Summary: Mipha, as a Hylian for now, and Link return from the Gerudo area to Zora's Domain.

"This is fun, but do we need to go so fast?" said Mipha, her arms wrapped tightly around Link as she leaned into his back and sat behind him on the motorized cycle he was driving. They were starting their trip back to Zora's Domain and cruising along at a good speed on the paved lane of the roadway in Gerudo Canyon. Link was pretty skilled at handling the vehicle and negotiated the bends and curves expertly. But Mipha felt a bit nervous.

"It is fun, and it only seems fast sweetheart," said Link. "We're actually going at a very safe speed."

Mipha held tight as the cycle tilted and they followed a bend in the road.

"You know, I don't ever remember you holding me so tightly," said Link. "It feels good, stimulating even. It makes me ..."

"Will you please keep your mind on driving!" said Mipha. "I'm not holding on to you to be romantic."

They leaned left as he negotiated another bend in the road.

"But are you sure you don't find me more attractive now?" said Mipha. "You seem more attentive lately, and more easily stimulated as you put it."

Here comes the fine line, Link thought.

"You're right. I really should concentrate on driving now," said Link.

"You can stop or slow down to answer me," said Mipha.

Link slowed and switched to idea number two, which he had thought of earlier and which was true in any case.

"If I'm more attentive as you put it, it's probably just the circumstances," said Link. "I think you look great either way. And as we all know, looks are superficial anyway. It's the underlying person I love. You fill my life with happiness, and I cherish every moment we're together. You will always mean the world to me, sweetheart. So, please don't worry about how you look."

"That's very sweet," said Mipha as she kissed him on the back of the neck. "But you rehearsed that speech, didn't you? That was a bit much for a spontaneous response from you."

"Well, I did think about it in advance in case it came up," said Link. "I felt you deserved a thoughtful answer. But the answer did come straight from my heart."

"That's what really matters," said Mipha. "It's a nice answer. I'm sorry I keep bringing up how I look, but I feel self-conscious after the change."

Link sped back up.

"You know, we're making pretty good progress," said Link. "But even so it will be lunchtime by the time we reach Gatepost Town. And we'll have to stay overnight someplace, probably Wetland or Riverside Stable."

The ride was exhilarating as they wound their way between the beautiful orange sandstone cliff walls on either side of the road.

"I just can't get over how dry it is around here," said Mipha. "It's picturesque in a barren sort of way. But I could never be comfortable living here, so far away from water."

"Yes," said Link. "The desert is a harsh and unforgiving place. You have to give the Gerudo credit for fashioning a home here. But I did always think there was an aspect of beauty here as well."

"You mean the scenery or all the women in Gerudo Town?" said Mipha.

"The scenery," laughed Link. "But speaking of the women, that Noble Pursuit drink must have gone to your head. You nearly got me in serious trouble with all your fooling around."

"Yes, I'm sorry about that," said Mipha. "I did feel a little light-headed after that drink, and it put me in the mood for some fun. I should have been more cautious. But we got through it alright. And I couldn't stop laughing when you got slapped."

"I could see you thought that was funny," said Link. "But I definitely wasn't laughing! And what would you have done if my veil came off? Pretend you didn't know I was a Voe, your so-called good friend Aryll?"

"No, I would have to admit I knew. I would have broken down in tears and told them something close to the truth," said Mipha. "That you are actually my lover, and I hoped sitting in on the class might improve your sensitivity to my feelings. I would have sobbed as I told them how badly you treated me. That while my heart ached for you each day, you were wandering Hyrule with a beautiful young Vai, neglecting me for weeks on end, and never even writing that you missed me. You left me all alone to burn with jealousy and drown myself in lonely tears. I think I would have gained their sympathy, and they would have forgiven my deception. Of course, after hearing all that they would probably hate you all the more."

"Yes, I don't doubt that!" said Link. "The way you tell the story makes me even hate myself! At a minimum, I would have been thrown out of town on my ear. But I wouldn't be surprised if I was mobbed and beaten by the whole class!"

"Yes, that's very possible," said Mipha. "But no worries. I would have healed you afterward."

