Life Goes on In Zora's Domain

Summary: The first month of Mipha's rule as Link adjusts to the new reality.

The first several days after King Dorephan's funeral were difficult for Mipha but especially difficult for Sidon.

Besides dealing with her grief, Mipha suddenly had a huge responsibility at what would be considered by Zora standards a young age for a ruler. And she still had two young children to care for as well. But Sidon was probably the one most deeply affected by King Dorephan's death. His last memory of his father was of him ordering the two guards with them to rush him to safety. And while not a young child, he was still not considered an adult. He was probably the Hylian equivalent of an early teenager, Link thought, certainly a young age to lose his last living parent. He and Mipha would have to take special care of him now and help him over this difficult time. After dinner one evening Mipha took Sidon aside and spoke to him while Link was busy with Mila and Midon.

"Sidon, I know this is very hard for you. It's hard for me too. But I want you to know that your home is with us now and Link and I are both here for you. Please remember I am never too busy. I have given the Royal Guards instructions that they should interrupt me anytime you need me. And Link is also going to be spending more time with you," said Mipha.

"Thank you, Sis," said Sidon. "I know it's hard on you too. Speaking of Link, would it be alright if he starts teaching me some combat skills? I know he used to play mock battles with me when I was younger, but this would be serious training. I would like to be able to fight back if I ever see the Yiga Clan again."

"That's fine," said Mipha. "It would be good to learn some fighting skills. But for now, if you ever do see any Yiga Clan, you leave the fighting to the guards. You have a lot to learn before you can tackle an experienced warrior, so remember that. When I get more settled into my duties, I want to start taking you to Ruta and teaching you how to operate her."

"Alright," said Sidon. "You know, I've always been afraid of Ruta, it looks so large and powerful."

"Ruta is large and powerful, and it will take time. But once you get to know Ruta, you'll be more at ease. And you'll start calling Ruta 'her,' not 'it,'" said Mipha. "I don't think we will need Ruta for Ganon in our lifetime, but she may serve another purpose protecting our Domain. So, it will be good for you to get familiar with her. But don't be nervous. I will help you."

It was a week after the funeral that Edra came to see Mipha.

"Your Majesty, we need to make arrangements for your public coronation," said Edra.

"Is a public ceremony really necessary?" said Mipha. "I feel somewhat uncomfortable under the circumstances."

"It is not legally required, Your Majesty, but it is customary and expected. In your first address to people as Queen, you declared your support for them and your wish to rule with their hopes in mind. The coronation is the people's way of showing their support for you. Unless you feel strongly about it, I believe it would be good to hold it."

"Very well," said Mipha. "But please keep it as simple as possible and no outside guests. This is just for our people."

"As you wish, Your Majesty," said Edra.

So, arrangements started being made for the ceremony in one week's time. When the day before the ceremony arrived, Edra again met with Mipha.

"Your Majesty, one last detail," said Edra. "We have selected a crown for you from the Zora royal collection. The last Zora Queen was quite some time ago, but an ancestor of yours wore this, and I hope you will find it suitable. You need only wear it on special occasions."

Edra presented the crown to Mipha to examine. It was a simple silver design but with three blue sapphires set in the pattern of Nayru's symbol in front.

"It's lovely," said Mipha. "Thank you for selecting it."

The next day the coronation took place in the throne room with everyone who could attend present there or in the plaza below. Link, Sidon, Mila, and Midon were standing on the side near the throne. Edra, representing the Council of Elders, would place the crown on Mipha's head. Edra said a few words, and then it was time to finish.

As he placed the crown upon Mipha's head, Edra said, "With this crown, we recognize and honor you as our ruler. May the blessings of Nayru shine upon your rule, Queen Mipha."

And at this, all present knelt on one knee and shouted "Queen Mipha!" It was one of the few occasions Zoras knelt.

"I knew someday you would kneel to my sister," said Sidon smiling at Link as they both knelt.

"You have a good memory, Sidon," said Link smiling back. They were both recalling that day long ago when Link passed the Zora citizenship test, and a young Sidon asked if he would have to kneel to his princess sister now.

