Summary: No adventures, just some family updates. As young Link approaches adolescence, Mipha reflects on her time raising him. She asks Link to later work on filling in some early memories of Linky for his journal. Link speaks at Professor Sandor's history class to help correct the wrong impression Sandor left with them about the battle of Hyrule. Linky considers an upcoming opportunity. Princess Tila shows surprising to some academic prowess, and Midon receives some good news.

The children had all given Mipha hugs and kisses as they left for school this morning, while Link, for some reason, was sleeping late. Mipha sat alone at the dining room table, the house all quiet now. She was thinking about the dance party the other night, and Princess Tila's interest in her son Link was on her mind. She still thought of him, Linky as they liked to call him, as her little boy. And the way he had hugged and kissed her goodbye moments ago, with that fun-loving, mischievous smile of his, had only reinforced that in her mind. He still was her little boy. She realized she was used to Zora children, but even for a Hylian, he was still young. He wasn't old enough to have a girlfriend yet. But was he getting close to that age already? Had the years really gone by that fast?

Linky was already slightly taller than his father, and so were Mila and Midon after their early growth spurt. And for that matter, so was she now that her growth had finally finished after they had married. She was a typical female Zora height now, the same as most other females in the Domain. Only Lapha was still small as her growth spurt was still some years away.

But height was not always a reliable indicator of age for Zoras, so her instinct was to tend to ignore it. Some Zoras were late bloomers and took much longer to mature. They were adults in a child's body until their growth spurt occurred. Mila and Midon were the opposite: very early bloomers. They suspected that might have something to do with the Hylian influence on them. And her younger brother, Sidon, was already taller than her. So, the significance of Linky's height hadn't registered with her at first.

Linky had just turned thirteen. It was true that his father had already been chosen by the darkness sealing sword at about that age, but things were different with him. Link had been an orphan and became a knight after his father died. He was alone in the world and had nowhere else to go. That was one reason Link could tolerate all the loneliness in his life as he wandered Hyrule on his own. He grew up used to being alone. And it was one reason he was so quiet and reserved in conversation back then.

But Linky was different. He was surrounded by a family he grew up with. He had parents and siblings, an uncle and a grandfather, all of whom loved him. Linky didn't need to rush off and save Hyrule. He could lead a normal life.

Mipha would sometimes re-read parts of Link's journal to remember things in their past. It was much simpler now that Link's writings had been converted and stored on her Tab. They hadn't been published yet in this timeline, but she and Link each had a copy on their Tabs. She had gone back and re-read the chapters covering the time of Linky's birth and shortly afterward. And having done so, she was pretty disappointed. She had been especially looking for parts of Link's journal that covered the first few years of Linky's life and the time they had spent raising him. But there was hardly anything at all. The first five years of Linky's life were crammed into a single chapter!

Admittedly, in Link's defense, that had been a tough time in their lives. She had been a new and unexpected Queen back then, Father having been killed in a Yiga Clan ambush. Lapha hatched just four months after she became Queen and Linky was born six months after that. So, with four children on their hands and all her new responsibilities, life was definitely challenging. And another reason Link wrote less was that he spent less time with the children. The older two children had been a great help and were often the ones looking after or playing with the two younger ones while their parents were busy.

But Link had written hardly anything at all about Linky during all those years. In fact, he had written hardly anything at all about any of the children during those years. There were a few things here and there. But that was in stark contrast to Mila's and Midon's early years, where Link had written in detail about things they did together like family picnics and such.

Fortunately, she had also kept a diary or journal of sorts. It wasn't as detailed as Link's, but it did contain her thoughts and things Link hadn't written about. Maybe, with Mila's help perhaps, someday her own writings could be published along with Link's. Her stories would be an interesting supplement and contrast to his.

But for now, as she sat there alone with her thoughts, she just wanted to reminisce about Linky. It had been such a surprise when the doctor had told her that one of her babies was a Hylian. She knew it was possible, of course. She and Link had discussed the biology beforehand in excruciating detail, and he had written all of it down. But she still hadn't expected it to happen. Afterward, she had read all she could about how to raise a Hylian baby and young child, all the things she needed to do. She wanted to be the best mother she could to him. And Link was no help whatsoever. He had never had a younger brother or sister, so he knew nothing about raising one. He was eager to do whatever he could to help if only someone would tell him what to do. Which she often ended up doing. She could have hired a Hylian nursemaid, of course. But she didn't want to. She wanted Linky all to herself as much as she could. And she was glad she did.

Hylian children were so dependent on their parents for so long, she remembered. Zora children could live in water and catch their own food not too long after they hatched, once their senses and coordination developed sufficiently. But Hylian children were helpless and needed care for quite some time. Not that she actually minded that. She felt it was a benefit, not a chore. It gave her a chance to bond with Linky in ways she could not bond with the other three.