Link just shook his head. They continued on their way, and it was early afternoon when they finally stopped at Gatepost Town to rest, refuel and eat a late lunch. Gatepost Town was a newer village and seemed to attract a younger population. The shops were trendier and catered to younger folks as well. It felt good to walk a little and stretch their legs.

A women's clothing store caught Link's eye.

"You know, you need to get some more clothes," said Link. "Those Gerudo outfits are not suitable for other locations we're going or everyday use."

"Alright," said Mipha. "But let's not buy too much."

"Just two or three outfits," said Link. "We can have them delivered to the Domain. But you will need them, trust me."

They entered the shop, and a saleswoman approached.

"Ah, I see you are coming from Gerudo Town. What can I interest you in? Have you looked at our Tab catalog?"

"Sorry?" said Mipha.

"Let me show you," said the saleswoman.

She helped Mipha set up a rune on her Tab that, when pressed, displayed an assortment of outfits.

"Most of our shoppers prefer to order through their Tab. The clothing can be picked up here or delivered for a small fee. The payment is made through your Tab account. You look to be a standard Hylian size so you can wear anything we offer. We do have a few outfits here in our shop, and this is where we make the clothing."

"I see," said Mipha. "Very well, let me look through the catalog first. Thank you."

They left the store.

"This must be the new way to shop," said Link. "Maybe you can look over the catalog at lunch if you want. I'm starving. You?"

They walked a bit further, and Link noticed a restaurant.

"How about here?" said Link.

The restaurant was called "The Fish and Fowl."

"If it has fish, it should be fine," said Mipha.

When they entered the restaurant it was reasonably busy, the air filled with the noise of conversation. The host showed them to a table and left menus.

"I see they live up to their name by only serving meat from fish or birds here," said Mipha as she studied the menu. "And they serve vegetables as well, of course. They write that they think their dishes are a healthier choice. They got that right, especially the fish part."

Mipha kept reading the menu.

"Isn't it a nuisance to have to carry or purchase food? Or if you catch your own, you have to cook it?" said Mipha. "We Zoras can just live off the water."

"We Zoras?" said Link. "I get the feeling you can't wait to return to the way you were. But you promised me you would spend some time with me like this so we could travel together to places we otherwise couldn't. This might be our only chance to do that together."

"Yes, I know," said Mipha. "I did promise. But this hair is driving me crazy!"

"It looks fine," said Link.

Mipha ordered a Hylian Bass dish and Link duck, both with a side order of local vegetables.

"You just can't take the Zora out of you, can you?" said Link after the waiter left. "Why don't you try something besides fish?"

"I'm used to fish, and I like it," said Mipha. "I'm just not used to eating it cooked. And I don't like Hylian nails and teeth, by the way. They're not sharp enough. Do you have any special memories of this place?"

"No, not really," said Link. "In my old timeline, the place was deserted. I heard everyone abandoned town because of all the monsters. There were a couple of treasure hunters snooping around, but I don't think they found anything."

When their food arrived, they both agreed it was tasty. Mipha used the opportunity to look over the clothing catalog and decided to order three outfits for delivery to the Domain.

"That's a fascinating way to shop," said Mipha. "I feel so old fashioned now. I bet our children know all about it."

"You're probably right," laughed Link.

As he looked up, Link noticed a Hylian woman at a nearby table staring at him. He didn't recognize her and was starting to feel good about himself, thinking that perhaps people nearer Hyrule Castle still remembered him as the famous hero. The woman, who was apparently eating with a female friend, finally stood up and walked over to Link's table.

"Excuse me, but you're Link, aren't you?" she said. "I mean, it is you, isn't it, Link?"

Link stood up.

"Yes, it's me," said Link. "Have we met?"

"Have we met?" she laughed. "Are you kidding? You really don't remember me?"

"I'm sorry, I really don't," said Link. "I, um, have had some serious memory issues. A battle injury of sorts."

Mipha stood up.

"Hello, I am Mipha, Link's wife," said Mipha. "Would you care to join us if you can? My husband really has suffered some serious memory problems, but I am sure he would love to recall how you two knew each other."

