Summary: Mipha plans some trips while Link daydreams. The family visits Hyrule Castle and Castle Town, as Midon and Linky prepare to stay there to begin training and a class. Link's closeness to Zelda causes Mila some unfounded anxiety. Link looks forward to sharing more Zora time with Mipha and a possible visit to the Faron Region.

It was a rainy, windy morning in Zora's Domain as Link stared out the kitchen window and let his mind wander.

The family had all eaten breakfast together, and then the children had left for class, leaving Mipha and Link home alone. Mipha was still sitting in the dining room working on her Tab while Link was cleaning up in the kitchen, having earlier cooked Linky's and his breakfast, a trout and vegetable omelet. Then a sharp gust of wind blew a splash of rain that slapped against the kitchen window, drawing Link's attention. He stopped to look out the window as the wind drove a steady patter of rain against it, and then he lost himself in thought.

It was funny, but for as long as he could remember he had always loved the sound of rain. Then he caught himself and smiled. The expression 'as long as he could remember' would provoke some good-natured teasing by Mipha. If he said that to her, she would answer that in his case that expression really didn't mean very much, did it? But she would smile as she said it to show him she was only teasing and meant it in fun. And he knew that and would laugh along with her, sometimes with a comment that at least he remembered who he was. And that was another inside joke, one they could both laugh at now, all these years later. But at the time it was no laughing matter when Mipha was trying to cope with her feelings about a Link from the future who barely remembered her and who suddenly replaced the Link she knew and loved. It took some time and mutual effort to convince herself he really was the same person.

But, all joking aside, he really did remember this about himself, the love of rain. He could recall as a child how relaxed he felt when it rained at night. And as an adult, he still found it soothing. He remembered rainy evenings on his travels when he would board Epona at a stable and rent a bed for the night. Then he could hear the rain drumming against the stable roof, close his eyes and relax, forgetting all his worries about saving Hyrule for the night.

Yes, he had always loved the sound of rain. But who knew water would come to play such a pivotal role in his life someday, and that he would find love with someone at home in it? And now, having once lived as a Zora for seven months, he felt an even closer bond with water. He was back to being a Hylian again, but not entirely back to normal, or at least not exactly the same as he had been. The Zora experience had marked him somehow, changed him. Water tugged at his mind now in ways it never had before. When he saw a river or a lake, he had an urge to dive into it now, to splash in it and swim around. It was like a new craving.

His time as a Zora had been a revelation to him. It literally opened up a new world, a world like nothing he had ever experienced before. And it was a world he could share with the one he loved. Mipha had been so happy with him then, playful even, as though she was living out a fantasy of her own. She was so excited to show him what life with her as a Zora could be like. And then there was the romance.

By now he had forgotten all about the rain as he recalled some of the times he and Mipha were together as Zoras. He had always thought Mipha was beautiful. But seeing her as another Zora would see her, his attraction to her was more elemental and more intense. And as a result, she was even more desirable. He recalled a time they were underwater together. It was a sunny day, and the sea was calm, the water a clear deep blue. They swam out from the beach together and then dove under the water. They held each other in their arms as they kissed, a nearby school of porgies scurrying out of their way. It was a long passionate endless kiss that just went on and on as they spiraled deeper and deeper and then ...

"Are you still cleaning up, sweetheart?" Mipha called from the dining room. "You're taking an awfully long time! I'd like to talk to you."

"Yes," said Link, his reverie suddenly interrupted. "I'll be right there."

When Link arrived in the dining room, he pulled his chair next to Mipha and sat down, leaned over and gave her a kiss, then rested his head against hers, as he put his arm around her and kept gently rubbing her upper arm and shoulder up and down.

"That feels nice," said Mipha. "Does cleaning bring this out in you? We have other rooms you can work on."

"No, no, it was the rain," laughed Link. "It somehow got me thinking back to our wonderful time together at Lurelin Village. It was such an experience! I never knew how much I was missing. And you were absolutely amazing to be with!"

