Summary: Sopha completes her trip home. Mila and Tila become good friends and Mila offers to spend a month in Tila's Domain. Tila starts imagining a future with Mila's brother, Link. Epona is having a baby. Robbie uncovers a suspicious Sheikah Tab anomaly.

The brief official announcement from Queen Zelda about the annexation of the new region had been sent out to all of Hyrule. For most people, the very existence of the area was a surprise.

Citizens of Hyrule

I am excited to announce the addition of a new region to our kingdom. The area north of the Akkala and Eldin Regions will henceforth be part of the kingdom of Hyrule and will be referred to as North Hyrule.

There is a Zora Domain within North Hyrule, and its ruler is Queen Sopha. A population of Sheikah also reside there whose ancestors made that land their home long ago. We have already begun working with them in hopes of benefiting from their technology.

Please join me in celebrating this addition to our kingdom and its promise of greater things for all of us.

Zelda

Back in Zora's Domain, Link stirred in his sleep, then woke up. He glanced over at Mipha and saw her sound asleep floating next to him. She looked so peaceful resting there, and so beautiful. For some reason, his mind wandered back to their honeymoon. The first night they spent at Lurelin Village there was a tremendous thunderstorm, and Mipha burst out laughing when the roof of their hut sprang a leak and doused him with water. "A little water never hurt anyone," she laughed. "And you didn't want to sleep anyway, did you, sweetheart?" Then she smiled and gently blinked her amber eyes at him in that irresistible manner of hers. But the next day was gorgeous, the sun shining in a clear sky. Mipha grabbed his hand and pulled him into the sea. They swam together all morning until they were both starving, then she caught some porgies, and they cooked them together on the beach. She was so utterly happy then, and he was too. They laughed at almost everything. Only a month before life had been so uncertain for them, but now they were finally together for good. He enjoyed every minute of their time there. And now it was nineteen years later, and he felt just as much in love with her.

"What are you thinking?" asked Mipha.

She had awoken and seen Link gazing into the distance.

"Oh, you're awake," said Link snapping back to the present. "I was thinking back to our honeymoon and how much I love you. Has it really been nineteen years already?"

"Yes, sweetheart, we've been married nineteen years. And you're twenty-two years old. Ponder that for a moment," said Mipha. Then she touched him gently on the cheek and smiled. With her eyes open now, she looked even more beautiful. He squeezed her hand.

"Makes it sound like we married before we met," said Link. "I was four when you first met me."

"It makes it sound to me like we have many more happy years to look forward to," said Mipha.

"You're right, of course," said Link. "And let's enjoy all of them."

He leaned forward, and they kissed, then held each other for a few moments. Finally, Mipha spoke up.

"I need to get up," said Mipha. "I have a meeting with Sidon soon."

"And unless you need me here, I'm going to visit Epona this morning," said Link. "Her baby is due in three months. Promise me you'll stay safe in the Domain?"

"You're still my guardian knight?" said Mipha. "I promise. Enjoy your trip."

Mipha had a meeting with Sidon and then afterward planned to meet with Tila to make sure she was comfortable with the arrangements and explain what her plans were. The children had already made their way to school. Mila and Midon were attending what would be considered college level instruction now, while Link and Lapha were still in primary school. Mipha had arranged for Tila to attend classes starting tomorrow, but there was nothing planned for Tila today.

Her meeting with Sidon came first. Sidon was Zora Champion now and acted as Mipha's Chief of Staff and backup ruler. She purposely involved him in everything related to her duties. Mipha wanted Sidon prepared to rule should anything happen to her while Mila was still too young. Mila needed to be at least 30 years old to meet the age requirement to serve as ruler, and that was only with the Council of Elders approval. She needed to be 40 years old to rule without the need for the Council's approval. Though Zoras didn't celebrate birthdays, they kept a record of birth dates. Sidon had passed age 30, so for at least the next twelve years, he would be temporarily next in line to rule. Mipha felt she owed her people a smooth transition should the unexpected happen, recalling how difficult hers was when her father was killed almost ten years ago now.

