Summary: Princess Zelda and Daruk's son, Darno, feel overworked as their parents each react to Urbosa's passing by accelerating their responsibility. Tila has a conversation with Mipha about marriage to a Hylian, and later notices a close resemblance between Astra and her husband. Mipha and Link celebrate thirty years of marriage with a trip to Lurelin Village which is cut short by a mysterious encounter.

"It's time for another dose of elixir, Zelda," said young Link.

"Thank you for the reminder," said Princess Zelda.

Queen Zelda had asked her older daughter to visit Goron City and discuss the state of public transportation in the Eldin Region with the village leader as well as build up her relationship with the Goron community. As a result, Princess Zelda and Link were on a two-day journey to Goron City and had just reached the Southern Mine.

Link took out his Tab and used the new North Hyrule rune that people had come to call the Compendium Rune to create two bottles of Fireproof Elixir and gave one to Zelda. After drinking them, they resumed their walk.

This was Link's first overnight trip away from his wife, and he had suggested to Tila that she stay with his family in Zora's Domain tonight instead of remaining alone at Hyrule Castle. Link planned to join her there on the weekend when his trip with Zelda ended. Tila had agreed with his suggestion, feeling it was an excellent opportunity to grow closer to Link's family, and her mathematics classes were between terms anyway. They had said goodbye to each other this morning, and Link thought by now Tila might well be on her way to Zora's Domain. His thoughts kept coming back to her, and as a result, he was guilty of not paying as much attention to Zelda as he probably should.

"Mother tells me the Fireproof Elixir tastes much better now than in the old days," said Princess Zelda. "When she traveled here as a princess, the elixir had a foul taste, like a lizard flavor."

"That's interesting," said Link.

"I much prefer drinking elixir to wearing some bulky heat resistant armor," said Zelda. "Though I imagine the armor has advantages in some situations, like in combat."

"I imagine so," said Link.

"Did your father ever speak to you of his travels here?" said Zelda.

"He did," said Link.

Zelda glanced over at Link, and he seemed to be staring ahead, not looking her way at all.

"Link, you've hardly said two words!" said Zelda. "Whenever I try to engage you in conversation, you give short answers. Is everything alright?"

"I'm sorry, Zelda," said Link turning to her. "Tonight will be the first night since we married that Tila and I will be apart and I've been thinking about her. But you're right, my duty is to you now, and I apologize for not giving you my full attention."

"No, I understand, and there is no need to apologize," said Zelda. "I'm glad it's nothing more serious than you missing your lovely wife. Do you want to Tab her to check on how she is? I know that violates Royal Guard protocol, but you have my permission. And by the way, have you two been happy living at the castle?"

"Tila agreed to visit my family while I'm away with you, so she is probably on her way there now. She said she would Tab me when she arrives at Zora's Domain but understands I'm not supposed to respond to personal messages while on duty," said Link. "I plan to meet her there for the weekend after our trip is over. But yes, we're still happy at the castle. Whenever I can, Tila and I meet for lunch. She's been keeping busy working with Dr. Purah as well as teaching some advanced mathematics courses. For a while she was actually too busy, getting work from her sister Faray in the mornings and then teaching and doing research with Dr. Purah in the afternoon. But she cut back on teaching a bit, and things are back to normal with us now."

"I'm glad to hear it," said Zelda. "And it's very generous of Tila to offer so much of her time to help us. I know she doesn't have to do that. So, please feel free to respond to Tila when she Tabs you. If the protocol violation shows up in an adverse report, I'll personally take care of it. And you can go straight to the Domain from Goron City. I'll arrange for a pair of guards to meet me where our paths separate, and they can accompany me the rest of the way back to the castle."

"If you're sure you will be alright, Zelda, that would be very considerate of you," said Link.

"Not at all, Link, I'll be fine," said Zelda. "But speaking of Tila overworking herself, I feel somewhat overworked myself these days. Ever since Lady Urbosa's death, Mother has been assigning me much more to do. She seems obsessed with my learning all I need to take her place, including building relationships with the other parts of Hyrule. I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed of late. But if she ever needs me to visit North Hyrule, you are more than welcome to bring Tila along with us."

