Chapter 58 - Mood Swings
Summary: After a month apart, Mila reunites with her longtime boyfriend, Kendal. Link receives some sad news about an old colleague. Faray makes one of her regular visits to her older sister. Midon arranges a short-notice date with Tiray.
The dawn had scarcely broken over Zora's Domain when Mila quietly eased out of her room and slipped through the Mikau Lake house's exit, closing the door behind her without a sound. Her parents, Mipha and Link, were still fast asleep, as was her brother Midon, after a late night spent reveling with his companions and feasting on Porgies. The rest of the family was away: her sister Lapha was at the Royal Ancient Tech Lab near Hyrule Castle, and her brother Link and his family, Tila, Tara, and Lanka, were at their residence in North Hyrule.
The morning was calm and peaceful as Mila made her way westward past evergreen trees and pink shrubs reminiscent of coral reefs deep beneath the waves. Descending toward the overpass that led to the slumber pool level of the Domain, she encountered a guard named Aldana on patrol duty.
"Good morning, Highness. You are up quite early," Aldana observed. "Might I be of service?"
"A good morning to you, Aldana, and my thanks," Mila replied with a gentle smile. "Do you happen to know if Captain Mandan's unit returned to the Domain last night?"
"Yes, indeed, they did, but quite late. I know for certain because my brother was among them. Knowing I was awake on overnight duty, he Tabbed me when he arrived. The entire unit chose to sleep on the lower level to avoid disturbing everyone. My watch is almost over. Shall I seek someone out on your behalf, Highness?"
"Thank you, your offer is most kind. But it's a personal matter, Aldana, nothing official. I'll find my boyfriend on my own."
"Ah, boyfriend. Well, they've all certainly been out of touch for quite a long time, haven't they, Highness?" Aldana remarked with a smile of understanding and warmth.
"I can see you thoroughly fathom the depth of my mood at the moment," laughed Mila. "And they have - it feels like ages!"
"My parents and I look forward to welcoming my brother home later today. May your search end in happiness," Aldana smiled.
"I'll make sure it does! " Mila affirmed with a chuckle. "And I don't care how tired he is!"
Aldana laughed as Mila waved goodbye, crossing the overpass into the heart of the Domain. She descended the spiral staircase towards the northern end of the Great Zora Bridge, then hesitated. Aware that a splash from her usual dive might disturb the sleepers, she paused a moment to recall the location of a rarely used ladder to the lower level. Finally spotting it to her left, Mila descended and slipped silently into the water, weaving gracefully among the resting figures until she found Kendal. Approaching him quietly, she planted a gentle kiss on his cheek.
Kendal stirred, mumbling something incoherent before his eyes slowly opened. "Oh, Mi!" he exclaimed softly.
"Shh," Mila hushed, drawing him into an embrace.
Their lips met in a kiss that was both passionate and tender, a reunion that bridged their time apart with unspoken words. Mila's voice was a soft whisper as their kiss finally ended.
"Are you surprised to see me, dearest? I thought you'd pick up on my presence with all those enhanced echolocation skills you've practiced while away from me for an entire month."
Kendal chuckled quietly. "You're hilarious," he whispered back.
"Any bruises need healing?" Mila whispered.
"No, I'm fine."
"Let's go then," whispered Mila.
She nodded toward the roaring falls feeding Ruto Lake. Understanding her silent suggestion, Kendal nodded back. Then, hand in hand, they let the current sweep them over the edge, plunging together into the lake below. They swam beneath the surface, moving away from the foaming water by the falls, and remained submerged in their own private world for a long while. There would be plenty of time for talk afterward.
The sun had risen to where it peeked over the summit of Ruto Mountain before Mila and Kendal finally surfaced from the depths of Ruto Lake to talk.
"I'm so happy to be back, sweetheart," said Kendal as they held hands and floated on the surface of the lake. "I kept wishing we could at least chat while I was gone, but no such luck."
"I tried not to think about it, but if you hadn't passed and had to be away for another month, I would have been furious with you," said Mila.
"I thought you might be, which was extra motivation," laughed Kendal. "And now that I'm back, enjoying our pure freshwater once again and indulging in a succulent Hyrule Bass…I couldn't be happier. Not that saltwater and a diet of porgies were bad, but I really missed a taste of home."
Mila raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing on her lips. "So you're telling me you missed our fish and freshwater?"
"Of course not, sweetheart," Kendal said almost too quickly. "I missed you the most. I thought that was understood."
