Summary: Link proposes to Tila during his visit to North Hyrule, and everyone else adjusts to the new reality.

It was several days later in Zora's Domain, and Mipha had waited for Mila and Lapha to return from North Hyrule before she discussed young Link's situation at their family dinner.

"You're serious? Our little brother is getting married?" exclaimed Midon after Mipha conveyed the gist of her conversation with young Link.

"Yes, he is, Midon," said Mipha. "I've spoken to him, and I support him. He says he and Tila love each other, and I believe it. In the end, that's what's important. They can work through anything if they keep their love for each other first in their hearts and minds."

"Wow, thanks to my brother and Kendal, all the young men here will be broken-hearted," said Midon.

"Very funny, Midon," said Mila. "Aren't you getting a little full in the fin for such juvenile humor? You're not in school anymore."

"Sorry, Mila," said Midon. "I just couldn't fight the current on that one."

"It is pretty sudden, though, isn't it, Mom?" said Lapha. "I mean, he is still young, and have they been dating long enough? Do they know each other that well?"

"It comes back partly to our sense of time, Lapha," said Mipha. "For us, five years is not all that much. To a Hylian, it's a pretty long time, especially when you're young."

"Tila has been head over fins for Link almost since the day they met," said Mila. "The rest of you don't know her as well as I do. I believe Tila loves him, and she will be very good to our brother. And I know what a kind and sensitive person our brother is. I believe he loves her and will be good to her too."

"You've been very quiet, Dad," said Lapha. "What do you think?"

"I agree with Mom," said Link. "And don't all laugh, thinking that's the safe answer at home. I really do agree with her. It is different for a Hylian. If they are in love with each other and want to marry and have a family, well, there is no point in waiting too long either."

"I guess we all hope Link understands that marriage is a pretty serious step, a lifetime commitment. It's not like dating," said Midon. "And marrying someone from North Hyrule? That could make it even more difficult. They have their own customs and such."

"They are not that much different from us, Midon," said Mila. "Your friends shook like jellyfish whenever Tila swam by, so it didn't seem to bother them she was not from here. And I am writing about North Hyrule history, so I should know how much alike we are."

"Is this a sure thing? Link hasn't asked her yet, right? Is there any chance Tila will say 'no'?" said Lapha.

"Not a chance she will turn him down, Laff," said Mila. "And I have that on excellent authority."

"She Tabbed you about it herself?" said Lapha. "Are you going to tell Link?"

"No, definitely not! And none of you better either! She asked me not to, and I don't want to ruin this once in a lifetime moment for the two of them," said Mila. "But she is so excited and happy she had to tell me. I hope all of you respect her wishes."

The morning of the next day, an impatient Astra was in Princess Zelda's room at Hyrule Castle.

"Can we go to the park now? What's taking you so long, Zel?" said Astra.

"Just give me another minute, sweetheart," said Princess Zelda fixing her hair. "I'm almost ready. I asked Link to join us, and he is meeting us at the entrance. Mother feels better having a guard with us, even around the castle."

"Hooray!" said Astra. "Link is fun to play with."

"And I'm not fun, sis? Alright, I'm ready, let's go," said Zelda taking Astra's hand.

They walked to the castle entrance where a guard bowed and handed Princess Zelda a picnic basket, and where Link was waiting for them.

"Good morning, Your Highnesses," said Link.

"Hi Cousin Link!" said Astra as she let go of Zelda's hand and rushed over to Link. "You can hug me, you know."

Link reached down and hugged her.

"I'm always happy for a hug from you, Princess," laughed Link. "Are you both ready? We're going to the Sacred Ground Park today?"

"Yes, that's right," said Zelda. "And I brought a picnic lunch for all of us."

"May I carry it for you, Zelda?" said Link.

"No, why don't you take Astra's hand," said Zelda. "She seems more excited to be with you than me, and I can manage. It looks like a fine day."

The three of them walked side-by-side as they made their way to the Sacred Ground.

"Can you play hide and seek again?" said Astra to Link. "That was so much fun last time!"

"If you want to," said Link. "But you know my job is to look out for enemies and be ready to protect you both. Maybe you could help me patrol the area first."

