Summary: Family life goes on. Princess Zelda has a small party which Tila and Link attend. Lapha helps Midon with some coding.

It was late afternoon at Hyrule Castle and Princess Zelda was relieving Link of duty for the day and the weekend. They were both standing near a castle entrance where two guards stood on duty.

"Will there be anything else, Princess?" said Link.

"Yes, I wanted to mention two things," said Zelda. "Next week Mother would like me to visit Gerudo Town, so that will be a three day trip for the two of us. And secondly, I am having a small last minute party tomorrow evening, just a few friends. I know it's short notice, but I was hoping you could attend."

"As your guard, Princess?" said Link, somewhat confused.

"No, silly, as my guest, of course!" laughed Zelda. "There are already plenty of guards at the castle. And feel free to bring your friend as you like to call her even though we all know she's your girlfriend, Link."

"Thank you, Princess, that's very kind of you," said Link.

"There will be music and dancing and good food. I'm sure you will both have a good time," said Zelda.

"I'm sure we will. I'll let Tila know right away," said Link. "She was planning to visit anyway. And thank you again, Your Highness."

Zelda left to enter the castle, and while Link made his way back toward his room, he messaged Tila.

LinkJr->Tila: We're invited to a party with Zelda tomorrow. Can you attend?

Tila->LinkJr: Wow! Love to, sweetheart! Will need something new to wear. See you soon.

Link wondered why Tila needed something new to wear, since she always wore such beautiful things already, but he didn't pretend to understand. He put away some of his belongings, and then made his way to the guard's mess hall for dinner.

Meanwhile, back in Zora's Domain, Lapha, Midon, and Link were all home today. Lapha was reading some technical documents in the same room Midon was working on rune development using the equipment given to him by the Sheikah Technology Department. Link was updating his journal next door.

"Zodont!" exclaimed Midon suddenly in an angry tone.

Lapha jumped in surprise, startled by the outburst.

"Crab bites Mido, what is your problem? "said Lapha. "You scared me, and your language is terrible. You're lucky Mom's not home, and Dad doesn't understand Zora."

"Sorry, Laff, but I'm fighting the current on this thing," said Midon. "I've been over it several times, and I still can't understand why this rune I'm developing doesn't always work."

"What is it supposed to do?" said Lapha.

"It creates a small drone, then allows the user to navigate it in the air or underwater and return images of what it sees to the user's Tab," said Midon. "The funny thing is it creates the drone perfectly, which you would think would be the hard part. But then I lose control of the drone sometimes when flying it and it self-destructs into nothingness to avoid harming anyone once it senses signal loss. I have a feeling I'm missing something obvious."

"Can you show me your code?" said Lapha. "Especially the part where you communicate with the drone."

"Here," said Midon passing his coding device to Lapha and indicating the section.

Lapha silently read over the code for several minutes while Midon waited and looked over her shoulder.

"I'm not sure if this is the problem," said Lapha. "But here where you assign the frequency to communicate with the drone you only check for frequency collision at the start. You should probably check periodically and switch your frequency if a competing signal starts to interfere with yours. I see you created dual frequencies at the outset for redundancy, but you should probably also check the backup frequency more frequently than only at drone launch."

"So, you think stray signals that begin after I launch the drone may be interfering with later communication? That may be the problem, Laff," said Midon. "Thanks. I'll look at that section and revise it."

Midon took the device back and began altering his code.

Lapha resumed her reading. Midon was good at coding, Lapha thought. He just needed to think of more possibilities.

Lapha was determined to master Sheikah technology as well as anyone in Hyrule if she could. The summer class with Dr. Purah had been a big help. Purah had recognized her talent and given her access to documents the other students wouldn't understand. It also helped that she had a goal in mind, to cure disease. That way she could focus her learning on aspects of Sheikah technology that could be of possible use in that endeavor.

