Summary: Link meets with Ambassador Laray of North Hyrule to discuss the time travel anomaly, and Laray hints at something. Tila invites young Link to visit her, and Mila accompanies him on an overnight trip to North Hyrule.

It was almost two weeks later, and at Link's request, Princess Laray, Ambassador of North Hyrule, was meeting with him at his house in Zora's Domain. Laray was returning home from a routine visit to Hyrule Castle and had agreed to meet with Link on the way back. Link had raised the question as to why no one in North Hyrule had asked about the events of three years earlier, the Vera time travel anomaly, and Laray had been explaining their position.

"You can see I would wonder why you never asked about it," said Link. "It seems odd to me you would act as if nothing happened. But you are asking me to ignore that?"

"I am asking you to continue to trust us," said Laray. "I can assure you that we acted only out of concern for our well being. You must admit that changing your past the way you did was somewhat reckless. When we detected the timeline anomaly, we thought it prudent to investigate it on our own. We were unsure what the consequences of it were, and whether it would change the level of trust we could place in you."

"How did you investigate it?" said Link.

"Our Sheikah scientists and instructors living in Hyrule merely listened to what people said," said Laray.

"I'll bet Dr. Purah was your best source," said Link as he shook his head.

"Her name did come up," said Laray. "But my question to you is, why didn't you explain what happened to us?"

"So, from your perspective, we were the deceitful ones in all this?" said Link.

"Perhaps not intentionally," said Laray. "We know the anomaly itself was not your fault. That evil creature that originated in our land, Vera, triggered the event. But you did something in the past to change your timeline, and certainly made no effort to inform us of what happened."

Link thought for a minute.

"All right," said Link. "I can understand your point of view. We should have informed you when it happened, and that was probably my fault as ambassador to your land. I apologize. But I honestly never thought about the matter until two weeks ago when I Tabbed you. It was then I remembered North Hyrule is unaffected by our time travel events. Anyway, it's a lesson to keep each other in mind when things happen."

"Then I believe we are in agreement, are we not?" said Laray.

"Yes," laughed Link. "You are quite good, Laray. I started out feeling the injured party, and at the end, I am the one apologizing. Will you stay and join me for lunch?"

"I would be delighted," said Laray as she checked the ferry schedule on her Tab.

Link went to the kitchen and prepared two lunches of Hearty Bass. Mipha was at a meeting with her father all morning, and no one else was home at the moment. Laray looked at some of the pictures on the wall as she waited.

"Your family is well, Link?" said Laray as they sat down to eat.

"Yes," said Link. "Mipha is fine and so are the children. I call them children, but they are almost all grown up now, and it feels like it's happening way too fast. My older two are working and seem to have a steady boyfriend and girlfriend. And my younger son reached adolescence. My only somewhat little girl is Lapha, and she is something of a technology whiz. Before too long I think I'll be a grandfather."

"I'm sure you're exaggerating," said Laray. "But there's nothing wrong with that when it happens. You'll have the fun of playing and caring for little ones all over again. This fish is quite tasty, by the way. Freshwater fish is a bit of an acquired taste for us, but I like it. Most of us from the North prefer saltwater fish."

"I'm glad you like it," said Link. "I find I've developed more of a craving for fish these days. I used to look at a pond or a lake and just enjoy it for its scenery. Now when I look at a body of water, I find myself wondering what's swimming in it and how it tastes."

"That's exactly how we think when we're hungry," laughed Laray. "Did you enjoy your experience as one of us?"

"Enjoy is not a strong enough word," said Link. "I was emotionally overwhelmed. Mipha and I connected on so many new levels, it was almost like we were different people. It was the most amazing experience of my life. I realized how much of the world I've been missing by only living on land. So, yes, you could say I enjoyed it, but it was far richer than just enjoyment."

"That's good to hear," said Laray. "I'm glad you had such a rewarding experience."

"Given how safe the technology is if used within a year, Mipha and I are considering my transforming back for our twenty-fifth wedding anniversary, and taking a trip together somewhere, most likely the Faron region," said Link.

