Summary: Young Link returns home from North Hyrule after Tila accepts his marriage proposal.

"Welcome home, sweetheart!" said Mipha as she gave her son Link a hug and kiss.

"Yes, and congratulations," said Link. "Mom and I are both happy for you."

It was late morning in Zora's Domain, and young Link had just arrived from North Hyrule on the last day of the weekend. Tila had accepted his marriage proposal the day before, and Link planned to report back to Hyrule Castle tomorrow.

"Hi Mom & Dad, and thank you!" said young Link giving them each a hug. "I'm thrilled, but especially so knowing you both support me. Are the others out?"

"Yes, but they'll be home for dinner. Lapha is with her friends at Ruto Lake, and the other two are probably with Kendal and Larena. But they are all happy for you if just a little shocked at the suddenness. And you shouldn't be surprised if you get a little teasing, especially from your brother. You know how he is," said Mipha.

"Yes, I do," laughed young Link. "Midon likes to play the clown sometimes. But he has a serious side, and I had a much-needed talk with him during the summer we were together at Hyrule Castle. He helped me swim back to the current on how I fit in here."

"What do you mean 'fit in here'?" said Link. "You mean 'fit in with our family'?"

"Yes, I was going through a period when I felt a bit depressed," said Link. "It was around the time you were a Zora, Dad, and I thought maybe everyone in the family, especially Mom, would have been happier if I was a Zora too. But Midon explained how untrue all that was. I shouldn't have even mentioned it now. I only meant it as an example of how considerate a big brother Midon has been to me ever since I was a kid in school being picked on by a bully. So, I can take his teasing. I know we love each other."

"Come here, sweetheart," said Mipha to young Link.

Mipha reached out and held him in her arms.

"My little boy, my darling little boy, it saddens me to hear you say that. I hope you know how untrue that feeling you had was, that I ever wished you were anything but what you are," said Mipha as she held him close. "I view each of my children as a blessing, and I love you just as much as I do your brother and sisters. If anything, I spent more time with you as a baby. You were so cute and cuddly and needed more care and attention than them. I rocked you in my arms at the same age that the others were swimming on their own. I gave you so much attention that I sometimes wondered if the others thought I wished they were Hylians! But you are all my beautiful children, and I love all of you from the bottom of my heart. That will never change, and I hope you never forget it."

"I know that now, Mom, and I won't forget," said Link kissing her. "Midon reminded me how much affection you gave me. I'm sorry I even mentioned it."

Mipha released him from her hug.

"And remember that when you and Tila have children," said Link. "You will find you love your children no matter what race they turn out."

"Children," said young Link. "That seems so unreal to me now. But I guess you're right. Anyway, it feels good to be home after all the traveling."

"Now come, sit with me, and tell me everything that happened this past week, including how things went with Tila in North Hyrule," said Mipha.

Young Link blushed.

"You can leave some parts out, sweetheart," laughed Mipha. "Believe it or not, your father and I were your age once too."

"Okay, Mom," laughed Link.

Young Link described his trip to the jewelry store, his proposal to Tila, and his welcome by Faray and later Sopha at dinner.

"What is the story with the salesperson, Tanya?" said Mipha at the end.

"You remember, Mipha, when you were a Hylian in Goron City?" said Link. "She likes to look for scandal everywhere. And after my age-reducing rune episode, she doesn't trust her own eyes that our son isn't me. But you know, she is fun if you don't let her upset you. You never know what will come out of her mouth when you walk into her shop."

"You must invite Tila here so we can welcome her to our family," said Mipha to young Link.

"I'll check with her, Mom," said Link. "Maybe next weekend?"

"That would be fine," said Mipha. "Just let us know."

"Oh, Dad, there was something else I wanted to ask you about," said Link. "Princess Zelda and I took Astra on a picnic, and Astra showed me her secret that she shared with you. I was stunned to learn that Astra can perform a flurry rush, and it looks at least as fast as mine. She said you wanted her to keep it a secret, and I didn't understand why."

Link and Mipha glanced at each other.

"Well," said Link. "I guess she doesn't need to keep it a secret anymore. I was concerned about something at the time, but her ability will come out eventually."