"Oh! You're right! I can help you with that!" said Astra. "If we see an enemy, you and I can protect Zel. I know a new trick."

"Really?" said Link as he smiled at Zelda. "Well, Astra, you and I will scout out the area together to make sure it's safe, and then you can show me your new trick."

They passed through a busy Castle Town, and it was a pleasant walk from there to the Sacred Ground. They chose a picnic spot beneath some trees but close to the central fountain, and Zelda spread out a blanket to sit on.

"Astra and I had better check the area for enemies, Princess," said Link to Zelda with a wink. They knew the area was safe. Guards had already checked the grounds and were not far away.

"Yes, we can never be too careful," said Zelda. "I will shout if I need help."

"Come, Astra," said Link retaking her hand. "And we need to be quiet."

Link and Astra crept from tree to tree, and Link could see how excited she was at the idea of being on patrol hunting for enemies. When they had worked their way to the other side of the fountain, Link stopped to speak with her.

"It looks like the area is safe for now," said Link. "What was that trick you wanted to show me?"

"Uncle Link said to keep it a secret," said Astra. "But I can show you."

Astra looked around for a small fallen tree branch, found one, and returned to Link.

"Pretend this is my sword," said Astra. "I'm going to battle you."

"Alright, I'm ready," said Link.

But he wasn't ready.

Astra unleashed a flurry rush with the tree branch that took Link entirely by surprise, and he fell over backward from the rapid succession of blows.

"Whoa, whoa," shouted Link raising his hands. "Stop, Astra."

Astra stopped, and Link slowly stood up, brushing himself off. He was stunned. Aside from his father and brother, he had never met anyone else who could wield a weapon so rapidly.

"See?" said Astra.

"Yes, indeed, I do see," said Link. "That is a rare and valuable skill you have, Astra. I am surprised you have it."

"Uncle Link was too," said Astra.

"You showed my father?" said Link. "And he told you to keep it a secret? I wonder why? So, your sister and parents don't know about this?"

"Nobody but you, me and Uncle Link," said Astra proudly.

Now Link wondered why his father would treat this so secretively. He must have his reasons, but he couldn't imagine what they were.

"We should get back now," said Link. "We can't leave your sister unguarded too long."

"You're right," said Astra putting down the branch.

Link took her hand, and they started walking back.

"Zel is nice, but I wish I had a brother too," said Astra. "Zel doesn't like to play the games I do. She says I play like a boy, and then I stick out my tongue at her."

"Well, there's nothing wrong with playing the way you like, Astra, and having fun," laughed Link picturing Astra sticking her tongue out at Princess Zelda. "And I'm always happy to play with you when I can. Did you like sailing with my father?"

"Oh, yes!" said Astra excitedly. "We sailed on the river and saw so many fish. It was a lot of fun."

They returned to where Zelda was waiting, and she had spread out the picnic lunch.

"No enemies in sight?" said Zelda.

"No, the area is safe for now, right, Astra?" said Link.

"Right!" said Astra smiling. "You're safe with us, Zel."

"Besides lunch, look what else I brought for you, Astra," said Zelda as she removed Astra's toy sailboat from a satchel. "After lunch, you can sail it in the fountain there. Aren't I the best sister?"

"You are!" squealed Astra, and she gave Zelda a big hug.

Then they all sat down together and had lunch. After lunch, Astra walked over to the nearby fountain area and began playing with her toy boat while Link and Zelda sat on the blanket and watched her.

"She loves that sailboat, and she is at such a cute age," said Zelda smiling as she watched her sister.

"Yes, she is an adorable little girl," said Link. "How do you like being a big sister?"

"I love it," said Zelda. "Being with her reminds me of when I was small, and I try to play with her the way she likes when I can. Astra likes to pretend she is rescuing things like her stuffed animals. If you ask her what she wants to be when she grows up, she will tell you she wants to be the hero of Hyrule. She is so different from me in that way. And I think her life will be different than mine. Mother was always after me to grow up quickly and complete my training. She couldn't wait for me to turn seventeen. But Mother is not worried about Astra growing up too slowly."

"What do you want to be?" said Link.