"If I may use that inadequate word again," said Laray. "I hope you both enjoy it. But twenty-five years! That is wonderful, Link. Now that I think about it, I should have realized it's been twenty-five years for you. I remember learning that you two married shortly after Hyrule's victory. Queen Faray is looking forward to attending the victory celebration at Hyrule Castle this year."

"Our whole family is going as well," said Link. "I miss my old Champion friends, though we saw Daruk not too long ago. We went through a lot together."

"Yes, but especially you," said Laray. "I know about the timeline split, Link, and that you spent four years missing all of them, but especially the one you loved so much. I lost my sister, and I know how hard losing someone you love is. I realized later why you were so sympathetic to my situation. I think I even asked you how you get over losing someone you loved. Had I known back then I would have been more sensitive, and never have asked you something that must have only brought back painful memories. You must have suffered a great deal."

"Yes, it was a difficult time," said Link. "I was struggling to regain my memory, most of which I never recovered. The only thing that kept me going was the hope that, with the right technology, I could do something about what happened."

Link paused for a moment as he thought back.

"All that seems so long ago now, Laray, but I still remember it," said Link. "When Dr. Purah was experimenting with time travel, I was allowed to use a TimeShift stone one time and visit Mipha for one day shortly before our defeat. I was so happy to see her again, I couldn't keep my emotions in check and nearly ruined everything. It was a wonderful afternoon and evening we spent together, once I got my emotions under control. She was more beautiful, more loving and more fun than my damaged memory of her."

Link paused for a moment.

"But then at the end, it was so hard to say goodbye," said Link. "I wanted to tell her what was going to happen. I loved her so much, how could I let her suffer and die? But Dr. Purah had warned me that doing that could end up making things worse, not only for her but for all of us. It could even destroy all her efforts at restoring the Temple of Time. So, I had to say nothing."

Link paused again for a moment, remembering.

"You know, Mipha had given me this playful nip on my shoulder to remind me of her when I left. She had even teased me she wouldn't heal it. But when I returned to my present, her future, I wished it would never heal. To me, it was a final keepsake of her touch. Anyway, it was another year or so before Dr. Purah learned the Temple of Time's secrets. And that year was the hardest of all, not knowing if Dr. Purah would ever be successful and having just seen Mipha in person again. It was ironic. Queen Zelda of that time hoped that seeing Mipha would bring me some closure, a last goodbye of sorts, and then I would move on as she kept urging me to do. But it did just the opposite. I wanted to be with Mipha all the more. And, thank Hylia, things all worked out in the end."

They ate in silence for a few minutes, then Link asked about what had been on his mind.

"Laray, do you know what makes it possible for your region to be unaffected by our time travel?" said Link. "I used to naively think it was just because you were not part of Hyrule, but there must be a more scientific explanation for why the Temple of Time's effect stops at the border between our lands."

"I am not a scientist," said Laray. "But the Sheikah who emigrated to our land were able to construct a shield or barrier of some sort. That's all I know. The technical details would be way beyond me."

"And no doubt me as well," said Link. "But to do something like that the Sheikah in your land must indeed be very advanced. The shrine of transformation is another example. I would never have imagined such a thing were possible. I know your Sheikah continued their research long after ours abandoned theirs. They must have discovered a great many things during all that time."

"I really can't say," said Laray. "At least we all have Tabs thanks to them."

"Yes, and no one can live without them now," said Link. "That was an extraordinarily useful invention."

"Link, I am not sure where you are going with your questions. But I hope you realize that Queen Faray is not at all like her sister Sopha," said Laray. "Whatever she does or does not do is out of concern for people, both hers and yours. She is not seeking to extend her power and does not mean you any harm. Even Sopha was driven at first by a desire to help your people."

"I do believe Queen Faray is entirely trustworthy," said Link. "And I know Queen Zelda, and I are too. So, I hope we can all work together in good faith, and without any secrets between us."

Laray paused for a moment and looked at Link, deciding if she should say more. Then she spoke.

