《Life in Zora's Domain》Chapter 14 - Anniversary Surprises
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Link awoke early. The sun was beginning to rise, and the Domain was quiet. Mipha was still asleep. He looked over at her and smiled. She looked so beautiful and peaceful. Today was their one-year anniversary. Since it was a weekend, they had promised Sidon an early picnic together. But he wanted to surprise Mipha first thing in the morning while they still had some alone time.
He carefully got up from the waterbed and tiptoed to his desk where he had hidden his present. Kyra had come through for him and the pendant he had ordered arrived on time. It had ended up costing 3500 rupees, which he thought was a reasonable price for its artistry. Kyra must have driven a hard bargain with the Starlight Memories jewelry shop in Gerudo Town. He took the gift out and left it with a note for Mipha on the table. Then he crept back into bed and lay there quietly.
After a while, Mipha stirred, then opened her eyes. She looked over at Link and smiled. She rubbed his hair and said, "Good morning sweetheart. Have you been awake for a while?"
He put his arm around her. "Not very long," he said. He looked into her amber eyes and smiled. She looked into his eyes and smiled back. She was probably waiting for him to show he remembered what day it was, he thought.
"Happy anniversary darling," he said. "I hope you didn't think I would forget."
"Happy anniversary," she said as they exchanged a kiss. "I didn't think you would. But I'm glad you remembered. And by the way, I wasn't going to accept any memory loss excuses. Let's get up - I have something for you."
They got up, Mipha went over to a drawer and pulled out a package.
"Happy anniversary," she said handing him the package. "I hope you like it."
He unwrapped the bundle and inside was an elegant blue and silver tunic. The fabric was blue, and there was some delicate silver embroidery in places.
"I made it myself," said Mipha. "It's something to wear when you don't need to wear Zora armor or swim up waterfalls."
"I love it," said Link. "It looks perfect. Let me try it on."
He pulled on the tunic, and it fit perfectly. The material was soft but sturdy and very comfortable.
"You look good in it," said Mipha. "It took a while to make since I had to work on it when you wouldn't see me."
"Thank you! But I have something for you too," said Link. He went over to the table and handed Mipha the package and note he had written.
She read the note first. "Sweetheart, Thank you for the many beautiful moments together and the happiest year of my life. With all my love now and forever, Link."
"That is so sweet," she said kissing him. "You're going to make me cry."
"Open the gift," he said. "I hope you like it."
She opened the package, and her mouth opened when she saw the pendant. The sapphires sparkled a deep blue and the gold shined brightly in the morning light.
"Oh Link, this is so beautiful! I can't wait to put it on," she said.
He helped her with it and secured the clasp in the back. She looked in the mirror. The pendant was perfect, and she loved it.
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"Thank you, sweetheart," she said. "I love it. But this must have cost a fortune. You didn't need to spend so much on a gift."
"I wanted to get something suitable for my princess," said Link. "And I got a good deal from the Gerudo jewelry shop."
"I'm going to wear this all day," she said. "I love it!"
She went over to him, and they kissed again.
"We better have a quick breakfast then start getting ready for Sidon," said Mipha. "You know how excited he gets when he knows he's having an adventure with you. He's probably already up and driving our father crazy. And bring your Zora armor. We may do some waterfall swimming."
"Yes, we better get ready," said Link.
They ate breakfast then started putting together a picnic basket. Soon it was time to get Sidon, and they headed over to King Dorephan's rooms. As expected, Sidon was already up and waiting outside. When he saw Mipha and Link, he rushed over to them.
"Good morning Sis and Bro," he said. "Are you ready to go?"
They exchanged hugs.
"Yes, but we need to wish father good morning," said Mipha.
They entered the throne room, and King Dorephan welcomed them.
"Good morning," he said. "And happy anniversary. You probably didn't think I would remember."
"Thank you, father," they both said.
"You look especially happy today, Mipha, and I don't recall seeing that sapphire Zora emblem before," said King Dorephan laughing.
"Yes, that is a gift from Link, father," said Mipha.
"It looks beautiful on you," said King Dorephan. "But don't let me keep you any longer. Sidon has been running around since early this morning looking forward to his adventure. Enjoy yourselves and the day together."
They each took one of Sidon's hands and started walking.
"I'd like to picnic at the foot of Veiled Falls today," said Mipha.
"Fine," said Link. "That's a beautiful spot with water, trees and a scenic waterfall. And it's not too far away either."
"Sidon, you should start thinking about the adventure you would like today," said Link.
It was a little over an hour walk to Veiled Falls, leaving the Domain from the west bridge and then across the forest. They had the spot to themselves and were soon eating lunch together. The weather was pleasant, and the sound of the waterfall was relaxing.
"Link, can we play some water games today?" asked Sidon.
"Of course," said Link. "What did you have in mind?"
"We could have some races up the waterfall, and we could play some tag too," said Sidon. "But first we need to have a battle. I don't think I ever battled a Stone Talus."
"Oh, a Stone Talus. Well that might be a bit hard for me to enact, but let's see what I can come up with," said Link.
He looked around the area and found a medium size stone he could hold with one hand on his back. He was ready.
"You should probably check with your sister about how to defeat a Stone Talus," Link said.