"That would be nice," said Link. "And if you have time, Tila and I can show you around the area. It would probably be good to become more familiar with their land at some point."

"Well, here we are," said Zelda as they arrived at Goron City. "I don't need you to stay with me at my meetings, so feel free to go wherever you wish. We'll stay at the inn tonight, then leave tomorrow noon or so after my last meeting."

"Thank you, Zelda, and here is another dose of elixir for later," said Link as he produced an additional bottle of Fireproof Elixir.

Zelda headed off to meet with the village leader, and Link considered his options. He hoped he could spend some time with Darno, Daruk's son, so he set out to find him. His first stop was the hut Darno shared with his father, and he found Darno sitting outside. As Link approached and was about to greet him, Darno signaled Link to be quiet and waved him further away from the hut. When they were far enough away, Darno spoke up.

"Hey, Link!" said Darno. "Sorry about that, but my Dad is asleep, and I didn't want you to wake him. You look well, and I hear congratulations are in order. News of your fabulous wedding and gorgeous wife reached us here. Are you visiting on business or pleasure?"

"Hi Darno," said Link. "Thank you, and it's business. Princess Zelda is on a trip for Her Majesty. I should have Tabbed you I was coming, but I didn't know if I would have any free time to see you."

"You too?" chuckled Darno. "Sounds like we're on the same peak! The bigger question is whether I would have any free time to see you."

"What do you mean?" said Link.

"Ever since Lady Urbosa's death, and may her spirit rest in peace, my Dad has been pushing me extra hard to learn everything he knows as quickly as possible. I had been doing that anyway, but now it's like he thinks there is no time left. Frankly, I didn't want you to wake him up as much for my sake as his."

"Sorry to hear that," said Link. "Princess Zelda said the same thing about her mother. I guess Urbosa's death shook them up. But perhaps they will both get back to normal after a while."

"I sure hope so! Have you eaten yet? No?" said Darno. "Let's go! I'll join you for a nice spicy dinner. It will help take away the evening chill."

"Whatever," laughed Link. "The day I feel a chill here is the day I turned into a Fire Chuchu! Let's go."

Darno led the way to a hut where food could be purchased and insisted on paying for a spicy steak for Link and some rock roast for himself. When the food arrived, they sat down together to eat.

"I like spicy food," said Link. "But I hope my stomach can handle this. I'm on duty tomorrow, and your spices are notoriously hot."

"Nonsense, Bro," said Darno. "I told them to season it mildly. Now I want to hear all about how life has been treating you."

"Married life has been great," said Link. "I married the most beautiful, most intelligent, and most loving person I could ever dream of. She is fantastic, and I couldn't be happier. I'll miss her tonight. I've been thinking about her the whole trip here."

"That's wonderful," said Darno. "But maybe we should change the subject. How are your parents?"

"Fine," said Link. "They're great parents, and role models for me in some ways given how much Tila and I have in common with them. I told Tila how much ..."

"Maybe we should discuss something else," said Darno interrupting him. "How do you like living at Hyrule Castle?"

"I enjoy it," said Link. "When I'm not spending time on duty, I can meet Tila for lunch and we can ..."

"That's it!" said Darno. "Not another word! Finish your steak, and we're going on a mine cart ride. That will get Tila off your mind!"

The rapid mine cart ride was fun, and it did take Link's mind off of Tila, but by the time they finished, he was exhausted. He said goodnight to Darno and headed for the inn. Zelda was already asleep when he arrived there, and as he got ready for bed, he finally received a Tab message from Tila saying she had reached Zora's Domain. He began to Tab her back.

Speaking of Tila, it had been a busy and tiring day for her as well. Earlier that morning at Hyrule Castle, after saying goodbye to Link, Tila had a Tab meeting with her sister, Faray.

"Did the two guards I sent arrive yet, Tila?" said Faray.

"Not yet," said Tila. "But I'm not planning to leave until lunchtime. Hopefully, they will be here by then."

"You're not to leave until my two guards are there with you, is that clear, dear sister?" said Faray. "I sometimes regret letting Hylians guard you, but that only applies if you're staying there. If you travel without your husband, I want two of our guards with you who can keep up with you in the water. Understood?"

