Summary: Dr. Purah and Lapha finish their review of activity at the Shrine of Transformation and rule out any suspicion of Tila, but their findings are otherwise inconclusive. Astra celebrates her fifth birthday. One week later, Tila and Link marry at Zora's Domain, then travel to North Hyrule to begin their honeymoon at Coral Cove. Sopha's clone is part of the wedding party, allowing Sopha to reach Hyrule undetected, her plans unknown.

It was about a week before Link's and Tila's wedding, and Dr. Purah and Lapha were at the Royal Ancient Lab discussing the results of their review of the log files from the North Hyrule Shrine of Transformation.

"So, we've accounted for every transformation event in recent history but one," said Dr. Purah.

"Yes, and the one unaccounted event occurs when we know Tila was not present in North Hyrule. It happened during the month Tila was staying in Zora's Domain with my sister Mila. So, we can rule her out, as I expected. I'll let my brother know."

"Yes, I admit you were right," said Purah. "So, Princess Tila is in the clear. But what can you make of the one unaccounted event? You are closer to the information than me."

"The problem is someone was incredibly clever about it and managed to corrupt the log file for that event," said Lapha. "And before you ask, they could not change the date of the log entry. That procedure is at a very deep level of system code and tamper-proof. So, we can determine when the event happened, but not much about what happened."

"That's just wonderful!" said Purah sarcastically. "So, while Tila is in the clear, that leaves almost everyone else in North Hyrule suspect. But to do something like this, they must have had access to a person of considerable technical knowledge. So, it would be either a top Sheikah scientist or a high-ranking Zora official who had enough influence with a Sheikah scientist to do this. The most logical suspects are Sopha and Faray."

"Well, if character counts for anything, I would bet overwhelmingly on Sopha," said Lapha. "She was Queen when the event occurred, and you know her history."

"But, even assuming it was her, you cannot tell what was done?" said Dr. Purah.

"No, unfortunately," said Lapha. "There is no indication of who transformed or what they transformed into. We have no real evidence to confront anyone, just suspicion. So, there is not much we can do."

"Well, I assume both Faray and Sopha will be under guard while they are here for your brother's wedding next week," said Purah. "So, that's the best we can do, I guess. Good work, by the way. You remind me of me at your age."

"Thanks. And I assume you meant that as a compliment, Dr. Purah?" said Lapha.

"Well, I did," laughed Purah. "I hope you didn't take it as an insult!"

"Not at all, Dr. Purah," said Lapha. "I take it as a compliment as well."

It was the next morning at Hyrule Castle, and Astra was just waking up when her parents in the room next door heard her and walked in.

"Happy birthday, sweetheart!" said Queen Zelda and Prince Rudin as they each hugged and kissed Astra. She turned five today.

Astra beamed with pleasure as she hugged each of them back. Five years old was a big deal!

"Thank you, Mommy and Daddy!" said Astra. "I guess I'm a big girl today!"

"You are a big girl, sweetheart," said Rudin. "But not so big, you're not still our precious little girl."

Then Princess Zelda walked into Astra's room.

"I thought I heard you talking. Happy birthday, Astra," said Princess Zelda as she went to her, and they hugged and kissed as well.

"Thank you, Zel," said Astra. "That was a good story you told me last night. I even dreamt about it!"

"I hope your dream was a happy one, sweetheart," laughed Princess Zelda. "And since it's your birthday, I can tell you a long story tonight if you like."

"Oh, yes!" shouted Astra as she wrapped her arms around her sister's neck.

"She loves your stories, doesn't she?" said Queen Zelda.

"Yes, and I love telling them to her," said Zelda as she held Astra and kissed her on the cheek. "It's a chance for us to be close. And I want to stay close, Astra. I love you very much."

"I love you too, Zel," said Astra. "And I really can protect you. You'll see."

"Whatever," laughed Zelda. "I still have Link, at least for now. And if the worst should happen, I have my power."

"Now, you should get up and get dressed, sweetheart," said Queen Zelda to Astra. "You have a birthday party this afternoon, and you should wear something nice."