"Me? I don't have a choice," laughed Zelda. "I need to be the Queen of Hyrule someday and look out for my people. That has been Mother's goal all along. We spoke about it the summer you spent here. It hasn't changed. And what about you, Link? What are your goals?"

"Well, since you asked, there is something I did want to tell you," said Link. "I am going to ask Tila to marry me this weekend. I wanted you to know. I imagine it may change things for me here if she accepts."

"Oh! I knew you two were serious, but I didn't realize it was that serious yet," said Zelda. "Well, congratulations. Thank you for telling me, and I will let Mother know. You're right. I imagine this might affect your assignment. If so, I will definitely miss you. I enjoyed your company like no other guard I ever had."

"And I enjoyed yours," said Link. "But that won't change for a while, so let's not worry about it yet."

"Astra will miss you too," said Zelda.

"I might still be assigned here," said Link. "And if not, I will try my best to visit. But wish me luck this weekend."

Zelda smiled at him.

"I don't think you need any luck," said Zelda. "I see the way you two look at each other. Now, let's join Astra and play with her before it gets too late."

The next day in Castle Town, young Link had some free time and was planning to look for an appropriate engagement present. Given what Ambassador Laray had said, he was expected to offer Tila some modest jewelry, such as a bracelet or pendant. He certainly couldn't afford to get her anything that would rival the jewelry she already wore. Of course, this meant another trip to the Starlight Memories jewelry store outlet. With some degree of trepidation, he entered the store.

The saleswoman recognized him at once.

"Ah, welcome back," said the saleswoman. "I don't think I ever told you my name. It is Tanya. Are you here alone today? That is very unusual for you. Did you have a falling out with your lovers?"

"No, I just need to shop for a special gift for someone who is very special in my life," said Link.

Tanya ignored his remark.

"No doubt your womanizing has finally gone too far, and now you need to offer a gift of repentance to your wife? Or is it your mistress you are worried about?" said Tanya. "You have no shame!"

"No, no, it's nothing like that," said Link. "I don't know where you get your crazy ideas! I am planning to ask my girlfriend to marry me, and I need an engagement present. It is supposed to be a bracelet or a pendant."

"Was it the girlfriend you were here with last time or one of the many others?" said Tanya.

"Yes, the one last time. I mean, she is my only girlfriend. Anyway, do you remember her, what she looks like?" said Link.

"Yes, very striking, and with excellent taste in jewelry," said Tanya. "I think something in gold and sapphire would be perfect. The sapphire will complement her beautiful pale blue skin and the golden chain her lovely golden eyes. If you wanted to spend more, and for such a special gift you should, some diamonds would make it even prettier."

"That sounds fine if it's not too expensive," said Link.

"I am willing to give you a good price," said Tanya. "I hope your newest wife will become a good customer."

Link looked over some pieces she had on her Tab catalog, and they settled on one.

"Oh, can it be ready before this weekend?" said Link. "I hope to offer it to her when I visit."

"It will be ready in two days," said Tanya. "And I think she will love it. I pray for your sake that this next marriage will last, and you finally settle down. And I am hoping your beautiful future wife will make up for all the mistresses I am losing out supplying jewelry to."

"Thank you for your good wishes," said Link, eager to leave now. He left feeling good about the gift and thought Tila would like it.

Meanwhile, Princess Zelda was discussing Link's situation with her mother.

"If Link marries Tila, will that affect his assignment here, Mother?" said Princess Zelda.

"Well, shouldn't we ask him?" said Queen Zelda.

"I hope he can stay on as my knight, Mother," said Zelda. "We get along so well, and he is quite capable."

"As I said, we should ask him," said Queen Zelda.

"But where else would you assign him?" said Princess Zelda.

"He could be a liaison officer to the two Zora domains," said Queen Zelda. "That way, he would be closer to his family, to both his families. Wouldn't that be better for him? You have to be a little understanding of his situation, Zelda."

"I am hoping he will still like to be here with us," said Princess Zelda. "I know he likes it here."

"Yes, but will his wife Tila like it here?" said Queen Zelda. "Don't forget a group of Hyrule soldiers knocked her to the ground not too long ago, prompting her sister to double her guards. Do you think she will be happy living here? She is a Princess in her realm. I'm sure she would prefer to be there."

