Chapter 38 - Recovery
Summary: Raypha and Tidon return from their sleepover. Mipha recalls the day she and Link first kissed in more detail than Link remembered.
It was a gently raining morning in Zora's Domain as its inhabitants began their daily routines. Daytime guards came on duty, replacing those who had worked during the night. Shop owners busily replenished their merchandise and arranged it for the coming day's commerce. The air was filled with appreciative remarks about the morning's fine weather, intermingled with warm greetings. People could be seen tilting their heads upwards, basking in the refreshing touch of the raindrops cascading down from above.
Along the path to Mikau Lake, Sidon was escorting his niece and nephew back from an overnight sleepover stay.
"We're okay from here, Uncle Sidon," Tidon assured, their house coming into view.
"Thank you for a great time," Raypha chimed in. "We always have fun playing with you."
"It was my pleasure, and thanks for inviting me to yesterday's picnic," Sidon replied, sharing a warm embrace with each of them. "You two are becoming quite good at tag! I'll have to up my game."
Waving farewell, Sidon retraced his steps and smiled to himself as he thought about the prior day's events. Playing with Raypha and Tidon had been great fun for him, too, as he was still very much a kid himself. But he also took pleasure in knowing that he was considered responsible enough now to look after his niece and nephew. He felt proud and happy about beginning to repay his dear sister for all the times she took care of him growing up. For that matter, though, she was still taking care of him.
"Mom! Dad! We're home!" Tidon's voice rang through their house as he and Raypha stepped inside.
But, save for the gentle patter of rain against the windows, only silence greeted them.
"Shh! I guess they might still be sleeping," Raypha cautioned in a hushed tone.
"Seriously?" Tidon murmured. "First, Dad's been sleeping late every day, and now Mom is too?"
"Let's check their room," Raypha suggested quietly.
They moved further into the house, noticing the door to their parents' bedroom ajar, revealing an empty room.
"That's odd. They're not here," said Raypha, a touch of unease in her voice.
"Maybe they're just up early," Tidon suggested.
"Possibly. But Tidon, haven't you noticed that Mom's been colder to Dad lately? It's like they're drifting apart, which worries me," Raypha observed.
"She has?"
"Seriously? Didn't you catch their behavior at our picnic, for example, and how disconnected they were? Before Mom joined us to play tag, she and Dad just sat there, hardly saying a word to each other. They're usually so close—arms wrapped around each other, sharing kisses, and laughing. None of that happened yesterday."
"Now that you mention it, that's true," Tidon admitted a realization dawning on him. "But how do you know it isn't Dad being colder to Mom?"
"Because he still addresses her as sweetheart and dear, and she doesn't reply the same way," said Raypha. "Don't you pay any attention to conversations?"
"I guess not as well as you," acknowledged Tidon. "But let's not worry too much: they might have just gotten up early. Speaking of which, we should go catch breakfast and enjoy the rain while it lasts. Let's head to the lake."
Meanwhile, Mipha awoke in the tranquil waters of Veiled Falls. She found herself floating face up, her arms wrapped around Link, who lay on top of her, his head resting on her chest. The sound of the waterfall filled the air while the water around her was covered with floating Silent Princess and Blue Nightshade flowers. These delicate blooms brought back happy memories of the night before, the surprise Link had planned. It was so romantic and sweet of Link to do that, and to bring her here, where their love story had begun.
Lost in thought, Mipha watched as the raindrops gently fell on the back of Link's head, still fast asleep in her embrace. She couldn't help but smile at how cute and cuddly he was, even in his sleep, and couldn't think of a better way to start the day. The cool water caressed her skin, while the rain from above acted like a satisfying shower from above. And most importantly, she had the one she loved most in this world wrapped tightly in her arms.
Closing her eyes, Mipha let her mind wander back to that special day when they first kissed and confessed their love for each other. It seemed like so much had happened since then, yet in reality, it was not that many years ago.
Back then, they had been traveling together across all of Hyrule. They shared battles as well as meals, sitting by campfires under starry skies. And she felt they were growing closer with each passing day. But it wasn't until their last days together, just before Link left alone to confront Ganon at Hyrule Castle, that their love finally blossomed. She thought back to that time and the treasured moments they shared, reliving it in her mind, starting with the day before.