The problem was, of course, that any technology that tampered with living things was considered highly advanced and very risky. So, she needed to work her way up to that and demonstrate a high degree of competence before being allowed to tamper with such matters. Her Dad had told her of the Purah in his original timeline recklessly regressing her body to that of a six-year-old. That only showed how complex that aspect of Sheikah technology was, that even someone as smart as Dr. Purah could go wrong. It gave you a sense of humility. She needed to learn things well enough to be capable of doing such work without mistakes.

An hour or so later Mila arrived home.

"Hi to anyone listening," said Mila as she entered the house. "I'm home."

Link came down to greet her.

"Did your day go well?" said Link as they hugged.

"Yes, not too bad," said Mila. "I covered the reign of King Ralis today in Zora history class. It was sad how he came to the throne at such a young age and what happened to his Mother, Queen Rutela. But it's part of our history, and the students need to know it. At least they know who Ralis Pond and the Rutala River are named after now."

"Yes, I learned about that as well for the citizenship test," said Link.

"Where is Mom?" said Mila.

"Still at a council meeting with Father," said Link. "Lately some of the council meetings have been going long. I think Father is too tolerant of some council members who go on and on, but that's his nature, to be polite. She'll probably talk about it at dinner."

"Why aren't you there too, Dad?" said Mila.

"Mom said one of us attending was enough, and I spent the free time here working on my journal," said Link.

"As a historian, I'm glad to hear that," said Mila. "Your journal contains a wealth of interesting information. I also want to sit down with you and go over your old timeline someday."

"Yes, that's fine," said Link. "Probably when I have less in the present to write about I can take time to go over the past with you. How's the book on North Hyrule coming along?"

"I'm still organizing things," said Mila. "But it was beneficial visiting there. Did you know that at one point their ancestors lived entirely under the sea and you can still visit the ruins of their first city? It's quite a distance away in the Akkala Sea though."

"I look forward to reading it," said Link.

"Where are our two family scientists?" said Mila.

"Both upstairs, one reading and the other coding," said Link. "Midon was in a bad mood earlier, cursing about something, but seems to have settled down now. I don't think he knows I picked up some Zora swear words here and there."

"From Mom?" said Mila.

"No, no, of course not," laughed Link. "Mom never uses language like that. At least I never heard her. I learned them from my good friends in the Big Bad Bazz Brigade."

"That's funny, and it figures," said Mila. "Mom used to call them all delinquents and said they were always getting you into trouble when you were a kid. Well, let me put away my things, and I have some homework to grade. See you at dinner, Dad."

Link went back up to the study. It was a little less than an hour or so later that Mipha arrived home, looking worn out.

"Hello?" said Mipha as she entered the house.

"Hi sweetheart," said Link coming down to greet her. They embraced and kissed.

"I need a swim, Link, I desperately need a swim," said Mipha. "I came home first hoping you would join me."

"Of course," said Link. "Let me change out of this tunic, and I'll meet you at the front door."

Link met her there, and then they made their way down to the lower level and on to Ruto Lake.

"I need to speak with Father about shortening these meetings," said Mipha. "Let's enjoy the water together. A few laps, and then a kiss. You're going to regret being Hylian again."

"I still love your kisses," laughed Link. "And I hope you still love mine."

"They still work," laughed Mipha. "Let's swim now."

Lapha had heard everyone come home but did not want to interrupt her reading at the moment. Early on she had learned an expression about how important it was to study original works, not the works of successors. So, she had taught herself how to read the language of the ancient Sheikah. Not many knew that language. To her knowledge only Dr. Purah and Dr. Robbie, though perhaps some others like the North Hyrule scientists knew it as well. Then she had obtained some documents from Dr. Purah with the specifications for the shrines the Sheikah of old had developed and also the specifications of the Sheikah Slate. Some of these documents had been recovered from the old Yiga Clan hideout.