"I'm rather in the mood to hear you explicitly say it, dearest," said Mila. "And show it."
"I thought I already have," laughed Kendal.
"You're off to a good start," nodded Mila as she gently caressed his cheek with the back of her hand. "But now that we've both eaten some of those Hyrule Bass you longed for so much, and you've flushed the taste of saltwater from your gills, you have some more time away from me to make up for."
"With pleasure, sweetheart," laughed Kendal as they began kissing again and sank beneath the waves.
At about this time, Link awoke to find himself alone in their slumber pool, the late morning sun streaming through the window.
"I must've been more exhausted than I thought," he muttered, stretching before collecting his Tab, checking the time, and venturing out of the bedroom. He saw Mipha seated alone at the table reading her Tab.
"Morning, sweetheart," Link greeted her, leaning down for a quick, affectionate kiss. "Mila and Midon not around?"
"Mila apparently rushed off to find Kendal, and Midon hasn't awoken yet from last night's outing," Mipha informed him. "There's some Hyrule Bass on ice for you and Midon if you're hungry, sweetheart."
"If I'm hungry? That's almost always a rhetorical question. But perfect, thanks," Link acknowledged, fetching one of the fish and a plate before settling down.
"I was just reviewing the latest Council Meeting notes," Mipha explained, her attention briefly drifting from her Tab. "Father insists I approve them before they're final. I'll be done soon."
"No rush, dear. I'll check up on the latest news while you finish up," Link said, picking up his Tab.
"You're following the news now? That itself should be news," Mipha asked, a hint of amusement in her voice.
Link chuckled. "Very funny. I usually skip the gossip columns, like Bab's Babble Bubble. But I do keep up with the Hyrule Army Newsletter. Remember, I'm still on the roster as a Captain of the Royal Guard. Zelda never revoked my commission."
Mipha laughed lightly. "She wouldn't, would she? I suspect Zelda is sentimental about her faithful knight protector and likes to feel she can still summon you at will. And I think you're a bit sentimental, too. But go on, read. I've got my own reading to do."
Link browsed through the army newsletter, skimming over promotions, public troop activities, and personal announcements of weddings and births. Most names were unfamiliar, but a few sparked memories of old comrades. Then, his attention was suddenly captured by an entry on the obituary page.
Major Feron
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of retired Major Feron, formerly of Central Hyrule Command. Major Feron succumbed to illness at the Riverside Rest Area where he lived, surrounded by his loved ones, including his wife, daughter, son-in-law, granddaughter, and grandson. The Major had a distinguished career, and he and the soldiers under his leadership had a reputation for bravery in routing out many of Hyrule's fiercest enemies of the time. But the Major is probably best remembered by those who knew him as the "Captain of the Hero" in recognition of the fact that he was the Captain in command of the eventual Hero of Hyrule, Royal Guard Captain Link. We salute and bid farewell to Major Feron as we offer our condolences to his family. We were informed that the funeral would be a private ceremony with only close family members present.
"My old commander, Major Feron… he's gone," Link said quietly, the news settling heavily upon him.
"I'm so sorry, Link," Mipha said softly, offering her hand for comfort, which he grasped.
Link's mind wandered back in time.
"The last time I saw him was just over two decades ago. He had just retired and visited here on his travels about Hyrule," he reflected. "I recall that day also marked Mila's first meeting with Kendal's parents. I wore my Royal Guard uniform and presented him with a Zora sword for his collection, which delighted him immensely. He was an exemplary commander, always pushing me to excel in combat and strive for excellence. His influence profoundly changed my life, and I am forever grateful."
"You've always spoken of him with great respect, sweetheart," Mipha noted as she gently squeezed his hand.
"Yes. I've also felt that, given his talent, he could have risen higher in rank. But he preferred being on the frontlines in battle rather than commanding troops from a safe distance. I admired that about him. At least he lived a fulfilling life, including witnessing the joy of grandchildren. Though I can't attend his funeral, I will send his family my condolences," Link resolved.
"That's very thoughtful of you," Mipha agreed, reassuringly caressing his hand.
She paused momentarily as Link put down his Tab and gazed off into the distance. Mipha knew that Link tended to become reflective and somber when learning of the death of someone he knew. His sensitive side would rise to the surface then. And once, when she asked him about it, he told her that death made the pain of once losing her flood back into his memory and tug at his heart. So, she hoped to divert his thoughts now.
