Chapter 32 - Childish Urges

Summary: Mipha and Link return to Zora's Domain after an extended stay in North Hyrule.

"Tila and I cannot thank you enough," said young Link as he saw his parents off at the North Hyrule pier. "It was wonderful having you here. I know Tara loved every minute she spent with you, and now Lanka knows who his grandparents are. We're forever grateful to you for helping us."

After an extended stay in North Hyrule to help care for their new grandson, Lanka, Mipha and Link were finally returning home. They had earlier said their goodbyes to Tara, who was in school now, and Tila, who was taking care of Lanka.

"It's what family does," said Link. "Besides, don't think it was a chore for us. Far from it! We both had a great time and were happy to do it."

"And we're always ready to help, dear," said Mipha.

"I know, Mom."

"Ferry departs in two minutes," announced the First Officer as he prepared the ferry for departure.

"We should board," said Link. "We hope to see you and the family on a visit home soon."

"As soon as Lanka is old enough to travel, we'll be there. He needs to bond with his aunts and uncle, too."

They exchanged goodbye hugs, then Mipha and Link boarded and found two seats together on the boat's port side. They waved goodbye as the ferry pulled away from the pier.

"The time went slowly in one way and fast in another," said Link as they began picking up speed. "But I enjoyed it and was glad we could help."

"Me too," said Mipha as she squeezed his hand. "And caring for Lanka reminded me of when ours were small. Has it really been forty years now? So yes, time went slowly in one sense, but fast in another."

They sat beside each other, holding hands, and stared at the shore as the ferry traveled eastward down the channel. They passed the Sheikah village in the woods and continued onward until the boat picked up more speed as it turned south into the Akkala Sea and cruised past Lomei Labyrinth Island.

The sea was calm this sunny morning, only gentle waves rolling across its blue-green surface. The ferry's Ancient Energy propulsion system hummed softly, a soothing sound, as Mipha and Link leaned their shoulders against each other. There was nothing much of interest to see at the moment, so Link's thoughts wandered.

Their stay in North Hyrule had been both productive and enjoyable, as he and Mipha had spent a good deal of time with both grandchildren. As for Lanka, it was a fresh experience for Link to devote extended time underwater with a Zora infant and hear his cute sounds. Lanka was just learning to play, his swimming skills developing nicely. He had grown quite a bit and was now big enough to no longer need as much close attention.

Though primarily there to help care for Lanka, they had also made time for Tara, working around her school and homework schedule. Tara was thrilled that Link could finally compete with her in underwater games, and they had fun together. But Link could see that Tara was getting to the age of preferring to play with her friends from school, and of course, he understood that. It was a normal part of growing up. She enjoyed sleep time adventure stories, though, and Link certainly had plenty of those! Time spent putting Tara to sleep with a story helped make up for any lost playtime together. He recalled the end of the story he had told her just last night, one of his many experiences traveling around Hyrule in the old days.

"Well, by the time I finished dealing with all the Lizalfos in their camp, it was getting late. It had taken me longer than I expected. I looked to the west, and the sun was turning orange as it was setting behind the hills. Soon evil creatures would emerge from under the ground to attack. They were skeleton creatures, just bones, save for their glowing eyes, and most were easy to defeat."

" How do you defeat them?" Tara asked.

"Attack them once to break apart their bones, then destroy the skull before it can reunite with the skeleton," said Link. "The exception would be the skeletons of giant one-eyed monsters, but that's for a different story."

"Oh, wow! I'd like to hear about them!"

"Anyway, sometimes, three skeleton enemies would attack at once, and they wielded arrows and swords that could cause serious harm. I could make out the light of a stable not too far away, and since I was on foot, I began running, hoping to get there before it got too late. The air was still, the only background sounds were the buzzing of insects and the occasional hoot of an owl. I began imagining things, worrying about what might go wrong. Was the rhythmic noise I heard the sound of my pants legs rubbing against each other as I ran? Or was it the flapping of a Keese's wings hot on my trail behind me, a vicious bat-like creature with sharp teeth, ready to pounce and bite? I didn't want to lose time, but my fear and caution made me stop and turn around. But as I stopped, the noise stopped as well, and there was nothing there. I breathed a sigh of relief, then resumed running the rest of the way to the stable, arriving there panting and out of breath. I was happy to book a soft bed for the night to sleep and recover my health."