Everyone rose, and the ceremony was over.

"Thank you, everyone," said Mipha. "Now let's enjoy ourselves."

There was a buffet style banquet for everyone in the plaza. And there would be music and dancing as well. It was expected for a coronation, and it would help break the somber mood. But Mipha excused herself early from the party. She was tired, and Link went back home with her. Sidon and the children stayed to enjoy themselves.

"I hope you don't mind my leaving," said Mipha as they got home. "I don't feel up to partying right now. But I think the people deserve a good time."

"No, I understand," said Link. "But when the music starts can we have a dance together here?"

Mipha smiled at him.

"Thank you for everything you're doing for me," said Mipha. "And of course, we can have a dance."

They could hear the music from the plaza clearly and when it started Link took Mipha's hand, and they danced together.

"You know I love you and I will do whatever I can to help you through this," said Link as he held her close.

"I know," said Mipha. "And I love you too and don't want my duties to get in our way. I need your understanding that things can't be exactly as they were before. But I need you now more than ever."

"And you have me, now and always," said Link. "Besides being in love with you, I took a citizenship oath to support you. And I always keep my word.'

"And you are my most favorite of subjects," Mipha laughed. "I am going to hold you to that oath."

"As long as you also hold me in person, I'll be happy," said Link.

Then she laughed, and they enjoyed the rest of their dance. Link was determined to keep the romance in their lives no matter what.

So, life went on, and soon it was almost a month from the funeral day. Mipha started to settle into her new role. Link started handling some routine items for Mipha that she had managed in the past such as committee meetings. And he began coaching Sidon in combat skills. And speaking of combat skills, after what happened Link was keen to keep his skills sharp. He wanted to be ready when his day of reckoning with the Yiga Clan arrived.

But what Link missed most, and it was what Mipha told him to be understanding of, was the spontaneity in their relationship: the ability to just go and do things together. Before they could just run off for a swim while the children were in school. Now the Royal Guard had to be informed, given time to scout the area for safety if necessary, and then accompany them on the trip. The whole process could ruin the moment, and he hated losing that. But he would have to get used to it. Their tenth wedding anniversary was coming up, and Link finally connected the dots. The Yiga Clan had attacked on the tenth anniversary of Ganon's defeat, a day no one in Hyrule cared to celebrate anymore.

When their anniversary day came, Link woke up early and looked over at Mipha asleep next to him. She was sleeping soundly, and he knew she needed the rest. They slept together in a pool of water. Floating gently in the water was very soothing, and he had gotten used to it over their years together. And it was much better for her. She came to bed exhausted most nights now as she pushed herself to do her best at everything. It was the same drive she had shown years ago becoming their Champion. She felt it her duty to learn everything and do everything asked of her as well as she could. But Link thought she needed a rest.

"Happy Anniversary," Link whispered as Mipha finally woke up.

Mila and Midon were both still asleep in their pool. Sidon had a separate pool in another area.

"Happy Anniversary," whispered Mipha back. She rubbed her hand through Link's hair and smiled. "Did I sleep late?"

"No, I woke up early," said Link.

Link had wanted to get Mipha a gift, but she insisted not.

"You and the children are the only gifts I want from you," said Mipha. "I have everything else I could need. Besides, I'm not getting you one!"

So, they had agreed to skip presents. However, Link felt he should still do something. He had placed an order with the local market for some Armored Porgy, Mighty Porgy and Ironshell Crab from Lurelin Village, food dishes he knew Mipha was fond of. The market was supposed to deliver them this morning. In fact, he heard someone speaking to one of the guards outside and thought that must be it. He got up, and he was right: the order was waiting for him at the entrance.

"I do have one surprise," said Link returning. He brought in the fish and crabs.

"My favorite!" said Mipha. "I'll help you cook some."

Meanwhile, the smell of fresh fish had awakened Mila and Midon.

"Something smells good!" said Midon.

