Summary: It's a week later, and Link is still affected by his three-week stay in the future and the barely averted tragedy. Mipha tries to get Link back to normal, but his children notice his changed behavior, and Mila has an emotional reaction when she learns what happened. Mipha recalls how she coaxed a young childhood Link to use her name. Lapha's and Linky's history instructor makes light of Link's role in defense of Hyrule, causing both of them to speak up, and Mipha to find a dramatic way of correcting his outlook. Link resumes duties as Zora Ambassador and looks forward to a possible future trip to Gerudo Town with Mipha. It's party night in Zora's Domain, and Mipha hopes some music and dancing will speed Link's recovery.

"What's with Mom and Dad?" said Lapha as the four children left the house together after breakfast and started making their way to class.

"You noticed too, Laff?" said Mila.

"Who couldn't notice?" said Lapha.

"I think it's more Dad than Mom," said Linky.

"I didn't notice anything," said Midon.

"That's because you're always playing with your Tab, Mido," said Mila. "Anyone but a clam could see Dad's been clinging to Mom all week. He can't stop holding Mom's hand or putting his arm around her."

"So? What's so unusual about that?" said Midon looking up from his Tab. "They're in love, aren't they? And I'm not playing with my Tab, by the way. I'm testing a rune."

"You missed the point," said Mila. "We all know they're in love. But why are they suddenly so openly affectionate? They act like newlyweds or lovers reunited after a long absence."

"Okay, can the family clam ask how you explain it then?" said Midon.

"Obviously something must have happened to make them appreciate each other more," said Mila.

"And the fact they aren't telling us about it means it must be pretty serious," said Lapha.

"I don't know," said Midon. "Are you sure you're not reading too much into things? They've both been home this whole week. Nobody went anywhere. So how could something terrible have happened?"

"I don't know how something happened, but I think Mila is right," said Linky. "They're even more affectionate now than when Dad was a Zora. And Dad was pretty emotional back then!"

"Mi, maybe you and I can have a private talk with Dad tonight," said Lapha. "With both of us reading his feelings he's bound to reveal something. And maybe we can even help him."

"You two are something else!" laughed Midon. "You're scheming to read Dad's feelings, and you think that will reveal something? You're wasting your time. If Dad doesn't want to talk about something, he won't tell you anything."

Mila looked over at Lapha, and they smiled at each other.

It had been a week since Link returned from the future, a future in which he had spent three weeks coming to terms with the fact he had inadvertently destroyed his and Mipha's life together. Once the initial shock wore off, he had been consumed by grief and guilt.

But the situation Link found himself in when he awoke in the future was bizarre. His grown children were shocked, too. But their shock was one of joy that the father they thought they had lost many years earlier was actually still alive. From their viewpoint they hadn't lost anyone they loved, they had suddenly found someone they loved. So, while he was in mourning over the loss of his wife, his family was celebrating over the return of their father. In the end, only the technology of the period, and his children's intelligence and love and willingness to see it all from his point of view had saved his life with Mipha.

Link thought he had gotten over it by now, but he really hadn't. His mind was still partly in the future and coping with the shock. So, since his return to the present, Link had an unconscious tendency to stay close to Mipha. It was a reflex almost, a way for his mind to confirm she was really there. He wasn't even aware he was doing it.

But Mipha was. Link had clearly been more attentive to her ever since the incident. She was just getting over the shock as well, of course. It had been hard at first for her, too. It was all so frightening. But it was not the same for her. To her, the event was a story, a cautionary tale. She had no memory of living it. But she could see how much it affected Link. And she thought the best way to help restore him to normal was to act normally, to go on with life as if it hadn't happened. Which was actually correct now. And she had to help Link's mind to accept it didn't matter, no harm had come of it in the end.

But right now Link needed cheering up and distractions to occupy his mind. She had shared what happened with Father and Sidon. They all agreed to keep it a secret and said they would do whatever they could to help. So, Mipha had suggested to her Father to help keep Link busy so he would have less time to brood but to otherwise act normally. Ideally, he could soon move on.

