Summary: Mila's North Hyrule history book is published, and Queen Zelda invites her to receive an award and give a lecture at Hyrule Castle.

It was late in the afternoon, and the high-speed ferry from Lurelin Village was cruising smoothly across the Necluda Sea. Mipha and Link were sitting side-by-side. And then the motion of the waves and the gentle hum of the engines had put Link to sleep as he leaned against her. She put her arm around him to steady him and smiled, looking at his handsome boyish face. It brought back memories of a day over thirty years ago at Veiled Falls when he had fallen asleep in her arms much like this. And when he awoke that time something had overcome his stoic demeanor, and he had gazed into her eyes, leaned forward and kissed her on the lips. She would never forget that kiss. That beautiful kiss had eased her heart like no other could, erasing her doubts about his feelings and the fear of rejection she had carried with her until then.

Now he gently turned slightly, and she pulled him closer, using her other hand to brush back his soft blonde hair. He slept like that for almost half an hour, then opened his eyes and looked into hers. Then he smiled, that beautiful sweet smile of his that was guaranteed to tug at her heart. He leaned forward, and they kissed.

"It's always nice to wake up in your arms," said Link.

"And it's nice to wake up to a kiss," said Mipha. "You remember the first time you did that?"

"How can I forget, sweetheart," said Link. "I think it was the bravest thing I ever did! And we celebrate it every anniversary we're in the Domain by visiting Veiled Falls. Did I sleep long?"

"About half an hour," said Mipha. "We're coming up on Mapla Point. We should be home soon."

"It was a fun trip, sweetheart. I'm sorry it ended so abruptly," said Link.

"Yes, that was a shame," said Mipha. "But I enjoyed the time we spent there, and it was a nice romantic getaway."

They sat quietly in each other's arms as the boat turned west into Lanayru Bay, then slowed as it approached the pier. As they prepared to disembark, there was a familiar face waiting for them.

"Ah, here is Sidon coming to meet us," said Mipha.

Sidon stood on the pier with two guards.

"Welcome home!" said Sidon. "Sister, I got your message, and I've already instructed Captain Larah to increase Domain security. We monitor all our security cameras anyway and routinely patrol the area. But your message was short. What is this all about?"

"There is a Zora out there somewhere who used an attack click on us," said Mipha. "I don't think they meant to attack us, but they must have wanted a detailed image of us to confirm who we were. It felt like they had an unhealthy interest in us, and I didn't like it."

"No, of course not. That is indeed troubling," said Sidon shaking his head. "A friendly Zora would never do that."

"Exactly. So I thought it wise to return home and increase our Domain security. And none of our family is to be left unguarded if they leave the safety of our Domain," said Mipha.

"As you wish. We need to tell Father about this as well. But what about Tila and Link?" said Sidon. "Are they in any danger?"

"I don't think so," said Mipha. "But I'll let them know about the incident anyway. Tila usually has her own guards when traveling, and Link doesn't travel alone in the water. I suspect that the person's interest is confined to Link and me, else why the need to make so sure it was us?"

"Good point. But who could this be?" said Sidon. "I cannot believe any of our subjects here would wish you ill. You are loved and admired by everyone, and Link is also thought well of."

"The person may not be from here. We have many visitors from North Hyrule now," said Mipha. "And perhaps I am overreacting, and the click was a mistake. But I didn't wait for an apology."

"No, better fish than wish," said Sidon. "We should certainly err on the side of safety. Now I'm sure you two need to get home and get settled after your journey. I'll let Father know about this."

Afterward, Mipha Tabbed her son Link about the incident, and he later mentioned it to Tila.

"That's very strange," said Tila after hearing the story. "It would be considered quite rude to do something like that. I'll ask Faray to check if we know who was visiting Lurelin Village during that time. Of course, as we became more comfortable with each other, we stopped tracking visits as carefully as before. We've been traveling between our locations for over ten years ago."

"Has it really been over ten years?" said Link.

"Yes, it's slightly over ten years since I first visited here with my sister Sopha," said Tila. "Princess Zelda gave me a tour of Hyrule Castle, and later Sopha and I visited your Domain. That's when I met you for the first time, but you probably don't remember it, do you?"