"I will offer her an extra apology, try to make amends," said Princess Zelda. "I don't want Link to leave."

"That's fine, do your best," said Queen Zelda. "But you have to be realistic, Zelda. What do you expect to happen when you travel? Tila would have to stay here all alone? Ask Aunt Mipha how that feels. And eventually, they are going to want to start a family. They won't want to raise their children here in the castle. Enjoy your time with Link while it lasts, but it is unrealistic to expect him to be your knight forever."

Princess Zelda paused.

"I suppose you're right, Mother," said Princess Zelda. "I wasn't looking at it from their point of view. But I will be sorry to see my appointed knight go."

Queen Zelda smiled at her daughter as she thought back to many years ago.

"As I was sorry once to see mine go, sweetheart," said Queen Zelda. "But life goes on."

The weekend couldn't come soon enough for young Link once he picked up his gift. Tila had Tabbed him that he was invited for the weekend, and he planned to travel directly there and then stop to see his family on the way back to Hyrule Castle.

Link took a ferry from Hyrule Castle to the Samasa Plain, then switched to a high-speed ferry to North Hyrule. He watched the coastline glide by, and then the boat turned west and slowed as it approached the North Hyrule pier. Link strained his neck, looking around, and then he saw her. Tila was there waiting for him. He waved, and she saw him and waved back. When the ferry docked, Link made his way to the pier with the other passengers, then rushed to Tila and into each other's arms.

"Welcome, sweetheart!" said Tila.

They embraced and kissed.

"You look fantastic as always," said Link.

"Are you hungry?" said Tila. "I was hoping we could have a picnic, just you and I. My sister said the flowers are quite beautiful just north of here, a little past Crimson Grove. I brought a picnic basket. It's just over here."

"That sounds great," said Link. "Let me carry the basket, and you lead the way."

Link picked up the basket, and Tila took his other hand and led the way past the domain to the forest area just north of there. It was a sunny day, with scattered clouds to the west and a mild breeze.

"These are beautiful flowers," said Link upon arriving at the grove. "I have never seen this kind before."

"I think they only grow here," said Tila. "And they only bloom for a short time. So, this is a lucky time to be here. I think the spot over by the waterfall is nice."

Tila led the way to a small area next to a waterfall and a small pool. Then Link put down the basket after Tila removed a blanket, and they sat down together.

"I packed some fresh Akkala Angler. I know you like it," said Tila. "It's just a bit spicy, like last time."

Link and Tila shared the fish.

"This is delicious," said Link closing his eyes as he took another bite. "And this is a beautiful location, sweetheart. It is perfect."

Tila looked at him and smiled.

They finished the fish, and then Link turned to look at her again. She looked back at him, and he couldn't imagine anyone more beautiful. She was perfect in every way. Her eyes were such pure gold that it made you want to keep staring into them. He couldn't look away, not that he wanted to. And then his mind wandered, imagining them finally making love and how erotic that would be. It would be pure ecstasy. He was so in love with her now, and he couldn't think straight.

"You know I can read feelings, sweetheart," laughed Tila as she looked back into his eyes.

Link blushed, then took out the gift from the jewelry store and took Tila by the hand.

"Tila, I am sure I won't do this right," said Link. "When I look in your eyes, I feel so in love with you, I can't think. But what I am going to say now comes from my heart. I love you. I want to be with you always. Princess Tila, will you marry me?"

He handed her the gift.

"Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes," said Tila as she threw her arms around him and hugged him. "Let me see your gift."

"It's not much," said Link. "I mean, I can't afford the kind of jewelry you wear."

Tila opened the package and put the pendant on.

"It's beautiful!" said Tila. "I love it! I will cherish this always, sweetheart. It means more to me than all the jewels in the world. Now we need to seal our engagement with a kiss."

Then Tila embraced him and then pulled him into the water with her. It was not what Link expected, but Tila explained.

"The first kiss after an engagement should be in the water, sweetheart," laughed Tila. "It's a Zora custom."

"Thanks for not warning me," laughed Link wiping the water from his face.