Mipha and Link were still at the table finishing breakfast after the children had just left. Link was sitting right beside her, closer than usual, and actually rubbing shoulders with her.

"Are you working today?" said Mipha. "Or living off Zora generosity?"

"No, I'm working today," laughed Link. "I have a meeting with the new Gerudo Ambassador and a couple of reports to work on that Father suddenly requested from me yesterday. But I am always grateful for the kindness and generosity that Your Highness and her family bestow upon me, and especially that of Your Highness herself."

Link reached out, took her hand, and brought it to his lips for a kiss, then continued to hold her hand.

"You make me laugh," laughed Mipha. "And the formal way you addressed me just now reminded me of when you were a young child. After you learned I was a princess that time Father caught us sliding down the waterways together and scolded me for unbecoming behavior, you were always calling me 'Princess' and 'Your Highness.' It took forever to get you to call me by name. You don't remember how I finally coaxed you to use my name, do you?"

"No, I'm afraid not," said Link. "Tell me."

"We had been playing together one day," said Mipha. "And, as usual, you couldn't bring yourself to say my name. So, I finally sat down with you. Here's how the conversation went. I said, 'Which of us is a Hylian? You or me?'. You said 'Me.' Then I pointed up in the air and said, 'Are the clouds near or far?'. And you said 'Far.' Then I said, 'Repeat the last two things you said.' And after you answered, I told you that you had just more or less said my name, and was that so hard? But you could drop the 'r' sound, and I would be happy if you kept using my name from now on."

"And did I?" said Link.

"No, not always," said Mipha. "But whenever you forgot we had a little game. I would point at you, and then point up. Then we would both laugh or giggle, and you would say my name. You were such an adorable little child back then. You were always eager to play and so cute and respectful. At least you're still cute."

"Excuse me?" laughed Link. "I may not be adorable, but I think I'm still respectful. And I'm still quite eager to play with you. But I'm afraid that's another lost memory. You never told me about that before."

"You just reminded me," said Mipha. "Put it in your journal so we'll both remember."

"Yes, I will," said Link. "I'll have to go back and add it to the part about my childhood. But thanks, sweetheart."

"Father mentioned the Gerudo Ambassador would be here today," said Mipha. "Anything special going on?"

"No, not that I know of," said Link. "I'll find out when she gets here. Her name is Raynia, and she's new, taking over from the former ambassador. She wanted to meet all her ambassador counterparts in person. She met most of the others at a meeting at Hyrule Castle, but I missed that meeting. I was on an unforgettable trip to Lurelin Village with the love of my life then. Raynia messaged me she would like to see our Domain in person anyway, and maybe I can get her to encourage more tourism here."

"So, the love of your life can trust you to behave?" teased Mipha. "Raynia's not going to lure you off to the desert and that beautiful scenery you admire so much?"

"It might have been tempting once," Link laughed as he squeezed her hand. "But I'm afraid you're stuck with me now. I'm too used to playing in the water with you."

Link paused for a moment, then went on.

"But, you know, seriously, life with you has made me appreciate water in a whole new way and come to love it, even as a Hylian," said Link. "And with the opportunity to be a Zora for a time I've grown to understand the beauty of your world better. You are able to experience life both on land and in water. I thank Hylia every day that we're together, and for the chance to see a part of life I never would have otherwise."

"I'm glad you appreciate our world, sweetheart," said Mipha as she took his other hand in hers. "It was something I always wished I could share with you. I knew that if I could, you would come to love it. And I want to share it some more with you when the time is right. I thank Nayru every day as well."

"As for the desert, I did think it was beautiful back in the day. But I couldn't live there anymore. My body is too fond of fish now," said Link.

Then he realized he had inadvertently expressed himself in a way that used an insulting term for a Zora.

"Sorry, I meant you can't get good seafood in the desert," Link added quickly and turning slightly red.