"I'll help you pick an outfit," said Princess Zelda. "You are the prettiest five-year-old I've ever seen! And the smartest too!"

"Thank you, Sis," said Astra. "You always look so nice and know what to wear."

"Daddy and I will go now and let you get dressed," said Queen Zelda. "But we want this to be a happy day for you. Your friends are coming to your party and Uncle Link is traveling here too. Aunt Mipha needs to stay home because Cousin Link's wedding is next week, and she is busy with it."

"Uncle Link asked what I wanted for my birthday last time he was here," said Astra. "I hope he remembered."

"I guarantee your Uncle Link remembered what you asked for, sweetheart," said Queen Zelda. "You know how much he loves you, Astra. We all do. Now Daddy and I must go."

They each kissed Astra and left her with Princess Zelda to get dressed.

"I'll help fix your hair, too," said Princess Zelda as she ran her hand through Astra's hair, then picked up a brush. "You have such lovely hair, Astra. You're even blonder than me."

Princess Zelda helped fix Astra's hair, then picked out a blue dress for her.

"I think you look beautiful in this," said Princess Zelda. "It matches your eye color. Do you like it?"

"I do like it," said Astra. "But you know better about these things."

"Then trust me, sweetheart," said Princess Zelda. "It will look perfect on you."

Meanwhile, in Zora's Domain, Link was getting ready to leave for Hyrule Castle.

"You'll return tonight?" said Mipha. "Or are you and Her Majesty going to hang out together, and you'll return tomorrow?"

"I'll be back tonight, sweetheart," said Link. "I know you have your fins full helping with the wedding plans, and I want to help too."

"Wish Astra a happy birthday for me," said Mipha. "You have her toy?"

"Yes, I packed it," said Link. "A remote-control toy boat. She especially asked for it, and she loves playing in the water."

"I can relate to that," said Mipha as they kissed goodbye. "Have a good time then. Lapha is still working with Purah at the castle, but Link is in North Hyrule this weekend."

With that, Link was on his way. Now back to work, thought Mipha.

Mipha had been working with the Royal Secretary to make sure everything for the wedding would be ready. Faray had taken care of the musicians. Food and drink had been arranged for, and temporary accommodations for non-Zora guests were set up. Tila indicated she was inviting seven guests, her two sisters, and five cousins, including Ambassador Laray. Queen Zelda, Rudin, Princess Zelda, and Astra were all attending. Princess Zelda had invited a friend as a date, a Lieutenant Randall. And Queen Zelda had agreed Astra could stay behind for a week with Mipha and Link so they could show her the Domain.

Link arrived at Hyrule Castle around lunchtime and made his way to the dining room, the guards all knew him on sight. Astra was already there with some friends and her family. When Astra saw Link, she ran over to him, and Link picked her up in his arms.

"Happy birthday, Astra," said Link. "You look adorable. And before you ask me, I remembered your present."

Link put her down, reached into his pack, and removed the remote-controlled toy boat.

"It's the one I wanted!" said Astra. "Thank you so much! Maybe later we can play with it together."

"Yes, if there's time," said Link. "Now you should go back to your party."

Astra ran back, and Link walked over to say hello to the family.

"Help yourself to the food," said Queen Zelda. "It's a buffet-style lunch."

"Thanks, I will," said Link. "Astra is getting so big, isn't she? She is the sweetest child, though. She makes you feel good and shows that she enjoys your company."

"Yes, she is very good-natured and forgiving," said Queen Zelda.

By the time the party ended it was as Link feared, too late to take Astra boating.

"We can do it next time, Astra," said Link as he prepared to say goodbye. "Or, even better, you are coming to the wedding next week and staying with us, so bring your boat with you. Your mother or father or sister can also show you how to play with it in the meantime. Okay, sweetheart?"

Astra agreed, Link said goodbye to everyone, and then left to return to the Domain before nightfall.

Meanwhile, in North Hyrule, Tila and Link were holding hands and finishing their walk through the forest area just north of Tila's Domain. It was a warm afternoon, with only a gentle breeze to keep things from feeling too warm.

"One more week," said Link. "If there was ever a time I wanted the days to pass quickly, it's now."

