Chapter 81 - Reunion Planning
Summary: North Hyrule Queen Faray makes her periodic visit to her older sister, Sopha. Mipha and Link visit Faray and Saldon to seek approval to travel between timelines.
It was a breezy, sunlit morning along the northern shore of North Hyrule, the golden light of early day reflected across the waters and casting a glow on the sandy beach. A flock of birds soared gracefully overhead, their cries fading gently into the vast expanse of blue sky while some long-legged herons prowled the shore looking for their breakfast. The rhythmic crash of the surf against the sand provided a steady rhythm, punctuating the scene with its constant, natural beat. The air was fresh and salty, mingling with the earthy aroma of damp sand, creating an atmosphere of coastal beauty. The area was a popular destination for those eager to surf the waves.
Nestled among the sand and palm trees stood a modest cottage, its stone walls weathered by wind and salt-laden air. Smoke curled lazily from the chimney, hinting at life within. The sight suggested warmth - perhaps even comfort. But something about the way the cottage stood alone, surrounded by empty stretches of sand and sea, exuded melancholy. It felt less like a place lived in and more like a sanctuary for someone who had turned their back on the world - or perhaps, someone the world had turned its back on.
Two Zora guards approached the cottage, their polished armor gleaming brightly in the morning sun.
"I dread when it's my turn for this assignment," confessed the younger guard, his voice tinged with apprehension. "Whenever she looks at me, it feels like she can see into my very soul. Her eyes are like daggers. I try to avert my eyes, but it's no use."
"Yes, she does possess a very penetrating gaze," the older guard acknowledged with a nod, his voice calm but respectful. "But let's just fulfill our duty and get it over with. It's best not to linger on it."
The taller of the two guards paused for a moment, casting a sidelong glance at his companion. With a deep breath, he lifted his hand and rapped firmly on the sturdy wooden door. The sound reverberated sharply, slicing through the tranquil stillness of the early morning.
A woman's calm voice answered from inside. Her undertone hinted at irritation from past interruptions, such as this one. "Come in," she said tersely, her words clipped yet deliberate. "It's not locked."
One guard pushed open the door, its hinges creaking softly in protest. They stepped inside cautiously, their gazes sweeping over the interior as though expecting something out of place. The room they entered was simple but comfortable: a hearth crackled with a small fire that filled the space with a warm glow, and shelves lined with worn books hinted at years of quiet reading.
"Good morning, Mistress Sopha," said the older, higher-ranking guard.
Sopha sat near a small table by the window. Her posture was relaxed, but her sharp golden eyes betrayed her awareness of their every movement. Without turning from her seat, she addressed them with a dry smile that didn't quite reach her eyes.
"Good morning," she said, her voice carrying that familiar note of sarcasm. "I assume you're here for your usual inspection? Go ahead then—don't let me stop you. I assure you I'm not planning to kill my sister today."
"Mistress Sopha," said the higher-ranking guard with a polite bow of his head. His tone was formal but not unkind. "You understand why we must do this."
"Oh, I understand," Sopha replied smoothly, though her words dripped with mockery. She reached for a teacup on the table beside her and took a deliberate sip before continuing. "My dear sister, Faray, wouldn't want me to greet her with anything sharper than my wit."
The guards exchanged glances but said nothing as they began their search. The taller one moved methodically around the room, inspecting shelves and peering behind furniture, while his companion approached Sopha herself.
May I?" asked the second guard hesitantly and clearly nervous, gesturing toward her as if asking permission to search her person.
Sopha smiled and held out her arms with exaggerated patience. "By all means," she said coolly. "I wouldn't want to deprive you of fulfilling your royal duty."
The search was quick and thorough yet ultimately uneventful. The guards found nothing - no hidden daggers tucked beneath cushions or blades concealed behind furniture.
As they finished and stepped back toward the door, Sopha leaned back in her chair. "Satisfied? You can tell my sister she's safe," she said lightly.
The lead guard straightened and inclined his head respectfully. "Thank you for your cooperation, Mistress Sopha," he said formally. "Good day."
She replied with a wave of her hand as though dismissing them from her presence. Her gaze followed them as they exited, their armored forms retreating down the path until they disappeared from view.
