Chapter 13 - A Possible Future?
Summary: Mipha has trouble concealing her excitement over Link considering transforming into a Zora.
It was a sunny late morning in Zora's Domain, and Royal Secretary Kara was leading the Council of Elders meeting in King Dorephan's throne room. Prince Sidon and Captain of the Guard Larah had begun the session with an update on Domain security. Then there were several other items of interest, including water quality reports, architectural reports on structural repairs and future building plans, etc. But as the meeting wore on, the topics became less exciting and more routine. Mipha's mind wandered as she recalled a recent conversation with Link.
Mipha and Link smiled at each other and kissed as they sat beneath the large rock outcropping at Ralis Pond and watched the rain. It was a free morning for them both, and they had been walking and relaxing together since an earlier breakfast with Mila.
"I guess there's no reason we can't stay here until lunch," said Link as the heavy downpour showed no signs of letting up.
"No reason at all. If you were a Zora, we could simply catch a fish anytime we wanted."
"I know," said Link, more seriously than Mipha expected. "And I know you're being light-hearted about it. But with all my Hylian children grown now, I'm seriously considering if that wouldn't be the right thing for me to do - for our sake, I mean."
"Become a Zora? Are you serious? I had no idea you were considering that!"
"You're the love of my life, sweetheart," said Link. "I'd like our love to last as long as possible."
"So would I," said Mipha.
They kissed as Link hugged her tighter, pulling her closer, and she felt herself trembling with excitement over what their life together could be like.
"Sis?" whispered Sidon as he gently nudged Mipha, and her mind floated back to the present.
"Oh! Forgive me, Kara. I was mind diving," said Mipha.
"I was just asking if you had anything to report for Prince Link, Lady Mipha," said Kara. "I understand you are attending on his behalf as well today."
"Yes, thank you, Kara, that's correct. Link said there were no ambassador meetings since our last council meeting and nothing new of significance to report," said Mipha.
"Thank you, Lady Mipha," said Kara. "Then, if there's nothing else, I believe that concludes our meeting. As usual, I will distribute the minutes by Tab. Meeting adjourned."
"Thank you, Kara, you ran the meeting with your customary skill," said King Dorephan. "Mipha, perhaps you could remain behind after everyone else leaves."
"I hope you're not in trouble with Father," whispered Sidon as he got up to leave and winked at her.
"If I am, I'll Tab you for help," whispered Mipha with a smile.
After everyone else left, King Dorephan spoke up.
"Sweetheart, I notice you've been quite distracted lately. And given how routine our meeting just was, I can't imagine you're worried about any of the topics we discussed. So, I assume it has something to do with Link or one of my dear grandchildren. Is everything okay?"
"Is it that obvious, Father?"
"It is to a father who knows his dear daughter," said King Dorephan. "But as usual, feel free to tell me it's none of my business. I'm prone to being overly curious about you and Sidon, but it's because I love you both so much."
"I know, Father, and I love you too," said Mipha. "And I would never say anything like that to you. At least not so bluntly! But you're right. As the meeting flowed on, I began thinking about Link."
"Anything in particular about Link?"
"Link has been dripping hints lately about transforming back into one of us, and the thought of that has me excited!" said Mipha. "It would be perfect for us. Link is the same brave, kind, and loving person as a Zora, of course, but even more handsome! And we can do so much more together. We could travel, explore undersea locations, spend time underwater, and…, well, anyway, our lives together would be even happier if he did that."
Then Mipha paused.
"What is it, dear?" said King Dorephan.
"It's just that at the same time, I don't want to be selfish or unfair. I don't want Link to do something he may regret or just to make me happy. So, I have hidden my enthusiasm from him. I don't want him to know how much I want him to want to do it because he wants to do it, not because I want him to want to do it."
King Dorephan burst out laughing.
"Forgive me, dear, I know this is very serious to you, but your last sentence was rather overflowing with 'wants.' My only advice for you both is something you will laugh at because it's what you always tell me: follow your hearts and don't overthink it."
"I can't argue with that, Father, though I'm still unsure what to do," said Mipha.
"You need to open up to each other and honestly share your feelings," continued King Dorephan. "It's no harm that one reason Link would wish to become a Zora is to make you happy. Anyone can see how much he loves you. But I also think he knows he will be happier too. So, he would be doing it for both of you. "
"Yes, I agree. But when I think about our relationship, I have no desire to become a Hylian. And that makes me wonder if there is some difference in our feelings toward each other. Does Link love me more than I love him? I never thought so."
"No, no, it doesn't mean that," said King Dorephan. "You're overthinking it again, sweetheart. If I had to guess, it's because you changing into a Hylian doesn't deepen or enhance your relationship in the same way Link changing into a Zora would. Link changing into one of us opens our water world to him. But we already share his world of land just as we are. And besides…"
King Dorephan stopped himself just in time. He was about to mention the limited Hylian lifespan issue but remembered how sensitive Mipha was to that topic. So instead, he surfaced something else.
