Summary: Tila visits Zora's Domain as young Link's fiancée. Queen Zelda discusses Link's assignment with Princess Zelda. Lapha reports to Dr. Purah on the results of her North Hyrule research. Tila and Link have lunch with Queen and Princess Zelda to discuss Link's future. Sopha has an unsettling conversation with someone surprisingly like her.

It was evening in North Hyrule, and Tila was pacing back and forth near where her sister Faray was sitting down.

"Why doesn't he answer?" said Tila after sending yet another message and calling Link with no response. "I hope nothing is wrong! He said earlier his family supported our marriage, but maybe something made them change their mind, and he doesn't have the heart to tell me. But how could they do that? I know he loves me, and I know I love him. How can they stand in the way of true love like that? It's just not right, Faray!"

"Ti, will you please calm down and stop worrying," said Faray. "You're hopping back and forth like a Hot-Footed Frog! Link is probably busy with his family and forgot his Tab. I'm sure everything is fine. Why would they suddenly change their mind?"

"I hope you're right," said Tila. "But I can't take this suspense any longer! I'm going to Tab Mila and find out what Link is doing. I have to know if anything is wrong."

"I wish you would!" said Faray. "You're driving me crazy with what I am sure is needless worrying."

Meanwhile, in Zora's Domain, young Link was swimming with Lapha and her friends at Ruto Lake after returning home earlier that day with the news Tila had accepted his marriage proposal. Mila was in her room working on her North Hyrule history book when her Tab alerted her to a new message.

Tila_NH:To:Mila_ZD::Hi Mi, do you know where Link is? He's not answering, and I'm worried.

Mila_ZD:To:Tila_NH::With Lapha and her friends at the lake. I bet he forgot his Tab. Shall I get him, sister?

Tila_NH:To Mila_ZD:: Oh, dear Mila, you just answered my question! I've been treading water, wondering if your family was on wave about Link and me. Hearing you call me sister is such a relief!

Mila_ZD:To:Tila_NH:: Relax and don't worry!! Everyone is happy for you both!

Tila_NH:To Mila_ZD:: Thank you, sister, you are the best! See you next weekend.

"See?" said Faray observing Tila's reaction. "Now can you relax and be yourself again? And let me relax too?"

"Yes," said Tila smiling. "I am so happy, Fa!"

Back in Zora's Domain, Mila smiled. It was unusual for Tila to be insecure about anything. She was usually very self-confident and certainly had every reason to be. She was the center of attention at almost any gathering, and she had been an excellent student.

But then, of course, there was Tila's sister, Sopha, to consider. In the past Tila had expressed concern that being Sopha's sister would make it difficult for Mila's family's to accept her. I mean, Sopha had tried to murder Mipha and Link, so it was a little unsettling to have her as a family member. The only resistance to Tila that Mila had sensed from her family came from Lapha and her Dad. Mila thought Lapha was overly protective, and maybe a little possessive, of a little brother she took care of who suddenly grew up too fast on her. Her Dad was just the cautious type, always looking for hidden danger. It was his survival instinct and generally served him well. But even he seemed to have finally relented. Anyway, it was getting late, and she needed to teach class tomorrow. She slid into the slumber pool in her room and closed her eyes.

Young Link had forgotten his Tab and had left it in his room when he went swimming with Lapha after dinner. He returned to his room to find a string of unanswered messages from Tila.

"Oh, no! She's going to be furious with me!" said Link to himself as he scrolled through the messages, each one sounding more concerned, verging on desperate at the end. He scrolled to the last one and answered it.

LinkJR_NH:To:Tila_NH::Sorry, sorry, sorry, sweetheart! I should have called you. Everything is fine here, and everyone is eager to welcome you. I love you. Call me if you're still awake. So sorry!

The next thing he knew, his Tab alerted him to an incoming call.

"I am so sorry, sweetheart," said Link, answering. "I forgot my Tab in my room when I went swimming with my sister. Are you okay?"

"I'm fine now, but I was nervous about your family's reaction to our engagement. When you didn't contact me or answer me, I started to worry something was wrong. I finally messaged Mila, and she said everyone is fine with it."

