Chapter 35 - Washing Away Regrets
Summary: Link's family affirms their support for his Zora transformation.
It was late afternoon in Zora's Domain as young Link and his wife, Tila, floated near the northwest pier of East Reservoir Lake, arms around each other. They were watching their eleven-year-old daughter Tara play with her one-year-old brother Lanka in the water.
"Spin like this, Lanka!" said Tara as she made a spin move in the water that caused Lanka to giggle, and then she helped him copy her.
"Great! Now you try it on your own," said Tara.
"It's so cute seeing Tara teach her little brother swimming tricks," murmured Tila. "I think she will make a wonderful big sister."
"I agree, and I know how helpful it can be to have a supportive big sister," said young Link. "Or a big brother too, for that matter. But they're both so cute - just like their cute Mom."
Tila smiled, and they kissed.
"We need to watch the time and head back soon," said Tila. "By the way, speaking of supportive siblings, how was it fair that you left them to do all the work getting things ready for the big family dinner tonight?"
"I offered to help, but they insisted I stay with you and not miss a chance to play with the children," laughed young Link. "Midon said some expression about too many fins in a pool scatter the school, like too many Zora in the water at once scare away the fish, meaning I would be in the way. Besides, Lapha said there wasn't that much to do as Grandfather already made most of the arrangements."
"Well, that's fine. I just hope tonight's dinner party helps your Dad get over any lingering concerns he has about what he did. I was a little surprised that Mila thought he needed our support after all this time. It's been over a year since his transformation."
"I know, and I'm a bit surprised too. But Mila's always been the best among us at reading Dad's feelings, and I trust her judgment. Well, I do now. When she was younger, Mom said Mila sometimes misinterpreted things."
"What do you mean?" said Tila.
"I'll give you probably the biggest example. As a young girl, Mila could sense that Dad sometimes felt uneasy as a Hylian in a mostly Zora family. Mila thought it meant Dad was unhappy living with us, and she feared he would leave us someday to return to be with Hylians. She was even especially sensitive about Dad's close relationship with Queen Zelda, fearing she would lure him away."
"I see," said Tila. "And if you and Princess Zelda weren't cousins, I might have worried about the same thing before we married. But of course, the fact Mila was wrong is your point?"
"Not exactly wrong. Mila read Dad's feelings correctly: he was uneasy about being a Hylian in a Zora family. But she got the cause of his uneasiness wrong, as it was exactly the opposite of what she thought. Dad was worried about not being the best father he could be for his Zora children and afraid they would have difficulty accepting him as their father. The thought of leaving Mom and his family never crossed his mind: he loved us all too much."
"I see what you mean," said Tila. "And I can understand Mila might have misunderstood something like that as a young child."
"Anyway, since she's grown older, Mi's better at understanding people. She thinks Dad could use a show of family support for his decision to become a Zora, as she thinks Dad sometimes worries about how we all feel about it."
"And how do you feel about it, sweetheart? You're the only Hylian in the family now, so I could see you feeling differently about it than your siblings."
"I'm totally fine with it. Dad's the same person inside, and he did what he did out of love for Mom so that he could be there for her as long as possible. And I certainly don't mind having a Zora parent."
He paused for a moment, then continued as they heard Tara and Lanka giggling in the background.
"Although I must admit when I was younger, I wondered if Mom didn't wish I was a Zora too. It was Midon who rather emphatically straightened me out about that when he and I were staying at Hyrule Castle one summer. He explained how completely wrong I was and how much Mom cared for me and loved having me. Anyway, I guess we all have some hidden anxiety about not being accepted by those we love because of our differences. But living with my family and ours has taught me those differences are superficial and unimportant. It's the inner person that matters. And our love for each other, of course."
"Well said," said Tila. "And very true. I love you."
"I love you too, sweetheart," said young Link, and then they kissed.
"Even though you're a Zora," he added after their kiss ended.
Then they both laughed and at once started a splash fight, which Tara and Lanka quickly joined in.
Meanwhile, not far away, the waters of Ruto Lake were clear and fresh, the surface a calm blue-green under a sunny late afternoon sky. A Zora couple held hands as they swam smoothly below its surface. They glided gracefully through the water as one, instinctively anticipating each other's movements and smiling at each other from time to time.
Some Mighty Carp and a Hearty Bass scattered from their path as they neared the waterfall that flowed with a steady white splash from the lower level of Zora's Domain. Then, one of the Zoras gestured upward with her head, a signal to surface. When they broke the surface, they reached out and embraced each other as they treaded water together.
"Anything wrong, sweetheart?" Link asked.
"No, nothing's wrong, but a kiss as we near home would be sweet now," said Mipha, reaching behind Link's head and pulling it to hers for a kiss.
"Mm, it was sweet," said Link after their kiss ended. "But if you wanted to kiss, why did we bother to surface? I've gotten quite accustomed to kissing you underwater now. Not that I mind kissing you in the air too, of course."
"Because I also wanted to talk to you, dearest," laughed Mipha. "Our underwater language is too limited since it only evolved enough to convey simple matters like directions and warnings."