"You?" laughed Tila. "Sweetheart, I feel like I've been waiting forever for this day!"

"By the way, Lapha Tabbed me that their suspicions about you proved unfounded as I knew they would. Again, I apologize," said Link.

"That's fine, but it didn't bother me very much because I knew I was innocent of whatever it is they were worried about," said Tila. "Just forget it and put it behind us."

They walked a bit further and then Link spoke up.

"Will our marriage change things much for me here?" said Link. "I mean, we never talked about what it means for me in terms of your kingdom, any responsibility I will have. I want to do my part, what's expected of me."

"For one, I expect you to stay madly in love with me," laughed Tila.

"That's easy, sweetheart," laughed Link who leaned over and kissed her. "I am so madly in love with you, and I'll formally take an oath to stay that way next week."

"I think the only other changes are for the better, and I hope you agree," said Tila. "Since our people have never had a marriage outside our race, our laws are silent about race. So, you will receive the title of Prince of the Zora upon marrying me. It would be expected that you would be loyal to our ruler, but since we are part of Hyrule now, your loyalty to the Hyrule Royal Family would come first. Oh, and you will get a new Tab with a new address, Link_NH. It will contain all your current runes, of course, the encrypted Royal Guard one as well as some new ones including an enhanced version of the one they pushed out to Hyrule proper a few weeks ago. But some of the new runes can only be used here in North Hyrule. I can show you after we're married. That's all that occurs to me at the moment. Any problem with any of that, sweetheart?"

"No, not at all," said Link. "Everything sounds fine. I want to do what is expected of me here to the extent I can."

"And I didn't bring it up with Princess and Queen Zelda in our meeting with them, but I made arrangements with Faray to participate by Tab in the meetings she wants me to attend so I can stay with you at Hyrule Castle," said Tila. "You do remember I am next in line for the throne here, so I have a responsibility to support my sister, and stay prepared should anything happen to her."

"Yes, I realize that," said Link as they walked along the path leading back to the pier. "I don't think of it often enough because you've always been so generous of your time with me, and I see your romantic side more than your royal duty side. But of course, I respect that you have a significant position, and you need to do whatever is necessary."

"I think that's it," said Tila. "I know married life will be different than dating, but that's part of committing to each other. I will do everything I can for you, Link. I hope you know that. You mean the world to me, and I want you to be happy, I want both of us to be happy."

"And you mean the world to me, Tila, and I will do the same for you," said Link as he put his arm around her. "You come first in my life now. I love you very much! And if you are at all unhappy at Hyrule Castle, please let me know. I will speak to Queen Zelda about it even if it is less than the six month trial period. Promise me you'll do that?"

"I promise," laughed Tila. "But I'm rather looking forward to some nice times with you there, including evenings that don't end with us sleeping apart. We can also travel back here sometimes, and visit your Domain. But the point is we will be together, and we will face life together, supporting each other with our love."

Then they embraced and kissed. They had reached the pier where the ferry docked.

"I need to get back now," said Link. "The next time we see each other, it will be our wedding day. Be well, sweetheart. I am counting the days and hours."

"Then try not to lose count," laughed Tila. "But yes, when we next see each other, it will be standing before a Zora priest and reciting the oath that will unite us for life. And I promise you, promise you with all my heart, Link, that it will be the start of a wonderful life for us together. I love you, dearest."

"And I love you," said Link. "I can't wait for that life to begin, and I promise you I will do my best to make you happy. Goodnight, my love."

They waved to each other as the ferry pulled away, then Tila made her way back home. Link sat back on the seat. The boat would take him back to Zora's Domain, arriving by dinner time. He would spend the night at the Domain and then return to Hyrule Castle tomorrow morning.

Contrary to young Link's hopes, the week seemed to drag on. Princess Zelda had nothing of significance planned, so his time was relatively free and thus passed slowly.

But eventually it was the day before his wedding, and he headed back home to be ready. He arrived in time for dinner and spent time afterward, chatting with his three siblings. Everyone was home, and the unspoken topic was that this was a significant change for the family and their little brother's last day as part of it in the way he had been. They reminisced about many childhood events and shared some laughs.