It was evening, and Link and I found ourselves sitting beside a warmly crackling campfire at Woodland Stable. This quiet moment followed our journey together earlier that day to the Korok Forest, where Link had reclaimed the legendary sword that seals the darkness. I could tell that being reunited with the sword that had grown to become such an important part of his life was a deeply emotional moment for him. This reunion also marked the final step before his confrontation with Calamity Ganon at Hyrule Castle.
As we sat together, Link grew quiet - something not unusual - but also lost in thought and began staring into the fire. Recently, I knew he had been wrestling with an uncertainty that seemed to weigh heavily on him: what life would be like for him after the defeat of Calamity Ganon. I also noticed that Link had begun to grow more willing to share his thoughts and feelings, something I was eager to encourage. Sensing his concerns surfacing once more, I felt compelled to break the silence.
"Link, the other night, you spoke of your concern for what life held for you after all this was over. Then, later, you said you felt better about it. Have you given it any more thought?"
"I think you can read my mind," laughed Link as he looked up at me in surprise.
"I know you very well. And you know you can talk to me. You were always able to do that. Though I do recall, I did most of the talking."
"Yes, you did," laughed Link. "After thinking more about it, I did feel better, at least at first. I realized I shouldn't feel sorry for myself and needed to take responsibility for what happened to me next. But when I began to think of specifically what must happen, what will eventually come to be, I felt sad again."
"What is it that bothers you so much?"
Link paused for a moment, and I could sense he was reluctant to explain what was on his mind. But he could tell I was waiting for his answer and couldn't simply ignore my question.
"I was just thinking that now that I have the Master Sword and the Divine Beasts are back on our side, we are coming to the end of our adventure together. And don't misunderstand me. Destroying Calamity Ganon is something I greatly desire, something I have spent the last few years of my life preparing for. I can't wait to pay Ganon back in some small measure for all the hurt it has caused so many of us. I'm just not sure I will like what must happen afterward."
Link paused for a moment before continuing.
"I suspect It's like parents being happy to see their child grow up well and healthy, but what parent doesn't miss the happy times sharing their young child's life? It is the way of life, I know, the way things must be, but that makes it no easier."
"But what exactly do you feel you will miss so much in life, like the parent in your story?" I said.
Link looked up at me.
"You," said Link quietly, almost shyly.
That was sweet of him, and going in the right direction, but I needed him to more clearly express his feelings. I could sense we were getting close - just not quite there yet.
"But I will always be your friend," I replied. "And you will always be welcome at the domain. I will make time for you as I always did. Or will you be too busy to make time for me?"
" Well, there is that, I guess," said Link with a sigh. "I'm sure Zelda will want me to help her. But that's not what I meant. It's much more than that—more than I can really say right now. I'm sorry, I'm tired and may have already said too much. We still have tomorrow together and can say goodbye at the domain. I'll spend tomorrow night at the Seabed Inn. And I promise I will return to see you when this is all over, and we can celebrate our victory together."
As we said our goodnights and prepared to sleep, my mind went over Link's words - both what he had said and what he hadn't directly expressed. The good part was that he was considering his future in relation to how it would affect the two of us, weighing my role in his life. And that felt like he was on the brink of revealing his true feelings for me. Tomorrow would be our last day together before he embarked alone on his dangerous mission. I promised myself that we would have an honest conversation about our emotions. If Link couldn't find the courage to share his first, I would share mine. I would tell him I loved him.
It was the evening of the next day, after we had traveled from Woodland Stable to the domain and spoken to my father and brother, that it finally happened.
"Come, I want to sit with you and continue our conversation from yesterday. You are not feeling too tired, are you, Link?"
"No, not at all," said Link. "You did all the work pulling me here through the water. I'm amazed you aren't exhausted!"
"I know a nice spot where we can talk without interruption. We've been there before, and I like it."
We headed toward the western overpass, and a guard patrolling the area bowed her head in acknowledgment.
"Good evening, Talia," I said. "Thank you for keeping an eye on things and protecting us."
"Of course, Lady Mipha. Two guards just finished patrolling the area nearby and it is quite safe."