"I'm glad to hear it, and you were pretty amazing yourself," said Mipha. "But that's one of the things I want to discuss with you. I was planning what we should do next. I mean the two of us as well as the whole family."

"Alright," said Link. "What were you thinking?"

"First of all, our family can visit Hyrule Castle, as Zelda requested," said Mipha. "And while we're there, we can have a tasty meal in Castle Town, and maybe do some shopping. Midon and Linky will then stay behind when the rest of us return home."

"That makes sense," said Link. "I'd like to try getting back on good terms with Zelda. My last conversation with her was unpleasant, to say the least. I still have some feelings for her, and it bothers me not to get along. We once spent so much time together."

"Don't I know it!" said Mipha. "And thanks for reminding me and ruining the mood. Maybe you could clean another room and come back?"

"Sorry, sweetheart," said Link. "How about a kiss instead, to clear the air so to speak?"

"You mean calm the water," said Mipha. "Think Zora."

They kissed and then Mipha continued.

"Alright," said Mipha. "After we return home, at some point after that we can leave Mila and Lapha in Father's care. You and I can then go to North Hyrule, and you can transform back into a Zora again as you promised. That should only take a few hours. Then we can take that trip together to the Faron region that we talked about. I'm still looking forward to it and also to some time alone with you, just the two of us. Wouldn't you like that?"

"Yes, I'd love it!" said Link. "I was just day-dreaming about our time together in Lurelin Village. I feel like rushing off with you right now."

"If only we could!" said Mipha taking his hand. "You really are in a romantic mood this morning!"

"You know, besides having fun together, there are some very scenic waterfalls in the Faron region, and I know the area pretty well," said Link. "I think you'll like it."

"Good, then that's settled," said Mipha. "I'll have to meet with Father and let him know our plans. I'm sure he won't mind."

Later that morning Mipha discussed their plans with her father.

"Father, we're not sure when we might go, but are you certain you don't mind watching Mila and Lapha while we're away?" said Mipha.

"Mind? I would love the chance to spend more time with my two granddaughters," said King Dorephan. "They are no trouble at all. Just don't be upset if I spoil them a bit."

"Yes, I'm sure you will," laughed Mipha. "They'll be sorry to see us return."

"I doubt that," laughed King Dorephan. "But how does Link feel about all this? I know he would do anything to make you happy, but is it something he truly desires himself?"

"I'm sure he does," said Mipha. "Only this morning he told me he was thinking back to our time together in Lurelin Village. And lately I notice he seems more interested in swimming every chance we get. I used to be the one to always suggest swimming to him. Now he asks me just as often. I think he's developing a deeper attraction to water, and I find that exciting."

"Well, if so, I am happy for you, happy for both of you," said King Dorephan. "But I find all this new technology from North Hyrule quite astonishing. First, they gave us Tabs, and now no one can live without one. We have high-speed boats and motorized cycles now, too. And who would believe that a transformation between races could someday be possible? It's such a shame the Hylians had a falling out with the Sheikah of our own land all those many years ago. Who knows what might have been accomplished? But when the time comes, you two just enjoy yourselves and don't worry at all about the children. Sidon and I will take good care of them. And Mila is a young adult already anyway. Only Lapha is still a child."

"Yes, Mila is a young adult," said Mipha. "But she is very sensitive and gets emotional sometimes. Of all the children, she took what happened to Link the hardest. Please encourage her to open up to you if you sense anything is bothering her."

"Please don't worry," said King Dorephan. "I raised a daughter once, and she turned out fine. And so did her brother. I know how to take care of children and will especially look out for Mila's feelings."

"Oh, but I should also mention Lapha's feelings," said Mipha. "Lapha is very close to Linky. She may miss him a great deal and get moody. So please watch for that as well."

"Will you please relax and leave everything to me?" laughed King Dorephan. "I will take excellent care of both of them. But you will be home after your trip to the castle so we can talk further. Then you can tell me all the additional things you remembered to worry yourself about."

"Very funny, Father," said Mipha. "But I know I shouldn't worry. You're a wonderful father. And thank you!"

At the family dinner that night they discussed the trip to Hyrule Castle.