"You and I have always been on excellent terms, Link," said Laray. "You helped me through a difficult time in my life, and you avenged the death of my sister Tiray. I will always be grateful to you for all you have done, and I think of you as a friend. So, I will say a bit more to you than I should at this point, hoping it will help you understand. And I trust you will keep it in confidence, save only perhaps for Mistress Mipha. Do you promise?"

"All right, I promise," said Link.

"You mentioned secrets between us and a wish to avoid them," said Laray. "I'm sure that sounds worthwhile to you. But not all secrets are hurtful, Link."

Link looked puzzled, and Laray paused for a moment.

"Let me put it another way, in terms of things we spoke of earlier," said Laray. "You mentioned your children growing up. Do you remember when they were still small?"

"Yes, of course," said Link. "But what does that ...."

"Did you keep how to start a fire secret from them?" said Laray.

Link stared at her.

"I should be going now to catch the next ferry home," said Laray looking at her Tab and standing up. "Thank you for a delicious meal, Link, and it is always a pleasure to see you."

"Yes, of course, Laray, and it was a pleasure to see you as well," said Link. "Please give my regards to Her Majesty."

And without saying anything further, Laray left.

Interesting, thought Link, very interesting. So, Hyrule was like small children to them, a land that needed to be protected from something? It would be good to learn more when he could. But he did not want to betray Laray's trust, so he needed to be careful.

As Link started cleaning up from lunch, Mipha arrived home.

"Hi sweetheart," said Mipha as she kissed him on the cheek. "I saw Laray leaving and said a brief hello and goodbye. Did your meeting go well?"

"Yes," said Link. "She pointed out we were just as much at fault for not telling them what happened, and I had to agree with her. And I understood their reasons for being cautious with us to see what the timeline change had done."

"I suppose that makes some sense," said Mipha. "Did you tell her it was all my fault?"

"No," said Link. "That doesn't matter anymore. But then Laray went on to hint that there may be things they need to keep secret from us for our own good, and that took me by surprise."

"I see," said Mipha. "But in all our dealings with them, all the visits Tila and others have made here, I have never seen any evidence of anything unusual that would warrant such secrecy."

"Well, perhaps whatever it is doesn't work here. Maybe they prevent it from working in Hyrule," said Link. "They constructed some sort of barrier that blocks the Temple of Time. Perhaps it also blocks whatever they are referring to."

"Perhaps," said Mipha. "Well, it's something to keep in mind. Have you eaten yet? I'm starving."

"Yes, I had lunch with Laray," said Link. "There's still a trout in the kitchen. After lunch, how about a swim?"

"I love it!" laughed Mipha. "You are so Zora like these days. Of course!"

That evening at the family dinner, young Link had a request.

"Mom and Dad," said Link. "Tila's invited me to visit her in North Hyrule this weekend. Is it okay with you if I go?"

"By yourself?" said Mipha.

"No, Mila said she would go with me," said young Link. "Right Mi?"

"Yes," said Mila. "It's been a while since I visited Tila anyway, and I don't mind taking my little brother. But I wonder how much I will get to see my friend. I think I'm going more in the role of my brother's chaperone."

Young Link turned slightly red.

"Be nice, Sis," said Midon. "I remember the early days with you and Kendal. Your fins twitched so much you made the Lake ripple."

"And what about you, Mido?" said Mila. "You and Larena were stuck together like barnacles every time I saw you."

"Are you two still juveniles?" said Mipha. "If Mila goes with you, Link, I am fine with you going to see Tila. I'm sure Mila will look out for you. And I hope both of you enjoy the visit."

Midon noticed Lapha was very quiet.

"Laff, I could use your help on some coding," said Midon. "Would you mind spending some time with me this weekend? I'm stuck in one place. And maybe your friend Kentle could help as well? We could work on it by East Reservoir Lake, and then all get in some swimming together."

"Alright Mido," said Lapha. "I don't mind. I don't think Kentle will be of much help, but maybe he'll learn something from the two of us. I'll invite him."

After dinner, everyone went back to their room, but Link thought he should speak with his daughter Lapha. Lapha was reading when he arrived.