Link and I followed the narrow path, shaded by tall evergreen trees that rustled in the cool evening breeze. As we walked, I could hear the splash of the nearby waterfall growing louder. We crested a small hill and finally arrived at our destination: Veiled Falls. It was a beautiful location with its shimmering moonlit silver water cascading down into a pool below. Its peacefulness was briefly interrupted by a trio of ducks, startled by our approach, who took flight over the water with a complaining quack. Sunset fireflies danced around the nearby trees, their golden lights twinkling in the moonlight.
Sit with me here," I said as I led Link to a large rock in the middle of the pond and motioned him to sit beside me.
We faced the waterfall, its steady rush drowning out other sounds save for the occasional cry of a night bird. I could feel my nerves bubbling up within me as I tried to maintain my composure. One way or another, I would express my love for Link tonight - and learn his feelings for me. A Hearty Bass jumped out of the water, attempting to catch a low-flying insect before splashing back down, surprising us both and breaking the tension.
"This place is amazing in the evening!" said Link, taking in his surroundings. "I think we have only ever come here in the daytime."
"It's one of my favorite spots," I admitted. "It's close enough to the domain for an easy walk but far enough away for some privacy."
During our walk, Link had been mostly quiet, lost in thought. Wanting to ease into things, I decided to compliment him on how well he had handled Sidon's hurt feelings about my long absence.
"You were great with Sidon," I smiled at him. "Your adventure stories always seem to cheer him up. If it weren't for you, I don't think he would have forgiven me so easily."
"He's so cute!" chuckled Link. "First sulking about me keeping you away from him so long, then eager for a story. He's adorable; you're lucky to have such a loving family.
Then, after a short pause and thinking perhaps the mention of my family had stirred up sad memories for me, Link continued.
"I guess that may have come out as insensitive since I know you lost your mother soon after Sidon hatched. I'm sorry. But I often wished I had a family, a brother or a sister. So I appreciate the chance to play with Sidon whenever I can, like he was my little brother too."
This seemed as good a time as any to steer the conversation back to what I wanted to discuss.
"So, tomorrow is your big day, Link. I wanted to spend some time together with you and wish you well. And I wanted us to have a chance to continue our talk from yesterday before you go."
Link spoke softly, "I'm glad. It's nice to have some quiet time with you as our journey together nears its end. Being back here in the domain with you feels just like old times. The days we spent playing, swimming, and talking - those moments will always hold a special place in my heart. Though, I admit, our conversations were often one-sided, with you doing most of the talking."
"You've always been too reserved, Link. Remember, you can confide in me and tell me anything," I reassured him. "Don't you feel that you can?"
Link hesitated as he clasped his hands and stared at the waterfall. "Well… almost anything. I … well … I've always longed to share more with you, Mipha. But growing up, as I came to understand who you truly are … how special you are…. I realized that as a Princess destined to lead you people someday, you must live up to their expectations of you. Your people, your father the king, they all look to you for the domain's future. As for me… I may be great at combat and have the honor to be chosen to serve the Goddess. But after fulfilling my role, I … well, I'm just a Hylian knight once more …."
Link's words dwindled into silence. I had always sensed his reverence for my royal status was a barrier he struggled to overcome. It was time to address it head-on.
"What if my title didn't define me, Link ? What if I was not a Princess but simply Mipha, the same person you've known for years, and you were sitting here with me in the moonlight? What would you say to me then?"
Link inhaled deeply, his gaze shifting from his intertwined hands to me. The struggle in his eyes was evident, a battle to overcome long-held inhibitions about crossing a line.
"I would say…" he paused before taking another deep breath and looking straight into my eyes, his voice soft. "I would say that I've loved you since I was first old enough to know what love is. You captured my heart years ago, Mipha. And my dream would be to spend the rest of my life with you if only somehow I could."
Then he blushed and looked down as if he feared my reaction.
But my heart soared with uncontainable joy, my entire body trembling with emotion as I finally heard the words I'd longed to hear. My answer was an easy one.
"And if I told you I love you, too, Link, and that I want to spend the rest of my days by your side, what would you say then?"
Link gasped, and his cute blue eyes grew wide like when he was a little boy, and something delightful surprised him. His face lit up with happiness as I smiled back at him. He took a deep breath and locked his gaze with mine.
"I would say, Mipha, I love you with all my heart. Will you marry me?"
"And I would gladly accept, Link," I laughed in pure bliss, relishing his stunned expression.
"Now, can we repeat all that in the indicative instead of the subjunctive case?" I continued.
