Summary: Lapha's biology research causes her to stumble on a family secret, raising serious concern among her siblings.

It was early evening in Goron City, and Daruk sighed as he lay down in the Goron Hot Springs, having just finished his after-dinner exercise. Another Goron he knew was in the springs nearby.

"Hi, Gandon," said Daruk. "You doing okay?"

"Yes, pretty well, Lord Daruk," said Gandon. "Just taking some time to relax. You doing well?"

"I'm just working out some of the aches and pains after getting in a little exercise after dinner," said Daruk.

"Good idea," said Gandon. "I should exercise more myself."

"Do you still work as a guard these days?" said Daruk. "I haven't rolled into you lately."

"No, I retired a few months ago," said Gandon. "My son Hendon is a guard now, though."

"Well, congratulations," said Daruk. "You know, now that you're retired, it's important that you keep active, keep rolling. That's the key to keep from getting too stiff."

"I hear you, and thanks," said Gandon. "How is your son Darno doing?"

"He's great," said Daruk. "As my little Hylian buddy put it, he's a chip off the old block. Just not as big a chip, ha, ha. Funny, huh? But yeah, he's grown into a fine young man, and I'm proud of him."

"That's great," said Gandon. "By your Hylian buddy, you mean Link? Do you see him much?"

"Link, yeah. He was here a little less than a year ago," said Daruk. "We mostly keep in touch by Tab these days. He's got a big family and likes to stay with them. And I don't blame him as it's tough for Hylians here. They're too thin-skinned to take the heat. And he does have a great family."

"He married the Zora Champion, Mipha, right?" said Gandon.

"That he did," said Daruk. "And a more loving couple you could never meet. I could tell little Mipha had a huge crush on Link from the way she used to steal glances at him. But Link was as blind as a stone, forever worrying about his duty. Anyway, that was a long time ago, well over thirty years now. We did have some good laughs back then, though."

"We, especially old-timers like me, really admire and respect all you did for us," said Gandon. "We can't thank you enough."

"Thanks, that's nice to hear," said Daruk. "But yeah, I wish I could see my old chums more often. If we ever get that fast transportation finished, I might try to visit them. As I said, their coming here is a pain for them, almost literally."

"Funny, you should say that, but I hear tourism has been picking up lately," said Gandon. "Especially Hylians. My son, Hendon, says there have been a lot of Hylian travelers visiting here. It's surprising."

"Yeah, that is, isn't it?" Said Daruk. "Not that it's a bad thing. We can always use the business."

Then Daruk scratched his head.

"But I'll have to ask my little buddy if he can think of a reason why more Hylians would want to visit now," said Daruk. "Anyway, I think I've soaked enough for now. Good night, Gandon. And keep on rolling!"

"Good night, Lord Daruk," said Gandon. "And the same to you."

It was early evening in Hyrule Castle as Lapha was sitting with Princess Astra. Lapha was about to take a sample of Astra's blood.

"Will it hurt?" said Astra.

"You won't even feel it," said Lapha. "This device pulls a tiny sample of blood through the skin and doesn't hurt at all. I've already taken a sample from your mother, father, and sister, and they were all fine."

"I'm as brave as Zel, I know that," said Astra. "And I'm almost seven now. So, go ahead."

Astra closed her eyes, but the procedure was completely painless.

"You can open your eyes now," said Lapha.

"That's it?" said Astra opening her eyes.

"All done," laughed Lapha. "I told you that you wouldn't feel it."

"Why are you doing this, Cousin Lapha?" said Astra.

"I'm trying to learn what enables some people to have special powers," said Lapha. "I may never be able to figure it out, but this is the first step. Your mother and sister have special sealing power. Aunt Mipha and Cousin Mila have magic healing power. And Uncle Link, Cousin Midon, and Cousin Link have a special ability to move much faster than normal, to do what they call a flurry rush."

"And you want to learn why they can do those things?" said Astra.

"Yes, exactly," said Lapha.

"I see. Oh, I have to go now," said Astra. "A guard is signaling me that it's time for dinner. Goodbye, Cousin Lapha. I hope to see you again soon."

"Goodbye, Astra," said Lapha. "Until next time."

Lapha collected her equipment as Astra ran off, and then left Hyrule Castle. She was planning to grab a bite to eat, then start analyzing the data.

The evening was clear and mild in Castle Town, and the town center crowded with shoppers. Lapha passed by the Castle Town branch of the Starlight Memories jewelry store, and Tanya, the proprietor, was lounging near the doorway. She called out to Lapha.

