Chapter 37 - Making Amends

Summary: Mipha tries getting over her jealousy while Link works on doing something special for her.

"It hasn't worked - not yet," Mipha thought to herself as she awoke floating in their slumber pool with Link still fast asleep beside her. As she gazed at him, the first thing she felt was the familiar pang of jealousy from the past two days.

She had hoped spending so much time in each other's arms yesterday would wash it all away, make things like they used to be. And it had for a time. But as a new day dawned, her unsettled feelings had returned.

She realized it was not entirely Link's fault. His Hylian nature couldn't comprehend the intense possessiveness female Zoras felt towards their beloveds. The thought of Link being alone with someone who once had a crush on him and who had competed with her for his affection made her insides burn.

Kodah was outgoing and assertive - she had boldly dragged Link onto the dance floor at Ali's party right in front of her. And kind-hearted Link was too nice to object. Kodah said she was seeing someone now, but was she sending Mipha a message? You might have gotten Link as your husband, but I can still get him to do what I ask.

Mipha desperately wanted this sting of jealousy to be gone soon. Perhaps it just needed more time - and Link's unwavering affection. Her brooding was cut short by the sounds of Raypha and Tidon returning home with the morning catch. Slipping silently from the pool, Mipha left the bedroom, softly shutting the door on her sleeping husband.

"Morning, Mom," both children said simultaneously.

"Good morning, and thanks for catching breakfast," said Mipha.

"Dad's still asleep?" asked Raypha.

"Yes, and he may well sleep for a while longer," said Mipha. "We shouldn't wait for him."

"I'll put his Hyrule Bass on ice for him then," said Raypha.

After Raypha took care of Link's fish, they all sat down to eat.

"Will Dad be sleeping in like this from now on, Mom?" Tidon asked, looking up from his plate.

"I hope not. But I wore him out with some strenuous swimming yesterday," said Mipha.

"It's good that Dad's staying active, but I miss chatting with him before class," Raypha said. "Do you think maybe you're pushing him too hard with all this exercise, Mom?"

Mipha paused to swallow a bite of fish.

"Maybe. I did get a bit carried away after what happened the other day," she admitted. "But he should return to normal soon."

After everyone finished eating, Mipha gave both children a tight hug and a quick kiss on the forehead. "Enjoy your non-parent-given lessons," she said as they laughed and then headed out the door.

"Maybe I really was a bit too hard on him," Mipha muttered to herself as she tidied up. "But I wanted to dry up every last drop of his memory of her at all the locations they spent time together. I only want him to think of me when we go there."

When Link awoke over an hour later, the first thing he felt was the ache of sore muscles in his arms and legs.

"Oof! Maybe I really am out of shape," groaned Link as he pulled himself out of the slumber pool. Then he gently stretched before drying off and slowly putting on some clothes.

"Morning, sweetheart," said Link as he emerged from the bedroom to find Mipha sitting at the table. He leaned down to kiss her on the cheek, then couldn't stifle a yawn.

"Morning," said Mipha. "You must still be tired. Why don't you sit down, and I'll cook your breakfast? This morning, Raypha did the honors and caught you a nice-sized Hyrule Bass."

"Oh! Great, thanks," said Link as he sat down, letting out a small groan.

"What's wrong?"

"Can your magic heal aching muscles?" said Link as he rubbed each upper arm with the opposite hand. "My arms and legs feel on fire this morning."

"I guess two days in a row of energetic swimming were a bit too much for you," said Mipha as she began cooking Link's fish. "I'm sorry about that - but it's partly your own fault."

"No, it's entirely my fault, sweetheart," said Link. "I'm sure my aches and pains will heal soon. I hope you can get over the pain I caused you soon, too."

"I'm trying. But you should just relax today and give your muscles a rest," said Mipha. "No hiking or swimming - just remain around the domain. And after your muscle pain subsides a bit, I can give you a massage. It won't be magical - or as good as the one in Gerudo Town - but it might help."

"I'm sure it will. Your touch is magical to me even without magic, sweetheart."

"Keep being sweet," said Mipha with a smile. "It helps."

She returned to concentrating on cooking the fish as it sizzled in the pan, flipping it over after seasoning it until it was just how she knew Link liked it.

"Here's your fish," said Mipha as she presented Link with a plate and sat across from him.

"Mm, it's perfect!" said Link after letting it cool for a moment and then savoring a bite. "I couldn't have done better myself."

