Summary: Tila and young Link have a dinner date at Castle Town and consider their future together. Mipha and Link journey to Hyrule Castle and Link takes Astra sailing on the Hylia River. Link deflects some uncomfortable questions about what happened at the East Gerudo Ruins. Midon and Larena spend time together at Spool Bight. Lapha begins a journey to study the Shrine Of Transformation in North Hyrule, and Mila accompanies Lapha to gather more information for her history book. Tila shares what she hopes will be good news with her sisters.

"That is a horrible story!" said Tila taking young Link by the arm. "I'm so relieved you weren't hurt!"

It was the weekend after the events at the East Gerudo Ruins, and Link had been telling Tila what had happened as they walked together in Castle Town looking for a restaurant to have dinner. Tila was making one of her frequent weekend visits whenever Link had time off.

"I'm sure that sorceress could have hurt us if she wanted to," said Link. "We were pretty helpless. But she wanted to deal with my Dad, and we were just the bait to lure him there."

"It was courageous of you to defend the Princess, to stand between her and that evil creature," said Tila.

"It's my duty," said Link. "It's what I'm supposed to do."

"I know, but it still takes courage to do it," said Tila. "And who knew such evil things still existed in your land? It makes me worry about you living here and how dangerous your job is."

"Thank you," said Link. "But I don't think it is that unsafe. You never know where evil can arise. After all, your land was the source of that Vera creature. But something bothers me, and I'm sure it will be apparent from my report. I expect there will be questions asked."

"Why, what is it?" said Tila.

"That creature was quite powerful, Tila. But after my Dad arrived, he disappeared for a moment, and it seemed only moments later that he reappeared and said the witch was gone. I mean, I know my Dad is good, very capable with the sword that seals the darkness, but that seems a little too good to be true. How could he destroy a powerful witch so quickly, and a witch who was expecting him no less? I don't understand it. And since the incident affected her daughter, I'm sure Her Majesty will read my report, and she won't understand it either."

"Did you ask your father about it?" said Tila.

"I Tabbed him, and he said it was complicated and not something he could discuss," said Link. "I'll ask him again when I see him in person. As you know, I was supposed to go home this weekend, but my parents decided they would come here instead. When he was here last week, my Dad promised to take my cousin Astra sailing this weekend. That's the first time he has taken Astra sailing two weeks in a row. And I also want to ask him about that jewelry store saleswoman and what she was talking about. Lately, there have been some mysterious happenings involving my Dad."

"When will you see your parents?" said Tila.

"They'll be here tomorrow," said Link. "You said you had to leave first thing tomorrow morning? I wish you could stay longer. I think about you all week, and I can't wait to see you on weekends."

"That's so sweet," said Tila as she squeezed his hand. "I think about you too. Why do you think I visit every chance I can? But my sister needs me back for some council meeting. Let's find a place to eat so we can have some time alone together afterward."

As they walked toward the southern end of Castle Town, Tila noticed something new.

"This looks like a new seafood restaurant," said Tila. "Want to try it?"

"Sure," said Link. "It must have just recently opened. 'Akkala Fish House,' huh?"

The restaurant was quite busy, and it looked like there would be a wait for a table. The proprietor, a Zora, approached them to apologize for the delay when he recognized Tila.

"Mistress Tila!" said the proprietor. "What a nice surprise to see you here! I am so sorry for the delay seating you and your guest. My wife and I just opened this small restaurant, and it has quickly become quite popular."

"Hello, Mandel, it's nice to see a familiar face from home," said Tila. "I didn't know you and Palla opened a restaurant. And no need to apologize, I'm happy to see you're doing so well. Oh, this is my boyfriend, Link."

"Pleased to meet you, Link," said Mandel. "We specialize in North Hyrule dishes, including deep sea fish from the Akkala Sea. For Hylians, we generally serve our fish grilled, and add a bit of spice to sharpen the taste. But, of course, we can serve our food any way you prefer."

"You don't happen to have Akkala Angler, do you?" said Tila.

"We do, Mistress," said Mandel. "And fresh ones too, not the runed variety. Shall I hold one for the both of you? I have one that is big enough for two."

