Summary: Mipha and Link continue their exploration, finally meeting some inhabitants of this land and its ruler. The ruler could use Link's help, but can she be trusted?

"What?" said Link.

"I didn't say anything," said Mipha.

"I know, but my sword just did. It was a voice in my head."

The image of a completely blue female figure appeared to Link, floating in the air before him.

"Do not be alarmed, Master. I am Mistress Fi, or simply Fi, the spirit of the sacred sword you carry. I was created by Goddess Hylia to aid you, the hero. I always wished to meet the hero again in another life, and your journey here has allowed that. Lady Mipha cannot see me unless you tell me to reveal myself. I believe you will need my aid on this journey."

"I think you had better reveal yourself to Mipha now, or she will think I am losing my mind talking to empty air," said Link.

"I will do so at once, Master. But you do not need to speak aloud to me. Simply thinking my name followed by your message will suffice," said Fi.

Suddenly Mipha saw Fi as well.

"Lady Mipha, Princess of the Zora, I am Fi, the spirit of the sacred sword that chose Link. I was created by Goddess Hylia to aid the hero who wields it, and I feel you may need my help in your quest. Should you wish to speak with me, ask Link to convey your message. I will return to the sword now, Master," said Fi.

With that, she disappeared back into the sword.

"That is amazing," said Mipha to Link. "I never knew your sword contained a spirit. And she has never spoken to you all this time?"

"I knew of the spirit within the sword, but have had no contact with her before now," said Link. "In my original timeline, Zelda told me the spirit of the sword spoke to her as I lay dying at Ash Swamp. The voice told her that I could still be saved, so I owe Fi my life. Well, it's nice to know we have someone else on our side, though I am still unsure of what she can do. Are you rested yet? Should we go on?"

"Yes, let's go while we still have some daylight," said Mipha.

They began making their way up the hills with the goal of reaching the high plateau to their southwest. So far, they had encountered nothing but vegetation. As they drew closer to the top of the plateau, Link noticed a tall hill just to their right.

"Let's climb up this hill," said Link. "It should give us a good vantage point to view the area before we commit to our destination."

"You really love climbing, don't you?" said Mipha catching her breath. "You know my lungs are not as big as yours. I hope our path starts leveling out or descending soon."

They made their way to the top of the hill and looked around. It indeed was an excellent vantage point. They observed a river now that was hidden from their view before, and more vegetation and forest alongside the river in the distance. But there was something else that caused both of them to gasp in surprise.

"That looks like Zora's Domain," cried Mipha pointing to an outline in the distance.

It was hard to see, but the structure they could make out had the same shape as Zora's Domain.

"It does," said Link. "And there are two large structures in the distance over there, but I can't tell what they are."

"So, there is or was a civilization here," said Mipha. "And I am especially intrigued by the structure that looks like our Domain. Are you getting any Sheikah Slate readings yet?"

Link checked the slate.

"No, nothing," said Link. "Originally, I thought we should climb up to the plateau and head south, but now it looks more promising to head toward the river and then follow it toward the Domain shaped structure. Another benefit of that is it will give you some time in the water."

By now, it was starting to get late, though, and it was time to camp and eat something. Link had brought a small bit of wood, and he lit a fire using some flint. They cooked a light supper and ate. The sky was dark, the moon rising over the sea and stars visible overhead. Link had brought a small tent that he assembled for them to sleep in. Mipha might be able to sleep uncovered through a sudden rainstorm in the night, but he sure couldn't! After setting up the tent, he sent a message to Purah that all was well, but they had seen a Zora Domain like structure in the distance and planned to investigate. Then he lay down, and Mipha joined him.

"I hope you don't mind sleeping on land tonight," said Link.

"Just hold me, and I'll be fine," said Mipha as she cuddled next to him. It was cozy in their little tent.

"I am very curious about the Zora structure. I studied our history, of course, and there is no mention of any Zoras living anyplace but Hyrule. Their presence here must date from very long ago. And they have the same architecture as our Domain, which dates back over ten thousand years," said Mipha.

Then Link thought of something.

"Fi?" Link thought.