"When it's time for Midon and Linky to start work and the class, we were thinking that all of us could go to Hyrule Castle and see them both off," said Mipha.

"I'd like that," said Lapha looking over at Linky. "I'd like to say goodbye to Linky at the castle."

"How about me, Laff?" said Midon. "Don't I get a goodbye?"

"Of course, Mido," said Lapha. "I'll miss you, too. It's just that Linky is still so young to be away from home."

"He's growing up faster than all of us, Laff. But not fast enough for Princess Tila I bet," laughed Midon.

"Leave my friend out of it, Mido," said Mila. "Anyway, it's only for a month, and it will go by fast. No one is leaving home for good, so let's not get overly emotional about it."

"Mila and Lapha are both right," said Mipha. "Linky is young, but it is only for a month. We will miss both of you, and we might even pay you a visit before the month is out."

"That would be fine," said Midon. "How are we getting to the castle? We can all swim there if you like. We'll take turns pulling Linky and take a rest whenever anyone is tired."

"Do you mind that?" said Mipha to Linky.

"No, of course not, Mom," said Linky. "I swim all the time here, and Lapha pulls me sometimes. It's fun!"

"Going there is not so hard," said Link. "It's the return trip against the current that wears me out. When Mila and Midon were young, we used to take a boat. But swimming is fine if everyone agrees."

It was two weeks later that the school term ended. As was customary with Zora education, there was no graduation ceremony. But Mila and Midon had completed all the coursework they needed for the careers they had chosen. Those were careers they could follow until that time in the hopefully distant future when duty would call upon them to fulfill leadership roles in the Domain. Lapha and Linky would just move up to the next higher grade level next term.

There was a little over a month vacation between terms, and it was time for Linky and Midon to start class and training. After some after dinner preparation, they planned to leave for Hyrule Castle first thing in the morning.

Midon was still not home yet that evening. He was swimming under a crescent moon with Larena at Ruto Lake, holding hands and saying goodbye.

"I'll miss you, and I'll Tab you whenever I can," said Midon.

"I'll do the same," said Larena. "I guess we'll both be pretty busy, so the time apart should pass like a wave."

Larena had studied architecture and was starting work next day as an apprentice.

"Try not to destroy the Domain while I'm gone," teased Midon.

"And try not to crash all our Tabs," laughed Larena. "I'm so proud of you for getting accepted to that trainee program though. And after a month you can work from home, and we'll be back together. But remember to swim each day. You need to stay well, and Hylians won't think of doing it."

"I know," said Midon. "My sisters will be reminding me. And they'll probably get my little brother to remind me, too."

"It's getting late and I need to be getting back," said Larena. "My parents still worry about me being out too late. They still think of me as a child sometimes, like my little sister."

Midon reached out and they hugged, then dove underwater together in each other's arms and kissed as they swam. It was the best way to have some privacy.

"I love you," said Midon after they surfaced. "I'll be thinking about you each day."

"I love you, too," said Larena. "Be well and goodnight. And Tab me!"

"I promise," said Midon.

Midon headed home and Larena headed to the slumber pool area.

Meanwhile, Link joined Mipha in their bedroom pool for the night.

"You okay, sweetheart?" said Link. "I mean with our two sons going off tomorrow?"

"I can handle a month apart," said Mipha. "Can you?"

"I think so," said Link. "If you and I spend time together it will go faster. I know Zelda will look out for Linky and Midon can take care of himself. So, I'm not worried about them. It's us I'm thinking about. Events like this make me realize our family is growing up. In less than ten years or so Lapha will be all grown, and then our role as parents will be over. Another big stage in our lives will have passed."

"Don't worry about that," said Mipha. "The children will be grown, but they will still be around. And we will always have each other. Just enjoy the journey and don't keep thinking about the destination. Now get some rest. You have a long swim tomorrow."

Next morning, after goodbyes to King Dorephan and Sidon, they headed for the castle. The children played tag as they swam, Lapha helping Linky, while Link swam next to Mipha.