"Oh! Please do!" said Tila excitedly. "And if you have enough, could you please deliver a suitably sized Angler to my two guards waiting outside. I'm sure they will both appreciate it."

"I would be happy to, Mistress," said Mandel.

Mandel returned to the kitchen to ask Palla, who ran the food preparation part of the restaurant, to have the chef save an Angler for Tila and Link, and then he took one to Tila's guards.

"Mistress Tila asked me to bring you this," said Mandel. "It's fresh, not runed."

"Fresh Akkala Angler?" said Dongan. "That's an expensive delicacy and very thoughtful of her. Thank you!"

Mandel returned to the restaurant.

"You know, I was apprehensive about this assignment after what you told me about the Hylian guards fighting," said Linden. "But this was very thoughtful of Mistress Tila."

"Did you hear about the shouting match between the two sisters?" said Dongan. "My friend was on guard duty at the time and told me all about it. Queen Faray wanted to stop Mistress Tila from visiting here anymore, and Mistress Tila said some things to Queen Faray I would be afraid even to think. In the end, Mistress Tila got what she wanted."

"Being her sister, she can get away with that. Come on. We can sit on the bench here and eat while still keeping an eye on things. Flip a shell for the liver?" said Linden.

"No, I'll split it with you," said Dongan. "I'm not taking a chance on entirely missing out on a fresh Akkala Angler liver!"

Back in the restaurant, Tila and Link waited to be seated.

"I love Angler, but they're hard to come by," said Tila. "They live in very deep water."

After a modest wait, a table opened up, and they were seated.

"You like spicy food?" said Tila.

"Within reason," said Link.

"I do too. We'll get it cooked spicy then," said Tila. "I think you'll like the Angler. It's tasty, and its liver is a delicacy. We consider it a very healthy fish."

Tila ordered their Angler grilled, and the food arrived soon after.

"Tell me how you like it," said Tila.

Link took a bite, chewed and swallowed.

"This is delicious!" said Link. "You know how much I love fish, but this is better than anything I ever tasted back home. The meat is tender, moist, and very flavorful."

"I love it too," said Tila after savoring another bite and closing her eyes. "Sinking your fangs into this is pure delight. This restaurant was a happy find."

"Why did Mandel make a special point of saying the fish was fresh and not runed? I heard we're getting that rune of yours here soon," said Link. "What's going to happen to all these shops once that happens? Won't people be able to get anything they want by using that rune?"

"No," said Tila. "You can only create things in the approved compendium of items. And merchandise created by shops or recipes created by restaurants are off limits. Shops can still offer their unique items, like the pieces crafted by the jewelry store. But basic items like a simple raw fish you can rune. I mean by that create by using the rune. You'll find out that some things are still better the usual way. Rune made food of the same type all tends to taste the same, and there is more variety in fresh food. Similarly, rune made jewels are worth nothing. By the way, my sister and I have a few more rune options while in North Hyrule, but they are still limited. "

They finished their meal, and Tila settled the bill since she had ordered an extra Angler for her guards. Link was just as happy she did. He wasn't sure he even had enough Rupees with him to cover it. They left the restaurant after thanking Mandel and his wife, Palla.

"Oh, and while we are on the subject, you cannot rune Rupees for obvious reasons," said Tila. "Now I want some alone time with you. How about a walk to somewhere private? Or perhaps a swim would be better?"

"A swim sounds good," said Link. "I think you're more fun, more romantic in the water."

"Oh, is that so, my cute Hylian boyfriend? Water does bring out the best in me, but I can be romantic on land too," said Tila as she took his hand and with the other gently stroked his inner forearm with the tips of her nails. It sent an erotic thrill right through him.

"Are you ticklish, sweetheart?" said Tila as she smiled at him.

"Yes, but do you see me laughing? You know very well that's not how that feels," said Link.

Tila laughed.

They held hands and headed toward the Hyrule Castle Moat, while Tila's two guards followed at a distance. When they reached the moat, Link removed his uniform, and they dove in together.

"Come, take my hand," said Tila. "Let's go someplace a bit more private."