"Very true," said Link.
"Besides, kissing in the air brings back fond memories for us, doesn't it?" said Mipha. "Assuming your memories are working today, that is."
"Very funny," said Link. "But I notice the lake is especially refreshing today. It must be from all the heavy rainfall this morning. Anyway, what did you want to talk about?"
"We're almost home, and I saw how hungrily you stared at a Mighty Carp we passed a way back. I wanted to remind you that Father is having the whole family over for an early dinner tonight. I know he arranged for some special dishes, so don't fill up on any fish beforehand."
"I remember, and I'll do my best to keep my appetite in check until then, though I admit I am getting hungry," laughed Link.
"Now, let's head up the waterfall together. By the time we reach home, it will be almost time to leave for dinner," said Mipha. "Father is having dinner early so his great-grandchildren won't have to stay up too late."
When they arrived home, the house was empty, everyone else in the family apparently out or already with King Dorephan.
"I hope we're not too late," said Link.
"No, don't worry, we still have time, and I'm sure they won't start without us," said Mipha. "I just need a minute to put on a few things. You can wait outside if you like."
"Fine," said Link. "For a sunny day, it is beautiful out."
The sky was clear with a steady breeze that whistled through the evergreen trees and ruffled the thick grass along the shore of Mikau Lake as Link waited outside their house for Mipha to get ready. A family of three Bright-Chested ducks was foraging for food near the waterfall, dunking their heads underwater every so often. Link glanced to the south, and he could just make out the tip of Divine Beast Vah Ruta's trunk raised high in the air above East Reservoir Lake, one section glowing blue with ancient energy. The brightest stars were just appearing when Mipha finally emerged from the house.
"All ready now, sweetheart," said Mipha as she took his hand. "Sorry to keep you waiting."
"The wait was well worth it. You look beautiful! You bring out the best in that Zora jewelry," said Link as he leaned forward, and they kissed. "But I didn't know our family dinner with Father was so formal. I'm not wearing anything special."
"You look fine," said Mipha. "It makes Father happy when I wear the family jewelry. Some of it was my mother's, and Father used to ask me what I was saving it for if not to wear. Come, let's go."
"Do you know why Father is having this big dinner tonight? I mean, is there some special occasion?"
"Oh, I'm sure he has his reasons," said Mipha. "I know he's been scaling back on some of his duties and enjoys having more free time to spend with the family."
"I see," said Link. "Well, I'll just go with the flow."
They held hands as they walked down the path from Mikau Lake and across the slumber pool level of the Domain. Then they headed up the stairs toward the throne room, the guards on duty indicating they could go right up. But when they reached the throne room, suddenly there was a burst of applause and shouts of surprise! Link's whole family was there laughing and clapping.
"What's going on?" exclaimed Link.
"Congratulations, sweetheart! We wanted to celebrate it being a year since you became a Zora with a family surprise party," said Mipha, who then reached out, and they kissed.
"Oh, wow! Well, you certainly surprised me!" said Link after their kiss ended, and he smiled as he looked about at the gathering. "I don't know what to say."
"Well, that's one thing that hasn't changed," laughed Mipha. "But you will have time to speak later."
Link made the rounds hugging everyone in turn: King Dorephan, Sidon, Mila, Midon, Lapha, Linky, Tila, Tara, and Lanka, then King Dorephan spoke up.
"I know we Zora never need an excuse to throw a party, but I wanted to celebrate my dear son-in-law becoming one of us and show how much we all love and support him. I remember I told him shortly after his wedding that someday we would make a real Zora out of him, but I never expected it to come true literally! So now, let's all get some food from the buffet table, then sit down and enjoy a meal together. We have some saltwater fish like Porgies and Akkala Angler, as well as local freshwater fish, so there should be something for every taste. And anyone who wishes to speak can do so."
Everyone lined up, got a plate of food, including some cooked Hylian Bass Lapha had prepared for her brother Link, and sat down. Then Sidon rose to speak.
"I would like to go first," said Sidon. "I want to say I think what Link has done is absolutely wonderful. I know it's made my sister overflow with happiness, and that alone is justification enough for me. I was just a young child, but I still remember after Link passed the Zora citizenship test and was sworn in by Father that I asked if it would make him a better swimmer. It didn't. But he's certainly a much better swimmer now, and I love what he's done to support my sister and our family. Congratulations, dear brother."
After the applause ended, Sidon returned to his seat, and Link's oldest daughter Mila rose to speak.
"Dad, all I can say is what took you so long?" Mila teased as everyone laughed. "As a young girl, you know how insecure I was. I used to worry you would grow unhappy with a Zora family and leave us to be with Hylians. But you told me not to worry and kept reassuring me you loved us all too much for that to happen. And you were right, of course. But, gee, Dad, it would have been easier on me if you had just become a Zora straight off. I'm kidding, of course, and I wouldn't trade a single minute of the happy memories I have growing up with you as my Dad. But now I'm glad you will have more time to be with Mom, and me, and all of us. And more time to create journal pages for me to work on. Congratulations!"