There was some vital information in those documents, including the design of Travel Gates. She found it fascinating how ancient energy could be used to dematerialize someone into ancient energy and materialize them someplace else with no adverse changes occurring in the process. She was contemplating how that process could be adapted to cure disease by eliminating harmful aspects of an individual's structure while they were dematerialized and restoring that part of their structure with healthy replacements. The Travel Gate process was not designed to change anyone's physical structure, of course. But the Shrine of Transformation was, though it was not intended to cure illness. So, she would need to learn more about that process as well. In any case, this would be a complex project, probably taking years. But it was a worthy goal. And understanding how the conversion back and forth to ancient energy worked was a necessary start.

"I think your idea might work, Laff," said Midon looking up after having coded for two hours. "I'm almost done revising the code and should be able to test it tomorrow. But I think I hear everyone getting ready for dinner. Do you want me to catch a fish for you? I don't mind."

"Oh, yes please," said Lapha. "It's dinner time already? The waves just passed me by. I want to finish reading this one part, and I'll be right down."

"Bass, Trout, what's your taste?" said Midon.

"First fish is fine," said Lapha.

It was a short time later that everyone sat down to dinner. Link was back to cooking fish, but only for himself as young Link was at the castle now. Each of the rest of the family had brought their own fish to the table.

"This is the time we all briefly talk about what we are doing," said Mipha. "I like to keep that tradition. And since your brother Link isn't here, instead we can share what we learned from him. Who wants to go fist?"

"I will," said Mila. "I taught the Zora history of Queen Rutela and King Ralis today. Kind of sad in parts, but necessary to learn. And Link Tabbed me that he is doing fine and that my friend Tila is visiting him this weekend to attend a small party Princess Zelda is hosting. It's funny that he still refers to Tila as my friend, but I think she is more his than mine now."

"I've been busy coding a drone rune, and Laff may have helped me over a signal problem I was having," said Midon. "Link Tabbed me that he and Princess Zelda plan to travel to Gerudo Town and back next week."

"Oh, I've been busy reading up on technology," said Lapha. "Link Tabbed me that he missed seeing me in the evening as we did in the summer and he hoped to be home in two weeks for a few days."

"I've been updating my journal," said Link. "Trying to keep up with everything happening these days is challenging. Link Tabbed me that he was fine and said he liked his assignment and was glad he accepted it."

"And I ruined a nice rainy day I could have spent outside by attending a long council meeting," said Mipha. "Link Tabbed me that he missed all of us and also missed some of the fish he liked when he was here."

"Well, it looks like Link continues to keep his word about staying in touch," said Link.

"Yes," said Mipha. "And I think it's important to share things about Link when we are at dinner together like this. It makes it feel like he is still here with us in a way."

"Of course, Mom," said Mila. "We all miss him too. And we hope to see him in a couple of weeks."

After dinner Midon said he was going swimming with Larena, Mila still had a little more homework to grade, and Lapha said she was meeting some friends to swim. She needed a break from reading.

"So, that leaves the two of us," said Link after everyone had either left or gone to their room. "Do you want to swim some more?"

"No, let's take a walk," said Mipha. "I can tell you some of what happened at the council meeting."

They left the house and began to walk toward the plaza.

"You may already know that the excavation work at Spool Bight is finally finished," said Mipha. "Now it's up to the architects to create the pier and put some lighting along the path. I hope never to hear another word about that place, the person in charge spouts forever."

"That's good news," said Link. "It will be a convenient shortcut."

"Father discussed Queen Zelda's report," said Mipha. "The rune from North Hyrule is expected to be available in another month, which is excellent news. Roads continue to be expanded and improved, and they are working on a motorized coach of sorts that can carry multiple passengers. Zelda is keen on putting in place some form of public transportation system in the next couple of years. It should make travel easier and safer, especially for older folks."

"All of that sounds great," said Link.

"There are all the usual reports about water quality and reservoir maintenance," said Mipha. "Everything is fine."

Mipha was quiet for a moment.

"You miss him, don't you?" said Link.

"Don't you?" said Mipha. "Of course I do. But talking about what he tells us and his visits help."

"Yes, of course," said Link. "Lately Lapha worries me a little, though. She's gotten so intense after that summer class with Dr. Purah. I asked her if Purah had done anything to her and she laughed saying the only thing she had done was pique her interest in advanced technology. She seems absorbed in studies now."