"Your Dad got us some porgies and crabs from Lurelin Village," said Mipha. "They'll be ready soon. Let's have them cooked so your Dad can enjoy the meal with us. And go wake up Uncle Sidon, so he doesn't miss out."

The children ran over to wake Sidon then returned while Mipha and Link finished cooking the fish and started setting the food out on the table.

"Before we forget," said Mila,"though Mido probably already did, we want you to have this. Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad."

Mila pulled out a small package and handed it to Mipha and Link.

"I didn't forget Mila," said Midon. "I was waiting to see if you remembered. But Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad. We hope you like it."

Mipha unwrapped the package while Link looked on, then she gasped with surprise.

It was a set of two side-by-side pictures in a silver frame. Mipha and Link were dancing in both images and in one they were holding each other close, cheek-to-cheek, their eyes closed. And in the other they were holding each other slightly apart, looking into each other's eyes and smiling. Mipha was wearing her royal princess headdress, and the Zora sapphire pendant Link had gotten her for their first anniversary, and Link was in a clean and polished Zora armor outfit. The pictures must have been taken at Princess Zelda's wedding.

"These are beautiful pictures!" said Mipha. "How did you get these?"

"We wrote to Princess Zelda," said Midon. "Um, we did that before, you know, what happened."

"This is so thoughtful of both of you! It's the nicest present I could imagine," said Mipha.

"I agree. We will treasure this, thank you both. These pictures even make me look like I can dance!" said Link.

"Now that it's not a secret anymore, you can read Princess Zelda's letter," said Mila. She pulled out a letter and handed it to Link as Mipha looked over his shoulder.

Dear Princess Mila,

I was charmed by your letter, and of course, I will help you and Midon. You are so grown up now!

Enclosed are small copies of several pictures of your parents that were taken at my wedding. Just indicate the ones you would like to use as a present, and I will have larger size copies made. It is very thoughtful of you and Midon to do this, and I know your parents will be thrilled. And please don't worry about me saying anything. Princesses always keep each other's secrets!

Yours truly,

Zelda

Princess of Hyrule

"That was very nice of Princess Zelda," said Mipha. "We should thank her. These pictures certainly captured two very nice moments."

Link put the picture on a shelf.

"Hi Sis, Hi Bro, Happy Anniversary," said Sidon as he entered. He gave Mipha and Link each a hug.

"Thank you, Sidon," said Mipha and Link. "Please sit down and have breakfast."

"These porgies are delicious," said Midon returning to his breakfast. "When did you learn about them?"

"We had some on our honeymoon at Lurelin Village," said Link. "They're a saltwater fish, so you can't find them here."

"The crabs are good too," said Sidon.

Sidon was planning to take the children to some water games in Lake Ruto today. The Council had them set up as part of a treat for the children and to lighten the mood in the Domain. The games included races for the fastest time through a course of underwater rings, a giant water slide with a prize for beating a specific time, an underwater challenge to retrieve as many items as possible before time was up, and other such activities. Most of the Zora children and their families would be there today, and Sidon was sure Mila and Midon would have fun. In fact, he thought he still would too.

After everyone finished breakfast, Sidon turned to Mila and Midon.

"You two ready for a fun day?" said Sidon. He gave each of the children a fin flap, the Zora equivalent of a fist bump.

"Sure thing, Uncle Sidon!" said Midon.

"Me too!" said Mila.

"Now I shouldn't have to say this," said Mipha to the children. "But listen to your uncle, behave and don't fight. And have fun!"

"We will, Mom," said Mila and Midon together. She and Link gave each of them a kiss.

"And you and Dad have fun too," Mila said smiling at Mipha.

Then she ran off with Midon and Sidon.

"I think Mila is growing up too fast," said Mipha laughing. "You should have seen the look she gave me."

"So, we have some time to ourselves," said Link. "I know what we could do."

"I'm sure," said Mipha laughing. "Me too. But I would like to take a walk together to Veiled Falls. That's our special place, and I like to keep up our tradition of paying it a visit on our anniversary. I'll let the guards know."

"That would be nice," said Link.

Mipha spoke to one of the guards outside, and he asked her to wait a few minutes for them to check the area. A short time later they received an okay and were free to leave.