And Linky was so cute and cuddly back then, with his reddish-blond hair and bright blue eyes! But most of all it was his happy smile that she loved. He somehow seemed to sense how much he was loved, and he was a very happy little baby. She remembered rocking him in her arms and singing him to sleep. He would reach out with his little hand and touch her fin, and sometimes play with it. But surprisingly he was always gentle, never pulling on it. It was as if he sensed not to do something that might hurt her. And that smile of his could melt your heart! Sometimes she just couldn't put him down. She wished so much that Tabs had existed back then so she could have taken pictures. But at least she still had her memories.

After Linky was old enough, she used to tell him both Hylian and Zora sleep time stories. And Lapha liked to listen as well. She thought it necessary to make sure Linky didn't miss out on a normal Hylian childhood, at least as much as she could provide one for him. And she and Linky were quite close, though you couldn't tell that from reading Link's journal. That was because most of their warmest moments together happened when Link wasn't there.

Linky had been very affectionate with her growing up, giving her hugs and kisses whenever he went out to play. He accepted her as his mother so readily that it warmed her heart whenever she thought about it. She used to worry that as he grew older, he might react badly in some way to having a Zora for a mother. But he never did. Never for an instant did he treat her any differently than the other children. And he treated his siblings the same way. They were simply his brother and sisters, and he loved them as much as they loved him. They might tease each other as children do, but there was never any doubt they were family and looked out for each other. His big brother and sister, in particular, made sure no one picked on him. And Lapha would make sure he was treated well when they played with friends. Linky's heart was pure, and he was kind and loving. Besides his charming smile and gorgeous blue eyes, that was another thing he had in common with his father.

When Linky was a little older, they would take short walks together, and he would hold her hand until he got tired. Then she would pick him up and carry him, and he would put his arms around her neck and look at her and give her that happy smile of his. Then he would bury his head on her shoulder as he rested. He was basically happy and good natured. Not that he never cried, but his crying never lasted long, and it was almost always for a good reason. Like the time he reached out and burned his hand when she was cooking. She felt so sorry she healed him faster than she remembered ever treating anyone before and comforted him for some time afterward. And when she taught him how to swim it reminded her so much of the time she taught his father. But Linky actually learned to swim much more quickly than Link. Must be the Zora in him she thought, and then she laughed.

Yes, it had been such a wonderful experience for her to care for him and watch him grow. Not that she didn't have similar moments with the other three children. But their growing up had followed the Zora pattern she was familiar with. Linky was different. And he was definitely growing up faster than his sister Lapha. Her thoughts were interrupted as she heard Link in the kitchen making breakfast.

"Good morning, sweetheart," said Link as he entered the dining room with his omelet. He put his plate down then gave her a kiss. "Sorry I slept so late."

"Good morning," said Mipha. "You certainly slept well! I'd like to talk to you about your journal while you eat."

"Of course," said Link as he sat down with his omelet. "What about it?"

"I was looking back at the early years after Lapha and Linky arrived," said Mipha. "You practically skipped five years of their lives. There is hardly anything there!"

"Oh, I imagine that's true," said Link. "I recall we had our hands full with the four children and you suddenly becoming Queen and me trying to help you, so I fell behind in my writing. I still have some unpublished notes I could look back at. Of course, our memory of those years is going to be different from what actually happened now, because of the timeline change that affected Father."

"I knew you would bring that up," said Mipha. "But we don't know how much things changed. A lot of things seem to be the same. I understand we didn't have a house back then and I was busy with extra responsibilities. But they are the only memories we have, and I don't want to lose them. Before we forget even more, we should make an effort to write down some of the things we remember of those years. Besides any notes you have, I can help with some extracts from my diary."

"You still keep a diary?" said Link. "But what brings this up now all of a sudden? You're going back thirteen years or so."

"It was our conversation about Princess Tila and Linky," said Mipha. "It took me by surprise. And I started to realize Linky is growing up fast. So, I wanted to go back and recall some of his early childhood. But when I turned to your journal, it had practically nothing about those years, and not a lot about times with Linky afterward."

"I see," said Link. "I agree with you, and it was because I always viewed my journal as mostly about the two of us, our relationship. Of course, I understand we have a family, too. But I could only write so much, and I erred on the side of writing about us rather than the children. With your diary and my notes, I can try to fill in some things about them. But is this something you really want me to do, or just one more thing to keep me busy? I began to figure out what must be going on when Father started asking me for all kinds of reports he never used to want. All of you wanted to keep me occupied to take my mind off what happened while I got over it."

"No, I really do want this," said Mipha. "But it's very astute of you to notice the rest. How are you feeling now? I think you're much better now and I'll tell you how I know that later."

"I do feel much better," said Link. "The conversation with the children helped the most. You didn't have to wear me out on the dance floor!"

"It was good exercise," laughed Mipha. "And it helps keep you young at heart. I suggest you start collecting your notes on each child and jot things down as you remember something. Try to fill in some of what's been missing. I can help you with that, so it's a chance to work together."

Mipha paused for a moment.

"And I will ask Father to ease off on you. Though I still think you could be doing more to earn your keep here," she teased.

"Aside from being Zora Ambassador, and a defender of our Domain if needed, I thought the other part of my job was to keep the reigning Princess of the Zora happy," laughed Link. "Which part of my job do you see me slacking off on?"

"Are you asking for a performance review?" said Mipha.