"I am very pleased to meet you, Mipha. My name is Alana," said Alana. "Yes, I would like that, too. It's been so long! My friend and I were just finishing lunch. Let me tell her, so she can leave, and I'll be right back."

After Alana left to speak with her friend, Link spoke up.

"Was that a good idea?" said Link. "I thought we were eager to finish lunch and head for home."

"Oh, we can always find time to learn about old friends," said Mipha. "Don't you want to recover more memories? And I have never heard you mention anyone named Alana."

"I don't have a clue who she is," said Link. "You know, you shouldn't get upset with me for anything I may have done before we married."

"Before we married?" said Mipha.

"I mean before we were close, you know," said Link.

"Do you anticipate something will upset me?" said Mipha.

"No, I just don't know," said Link. "Anyway, here she comes now."

"Thank you," said Alana sitting down. "And please finish your meals. I've already eaten. I'm surprised you don't remember me, Link. Maybe I've aged too much."

"No, no, I'm sure that's not it, Alana," said Link. "It's my terrible memory. I've forgotten more things than you could imagine."

"So, Alana, how do you and Link know each other?" said Mipha.

"We met at Hyrule Castle when Link was a member of the Royal Guard there," said Alana. "That was so long ago now, wasn't it, Link? I thought he looked so handsome in his Royal Guard uniform! I worked in the library back then, I actually still do, and I think Link was researching recipes. He came to me for help finding things."

"I see," said Mipha. "And did you see each other after that?"

Link kept eating.

"Oh, yes," said Alana. "Link came to the library quite a few times. Besides recipes, Link, you were trying to learn more about past Hyrule heroes and legends. We used to talk whenever he came to the library or if we ran into each other in the castle. Are you sure you don't remember any of this, Link? I feel funny talking as if you're not right here with us."

"No, Alana, I really don't remember, and I don't mind at all," said Link. "Feel free to speak to Mipha as if I'm not here."

Link was actually wishing he really wasn't there but hoped the discussion would end well for him. The last thing he needed was a ride all the way back to Zora's Domain with Mipha sulking or upset with him.

"I mean, did you see each other socially at all?" said Mipha.

"Oh, no, it wasn't like that," said Alana. "I think we were together only once socially if you can even call it that. Your husband was always so shy, so I finally asked him to go to lunch with me one day, and he agreed. But he insisted that he be the one to pay as his way of thanking me for all the help. I remember he was quite open, so I wouldn't get the wrong idea, and told me he was already interested in someone. I thought it was nice of him to let me know right away."

"Did he ever talk about the person he was interested in?" said Mipha. "I hope you don't think I'm nosy, but I feel sorry Link can't remember so many things from his past."

"No, I understand, Mipha," said Alana. "Memory loss must be a very hard affliction to deal with. It's funny you asked me that because I was going to bring it up anyway. I hope you're not too embarrassed now Link, but you were still quite young then and youth is full of dreams. When I asked about the person you were interested in you told me she was a beautiful princess. And then, forgive me Link, I thought to myself you must be a dreamer!"

"A princess? Really?" laughed Mipha. "Imagine that, Link!"

"I guess I had high hopes for myself back then," said Link.

"Well, as I said, we were all still quite young back then, and hadn't learned life's lessons yet," said Alana.

"Did Link ever discuss this princess of his dreams at all?" said Mipha.

"Well, let me try to think back," said Alana. "After I used to help him find what he was looking for in the library, we would sometimes take a few minutes to chat, talk about how each of us was, things like that. I used to tease him sometimes, asking about how his princess was doing. He would usually just laugh, and we would move on."

Alana paused for a moment to think.

"But you know, now that I think back, there was one day he actually answered me, and it scared me a little," said Alana. "I asked him as usual how his princess was, but instead of just laughing, he said she was fine, but so far away. So, I played along, assuming his princess was Princess Zelda. She was the only princess that I knew of. I think I said something like oh, is Princess Zelda traveling right now? Then he gave me this funny look. He said he meant his princess lived far away. I mean, his princess was a made up person, just a dream in his head, but he sounded so serious. It kind of worried me that he took it so seriously. I hoped for his sake he would get over his childish dream someday. And it looks like you eventually did, Link."