Sidon appreciated the confidence his sister showed in him, and it had helped him grow into the capable Champion he was now. But the road there had not been easy for him. Mipha had patiently trained him in piloting Vah Ruta. He had felt so overwhelmed at first, but Mipha never wavered in her faith in him or grew impatient. And he had finally mastered Ruta. Link was equally patient with him when he studied combat techniques. Sidon still felt proud when he thought back to that day almost four years ago when he was appointed Champion. But that day had also been an emotional turning point in his relationship with his sister that continued right to the present.

"Sidon, you are a skilled pilot of Ruta now," said Mipha as they met in the throne room almost four years ago. "You never gave up, and I am proud of you."

"Thank you," said Sidon. "And thank you for never giving up on me."

"You are also quite capable in combat. Training with Link has helped you master that as well. So, Queen Zelda and I agreed you deserve this now," said Mipha. "Congratulations! I will announce that you are now our Champion."

She handed Sidon a blue Champion scarf and a silver clasp to hold it in place with the likeness of Divine Beast Vah Ruta etched into it. The scarf came from Zelda, and the fastener was from her. Sidon was stunned. He hadn't expected this.

"Sister, are you sure about this? I mean, you are still highly skilled at all those things and more experienced than me. Can you not stay on as Champion? I'm not sure I'm ready for this," said Sidon.

Mipha had been their Champion since he was a child. He had always looked up to her and never thought of himself as her equal. But then Mipha reached out, put her arms around him, and held him. Sidon thought at first the hug was to congratulate him, but he soon realized she needed the hug more than he did.

"My dear, dear brother," said Mipha. "I know how hard all this has been for you. I love you, and I am here for you. But now I need you to be here for me. I still miss father. Very much. Trying to take his place has been very hard. I can't do it all alone, Sidon. I need help, and you are the only one who can."

At that Mipha had broken down in tears, and for once he was the one caring for her. His sister had never asked for his help before. She had always been the one to help him, the one he could go to for guidance or advice, the one who could teach him. He suddenly realized how she must feel and how much pain she still carried. It broke his heart to see her like this. He swore to himself then and there he would do all he could for her. He owed her that as her brother, and it was his duty as a Zora Prince.

"I promise with all my heart, sister, I will help you," said Sidon. "Trust me. You're not alone in this. I won't let you down."

Then he held her and comforted her until she stopped sobbing.

Ever since that day four years ago he had put her first and done whatever she needed him to. And now she needed to know he could take her place if necessary, that she had done all she could to prepare him and to provide for her people. And so, he would continue to assure her he was ready should that time ever come. But he prayed every day that time would never happen. He couldn't bear to lose her, too.

"Anything new from the Council of Elders meeting?" said Mipha.

"Zelda's announcement was the big topic," said Sidon. "The members were all wondering what it would mean for our Domain. A couple even felt there should be only one combined Domain and you should rule it. I tried to put that idea out of their heads by reminding them the other Domain was more advanced than us in some ways and they could easily argue the other way around. That quieted them. But there is definite excitement about what it means for our two people. They wondered about visits and setting up more rapid transportation back and forth. It was a pretty lively meeting."

"Yes, well, one stroke at a time is how I would approach the other Domain," said Mipha. "I'd like to believe Queen Sopha is entirely cured and exactly as she seems, but we need to be cautious. Anything else?"

"We need to make some minor repairs to one of the reservoir walls. No, nothing else of any importance," said Sidon.

"And speaking as your sister now, are you well, Sidon?"

"Yes, Sis, I'm fine," said Sidon. "Knowing how much confidence you placed in me has helped me. I feel much better about myself now than I used to."

"I'm glad," said Mipha smiling. "I knew I could count on you and you haven't let me down. Don't forget our family meal today is dinner. And I expect Princess Tila will be joining us."

"What do you think of Princess Tila?" asked Sidon.