"Yes, everyone is very happy for us," said Link. "I'm so sorry you worried, and I should have called you right away. I just got so caught up with things here, and everyone was so positive and supportive about it that it never occurred to me you might be worried. But I admit it was thoughtless of me. Please forgive me."

"It's okay, sweetheart," said Tila. "I'm fine now. Are you in your room?"

"Yes, that's where I left my Tab," said Link.

"It's late, and I know you have to return to Hyrule Castle early tomorrow morning, so I'll say goodnight," said Tila. "I miss you, and I love you."

"I love you too," said Link. "I'm going to close my eyes and think of us being together. Except that will probably keep me too excited to fall asleep."

"You're so sweet," laughed Tila. "I'm going to do that too. Goodnight."

The next morning Link reported back to Hyrule Castle and asked to speak to Princess Zelda. When she received him, he told her that Tila had accepted his marriage proposal, and after congratulating him, Princess Zelda said she needed to discuss things with her mother and dismissed him for the morning. She found her mother in her room, reading some reports, while Astra was playing in her room next door.

"Good morning, Mother," said Princess Zelda. "Where's Father?"

"He's in a meeting with the finance minister," said Zelda. "Do you need to speak to him?"

"No, I just wondered," said Princess Zelda. "It's you I need to speak with. Link just told me that Tila accepted his marriage proposal, and they expect to marry within a month. But just because Link is marrying Tila doesn't mean he can't still serve as my guard, does it? His father was your appointed knight, even though he was seeing Aunt Mipha. What's the difference?"

"We already spoke about this, sweetheart," said Zelda. "If Link wishes to remain with you, he certainly can, and I understand your comfort with him since you two get along so well. But if not, we need to be fair to him and his wife. Things were different with his father and me. For one thing, his father wasn't married to Mipha yet, and I didn't even know about their feelings for each other. For another, his father and I had a bond to achieve victory. Times were dangerous back then, and we needed to work together. None of that is true in your case."

"Well, clearly times can still be dangerous, Mother, as we just found out in the Gerudo Desert," said Princess Zelda growing upset. "I feel much safer with Link. Doesn't how I feel about my safety matter? Since I was a child, you were always so worried that I wouldn't grow up quickly enough and complete my training in time to save our kingdom in your absence. I would think my safety would be a big concern to you, both as my mother and as the ruler of Hyrule, and that you would want the best security for me."

"I can keep you safe, Zel," said Astra, who had wandered into the room.

"Astra, will you go back to your room and stay out of this!" yelled Princess Zelda.

"There's no need to be so rude to your sister, Zelda," said Zelda. "You owe her an apology."

"I'm sorry, Astra," said Princess Zelda. "I'm just in a bad mood because I may lose cousin Link as my guard. Please forgive me?"

Astra pouted for a moment, then relented.

"Alright, Zel," said Astra as Princess Zelda reached down, they hugged each other, and Zelda kissed Astra on her forehead.

"But you owe me a bedtime story, okay?" said Astra.

"I'll gladly tell you a bedtime story, sweetheart," laughed Princess Zelda. "I never mind doing that anyway. And I'm sorry for yelling at you."

"Why don't you play in your room now, Astra, so Zelda and I can finish talking," said Queen Zelda.

Astra nodded and ran out of the room.

"Where were we?" said Zelda.

"My safety, Mother," said Princess Zelda.

"Oh, yes," said Zelda. "So, you think Link is the only one who can keep you safe?"

"He's the only one I like and am confident in," said Princess Zelda. "You should have seen how brave he was confronting that witch!"

"Have you asked him what he wants to do?" said Zelda.

"No, not yet," said Princess Zelda. "Knowing Link, he will probably defer to Tila anyway."

"Well, let's meet with both of them," said Zelda. "You should invite them to lunch or dinner with us here to congratulate them, and then we can discuss how they feel."

"Link said Tila is meeting with his family this coming weekend, so perhaps they could both come here the next day," said Princess Zelda. "I'll talk the situation over with Link. I hope I can eventually convince him to stay on with me whatever happens next weekend."

"And please just talk it over with him, don't make it sound like a royal command," said Zelda. "I know he defers to your authority, so don't take advantage of that and make things difficult for him."

"Yes, Mother," said Princess Zelda. "You would rather things were difficult for me, I guess."