"Cooked as well as you? What a gracious compliment! But I seem to recall stories about some of your recipes ending up inedible. What did you call them?"

"Dubious food," said Link after swallowing another bite. "True, not all of my culinary creations were of gourmet quality. But this fish is absolutely delicious, dearest - cooked to perfection! I don't think I've ever tasted fish as good as this! You seem to have a magical touch in the kitchen, too."

"Thank you, but I know what you're up to, and I'm not floating for it," said Mipha. "Don't expect me to cook for you every morning."

"Well, it was worth a try!" said Link as he took another bite of fish. "But seriously, the fish is delicious."

"By the way, I hope you can start waking up early enough to see the children before class," mentioned Mipha. "They miss you in the morning."

"I don't want to oversleep either, and I miss them, too. Next time they have class, please wake me up in time if I don't on my own," said Link.

As Link ate his meal, he could sense that things were still not right between them. The warmth that once punctuated her speech with affectionate nicknames like "sweetheart" or "dear" had vanished. They apparently didn't come naturally to her for now. Link finished his breakfast, and then Mipha took his plate away to clean it before speaking.

"Do you promise not to get in trouble while I'm gone? Father asked me to join him at his meeting with one of Sidon's tutors this morning. My mother handled that task for him when I was a young student, and Father would feel more at ease if I were there," Mipha explained.

"Yes, don't worry about me," replied Link. "I'll take your advice and rest today. However, staying home can be dull. I might go out for some air."

"I was going to suggest that, too. And Hylians have such funny phrases like 'get some air,' even though they're already busy inhaling it. But after spending so much time with you, even I sometimes use that expression."

"Sorry to be a bad grammatical influence," said Link. "But what phrase would a Zora use?"

"If we were out of the water, we would say, 'Get some water time.' But now, I really must leave for the meeting."

"Love you," said Link.

"Remember to get some air."

Link chuckled as they stood, embraced, and then Mipha left. He then returned to the bedroom to finish dressing and made his way out of the house, strolling down the path to the slumber pool level and nodding hello to the guards he passed on the way. It was a cloudy morning and hinted at rain soon, so not a good day for hiking, anyway.

After praying at Hylia's statue, including a prayer that Mipha could get over what bothered her, Link continued down the curved stairway to the plaza level. There was the usual bustle of activity there, but amidst it all, Link glimpsed a well-known face. Gaddison of the Bazz Brigade was in conversation with another female Zora whose name escaped him, and it gave him an idea. After waiting patiently for the discussion to conclude and for her companion to leave, Link approached her.

"Hey, Gaddy," he greeted her.

"Link! Out all by yourself?" Gaddison inquired as she glanced around.

Link explained, "Yes, Mipha is with her father, and our children are busy with lessons from their tutors."

"Wow! Tutors already? Time is certainly a fast current, isn't it?"

"Um, yes, yes, it is," said Link. "Speaking of time, do you have a moment to talk?"

"Of course, I've just finished my shift."

"Perhaps we could talk in the gazebo over there? I'd prefer some privacy."

"Okay, lead the way."

It began to rain as they reached one of the gazebo structures overlooking the plaza and sat down. Sheltered from the rain, Link fumbled for words.

"You're a female Zora…" he started awkwardly.

Gaddison chuckled, "That's not news to me."

Flustered, Link corrected himself, "What I mean is, I could use your help in that capacity … as a female Zora."

"Um, okay. Go on."

Taking a deep breath, Link continued.

"As usual, I can't quite find the right words," Link sighed. "Let me just explain my problem. I did something without thinking that hurt Mipha, and now I want to do something special to make up for it. I have some ideas, of course. But I'm a Hylian, and I thought you might have some better ideas of what would make Mipha happy since you're a female Zora, too."

"Ah, I understand now," Gaddison said, nodding her head. "Well … I guess it might depend on how badly you hurt her. Can I ask what happened?"

"I … um … I spent the morning swimming alone with Kodah without really thinking about how Mipha would feel about it," Link replied. "It was all innocent on my part. But I didn't realize Mipha had such a history of jealousy over Kodah from back in the days when Kodah took me to dance parties. It opened up an old wound for her, I guess."

Gaddison winced sympathetically. "Ouch! You certainly dove into a whirlpool, didn't you?"