"I knew you weren't insulting me," laughed Mipha. "But it's cute to see you blush. Maybe you are still a bit adorable after all. But you're hardly respectful."

"It just came out wrong," said Link. "I despise ignorant people who refer to Zoras as fish. And I think I still love you more than fish, but it's getting closer."

"It's good to see you in a better mood," said Mipha. "Just remember all your smart answers the next time we're swimming together, my ticklish husband. I have an excellent memory."

Link started working on the reports he needed to write, while Mipha began reading some reports she needed to review.

Meanwhile, at school, Lapha and Linky were in history class together, and as the course was nearing the end of the term, they were discussing more recent Hyrule events. The topic today was the threat to Hyrule and the defeat of Ganon over twenty plus years ago now. The instructor, in Lapha's and Linky's opinion, was making way too light of the danger. He made it sound as though the fight against Ganon was easy, and victory almost assured. And he emphasized the role of the Divine Beasts and made little of Link and Zelda's part. This was quite a bit different from what their father had told them. Lapha finally felt compelled to speak up.

"Excuse me, Professor Sandor, but I think you may be making the victory sound a bit too easy. My understanding was this was a difficult battle that could well have gone against us. And I don't think you are doing justice to the part played by those not piloting Divine Beasts, Hylians such as Zelda and Link," said Lapha.

"And you are basing this on what, Princess Lapha?" said Sandor. "Things your parents told you no doubt?"

"Yes, mostly my father," said Lapha. "And, as you know, they both lived through it personally."

"Well, Princess Lapha," said Sandor. "I think you should realize that it is natural for parents to want to impress their children, and I imagine that would be especially true of a Hylian living among Zoras. A Hylian would undoubtedly feel inferior here. So, perhaps your father embellished his role somewhat to make you admire him more?"

"Professor Sandor, are you suggesting our father lied?" said Linky. "And why would a Hylian feel inferior here? Other than in swimming, I certainly don't."

"Not lied exactly, Master Link, but perhaps he overstated how strong an enemy he faced to make the story more exciting. It's hard to believe an enemy that was defeated by a single Hylian wielding a sword could be all that formidable. I think the story of how terrible Ganon was likely grew over time. As for feeling inferior, you are still young and have more to learn about Zora and Hylian differences. But I understand you both respect your father's role. Let us move on and cover the rest of the subject matter."

After history class ended, and while they waited for their next class to begin, Lapha spoke with Linky.

"We should talk to Mom and Dad," said Lapha. "Professor Sandor's giving the class the wrong impression of what happened. I know Dad, and he's more likely to understate what he did than brag too much about it."

"Yes," said Linky. "And I'm not happy about what Professor Sandor seems to think of Hylians. I get that he's proud of being a Zora, but that's not right either. Also, I think he's wrong about the battle. Even forgetting everything that Dad did himself, Dad always said Zelda played a very critical role, too."

Meanwhile, at home, by the time Link finished his reports it was almost time for his meeting with Raynia. Mipha had finished her reading as well by then and had made some lunch plans.

"You can meet with Raynia here at home," said Mipha getting up. "I'm going out for lunch with one of my old girlfriends. You know, one of the people you thought didn't exist because you figured I spent all my spare time at home dreaming about you."

"You really don't forget anything wrong I say, do you?" laughed Link. "Again, that was something I said that came out wrong. I know you had friends growing up and didn't spend all your time at home dreaming about me. That came later."

"Thank you for yet another smart remark, sweetheart," said Mipha as she smiled at him. "Oh, I am so, so looking forward to our next swim together! I hope you like to laugh. Maybe this afternoon before dinner tonight would be a good time for a swim?"

"Maybe," said Link. "I'll have to see how I feel."

They kissed then Mipha left to meet her friend at Ruto Lake. Link messaged the guard on duty to please escort Raynia to his house when she arrived. And a short time later there was a knock on the door.

"Vasaaq Ambassador Raynia," said Link as he opened the door. "I am Link and am pleased to meet you. Won't you come in?"

