Chapter 57 - Reflections and Farewell
Summary: Zelda and her husband Royce travel to Zora's Domain, where they spend a day with Mipha, Link, and their family. They briefly reflect on their lives and the events that have brought them here and look forward to a bright future for Hyrule. As this part of the story ends, we finally meet the true author.
It was a cloudless, sunny early afternoon in Zora's Domain as Zelda, Royce, Mipha, and Link sat talking and laughing around a picnic blanket beneath an evergreen tree near the shore of Mikau Lake. Meanwhile, Raypha, Tidon, and their friends Fara and Landon splashed and played in the crystal clear water, stopping occasionally to race up and down the waterfalls.
"I think I'll have another one of those delicious cookies," said Zelda as she helped herself. "They're quite tasty."
"Thank you. They're a modified Zora recipe made with Hylians in mind," said Mipha. "Link insisted they were tastier substituting nuts for fish. I made a separate batch for the children."
"I have to agree with Link," laughed Royce. "But the other dishes were all delicious, too."
"I'm glad we could spend time together here," Zelda said with a smile as she glanced around. "This is a beautiful spot, and your company is delightful. You both truly are my dearest friends."
"We're thrilled you could visit with us," Mipha replied with a smile.
"And I think it's wonderful you both are seeing more of Hyrule together," Link added.
"With Hyrule safe and at peace now, Zel and I have decided to travel a bit more … while we still can," said Royce. "It's instructive to visit people where they live, and it especially helps me understand and appreciate Hyrule better."
"Speaking of travel, it's great to see Link looking so young again," added Zelda after finishing her cookie. "It brings back memories of our journeys across the kingdom together. I can't wait to do it again now under safer circumstances. By the way, Link, I noticed you didn't eat much. Did becoming younger ruin your appetite?"
Link shook his head and laughed. "No, Zelda. I'm just trying to stay healthy and make the most of this chance I've been given to live a longer life with my family."
"Something I encouraged him to do," added Mipha with a smile. "Link usually does what I ask."
"Yes, I'm happiest when you're happy, sweetheart," said Link as he smiled back at her.
"Remember that Royce," Zelda teased. "It's the key to a happy marriage."
"I think I already figured that out," chuckled Royce. "But Link, I'm glad you mentioned a longer life. I've been meaning to tell you something. If you read through Dr. Purah's report on her anti-aging experiments - which is not exactly light reading, by the way, full of technical jargon interspersed with self-congratulations - she mentions that the rune not only reduces a subject's age but also tends to slow down the aging process. So that's even more good news."
"Oh! That truly is! Thanks for telling me! But I'm sorry Purah and Robbie didn't accept our invitation to join us," said Link. "We wanted the chance to thank them again in person."
"Oh, don't worry about those two. They live for the joy of scientific discovery," chuckled Zelda. "And don't take it personally. I was lucky they even showed up for my wedding. They have a one-track mind when it comes to spending their time. Purah is forever trying to improve her rune technology, while Robbie constantly searches for a discovery that rivals hers. They're happiest working at their lab."
As they spoke, the sound of laughter and playful shouts echoed from the nearby water where the children were playing.
"It's funny coming from a Hylian like me, but it's amazing how your children have grown up so quickly," commented Zelda as she watched them play. "I remember when they were babies, and you could hold them in your arms. Now they're teenagers."
"Yes, they have grown up since then," admitted Mipha. "But since they're Zoras, they will stay the equivalent of teenagers much longer than Hylian children - just like I did."
Link and Mipha exchanged a smile at each other.
"It's been a remarkable twenty-plus years that we've known each other, although it began with such tragedy," sighed Zelda. "Sometimes I think about our dear friends we lost in the Calamity. They should be here with us now, enjoying each other's company amid a Hyrule at peace."
"They should," said Link. "I never thought I would miss Revali's boasting, Daruk's bone-crushing slaps on the back, or Urbosa's lectures on duty and responsibility. But I do. I think of them sometimes as well."
"We've floated on both up and down waves on our journey through life," agreed Mipha. "We went from despair on the day of the Calamity to a Hyrule where people can finally live without fear of monsters or the Yiga Clan."
"And a good deal of our success on that journey is due to you two," said Zelda. "Hyrule can never thank you enough."
Link spoke with sincerity, "We were honored to fulfill our duty. The Goddess had blessed us with gifts, and it was our responsibility to use them for the good of her people. Strength and bravery were crucial, but ultimately, it was love that triumphed over darkness."
"I know that well," Zelda agreed. "It took me quite some time to come to terms with my failures and move on. But now I have found peace within myself. And much of that is also thanks to you both and the care you took of me in those early days in Kakariko Village. So I am grateful for the opportunity to repay you in part with a longer life together."
"And I am grateful for your gift," said Link sincerely.
"We both are," added Mipha with a smile.
"What do you think the future has in store for us?" asked Link.
"Well, I've been waiting for the right time to tell you," replied Zelda, "The doctor informed me a little prince or princess is due in slightly over seven months. That's why we want to travel while we still can."
