Summary: Link meets with his former Hyrule army commander who is touring Hyrule upon retirement and shares some memories with him. Mipha and Link briefly discuss Purah's anti-aging rune and ponder the future. Link's memory issues cause him an uncomfortable moment with Mipha, but love conquers all.

It was morning and time for breakfast at Mipha's and Link's house on Mikau Lake. Link had just finished getting dressed and made his way to the kitchen. As he cooked his fish, he thought about how much his diet had improved since he married Mipha. He used to eat all kinds of strange things in the wild. He remembered experimenting with recipes he couldn't even stomach anymore. But now he pretty much stuck to fresh fish, rice, fruit, and vegetables, and that was much better for his health. Come to think of it, just about everything about his life was better since he married Mipha. When the fish was ready, he brought his meal to the table. Mipha, Mila, Midon, Lapha, and young Link were already there.

"Good morning, everyone," said Link.

"Wow! You look spiffy, Dad," said Midon. "What's with the uniform?"

Link was wearing his Royal Guards uniform which was why it had taken him longer than usual to get dressed. He was out of practice putting it on, and it was hard to believe he used to wear it every day.

"My former commander, Feron, just retired and is visiting a few places in Hyrule. He's stopping by the Domain later today to meet with me, so I wore my Royal Guards uniform for his visit. You know, I'm actually still a Captain in the Hyrule Royal Guards. When I became a Zora citizen, Zelda arranged for me to keep dual Zora/Hylian citizenship and she never rescinded my commission. I think she likes the idea of me being available for duty if necessary. But, of course, I am first and foremost now a loyal subject of the Zora Royal Family. Isn't that so, Lady Mipha?"

He kissed Mipha good morning.

"Yes, Captain Link, and I hope you never forget that," laughed Mipha. "Do you have a gift for Feron?"

"Yes. I remember Feron used to collect swords, so I'm giving him a Zora sword as a retirement gift. I don't think he has one," said Link.

"I never saw you wear this outfit, Dad," said Lapha. "It makes you look very soldiery. I like you better in the armor Mom gave you."

"It's just for today, Lapha," said Link. "And I was very soldier-like back then. Later on, I received the Champion's Tunic and after that the armor from Mom. So, once I had those I didn't have a reason to wear this uniform anymore."

"Dad, do you actually remember the time you served under Feron?" asked Mila. "I mean, with all your memory issues?"

"Yes, I remember some of the time I served under him," laughed Link. "But you're right, I also forgot a lot too. He was my Captain over twenty years ago when I was chosen by the sword that seals the darkness. I remember he wanted to examine the sword when I returned from Korok Forest, but it stung his hand when he tried to draw it. He was the one who encouraged me to compete in the Hyrule swordsmanship competition. My life might be entirely different if I hadn't done that. And I wasn't in the Royal Guards when I first became a knight. I had to earn a place in it."

"What did you do when you first joined?" asked Linky.

"I was just one of the soldiers in a unit. We tried to make sure people were safe," said Link. "We would go on patrols to destroy monsters and their camps. Our unit was assigned to various locations in Hyrule at different times, depending on the need."

"And how did you get to be a Captain in the Royal Guards?" asked Linky.

"I behaved myself and did well in combat," said Link. "That flurry rush skill was vitally important. It's how I won the swordsmanship competition. That got me recognized, and I moved up in rank pretty fast after that. I got promoted to Captain when King Rhoam assigned me to guard his daughter, Princess Zelda. I think he felt any rank less than Captain would have been insulting to her. She was already annoyed at having a guardian knight at all, and especially upset that it was me."

"She wasn't the only one upset about that," said Mipha. "You're bringing back some unpleasant memories."

"Why didn't Zelda want you to guard her? I thought you two like each other," said Lapha.

"We do like each other, Lapha," said Link. "But at the beginning, she was frustrated and thought I considered her a failure. But I never felt that way about her. Anyway, she eventually got over it, and we became good friends."

"I still don't like to think about the way she treated you at first," said Mipha. "Making you walk ten steps behind her and only speak when spoken to. She had a lot of nerve."

"Yes, that was a rough time," said Link. "But later she realized how badly she had treated me and apologized. We got along fine after that. In fact, I think she may have even developed a small crush on me back then."