"But, it's amazing she inherited that skill at all, isn't it?" said young Link. "Her sister doesn't have it nor her father either. It must have come from her great-grandfather or something."

Link didn't say anything, and young Link looked back and forth at his mother and father.

"Is there something wrong?" said young Link. "You're both so quiet."

"No, no, there is nothing wrong and nothing else to say," said Link. "It is certainly quite interesting that she inherited that skill. I wonder what she will do with that gift later in life?"

"Her sister says she wants to grow up to be the hero of Hyrule," said young Link. "She is an amazing little girl. And smart, too. She once told me the names of all the flowers and plants we saw in the park."

"She gets that from her mother, no doubt. But yes, she is adorable," said Link. "She has a love of water too and has so much fun when I take her sailing. But we must all be hungry by now. I know I am! How about lunch? I'll cook some Hearty Bass we caught this morning."

Link cooked for his son and himself, and they sat down to lunch together. Afterward, young Link went off to find Lapha at Ruto Lake. After he left, Mipha turned to Link.

"It might have been better if you hadn't asked Astra to keep her skill a secret," said Mipha. "How do you explain doing that?"

"Astra took me by surprise, and I wasn't thinking," said Link. "I'll just say that I wanted her to surprise people at the right time or something like that."

"Anyway, we have to start thinking about Link's wedding now," said Mipha.

"Like what?" said Link.

"Like what? Like where we will hold the wedding, for example," said Mipha. "I would like it held here so Father can attend. I know Father won't travel to North Hyrule. And our son has a bigger family than Tila, so it makes sense to have it here."

"Ours is bigger if you don't count cousins. Otherwise, hers is," said Link. "But speaking of that, does our son become a subject of their kingdom now? Or does Tila become a subject of ours?"

"Why? Are we going to war?" said Mipha. "It doesn't matter. We are all part of Hyrule now."

"I guess not. And you seem very tolerant about all this," said Link. "Sopha was an evil person, Mipha, and I will never trust her again. And the idea our son will be her brother-in-law gives me the creeps. How do we know Tila isn't secretly plotting to help Sopha? Tila and Sopha are quite close, and they traveled here together once."

"Oh, for the love of Nayru!" said Mipha. "Will you stop all the Sopha conspiracy theories? They are sisters, so of course, they're close. But Sopha has no power anymore. I know your survival instincts are to be wary and look out for danger everywhere. But do you think Tila is marrying our son as part of some evil plot? To what end? I come back to Mila and her opinion of Tila. You know how well Mila can read people. She could see through you since she was a small child. If Tila was at all deceitful, I think Mila would have picked up on it. No, I believe they are simply two young people genuinely in love with each other."

"I think Mila may have met her match in Tila. She may not be able to read Tila so easily. Mila couldn't read Sopha, for example. But fine, I won't say another word," sighed Link. "And you're right. I do often look for trouble when it turns out there isn't any."

"And I'm sure that is the case here," said Mipha.

Young Link found Lapha with some friends at Ruto Lake. He removed his outer clothes, dove into the Lake, and swam over to her.

"Link! You're home!" shouted Lapha when she saw him.

She swam over to him, and they hugged.

"It's good to see you, Laff," said Link. "What are you guys playing? Can I join in?"

"Sure," said Lapha. "We're racing through the underwater rings my friend set up. We can give you a handicap since you're a Hylian and have to breathe. Let us know when you're ready. It's nice to play with you again! I heard about Tila, by the way. Congratulations!"

"Thanks, Laff. You know I'm never too old to have some fun," said Link. "Who's winning so far?"

"Todon has the best time so far," said Lapha. "We'll take a minute off your time since you're a Hylian. Go for it!"

"I think I need more than a minute to have a chance, but I'll do my best," laughed Link.

Link took a deep breath and was off. He didn't expect to win, but he wanted to spend some playtime with Lapha. Lapha was a grown-up when it came to science and technology but still very much a kid when it came to fun and games. He wanted to enjoy this time with her while it lasted. They had played together many, many times growing up over the years, and he had always had fun with her.

Meanwhile, at Ralis Pond, Midon was spending time with Larena.

"Your little brother is getting married! But he's so young!" said Larena.