"Hi sweetheart," said Link. "Can we talk?"

"Sure, Dad, come in and sit down," said Lapha. "Is anything wrong?"

Link sat down on the bench there.

"Nothing is wrong, but I could use a hug right now," said Link.

Lapha came over, and they hugged each other.

"Are you okay, Dad?" said Lapha.

"Yes and no," said Link. "You and I are going through the same experience, sweetheart. People we love are growing up. And that's a good thing because it's normal, but it's also hard to accept all the changes that it brings. It's just part of life, though, and we have to move on. I know it's especially hard when it's someone you've been close to all your life. I have four people in my life it's happening to. So, if you ever want to talk or need a hug, think of me. I need it even more than you do."

Lapha squeezed Link and kissed him on the cheek, then looked him in the eyes.

"I understand, Dad," said Lapha. "But it's only three people so far. I still don't feel very grown up. And as long as you're here, I wouldn't mind hearing one of your stories while we hold each other. I always liked you doing that. Remember?"

"I would love that," said Link. "I really would. I have a good story in mind. Are you ready?"

When Mipha and Link were alone in their room later that evening, they discussed young Link's trip.

"Where were you?" said Mipha.

"I told Lapha a story," said Link. "I went there to comfort her about Link growing up, and she ended up comforting me."

"She's a wonderful daughter, isn't she? And I told you Zoras take longer to grow up," said Mipha.

"Maybe, or maybe she just knew what I needed to feel better," said Link. "Either way she is a wonderful daughter."

"I assume you are okay with Link going to North Hyrule," said Mipha. "You didn't raise any objections."

"No, I'm fine with it as long as someone like Mila goes with him," said Link. "I wouldn't be comfortable with him going alone, though I probably did riskier things at his age."

"There is no probably about it," said Mipha. "But I still feel very protective of him. It was also nice of Midon to look after Lapha. Lapha is used to having Link home on weekends to play with."

So, in the morning two days later Mila and young Link found themselves speeding north on the ferry to North Hyrule.

"This ferry is neat, Mi!" said young Link as he sat with Mila and watched the shoreline pass by. "It's so fast and smooth. But you're probably used to it by now, you've been there so many times."

"Yes, but I'll never forget my first visit," said Mila. "I was planning to spend a month with Tila, but three weeks into my stay it was discovered that Queen Sopha had sabotaged all our Tabs. Tila and I helped rescue Dad after he came there to rescue me. Did Dad ever tell you the story?"

"Yes, but I don't remember all the details," said Link. "That must have been a scary experience!"

"It was," said Mila. "But things have been much better since Sopha's sister, Faray, took over. I think you'll have a good time there. In fact, I think Tila will just about guarantee it."

"Very funny, Sis," laughed Link. "What's it like there?"

"The Zora part we're visiting has the same layout as our domain," said Mila. "But after you see it you'll appreciate ours more. Ours was built with better materials. The Sheikah in North Hyrule live separately, and I've never seen much of their location."

They sat quietly for a few minutes.

"So, you and Tila are sharing a wave these days?" said Mila.

"We both like each other," said Link. "I have a good time with her, enjoy being with her, and miss her when I'm not. She's fun to be with, Mi, and much more outgoing than me. What do you think of her?"

"She's a very nice person," said Mila. "A lot of people misjudge her because of how pretty she is, and the fact she loves to party and dance and have a good time. But she is quite smart, especially in mathematics. When I used to visit her, she sometimes had to take time away from my visit to study. She won't want me to tell you this, but she's had a crush on you for some time. Just remember, you're both still young, so don't get too serious too soon. Have fun and enjoy this time in your life."

"Now you sound like Mom, Sis," said Link.

"As you get older you'll come to realize that a lot of things Mom and Dad told us when we were growing up were true," said Mila.

The ferry was turning west into the channel leading to the North Hyrule port now, and slowing from the high speed it traveled on the open sea. You could make out the mountain range near the beginning of North Hyrule and the massive structure on Lomei Labyrinth Island to the East.