"I haven't had any time to spend with her yet," said Mipha. "I'm meeting with her in a little while. She seems nice enough, but no one can fail to notice how attractive she is and the boys Mila spends time with were apparently awestruck. I know Mila's feelings were a little hurt."

"Sorry to hear that. Is there anything I can do?" said Sidon.

"No, I don't think so, not with this," said Mipha. "Everyone just needs to work things out. I'll see you at dinner."

"I'll be there, Sis," said Sidon. "Where's Link by the way? I didn't see him this morning."

"He's off visiting his horse," said Mipha. "He keeps Epona at Foothill Stable, and I gather she is with foal now. Her baby is expected in three months. He likes to check on her once a week if he can, and he thinks of her as a friend."

"I've never taken to the Gerudo and Hylian custom of owning animals," said Sidon. "But I can see it helps them move faster on land. We Zoras have never needed help to move fast in water. At least it's kind of Link to care for his horse the way he does."

"Link is a kind person," said Mipha. "There was a time he couldn't show that side of himself, but it was always there. And before his great battle, he came to understand that the sword chose him not only because of his combat skills but also because of his deep love of Hyrule and its people. He told me later that when he finally reached that stage of understanding, he felt as one with the sword, that it was wielding him as much as he was wielding it. And he thought it shone then with a brightness like never before as if it drew extra strength from him. His kind and caring nature were some of the traits that drew me to him, a part of him not everyone recognized. But it's the true him. Anyway, you should know better than to get me started talking about Link or I'll never stop."

"Talking about Link usually cheers you up, Sis," Sidon laughed. "Now you know my secret remedy. See you at dinner then."

Mipha next met with Tila a short time later.

"Tila, I haven't had much chance to speak with you, but I wanted to say how happy I am you will be staying here with us for a while," said Mipha. "It's important for our people to become acquainted with each other. As your sister Faray wished, your Domain has been a secret until recently so it may take some time for people to grow accustomed to it. Tomorrow I would like you to start attending classes with Mila and Midon if you are agreeable to that. But are you comfortable with everything so far? And if I haven't already said so, please just call me Mipha."

"Yes, Mipha, everything is fine so far," said Tila. "Mila's and Midon's friends were very nice to me last night. I had a fun time with them at the lake. And your little boy is a darling. I thoroughly enjoyed talking with him. I'll be looking forward to meeting some more people in class tomorrow, then."

Tila hesitated, as if she wanted to say more, but was unsure if she should.

"Is there something else, Tila?" said Mipha.

"Yes, um, but I'm not sure how to say this," said Tila. "I'm good at reading feelings, and I can tell Mila is unhappy I'm here. I know why she feels that way, and I didn't want that to happen. Boys can be very inconsiderate."

"Yes, well, we could certainly talk a long time about adolescent boys and their behavior," said Mipha. "But I would like you and Mila to get along if possible, so I ask for your understanding. I think Mila is used to being the center of attention in her group and I gather you suddenly displaced her."

"But I never meant to or wanted to!" said Tila. "And it's silly of them. I'm only here for one month. What are they thinking?"

"I think you'll find they're not thinking at all, just reacting to what they see," said Mipha. "And there is no reason you should not enjoy being popular and have a good time while you're here. You should be enjoying yourself too."

"I understand," said Tila. "I was planning to talk with Mila when I have a chance later today. I want us to be friends."

"That would be wonderful," said Mipha. "Now, as for today, would you like someone to show you around or do you prefer to explore where you want? In either case, a guard should accompany you."

"I can explore where I want, Mipha, thank you," said Tila.

"Then feel free to go wherever you wish, but please return by dinner time," said Mipha. "I forgot to mention we try to have at least one meal together as a family each day. It's often breakfast, but today it will be dinner. I would like you to consider yourself part of our family and join us each time. Besides Link and the children, my brother Prince Sidon is usually with us as well."

"Thank you, I would like that, and you are very kind to include me," said Tila. With that, she bowed and left. A guard followed her out.