Mipha and Link held hands as they walked across the west bridge out of the Domain and then up the small hill to Veiled Falls, one Royal Guard each in front of and behind them. Then they sat down together on one of the rocks. The weather was warm, a few clouds in the sky, the sun peeking in and out from behind them. They sat there quietly for a moment. Then Mipha spoke.

"It feels good to be here together again, though I apologize for the extra company," said Mipha. "I have to say you've been a wonderful husband. But thinking back, you were a terrible fiancé!"

"What are you talking about?" said Link. "I thought I was fine."

"Are you going to plead memory loss again?" laughed Mipha. "I'm the only Zora princess in history who had to offer the armor she made twice to the same person. You accepted the armor here the day after our meeting on Ruta. We agreed to keep quiet about it, and you went off to guard Zelda. I was expecting to see you in two weeks' time with all the other Champions at Lanayru Road where we were supposed to meet the princess. But instead, you unexpectedly showed up five or six days later at Ruta all tearful and emotional about missing me. We had a great time together and said goodbye the next morning. But instead of meeting at Lanayru Road in a week or so, I received a notice there was an emergency meeting with Princess Zelda. Three days later I saw you at the meeting, but you were a changed person with no memory. I was so confused emotionally I didn't know what to think. Were we still engaged or not? Was it even really you? Finally, after two or three weeks together in the Domain, I was convinced you really were the same person, but you still didn't remember much. So, I had to offer you the armor all over again."

"Yes, I can see how events must have looked to you," said Link. "Of course, for me, it was all different. It was 103 years between the first time I accepted the armor and what you called my tearful meeting with you at Ruta though I slept through 100 of them. And another year before the emergency meeting. Anyway, does that make me twice as smart since I knew to accept the armor twice?"

"Or half as smart because it took you twice to get it right?" said Mipha laughing. "But it all worked out in the end for us. I'm not complaining. Of course, I wish father was still here to celebrate with us. But I think he had a happy life. I know he loved spending time with his grandchildren, and he really did like you, despite what you thought at first. Anyway, let's not talk about that now, let's think about us. We still have a life together and a family to care for."

She looked over at him, and they kissed. Link noticed the guards had turned their backs to give them a bit of privacy. Then they kept kissing, his hand pulling her close, holding the part of her fin just behind her neck, and she pulled him to her, her hand around the back of his head, stroking his hair.

"In the old days we would rush off now to visit the lake," said Link finally, catching his breath.

"Yes," said Mipha laughing. "And we still could. For a swim. Just not everything we used to do. I think the guards would be too shocked."

They headed off to East Reservoir Lake together and were soon on the northwest pier near the bed they sometimes used. The lake was empty, and except for the two guards, they had it all to themselves. Everyone else was at Lake Ruto enjoying the water games there.

"You sure you can't send them away?" said Link with a sad look as he glanced at the two guards watching by the stairway.

"You know they wouldn't leave," said Mipha laughing at his expression. "Not without a better reason than the one on your mind. They've sworn to protect me. They might pretend to leave if I ordered them to, but unless there was a true emergency that needed them, they would still be watching me."

"Oh, well," said Link with a sigh. "Anyway, life with you has been the happiest ten years of my life."

"A dream come true for me too," said Mipha. "Now, are you finally ready for that swim I've been dreaming about since you first mentioned the lake? You know water is my first love."

"You're serious? All this time you've been thinking about swimming?" said Link.

"You're fun to tease," she said laughing. "Let's go."

Link removed his tunic and trousers. Then she pulled him by the hand to the end of the pier and they both dove in. The water was cold and refreshing.

"You'll have to take it easy on me," said Link. "I didn't think to wear your Zora armor. Maybe you should offer it to me a third time?"

"I think you've already had enough chances," said Mipha. "But you didn't have the armor when I first taught you to swim here. You really are a poor student. Do you need another lesson?"

"If it means you have to come here and hold me, I do," said Link.

Mipha swam over to him, and they hugged in the water. Then they kissed again.