Chapter 52 - Rainy Day Relaxing
Summary: A sleepy rainy day in Zora's Domain leads to some reminiscing. Robbie and Purah continue their research. Zelda and her husband Royce begin life at Hyrule Castle.
Link stirred from his sleep, awakened by the gentle pitter-patter of early morning rain against the windows of their home by Mikau Lake. Daybreak had only begun to peek through clouds, and this was the type of weather he enjoyed sleeping in, so he was in no hurry to get up. He had awoken first for a change and gazed at Mipha, floating peacefully beside him in the soothing water of their bedroom slumber pool. She seemed untouched by time, still young and radiant despite their years together, which was one happy aspect of being a Zora. Her beauty took his breath away, just as it did every time he looked at her.
He had to smile as he thought about the expression "take his breath away," though. Mipha and his now-adolescent children loved to tease him about anything he said that involved breathing. He recalled a recent incident.
The sun shone brightly overhead as Link and his family spent the afternoon swimming and playing in Ruto Lake, its cool, clear water offering a refreshing respite from the hot summer day. The armor Mipha made for him certainly helped his swimming. But despite his best efforts, Link could never keep up with his family's aquatic skills, especially since he lacked gills to breathe underwater. As they took a break from their game, Link made his way to a nearby rock outcropping, feeling winded.
"I need to catch my breath," Link explained.
"Uh oh, that sounds serious!" said Mipha, playfully feigning concern. "We better help your father chase after his missing breath. Did you see which way it went, sweetheart?"
"Did you lose it underwater, Dad? Does it look like a bubble?" Raypha giggled.
"And how can we return it to you, Dad?" Tidon added, giggling as well.
Link laughed and shook his head.
"But you know we all love you, Dad," Raypha said sweetly, worried that their playful teasing may have hurt his feelings. "It's actually fun having you play with us as a Hylian."
"I know you're all teasing me, sweetheart," Link replied fondly. "It's something I think you both inherited from your dear mother, who seldom lets a day go by without teasing me about something. And I've come to love it as I love all of you."
He took another breath and then continued.
"But don't worry. My Hylian breath is very clever and will return to me all on its own," he teased back.
He smiled at the memory and then resisted the strong urge to reach out and caress Mipha's soft, smooth skin. Instead he continued to simply admire her ageless beauty. Of course, she wasn't wholly unchanged from when they married. Mipha was taller now, her inevitable growth spurt bringing her once-adolescent size to almost fully grown.
Link paused to savor the familiar sense of comfort and belonging that filled him being here with his family. He had partly grown up in Zora's Domain, and it had always felt like the closest thing to home for him. Even as an adult, he made a point to visit Mipha here whenever possible. The recent wedding of Queen Zelda brought back memories of his wedding and his and Mipha's first night together as husband and wife. That night was incredible! However, it wasn't the first time they had spent a night together, though not in the way one might assume.
Closing his eyes, Link thought back to that night. It hadn't been planned or romantic; they had taken refuge atop the Sheikah Tower on the Great Plateau for safety after activating it and before he tackled the four shrines scattered across the area.
Mipha was ready for some much-needed rest under a warm blanket after swimming and relaxing in the nearby waters.
"This is the first time I ever stayed out this late with you," said Link, recalling all the times he had visited her. "Though I know this is hardly a fun camping trip. I remember we sometimes stayed out after dinner, talking and watching the stars come out. But you always needed to get home early."
"Yes, but that wasn't because I didn't like staying out with you. It was because I never liked to cause my father to worry," said Mipha. "He always worries when I am out late. I hope you can understand that."
"Of course, I can, and it was the right thing to do," said Link.
"I'm getting sleepy now," said Mipha. "Goodnight."
The sun had risen and shone over the Dueling Peaks when Link awoke and sat up the next morning. Initially disoriented, he finally remembered where he was and relaxed: they were safe. The small campfire from the night before had burned out, and on the other side of the embers, he could see Mipha. Well, he could see her in a sense. You had to know it was her because she was all wrapped up in a blanket, and all you could make out was the top of her head. She was still asleep, and he could hear her gentle breathing.
After a few more minutes, he heard movement, and Mipha poked her head out from under the blanket. She saw him and smiled.
"I slept like a snail," said Mipha. "You okay?"
"Yes, fine," laughed Link. "You looked pretty cozy. I'm glad sleeping up here worked out for you."
"It worked fine," said Mipha. "And I slept soundly, secure knowing you were here with me."