"Yes, royalty from all over Hyrule just can't resist you, can they sweetheart?" said Mipha. "Zelda, Midna with her magic kiss, Sopha and me. Did I leave anyone out?"

"Not that I recall," said Link. "But you know how bad my memory is."

"Very funny," said Mipha. "And Zelda had more than a 'small crush' on you, by the way. You were just as blind to her feelings as mine. You think it's a coincidence she fell in love with and married your cousin who even looks a bit like you? But this is all old history now, and things worked out well in the end."

"Mom and Dad, you two certainly have your moments together!" laughed Mila.

"We like to tease each other," said Link. "It's just for fun, and it's because we're so comfortable with our feelings for each other. Usually, your Mom gets the last laugh, though."

"By the way, Kendal invited me to dinner tonight to meet his family," said Mila. "I hope that's alright with you."

"Of course," said Mipha. "And your father and I would be happy to have his whole family over for dinner sometime if you want. We both like Kendal. Now, remember, his parents are both in the Royal Guards here, and they may be a little nervous about having you over for dinner because you're a princess. I'm sure you realize that, so try to put them at ease."

"I think Mila's more nervous about having dinner with them than the other way around," laughed Midon. "All she ever talks about these days is Kendal this and Kendal that."

"Mido! That's not true!" said Mila. "And what about you and Larena? You two seem to be fin-to-fin a lot these days, and I don't think you're discussing homework."

"Alright, you two," said Mipha. "I hate to keep saying this, but enjoy this time of your life and don't get too serious too soon. You still have more growing up to do."

"I understand, Mom," said Mila.

"Yes, of course," said Midon.

"Come on, Linky," said Lapha. "It's time to leave for class. Mila, say hello to Kendal's sister, Kenra, for me. And Dad, I hope you're back to normal when we get home."

"I promise, sweetheart," laughed Link.

The children all left for class as Link finished his fish.

"So, you feeling more at home here?" said Link.

"Yes, I love this house," said Mipha. "And the children are exactly the same as I remember them. I think all of us are getting over the time travel issue. Do you want me to join you when you meet Feron?"

"Well, only to say hello perhaps, if you're available," said Link. "He'll probably be more at ease if it's just him and me, and want to reminisce. You would probably find that boring. And you know how uncomfortable we all get in the presence of royalty."

"Oh, really? A minute ago, royalty was throwing themselves at your feet," said Mipha. "But whatever you two prefer. I have some 'royal' things to do anyway. I'm off to meet with Father. If I don't get back before Feron leaves, give him my best wishes. And this is your day off from meetings, so enjoy yourself."

It was later that morning when a guard approached their house and knocked at the door, which Link answered.

"Hi Link," said the guard. "Wow! I almost didn't recognize you! Nice outfit, but it looks uncomfortable. Anyway, your friend, Feron, is waiting for you in the plaza. Should I escort him here or will you join him there?"

"Mipha is out, and I have the house to myself," said Link. "If you don't mind, please just bring him up here. Thanks!"

A few minutes later Feron arrived at their house, and Link greeted him.

"Come in, Sir," said Link. "It's been a long time."

"Hello Link, and yes, it has," said Feron. "I see you wore your uniform for the occasion! You look great. You haven't aged a bit!"

"You look well yourself, Sir," said Link. "But please come in and sit down. Can I offer you anything?"

"No, thank you, I just ate," said Feron.

"I heard you made Major, Sir, before retirement," said Link. "Congratulations! And I hope you enjoy a well-deserved retirement. But how have things been at the Castle and what are your plans?"

"The Castle's been fine," said Feron. "Thanks to you it's been pretty quiet for a long time, except for that big alert recently looking for the Gerudo woman. I've enjoyed my time there. As for my plans, I'm doing a short tour of Hyrule, and then my wife and I plan to settle down near our daughter by Riverside Stable. Our daughter and her husband are part owners. Those stables have certainly changed a lot, haven't they, with all the motorized cycles on the road now? My wife is already staying there to help out. She said she didn't want to travel with me this time, maybe the next."

"That's great, Sir," said Link. "I'm happy to hear that. And thanks for stopping by. Oh, before I forget, I have a little something for you. I hope you don't already have one."