"And now, speaking of sleep, it's getting late, sweetheart, and I think that's a good place to stop now."

"Wow! Thanks, Grandpa! That was exciting! And no, I'm not scared at all. I like adventure stories," said Tara as Link floated beside her in her slumber pool.

"Now, you had better get to sleep quickly, or I'll be in trouble with your Mom and Dad for keeping you up too late on a school night," said Link. "They'll be back home soon to look in on you."

"I will. I fall asleep quickly when I want to. And I'm going to miss you," said Tara as she reached out to hug Link. "I'm glad you could stay so long, but I'm sorry you and Grandma are leaving tomorrow."

"I'll miss you, too, sweetheart," said Link as he kissed her on the forehead, and they hugged goodnight. "But soon, you will start revisiting us on weekends with your new little brother. Love you!"

"Love you, too," said Tara as she closed her eyes.

Link climbed out of the pool and found Mipha in the next room sitting by the slumber pool, watching Lanka, who was already fast asleep. He sat down beside her, and they kissed.

"Mind if I keep you company?"

"Never mind that! How did Tara like your story? I hope you didn't scare her," said Mipha.

"No, not at all," said Link. "She says she enjoys thrilling stories about the old days."

Just then, a school of Mighty Porgies scattered at the ferry's approach, some even breaching the surface with a splash. Their activity snapped Link's attention back to the present, and he suddenly felt a powerful urge to dive into the water after the fish. He leaned over toward the side of the boat and gazed into the water.

"Don't do it, sweetheart! Control yourself!" whispered Mipha as she squeezed his hand and pulled him toward her.

"How did you know I felt an urge to dive in?" said Link as he relaxed and resumed his former position, rubbing shoulders with her.

"Because all Zora children behave that way," said Mipha.

"What? Zora children? I'm a child now?"

"Well, no," laughed Mipha as she kissed him on the cheek. "We both know you're obviously an adult. But you didn't become a Zora adult in the normal way, grow up in a Zora body. And that means you haven't had time to learn to control things a Zora child learns growing up. You still have some childish urges you haven't outgrown yet. The Sheikah scientist explained this to me and that I should watch out for such behavior. So, you're definitely an adult, dear, but still growing up in some ways. I completely understand, and it's kind of cute, actually."

"Well, I've always been accused of being young at heart, though not exactly childish!" laughed Link. "So I guess it's no wonder then that I so much enjoy playing with our grandchildren. But seriously, you don't think I behave too childishly most of the time, do you?"

"You mean more so than before when you were a Hylian?"

"Very funny," said Link as he made a face, and then Mipha laughed.

"I'm teasing you," said Mipha, as she put her arm around him and snuggled close. "You're fine, sweetheart. You just have to get used to being who you are now and grow up inside. It takes time. But I'm as happy as I can be right now, living my dream. And I love you - very much."

"I love you, too, sweetheart. And with your arm tightly around me like this, I guess you're more at ease that I won't follow my childish urges and dive off the boat, causing an incident."

"That too," said Mipha as they both laughed, and Link put his arm around her too.

A short time later, the hum of the ferry's propulsion system softened to a lower pitch as the ferry slowed and began its approach to the Spool Bight dock. The First Officer made the announcement.

"Spool Bight. This is Spool Bight. Disembark here for Zora's Domain. The next stop will be Hateno Bay."

The Captain guided the ship to a stop alongside the pier, and the First Officer efficiently secured the moorings. Then Mipha and Link exited with three other passengers, who appeared to be tourists.

"Excited to be coming home?" said Mipha as they held hands and walked along the pier toward the tunnel that led to East Reservoir Lake.