"Of course I remember it, sweetheart," said Link. "I was sitting with Lapha, and you came over to us. Lapha left to play with her friends, and we talked for a bit. You asked me about how I liked living in the Domain and going to school there, things like that. Then after a short while, you went off to be with Mila and her friends. I remember thinking how pretty you were and how friendly."

"That's so sweet! You do remember!" laughed Tila. "So do I. That was the start of my month-long visit with your family."

Faray's inquiry did not uncover anyone, which only served to deepen the mystery. But a few days later, the event was overshadowed in the family by some exciting news for Mila, which she shared at breakfast.

"My book is finally out!" said Mila. "Here's a printed copy for you, but you can also download a Tab version."

"That's wonderful, sweetheart," said Mipha hugging her. "We all know how hard you worked on it."

"Yes, congratulations," said Link hugging her in turn.

"That's great, Sis," said Midon, who hugged her next.

Link flipped open the book and saw the dedication.

I dedicate this book with love and gratitude to my dear family. My mother Mipha and father Link have showered me with love and encouragement from the earliest I can remember. I have never met two people more in love, and they are an inspiration to my siblings and me. My brother Midon helps me keep things in perspective with his teasing, and I love him dearly. My sister Lapha has been a sisterly companion and someone I could share my feelings in moments of need. And my Hylian brother Link has helped all of us learn to respect and enjoy our differences growing up, and is another example of how love between a Hylian and a Zora is not only possible but beautiful when it happens. I can never thank my dear family enough for the home they gave me and the happy memories I have growing up there. I love all of you so much!

I would like to thank Queen Faray for her generous help providing access to North Hyrule records and for her encouragement in completing this book. Work on this book has helped me to appreciate the beauty and significance of North Hyrule, and I hope reading it will do so for you as well.

Mila

Princess of the Zora

Note to Reader about dates: North Hyrule has its own calendar system which can be confusing since it does not always coincide with the Hyrule Calendar. For simplicity I have converted all dates in this book to the Hyrule equivalent in the format of Year/Month/Day with Year Zero being the year of Queen Zelda's birth.

"That's a beautiful dedication," said Link. "Thank you, sweetheart."

"I meant every word of it, Dad," said Mila.

"I will definitely read this," said Link. "I would like to learn more about their land."

"Thanks, Dad," said Mila. "It may be a little academic in places and was written from a Zora perspective with some Sheikah insights as well. So my feelings won't be hurt if you skim through it."

That night Link turned to the book and flipped through the table of contents. The early chapters covered the time before the Sheikah migrated to their land. Then there was a chapter titled "Sheikah Exodus" which discussed the time the Sheikah split into three factions, those who remained loyal to the Royal Family, those who stayed in Hyrule but turned to evil, later to become the Yiga Clan, and the third faction which fled to North Hyrule. The second to the last chapter was titled "Queen Sopha" and Link turned to that. He started to read the chapter but skipped the footnotes with references to the source material and supporting information.

Born: -25/04/04 Reign: 15/04/05 - 37/09/09

The reign of Queen Sopha is significant in North Hyrule history as it was under her rule that North Hyrule was united with Hyrule on 37/07/11 and pledged their allegiance to the Hyrule Royal Family.

Sopha is the oldest of three sisters, her younger sisters being Princess Faray (born -12/05/01) and Princess Tila (born 12/05/21).

Sopha's early childhood was unremarkable. But as she began her education, she was recognized by her tutors as quite intelligent and also able to accurately read people's feelings. This trait sometimes caused problems when Sopha would blurt out someone's feelings at inopportune moments, something her parents spoke with her about keeping in check. When her sister Faray was born, Sopha was quite affectionate, and often helped her mother care for her. In her adolescent years Sopha took a great interest in the affairs of government, a trait which proved valuable to her in the coming years.

Link skipped some paragraphs on her adolescent and young adult life.