After the applause ended once more, young Link chose to speak next.
"Being a Hylian, I guess I'm the only one in the family with a unique perspective on what Dad did," said young Link. "And some people might feel that I must be uncomfortable with it. But I assure you, I'm absolutely not. I mean, given my situation, what's one more Zora in the family, right?"
Everyone laughed.
"But seriously, I think it's wonderful that now, Goddess willing, Dad can be there for Mom so much longer. And that's what's most important, that Mom and Dad have each other. Because we all know how much in love they are. So, no hard feelings, Dad, that you've made me the worst swimmer in the family. Congratulations!"
Young Link sat down to applause, and Tila took his hand.
"That was sweet," said Tila, then they kissed.
"I guess I'll go next," said Midon. "My older sister Mila, older by only a few minutes, I might add, often accuses me of being the family clown. But tonight she asked me to play the role of entertainer. And I'm happy to o-fish-iate."
The audience groaned, but Midon waved his hands.
"Float along with me here. I'm just getting started," said Midon.
"So, what should we say to Dad about him becoming a Zora? Well, for one thing, Dad shouldn't feel gill-ty about it."
More groans along with laughs.
"For another, we can all see how much Dad rose in stature within the Zora community. I know he and Mom see eye-to-eye more now."
More groans from the audience.
"Hey! Clam down! I'm not fishing for compliments, but I think I'm doing swimmingly here," laughed Midon as he waved for quiet.
"Anyway, all kidding aside, we're all behind you, Dad," said Midon. "Maybe not going up waterfalls, but in believing what you did was for the best. And we all love you."
Midon sat down to applause, and then Lapha stood up.
"That was a tough act to follow, or at least Midon probably thinks so. So, I'll be brief. I just want to add that I, too, think it's wonderful what you did, Dad. You've never shrunk from doing whatever it takes to support the people you love, which we know includes all of us. And we all love you, too. Congratulations to you and Mom."
Lapha sat down, and then Mipha rose.
"Sweetheart, I hope this show of family support eases any doubts in your mind that you did the right thing. I know you've done so much in your life out of love for me and made me the happiest I could ever hope for. Now I look forward to spending many more happy years together with you and sharing new experiences. I love you with all my heart. And by the way: I'm never letting you change back!"
Mipha sat down, and she and Link kissed, then Link rose to speak.
"Well, I'm overwhelmed with all of your love and support," said Link. "Thank you for doing this for me. It means a great deal. I guess you all know how much it's my nature to second guess myself. It's a habit I developed in my youth when I pushed myself to be the best I could at combat. In striving to improve, I got in the habit of reflecting afterward on my actions to see if I could have done better. And I sometimes carry that habit into other aspects of my life. But I don't have to second guess one thing. I know I have been blessed with the most wonderful wife and family I could ever hope for. All of you bring me more happiness than I ever thought possible, and I love you all so very much. Thank you!"
Link wiped his eyes as he sat back down to applause, then he and Mipha kissed. King Dorephan then waved for quiet.
"As the eldest here, I'll exercise my right to close out the speeches now," said King Dorephan. "Those were all fine sentiments we just listened to, for everyone spoke of our love for each other. And I'll be the first to admit that's most important in life. But thinking now as the Domain's ruler and the one charged with its well-being, I also bring another perspective. It comforts me to know that when the day finally comes that my dear Mipha must take over my duties as ruler, she will have her dear Link beside her to support her. None of you do, of course, but I remember how much my dear wife Marena helped me in those early days of my rule. I often followed her advice, for she was a fine judge of people and instinctively knew the right thing to do. I still miss her so very much. But now, before I get too sentimental, if we're done eating, let's celebrate with some music and dancing!"
Everyone applauded as some musicians appeared and began playing.
"Come on, Lanka, this part is fun!" said Tara as she took Lanka's hand and helped show him how to dance.
"Family is wonderful, isn't it?" laughed Mipha as she took Link's hand, and they stood up to dance.
"It truly is! But we better watch Tara for the latest dance moves," said Link.
"I like the old dance moves just fine," said Mipha, then they danced.
"So do I. And they never feel old to me when I hold you," said Link as they kissed once more and then danced. "Dancing with you makes me feel young, the same as the day we married. And yes, I do remember our wedding."
"I know you do, sweetheart," laughed Mipha. "And so do I. So, no regrets about becoming one of us?"
"No. No regrets at all," said Link. "It was the right thing to do. Well, I guess I only regret I didn't do it sooner."
Mipha laughed.
"You can't be happy unless you regret something, can you?"
"I'm teasing you for a change," laughed Link. "Now, I hope I don't regret doing that."
"We can settle that privately after the party," laughed Mipha. "You're still ticklish, you know, among other things."
"Yes, among other things. Now I regret the party's not over yet," laughed Link as he squeezed her in an embrace.
"Anticipation is good," laughed Mipha. "But I promise you that you won't regret what happens later. And I know I won't either."
"You know, I kind of like not having any regrets," Link said as they danced and kissed again.