"Well, no, I was actually just kidding," said Link. "I hope you are, too. Besides, as Zora Ambassador, I report to Father, not to you."

"I was speaking of the other aspect of your job," said Mipha. "And do you know how I know you've recovered? Because you're less affectionate now."

"Oh, I see," laughed Link. "Well, I'll certainly do my best to improve on that. That's the fun part of my job anyway."

He moved his chair next to hers and put one arm around her.

"That's a good start," said Mipha. "After you finish your omelet we should go for a walk and talk about how to fill in your journal."

Link had a little difficulty finishing the omelet with one arm around her, but he managed.

"Let's walk around the circular ring on the upper level for a change," said Mipha after Link finished eating. "It's quiet there, and we can talk without interruption or worrying about where we're going."

They made their way to the circular path that rimmed the upper part of the Domain and began their walk holding hands.

"I think the easiest thing is for me to look over the part of my diary that covers those first four years of Linky's life, and send you anything about him. Hopefully, you can make something of that, and it might even trigger some recollections of your own," said Mipha.

"That's a fine idea," said Link. "But why can't I just read your whole diary?"

"Because I don't want you to," said Mipha. "That would be too easy. You need to work some things out for yourself, like how I feel. It shows you're paying attention to me."

"And I promise I will, even more from now on," said Link as he leaned over and kissed her.

While Mipha and Link strolled around the Domain, Lapha and Linky were beginning history class. Professor Sandor had been absent the day before. The class was told he was recovering from a severe headache. But he was back today.

"I apologize for my absence yesterday," said Sandor to the class. "I, um, had a rather, um, let us say unnerving experience the other day and it took me some time to settle down. But the main thing I learned is that my understanding of the battle for Hyrule was wrong. I am sorry I have given the class the wrong impression. Princess Lapha and Master Link were more correct than I was. The Divine Beasts did play a large role. But the battle was indeed a terrible one, and the heroes of that time, including the Hylians, deserve our thanks and admiration for saving us all. I will be sure to cover their bravery and accomplishments in more detail when I teach this class again in future terms. But since we lost so much time already, we need to move on from this topic. Are there any questions?"

One student raised a fin and was called on.

"Professor Sandor, what changed your mind about this?"

"I got to experience a taste of what one of the battles was like through a virtual world experience. It was like nothing I expected or could imagine. It was horrible and frightening. And that was only one of five similar creatures. I had nightmares for two nights, and I realized my impression of what happened was wrong. In particular, I slighted the role of the Hylians, Link and Zelda, in dealing with the main enemy. As I said, I will revise the course materials to recognize this from now on. Yes, you have a follow-up question?"

"Since two of the heroes of that time live here in the Domain, can we not invite one or both of them to speak to the class about what happened? It might help overcome the erroneous impression you left us with."

At that, there was a murmur of approval from the other students.

"Well, that's certainly an idea," said Sandor. "I can ask if they are willing. If it helped correct the mistaken impression I left you with, I would be happy to try it. But in exchange, since we will be losing at least part of another day of class, I will need to give you some extra reading and homework to make up for it."

A bit later that morning as Mipha and Link walked around the Domain both their Tabs indicated they had a new message.

"It looks like Professor Sandor wants to meet with us again," said Link as he consulted his Tab. "He specifically asks if he can meet at our house for some reason."

"He's probably afraid we'll suggest meeting at Ruta and lure him into another simulation," laughed Mipha. "But we can meet him now if he wants."

Link sent a reply message.

"He will meet us in 15 minutes," said Link. "Let's head home."

They arrived home, and soon afterward Professor Sandor arrived.

"I know you are both busy Lady Mipha and Master Link," said Sandor. "But after I corrected my erroneous statements about the battle of Hyrule, the class asked if one or both of you would be willing to appear in class to speak and answer questions. Would either of you be willing to do that?"

Link looked at Mipha. He thought it should be more her call than his. But her answer surprised him.

"Yes, Link will be happy to speak," said Mipha. "My understanding is you covered the role of the Divine Beasts fairly well, but perhaps slighted the role of the Hylians. So it makes the most sense for Link to speak rather than me."

"That would be wonderful!" said Sandor before Link could say anything. "Thank you so much! I will expect you tomorrow then. Good day."

Sandor quickly left.

"Thanks, sweetheart," laughed Link. "It was nice of you to volunteer me!"

"I think Lapha and Linky will be proud to have you do it," said Mipha. "And it does make sense since your role was the one misrepresented, not mine. Besides, it will give you more practice speaking in public. You need to face your fears, hero! Again, I shudder to think what the history of Hyrule would be if your enemies knew all they had to do was invite you to speak at an assembly of Bokoblins."

"Very funny," said Link. "My only fear is embarrassing Lapha or Linky by not doing a good job. But I'll do my best. I need to think about what to say. Professor Sandor wasn't much help, was he?"

That afternoon two letters were delivered.

"It's rare to get letters anymore," said Link as he collected the mail. "One is addressed to Midon and one to us. They're both from Hyrule Castle."

Link opened the letter addressed to Mipha and him.

Dear Mipha and Link,