Link felt an overwhelming desire to protect Mipha during that journey, especially after all that had gone wrong with their plans, including the terrible loss of the three other Champions. But he realized Mipha was there to protect him, too—just as she had promised.
During quiet moments together, they sometimes discussed that epic journey through Hyrule to save the kingdom. However, Link had learned that recalling those memories with Mipha could prompt varying reactions from her, depending on her mood. By now, she understood him only too well and how to encourage him to do what she wanted. A recent incident served as an example.
The sun was setting, casting a warm glow over the couple as they walked hand in hand toward Veiled Falls. Memories of their first kiss flooded back into Link's mind.
"Coming here always reminds me of our first kiss," he said, gently squeezing Mipha's hand.
Mipha smiled back at him, her eyes sparkling with love. "Me too, sweetheart," she replied softly. "I will always cherish that moment, and you don't know how happy it made me. Besides, it taught you the difference between the subjunctive and indicative case."
"Very funny," Link laughed.
As they continued walking, Mipha playfully tugged at his hand and spoke up again.
"But why did it take you so long to kiss me? I spilled a waterfall of hints about my feelings. Surely, you must have known I was in love with you."
"I already told you I was blind to your feelings and feared losing our friendship by crossing a line and taking things further. Besides, I didn't think I was worthy of someone like you. I thought your father would expect you to marry some high-ranking Zora who would make a suitable husband for his people's future queen."
"You put me through a lot of stress and worry back then, especially after you became Zelda's knight. I wish you had shown more courage; we could have shared many romantic moments."
"I know," Link sighed, shaking his head and looking down.
By now, they had arrived at Veiled Falls, and the waterfall's roar filled the air with the sound of its splash as the water cascaded down.
"But don't feel bad, sweetheart," said Mipha as she squeezed his hand, and he looked up and returned her smile. "You can make it up to me now."
Link pulled Mipha close and showered her with kisses, which she eagerly returned.
"See why I ask why you took so long to kiss me, sweetheart?" Mipha giggled after their first round of kissing ended, and Link shook his head before they resumed kissing some more.
Link stole another glance at Mipha, peacefully asleep by his side. He couldn't help but feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the life he now led. Every day, he thanked the goddess for this peaceful existence in Zora's Domain, surrounded by his beloved family.
He remembered when his young daughter Raypha asked him when he first developed feelings for Mipha, and he told her the story of the time they met after four years apart, his duty as a Hyrule Army soldier having kept them apart. He had turned from twelve to sixteen then and, as a teenager, had suddenly seen Mipha in an entirely new light—one that made him realize she was a beautiful, fun, and caring girl who no longer seemed older but about his same age. And he developed a mad crush on her. But duty called, and he returned to the army barracks after their brief reunion.
Later, after being promoted to Captain and assigned as Zelda's knight, Link caught up with Hadon, an old friend and bunkmate from his barracks days.
"I hope you don't expect me to call you 'Sir' during our informal chat, Captain Link," joked Hadon.
"Of course not," replied Link with a smile. "You've always been a good friend and advisor."
"So, how do you feel about your new duties?"
"I am honored, of course, to have been chosen by His Majesty for such a big responsibility," said Link sincerely. "But I can sense that Her Highness is not exactly thrilled about me being her companion. It may be tough at times."
"Well, I'm sure you'll learn how to handle it," reassured Hadon.
"I don't have much choice," chuckled Link."The King didn't exactly leave my appointment up for discussion."
Hadon laughed and changed the subject.
"Speaking of relationships, are you still seeing that girl from the Lanayru Region you talk about sometimes? You know it would be much easier to call her your girlfriend," Hadon teased.
"She's just my friend," replied Link, trying to play it cool. "It's complicated, Hadon. We're not romantically involved, but we've known each other for years."
"You know you blush whenever you talk about her, don't you?" laughed Hadon. "You've been like that since you visited her after that leave of absence we all finally got. Don't tell me you don't have feelings for her."
"I guess I do, but it's complicated," confessed Link. "Unfortunately, the situation is hopeless for reasons I don't want to get into."
"How do you know that? Have you ever told her how you feel?"
"No," admitted Link. "I'm afraid of scaring her off."
"As someone a few years older and with more experience in these matters, let me give you some advice. You should tell her how you feel. Don't make her wait any longer," advised Hadon.
"But what if she doesn't feel the same way? I can't afford to ruin our friendship. And what about my obligations to Zelda?" questioned Link.