"A pretty Zora deserves something pretty to wear," said Tanya. "We have jewelry from all over Hyrule and North Hyrule. Come in and browse. It is always free to look."

"Thank you," said Lapha. "Perhaps another time. But I know you have an excellent selection of fine jewelry. My family has shopped here often."

"Indeed," said Tanya anxious to keep up the conversation. "In that case, I could offer you a special discount. If not something for yourself, then perhaps something for a family member? Perhaps there is a special occasion coming up?"

Lapha paused to think. Zoras didn't celebrate birthdays. Her parents had an anniversary coming up, but jewelry for Mom would mean getting something for her Dad, too, and he was even harder to shop for. Perhaps she could get something for Astra's seventh birthday that was coming up soon. But she had not been getting gifts for her older sister, Zelda, so that would be awkward unless she were invited to Astra's party. And there was still time to see about that. Her sister-in-law Tila already had some of the most exquisite jewelry Lapha had ever seen. There was nothing she could get for Tila. Maybe she should get something for Mila. There didn't have to be a good reason, just a sisterly show of affection.

"How big a discount?" said Lapha, the practical side of her taking over.

"Even though this will hurt me, I will give you half-off the price shown in hopes that you will become a repeat customer," said Tanya.

Lapha doubted it would hurt Tanya at all, but the Gerudo were shrewd merchants as well as excellent fighters.

"Well, it never hurts to look," said Lapha.

"You won't regret it!" said Tanya. "Please, come inside. Is this something for yourself, perhaps?"

"No, my older sister," said Lapha.

"May I have the pleasure of knowing who you are? My name is Tanya," said Tanya.

"I am Princess Lapha," said Lapha.

"Princess Lapha, of Zora's Domain! I am honored. But why do you not wear your Princess Tiara? Do you need a replacement?" said Tanya.

"No, I still have the Tiara that my grandfather, King Dorephan, gave me," said Lapha. "I just don't wear it very often."

"I don't believe we have met before," said Tanya. "Then, your mother is Lady Mipha?"

"Yes, and my father is Link," said Lapha.

"I see," said Tanya. "Well, your sister is obviously a Zora princess too, and so I would recommend a pendant or bracelets. I have a nice selection this way."

Tanya showed Lapha an assortment of items. It was quite extensive.

"You have quite an assortment of fine jewelry, Tanya," said Lapha as she looked over the merchandise.

"Yes, lately, our workshop has been able to obtain a good deal more jewels from the Eldin area," said Tanya. "It seems a lot of individuals are mining jewels there these days and selling them. We buy them in quantity and fashion then into jewelry at our Gerudo Town workshop."

"They are beautiful," said Lapha.

Lapha finally settled on a pair of bracelets she thought would go well with Mila's pink skin coloring and golden eyes.

"By the way, Princess Lapha, how is your father, Link," said Tanya. "He was a very regular shopper here for quite some time."

"He's fine," said Lapha. "He shopped here regularly?"

"Yes, he often bought some jewelry here or at one of our other shops," said Tanya. "But that was a while ago. Anyway, let me wrap your purchase."

Lapha left, holding her small package. She thought Mila would like the bracelets. Now it was time to get some dinner.

Near the central fountain of Castle Town, two parties nearly bumped into each other. One person was thinking hard about something and oblivious to their surroundings. And the other party had their arms around each other and were talking while gazing into each other's eyes.

"Oh! Sorry," exclaimed Lapha.

"No, it's our fault," said Link.

Then Tila, Link, and Lapha all burst out laughing and exchanged hugs.

"I really should install Midon's proximity rune," laughed Lapha. "How are you both?"

"Fine," said Link. "Have you eaten, Laff? Come join us!"

"And even if you have eaten, please join us. We're headed to the Akkala Fish House for some fresh Akkala Angler," said Tila. "Link doesn't care for the liver all that much, and it's a bit rich for one person to eat the whole thing, so you and I can split it."

"Thanks, I haven't eaten yet, but are you sure you don't mind?" said Lapha.

"Not at all, we're happy to see you," said Tila. "I blame Link that we don't get together more often. You work so nearby, but my darling husband is terrible at organizing social events."

"Guilty!" laughed Link.

When they reached the restaurant, the proprietor knew Link and Tila as excellent customers from before they were married.

"Mistress Tila and Prince Link, welcome!" said the proprietor Mandel. "It's always a pleasure to have you, such connoisseurs of fine fish. I still have a table available."

"This is my sister, Princess Lapha," said Link. "She and Tila are the fish experts."

"An honor, Mistress Lapha," said Mandel. "Come follow me."