Link's head dipped in a nod. "Yes, I did. And now I feel so stupid. I never intended to cause Mipha any pain."

"When did this take place?"

"It was the day before yesterday," Link replied. "Mipha seemed to forgive me, not once but twice following the incident. Yet, I can tell that it's still weighing on her."

"That doesn't at all surprise me, Link," Gaddison responded. "I'm more surprised she felt up to forgiving you so soon. That shows how deep her love for you was."

"But why is that? Everything I did was completely innocent."

"I hope by now you realize that we Zoras are a deeply emotional people. Our hearts are easily stirred, and we form life-long bonds. For example, the thought of remarrying after losing a spouse is unfathomable to us. Thus, we jealously guard the affections of our partners and are extremely possessive of them. Considering Mipha's prior feelings of jealousy regarding Kodah, this incident has undoubtedly deeply affected her and is likely gnawing at her still."

"I see," said Link. "I guess I'm beginning to understand her point of view better. But I'm eager to do something—anything—to show how much I love her and how sorry I am. Do you have any suggestions?"

"Hmm..let me think," Gaddison muttered while pondering some options.

"Since you're married, it's very romantic to make love in the depths of a deep lake surrounded by lush water plants - their tender stems and petals encircling you both as the cool fresh water laps at your skin. That would certainly help wash away some of Mipha's lingering hurt. But … I guess that's out of the question with you being a Hylian and all," said Gaddison as she shook her head and continued to think.

"Yes, and thank you for the vivid imagery, Gaddy, which I'm having trouble getting out of my head now," Link said, blushing slightly. "But I do have to breathe. Any other ideas within the realm of possibility?"

"We Zoras have loved music since the dawn of time," Gaddison pointed out. "Songs can get into our hearts and stir up intense emotions. I suggest you find some romantic music to help her mood. You could even have an intimate dance and share some kisses. Flowers are always nice, too. Blue Nightshade or Silent Princess blooms would look stunning in the evening light. Hearty Blueshell Snails make a great snack and will definitely perk you both up. But I guess you need half of them cooked."

That's right. And that's all excellent advice, thank you! But there is no way I could manage all that without Mipha figuring out something was going on. I'd like to keep it a surprise," Link replied.

Gaddison grinned in response. "And that's where being a member of the Big Bad Bazz Brigade comes to your rescue! I'll talk to the others, but I'm sure Bazz and Rivan will join me in helping you."

"You would? That would be amazing!" Link replied eagerly.

"Of course! And if any of them hesitate, I will point out that this project is not entirely selfless," Gaddison laughed. "I'm sure we would all enjoy redeeming our reputation with Lady Mipha a bit and getting on the good side of the future domain's ruler."

"Good point," laughed Link. "As for music, I know we recorded some songs on the Sheikah Slate Zelda gave us. Mipha enjoys listening to them sometimes, and one song is her favorite. So, if she lets me, Mipha and I could dance to that."

"Perfect! Then we will handle the food and the flowers, plus anything else I can think of," said Gaddison. "When were you hoping to do this?"

"The sooner, the better," said Link. "I can't stand this wall between us. Can you complete it by tonight? Say 8 o'clock?"

"I think so," said Gaddison. "We have enough time to gather everything. The next question is where? Somewhere by water would be the best. I don't know if you noticed, but we Zoras grow much more passionate in the water."

"Actually, I did notice that fact early on in our marriage, which is one reason I took so readily to sleeping in a slumber pool," said Link, blushing again.

"Such is the power of love!" laughed Gaddison. "But that still leaves the question of where."

"How about Veiled Falls?" said Link. "It's where we first kissed and has sentimental value to us both."

"That's a great idea," said Gaddison. "As guards, we can keep others away while we get everything ready. Can you occupy your children somehow?"

"Mipha's father loves watching the children, and they enjoy playing with their Uncle Sidon. They don't have any classes tomorrow. So, a sleepover with their uncle tonight would work."

"Great!" said Gaddison as she got up, ready to leave. "You take care of the children and the music, and we will set everything else up. I'll reach out to the others and get started on our plan. Now I had better go. Mipha mustn't see us alone together, or she might ask what we were talking about and ruin the surprise. Or, it might possibly even make matters worse."

"Agreed!" Link chuckled. "The last thing I need is to make Mipha jealous of you, too. Thanks so much!"

"Don't worry. We'll help you mend our Princess's heart," said Gaddison as she left to find Bazz and Rivan.