Link retrieved the Zora sword he had put aside and presented it to Feron.

"Oh, this is a very nice piece!" said Feron examining the sword. "Thank you! You didn't have to do this, but I appreciate it. No, I don't have a Zora sword in my collection. It's beautiful, isn't it? So silvery and shiny. Thank you, Link, that's very thoughtful of you. It's a nice addition to my collection."

"You're very welcome, Sir," said Link. "And I have you to thank for encouraging me to enter the swordsmanship competition. That changed my life."

"But how have you been, Link?" said Feron. "You know, you're one of my claims to fame. People used to refer to me as the Captain who had the Hero of Hyrule in his unit. And I was proud to tell them that's right. All of us in the unit kind of lost touch with you after you got promoted and started guarding Her Highness. Then there was the big attack you and the Champions defeated, and after that, you left to live here ever since. I hope you've been happy."

"Very happy, Sir," said Link. "My life couldn't be better. I'm sorry you missed my wife, Mipha. She had some work to attend to but sends her well wishes. We have four children now, two girls and two boys. And the people here have treated me wonderfully. In the beginning, I was afraid I wouldn't fit in, and I would embarrass Mipha. But everyone here has been very gracious. And I'd like to think it's not just because of who my father-in-law is."

"Yes, I understand, and that's wonderful," said Feron. "There's a favor I'd like to ask, and I hope you don't mind. I know I can't touch it: I learned my lesson about that a long time ago. But as a connoisseur of swords, may I see the sword that seals the darkness once again?"

"Of course, Sir," said Link. He withdrew the sword and showed it to Feron, holding it in different directions so Feron could see it from every angle.

"Very impressive!" said Feron. "I am in awe looking at such a legendary blade. But you proved your worthiness of it, though it changed everything. You used to have a good time with all of us in our unit before you got the sword. We often socialized after our patrols. You were quiet, but a good sport. And you were fearless in combat, almost reckless. The rest of the unit respected you when it came to battle. You could fight faster than a Lizalfos and had no trouble dispatching them. We missed you after you moved on, but we understood by then you were destined for bigger things."

"Thank you, Sir," said Link as he returned the sword to its sheath. "I actually don't remember any of that. You may have heard I suffered some memory loss. But thanks for sharing those memories. Is there anything else in particular you remember?"

"Let me see," said Feron. "It's been a while, and my own memory isn't what it used to be, either. Like I said you fit in well with everyone and kind of let your swordsmanship do your talking. Was there anything, in particular, that might interest you?"

"Do you remember any occasions when we were on patrol near here, Zora's Domain?" said Link.

"Well, let me think about that a bit," said Feron. "We were sent on a mission near here at least once that I can remember to deal with Electric Lizalfos. The Zora guards couldn't fight them very well because of the electricity, and they requested our help. We cleared out the area, and as a reward, they threw us a small victory party that evening here in Zora's Domain. Most of us just hung around together and enjoyed the music, food, and drink. We didn't know anyone. But you had some friends here. And at one point we saw you go off with a very pretty young Zora lady. You got a lot of teasing when you got back. I wonder now if that was the person you ended up marrying?"

Now Link wondered that, too. It could have been Mipha. But it could also have been Kodah. He supposed it could even have been someone else he didn't remember, but thought that unlikely.

"By any chance did I mention her name?" said Link.

"If you did, I can't remember now," said Feron. "Why? Did you have a lot of girlfriends here back then?"

"No," laughed Link. "Only two that I know of. It's just I would like to know. If it were my wife, I'd like to share the memory with her. If it wasn't, well, no need to bring it up."

"I see. Sorry, but that's all I remember after all this time. Well, I should be off," said Feron. "I'm headed to Goron City next and plan to spend the night at Foothill Stable and pick up some elixirs there. Thank you again for the beautiful sword. And it was a pleasure seeing you again, Link, after all this time. I still can't get over how little you've changed! You must lead a charmed life. But stay well, and I will always remember I personally knew the Hero of Hyrule."

"Thank you, Sir," said Link. "And I'll never forget your encouragement when I was so new to everything. Enjoy your retirement. Come, I'll walk you to the plaza."