Link nodded eagerly. "Yes, yes, of course. I love you, Mipha. Will you marry me?"
"Yes, happily," I reply before taking his hand.
In our embrace, our first kiss ignited sparks that had been smoldering between us for some time, and we kissed over and over. When our kissing ended, Link spoke up again.
"I hope this isn't a dream. Because it certainly feels like one. Maybe you should tickle me to make sure?"
"Tickle you?"
"Yes, I never told you, but it's my only weakness. It's guaranteed to wake me up," laughed Link.
"Good to know for the future," I laughed. "But it's not a dream, sweetheart. And now you can stop worrying about your future. It will be where you truly belong - here with me, in this moment, and every moment to come."
The memory ended, and Mipha thought their life together since then had truly been a dream come true. Of course, every life had its shallows and depths. But they had so much to be thankful for, including two wonderful children. Speaking of which, she wondered if they were home from their sleepover yet.
"Link, sweetheart, we should get up and make our way back home," Mipha whispered in his ear, her hand gently brushing away the damp strands of hair that clung to his face. "Our children must surely be back from their sleepover by now."
Blinking open his eyes, Link took in their surroundings before remembering how they had ended up there. "Oh, right. Kiss first?" he asked with a playful smile.
Mipha's laughter filled the air as they shared two sweet kisses before Link spoke again.
"Are we all good? Have I been forgiven?"
Amusement sparkled in her eyes as Mipha replied, "If I were feeling particularly cruel, I might say no just to see what other sweet and romantic gestures you would come up with. But rest assured, sweetheart, all is forgiven. Just remember your promise."
"I will," Link promised earnestly, pulling her close for more kisses. "And I love you so very much."
Their lips met over and over again until Mipha finally pulled away with a satisfied smile.
"We had better go … or I won't want to," Mipha laughed.
"You know, you're quite comfortable to rest on," Link mused as he nuzzled into her neck. "Your skin is so soft and smooth, I could fall asleep instantly."
"No, you couldn't," said Mipha with a mischievous glint in her eyes. "I would make sure of that, dearest. But we really should start heading home, or our children will think we abandoned them."
With a laugh, they held hands as they waded from the water to the shore and then headed down the path toward the domain. Link reminded himself he owed his Bazz Brigade friends a big thank you.
When they neared their house, they could hear the sound of laughter coming from Mikau Lake.
"It doesn't sound like our children are all that worried about us," laughed Link. "They're probably happy to have more time to themselves."
"We'll see," laughed Mipha.
As they approached the lake, Raypha and Tidon noticed them and swiftly swam towards their parents.
"Mom! Dad! You're finally back!" exclaimed Tidon, his voice echoing across the water.
Raypha chimed in, a gentle smile on her face, "And everything seems perfect, seeing you two holding hands like that."
Mipha responded warmly, "Yes, dear, all is well again."
"We'll catch breakfast for you," Tidon announced. "Ray and I have already eaten."
"Thank you," Link exclaimed. "You two really are amazing!"
Mipha playfully nudged him, "Is it because they're fetching your breakfast? I know how much you love a good meal."
"No, it's because they are a part of our wonderful family - a beautiful dream shared with you." Link laughed. "But, admittedly, it is hard to think on an empty stomach."
Mipha, laughing along, gently tugged him towards their home, with Raypha and Tidon shortly following, each holding a freshly caught fish.
Inside the house, Mipha observed, "You don't seem to be in pain anymore. Are your muscles feeling better?"
"It was just a temporary strain, I guess," Link assured her. "Looks like you won't have to pamper me with your cooking this time."
"I'll cook the fish for you, Dad," Raypha offered kindly. "I want to ensure it's perfectly safe for you to eat."
"Are you sure, sweetheart? I was just teasing your Mom."
"I insist, Dad. Seeing you and Mom happy again means everything," Raypha replied earnestly.
"I never realized there was any trouble. Like they say, I guess ignorance is bliss," said Tidon.
"Then you must be the happiest person around, Ti!" Raypha replied, and then they both laughed and playfully stuck out their tongues at each other.
Mipha and Link exchanged knowing smiles and shook their heads. And in that moment, Link thought to himself, everything felt wonderfully normal again, just as he cherished it. He pulled Mipha close for a kiss.