"That's interesting, thank you," said Mipha, but she was smiling now.

"Even though your princess dream didn't come true, Link, your wife is very charming, and I'm sure you're both very happy," said Alana.

"I am very happy," said Link. "And I'm also pleased about how this conversation went. But actually ..."

"You know, I'm terribly sorry, I don't mean to be rude, but we really should be going," interrupted Mipha. "We do have a long ride ahead of us."

"Oh, of course," said Alana. "Well, this was a pleasant surprise. It was nice to meet you, Mipha, and to see you again, Link. You've certainly aged very well! I still work at the library, so stop by and say hello if you ever visit the castle."

Link settled the bill, and then they left. Once outside the restaurant, Mipha grabbed him, put her arms around him, hugged and kissed him. Then she spoke.

"So, you really did think of me romantically back then!" said Mipha. "I was so happy when I heard that part of the story. You are such a darling! I love you!"

He kissed her back.

"I always thought I would have felt that way, and I guess I shouldn't have been worried," said Link. "But when you can't remember, you never know."

They walked back to where they left the motorized cycle.

"But now I am starting to get a little upset with you," said Mipha. "If you thought of me that way back then, why didn't you share your feelings sooner?"

"Oh, for the love of Hylia!" laughed Link. "How can I answer that now? I was probably just too shy."

"Yes, that's probably it," said Mipha.

After lunch, they continued on their way, but a heavy rainstorm confirmed that it was a good idea to break their journey at Riverside Stable and spend the night there. The cooking pot was unavailable in the rain, so they had to limit themselves to some fruits, and the remains of some food Link had packed for the trip. After eating they stood together at the stable doorway, their arms around each other, watching the steady downpour.

"Are you feeling more comfortable in your new body now?" said Link.

"A bit," said Mipha. "I don't lose my balance anymore. The Gerudo gave me a brush to help with my hair, and I need to remember to use it. And putting on makeup seems such a waste of time. Doesn't it wash off in the water anyway?"

"Don't worry about makeup," said Link. "You look fine without any. And give me your brush. I'll try to fix your hair."

Mipha took the brush from her pack and Link helped straighten her hair.

"Are you more comfortable with clothing now?" said Link.

"I'm okay with it," said Mipha. "I realize it changes my appearance quite a bit depending on what I wear. I guess I never thought about how important a variety of appearance must be to Hylians. Did you ever get bored with me because I looked the same each day? Be honest!"

"No, never," said Link. "You always looked perfect to me. And anyway, as I said, I look beyond the superficial to the soul of the individual."

"Yes, you did say that," said Mipha. "But you weren't very interested in my soul the other night. I think the only thing you looked beyond was my clothing."

"Well, I do try to balance spirituality with other aspects of life," laughed Link. "But seriously, I never tired of how you looked as a Zora. You didn't need to change your appearance."

The rain continued to fall, with occasional flashes of lightning and thunder.

"I hope it clears up by morning," said Link. "We still have a ways to go, and the roads are not as easy to navigate when we get closer to the Domain. In fact, there are a couple of places we may have to go by foot. It would be nice if they built a more direct road."

"I can see that," said Mipha. "But making it difficult to reach the Domain by road was one of our defenses. It may be hard to persuade the council to change that."

They continued to stare out at the rain as it splattered on the ground and the drops drummed against the stable roof.

"I sent Mila a message that we probably won't make it home until late tomorrow and to not wait up for us," said Link. "She said they are all looking forward to seeing us. We haven't seen everyone in over three weeks, four weeks for Midon and Linky."

"Yes, I miss them so much," said Mipha. "I hope they won't be too upset with me. If they are, Link, I don't know that I'll be able to keep my promise to you. I will want to change back."

"And that's fine," said Link. "I want you to be happy, not feel you're doing this for me under obligation. But if they accepted me as a Zora, I am sure they will accept you as a Hylian. Anyway, you have my love no matter what."

Mipha leaned over and kissed him.

"I've been counting on having that for a long, long time now, sweetheart," said Mipha.