"Yes, you have a duty to Zelda. She is our Princess and future ruler. But if I am any judge of people and their feelings, that Lanayru girl is your heart, Link. Don't break it by letting her slip away."
That was good advice, but he took forever to follow it.
As the pattering rain continued outside, he let out a contented yawn, closed his eyes, and drifted back to sleep.
It must have been over an hour later that Link stirred from his sleep to find Mipha's soft gaze upon him as the rain continued to beat against the window. The gentle touch of her hand brushing his hair back made his heart skip a beat.
"Good morning, sweetheart," Mipha whispered. "Did you sleep well?"
Link smiled and nodded. "I woke up earlier but drifted back to sleep."
"You always look so adorable when you're sleeping," she said with a playful grin. "I had a dream about you."
"I hope I made you happy in it."
"As you do when I'm awake," said Mipha, who then leaned in, and their lips met in a tender kiss.
But before things could progress further, the sound of Raypha and Tidon bickering in the kitchen interrupted them. It was the weekend, and their children had no lessons to attend.
"What are you doing, Tidon?" exclaimed Raypha.
"Breaking open the shells of the cooked crabs as you asked me to," Tidon replied innocently.
"You can't use your teeth if it's someone else's food, silly," Raypha scolded.
"How else do you break open a crab shell then?"
"Get one of Dad's tools from the kitchen drawer. Honestly, you're not helping very much."
"Sorry, Ray, I didn't know that," Tidon exclaimed before retrieving a proper shell-cracking tool. "You concentrate on the eggs."
Mipha chuckled at the exchange between her children and let out a sigh.
"Sometimes I think adolescent children are more challenging than caring for hatchlings."
Link flashed a smile. "Maybe we should get up and see what's happening," he suggested, "I'm getting hungry."
"You know … I have a way of taking your mind off food," Mipha replied with a sly grin.
"Ah yes, you demonstrated that quite well at Zelda's wedding reception," Link chuckled.
"But I'm also feeling famished," Mipha admitted as she pulled him closer for another tender kiss.
With the decision to rise made, they both headed to the kitchen. There, Raypha and Tidon were already hard at work preparing breakfast. After exchanging good morning greetings, Link spoke up.
"What's cooking?" he inquired, squinting at the frying pan.
"Eggs, of course, Dad," Raypha replied. "Tidon and I already ate. We have a fresh Hyrule Bass on ice for you, Mom. And for you, Dad, we're making a Bright Eyed Crab omelet inspired by one of the dishes from Zelda's wedding reception. It should be ready soon if Tidon can ever finish opening the crab shells."
"That sounds absolutely delicious. You two are spoiling me," Link said gratefully. "And it sounds like a fairly nutritious meal," he added with a teasing glance at Mipha.
"It does sound healthy and tasty," agreed Mipha with a smile as she settled down with her fish.
Mipha picked delicately at her Hyrule Bass while Raypha finished cooking and set about serving her father's Bright Eyed Crab omelet, realizing she had made more than a plateful.
"Oops! I made too much," said Raypha.
"Mom, would you like some crab omelet too?" Tidon asked.
"I think my body prefers fish," Mipha replied. "The omelet looks tasty, but I find eating something that came right from an egg disturbing. Maybe it's because I'm a mother."
"I kind of feel the same way, Mom," said Raypha. "But I can tell Hylians love it."
Meanwhile, Link, relishing his meal, couldn't help but laugh.
"Well, if anything is left over, there's always someone here who'll happily eat it," he gestured jokingly toward himself.
Meanwhile, at the Royal Ancient Tech Lab near Hyrule Castle, Robbie buttoned up his hooded jacket, preparing to brave the rain. Purah, engrossed in her work, barely glanced up from her meticulous note-taking.
"Heading out in this downpour?" she asked, her pen still scratching away.
"Yes, off to the castle library," Robbie replied, patting his pockets. "I need some peace and quiet for my research. Your sheep are driving me nuts."
Purah snorted. "Oh please, a little baa-ing never hurt anyone. Besides, I'm making progress here. Though I'll admit, I underestimated how tricky it'd be to care for a lamb without ewe."
"Without me?" Robbie frowned, confused. "I already told you I'm useless with livestock."
"No, ewe, not you," Purah rolled her eyes. "A lamb's mother. I de-aged one of our rams back to lambhood, but now it needs milk. Luckily, our shepherd sorted that out."