They walked together down to the plaza then said their goodbyes. Link saluted Feron, shook his hand, and then Feron left. As Link took the path to return to his house, he noticed the guard on duty as someone he recognized.

"Gaddison, how are you?" said Link.

"Hi Link," said Gaddison."I pulled guard duty this afternoon. It's part of my training. But you have to let me take your picture. The gang is going to love seeing you in that outfit."

Before Link could say anything, Gaddison had taken out her Tab and snapped a picture of him.

"Does it really look that silly?" said Link.

"I don't know," said Gaddison. "I'm no judge of Hylian clothing, but it definitely looks funny seeing you wear it. Don't be surprised if you get some teasing the next time you run into Bazz or Rivan."

"Thanks," laughed Link. "This has been a day of teasing. But you're doing well?"

"Yes," said Gaddison. "I enjoy training to be a soldier. A lot of those adventures we had as kids were playing soldier, and now I'm doing it for real. But we Zoras don't get to wear such cute outfits like yours," she laughed.

"Oh, please," laughed Link. "Even my own children hate it. I'm going to change as soon as I get home. Do you still see Bazz and Rivan much? I wouldn't mind hanging out with you guys when there's time."

"Yes, we still get together sometimes," said Gaddison. "I'll send you a message the next time I hear we're all getting together and I hope you can join us. That is if Lady Mipha doesn't mind. She hasn't always thought of us as the best influence on you."

"I don't think she'll mind now," said Link. "But, yes, please let me know. I'm going to try my best to make it. I always enjoy it when we get together. You guys have some great stories of things we did that I've totally forgotten."

"Alright, then, hope to see you next time," said Gaddison.

Link returned home and wasted no time changing out of his Royal Guards uniform and putting on the tunic Mipha gave him for their first anniversary. He was actually proud of how well he kept himself in shape that it still fit. It was early afternoon when Mipha returned.

"How did your meeting with Feron go?" said Mipha.

"Fine," said Link. "It was a nice visit, and he shared some memories of things I had forgotten. He liked the sword I gave him. I hope he enjoys his retirement."

"You know, people retiring like that makes me wonder what's happening with Purah's anti-aging rune," said Mipha. "I don't hear of anyone using it."

"Yes, well, I exchanged some messages about that with Purah not too long ago," said Link. "She is still working on it on and off. It apparently doesn't work for everyone, and for some people it only works once or twice. And it never works for other races. She doesn't consider it a success yet, a finished product, and so hardly anyone gets to use it. I guess I am one of the lucky ones. But you know I am only going to use the rune enough to keep step with you. I would be delighted and grateful to Hylia if my life extends enough to age along with you. I never want to outlive you. Sorry to bring this up. I know you don't like to talk about it."

"You're right, I don't," said Mipha. "But we still have a lot of years ahead of us, so let's not start thinking about our old age yet. And Purah may improve her rune. Anyway, it's nice to see you're wearing my first-anniversary present. It still fits you well."

"Yes, it's very comfortable," said Link. "You make excellent outfits, and they always fit me perfectly."

"Well, you're my only customer," laughed Mipha. "But I hope you appreciate it. Not everyone gets to wear clothing handmade by a princess."

"I told you when you gave me the armor I would always cherish you and it," said Link. "And I still do. Talking with Feron reminded me of those days, how uncertain everything in our lives was. And when I think back to our relationship, I realize our lives together hung by a thread."

"Link, that's a terrible pun!" laughed Mipha. "You really are quite the comedian today, aren't you? But Lapha will be happy to see you're back to 'normal.' I think she doesn't like change. It's going to be hard for her when young Link grows up and leaves us. They are so close to each other, and that's probably only eight or nine years from now."

"Yes, you're probably right," said Link. "Link was very interested in what I did when I joined the Hyrule army. I could see him wanting to do something along those lines. Are you ready to handle that?"

"No, but I'll try to be by then," said Mipha. "I don't think you're ready either. Alright, let's stop talking about the future and talk about the here and now. In fact, I need to take a swim and a walk. I've been sitting too long at meetings."

"Of course, sweetheart," said Link. "Want to go east of the Domain for a change? We usually head west."