Link began returning home, feeling optimistic about the plan but still feeling the aches and pains of overexertion.

"I wish we had a Goron hot spring here," he groaned. "I could really use a long soak!"

It had stopped raining by lunchtime when Mipha returned home, followed soon by Raypha and Tidon. Link greeted them each with a hug as they entered.

"Dad, you're finally up?" said Raypha teasingly.

"Yes, and a little worse for wear, but I promise I'll be awake for breakfast with the family next time you have class," said Link.

"Since classes are done for the week, let's all have a picnic," suggested Tidon. "Maybe we can invite Uncle Sidon to join us?"

"I don't know," said Mipha. "Your father isn't up to doing anything too strenuous."

"How about a picnic at Lulu Lake just above us?" proposed Raypha. "We can pull Dad up the falls, Mom - it's nearby."

"Is that okay with you?" Mipha asked Link.

"Sure. I'm just sore, not disabled. I can get there with your help, light a fire when it's time to eat, and cook my meal," Link agreed. "Oh, and I'll also bring the Sheikah Slate in case we want to take some pictures."

"Why don't you two ask if Uncle Sidon can join us while I help your dad get to our picnic spot?" suggested Mipha.

Raypha and Tidon left as Mipha gripped Link's hand and prepared to pull him up the two waterfalls.

"This is like old times together before you gave me the armor," commented Link as they waded into Mikau Lake. "I always marveled at your strength in the water."

"You said back then that you wished you could swim up waterfalls," said Mipha, reminiscing. "And eventually, I made your wish come true. Remember?"

"I certainly do," replied Link. "You made all my wishes come true."

"Now keep your mouth closed, or you'll swallow too much water," said Mipha. "That will only make you heavier."

Link nodded as he gripped her hand, and they proceeded up the two waterfalls of Mikau Lake, then made the short walk to Lulu Lake.

Lulu Lake was a small body of water with a waterfall that led up to the path to Ploymus Mountain. It was surrounded on three sides by thick green grass, a small clump of evergreen trees, and the occasional purple shrub. Swift Lotus Seed plants grew in the shallows, and two rocks jutted through the lake's surface.

"This looks like a good place to picnic," said Mipha as they settled on a spot near the evergreen trees.

A few minutes later, Sidon returned with Raypha and Tidon.

"Thanks for inviting me," said Sidon. "And thanks for helping Father with the tutor meeting. I was worried Father might think I wasn't doing well."

"Always happy to help, little brother," laughed Mipha.

"Shall we have lunch now?" asked Tidon. "I'll catch a fish for Dad this time."

After a brief lunch, Raypha, Tidon, and Sidon all went off to play some water games, alternating between the two levels of Mikau Lake and Lulu Lake.

"Do you want to join them?" asked Link as Mipha sat alongside him.

"I should join them for a game of tag or two," Mipha suggested. "Sidon loves it when I play as I make it more challenging for him. Are you sure you'll be alright?"

"Of course, I'll be fine," replied Link with a smile. "However, I would like to spend some more time with you later. Perhaps you could suggest the children have a sleepover with their uncle?"

"I'm sure they'd love that, as they always have fun with him," said Mipha. "And yes, we should talk."

Mipha stood up, walked to the waterfall's edge, and dove down to where the rest of them were playing. Soon, Link could make out giggles and shouts over the steady splash of the falls. He smiled. Maybe his plan with Gaddison would work after all. He only had to convince Mipha to accompany him to Veiled Falls.

They ended up playing there the whole afternoon, only taking a break for dinner, and eventually, it was time to go as the sun sank lower in the sky.

"Now, you two behave," said Mipha as she and Link kissed Raypha and Tidon goodnight, and they prepared to accompany Sidon back to the domain. "And you're in charge, dear brother unless Father is there."

"Of course, dear sister," laughed Sidon. "We'll be fine."

"Goodnight, Mom and Dad!" said Tidon.

"Have fun," added Raypha as she waved.

Soon, you could hear their laughter as they dove down the falls and headed back to the domain.

"So, you wanted to talk?" said Mipha.

"Yes, but not here," said Link. "Can we go to Veiled Falls?"

"Why? You're still not over your aching muscles."

"Because it's a special place for us, and I like being there with you," said Link. "I can paraglide down the falls, and it won't be a strenuous walk. Please just do this for me?"