"And besides, you have a responsibility to lead our people someday as a Zora, and I'm sure that affects your thinking, dear."
"Perhaps, Father," sighed Mipha. "But I still feel unsettled about it. As you know, Link transformed into a Zora before but then changed back. So, I'm not sure what he will decide. The main thing is I want it to be his decision. But you won't say anything to Link, will you? About this, I mean."
"I'll be as silent as a clam," said King Dorephan. "Where is Link, by the way? He usually attends our meetings."
"He said after breakfast that he needed to go for a walk," said Mipha, pulling out her Tab. "He must have suspected how dull today's council meeting would be. The rest of the family is away or busy: Tara and family are in North Hyrule for Tara's classes, and the others are all working."
Her Tab showed Link was on the recently built pier at Spool Bight.
"I see Link is by the Spool Bight port for some reason," said Mipha. "I should join him. Thank you for the advice, Father."
King Dorephan and Mipha embraced, then Mipha began making her way to Spool Bight by way of East Reservoir Lake. She Tabbed Sidon that she was okay. And as she traveled there, she recalled her discussion with Link the first time he considered transforming into a Zora to fight an underwater Ganon blight. At that time, she had been the one fearful of losing what they had, and Link was the optimist about their future. They slept in Ruta that night, then discussed Link's decision to transform to a Zora the following morning.
"So, what is your decision?" said Mipha.
"I need to do this, Mipha," said Link. "I owe Hylia, and the sword spoke to me in a dream. It seems like the only way I can get close enough to this terrible thing of Ganon's creation to strike it with the sacred sword and hopefully destroy it."
"I knew that would be your answer," said Mipha. "You know how stressful this is going to be for the children and me, right? Their father is sealed away for three weeks, not knowing what will happen. Mila was already crying over what happened last time. I love you the way you are and have done so for many years now. And if it really is the same 'you' at the end, I will still love you, no matter how you look. But I told you last night that I'm scared. I don't know how changed you will be inside by this. Will you still love me, Link?"
"I know," sighed Link. "I won't pretend I'm not scared, too. But if it's still me inside, I believe I will love you as much as always. And if it works, I can share a unique part of life with you that I never could before."
But it had all turned out well, even better than just well! Once Link grew comfortable with his new body, they had loved their time together. And given Link's unique role in saving Hyrule, she knew Zelda would permit him to use the shrine again, even if just for personal reasons.
Meanwhile, Link stood gazing out to sea at the Spool Bight port. He had wanted some alone time to consider what he should do. The sea did indeed look beautiful today, all blue with occasional streaks of white foam from breaking waves. It was relaxing to look at and listen to, and Link gazed out with folded arms. After several minutes, he caught some movement in the distance, then watched as a ferry to North Hyrule approached rapidly from the south. The boat slowed, turned, and its Captain guided it expertly into position alongside the pier as it neared. The first officer then secured it in place and opened its gate. Several Hylian passengers, who looked like tourists visiting the Domain from Hateno or Lurelin Village, disembarked.
"I can't wait to see it in person at night," said one passenger to another as they left the ship. "Pictures show it glowing a beautiful soft blue."
Then a young Zora couple Link didn't recognize emerged giggling from under the water where they had been waiting and probably kissing like crazy. They nodded to him, and he nodded and smiled back as they boarded, and then he could overhear them talking excitedly about surfing the enormous waves on the northern coast. The first officer chatted with the Captain for a few moments while waiting, checked his Tab for the time, then spoke to Link.
"Are you boarding, Sir? We're about to leave to keep on schedule," said the officer.
"Oh, no, sorry, I'm just enjoying the view, looking out to sea from here," said Link.
"It is a pleasant sea today, isn't it?" said the first officer. "Calm with clear skies. Enjoy the view, Sir."
Then the first officer prepared the vessel to leave, signaled the Captain when all was ready, and Link watched the ship as it slowly pulled away from the pier, then picked up speed in the open water and sped north. He watched it until it disappeared from view to the east of Davdi Island.
The dock was empty now, and the only sounds were the rhythmic splash of the sea waves against the shore and the intermittent cry of seabirds. Then Link turned as he heard someone approach.
"Hi, sweetheart," said Link. "Council meeting over already?"
"Already? The better word is 'finally,'" laughed Mipha. "Next time, I should insist you join me so we can suffer together. But what brings you here? Were you planning to sneak off to North Hyrule without me?"
"Hmm, that's an idea. I do miss Tara while she's away attending classes, you know," laughed Link. "But you also know I could never do that. I would miss you too terribly, dearest."