"How about a swim after you're done eating, sweetheart? It might lighten your mood."
"Yes, that's a wonderful idea, dearest," Link responded, returning the squeeze and looking into her golden eyes. "Your presence always lifts my spirits. Just one more bite and I'll be ready."
Link finished his meal and then took Mipha's hand.
"Shall we race up the falls?"
"You're on," laughed Mipha.
Link released her hand, and a moment later, they laughed as they both raced up the falls by Mikau Lake. Link barely won and was thrilled.
"I won - I actually won!" Link exclaimed in disbelief. "I'm so proud I'm a Zora now!"
"Converting to a Zora was a pretty drastic step in order to win a waterfall race," laughed Mipha as they stood holding hands at the top. "And I got off to a slow start this time."
"It was definitely worth it," laughed Link. "But being a Zora with you does have other benefits, too."
"Hold that thought," said Mipha as they embraced, happy to see Link's mood brightened.
Then, they swam up the next waterfall and headed for Lulu Lake.
Meanwhile, it was mid-morning in North Hyrule as Zora Queen Faray began her journey by sending a message to her younger sister, Tila.
To: Tila_NH:From: Faray_NH::I'm about to visit our sister. Anything changed? Don't spout steam at me, Ti. I promised her I would ask.
The answer was quick and abrupt and no more than what Faray expected. It was pretty much the same message each time.
To: Faray_NH:From: Tila_NH:: No. I still hate her as much as ever.
Faray sighed, then continued on the pleasant walk to the northern coast past the red flowers of Crimson Grove and the calm waters of Jabu Lagoon. She was on her way to visit North Hyrule's most notorious prisoner- her older sister, the former Queen Sopha. Over the past thirteen years, Faray had settled on biweekly visits. Visiting Sopha weekly was too often, as too little had changed. And visiting monthly seemed too seldom. Sopha was still her sister, after all.
Sopha and her infamous clone were imprisoned in separate residences along the shore of the North Hyrule Sea, but further west than where most tourists congregated. Their confinement was more like house arrest than a true prison. They could swim in the sea and wander anywhere nearby, with Sheikah technology used to keep them from escaping. Sopha really lacked for nothing - except freedom and power, of course. She was banned for life from ever holding a position of authority.
Faray hoped the family could all reconcile someday and that Sopha was not irredeemably evil. Seven years earlier, she had piloted the crab-shaped Divine Beast Vah Kani to help defeat the Yiga Clan's surprise attack. In light of that deed, her fifty-year sentence was reduced to thirty, so she would be released seventeen years from now in the year 77 when she turned 102, not that much longer for a long-lived Zora.
As she neared Sopha's residence, the smell of salt water and the sound of breakers crashing onto the shore filled the air. Once there, she was admitted at once.
"Good morning, Sister," said Faray.
"Good morning, Fa. You're alone, of course," said Sopha as she welcomed her inside.
"As usual. Ti's mind hasn't changed, Sopha. Are you comfortable? Do you need anything?"
"I'm fine," said Sopha. "Come sit down. Since Tila won't communicate with me, at least tell me how she and her family are doing. And how you are as well, of course."
"I will," said Faray as she sat beside Sopha. "And I can share some pictures with you, too."
Meanwhile, in their residence near Jabu Lagoon, Tila and her husband Link had begun enjoying some alone time together. Their daughter Tara was away at class, and their young son Lanka was napping in his slumber pool. But their ardor was suddenly interrupted when Tila's Tab buzzed with the special sound that indicated a message from Queen Faray.
Tila checked the message, dictated a reply, and then put down her Tab as her eyes flashed with annoyance.
"Faray always manages to dry up my mood," Tila muttered as she shook her head.
"What did she say?"
Tila handed her husband her Tab for him to read the message.
"Oh, it's about Sopha. I forgot about that. I guess Faray still hopes you can forgive and forget someday."
"Faray always tries to see the good in people. She's too forgiving. I'm more realistic and see both the good and the bad," said Tila. "But Faray didn't almost lose her future mother-in-law to an exploding Tab, or lose her father-in-law to an ambush at the Applean Forest, or have someone try to kidnap and imprison her future sister-in-law, Mila. How can one possibly move on from all that?"
"I don't think I could either, sweetheart. But let's not let your sister's message ruin our time together now. It means so much to me to be alone with you."
"No, I shouldn't let it do that, dearest, should I?" said Tila with a coaxing smile as her eyes softened and glowed a gorgeous shade of gold that never failed to melt her husband's heart. She reached out and took his hand. "Come join me?"
