why not exchange details of your meeting with Tidon? And I'll update your father about it. Make the most of your vacation's final day!"

Raypha chuckled, "Thanks, Mom. And you enjoy your moments with Dad."

With a soft laugh, Mipha watched Raypha head off, searching for Tidon. She entered the house, finding Link in their bedroom, surveying his old attire, now neatly hung in the closet.

Link looked appreciative, remarking, "Thanks for organizing these. Storing them in the closet is undoubtedly more efficient than cramming them into dresser drawers."

Mipha, with a playful sparkle in her eyes, responded, "I thought so, too. "You know, sweetheart, to see if you're still keeping in shape, maybe you should try on an outfit or two to see how they fit."

Link raised an eyebrow and said, "Well, I still comfortably fit into the armor you crafted. But okay. Which outfits are you suggesting?"

Mipha grinned, "I've seen you in all of them, but I wonder how our children would react seeing their father don one of these. Maybe Raypha and Tidon could each make a recommendation."

Link considered, then asked, "Why do I detect a mischievous glint in your eyes?"

Mipha, moving closer, replied, "Simply the joy of being in your presence, dearest," she whispered, their laughter echoing softly before they shared several kisses.

After their last kiss, Link remarked, "How is it that you can read me so effortlessly, yet your thoughts remain an enigma?"

"A mystery to be unraveled later. For now, we have the house all to ourselves. Surely, my profound intellect must be captivating to you, right?"

Link replied, "Undoubtedly. That, coupled with your unparalleled beauty."

Then they both laughed before they embraced, kissed, and Link kicked the door closed.