Summary: Link finishes sailing with Astra as he ponders how to handle this unexpected turn of events. Then Link travels back to Zora's Domain with Mipha, and the next day explains what happened and answers her questions.

Link sat on the small sailboat with Astra on his lap. They were navigating the area in the Hyrule Castle Moat north of the docks, and Astra was having fun making the boat zig-zag as she moved the rudder back and forth.

"You're going to make us both dizzy," laughed Link. "Oh, and please don't use that new trick you just learned on the rudder, or you'll dump both of us into the water."

"Okay, Uncle Link," Astra giggled.

The last thing Link needed was a flurry rush with the boat's rudder.

"When can we sail on the river, Uncle Link?" said Astra. "When I go to the park, I like to watch the fish there."

"Why don't I take you on the river the next time I visit," said Link. "I'll check if it's okay with your parents. I will try to come back next weekend. Would you like that?"

"Yes! Promise?" said Astra.

And she pulled the rudder hard in her excitement causing Link to grab the side of the boat as it veered suddenly.

"I can't promise, but I will try my very best," said Link. "You're very special to me, Astra, and I love being with you. And seeing the fish up close will be fun."

Astra steered the boat a while longer, then started getting tired.

"Can you steer now?" said Astra.

"Of course, sweetheart," said Link.

Link took the rudder, and Astra leaned back against him. A few minutes later, she was fast asleep. Link trimmed the sail, then held onto her with one hand and the rudder with the other. She was the same adorable little girl he remembered who often took afternoon naps, and he let go of the rudder for a moment to brush some soft blonde hair from her face.

She was identical to his child with Zelda. But was she really his child? As far as he knew nobody else in his family had his flurry rush ability except two of his four children. Rudin didn't have it. Could his grandfather or Rudin's father have had that skill? He didn't remember Rudin's father, his uncle, and he never met his grandfather. But that would be the only other explanation, that the ability had skipped generations. Nobody would believe a fantastic story about Hylia intervening to pull Link's child from another timeline into this one. But if it wasn't his child, then why was she identical in every way? It made no sense otherwise. She must be his daughter.

But even assuming she was his daughter, what should he do about it? That came down to what was best for Astra, and what was best for her was for him to do nothing. What would be the point of Link claiming he was Astra's father after the child had already spent four years with her current family? Both Zelda and Rudin would be incredulous and insulted. They would think he was mad, and so would everyone else.

No, what was undoubtedly best for Astra was to leave things just as they were and let her grow up in a loving family. Perhaps someday, when she was all grown, and if somehow he knew for sure she was his, then it might be time to tell her. Or maybe not even then. It would depend on whether that knowledge would help or hurt her. In the meantime, whether she was his daughter or his niece, he was enjoying having her asleep on his lap as the boat drifted slowly across the water.

He leaned down and gently kissed her on the forehead, then smiled. It was funny, his little girl saying she wanted to grow up to be a hero like him someday. She must really admire him. And then he paused. Was that really so ridiculous? Could that be part of Hylia's little joke? The hero had always been a boy from all the stories and legends he had ever learned. But he wondered what Ganon would make of a pair of sisters ready to do battle with him, both with the blood of the Goddess he hated so much, one with her sealing power and the other with the sword of evil's bane. What a fantastic story that would make! But fortunately it wasn't likely Ganon would return in Astra's lifetime, so it didn't matter. But wouldn't it be amazing if the sword that seals the darkness chose her as its keeper when she was older? It seemed impossible. But was it? He looked down at her, and she was still sound asleep.

"My pretty little girl, are you destined for great things, or a simple, happy life as a princess?" he whispered. "Only time will tell, and I hope I live to see it."

When Astra woke up, it was time to head back to the dock.

"I will try to come next weekend," said Link as he held Astra's hand and they walked back to where everyone was still gathered. "And I will check if we can go out on the river. I love you, sweetheart."

"How much?" Astra teased.

"As much as all the stars in the sky, silly," said Link. "You already know that by now."