"Lapha apparently has some strong aptitude in that area," said Mipha. "She may be something of a genius, so you have to accept some unusual behavior."

Mipha paused for a moment.

"You know ours are the only living children with Hylian and Zora parents," said Mipha. "I remember the doctor explaining how that worked at a genetic level, that the chemical process accepts only genetic material compatible with the race of the child from each parent. But I wonder how the mind is affected? Each of our other children has some gift. Mila has my healing ability. Midon and Link inherited your flurry rush ability. Lapha didn't inherit either of those things, but perhaps she obtained something else, some greater mental ability."

"Interesting thought," said Link. "Where are we going?"

"Nowhere," said Mipha. "Just walking."

As they reached the end of the bridge, there was someone on duty they recognized.

"Hello Kendal," said Mipha. "How are you?"

"Good evening Your Highnesses," said Kendal. "I'm fine, and thank you for asking."

"You're a full guard now I see," said Link.

"Yes, Your Highness," said Kendal. "I'm enjoying it. But because I'm a newer member of the guards, I often get assigned late night duty. May I extend my congratulations on your title."

"Thank you," said Link. "It's just the three of us, so no need to be formal."

Just then they heard someone approaching and turned around.

"Hi Mom & Dad," said Mila out of breath. "Are you out for a stroll? I only stopped by to wish Kendal goodnight."

"Well, we will be on our way then," said Link. "Goodnight Kendal."

"Goodnight Your Highnesses," said Kendal.

Mipha and Link continued their walk.

"When do you change shifts?" said Mila to Kendal. "It's getting very frustrating only seeing you while on duty."

"Another three weeks," said Kendal. "Then I rotate to mornings, and we will have evenings to be together again. I miss being with you too, sweetheart."

"Three weeks? That long?" said Mila. "It makes me want to speak with my grandfather to get your duty changed."

"No, please don't do anything like that," said Kendal. "My position in the guards would be ruined thinking your family would interfere on my behalf. I need to earn my way up to the royal guard. Then I will feel worthy."

"I understand," said Mila. "What's the penalty for kissing a princess while on guard duty?"

"I don't think there is any precedent and it might be quite severe," laughed Kendal looking around. "But if the Princess was quick about it, there's a chance it would escape notice."

They briefly kissed goodnight, then Mila returned home.

Meanwhile, Midon and Larena had met at East Reservoir Lake for one of their usual after dinner swims together. They had crossed the Lake and were now near the southwest pier. They stopped in the water, held each other in their arms and kissed, then stopped to talk.

"You seem a little tense, sweetheart," said Midon. "Everything okay?"

"It's work. I'm a little nervous," said Larena. "This is the first assignment I am on my own and in charge as a full architect. The project is not too complicated, but it's the new pier at Spool Bight. I need to work up the design and make sure it's consistent with the rest of our architecture."

"I'm sure you'll do well," said Midon. "You've been an apprentice for two years now, and if they weren't confident of your ability, they wouldn't have given you this assignment."

"True," said Larena. "And my supervisor said I show strong ability. But it is a very visible structure so I can't afford any mistakes. What about you, sweetheart?"

"Coding a drone," said Midon. "My sister Lapha may have helped solve a problem I was having."

"I missed you a lot over the summer," said Larena. "With my work schedule I was only able to visit you twice, and my little sister kept teasing me that was why I was in a bad mood all the time. I hope you don't have to attend that class every summer."

"I missed you too," said Midon. "No, I won't be doing the class again. I plan to keep working from here and seeing you as much as I can. I love you."

"I love you, too. Alright, enough about work, I came here to relax with you," said Larena. "I'll race you to the northeast pier."

"Go!" Shouted Midon.

Midon won, but not by much, then they laughed, embraced by the pier and kissed. It was a beautiful quiet location, and an excellent spot for two young lovers to be together. By the time Midon returned home, everyone else was asleep.