"No need to get all queenly on me, Fa," said Tila. "I follow your wave."

"You're staying with Link's family for the weekend?" said Faray. "Why don't you return here instead? Your queenly sister misses you."

"I miss you too," laughed Tila. "But I need to get better acquainted with Link's family, and he's joining me there tomorrow night. We hope to see you and Sopha soon. How is Sopha, by the way?"

"Same as always, maybe a little quieter lately," said Faray. "I'm sure she misses you too. Do try your best to visit us the following weekend. How is Link by the way?"

"He's wonderful, Fa," said Tila. "He's so cute and so passionate! I know what he likes, and he knows what I like now. He has such a tender but erotic kiss, and it makes me..."

"Tila," said Faray interrupting. "I was only asking how Link was in a general sense, not how he was as your lover. I hope you don't respond like that to others who ask about him! And by the way, that also might not be the best response if his mother or father asks."

"Oh, yes, of course," said Tila. "It was just what first floated to mind. Link is fine, off with Princess Zelda at Goron City. I'll miss him tonight."

"I understand," said Faray. "I'm sure he will miss you just as much, but you'll be together tomorrow. Now, shall we get down to business?"

The rest of the call involved North Hyrule activity and meeting summaries.

It was evening by the time Tila finally reached Zora's Domain. After meeting with her sister in the morning, and waiting for the two guards to arrive, she didn't leave for the Domain until the afternoon. She had Tabbed Mipha when she left not to wait for her for dinner, indicating she would arrive much later. The trip there was uneventful, and upon arrival, she thanked her guards and then took a moment to Tab her husband before making her way to his family's house.

Tila_NH: To: Link_NH:: Arrived safely at your Domain. Love you and miss you! Stay safe!

She was surprised to get an immediate answer as she knew Link was not allowed to use his Tab to send her messages while on duty.

Link_NH: To: Tila_NH:: Love you and miss you very much! All is well here and have Z's permission to Tab you back. I'm going to sleep now. Goodnight. I can't wait for tomorrow!

Tila_NH:To: Link_NH:: Miss you and love you too. Until tomorrow!

So, Link must have spoken to Zelda about her to get permission to Tab her while on duty. That made her feel good! Tila made her way to Link's house and was greeted upon her arrival.

"Tila, we are happy to have you with us," said Mipha. "Please come in."

"Yes, thank you for visiting with us," said Link.

"Thank you so much for having me," said Tila. "I'm sorry my trip here took much longer than expected."

"That's fine," said Mipha. "The rest of the family is out or asleep. Can we get you anything?"

"Nothing, thank you," said Tila. "I apologize, but I'm exhausted. I had meetings all morning and then the swim here was tiring. I'm not very good company at the moment and should probably get some rest. I hope you understand."

"Of course," said Mipha. "We have tomorrow to talk. You know where your husband's room is. Have a good night."

"Goodnight," said Tila.

Tila walked to young Link's room, entered and closed the door. Then she stopped to look around. This is where her husband had slept when he was a child and where he grew up. She gently touched some of the things in his room. He had a toy replica of a Hylian shield hanging on one of the walls, probably a gift from his family when he was small. She opened his top dresser drawer, and there were some souvenirs there from various locations. She looked at the other dresser drawers, but they contained only clothing. She went over to the nightstand next to his bed and sitting on top of it were two things she recognized.

The first was a colorful snail shell, and she remembered when he got it. Early in their relationship, they had been browsing the shops in Castle Town one weekend when they saw that shell in a souvenir shop. She had told him they had shells like that where she came from, and he said he loved the look of it. She had insisted on buying it for him then. It was very inexpensive, but he had told her he would think of her when he saw it. And he must have kept it by his bed to do just that.

And the other thing she noticed was a picture of the two of them sitting next to each other and talking. It was taken here in the Domain, and someone snapped that picture as she sat with him on one of her visits. He must have looked at that picture sometimes too and thought of her. She felt like crying, he was so sweet and sentimental. She kissed her finger, gently touched it to his image in the picture, then replaced it on the nightstand. She lay down on his bed, hugged his pillow, closed her eyes, and then fell asleep almost instantly.