"So sweet," said Mipha as they embraced, kissed, then stood with their arms around each other and gazed out at sea together.
"So, how did the discussion with Father go?" said Link.
"What!? How do you know Father and I discussed something?"
"The council meeting," said Link.
"Oh, yes, of course, the council meeting," said Mipha.
"What did you think I meant?"
"Sorry, my mind's been floating lately," said Mipha. "The meeting started well, then grew quite boring by the end. You can read the minutes if you have trouble sleeping. But may I ask again what brings you way over here, sweetheart?"
"I just felt an urge to look out to sea, watch and listen to the waves, and mainly think," said Link.
They were both quiet for a moment as Mipha waited for Link to continue.
"And as I stood here, I recalled when you and I first journeyed to North Hyrule. It's hard to believe that we knew nothing of that land just a little over twenty years ago. And now we have a regular ferry service there. And of course, our son is married to one of their royalty and raising a daughter," said Link.
"You made it sound as if you're more surprised about the ferry service!" laughed Mipha.
"You know very well what I meant even though I got the order wrong," said Link as he pulled Mipha closer with one arm and used it to tickle her in the ribs.
"I'll tickle you back next time we're swimming together," said Mipha after Link stopped tickling her and she stopped laughing. "Anyway, thanks to North Hyrule, we also have Tabs now, which enabled me to locate you way out here."
"Speaking of swimming, would you like to swim now?" said Link. "You could probably use it after sitting so long at the meeting, right? And I love being with you in the water. You're more affectionate, passionate, and so much fun to be with."
"And you are so sweet!" said Mipha as she caressed his cheek. "But all that sweet talk will not stop me from tickling you back, dearest!"
Then Mipha pushed Link into the water as they both laughed, and after he landed with a splash, she dove in after him.
"I'll trade you a kiss for a tickle reprieve," laughed Link as he surfaced and wiped some water from his face.
"Three kisses, and it's a deal!" said Mipha as she swam to him, and they embraced. "But they have to be long affectionate kisses, not pecks on the lips."
"How about five kisses then?" said Link.
"Are you sure you know how to negotiate, sweetheart? It's no wonder the Gerudo jewelry store person loved you as a customer!"
"In this case, I'm very sure, sweetheart!" said Link as they floated with their arms around each other and kissed.
By the third kiss, their emotions took over, and they forgot about counting kisses.
"That was so nice, sweetheart," said Mipha afterward as they continued to hold each other and bobbed up and down in the Lanayru Sea waves. "I think water brings out the best in you too."
"It's you who brings out the best in me because I'm crazy about you," said Link. "I love you so very much."
"And I love you, too," said Mipha, and then they kissed once more.
"Now, how about a real swim now? You don't mind the saltwater?" said Mipha.
"As long as I don't swallow it, I can hardly tell the difference."
They swam together for about 30 minutes, then Mipha caught several porgies, and they made their way back to the pier.
"Shall we head home for lunch?" Mipha asked. "I caught extra since we're both hungry."
"Yes, I'm starving. I can carry some of the fish."
They held hands as they began making their way back toward Mikau Lake.
"You said you came here to think?" said Mipha. "What about?"
"About us. About our conversation at Ralis Pond."
"And?"
"I want to do it, sweetheart, I want to become a Zora," said Link as he turned to her and squeezed her hand. "I've done all I need to for Hyrule. I want to do all I can for both of us now."
"Are you sure that's what you want?"
"Yes, it's what I want," said Link. "I want us to be together that way. Times being with you as a Zora were some of the happiest moments in my life."
Mipha reached out, and they kissed.
"You know how happy that would make me too, sweetheart," said Mipha. "I've had trouble thinking about anything else! But we need to take this step by step, and the next step is learning about the risks and how long the transformation process will take. I can't agree to your doing this without knowing all of that."
"I understand and agree," said Link. "I just wanted you to know where my heart was. So I'll set up a meeting with Dr. Purah to start that process. And if all that goes well, and you agree, I'll meet with Zelda to get permission."
Just then, Link's stomach growled.
"Sorry," laughed Link. "Just goes to show you can't think on an empty stomach!"
"Let's hurry home then!" laughed Mipha. "We've both done enough thinking for now. But, of course, if you were a Zora, you wouldn't have to ruin these delicious fresh fish by burning them."
"Oh, no! You just figured out my real reason for wanting to transform," teased Link.
"You know, given how important your appetite is to you, I'm not entirely sure you're joking," teased Mipha back.
"A lifetime of fresh fish to look forward to," said Link dreamily with a sigh. "What more could life have to offer?"
Then they both laughed, kissed once, and made their way toward home. The day may have started dull, but it was exciting to think about now, Mipha thought!