When Sopha turned 38 her family life took a tragic turn. Their mother, Queen Raypha, died quite young on 13/10/11. And it was less than two years later, upon the death on 15/04/05 of her young father, King Fardon (see prior chapter), that Princess Sopha ascended to the throne, having turned 40 only the day before.

Queen Sophia's ability to quickly acclimate herself to her duties was quite remarkable and even surprising to the ministers of the time, some going so far as to say she seemed to know her destiny was to rule at a young age. Queen Sopha quickly consolidated her leadership with new royal advisors, and also replaced some senior members of the Royal Guard with those she deemed more loyal to her. Order in the Domain was preserved thanks to her rapid grasp of authority.

While her rule is noted in part for its efficiency and orderliness, personal freedoms began to suffer in her reign as a result of her desire for secrecy, as discussed below. Technology to track an individual's location and even read thoughts began being used to detect disloyalty and stifle opposition.

Link skipped some paragraphs on how her rule was administered.

Even growing up, Sopha had a keen interest in her neighbor to the south and learned as much as she could about Hyrule. During the early part of her reign, Hyrule lay in ruins overcome with monsters and malice infected Guardians. Queen Sopha sought a way to help Hyrule destroy this evil, but was thwarted by the North Hyrule Sheikah's insistence that their advanced technology be used only for defense. Her desire to do good is believed to have been corrupted when the first two of a set of three legendary jewels that would grant the bearer great power were found in two bodies of deep water. These were believed to have been the jewels used by an ancient hero to rid their land of monsters (see the chapter titled "Jewels of the Hero"). Sometime during this period, Sopha's desire to assist Hyrule grew into a desire to conquer it and establish herself as ruler. The influence of the jewels and the promise of the great power they could bestow on the owner likely contributed to her illness.

Link skipped over some more about her rule.

The third jewel of power was eventually recovered but destroyed before it could fall into Queen Sopha's hands, as told in an unpublished journal of Link, the Hero of Hyrule (see notes). It was hoped the destruction of that jewel would serve to cure Queen Sopha of her ambitions and evil intentions. However, that turned out not to be the case when simmering anger over the death of her Yiga Clan fiancè on 33/07/08 prompted Sopha to attempt later to turn Hyrule Sheikah Tabs into weapons. This plot was thwarted in time before any fatalities occurred, and by unanimous decree of the North Hyrule Zora Council, Sopha was permanently removed as Queen on 37/09/09, her next younger sister Princess Faray assuming the position of Queen on that same day. At the time of this writing, Princess Sopha remains in North Hyrule under a form of house arrest.

Link paused in his reading. He remembered his dealings with Sopha over ten years ago. She seemed fine at the wedding, but he would never really trust her, family member or not. He picked the book back up and turned to the last chapter.

Born: -12/05/01 Reign: 37/09/09 - present

Queen Faray ascended to the throne when her elder sister Sopha was deposed for criminal wrongdoing on 37/09/09. Faray's reign to date has been noteworthy for the expansion of positive relations with Hyrule and the increased sharing of advanced technology. Personal freedoms in North Hyrule were also restored under her rule and the use of invasive tracking and mind-probing technology strictly prohibited.

Link put the book down again as he was feeling tired. Mipha was already asleep, so he quietly undressed and joined her in their slumber pool. In a few moments, he fell asleep himself.

It was a week later that Mila received some more good news which she shared with her everyone at breakfast,

"Queen Zelda has invited me to give a lecture at Hyrule Castle. And I am to receive an award for best non-fiction publication of the year. I'm so excited!" said Mila.

"Can any of the family attend the lecture and award ceremony?" said Mipha. "We would all love to be there to see you receive this honor."

"Yes, of course, you are all invited," said Mila. "I already Tabbed Lapha and Link to hold the date and I will let Midon know when he gets home. Kendal can't get off duty to attend, and he doesn't want me to interfere. He's very touchy about using our royal position to alter his assignments."

"I can understand that," said Link. "He will lose face among his colleagues if he's perceived getting special treatment."

Lapha and Link both expressed their congratulations by Tab and said they would be happy to attend. At dinner, Mila mentioned it to Midon.