"Zelda, you know very well that I don't want to make things difficult for you," said Zelda. "I love you very much, and I only want what's best for you. But why is Link the only one you are happy about being your guard?"

"Because Link understands me, Mother," said Zelda. "He and I can talk about what is on our minds, share how we feel. We know about things that most people don't and can discuss them. Besides being a good protector, Link is also a good listener."

"So was his father, almost to a fault," laughed Zelda. "But you know Link's wife will expect him to spend his free time with her, not you. Link is your guard, not your counselor."

"And I understand that," said Princess Zelda. "But while he is on duty, we can talk about things. It helps me, Mother, to discuss what's on my mind with someone my age and not one of my friends. I can trust Link to keep a secret."

"Fine, let's get together with Link and Tila next weekend and see what happens," said Zelda. "But don't get your hopes up."

"Thank you, Mother," said Zelda. "Now I'm going to apologize to Astra again. I shouldn't have raised my voice at her. And I think she does believe she can protect me."

The week seemed to pass quickly for young Link. As word of his engagement spread, he received congratulations from his Royal Guard colleagues, as well as a message from the sergeant of his former unit saying he was happy Link finally followed his advice and proposed to his lovely girlfriend.

The weekend plan was for Tila to meet him and his family at Zora's Domain, and then they would journey together to Hyrule Castle to meet with Princess Zelda and Queen Zelda the next day.

At the end of the week, Link obtained permission to leave early to arrive at Zora's Domain before Tila, and he was waiting for her on the lower level when Tila arrived. When she did, they rushed into each other's arms and kissed.

"It feels so good to hold you again," said Link. "I thought about you every night."

"I thought about you day and night," said Tila. "But I'm still a little nervous. Do I look okay?"

Tila was wearing the engagement pendant Link had bought her and her usual Princess tiara as well as wrist and ankle jewelry. Link thought it was funny for her to ask how she looked. She always looked stunning as far as he could tell.

"You look beautiful as always," said Link. "Don't be nervous. My family likes you. We are having a quick lunch at our house, then we can have the afternoon to ourselves, and we are having dinner with the whole family tonight, including my grandfather and uncle. Lapha isn't home. She had some important meeting with Dr. Purah at Hyrule Castle she couldn't miss, but we can see her tomorrow when we go there."

"Wonderful, sweetheart," said Tila. "I do hope your family approves of me."

"They do, and they know I love you. Let me Tab my parents to let them know you're here," said Link sending a message.

They made their way to Link's house on Mikau Lake, and when they arrived, everyone greeted them.

"Tila, welcome, it's good to see you, and congratulations to both of you," said Mipha as she reached out and hugged Tila.

"Mistress Mipha, Prince Link and family," said Tila. "I am honored to be here under these circumstances and very thrilled and happy. Thank you!"

"We are happy to have you here, and I think we can drop all the titles now," said Mipha. "Though I don't think my husband has quite gotten used to having a title yet, so he may like you to continue."

"Very funny," said Link. "Mipha is joking, Tila. You don't need to use my title. And let me repeat Mipha's welcome."

He and Tila hugged each other.

"Thank you so much," said Tila.

"Ti, it's great to see you again," said Mila as she hugged Tila. "You look fantastic, and I'm thrilled we will be sisters. Sometimes wishes do come true, don't they?"

"Yes, sometimes they do," said Tila smiling at Mila. They both remembered how smitten Tila was with young Link from early on.

"And welcome from me too," said Midon as he hugged Tila. "I'm happy for you and my brother."

"Thank you, Midon," said Tila.

"Now, shall we have lunch? I, for one, am starved," said Link.

They all sat down together, and after some small talk, the subject of the wedding came up.

"Tila, is it acceptable to you to have the wedding here?" said Mipha. "It would work out better for Link's grandfather. But it is your and Link's decision in the end."

"I already thought about that, and I am fine with having it here," said Tila. "Link agrees, of course. Your domain is magnificent, and it would be more convenient for most of the guests. But can both of my sisters attend? It would mean a lot to me."

Mipha and Link exchanged a glance.

"I know this must be difficult, and I can't imagine how you must feel about seeing Sopha here," said Tila seeing their reaction. "I don't expect you ever to forgive her. But she is my sister, and this is a special day for me."