Next morning Tila woke up late and made her way to the dining room. Mipha, Link, Mila, and Midon were already there, finishing breakfast.

"Good morning," said Mipha upon seeing Tila. "I hope you slept well. Please join us. I saved a Hearty Bass for you."

"Good morning everyone, I slept all too well," said Tila helping herself to the fish. "Thank you and forgive me. You must think me a terribly rude guest, sleeping early and rising late."

"You're worse than a rude guest," said Midon. "You're family!"

"Midon is joking, Tila, but his point is valid," said Link. "Please don't think of yourself as a guest, think of this as a home away from home. Relax and be yourself."

"Thank you," said Tila.

"I told my brother Link to keep a wave between you and Midon if he wanted to make a good impression on you," said Mila. "Forgive me, Tila, for deceiving you so badly, but putting up with Midon is the price of family membership."

"I enjoy Midon's sense of humor, Mila," laughed Tila. "I think he's funny."

"Wonderful! I finally have a sister I like!" laughed Midon. "If you can put Mila in her place you fit right in as far as I'm concerned."

"It's nice to see all of you overflowing with brotherly and sisterly love," said Mipha. "Let Tila eat her fish."

Tila finished eating, and everyone but Mipha left for work, including Link who had a call with the newly appointed Gerudo ambassador.

"I'm glad I have some time alone with you, Mipha," said Tila. "I've wanted to ask you for your opinion about something personal."

"Of course," said Mipha. "How can I help?"

"Well, it may seem strange to you that I would come to you about such a personal matter," said Tila. "But both my parents have passed on, and neither of my sisters is married. Plus, given who your husband is, you're the perfect person to ask."

"Please feel free to ask me then," said Mipha.

"Well, it concerns what would be the best time for Link and me to start a family," said Tila. "As you know, most Zora couples wait to start a family, and spend their first twenty years or so with each other, enjoying their marriage before taking on family responsibilities. I know that's not possible with a Hylian husband, and you started a family only slightly over a year after you wed. May I ask if you think that is the right time?"

Mipha paused for a moment, then responded.

"Well, Tila, that is a decision only you and Link can make," said Mipha. "I started a family sooner than I might otherwise have because of the danger my husband faced from time-to-time. An incident early in our marriage with the Yiga Clan in the Gerudo Desert particularly frightened me back then. I hoped having a family would lead my husband to take less risk, and I wanted very much to have his children before anything might happen to him. That may sound selfish now, but I think it worked for the best. Link has told me on several occasions the fact he had a family led him to act more cautiously, except perhaps on one occasion against his dark self. But anyway, I feel your situation is different. I don't think your husband faces the same degree of danger mine did. So, I think you could reasonably wait somewhat longer than me. But Hylians age quickly, so I wouldn't wait much longer than a few years. And if you can't tell, discussing Hylians aging quickly is hard for me. A Zora/Hylian marriage is almost certain to end in heartbreak for the Zora. It's something you and I may both have to face someday."

And then Tila saw tears in Mipha's eyes. She reached out to Mipha, and they embraced.

"I'm so sorry, Mipha," said Tila. "Forgive me for floating such a painful subject. It was thoughtless of me not to realize where this conversation would flow."

"It's alright, Tila," said Mipha as they separated and she recovered her composure. "Link and I are coming up on thirty years of marriage. If he were a Zora, we might be in the middle of starting a family now. Instead, our family is all grown. But I would not trade the life I've had with Link for any other. If you and your husband love each other, Tila, you have a chance at a beautiful journey through life, whatever you decide to do. You should follow your heart and be there for each other as long as you can. And speaking of husbands, I hear mine returning. But I'm glad we had this chance to talk."

"So am I," said Tila. "Very much so. May I call you Mother?"

"Of course," said Mipha as she smiled at her. "I would be proud and happy if you did."

"Not as proud as I am, Mother," said Tila. "I have never felt so honored as to be part of this lovely family."

It was late afternoon when young Link arrived at Zora's Domain and Tabbed Tila. They met at the lower level and rushed into each other's arms.

"If you have to travel too much, you're resigning and moving to North Hyrule with me," said Tila between kisses. "I don't like being away from you."