When she was certain they were gone, Sopha allowed herself a small chuckle - low and bitter but laced with amusement nonetheless. "At least I still get treated like royalty," she murmured to herself, though there was no mistaking the irony in her words. She turned back toward the window and gazed out at the sea, its endless expanse both beautiful and isolating as she sighed and reached for her tea again.
Meanwhile, back in the North Hyrule domain, Queen Faray inhaled deeply. The air was crisp, carrying the faint scent of salt from the nearby sea. It was time for her bi-weekly visit to her older sister, Sopha.
Her periodic visits had become a ritual that she both anticipated and dreaded. As she began her solitary walk, Faray felt a familiar pang of conflicted emotion. Fourteen years of visits to her elder sister had taught her patience, but they had also left her with scars—a sadness about her family that remained unhealed.
The path wound through Crimson Grove, a place alive with its own special beauty. Here, the first buds of red flowers peeked from their stems, promising an explosion of color in the coming weeks. Faray paused mid-step, her fingers brushing against one such bud. Its petals felt soft and fragile under her touch.
She resumed her walk, which took her past Jabu Lagoon. There, the calm salt waters stretched placidly under the morning sun. Gentle ripples lapped against the shore as children splashed in its shallows. Faray stopped briefly, watching a group of Zora children play chase through the water. One boy swam too close to shore and temporarily beached himself, drawing peals of laughter from his companions. He rose with a grin and dove back into deeper water. Jabu Lagoon was the perfect play spot for Zora children unready to face the northern shore's strong currents and pounding surf.
Faray's lips quirked upward in amusement. "If only all conflicts could be resolved with such joy," she thought wistfully before continuing toward the northern shoreline.
As she approached the seashore, a pair of guards flanked her path, and they straightened visibly at her approach.
"Your Majesty," one greeted with a respectful bow. "We have completed our inspection and nothing was amiss."
"Thank you," Faray replied softly. "I'm sorry you must do it, but … well, I know my sister."
The rhythmic roar of waves crashing against the shore grew louder as Faray strolled west. As a Zora, she could hear the powerful and moving music of the strong waves and the sea around them. Several colorful blankets dotted the sandy beach, indicating that families or lovers were out in the water enjoying the sea together.
Faray chose to walk along the water's edge, savoring the sensation as each wave kissed her feet before retreating into the endless blue-green sea. The coolness grounded her in a small pleasure, and it was much better than trudging through the hot sand.
By the time she reached Sopha's residence, Faray felt prepared and apprehensive about what lay ahead. Her sister stood waiting by the entrance, Sopha's expression drew Faray's attention—calm yet tinged with something unreadable. She was always as good at hiding her own thoughts as she was at reading others'.
"Good morning, Soph," Faray greeted warmly despite herself.
Sopha's lips curved into a faint smile, though a sharpness in her eyes hadn't dulled over the years. "Morning, Fa," she replied smoothly. "I've been expecting you since my visitors, and saw you coming down the shore. It's quite a lovely view from here."
Faray nodded politely before stepping closer. "Do you need anything? Are you comfortable?" Her tone was measured but not devoid of concern—it was an old habit to check on Sopha's welfare during these visits.
Sopha tilted her head slightly, studying her younger sister as if searching for hidden motives behind such questions. "I'm fine," she said at last. "The guards see to everything I require, and honestly, I've come to love it here." She gestured toward the vast expanse of ocean. "The scenery is beautiful, and I still swim in those waves every day."
"That's great to hear," Faray said sincerely, though she couldn't help but wonder if Sopha truly meant it or if it was simply a façade.
After a brief pause, Sopha added casually, "You know I only have sixteen years left on my sentence - I'm almost half done."
Faray absorbed this without much surprise. It wasn't new information—but hearing it aloud brought it closer to reality. "Yes, I know," she replied evenly. "The council reduced your sentence by twenty years because of your assistance piloting a Divine Beast in defense of Hyrule."
"And you?" Sopha pressed lightly. "Do you think I've earned it?"