"Home for me is wherever you are, sweetheart," said Link as he squeezed her hand.

"Aw, that's so sweet," said Mipha, as she squeezed his hand back.

"But yes, I am a bit homesick. However, I did thoroughly enjoy our time with Linky and his family. Tara and Lanka are both so cute!"

"I enjoyed it too, and they are," said Mipha. "The fact North Hyrule doesn't have a nursery system like ours has its good points for grandparents like us."

They reached the tunnel entrance that passed under the Tal Tal peak plateau and continued walking. The tunnel was naturally lit by Luminous Stones embedded in the wall, and like all Zora construction, it was architecturally very pleasing.

"You know, watching Lanka develop, I forgot just how quickly Zora children grow out of their hatchling phase," said Link.

"They do grow quickly, but Lanka's growth was even faster than average, and no doubt because his father is a Hylian," said Mipha. "If you recall, our Zora children also grew faster than normal and even had their growth spurt earlier than their friends. They were still somewhat childlike for their size."

"Yes, I remember that, now that you mention it," nodded Link. "I think it even bothered Mila and made her a little self-conscious."

"Speaking of Mila, she messaged me she's at home waiting for us. Lapha told me that our empty house really affected Mila, especially at night. She and Midon alternated keeping her company each week."

"I'm sorry about that," said Link. "Mila's always been sensitive and compassionate. People and things more easily touch her feelings. Maybe it's related to her having healing magic."

As they emerged from the tunnel, you could see the late morning sun shining on the light blue cliffs overlooking East Reservoir Lake, making them glisten like enormous chunks of wet ice. Divine Beast Vah Ruta stood proudly in the middle of the lake, its trunk raised in the air, and bellowed once as Mipha came into view.

"Yes, hello, Dear Ruta, I'm back now," said Mipha. "I'll be with you again soon."

"You two have quite the bond. And I guess she missed you."

"Yes, we do, and I'm glad you're consistently calling her she now," said Mipha. "I think it must be like your bond with your sword. It's spiritual and changes you inside, forcing you to develop your love for each other."

They both admired the view as they walked toward the water's edge.

"Swimming across the lake is faster," said Mipha. "And I do miss the feel of fresh water on my skin. So now's your chance to indulge those urges to dive into the water, dear."

Link laughed as they dove into the lake together and quickly swam across the fresh cool water toward the northern end. Then they made their way along the short path to their Mikau Lake house. Mila opened the door the moment they arrived.

"I tracked you on my Tab," Mila explained. "And I just caught some fresh Hyrule Bass for lunch when I checked your ferry was here. You don't know how good it is to have you home again!"

"It's good to be home," said Link. "We missed you too, sweetheart."

They each took turns embracing Mila, and their hugs were longer than usual, with Mila even drying her eyes at one point. Then they all entered the house.

"Here, you two sit down. I'll go get the fish," said Mila as Mipha and Link sat at the table, and Mila went to the kitchen where the three Hyrule Bass were on ice.

There was an attractive centerpiece on the table with some freshly picked Blue Nightshade flowers.

"I love the flowers, Mila," said Mipha as she gently touched one of the petals. "It's so nice getting flowers that don't come with an apology from my dear husband."

"Oh, come on, sweetheart!" laughed Link. "Do I really only get you flowers when I do something wrong?"

"I'll let you work through your memory for the answer to that one," laughed Mipha. "Let me know when you find an example."

"Anyway, here's lunch," said Mila as she brought in three dishes of fish and joined them at the table. "Lapha and Midon said they will be home for dinner, by the way. They're still both busy in the Faron Region. But tell me - how is Lanka doing?"

"He's fine, growing up fast, as you can see from all the pictures we sent," said Mipha. "But tell us how you're doing, sweetheart."

"I guess Lapha blabbed on me to you," said Mila as she shook her head. "I admit I got pretty lonely here. It's childish, and I shouldn't, I know. But the house was suddenly so quiet and empty! I hated it, but there wasn't any place better to stay. So anyway, Lapha and Midon helped me get through it."