"I like the way you say it, Uncle Link," giggled Astra.

Then he gave her another kiss, and she ran back to her parents.

"Our intrepid sailors have returned," said Zelda as she hugged Astra. "I hope you both had fun."

"I think we both did," said Link. "I know I did."

"We should be going before it gets too late," said Mipha. "I just want to say I am so relieved all turned out well, and everyone is safe."

Then everyone said their goodbyes, and Mipha and Link started their motorized cycle ride back to the Domain. Link was still thinking about everything that had happened, and it weighed on his mind.

"You're very quiet," said Mipha as they rode along the road away from the castle. "Is anything wrong? I'm eager to learn what you did in the desert. We all heard a little of what happened from our son while you were sailing. He said you were apparently able to deal with this evil creature that captured them in no time at all."

"That was a poor choice of words," said Link. "And I'm not sure what Link told everyone. There was a Gerudo witch involved. She used her magic to trap Princess Zelda and our son but as bait. I was her real target out of revenge or something."

"But you were able to overcome a witch instantly? How is that possible?" said Mipha.

"No, it was far from instantly," said Link. "But it's been a difficult day for me. Is it all right if we wait until tomorrow to discuss it?"

"All right," said Mipha. "I can understand you must be tired."

It was quite late when they reached the Domain, and both quietly went to their room. Link put away his things, including the copy of his journal that Zelda had given him. That was his only tangible proof of what had happened, though even it wasn't really proof. It could be challenged as a work of fiction he made up and wrote.

He joined Mipha in their slumber pool, feeling exhausted. But he had trouble falling asleep despite his fatigue. Too many things were going through his mind. He had woken up this morning at Hyrule Castle with one family, and by the evening he was back in Zora's Domain with another. Finally, fatigue took over, and he fell asleep.

When Link awoke next morning, it was quite late, and he realized Mipha must already be up. He had to admit today was not one he was looking forward to, and he had this queasy feeling in the pit of his stomach. He did not like to have any secrets from Mipha, and he had sworn to himself that he never would. So, he felt he should tell her what had happened. But there were secrets, and then there were secrets. Some secrets, like his possibly being Astra's father, were best left unsaid as no good could come from them. He wondered if some other aspects of his adventure fell in the same category.

But what Mipha's reaction to his story would be was anyone's guess, and a warm and sympathetic reception seemed highly unlikely. If she could just accept it for what it was and understand it from his point of view, that all of it wasn't his fault, he would be more than happy. But things could go worse, and that was what was giving him a queasy feeling.

Well, that and a sense of guilt.

When Fi presented him with the choice of timelines, he should never have hesitated. He belonged here with Mipha. But after spending time with Zelda and his daughter, he was torn for a few moments. He shouldn't have been, but he was only Hylian, and his heart was not made of stone. How could he not have a soft spot for Astra, his four-year-old daughter, a daughter who clearly loved him so much? Should he have instantly chosen a timeline Astra didn't exist? Who knew Hylia would perform a seeming miracle? At least he had made the right decision in the end. But could he ever forgive himself for hesitating? And if Mipha knew he had hesitated, could Mipha ever forgive him or would it break her heart. Curse her! That evil witch could still cause harm, even after she was gone! Maybe that hesitation was in the category of secrets best left unsaid.

Anyway, after breakfast, it would be time to discuss things. But when Link consulted his Tab, he found a message from Mipha saying that she would be busy all morning in a meeting with Father. She would meet him for lunch.

Link prepared his breakfast, and after finishing it decided it might be a good time to read the journal Zelda had given him. He went back to their room, retrieved the journal, sat down, and opened it to the first chapter. Zelda had said he resumed writing when Astra turned one, and that was evidently the case.

Chapter 1 - One Year Old

At my dear Zelda's urging, I have decided to resume writing my journal after a lapse of precisely one year. Our darling daughter turned one year old today, and I cannot believe the time has passed so quickly!