"Vasaaq Ambassador Link," said Raynia. "Sarqso. I am pleased to meet you as well. I see you speak some of my language, and your accent is quite good. That is very considerate of you. And I like your house. It looks very well built and in a pleasant location."

Raynia was quite tall like most Gerudo. But since the house was built to accommodate Zoras, who could also be quite tall, she had no problem entering it.

"I imagine you must be hungry after your journey, so perhaps we could have lunch first?" said Link. "I have steak and, of course, we always have fresh fish here."

"Steak would be fine," said Raynia. "May I help?"

"No, thank you, just relax and have a seat," said Link. "I'm very used to doing the cooking here. Most of my family eat their food raw. Just my younger son and I eat cooked food."

Raynia noticed the family picture on the wall, the one that was taken by Purah right after he used the anti-aging rune.

"You have a lovely family," said Raynia as she looked at the picture. "You should be happy and proud."

"I am, delighted and proud," said Link. "That picture is almost nine years old now, so the children have grown quite a bit. I'm sorry you won't have a chance to meet them, or my wife, Mipha. She's out having lunch with a friend."

"Yes, it would be an honor, but perhaps another time," said Raynia. "Of course, we all know of your wife. Fortune has indeed smiled on your life."

"Yes, I often realize that," said Link. "And I am very grateful. Do you have a family, Raynia?"

"No, I have not met that special someone yet," said Raynia.

Link prepared a steak, rice and carrots dish for Raynia and a trout, rice and carrots dish for himself. Then he sat down with her to eat.

"Lady Urbosa sends her well wishes to you and Lady Mipha," said Raynia. "She said she hopes your feelings for each other grow stronger with every passing year."

"That is very kind of her," said Link. "How is Lady Urbosa? I haven't seen her in a while."

"She's well, but getting on in years," said Raynia. "She doesn't travel as much these days. But, of course, she is still greatly honored at home for all she did as our Champion. As are you and the others. Lady Urbosa always reminded us how important all of you were to our victory."

"Yes, she's right," said Link. "I know it was a while ago now and I imagine people do move on. But it's good not to forget too quickly either. I'm proud of what we all accomplished. And we did accomplish it all together. Anyway, we can discuss business after we finish lunch, and then I can show you around our Domain."

"Yes, of course," said Raynia. "How do you like living here? I'm a little surprised you're not overwhelmed by all the water!"

"No, I actually love it," laughed Link. "It grows on you. I always liked waterfalls, and now I like everything about water. But I remember the beauty of the desert, and it has its own appeal as well. You know, I spent some time there with Zelda as her appointed knight and got to see some of it. The moon and stars shine so brightly at night under a clear, dark sky, and there is a quiet peace and stillness to the desert sometimes. But the desert can also test your mettle, with its hot and cold climate and occasional sandstorms. I admire the Gerudo's ability to make a home there."

"Sarqso for your kind words," said Raynia. "By the way, we heard of your recent exploit with that underwater creature. We Gerudo stood ready to assist you if the need arose. In fact, some of us were hoping that thing would surface and head our way so we could give it a taste of Naboris. We thought, being a water creature, it would especially hate electricity. But apparently, you and Lady Mipha were able to deal with it."

"Yes, thankfully," said Link.

After lunch, Raynia began the discussion.

"There are not many topics to discuss," said Raynia. "Mostly I came here for a chance to meet you in person. We continue to find secret passageways and rooms in the old Yiga Clan hideout. Any material we uncover that may be useful for advancing our technical knowledge we transfer to Hyrule Castle. We want to restore that location to its original purpose as a Gerudo site, but need to clear it out first. I think you might be interested in seeing it."

"Yes, I might," said Link. "But I don't like being away from Mipha for that long, and she can't travel there as a Zora. It's too dry for her and too long a distance. Perhaps under other circumstances, such as when there is a faster way to travel there, we could both visit. I'm sure she would like to see Gerudo Town, and once there, or at the Kara Kara Bazaar, there would be enough water for her needs. But getting there is the problem."