"Yes, Master?"

"Wake me if we are in any danger," thought Link.

"Of course, Master."

They lay there in each other's arms. If you were very quiet, you could just make out the sound of the Akkala Sea waves gently breaking on the shore.

"I hope the children are not worried about us," said Mipha.

"I think they will be fine for now," said Link. "I'm sure Purah will get word to them that we are alright."

They both soon fell asleep.

Back in Hyrule, Purah had just received Link's latest message. It was good that all was well so far, but what to make of his comment that they had seen a structure similar in design to Zora's Domain? Was it possible Zoras lived there? It was doubtful any information about that existed in Hyrule Castle. Perhaps someone in Zora's Domain would know? She would head there first thing in the morning and share the news that Mipha and Link were doing fine so far and see what she could learn.

Mipha and Link both slept soundly. The night was quiet, and the weather held clear. The next morning Link packed up the tent, and after a light breakfast, they were on their way. Their goal was the river, and while unsure where it led, they hoped it would eventually lead toward the Domain like structure. And Mipha needed some time in the water anyway.

The air was fresh, and there was a steady breeze blowing toward the sea to the east. Some birds flew overhead now and then, and insects were evident, but so far they had not encountered any animal life. And there was no evidence of any monsters either. They made their way across the grassy terrain toward the river, the high plateau on the south blocking their view of Hyrule now.

"At least your worry about my finding water is taken care of now," said Mipha. "Are you still checking the Sheikah Slate?"

"Yes, I should hear it if it starts to beep. The sensor is still active," said Link.

It was midday when they finally reached the river, and they were both tired. Mipha dove in the river at once, did a few dives up and down, then floated in the water.

"Ah, this feels so good!" said Mipha. "And I sense some fish here too. After I relax a bit, I'll catch us some for lunch."

And, true to her word, after a short time relaxing in the water, Mipha caught two carp and came ashore. Link lit a small fire and cooked his fish while Mipha ate hers raw.

"Still ruining the fish with fire after all our time together?" said Mipha laughing.

"Sorry, one of my many Hylian failings," laughed Link. "I just can't do it. It has to be cooked."

"I'm just teasing. And you have some good Hylian qualities too. So, the plan now is to swim inland on this river, right?" said Mipha. "I like that idea."

"Sounds reasonable," said Link. "I'll keep you company in the water. Shall we go?"

The Sheikah Slate still did not indicate that any of the desired material was nearby. They both dove into the river and began gently swimming. The water was calm with a very light current, and they swam easily, saving their energy. Some dragonflies hovered over the water, and the surface of the water was broken now and then by the splash of an energetic fish. The occasional crane could be seen strutting along the shore, looking for food.

"This is relaxing," said Mipha. "If only our whole trip is this pleasant! So far, the land here is not much different from ours. Perhaps it is geologically older, though, as I see no evidence of volcanic activity here like Death Mountain."

"Yes, perhaps," said Link. "But there are artificial structures evident here, so either people still live here or used to live here and, something drove them away. I suspect we will learn more when we reach one of their structures."

As they swam inland, Link kept an eye on the riverbank. The further inland they moved, the more the landscape along the riverbank changed from grassland to forest. They had still not encountered anyone when suddenly Link heard Fi's voice.

"Master, I detect someone in the forest nearby," said Fi's voice.

Link stopped swimming and spun back and forth in the water, looking about. He turned left and right, but saw nothing. Then he heard a voice from the trees to their right.

"You would be wise to come ashore and surrender," said the voice. "There are three archers trained on you at this moment."

Then he saw them. Three Sheikah warriors emerged from behind the trees, their bows all pointed at him. Was this the Yiga Clan or an ally of theirs? They were not dressed like the Yiga Clan. Their clothes were more like those worn by traditional Sheikah, and their Sheikah symbol was not upside down. It was futile to fight now, though he wondered why none of the archers seemed to include Mipha in their aim. And unfortunately, Fi's warning had come too late to do anything. He swam to shore, and Mipha followed him.

The three Sheikah approached Mipha and Link, one of them apparently in charge. While two of the warriors kept their arrows trained on Link, the leader lowered his weapon and approached Mipha. Then he said something completely unexpected.