Faray hesitated before answering. "I think what matters most is what you choose to do after those sixteen years are up." Her voice softened slightly. "Soph, listen to me. You will still be young when you're released - 103 is hardly old for us. So there's time to start anew."
Sopha chuckled dryly, though there was no humor in it. "Start anew? That may be easier said than done given what people think of me."
Faray didn't rise to the bait but instead waited.
"Any word from our little sister Tila?" Sopha asked suddenly.
"No," Faray said quietly after a moment's hesitation. A shadow crossed her face as memories surfaced—memories of betrayal and bloodshed. "And I don't know if there ever will be. Attempting to murder one's loved ones - more than once in fact - does that to a person."
"Yes, I suppose that is unforgivable," Sopha murmured, then looked away, her gaze fixed somewhere beyond Faray's shoulder as an offshore breeze rustled through the fronds of some nearby palm trees. "I wasn't myself back then."
"Very funny, Soph. But if you're trying to blame your clone, please don't. We know you two were in it together," Faray replied.
"I wasn't being literal, Fa. It was a figure of speech," Sopha murmured, then paused.
After a moment, she spoke again—but this time with an edge to her voice: "You know I've learned some things while here."
"Oh?" Faray asked cautiously.
"I've heard about… timelines," Sopha said slowly. Her eyes narrowed slightly as if testing Faray's reaction.
Faray blinked but kept her composure. "What about them?"
"So now I find out that those unfaithful Sheikah, whom our ancestors sheltered so long ago, deceived me when I was Queen," Sopha replied with bitterness in her voice.
"What are you talking about, Soph?"
"Don't pretend you don't know, Fa. Hyrule experienced a timeline split, something the Sheikah hid from me. And they decided to link us to the stronger timeline. The other timeline was defenseless back then, without even a trace of an army after their defeat by those autonomous fighting machines, the so-called guardians. I could have saved them, Fa, helped defeat their foes—the monsters, guardians, and even Calamity Ganon—with the aid of our Divine Beasts. I could have rebuilt their civilization more swiftly with our advanced technology."
"Yes, by conquering them and becoming their ruler," Faray replied. "The Sheikah pledged to defend us, not assist us in conquering other lands. They understood your true motives."
"Yes, they understood them partly because of you, who worked like a spy, conspiring with them as well as Link and Mipha. I know you betrayed me, Fa, secretly trying to undermine my goals. In any case, it was disloyal of the Sheikah to keep secrets from me, their sovereign to whom they swore loyalty. Maybe you shouldn't trust them so blindly either."
"They trust those who are trustworthy. And it doesn't seem like you've moved on, Soph," said Faray. "You still sound resentful. By the way, how did you find out about the multiple timelines?"
"Guards hear things," Sopha replied. "And so do I. I've had ample time to reflect on what must have happened. You know, Fa, you lack ambition. You always avoided conflict with friends or cousins growing up. Those are admirable traits in a playmate, but not in a ruler."
"Soph, you're the last person I'd turn to for advice on leadership," Faray remarked. "You ruled by fear and intimidation. But I hope you'll move past your resentment when you're free. If there's nothing more, I should leave as some meetings are coming up. As always, I'll pass on your greetings to Tila, but I don't anticipate a response."
"Thanks for stopping by," Sopha replied as the sisters hugged, and Faray set off on her return journey to her domain's throne room.
Faray felt let down by today's meeting with her sister. It appeared that Sopha was allowing past resentments to dominate her thinking. However, there was still hope, as there had been times on prior visits when she adopted a more optimistic perspective on the future.
Meanwhile, on the calm green waters of the Akkala Sea, the waves lapped gently against the sides of the North Hyrul ferry, creating a soothing rhythm that blended with the hum of the engines and the occasional cries of gulls overhead. Mipha and Link sat close together on a bench near the bow. Link's arm was draped protectively around her shoulders, his touch light yet steady. As was often the case, Link was given to reminiscing.
"I can't believe it's been almost thirty-four years since we first journeyed to North Hyrule together," Link said, his voice soft but tinged with wonder. He tilted his head slightly as if to shake it in disbelief but stopped himself in time before bumping into Mipha with his tail fin.