"Oh, congratulations, Zelda!" exclaimed Mipha as she hugged her across the picnic blanket. "That is wonderful news!"
"Ah, I understand now," said Link. "Congratulations! Will it be a prince or princess, do you think?"
"I'm betting on a princess," chuckled Royce, squeezing Zelda's hand affectionately. "The Hyrule Royal Family may not be as extreme as the Gerudo, but they definitely tend to daughters."
"If so, at least we won't have trouble choosing a name," laughed Zelda. "But you never know. It might even be twins."
"But seriously, congratulations to both of you," said Link with a smile. "May your family always be blessed with happiness and sunshine."
Suddenly, everyone turned as a bellowing sound came from nearby East Reservoir Lake, and a light sprinkle of raindrops descended from above, causing everyone to laugh.
"Ruta is just adding her blessing," chuckled Mipha. "We Zora believe that rain brings good fortune - something you should know by now, Link."
"I guess I keep forgetting," laughed Link as he shook his head. "And I still find it hard to understand how Ruta hears everything - especially when I say something wrong."
"Through my thoughts, dear, as I've told you," said Mipha. "But before everyone goes, I'd like a picture of all of us. We've built up quite a photo album over the years."
"Sure, let's do it now," said Zelda. "And here's to many more get-togethers in the coming years."
Mipha called to one of the guards on the bridge below, and the four of them stood together with the falls in the background as the guard took a picture with Mipha's Sheikah Slate and then returned to duty.
The picnic stretched until late afternoon when Zelda and Royce announced they had to return to Hyrule Castle. Fara and Landon said goodbye and left to join their parents. The rest of the group walked to the end of the Great Zora Bridge, where Zelda's and Royce's horses were grazing. As they readied themselves to mount up, Raypha ran to Zelda and embraced her tightly.
"It was so great seeing you again, Aunt Zelda," she beamed. "I hope we can do this again soon."
Zelda returned the hug with a soft smile. "I promise we will, dear."
Next, Tidon gave her a warm hug. "Have a safe journey home, Aunt Zelda," he said sincerely.
"Thank you, Tidon," replied Zelda.
Mipha and Link then hugged Zelda goodbye, bid farewell to Royce, and watched as he and Zelda mounted their horses. With one last wave goodbye, they set off at a trot down the path leading away from Zora's Domain.
As their visitors receded into the distance, Link moved to stand next to Mipha and watched in silence as Zelda and Royce disappeared from view. The sun was now dipping behind the mountains, bathing Zora's Domain in a soft twilight glow.
The peacefulness of the moment settled over Link, and he found himself lost in thought, reflecting on the adventures he had shared. The memories of times past brought a lump to his throat.
"A day well spent, and another chapter in life ends," he murmured, half to himself and half to Mipha, who stood beside him.
Mipha, sensing Link's nostalgic mood, which often happened whenever he said farewell to Zelda, took his hand in hers, a gesture at once familiar and comforting.
"But another chapter in life begins, sweetheart," she said softly.
Her words were like a gentle wave, washing away Link's melancholy. He looked down at their intertwined fingers and felt his pulse quicken as her touch sent warmth coursing through him. It was true - life was an endless series of chapters that opened and closed in their turn. But no matter how many doors closed behind them, they had each other to walk through new ones hand-in-hand.
"Yes," Link said with renewed conviction. "The story of our life and love in Zora's Domain goes on."
Their lips met in a tender kiss.
"Come," Mipha whispered against his lips before pulling back slightly. "Let's all go home."
Link smiled as he took Raypha's hand, and Mipha took Tidon's. As they returned home, their path was illuminated by the blue luminescent stones that adorned the structure of Zora's Domain.
"Beautiful, isn't it?" Mipha murmured as she noticed Link gazing at the landscape.
Link looked at her and smiled warmly, "It always is. And so are you."
But for Link, it wasn't just Zora's Domain and Mipha that was beautiful. It was everything—their family, their friends, their lives. It was beautiful because of the love they shared and the memories they had made together.
As they entered their home, Link felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude wash over him for the life he was living. He honestly couldn't be happier!
Epilogue - Present Day
It was a cloudy afternoon in Zora's Domain as a young Zora girl named Rayla stopped to chat with a guard at the bottom of the stairs leading up to the throne room.
"Her Majesty is free at the moment, Princess Rayla. You can go right on up," the guard said.
"Thanks, Arana," Rayla replied as she hurried up the stairs to find Mipha and Link both there.
"Oh, done with school for the day, sweetheart? Come give your grandmother a hug," Mipha said as she embraced her granddaughter.
"And your grandfather, too," Link added as they hugged as well.
Then, Mipha noticed something.
"Did you cut your tail fin again, dear?"
"I got too close to a rock during a race at lunch," Rayla confessed. "It was a shortcut, and I won, so it was worth it. It doesn't hurt that much, Grandma."