"Yeah, that was my first reaction, and that of my siblings, especially Lapha," said Midon. "But we all keep forgetting he's a Hylian. He's about the same age as my Dad when he married my Mom."

"And he's marrying a Zora, Princess Tila from North Hyrule?" said Larena. "Wow! That's a surprise to me."

"Well, in a way, I'm not surprised he's marrying a Zora," said Midon. "He's spent his whole life among us. And Tila is quite a catch, no offense, sweetheart. My friends used to line up to have a chance at a single dance with her, and they all begged me to introduce them. Mila says Tila is a fine person and thinks highly of her. So, anyway, there it is. That's the big family news."

"Well, enough about your family and your brother," said Larena embracing him. "I came here to spend time with you. Or are you curling your fins over Tila too?"

"I'm only thinking about you, sweetheart," said Midon as he reached for her, and they kissed.

Meanwhile, Mila was swimming with Kendal at East Reservoir Lake.

"Wow!" said Kendal. "That seems sudden, but I understand what you're saying."

"Yeah, we're all a little shocked, but our parents reminded us of the time difference," said Mila. "And I know a lot of people think of Tila as flashy and a pretty party girl, but she is much more than that. She is smart and a kind and caring person. I think she will make my brother happy."

"Well, Tila was certainly someone everyone here wouldn't mind getting to know better," said Kendal. "I mean, people who aren't already in a relationship like me."

"You're finished with evening guard duty, right?" said Mila.

"Yes, last night was the last one," said Kendal. "I have today off, and then tomorrow I start guarding the west entrance during the day. Can I see you after dinner tonight?"

"We'll see," said Mila. "My little brother is coming home today, so our dinner may go late, and we may all want to talk to him. If not, tomorrow night should be good."

"Did I tell you I love you lately?" said Kendal.

"Obviously not if you can't remember doing it," laughed Mila. "But a kiss will do for a start."

They embraced and kissed.

Meanwhile, back in North Hyrule, Sopha had asked to see Tila.

"Hi, Soph, you wanted to see me?" said Tila as she visited her oldest sister. They hugged each other in greeting.

"Yes, Ti," said Sopha. "I haven't had a chance to speak privately with you. I wanted to congratulate you again. You look so bubbly, Ti! You must be thrilled!"

"I'm ecstatic!" said Tila. "I love him so much, Soph! He's cute and shy but strong and athletic. And he's a kind and caring person too. I know he loves me, and I know we can be happy together."

"I'm very happy for you," said Sopha. "He is charming, isn't he? I like that smile of his, and he reminds me of his father. And that is a lovely pendant he gave you. You know, Ti, I wish I had spent more time with you when you were growing up. The time has gone by so quickly, and now here you are, all grown and getting married. I feel bad about it."

"It's alright, I understand," said Tila. "I know it was hard on you having to take over as ruler when Father died so unexpectedly and so young. And I believe the things you did weren't entirely your fault. You were sick, under the influence of those evil gems for a time, and I think it affected your mind. I am going to push for you to attend my wedding even if it's in Link's domain."

"Thank you, I would like that," said Sopha. "I have always had an interest in Hyrule, a love of Hyrule in a sense, and it's a shame I can't travel there now. Maybe once you and Link are married, you could work on seeing if I could be allowed to visit their domain from time to time. But I am not keeping my hopes up. I am sure Mipha and Link can never forgive me for what I did."

Sopha paused for a moment.

"Does Link understand his situation, though, that he needs to support you, even obey you?" said Sopha. "I mean, you have an important position as next in line to the throne and Fa's second in command. And have you told him about the runes you and Fa have? I hate to see you start your marriage off with secrets."

"Wow, Sis, you dive right to the depth, don't you?" said Tila." I thought you wanted to wish me well, but now we're discussing command runes? As you well know, the runes Fa and I have are linked to our identities and are used for tracking and commanding our guards, accessing our two Divine Beasts, and holding encrypted communication with the Sheikah here. There's nothing sinister about them if appropriately used. And there is plenty of time to tell Link about things like that. I am not going to command my husband, and all those things are not important to our love for each other or our marriage, Sopha."