"Yes, of course, we understand," said Mipha. "Both of your sisters and whoever else you wish to invite are very welcome to attend, and I hope your sisters are both well."

"Yes, thank you," said Tila. "Faray is fine, usually pretty busy, and Sopha is, well, still getting over things a bit. But I'm sure she will be fine visiting here, and there shouldn't be any problems."

"Then that's settled," said Mipha. "Let us know if you have any special arrangements you would like and how many people from your land are attending. Otherwise, we know what to do for a wedding."

"Yes, thank you," said Tila. "Oh, by the way, you haven't seen the beautiful pendant Link gave me for our engagement," said Tila fingering the pendant. "I love it."

"It looks very nice on you, Ti," said Mila. "I never knew my brother had such excellent taste in jewelry."

"The Gerudo salesperson, Tanya, helped me," laughed Link, turning red. "Thanks to Dad, she thinks I am a good customer."

After lunch, Tila and Link said they would spend the afternoon sightseeing and meet back for dinner.

"Now, I want you to take me to all the romantic spots here," said Tila as they walked down the path from Link's house. "I usually came here in the evening for a party or a concert and haven't toured the area since that month I spent here after I just met Mila. That was around ten years ago now."

"Anywhere feels romantic when I'm with you," said Link.

"So sweet," said Tila as she leaned over and they kissed.

"But there are some scenic locations with beautiful waterfalls or views. I think you would like them," said Link.

"Let's go then," said Tila taking his hand.

Link led the way toward Veiled Falls, planning to go from there to Ralis Pond.

"By the way, should we discuss where we are going on our honeymoon?" said Link.

"I have a beautiful place in mind," said Tila. "You haven't been there. It is north of my domain along the seacoast, a tiny village near Coral Cove. It's known for its beautiful coral reefs and is a favorite honeymoon location for people in our land. How does that sound to you?"

"Fine, of course," said Link. "People here tend to go to Lurelin Village, but it would be fun to see someplace new."

"The coral is beautiful there, sweetheart, all different colors," said Tila. "And the fish are colorful too. You can use an underwater breathing apparatus, and I promise you the views are, how do you Hylians say it, breathtaking. No pun intended."

"You know I understand Zora expressions, don't you?" laughed Link. "You don't have to use Hylian ones."

"I know that," said Tila. "It's another reason you're so cute. A handsome and brave, and kind Hylian who grew up with and loves Zoras. Do you see why I couldn't help falling in love with you?"

"I still can hardly believe you did," said Link. "I mean you're fun to be with, and you know how gorgeous you are, Tila. You were a brilliant student, and you're a Princess as well. I'm the one who feels lucky every time I think of it."

"Well, that's a good start to our life together, isn't it?" laughed Tila. "We both feel lucky to have each other."

Meanwhile, in Hyrule Castle, Lapha was meeting with Dr. Purah to discuss the Shrine of Transformation after her trip to North Hyrule with Mila.

"How did your research go?" asked Purah.

"Very well," said Lapha. "But there is a lot to learn before I can determine how the process might be adapted to cure illnesses, eliminate harmful cells, and replace them with healthy ones. It will take time."

"That's understandable," said Purah. "Can you review for me how the transformation process works?"

"It's a fascinating process," said Lapha. "The body transformation part of the process is pretty straightforward in a sense. The system has the underlying structure of all the races stored and then has to take into consideration all the specific characteristics of the subject, such as if they are male or female, young or old, and so on. It builds a model in memory of what the person would be and, when ready, creates the tissue using Ancient Energy like the travel gates we know about. Of course, it has already mapped and stored a complete model of the subject's existing structure in the meantime."

"I can understand that," said Purah. "But what about the mind?"

"Yes, I was getting to that," said Lapha. "The mind is complex because the process preserves memories across races, and the memory location in the brain differs from race to race. So, this part of the process takes the longest time and is the most meticulous. There is a good deal of redundancy checking going on in this phase. And before the process is finalized, there is a complete verification of the consistency of memories between the subject's model and the new host. If anything is off, the process is re-done."

"I see," said Purah. "And as far as you can tell, that cannot be overridden?"