Summary: Link starts working for the Zora Royal Family but struggles with occasional nightmares.

Link was working his way through the giant machine, dealing with an occasional guardian scout along the way. He had activated all the terminals save the main one, hearing Mipha's voice as she encouraged him along. Finally, he was at the central terminal. He approached it with his Sheikah Slate. But instead of activating itself, the terminal spewed out purple malice that morphed into a deadly creature. He knew how to handle it, though. He dodged its giant spear and used his weapons to weaken it. When it started shooting ice blocks at him, he knew how to destroy them and reflect the last one back at it. Finally, he finished off the creature with his sword, and it dissolved, screaming into the nothingness it deserved. He went back to the terminal and activated it. But something was wrong. Mipha was speaking to him, but she had a ghostly appearance. She was dead, a spirit now. "No, no," he started screaming.

"Link, wake up," said Mipha. She rubbed her hand across his forehead, then took his hand. "It's okay. It's okay. You were having a nightmare."

It was the middle of the night. He rubbed his eyes. Then he reached over and held her. He took a couple of deep breaths.

"I'm sorry. Did I scream out in my sleep?" Link asked.

"I only woke up hearing you shout 'No, no,'" she said.

"Okay. I need a minute to calm down," Link said as he continued to take deep breaths.

It was just a dream, he told himself. Mipha was alive and here with him. For someone who had lost so many memories, why was he cursed with remembering the worst ones from another timeline? Fortunately, his nightmares were infrequent.

"Was I in your dream?" Mipha asked as Link clung to her.

"Yes, but I'd prefer not to talk about it. I want to forget it if I can. It was the saddest moment of my life," said Link.

"Okay, just relax. I'm here now. Let's talk about something else. Wasn't it funny the other day that Sidon thought Zora citizenship would improve your swimming?" Mipha asked.

He laughed. "Yes! Sidon is adorable. You never know what he's going to say, and I love playing with him," said Link.

"And he certainly loves playing with you," said Mipha. "He can't wait to have another adventure with you."

"Yes, we'll have to do that again soon," said Link.

"Are you feeling any better now? Do you want to try falling back asleep? Would you like to talk some more? Or maybe do something else?" she said.

He looked at her and smiled. "How about something else," he said.

They woke up to a rainy morning.

"Remember, you start work today. The Royal Family wants you to start earning your keep here," Mipha teased.

"I know. Of course, Lady Mipha," he teased bowing.

Once he became a citizen, one idea King Dorephan had for him was a role as Zora representative to other areas of Hyrule, akin to a roving ambassador. He needed to start attending council meetings and becoming familiar with items of Zora interest, particularly those that would involve interaction with Rito's, Goron's, or Gerudo's as well as the central Hyrule government. The fact Link had good relations with key people in all those areas was a selling point for the job.

After breakfast, it was time to attend his first council meeting. Mipha also participated in these meetings, so they walked over together.

"I hate to keep saying this, but don't be nervous. Everyone understands you're new at this, and you will probably do more listening than talking for now," said Mipha.

"Well, that part will come naturally," he laughed. "But I do want to do a good job for our family and our people."

They reached the council room, and Link made the rounds saying hello to the other members. They all greeted him warmly and tried to make him feel welcome. So far, he didn't sense any resentment toward his being a Hylian. King Dorephan usually chaired these meetings, but when he was unavailable, Mipha took over. And that turned out to be the case today, somewhat to Link's relief. After a few minutes, Mipha called the meeting to order.

The first order of business was to welcome Link to the council in his role as a roving ambassador. Mipha said she thought he needed no introduction, and his unique background and familiarity with so many of the various people in Hyrule was a decided advantage. They all gave Link a small clap of welcome at the end of her introduction. Then they moved on to routine business, such as the state of any public works projects to improve the area or any maintenance needed. It didn't seem there would be anything on the agenda that would require his involvement. But it turned out he was wrong.

One of the members mentioned it might be helpful to improve tourism as well as trade with some of the other peoples. Did anyone have any ideas along those lines? It was a chance for him to speak up.

"I think improving tourism would be an excellent first idea. The waterfalls and surrounding blue mountains are very picturesque. I know Hylians would appreciate those things, and I think Rito families would enjoy the scenery as well, including the chance to get away from snow and visit the various blue mountain peaks here. While Lurelin Village has a charming seacoast, we have waterfalls, safe pools, and good fishing. We could also offer some water amusements for children to encourage families to visit. I think we could improve tourism with some advertising and vacation offerings. I would be happy to meet first with some key people in Castle Town, Kakariko, Hateno, and Lurelin villages to make them aware of the tourist opportunities here and improve our advertising. We could also advertise at the various stables throughout Hyrule. On a later trip, I could visit some of the more remote areas like Rito Village and Goron City. Someone else will have to handle Gerudo Town. Once I get the process started, I imagine others can follow through on all the details. My visits can also help introduce me as your representative on any other matters," said Link.

The council members agreed that was a good idea, and that Link should start preparing to visit the locations he mentioned. Well, it wasn't saving Hyrule, he thought, and he hoped he could do more at some point than serve as a travel agent, but at least he would have the chance to visit some old haunts, renew some acquaintances and hopefully generate some income for the Domain.

There was some more business to discuss, but none of it concerned him very much. Finally, Mipha adjourned the meeting.

"Well, the meeting went alright," Mipha said. "I know you were concerned, but it looked to me like everyone accepted you."

"Yes, that's true. The only thing is that I wished I had discussed my proposal with you ahead of time. It looks like I will be doing a lot of traveling, and I don't like to be away from you that much," said Link.

"Who says you're going to be away from me? I'm coming with you," said Mipha.

"Really? That's fantastic! I didn't think they could spare you from the Domain for so long," he said.

"Well, we're on official business, and I think the Domain will survive without me for a little while. I'd like to get away a bit as well. Besides, after the Kodah incident, I'm not letting you out of my sight. Who knows how many other forgotten girlfriends lurk throughout Hyrule, all of whom will be happy to revive your memory and play to your 'politeness,'" Mipha teased.

"You're still mad at me over that? I'm delighted you're coming with me. I don't know what I'd do without you and your trusty trident to defend me from the hordes of former girlfriends who are sure to attack," said Link laughing. "Let's talk about our itinerary over dinner."

"Always thinking about the next meal!" said Mipha.

They headed home. Over dinner, they discussed travel plans.

"We should visit Hyrule Castle first," said Mipha. "We can introduce you in your new capacity as Zora ambassador and then share our travel plans to the other villages. That would be the proper and respectful thing to do."

"You're right, of course," said Link. "I'm looking forward to meeting some people I only remember as old like Impa and Robbie."

"From Hyrule Castle, we can travel to the villages you mentioned and perhaps some stables along the way," said Mipha. "I'm looking forward to re-visiting our honeymoon spot at Lurelin Village."

"Yes, me too. But let's not create any free advertising to use against us, like even the Zora Princess vacations at Lurelin Village", he laughed.

Mipha agreed to discuss their plans with her father the next morning.

He thought it was good to do some traveling together before they started a family. He wasn't sure how soon Mipha would be ready for that step, though.