"I'm glad to hear that," said Mipha. "And it wasn't childish at all, sweetheart. You're just a very sensitive person."

"I'm apparently the only childish one in the family," laughed Link. "Mom can explain if she wants."

"I don't know about that, Dad," laughed Mila. "I think Midon might still dive deeper than you in the childishness race!"

"Anyway, I never knew a Hyrule Bass could taste so sweet!" said Link after swallowing another bite. "I guess I had my fill of saltwater fish."

"Much as I love Porgies, it is a welcome change," laughed Mipha.

"I thought you might both like a taste of home," laughed Mila. "Oh, and by the way, I've been chatting with Princess Zelda," said Mila.

"Really?" said Link.

"Yes," said Mila. "I thought at first she had heard I was feeling lonely and just wanted to cheer me up. But I should have realized she has her moments of loneliness too. It turned out she wanted someone who was family to talk to about our half-sister Astra. She clearly misses Astra a great deal as they were very close growing up. So we had some mutually comforting conversations. She has young Horwell, of course, but he spends more time with tutors now. Well, you understand."

"Yes, Dad and I both understand," said Mipha.

"And I miss Astra too," said Link. "I often wonder how she's doing."

Just then, Mipha's Tab buzzed, and it was a message from Sidon that there was a council meeting this afternoon, and both she and Link were expected to attend.

"Lovely!" exclaimed Mipha as she relayed the news.

"We should have stayed away a day longer," said Link.

"Don't say that Dad!" laughed Mila. "You were gone long enough. Besides, I suspect they delayed this meeting until you both returned."

"Let's finish lunch and go," said Mipha. "And thank you for the nice welcome home, Mila."

They finished lunch, then Mipha and Link made their way to the throne room, where they shared welcome-home hugs with Sidon and King Dorephan before the meeting started.

"I know it's childish of me to worry about my all-grown-up daughter and Zora Champion," said King Dorephan as he and Mipha embraced. "But it's the father in me, and I rest much easier when you're safe at home."

"It's good to be back, Father," said Mipha. "And just wait until you meet your latest great-grandchild. He's so cute!"

They took their seats as the meeting was called to order, and Link leaned over to whisper to her.

"It seems everyone is childish these days," said Link, and then grinned.

"But not to the point of jumping off ferries," whispered Mipha as she pinched him in the ribs, and they both laughed.

The meeting was fairly uneventful, the only item of note from Link's perspective occurring during a report on water quality and a discussion about what to do if colder than normal temperatures caused some places to freeze.

"We don't want to go through another King Zora the Fourth episode," said the speaker, and everyone laughed except Link.

"Sorry, what?" said Link, and then all eyes turned to him.

"I can explain it to my husband later," said Mipha. "Please continue."

The meeting resumed and ended without further incident.

"Finally!" said Mipha as she and Link left the throne room holding hands.

"I hope I didn't embarrass you, sweetheart, not knowing that bit of Zora history that came up at the meeting," said Link. "I don't remember ever studying about anything that happened during the reign of King Zora the Fourth when I prepared for the citizenship exam."

"You didn't," said Mipha. "I told you when you took the citizenship test that the material you studied was not as extensive as you would learn in a Zora history class. So, you never had the benefit of taking classes in school. And you didn't embarrass me at all."

"Another part of a growing-up childhood I missed out on, I guess," shrugged Link. "I'm doomed."

"Doomed to be with me forever," said Mipha as she squeezed his hand. "Is that so bad? Now I could use a swim and a visit to Ruta before dinner with the children. And some freshwater alone time with you, dearest."

"Me too," said Link. "But could you reverse the order of your affection? I have some non-childish urges, too."

"Mm, I don't think Ruta will mind too much," teased Mipha as she squeezed his hand.

They laughed as they ran holding hands up the stairs to East Reservoir Lake. Save for a few ducks, the lake was quiet and empty as they dove off the pier holding hands and swam under the water. If Ruta bellowed, they never heard it, as they remained underwater, lost in each other for quite some time.