"Mistress, are you unharmed?"

"Excuse me?" said Mipha in surprise.

"Mistress, we saw you alone with this person and thought perhaps you were in danger. It is unusual to see Zora royalty alone with a non-Zora, and especially in this remote area. Have we misunderstood the situation? Are you not a member of Queen Sopha's royal family? You wear a royal family headdress. And are you in no danger?"

"I am in no danger," said Mipha. "This person is my traveling companion. And we are both from the Kingdom of Hyrule. I am a member of the Zora royal family in Hyrule and not a subject of Queen Sopha that you speak of."

At this, the leader looked quite startled.

"You are both from Hyrule?" said the Sheikah. "Then you must please come with us. Knowing what to do next is above my rank, and my Captain will need to decide. Please follow us. We have a camp not far beyond these trees."

Mipha, Link, and the three Sheikah headed into the nearby woods. There was no path, but the Sheikah knew their way. They finally emerged from the woods in a small clearing, and there were several other Sheikah there going about their business. Everyone stopped what they were doing and stared in their direction when they entered the clearing. Mipha and Link were asked to stop and wait with the two Sheikah archers while the leader of their group approached the Captain and leader of this camp.

"Captain, these two say they are from Hyrule," said the Sheikah. "The Zora is of royalty in their land, and the other is unknown, but a traveling companion of the Zora."

The Captain walked over to Mipha and Link. He addressed himself to Mipha.

"You must be as confused as we are by this, Mistress," said the Captain. "My name is Lanka, and I am a Sheikah Captain. We mean you no harm, but we have not had visitors from Hyrule in living memory. Can you tell me who you are and the purpose of your visit?"

"My name is Mipha, and my companion's name is Link. We seek some ancient element that we believe came from this land," said Mipha.

"And you know this how Mistress Mipha?" said the Captain.

"Some ancient books our Sheikah scientists possess," said Mipha.

"Sheikah scientists, you say? I see. Let us sit and talk," said the Captain. "I think it will be necessary to bring you to Queen Sopha, but perhaps it would be wise to explain some things to you beforehand so you are prepared. Do you wish Link to hear our discussion, Mistress Mipha?"

"Yes, I would," said Mipha. "And why do you call me Mistress?"

"It is out of habit, a sign of respect we show the Zora royalty who rule this land," said the Captain. "You are wearing the headdress of Zora royalty, and I understand you are royalty in your kingdom. I extend to you the same courtesy here. But you are new to this land, so let me explain everything."

They moved over to an area with several seats, and Mipha, Link, and Lanka all sat down.

"First, let me explain about us, the Sheikah who live here. You no doubt know the history of Hyrule and the fact there was once a strong alliance between the Sheikah and the Hylians. But the Hylians began to fear Sheikah technology and exiled the Sheikah. Some Sheikah swore allegiance to Hyrule and eventually gave up technology, while others, in anger and resentment, formed a renegade group that came to be called the Yiga Clan and swore allegiance to Ganon. But there was a third group of Sheikah who did not wish to be ruled by Hylians and abandon their technology but also did not wish to be ruled by Ganon, whom they despised as evil and corrupt. This group of Sheikah left Hyrule and emigrated to this land. They brought their technology with them and made this land their home. All of this happened many thousands of years ago now. In those early days after the Sheikah arrived here and began exploring, they discovered some materials that were not known in Hyrule. They wrote of their findings in books, some of which were shared with their Sheikah colleagues in Hyrule at that time. For even though the Sheikah loyal to the Hyrule Royal Family came to abandon technology, there were still scientists and scholars among them who wished to learn. But eventually, over time, contact with our Hyrule brethren died out. We have been content to live here in peace away from both the Yiga Clan and the Hyrule Royal Family," said Lanka.