"Mila and Midon were only nine years old when we left," he continued, his lips curving into a nostalgic smile, "And Lapha and Linky weren't even alive yet. So much has happened since then. We've had adventures, invasions, and more battles against evil than I care to count." He let out a quiet laugh, again remembering not to shake his head at the thought. "No wonder my combined journal runs to well over a million words."
Mipha turned her gaze toward him, her golden eyes warm and filled with quiet amusement. "A million words? I should hope you haven't been tallying them all up."
"No, Mila had a way to count them using her Tab," Link chuckled giving her shoulders a playful squeeze.
Mipha leaned into him further, resting her head against his shoulder. "Yes," she said with a sigh of contentment, "quite a lot has happened in such a short time."
"Short time? Thirty-four years?" Link echoed, raising an eyebrow at her remark. There was no trace of mockery in his tone—only curiosity tinged with lingering traces of his Hylian mindset.
Mipha tilted her head slightly to look up at him, her expression softening as her lips curled into an affectionate smile. "Are you still sensing time like a Hylian, sweetheart?" she asked teasingly but tenderly. She squeezed his hand lightly, her fingers intertwined on his lap, her touch firm yet reassuring.
"I guess I shouldn't be surprised," she mused aloud. "It probably takes longer for your mental processes to transform completely. After all," she chuckled, "you've only been one of us - a permanent Zora - for barely two years."
Link let out a low hum of agreement, his free hand absentmindedly tracing patterns along her arm. "I guess that's it," he admitted after a moment of quiet reflection. "At least I'm well over those nightmares about drowning."
Mipha's grip on his hand tightened slightly at those words as if to reassure him that those fears were truly behind him. Her voice was gentle but firm when she replied, "You've come so far already. It's no small thing to embrace such a profound change."
Link nodded slowly, his blue eyes thoughtful as they gazed out across the shimmering expanse of water stretching endlessly before them. "But I agree," he said finally, turning back to meet her gaze with a small but genuine smile. "I'm glad I did it. Things have worked out much better for us and our family."
They were silent for several moments as Mipha's thoughts turned to the purpose of their visit.
"Speaking of that, if Faray agrees to let us visit the other timeline," she began hesitantly, her voice quieter now, as though voicing an unspoken worry aloud for the first time. "My family will be shocked to see you as one of us, a Zora now."
Link gave her hand another reassuring squeeze before shifting slightly so he could look directly into her eyes. His tail fin swayed gently behind him in rhythm with the ferry's movement. "They're going to be more shocked to see you!" he pointed out gently but with unmistakable fondness in his tone. His lips quirked into an almost mischievous smile as he added playfully, "Aside from simply being alive, which is miracle enough, you're also forty-four years older than the last time they saw you… and quite a bit taller."
Mipha blinked at that reminder before letting out another soft laugh—not quite as lighthearted this time but still full of warmth nonetheless. "Remind me about the timeline dates again," she said after a moment's pause. "It's confusing."
Link leaned back slightly as he considered how best to explain without making things seem even more complicated.
"From what Astra explained," he began carefully, "it's early in year 145 now in my original timeline… and we know it's early in year 61 in this one." He paused briefly to gauge her reaction before continuing smoothly: "Your family last saw you in year 17. So that means you've aged forty-four years since then." His gaze softened as he added thoughtfully: "But Sidon and your father—have aged one hundred twenty-eight years since year 17 in the other timeline."
"So…" she murmured softly after piecing it all together, a hint of wonder now coloring her voice rather than confusion. "My dear little brother will be older than me there."
"That's right," Link confirmed with another small smile tugging at his lips.
Mipha's gaze drifted back to the water, her reflection rippling in the gentle waves. "It's strange to think about," she murmured, her voice tinged with a mix of nostalgia and apprehension. "Sidon was just a child when I left. Now, he'll be older than me, with his own life, his own stories. I wonder if he'll even recognize me."
Link's expression softened, his fingers intertwining more tightly with hers. "He will," he said with quiet confidence. "You're still the same Mipha—just finished with your growth spurt. And I'm sure your father will recognize you, too."
She smiled faintly, her golden eyes reflecting the shimmer of the water.