We had a small party for Astra, and she was so cute. She didn't understand what was happening, but it was clear she was happy and enjoyed the little toys we got her. For some reason, she has grown more attached to me than to her mother, perhaps because her mother is so busy. Zelda said she doesn't mind, and that there is plenty of love to go around. And she is certainly right! Little Astra has brought more joy to my life than I believed possible. Who knew that I, the solitary Hyrule adventurer, would be thrilled to be a stay at home father raising a beautiful daughter? But I am!

Zelda has been using her Sheikah Slate to take pictures of Astra, and we are building quite an album of images of her growing up. Zelda said she and Dr. Purah might need to find a way to expand the device's storage or some other means of preserving the images, or she said we would run out of room before she is even two. Well, I will leave it to the scientists to figure out what to do. Right now, I am going to play with my darling daughter. We got her a little toy sailboat, and she can play with it when she takes a bath. For some reason, she loves to play in the water and fusses when she has to leave her bath. Maybe she inherited a love of water from me. I seem strangely drawn to water. I stare at a lake or a river, and some distant feeling stirs within me, a sudden urge to enter the water and splash in it. I can't explain it, and Zelda said it was a new trait, something she never noticed in me before the Temple of Time failure. But enough about me. Astra has already learned to say Mama and Dada and a few other words. It's so cute. It is such a blessed gift from the Goddess to have a precious little girl to raise and watch her grow each day. I give thanks every chance I can.

There was a lot more, and Link flipped through the pages. It seemed this chapter covered the period between when Astra was one to just before age two because the next section was titled 'Two Years Old.' But the very last part of Chapter 1 seemed relevant.

It is strange looking back now, but when the Temple of Time failed five years ago, I was in the depths of depression. I swore something was wrong, that I didn't belong here, and that I should be living another life with another family. It had all seemed so real to me. But the doctors convinced me that I was suffering from an injury to my mind, having delusions. And Dr. Purah thought that perhaps the workings of a defective Temple of Time must have created false memories in me. I don't know. My memories of my family all seemed so real to me back then. I didn't think I would ever get over them. But with no hope of returning to the life I believed I had come from, I finally came to accept my life here. In any case, Zelda has given me a life I never dreamed possible. She was kind to me from the very beginning, helping me overcome my illness. And later it felt so natural to fall in love with her. I am happy now, and I will strive to be the best father and husband I can be. Both my wife and daughter deserve no less. And I love them both.

Chapter 2 followed.

Chapter 2 - Two Years Old

Has another year gone by already? Our daughter turned two years old today, and she is cuter than ever. She talks a great deal now and is a quick learner. I have no doubt she gets that from her brilliant mother. If she turns into a warrior, then I may take some credit for that. But she is adorable. We had a party for her, and now she understands things much better than a year ago. She loved the toys we got her and wanted to play with both of us all day. Zelda took the day off, and we both spent every minute with her on her birthday. Zelda and I are so happy to see our daughter so happy.

Link skipped a few pages ahead.

Zelda has been quite busy these days, and I have been helping her in the morning and spending time with Astra in the afternoon. I have Astra all to myself a good deal of the time because of Zelda's responsibilities. I told Zelda I want to help her all I can, that it is not fair to her. But she told me she would rather have me help her in the morning and then care for our precious daughter in the afternoon. Fine with me!

I think Zelda can see how much I love Astra and wants to encourage a close father-daughter relationship. Perhaps the difficulties Zelda had with her father play a role in her thinking. But I want Astra to be as close to Zelda as she is to me. As she grows older that will probably happen anyway, as Astra looks to her mother for guidance on things I can't teach her.

Link skipped ahead again. There was a chapter titled 'Chapter 3 - Three Years Old' which he decided to skip entirely, and then he turned to the final chapter, clearly unfinished, which was titled 'Chapter 4 - Four Years Old.'

Chapter 4 - Four Years Old

Zelda and I held hands and shook our heads as we passed another year in our daughter's life. Why must time go by so quickly?