"Ah, got it," Robbie nodded. "So, sheep are your final test subjects then?"
"For now," Purah grinned, a mischievous glint in her eye. "But I'm thinking bigger. Cows, maybe. I might need data on larger mammals to refine my calculations."
Robbie groaned. "Cows? Seriously? Why not just move your research to Hateno Village?"
"And miss out on all this quality time together?" Purah teased. "Besides, you promised Queen Zelda you'd keep me in line, assure her I wasn't being reckless. You can't do that if I'm in Hateno, can you?"
"Don't remind me," Robbie grumbled, heading for the door. "I'll be back later. Try not to turn the lab into a barnyard while I'm gone."
He stepped out into the rain, clutching a folder to his chest. The air was filled with the sound of raindrops falling on tree leaves or splashing into puddles along the path that he was careful to avoid. He planned to delve further into the ancient documents they had uncovered and continue his translation efforts. The ancient Sheikah texts were frustratingly cryptic, but each breakthrough felt like a victory against time itself.
It was a pity that the rulers of Hyrule from centuries ago didn't trust his Sheikah ancestors and their knowledge. So much of their wisdom had been lost over time, but he was determined to uncover as much as he could from the ancient writings. Thankfully, the current royal family was not opposed to science - in fact, they welcomed it. Queen Zelda herself had a fondness for technology, and her husband had been a science teacher. With their support, Robbie was confident that his discoveries would be given the respect they deserved.
Robbie quickened his pace, eager to get out of the rain and into the library's quiet halls. There, he could lose himself in the mysteries of the past – and hopefully unlock a few of them before dinner.
With Robbie gone, Purah turned back to her work. The lab felt oddly quiet without his grumbling, save for the occasional bleat from the corner. There, a tiny lamb - formerly a full-grown ram - huddled, still bewildered by its sudden return to infancy.
"There, there," Purah cooed, pausing to scratch behind its ears. "You're doing great, little guy. I'm giving you a chance to live your life over again."
The shepherd had already fed the lamb, so Purah refocused on her measurements. She grimaced at the tedious task ahead. Data collection was necessary but hardly thrilling.
"Ugh, I'd rather be working on the formula to derive the rune dose needed for a given age reduction," she muttered, scribbling down another figure. "Now that's where the real magic happens."
Her mind wandered to the potential applications. Age regression on demand - it could revolutionize Hyrule! Maybe they'd even name it after her. The Purah Rune had a nice ring to it.
"Focus, Purah," she chided herself. "You can't skip steps, no matter how boring."
With a dramatic sigh, she hunched over her notes once more. The lamb bleated softly as if in sympathy.
"I know, I know," Purah replied. "But think of the scientific breakthroughs we're making! Well… I'm making. You're just along for the ride."
She chuckled and dove back into her work, determined to power through the monotony.
Meanwhile, in the castle's residential quarters, Zelda's eyes fluttered open as she felt the warmth of Royce's body beside her. A smile crept across her face as she realized this wasn't a dream. She gently traced her fingers along his jawline, still marveling at his presence.
"I can't believe you're really here with me," she murmured, her voice thick with sleep.
Royce stirred, his eyes slowly focusing on Zelda. A mix of confusion and adoration played across his features before settling into a soft smile.
"Trust me, I'm just as surprised," he chuckled, pulling her closer. "I keep expecting to wake up back in my old bed at the academy."
The patter of rain against the windows grew more insistent, drawing their attention. Zelda reluctantly left the warmth of the bed to peek outside, pushing aside the heavy curtains. The sky was gray, raindrops racing down the glass panes.
"Looks like the weather's conspiring to keep us in all day," she mused, climbing back under the covers and nestling into Royce's arms.
He hummed contentedly, his fingers tracing lazy patterns on her shoulder. "Any pressing royal business today?"
"Nothing that can't wait," Zelda replied, relishing the rare moment of peace.
Royce's tone grew more serious. "You know, I've been thinking. I want to help out with your duties. Take some of the load off your shoulders. That is if you think I won't mess things up too badly."
Zelda laughed softly. "Don't worry, I won't throw you to the wolves … at least not yet. We'll start small. But honestly?" She tilted her head up to meet his gaze. "Right now, this is all I want to focus on."
"Well then," Royce grinned as he gazed into her gorgeous green eyes, "I suppose it's my royal duty to oblige."
Their lips met in a tender kiss, the sound of rain fading into the background as they lost themselves in each other's embrace.