"Now, I will tell you about the Zoras and why my instinct is to call you Mistress," Lanka continued. "When that first group of Sheikah arrived here from Hyrule, they were surprised to discover that Zoras were already here and, in fact, had a whole government and political structure in place. Our people explained to them they came in peace and offered to share our technology with them. Since Zoras are aquatic people, and we live on land, there was no conflict of interest between us. We were few in numbers then and posed no threat to them, even with our technology. But in any case, our people did not wish power or to be conquerors, but only to live in peace the way they wished. So, the Sheikah here swore loyalty to the Zora ruler in exchange for the Zora ruler's promise that we could live on the land according to our customs. In exchange for this freedom, we agreed to help defend the Zora Kingdom here. All of this happened many, many years ago, but our relationship today remains as it was then. So, we acknowledge Queen Sopha of the Zoras as our ruler, but she respects our independence."

"Since we come in peace and seek only an ancient element we need, can you not let us proceed on our journey?" said Mipha.

"I am inclined to do so," said Lanka, "But the consequence of having people from Hyrule come here and return to Hyrule is a matter too important for me to decide. We cherish our privacy and independence here. It will not be my decision whether you are permitted to return to your land. But you will not be harmed here either. We are not your enemy, and I do not believe you are ours. Now, please tell me more about your companion and why you travel with him?"

"Can he not speak for himself?" said Mipha.

"If you permit it, Mistress Mipha," said Lanka.

"Link, please go ahead," said Mipha.

"My name is Link, and I was a knight in the service of the King of Hyrule. I was the one chosen by the sacred sword to combat Ganon and help to defeat him," said Link. "Mipha and I travel together on this quest so we may aid each other."

"We are familiar with the legends of the Hyrule hero," said Lanka. "So, you are the latest hero, and you must carry the sacred sword with you. And you refer to Mistress Mipha quite informally, so I gather you two treat each other as equals. I also see you carry what looks like an old version of a Sheikah device. May I see it?"

Link handed the Sheikah Slate to Lanka.

"Interesting," said Lanka. "I have never seen one like this. It must be an ancient model. Here, look at mine, but please don't press anything. We call it a Tab."

Lanka unclipped a device from his belt that was quite a bit smaller than the Sheikah Slate and handed it to Link. The screen was small, in proportion to the smaller size of the device, but the images on it looked clear and sharp. Link noticed there were more runes evident than he was familiar with. He would have liked a chance to view the map.

"This is very light and compact. It has the same functionality as mine?" said Link returning the device.

"No doubt," said Lanka. "Likely more, but I am not familiar with yours. I am sorry, but I cannot risk you communicating with anyone in Hyrule at this time. I must retain your device for now. Tonight, you will stay here with us as our guests. I hate to say prisoners, but I regret I cannot let you leave. Tomorrow we can bring you to Queen Sopha, and she will know what to do."

"Lanka, there are people in Hyrule who are concerned for us," said Mipha. "Can Link not send a message to them that we are still well?"

"Yes, of course, Mistress Mipha," said Lanka. "But you will forgive me if I look at your message first."

Lanka handed the Sheikah Slate to Link and, after Lanka approved, Link sent Purah a short message that they were still well. Then he returned the device to Lanka.

"Please help yourself to the food we have by the fire, and we have a shelter over here where you can sleep. Forgive me, Mistress Mipha, but does your companion sleep near you?"

"Usually," said Mipha. "He is my husband."

"I beg your pardon, Mistress Mipha," said Lanka in surprise. "Zoras here never marry outside their race, at least to my knowledge. Hyrule must be a very different place. In any case, please feel free to use the shelter together then. Also, feel free to walk about our camp, but please do not try to leave. We will travel tomorrow to see Queen Sopha of the Zora. Until then, goodnight."

It was difficult for both Link and Mipha to fall asleep. They felt in no immediate danger, but clearly, they were no longer in control of their destiny, and that was an uncomfortable feeling. Also, the possibility Lanka raised that they might not be permitted to return to Hyrule was unsettling. Eventually, fatigue overcame concern, and they both slept.

Back in Hyrule, Purah had arrived in Zora's Domain and requested a meeting with King Dorephan. She was shown in at once. She knew her unexpected visit might raise fears of bad news, so she quickly came to the point.

"I have had messages from Lady Mipha and Link, and they are both well, Your Majesty," said Purah.