We planned a party at dinner for Astra but had agreed to do whatever she wanted during the day. She chose to go on a picnic at Hyrule Forest Park in the morning, have lunch there, then go sailing with me on our small sailboat in the afternoon. Of course, we agreed. We both wanted to make this day special for her.

The picnic was fun as Astra chased after squirrels and later we played hide and seek. Zelda helped her find me hiding behind a large bush, and she laughed with delight when she did. She is so cute! We got her a larger toy sailboat when she turned three, and she likes to sail it when we picnic at a place with water, like the Sacred Grounds. Other times she pretends she and I are sailing in it.

Astra has taken some interest in nature, much like her mother. Zelda has been teaching her the names of the various animals and plants found at the park, and Astra repeats them after her. Sometimes Zelda will quiz her to see if she learned what she taught her, and Astra almost always gets things right. Our daughter is both beautiful and smart, neither of which I will take any credit for! I'll take credit for her eye color though.

After lunch, we both took her hand as we walked to the riverbank so Astra could watch the fish swimming there. She truly loves animals. One of the toys we got her was a stuffed animal that she likes to cuddle with in bed now. Speaking of bed, she has gotten into the habit of wanting me to tuck her in each night, and I love to do it. I also get to kiss her last. I am glad Zelda is not jealous, but she said she loved Astra and me, and if Astra preferred me to kiss her last it didn't matter. We both love her so much, and Astra knows that.

In the afternoon I took her sailing as she wished, and we both loved the special time together. She usually falls asleep in my lap, and it's good for her to get an afternoon nap. And needless to say, it's good for me to have my little girl asleep in my arms. Someday soon she will be too big for that, and I know I will miss it.

Astra will start taking some lessons in the mornings now from a tutor, nothing too difficult. But Zelda is keen to have her begin her education. It should be fine, as Astra is quite a bright little girl. And did I say how adorable she is and how much I love her? Because I can't say it enough.

By the way, Zelda and Purah did find a way to store all the pictures we have taken. We should have quite the family album to look back at someday showing each of Astra's years. I suppose I can spend my later years, when she is a bit older, organizing it. It would make an excellent supplement to my journal, something more modern with images as well as writing. Isn't this Sheikah technology wonderful?

That was where he must have left off in his journal. Link got up and put the book back in the drawer in their room. It was strange to realize he himself had written all that but had no recollection of it. By now it was almost lunchtime and Mipha would be home soon. And it was only a short time later that he heard Mipha arrive home.

"Hi, Sweetheart," said Mipha as she entered the house. "I picked up a fish for each of us."

Link greeted her, and they kissed. Then Link took his fish and began cooking it. When finished, they sat down to eat together.

"Did your meeting with Father go well?" said Link.

"Yes, nothing too important," said Mipha.

It was after they finished lunch that Link thought he had better take this opportunity to talk with Mipha. Delaying would only make the matter worse, compounding the subject itself with why it took so long to tell her.

"I need to talk to you, sweetheart," said Link. "Come, sit with me."

Link took Mipha's hand and led her to the living room and their sofa.

"Why do I always get nervous when you're like this?" said Mipha. "Is everything all right? What's happened?"

"Everything is all right, and everyone is fine," said Link. "But a lot happened, and it was the result of that witch in the Gerudo Desert."

"Okay," said Mipha. "Go on."

"She tampered with time and caused some problems," said Link. "It was a bit similar to what happened with that TimeShift Stone I accidentally activated at Spool Bight."

"But I didn't notice anything," said Mipha. "And you said everyone is all right now, aren't they?"

"Well, yes," said Link. "Hylia undid the harm. But let me tell you the whole story."

"All right, I will stop interrupting you," said Mipha. "It's just that I get worried I am going to lose you when unusual things happen."

"You aren't going to lose me," said Link. "That witch, Timela she called herself, had the power to move me through time. She sent me back to my original timeline at the point I had just activated the Temple of Time. To everyone there, it looked like I never left, and the Temple of Time had failed."