"I sent Zelda a message that we were coming," said Link. "She said she can't wait to see everyone. And she will have a buffet lunch ready for us."

"I'm glad the meal issue is settled," laughed Mipha. "I'm sure that was the first thing on your mind. Zelda's daughter must have grown quite a bit since I last saw her. I wonder if I'll see any of you in her? Your cousin Rudin looks a good deal like you."

"I think she takes after her mother more than my cousin," said Link. "Though her eye color is a blue-green mix, so there's that."

When they arrived at the Castle, Link noticed a ferry docked at the pier that he had never seen before. It must be a new transportation service, he thought. Zelda had a keen interest in improving Hyrule, and more public transportation was part of her plan.

The guards at the castle were expecting them, and they followed one of the guards to the throne room. Before anyone had a chance to say or do anything, Zelda came forward to greet them.

"Welcome everyone! Please don't kneel or 'Your Majesty' me," said Zelda. "You're family. We're all cousins by blood or marriage. The children can call me Aunt and the adults by name. I'm so glad all of you could come! But how grown up everyone is! Mipha, you still look as young as ever. And Link, I see you're going to end up being the shortest one in your family someday."

Zelda hugged each of the others in turn, then turned to Link last. They faced each other, and Link spoke first.

"It's good to see you again, Zelda," said Link as he looked her in the eyes. "You look well."

"As do you," said Zelda. She returned Link's gaze for a moment, then she smiled, reached out and they embraced.

"I've been thinking about you and especially our last conversation, Link, and I may have let my impulses get the better of me," said Zelda as they held each other. "Forgive me. I should have been more open-minded. It may sound ridiculous to you after all these years, but I think of you sometimes as if you're still my appointed knight. And that affects my judgment, wrongly in this case."

"I understand, Zelda, and I never like anything to come between us," said Link. "Those were magical moments we shared together, and they shaped both our lives. We grew to love each other as friends. Let's never lose that."

"No, let's never lose that," said Zelda. "I told you that you have a special place in my heart. And I don't know the right word for it, but 'friend' hardly does it justice. Please feel free to live the life you want. I want you to be happy. Hyrule and I both owe you at least that much."

Then they released their hug and smiled at each other. It wasn't a flirtatious smile. It was like the smile between two people who know they share a secret. They had spent time together no one else would ever fully understand. It was time spent getting to know each other while struggling to fulfill their roles in defeating a common foe and saving Hyrule. And that was indeed pretty special! Then Zelda turned to the rest of the group.

"We can have lunch in a few minutes. My daughter is at a lesson, but she and Rudin will join us soon," said Zelda to everyone. "I need to congratulate you, Midon, on being accepted as a Sheikah scientist trainee here. The competition was strong, and it shows you have considerable skill. I hope you enjoy your time here and find it productive."

"Thank you, Aunt Zelda," said Midon. "I am very excited for the opportunity."

"Mila will teach history next year, Zelda," said Mipha.

"That's wonderful, Mila," said Zelda. "Our library is always available to you if you need to do some research. I'm having the books converted for Tab access, but we still have a very long way to go. There are quite a few volumes here that were collected over many years."

"I would love to browse through it sometime, Aunt Zelda," said Mila. "We can learn amazing things from the past."

"Yes, indeed we can, and you are welcome to do so anytime," said Zelda. "And young Link, my daughter was so excited to learn you would be taking the class with her. She has good memories of when you played together here eight years ago now."

"Thank you, Aunt Zelda," said Linky. "I am looking forward to seeing her again and the class as well."

"Ah, and speaking of my daughter, here is Rudin and my Zelda now," said Zelda as both of them entered the room.

The young Zelda was almost as tall as her mother now and did look very much like her, eye color aside. Greetings were exchanged all around.

"Cousin," said Rudin to Link as he shook his hand. "It's good to see you again."

"Good to see you, too," said Link. "How are you and how is your sister Lara?"

"Both fine, thanks," said Rudin. "Lara has two sons now. I see her and her family every now and then. They don't travel much."

"I haven't seen my cousin Lara since your wedding," said Link.