"Can't wait!"
Meanwhile, Mila's brother Midon awoke in his room to a quiet and empty house, the sun shining through the windows, indicating it was at least late morning. As he stretched and climbed out of his slumber pool, he recognized how much he appreciated having a private house to live in. His grandfather had built it for his mother, Mipha, when she married his Hylian father, who couldn't handle spending so much time in the water. It also provided a home for any possible Hylian children they might have, like his younger brother Linky, as they called him. He went to the kitchen and found a freshly caught Hyrule Bass on ice waiting for him, which he enjoyed while checking his Tab for any new messages. There were none, and his mind wandered back to the prior evening.
It had started out as a night of revelry with friends, feasting on succulent Porgies and laughter filling the air. But his mood turned sour when some of his friends arrived with their girlfriends, reminding him of Larena's breakup with him and his current lack of romantic attachment.
His mind returned to the present and then drifted to Tiray, the beautiful Zora from North Hyrule who had lately captured his thoughts. Her skin was a gorgeous shade of dark red, different from anyone else he knew. And that only made her lovely, bright golden eyes stand out more. Her voice was light-hearted and melodic, something prized by music-loving Zoras. She was clever, fun to be with, and had such a sweet smile! Realizing he had little work to occupy his time today, Midon's heart raced at the idea of asking Tiray to swim and surf at her North Hyrule shoreline together. The worst she could do was say no. He checked the ferry schedule from Spool Bight to the North Hyrule shore on his Tab and saw the next one would be within an hour. Gathering his courage, he called her number.
"Hey, Midon," came Tiray's melodic voice through the Tab.
"Hi, Tiray," he said, trying to keep the nerves out of his tone. "I know it's last minute, but would you be willing to join me for some swimming and surfing at your shore? I really hope so."
A moment of silence passed, which seemed to last forever to Midon before Tiray responded.
"I would love that, Midon, but let me check with my sister first to ensure we don't have any plans for today."
Her Tab was muted, and Midon held his breath while waiting for her reply. Finally, she returned to the call.
"Yes, we can go," Tiray said excitedly. "But my sister Laray will be joining us. She still worries about me after my ordeal, so I hope you understand."
"That's fine, and I completely understand," Midon replied with a sigh of relief. He was happy to see Tiray in any capacity, even with her sister as chaperone. "I'll take the next ferry and meet you there in an hour and a half, okay?"
"Can't wait, Midon," Tiray said eagerly. "It should be fun. The weather report from the shore says the waves are great for surfing today."
They ended the call, and Midon felt a surge of excitement and anticipation course through him. Tiray actually sounded excited to see him! His day was already looking up, and he couldn't wait to spend time with the lovely Tiray at the beach.
Midon arrived at the Spool Bight pier well before the ferry's arrival. When it docked, he noticed only four other passengers: two young Hylian couples from Hateno Village who seemed to be looking forward to enjoying the waves at their destination. The high-speed ferry ride was uneventful as it skimmed northward across the calm green waters of the Akkala Sea past Lomei Labyrinth Island and the channel to the North Hyrule Domain, only turning west once it reached the coast to dock at the small harbor there. When he arrived and disembarked, he saw Tiray and Laray sitting under a nearby palm tree and, at once, rushed over to join them.
"Hey, Tiray and Laray," he called out. "Sorry if you've been waiting long."
"Not at all; we just got here," replied Tiray with a smile.
"Hi, Midon; good to see you," added Laray.
"Isn't our shore beautiful?" said Tiray. "I love coming here and am glad you invited me - us, I guess," Tiray added with a cute giggle.
"It is, and the waves are amazing!" said Midon as he glanced at the sea as a large wave crested and then crashed onto the sandy shore, scattering some herons who were searching for food.
My sister needs to catch up on some ambassador reading, so she's staying on land for now," Tiray explained. "But let's go swimming together!"
She held out her hand, and Midon eagerly took it. He felt a rush of excitement at her touch; she really was special.
"Yes, let's!" he agreed nervously, making Tiray laugh.
"Just watch out for crabs on the way," joked Tiray. "They bite!"
Hand in hand, they raced into the water and dove into a cresting wave before swimming out deeper to body surf. It felt so refreshing!
"This is so much fun!" exclaimed Midon as he gripped her hand.
"We've only just begun our day together," said Tiray with a cute smile. "It should be even more fun later."