Sidon went over to Mipha.
"What you need to do is climb onto the Stone Talus and destroy the stone on its back. Be careful it doesn't step on you or hit you with its giant fists," said Mipha. "The other thing you need to remember is that a Stone Talus is disguised as a pile of rocks and doesn't spring into action until you disturb it."
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"Okay," said Sidon.
Meanwhile, Link had laid down still on the ground.
Sidon crept toward Link. Then screamed and jumped back when Link started to rise and swing his other arm around.
"Get behind it Sidon and attack the stone," said Mipha.
Sidon tried to circle behind Link, but Link kept circling as well to stay face to face, all the while swinging the arm not holding the stone.
Finally, Sidon feinted going left, then jumped to the right. Link pretended to be surprised and let him climb onto his back. Sidon started slapping the stone on Link's back. But Link wasn't going to let him win so easily. He gently shook Sidon off, so he rolled on the ground. Then Link started toward him again.
Sidon squealed and ran back, then he repeated the move he did last time and again climbed on Link's back. Again he slapped the stone, but this time Link let the stone fall from his grasp, as he gently collapsed to the ground and lay still.
"You did it, Sidon!" shouted Mipha.
Sidon was beaming, clearly proud of himself.
Finally, Link got up and congratulated him.
"Okay, Sidon, why don't you play in the water now while Link rests. And wait for us before you swim up the waterfall," said Mipha.
Sidon went over to the water to play, and Link sat down next to Mipha.
"He is so much fun! It's wonderful being part of your family," said Link.
"Yes, he is," said Mipha. She waited for a minute. "Do you remember anything special about this place?"
"Yes, two things, though one I only remember because you told me," said Link. "I remember you told me this was the spot we first kissed. And I remember this was the spot you finally accepted me as the same person you knew before the timeline change," said Link.
"Right," said Mipha. "So this is a special spot for us. That's why I wanted to tell you here. You're going to be a father."
He gasped, and his mouth dropped open.
"Oh Hylia, you mean it?" he said. "This is wonderful! I am so happy I don't know what to say."
He reached over hugged and kissed her.
"When did you find out?" he asked.
"Yesterday. I made an appointment, and the doctor confirmed I am carrying two fertilized eggs. I should be able to lay the eggs in about eight weeks they think. They can't tell the sex or race yet," said Mipha.
"Just when I think I can't be any happier you find a way," said Link. He kept taking deep breaths to calm himself.
"But since you brought up the sex and race topic," said Link, "I want to make sure you understand something. As I told you before, I will be overjoyed to have a child of either sex or race and will love them unconditionally and always as mine. Please don't ever feel otherwise."
"I know that, but thank's for saying it," said Mipha.
"When will you tell everyone," said Link.
"I want to tell our father when we go home," said Mipha. "Now let's go have some fun with Sidon."
"Wait, is it okay for you to do that?" said Link. "Shouldn't you be taking it easy?"
Mipha laughed. "No, please don't worry. I need to keep active, and Zoras are built to carry eggs while moving in the water. Remember that much of the child's development occurs after hatching. The eggs are very sturdy and laying eggs is not as difficult as a live birth. So everything will be fine. I only need to take things a bit easier close to the due date."
"Okay, if you say so. But I can't promise I won't worry a little," said Link. He leaned forward, and they kissed again. He still felt a bit lightheaded. It was a lot to take in. His life was going to be so different from now on.
He put on the Zora armor and went into the water with Mipha and Sidon. They had some races up the waterfall, and he held his own pretty well against Sidon. He beat Sidon two out of five times but lost the other three. Mipha, of course, might just as well not have played: she was way ahead of both of them every time. Finally, it was time to head home. Mipha wanted to get back early enough to have a talk with her father before Sidon's bedtime. They packed up and headed back.
"I hope you had fun, Sidon," said Link.
"Yes, a lot of fun," said Sidon.
After an hour walk, they were back at the Domain.
"Let's go inside and tell our father," said Mipha.
King Dorephan welcomed them back and said he hoped they had a good time. Link was still numb inside coping with the news, and being quiet even at the best of times, was utterly speechless now.
"Yes father," said Mipha. "But I have some special news. You are going to be a grandfather soon. I am carrying two fertile eggs."
King Dorephan looked stunned, then smiled and said, "That is great news! Please come here and let me hug you. I am so happy for you and our family."
Sidon was standing with them and looked a bit confused. Mipha turned to him and explained.
"Sidon, you are going to be an uncle. I am going to have two babies and when they get big enough maybe you can play with them."
"That would be fun," said Sidon.
"I am so happy for you both," said King Dorephan. "When will you let other people know?"
"Not for a little while yet," said Mipha. "I'd like to get prepared. I only found out yesterday myself."
"Alright. I don't know if I'll be able to sleep tonight with the news," said King Dorephan. "But Sidon needs to go to bed now, so you two better run along. And double congratulations today!"
"Thank you, father. And good-night," said Mipha.
Mipha took Link's hand, and they walked home.
"Hello?" said Mipha. "Are you still there?"
"I'm sorry," said Link. "I'm still in a daze. It hasn't sunk in yet."
"It probably won't sink in until you see the babies," said Mipha. "But relax. Everything will be fine. Let's go home now."
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