Then Mipha and Link left so the children could have some time to themselves and strolled quietly to Veiled Falls.

"You alright?" said Link.

"Yes," said Mipha. "I've known about and planned for this day, but now that it's here, well, you know."

"Yes, I know," said Link as he put his arm around her. "I feel the same. I'm sure every parent does."

"But this is a happy occasion for our son," said Mipha. "We need to remember that. And you and I both know what it's like to be so much in love."

"Yes, we do," said Link. "We still do."

Then they kissed and held each other as they watched the moonlight reflect off the waterfall. After a while, they heard a noise and turned around. It was young Link.

"Hi, Mom and Dad," said Link. "I hope I'm not disturbing you."

"Not at all," said Mipha. "We've been thinking about you."

"I thought you might be," said young Link. "I know it's my last night living here in a sense. I just wanted to say how grateful I am for all you've done for me and for being the wonderful parents you are. I love you both so much and, well, I wanted you to know that. Though I hope you already do."

Mipha reached out, kissed him on the forehead, and then held him in her arms.

"Of course we do, sweetheart," said Mipha as they hugged. "As we hope you know how much we love you. You will always be my little boy, our son, no matter how old you are or what you do. Your father and I are so very proud of the fine young man you've grown to be. And now you need to be a good husband to your lovely wife. She has to come first in your life. But we are here for you whenever you need us, and this is always your home."

"And that goes for me as well," said Link.

Young Link kissed his mother, then hugged his father. Then the three of them stood together, watching the falls for a moment.

"Should we go home now?" said young Link. "We have a busy day tomorrow."

The three of them walked back home together, kissed goodnight, and went to their rooms. Everyone else was already asleep. Young Link looked around at his room one last time, then closed his eyes and thought about Tila.

The wedding ceremony would be in the early afternoon, and the bride and distinguished guests arrived in the morning. A temporary tent structure had been set up for Tila to get ready, and she and her two sisters were there now.

"Tila, you look stunning," said Faray as she helped Tila with her tiara and veil.

"You do!" said Sopha Clone.

Tila was wearing a silver tiara with three sapphires in the shape of Nayru's symbol. It nicely complemented the engagement pendant Link had gotten her. She also wore a partial white veil.

People had already begun to assemble in the plaza, and the Hyrule Royal Family had a reserved place at the front and were chatting with each other as they waited.

When the time came, young Link walked with his family from their home to the plaza. And there was a round of applause for him when he arrived. He and his family exchanged hugs, and then the family went to the place reserved for them alongside King Dorephan and Sidon. Young Link waited at the center of the plaza and waved to Princess Zelda and Astra.

Finally, all was ready, and some local musicians played the Zora equivalent of a wedding march.

Tila emerged from the tent, escorted by her two sisters, and there was a murmur of awe from the crowd. The three sisters looked somewhat similar as they were all tall and similarly facially, with penetrating golden eyes. Faray had a light pink skin coloration, but Tila and her oldest sister looked very much alike with light blue skin. They all looked beautiful, but Tila had a younger and more vibrant look about her.

They made their way to the center of the plaza, Tila hugged each of her sisters, then Tila took her place beside Link. They exchanged a smile, and Link mouthed, 'you look beautiful.'

The Zora priest, Kapson, then stepped forward and signaled for the crowd to quiet down, which they did.

"It is my great honor and pleasure to perform this ceremony that will seal before the Goddesses the marriage of Princess Tila and Link. I ask all of you in the audience to please remain silent and respect this special moment in their lives as I ask them to repeat the marriage oath," said Kapson.

Link went first.

"I, Link, do swear before Nayru, before Hylia, and before all those present to take Tila to be my wife and to love her faithfully through good times and bad. I give her my heart from this day forward, and for all the days of my life."

Next, it was Tila's turn.

"I, Tila, do swear before Nayru, before Hylia, and before all those present to take Link to be my husband and to love him faithfully through good times and bad. I give him my heart from this day forward, and for all the days of my life."

Link and Tila stole a glance at each other and smiled.