Tila took his hand, and the next thing Link knew they were rushing through the water toward a more remote part of the moat near a waterfall. Then Tila stopped, and wrapped her arms around him, keeping them both afloat with some gentle fin movement. He wrapped his arms around her and looked into her eyes, and their bright gold reflected the light of the setting sun. She lightly moistened her lips, and the urge to kiss her was overwhelming, so he did. And she returned his kiss with an intensity that left him breathless.

"Thanks to gills, I can concentrate on kissing not breathing," laughed Tila after a minute as Link caught his breath. "That's another advantage of a swim over a walk."

"As I said, you're more fun in the water," said Link. "As soon as I catch my breath, I want to kiss you some more."

"I can't wait that long," said Tila as she pulled his head to hers and kissed him again, this time breaking their kiss every minute so he could breathe. She held his head with one hand and used her nails to gently rub up and down his back, which made him want to kiss her even more passionately. Link pulled her closer, and they pressed against each other. Her skin was unbelievably soft and smooth to the touch. He gently rubbed her back beneath her head fin, and Link could feel the pulse of water from her gills increase and see her face grow flush, while he became breathless again. The situation was getting more and more erotic and more and more frustrating. When they finally paused, Link spoke up between breaths.

"This feels too good, and it's getting harder and harder to stop," said Link. "You are so beautiful, so irresistible, Tila. I sometimes wonder how I ended up so lucky. You could have anybody."

"I don't want anybody, I want you, sweetheart," said Tila. "Don't fold your fins on yourself. You were always a little shy, but you're a wonderful person, Link. You're also very athletic and quite cute, and the fact you are so comfortable among Zoras makes it even better. I've blown bubbles over you for some time. Just ask your sister, Mi. My gills flutter when we kiss."

"I'm glad," said Link. "And I guess the fact I understand what you just said is a good sign."

"Have you caught your breath yet? What a funny expression! We say fill our gills," said Tila. "And be careful with your tongue, sweetheart. My teeth are rather sharp."

Without waiting for an answer, she pulled him closer, and they kissed again for several more minutes. Finally, he had to stop again.

"You're seventeen now, right?" said Tila as they floated face-to-face.

"Yes," said Link breathing hard. "Since I grew up in a mostly Zora family, we followed the tradition of not celebrating birthdays. Why do you ask?"

"Because you're catching up to me in maturity," said Tila. "And as I understand it, you're an adult now by Hyrule standards, free to make your own decisions."

"I guess that's true," said Link.

"And I love you, and you love me," said Tila. "I miss you terribly when we're apart. Don't you want me to be with you more than just on weekends and as more than just your girlfriend?"

"I do," said Link. "Very much. But you're talking about getting married? I keep thinking of myself as a kid sometimes, but I guess you're right. I am an adult now. Before my promotion, the sergeant in my unit said something about not waiting too long."

"I don't want to pressure you, sweetheart. I can understand you might still be in love and not be ready for such a big step," said Tila. "But your sergeant was right. You age faster than me, and if we were to marry and have children, well, you understand."

"Yes, I see what you mean, Tila," said Link. "I've been thinking of myself as too young, but I'm not, am I?"

"No, you're not," said Tila. "You're a perfect age."

"I guess I am," said Link thoughtfully as he paused to think.

Then his Tab beeped.

"Oh! I'm sorry, I need to get back now," said Link. "I'm supposed to be in my room after a certain time at night in case they need me for an emergency. I love you."

"My guards and I will sleep in the Moat," said Tila. "I love you too. And good night, sweetheart. I hope to see you next weekend if not sooner."

Tila reached out, and they embraced and kissed.

"Sweet dreams," said Tila.

"They will be if you are in them," said Link.

Link made his way back to his room. He could see Zelda's study was still lit, so she was still up, probably doing some reading. He put away his things, and after getting ready for bed, lay down. He was indeed old enough to marry Tila now, he realized. Why was he so stupid that he needed Tila to point that out? She must think he wasn't serious about her. His family would be shocked no doubt, but they would eventually understand. Probably. He Tabbed his family about the new restaurant in Castle Town, then closed his eyes and slept.

Meanwhile, back in Zora's Domain, Mila was keeping Kendal company while he was on guard duty near East Reservoir Lake.

"You're sure it's okay to talk with me, right?" said Mila.