Tila took the morning to explore the Domain itself and then the area to its west. The Domain here was beautiful, Tila thought, much more attractive than her home. The design of their two Domains was similar, but the Luminous Stones gave this one a beauty that was unmatched. And the people she had met so far were friendly, though some of the boys acted silly. It's too bad their technology was so lacking, she thought. She really missed her Tab, and chatting with or messaging her friends. It was hard living without that, and for a whole month too! But her sister Sopha said it was essential to have good relations with their Zora kin here, so she would just have to put up with it. At least she could listen to the music she brought with her. And she did want to get along with Mila. She would talk to her later if she could.

But the person she found most fascinating was their Hylian son, Link. The Sheikah in her land kept to themselves, and she had never seen a Sheikah child. Her whole life had been spent among her own kind. Zelda and Link were the first Hylian children she had met, and she found them both charming. Zelda had spent time showing her her room and taking her around the castle. She grasped her hand and treated her like a friend from the moment they met. And she spoke with such grace and elegance, her education and upbringing already evident.

Link had also been friendly and very at ease talking with her. He was still a child now but would probably grow up to be like his father, maybe even better. After all, he was the son of Zora royalty and the Hylian hero of their land, our land now she corrected. That was quite an impressive heritage! To top it off, he was happy living with Zoras and enjoyed their company. What more could you possibly ask for? In six or seven years he would be roughly the equivalent of her age and old enough to have a serious girlfriend. That was not that long, not for her. She hoped she wasn't being too fanciful, but it might be nice to see him then. In the meantime, once he got a Tab, she could keep in touch with him as a friend, see how he was, share experiences, and maybe even visit sometimes.

She was starting to imagine a young adult Link and herself getting better acquainted. He liked to swim, and she could swim with him as his sister Lapha did. But she could take him places and show him things he couldn't even imagine. There were beautiful views of the coral reefs in the sea not far from her land. The coral itself was colorful but even more so were the fish and other animals that made it their home. They came in all colors, red, yellow, blue, even fish with bright stripes. There was nothing like that in the fresh water here. She liked to hike, and they could take long private walks together. And she loved parties, and she could take him to some, and they could dance together.

By midday, Tila was getting hungry, and it was time to catch lunch. Out of courtesy to the guard with her, she told him her plans, then dove into the water. Their fish wasn't bad here either, she thought, as she ate a trout. She'd spend the afternoon exploring the area to the east of the Domain. It looked like there were some lovely views from there. And at least the camera function of her Tab would still work. But it seemed like a good deal of climbing was necessary, so she had better get started. And she hoped her guard wouldn't mind too much following her around.

It was late afternoon when Link returned to the Domain and made his way to see Mipha. The guard said she had no meetings at the moment, so he went right up.

"Sweetheart, you're back!" said Mipha happily. "And as promised I've stayed here the whole time. How was Epona?"

They kissed, and Link sat next to her.

"Epona is doing fine," said Link. "The stable owner is taking good care of her, but I could tell she was happy to see me. She'll soon have a little one of her own to care for, and that makes me feel good for her."

"If it's a filly, will you name her Epona? And what if it's a colt?" said Mipha.

"Well, I hadn't thought about it," said Link. "But Epona sounds good. We seem to always pass names from one generation to the next. I'm not sure about a colt yet."

Tila eventually returned to the Domain shortly before dinner time. She found Mila talking with Midon and Tila approached them.

"Hello Mila and Midon, I hope you had a good day," said Tila. "Mila, pardon me, but I wonder if you and I could have a short talk? It's important to me I speak with you."

"Alright," said Mila. "Excuse me, Mido. Tila, let's sit over here."

Mila and Tila both sat down. But instead of speaking, they looked intently into each other's eyes for a few moments. Then Mila spoke first.

"So, you understand?" said Mila.

"Of course," said Tila. "And you understand what to do?"

"Of course," said Mila.

"Then we're good?" said Tila.

Yes, we're good," said Mila.

Then Mila and Tila both laughed and hugged each other. Midon had been lingering nearby in hopes of overhearing what the issue was. He was disappointed, to say the least.