"You're so brave, but let me heal it for you," Mipha said as she used her healing magic. "You remind me of your grandfather. He was also very competitive and used to injure himself playing too hard as a child."
"Yes, Grandma kept me in one piece growing up," Link chuckled. "Otherwise, Hyrule might have never known peace."
"I love how you sometimes use different words that sound alike when we talk, Grandpa," Rayla laughed.
"They're called homonyms, sweetheart," Link explained. "And it's educational."
"I'm glad you've improved your grammar skills, sweetheart," Mipha added with a smile before turning to Rayla. "When you're older, Rayla, ask Grandpa to tell you the story of when he learned about the subjunctive case."
Link shook his head and chuckled.
"I guess I'll never hear the end here of my struggle to express my love for you," he joked.
"But about stories, do we have time for one before Mommy picks me up?" Rayla asked hopefully. "You both tell the best stories!"
"I think so," Mipha said with a smile. "We can always continue it next time. Have I ever told you about when your Mommy and Uncle Tidon got lost in a big cave under a mountain?"
"No! Is it scary?" Rayla eagerly asked.
"Just a little," Mipha reassured her.
"That's okay, a little scary is good. Just as long as it's not too scary," Rayla replied.
"Don't worry, sweetheart. I'll tell it in a way that won't scare you too much," Mipha promised, beginning to tell the story while Link added his own commentary from time to time.
As they were finishing the story, Raypha arrived to pick up Rayla, and she ran to her mother excitedly.
"Mommy!" exclaimed Rayla as they hugged. "Grandma healed my fin, and she and Grandpa told me about when you got lost in a big cave with Uncle Tidon."
"Grandma is very good at healing, isn't she?" smiled Raypha. "And yes, that's a true story that happened long ago. Your Uncle Tidon can confirm it. Did you have fun at school today?"
"Yes, and I did well on the history test."
"That's wonderful, sweetheart! You're so smart," said Raypha.
Then Raypha turned to Mipha and Link.
"Thanks for watching her," said Raypha. "I had to stay late today going over some architectural plans."
"You know we never mind making time for our grandchildren," said Mipha. "We enjoy it. It's funny, but Rayla reminds me of your father and how brave she is at such a young age. She's much prettier, though."
"I agree with that!" laughed Link.
"I can see that," laughed Raypha. "But I see a lot of you in her, too, Mom, in how smart and caring she is."
Raypha smiled and affectionately ran a hand across her daughter's tail fin.
"Oh, by the way, I just finished writing the last chapter of volume two of your biography," said Raypha. "Can you review it before it's finalized, whenever you have the time?"
"Of course, dear, we'll both look at it," Mipha replied. "But we want you to enjoy your time with your family rather than spending it writing about us."
"I work on it during my free time when Rayla is at school, and my husband is at work," explained Raypha. "Plus, I enjoy it. And there's an added bonus: annoying my brother Tidon. He complains that I include too many instances of teasing each other, but he can't deny they're all true."
"Sometimes I wonder if the two of you will ever grow up," Mipha chuckled, shaking her head. "What did you title the second volume?"
"Well, as you know, volume one was called A Tale of Two Princesses, and it covers your and Dad's lives from the day of the Calamity until your marriage. For the second volume, I've chosen Love in Zora's Domain. It starts right after your marriage and ends shortly after Dad uses the age-reducing rune. It seemed like a natural stopping point since your lives changed so much afterward. And the second volume was getting pretty lengthy at fifty-seven chapters."
"That sounds reasonable," Mipha agreed with a nod. "But we're still very much in love, sweetheart, and always will be, so your title still works."
"We still are!" Link chimed in, gently taking Mipha's hand.
"Yes, anyone can see that," Raypha laughed. "I'll need to think about what to name volume three. Well, Rayla and I should get going before it gets too late. Her dad likes to play with her after she finishes her homework and before she goes to sleep."
"Of course, dear," said Mipha. "Goodnight."
Rayla hugged and kissed Mipha and Link, then waved goodbye as she took her mother's hand.
As Raypha and her daughter descended the stairs from the throne room, she couldn't resist stopping to take in the breathtaking view before them - Zora's Domain at dusk, illuminated by the gentle rays of the setting sun. In the distance, waterfalls glistened and shimmered against the fading light, while the city's Luminous Stone structures glowed blue in contrast. She let out a contented sigh and reflected on how fortunate she was to be a Zora.
"Take a moment to admire this lovely view, sweetheart," said Raypha. "There is no other place like it."
But of course, one only truly appreciated Zora's Domain after experiencing other parts of Hyrule. For Rayla, this was all she had ever known in her short life, making it easy to take it for granted.
"It is pretty, Mommy," Rayla replied after a brief pause.
"Come, let's go find Daddy," said Raypha as they resumed their descent, and Rayla happily squeezed her hand.
Raypha smiled down at her daughter as they walked. As they passed by the statue of Hylia at the foot of the stairway, Raypha gave thanks for how blessed she was to be part of such a loving family. After all, that was what truly mattered.
The End