"Wow, Mi, that's great!" said Midon. "I'm happy to attend the award dinner. But listening to a lecture by you? I don't know about that. I feel like I've been doing that my whole life."

Mipha glared at him.

"I'm joking," said Midon quickly. "You know I'll be there for you, Mi. I'll even save up a tough question for you."

"You might want to read some of the book first, Mido, so I won't have to embarrass you by pointing out it's already answered there," laughed Mila.

"True," said Midon. "I should think about how nervous it must be to speak in front of such a distinguished group of important people, including royalty, scholars, dignitaries. Just thinking about it makes me quiver. But I'm sure you'll be as calm as a frozen pond, Mi."

"It won't work, Mido," laughed Mila. "You've probably never experienced knowing more than everyone else when you speak. I won't be nervous at all."

"It's so heartwarming to see such an outpouring of sibling love," said Mipha. "Can you two ever just act normally?"

"Mila knows I'm teasing her, Mom," laughed Midon. "I'm only trying to live up to her dedication. Seriously, I'm very proud of you, Mi, and I'm happy to attend the lecture and dinner. And I won't ask any questions."

When the day of her lecture arrived, Mila did an excellent job summarizing the highlights of North Hyrule history and received a warm round of applause. Afterward, people mingled for drinks before dinner.

"You did great, Mila," said Tila coming up to her. "Even I learned some new things, and it was interesting to hear your perspective. I can't wait to read your book."

"Thanks, Ti," said Mila. "I hope I didn't look too nervous."

"Not at all," said Tila. "You were very much in control of your subject matter. If you were nervous, it didn't show."

"Nice job, Sis," said Link. "We're all proud of you."

"That goes for me too," said Lapha. "You've become quite the history scholar."

"You did better than I thought you would, Sis," said Midon. "Very well done!"

"Thank you all, even you Midon, I appreciate it," laughed Mila. "Let's hope the dinner has some fish."

At dinner, Mila sat with Mipha and Link near Queen Zelda while Tila and young Link sat by Princess Zelda.

"I see you're wearing Sopha's gift, Zelda," said Tila upon seeing Princess Zelda wearing the gold chain with the red coral pendant Sopha had given her.

"Yes, I still like it, and it seemed very appropriate for the occasion," said Zelda. "I've worn it on and off since I was nine years old."

"It's lovely looking on you," said Tila. "As you can tell from my tiara, we make a good deal of jewelry from coral that has washed ashore, mostly red but occasionally other colors. But what did you think of Mila's lecture?"

"It was quite informative," said Zelda. "There is a lot to learn about your land. I am sure Mother is going to make me read the entire book from cover to cover, not that I mind. I should know as much as I can about the various areas of Hyrule. It's all part of my training, you know."

"I hope Her Majesty has eased off on you, Zelda," said Link. "I know you were feeling a bit overwhelmed for a while."

"Yes, Father spoke with her, and it helped. I also had a good talk with Mother about it," said Zelda. "I feel everything is more manageable now."

"Daruk's son, Darno, was feeling the same way," said Link. "Hopefully that's improved as well."

Meanwhile, Queen Zelda was having a conversation with Mipha, Link, and Mila.

"I thoroughly enjoyed reading your book, Mila," said Queen Zelda. "Their history is fascinating. When I read the chapter titled 'Sheikah Exodus,' I felt so embarrassed on behalf of my predecessors. I cannot understand why the royal family of that time would turn on their saviors like that. We paid a heavy price, I mean we nearly paid a heavy price, in the present for their folly."

Zelda glanced over at Link, and he smiled and nodded at Zelda's momentary lapse.

"Yes, it is a sad period of history," said Mila. "And don't worry, Your Majesty. All of our family knows about my father's other timeline. But thankfully we can now start to catch up on things with the Sheikah's help."

"I enjoyed the chapters on their early underwater city," said Mipha. "My understanding is that the ruins can still be seen if one travels far enough out to sea?"

"Yes," said Mila. "But it is quite far from shore and in very deep water, so while it is possible to visit the ruins, the trip there is quite long and difficult. But with faster marine transport it could be possible for tourists to visit it someday."