"You're riding the wrong wave, Ti. I only meant that if Link knew about those runes, he would appreciate the power you hold in your fins and respect how important a person you are. And that would make him realize he needs to be supportive of you in your position here," said Sopha.

"Link will support me out of his love for me, not because I overawe him with power. You still don't get it, do you, Soph? Are you still suffering from the effects of those gems? I wish to Nayru you had never found them! Everything isn't about power. And none of this matters as long as our sister is in charge, which I hope is for a long, long time. I don't want to be Queen. I want to live a happy life with Link and raise a family," said Tila.

"Yes, you're right, of course," said Sopha. "I'm sorry, Tila. I'll see you at dinner later."

"Yes, thank you," said Tila. "By the way, Link invited me to visit him and his family next weekend, and I'll discuss your attendance at the wedding with them then. I will tell them I would like to have you there, but if they object, I will not fight with them over it. I want to get along with Link's family, and as much as I believe you may not be fully responsible for all your actions, you have to admit you are not completely innocent either. If you had your way, Link would be an orphan, and I would never have had a chance to be with him. Now I should be going."

Tila made her way back to the plaza. Sopha worried her. She wanted to believe her sister was getting better, but she was still too obsessed with power and control. Such a shame! She hadn't always been that way, not when Tila was small, and their father was alive. Oh, well.

She better Tab Link and see how he was. She missed him so much!

Tila_NH:To:LinkJr_ZD::I miss you, sweetheart! Is all well?

LinkJr_ZD:To:Tila_NH::I miss you and love you! Just getting ready for dinner with the family. They are all very supportive. Looking forward to having you here next weekend.

Tila_NH:To:LinkJr_ZD::Looking forward to seeing everyone. You have a lovely family. I am happy to be part of it soon. Sweet dreams!

It was dinner time in Zora's Domain, and the family was all gathered in the dining room.

"I propose a toast to our little brother," said Midon. "To another Hylian who managed to capture a beautiful Zora princess. It seems to run in the family. May you be happy together but never forget we are all here for you if you need us."

"Thanks, Midon," said young Link. "I am delighted, and Tila has been wonderful to me. I think she will fit in well with our family. She agreed to visit next weekend, so I hope all of you will be available."

"Of course we will," said Mila. "We all know how important this is, and Midon just said we are here for you. We want to make Tila feel welcome here. Do you know where you will live yet?"

"No, I need to discuss with Tila and also Princess Zelda about my assignment," said Link.

"Did you discuss with Tila where the wedding will be held?" said Mipha. "I am hoping it will be here so your grandfather can attend."

"We haven't talked about it, but I will let her know we would prefer to have it here," said Link. "Given her close family is only her two sisters, I don't think she would object to having it here."

Link looked at Mipha, but she ignored him. He was not thrilled about having Sopha here but knew how Mipha felt and didn't want to embarrass Link over it.

"Great! Another big Domain party!" said Midon. "When is the wedding date?"

"Another good question," said young Link. "I am guessing a month or less, depending on what needs to happen. I'm sorry. She just accepted my proposal yesterday. We haven't had time to work all these things out."

"It's okay," said Link. "Everyone is just excited for you. Take your time and work things out with Tila."

After dinner, young Link went off with Midon, Mila and Lapha to talk.

Link and Mipha went for a walk.

"It's still a bit unreal to me," said Link.

"To you? It's even more so to me," said Mipha. "But you know that's part of life. Children grow up, fall in love, get married, and have a family, just like we did. And we get to enjoy seeing it, just as Father did with us. Come on. I need a swim."

"You know, so do I," laughed Link. "I'm not wearing your armor, though."

"For what I have in mind, you wouldn't be wearing it anyway, sweetheart," said Mipha smiling and taking him by the hand.

And seeing her smile and feeling her touch sent a thrill through him. He was still madly in love with her. No matter what happened, he didn't think that would ever change. No, he knew that would never change.

Meanwhile, back in Hyrule Castle, Queen Zelda and Rudin were both running late in a meeting and asked their daughter Zelda to put Astra to bed for them.

"Come on, Princess," said Princess Zelda taking Astra's hand after seeing the Tab message from their mother. "Mother asked me to put you to bed tonight."