"I'm supposed to be paying attention to my duties, but I think the captain will understand if I'm speaking with a member of the royal family," said Kendal.

"Still one more week of evening guard duty to go," said Mila. "I guess I shouldn't complain since you could have been sent away on patrol. What are we guarding ourselves against these days?"

"The unknown," said Kendal. "No one wants to grow complacent. Evil has a way of always returning, sometimes in unexpected ways. We want to preserve our Domain and keep it safe."

"I see. I need to get home now," said Mila. "Are you sure there are none of those cameras around here?"

"Yes," laughed Kendal. "They limit where we use them for privacy reasons. And if there were any cameras here, I would already be in trouble thanks to you. I would have to plead guilty to succumbing to the temptations of a beautiful princess."

"Well, it's time to break the rules again then, sweetheart," laughed Mila as she reached out and they kissed.

"See you tomorrow," said Kendal after they finished their kiss.

Mila returned home. It was late, and everyone else was already in their rooms.

Next morning Midon was up first and left for Spool Bight. Larena was working there this weekend to oversee the new pier construction, and he wanted to be there too. They could have lunch together, and he could get in some extra work in the meantime. The pier was taking shape nicely, at least as far as he could tell. When he arrived, Larena was already there and speaking to one of the people doing the construction. When she was finished, Midon waved to her, and she waved back. Midon found a place to sit where he could do some coding, and Larena would have time to meet him.

It was about an hour later when Larena met Midon. He rose, and they briefly hugged and kissed.

"Hi, sweetheart, thanks for coming," said Larena. "I'm still working, but we can have lunch together in another hour."

"Everything going well?" said Midon. "The pier looks fine to me."

"Yes, pretty well," said Larena. "They have to shorten one part slightly to match the other side, but that's not a big job. I'm pretty pleased. The chief architect will be out later to inspect things, so I'm still a little nervous."

"I'm sure it will be fine," said Midon.

"Now I need to get back," said Larena. "I'll meet you here for lunch."

Larena returned to the pier and Midon went back to examining his code. Midon was so busy with coding he didn't notice the time until he suddenly saw Larena standing next to him holding two fish.

"I can see how much you were thinking about me," laughed Larena.

"Sorry, I got immersed in coding," said Midon. "Thanks for getting us the fish."

"Porgies from the sea," said Larena.

She sat down next to him, handed him one of the fish, and they began to eat.

"I do think about you, sweetheart," said Midon.

"I know you do," said Larena. "I was teasing you. You wouldn't be here if you didn't."

"The fish is good," said Midon. "Porgies will be easier to transport to our Domain now, and our market can stock them."

"What about that new rune you were telling me about?" said Larena. "Won't we be able to get them that way?"

"Yes, that's true," said Midon. "But in discussing that rune with one of the North Hyrule scientists, he said rune created food is monotonous. He still prefers fresh. But let's not talk about work."

"Oh, then what shall we talk about?" said Larena smiling.

"About how much I love you," said Midon. "Oh, one more work question. When will you be back to having weekends off? Would you like to take a day trip to Lake Hylia?"

"I should be finished after this weekend if the chief architect approves," said Larena. "And I would love to take a trip with you. Now, can you hurry and finish the fish so we can kiss?"

Meanwhile, Lapha was planning to travel with Mila to North Hyrule, and after breakfast, they headed to the Lanayru ferry port.

"You and I have never traveled together there," said Mila as they sat down together on the ferry.

"No," said Lapha. "But I'm very eager to study their Transformation Shrine. Dr. Purah obtained permission for me after we discussed it."

The ferry pulled away from the pier and started heading east toward the sea.

"Have you heard from our little brother lately? His Tabs to me have dried up a bit," said Mila.

"He still Tabs me once a day," said Lapha. "He keeps spouting on about Tila visiting him so I won't waste a trip there. I think they're fin to fin every chance they can and getting pretty serious."

"You may be right," said Mila. "Tila's fins have been curling for him since they first met. But she's a good person, Laff. You only see her at dances and such. She is kind and considerate. And probably smarter than you in Mathematics."

"She probably is, Mi," said Lapha. "I just feel like we should look out for Link."