"Fine," said Mipha. "I'll meet you by our house."

They met near their home as evening shadows grew and then headed down toward the quiet part of the domain. A few early sleepers were already settled in for the night, and the soft green glow of Sneaky River Snails could be seen alongside the slumber pools. Together, they walked to the western edge of the domain, following a path that skirted the edge of East Reservoir Lake, leading them toward the sound of Veiled Falls in the distance.

Link was quietly hopeful, clinging to the belief that what his friends had arranged, combined with the words he planned to say, would mend things. It grew darker as they walked, and the only sounds were the chirping of crickets, an occasional night bird, and the gentle rustling of leaves in the breeze. But something felt off.

"It's too bright," Mipha noted with a hint of surprise in her voice.

As they arrived at Veiled Falls, the source of the unusual light became clear. The water was aglow, covered with scattered Blue Nightshade and Silent Princess Flowers that radiated a serene blue and white light. Around the centerpiece stone in the middle of the water, Luminous Stones had been artfully arranged into a heart shape. On a nearby rock, there was a spread of cooked and uncooked Hearty Blueshell Snails.

Mipha's eyes sparkled, reflecting the radiant flowers. "Oh! This is so beautiful! Did you do this?" she asked, squeezing Link's hand.

"With a little help from my Bazz Brigade friends," Link replied, feeling the warmth of her hand in his. "I wanted to show you, in every way I could, that I love you deeply and regret any hurt I've caused. I'm sorry for everything, my love. I hope you can move past it - today or someday soon."

Mipha's smile was gentle as she suggested, "Let's sit on the rock where we first kissed. We can talk more there."

They stepped into the water, the petals of the flowers parting around them, and settled on the rock. Mipha's eyes met Link's, and they glowed gold in the soft light. He adored her beautiful eyes and felt a warmth spreading inside him as he looked back at her. Then Link reached for the Sheikah Slate.

"I brought along some music, just in case." He tapped a rune, and "Lakebed Lullaby" began to play softly.

"You remembered? I adore that song!" Mipha murmured, encircling him with her arms. "You're really making it hard to stay upset at you."

Mipha closed her eyes and listened to the song she loved so much. It filled her with emotions she couldn't control.

"I still love you, you know," she whispered. "What happened … it cut deeper than you might think. But let's not dwell on it. How about a fresh start with a kiss?"

"Gladly!" exclaimed Link as they pulled each other closer and kissed.

"I love you," said Link after their kiss ended. "So very much."

"I love you, too. Now, let's step into the water. We can dance there."

Together, they hopped from the rock into the shallows. Embraced, swaying to the gentle melody, they shared tender kisses, the song's rhythm guiding their movements. Gradually, their dance became an expression of deeper passion, and they let the music fade into the background, losing themselves to the moment and each other.

"I love you so much," said Link afterward as he caressed her smooth skin. "I can't be happy unless you are too."

"And I love you," said Mipha. "But I hope our lovemaking wasn't too hard on your sore muscles. For a moment, I forgot all about it."

"No, not at all. Being in the water helped. And for a moment, I forgot all about it, too."

Mipha laughed, and after kissing several more times, Link spoke up.

"Feeling hungry?"

"Sounds like you are! Let's have some of those snails."

They left the water, picked up the tray, and settled against a tree trunk. Mipha tasted one and smiled.

"Your friends really outdid themselves. I might need to see them in a new light."

"I wanted tonight to be memorable, something special," Link said. "I couldn't have done it without them."

They sat in comfortable silence, Mipha's head on Link's shoulder, before he spoke with quiet sincerity. "I understand the pain I caused, and I'll be sure it never happens again."

"You promise?"

"I promise."

"Just don't forget you're mine," said Mipha.

"That's something I could never forget."

"Let's not go home tonight. It's too perfect here," said Mipha.

Link smiled. "Anywhere with you is perfect for me."

Mipha's laughter filled the air. "If only you'd been this romantic at our first kiss!"

"Well, considering I didn't see that first kiss coming, it would've been tricky. But tonight feels just as exciting as that first time. I love you with all my heart."

"And I love you, too," said Mipha. "Let's finish the snails and return to the water. It brings out the best in me. Just promise me you won't strain your muscles any further."

"Don't worry - it's only my arms and legs that hurt," said Link as Mipha laughed.

Then he took her hand, and they waded back into the water to spend the night together.