"But speaking of my father, he was always so… protective, reluctant to have me pilot a Divine Beast. I can only imagine how he must have grieved when I disappeared. To see me now, after all these years…" Her voice trailed off, the weight of her thoughts hanging in the air.
Link turned his gaze back to the horizon, his jaw tightening slightly as he considered the complexity of their situation. "It won't be easy for any of them," he admitted. "But we're not just returning as ghosts from the past. We're here to reconnect, to build something new. They'll need time, but they'll come to understand. And I think it will make them happy to know you survived even in a life you couldn't share with them."
Mipha nodded slowly, her expression thoughtful, then she broke the silence, her voice tinged with resolve. "You're right, Link. We've been given this incredible chance to bridge two worlds. Whatever happens, I want to do this."
Link turned to her, his eyes warm with affection. "We will do it together - we're united as one now and always will be," he said simply, his voice steady and sure.
As the ferry slowed its pace and turned west from the Akkala Sea to the river, Link couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement mixed with apprehension. They were getting closer to their destination—the North Hyrule domain, where Faray would decide whether or not they could visit Mipha's loved ones, who had been unseen for many years.
The path to the ferry dock was bordered by dense, vibrant foliage, creating the feel of a secret haven tucked away from the outside world. Hidden within this area was the Sheikah Settlement where they had been detained many years back. As they approached the dock, Link noticed several guards on duty. He suspected they were more of a greeting party for visitors than actual security against threats, but one could never be sure.
"Looks like we've arrived," Link said with a small smile, squeezing Mipha's hand reassuringly.
She nodded, her eyes fixed on the approaching dock. "Thank you for coming with me," she said softly.
"You're stuck with me now, for a long, long time," Link laughed.
Link gave her hand another squeeze before letting go as they disembarked from the ferry onto solid ground. The guards welcomed them as they passed by, and Link returned the greeting.
They walked towards the throne room where guards indicated they could go right up, and soon were face-to-face with Queen Faray.
"Welcome!" said Faray as she rose and rushed over to exchange hugs with them both. "Whenever you visit our land you spend all your time with your grandchildren. I feel neglected."
"We would have visited you more often, Faray, but you know how it is," said Mipha.
"I'm teasing of course," said Faray. "You should spend time with your family. Ah, here is Sheikah Chief Saldon on time as always."
Saldon joined them, and after exchanging greetings, they adjourned to the private room for their meeting.
"Some tea?" Faray offered, and everyone accepted. Then, it was time to get down to business.
"I'm glad your transformation has worked so well for you, Link," said Saldon. "Still, we recommend you get a full checkup again on your two year anniversary."
"Yes, right. I'll make an appointment with the scientists," said Link. "But I feel perfect."
"So, I understand you and Link wish to travel to the other timeline," said Saldon addressing Mipha and Link. "One of my scientists named Aldora is still there, apparently enjoying the opportunity. But you understand we are trying to limit such activity, especially only to people who do not exist in both timelines. In that respect you both qualify, but I will defer to Queen Faray for a decision on your request."
"I think we can allow them this courtesy," said Faray. "They are not just anyone, Chief Saldon, but important people in our and Hyrule's history - people whose accomplishments will always be remembered. If anyone deserves the opportunity, they do."
"I expected that to be your response," acknowledged Saldon. "So I came prepared to install the necessary rune onto both your Tabs. And given the size of the rune and its complexity, we recommend installing it directly - not over the network. So, I will need both your Tabs for a couple of hours."
"That's fine," said Mipha after glancing at Link's nod of approval, and they handed over their Tabs to Saldon.
"Then you can all stay for lunch with me while the rune is transferred," said Faray as she stood up and the others followed suit. "Let's adjourn to the dining area. We have things to catch up on. And I guess I don't need to serve Link cooked fish anymore."
"Thank Nayru for that!" laughed Mipha. "I hated to see good fish ruined by burning all those years."
"You never stop teasing, do you?" Link laughed back as they headed off to lunch.
But by this point, Link understood Mipha well enough to detect the excitement inside her. She was on the brink of reuniting with her father and brother, which might help mend some past hurts. He pondered how this reunion would impact everyone involved.