They followed Mandel to a table near the back. The small restaurant was quite busy, almost all of the patrons being Hylians.

"Do you happen to have a fresh Akkala Angler big enough for the three of us?" said Tila.

"I have one that might do if you are all not too hungry, Mistress Tila," said Mandel. "Otherwise, perhaps you would like to add a side order of snails or crabs? Both are fresh, not rune created."

"Yes, that's a good idea. We will have an order of crabs," said Tila. "Oh, and please say hello to Palla."

"Of course, Mistress," said Mandel bowing and retreating to the kitchen to place the order.

"Mandel and his wife Palla are from North Hyrule," explained Link. "They have been very successful with their seafood restaurant."

"They specialize in saltwater fish," said Tila. "I was so thrilled when we first found it. Wait until you taste the liver, Lapha."

"I've never had Akkala Angler, Tila," said Lapha. "I'm looking forward to it. But, you know, it's funny you mentioned me working so close by. I'm thinking of trying to work more from home."

"Can you do that, Laff?" said Link.

"Yes, I can do a lot more remotely via my Tab or other portable equipment now," said Lapha. "And with high-speed watercraft, it's easy to return to Hyrule Castle if I'm needed."

Link looked at Tila, and she nodded.

"We may be in the same situation, Laff," said Link. "Tila and I are talking about starting a family soon. In that case, we would want our child to grow up with other Zoras. So, when we know for sure, I will request a transfer, perhaps splitting our time between the two domains."

"That would be great," said Lapha. "I may end up seeing you more often then too. But has the time gone by that fast? It feels like just the other day we were playing together, Link."

The crabs arrived first, and they all dug in. After a short while, the angler came too.

"Oh, this is delicious, Tila," said Lapha closing her eyes as she savored a piece of angler. "Slightly spicy, but moist and tender."

"Save room for the liver!" laughed Tila. "That's the real delicacy. Here, let me split it with you now. But I recommend you save it for last. Trust me. You'll want the taste to linger."

They all resumed eating.

"Can we ask what you're working on these days, Laff?" said Link. "Or is that a secret?"

"No, it's still about biology and disease," said Lapha after swallowing a bite of fish. "But, I have recently become interested in the possible interplay between science and magic."

"What do you mean?" said Link.

"Well, take Mom or Mila," said Lapha. "They can heal wounds. As a scientist, I would like to have a scientific explanation for that ability. But so far, no one has been able to figure out how they do it. Or, take Princess Zelda's sealing power. What allows her to do that? She has the blood of the Goddess. But is there a scientific way to detect or confirm that from her blood?

"Well, I won't pretend to understand the technical aspects," said Link. "But don't you believe there are supernatural things that science cannot explain? Princess Zelda and I ran into an evil witch in the Gerudo Desert, and her power seemed magical."

"Very possibly," said Lapha. "But we should accept that only as a last resort after we exhaust all possible natural explanations."

"What specifically are you doing to investigate this?" said Tila.

"Well, I am starting by analyzing blood and its components," said Lapha. "I have taken samples from all of the Hyrule Royal Family, Queen Zelda, Prince Rudin, Princess Zelda, and Princess Astra. I want to collect samples from our family as well to analyze Mom's healing power and Dad's flurry rush ability, comparing blood characteristics. I'm hoping to find some distinguishing characteristics."

"That might be interesting," said Tila. "There may be some mathematical structure or pattern to what you're analyzing."

"Yes, I should share my findings with you, Tila," said Lapha. "You may see something there."

"Well, best of luck in your research," said Link. "Though you probably don't believe in luck either, right?"

"I believe in chance, very much so," said Lapha. "Anyway, I will be visiting home this weekend, and I'll talk to Mom and Dad about working from there. I miss them and our Domain. And I miss Mi and Mido, too."

"I'm sure they will all be thrilled," said Link. "You just have to put up with Mido's sense of humor. Tila and I are planning to visit this weekend, too, so we can have a big family reunion then."

Lapha had finished her share of the fish, and it was time to taste the liver.

"Oh! This liver is to die for, Tila!" exclaimed Lapha as she finally bit into it.

"I know! I told you!" laughed Tila. "I'm glad it's not wasted on my Hylian husband. From what your family tells me, he seems to have inherited his father's palette."

"Very funny," said Link. "But I also inherited his good fortune, because I met you, sweetheart."

"Speaking of inheriting," said Lapha. "My work can also be used to identify one's heritage, who a person's father and mother is."

"I guess that could prove useful if the issue were in doubt," said Tila.

They finished dinner, then said goodnight.

It was two days later that Lapha arrived in Zora's Domain around midday. Tila and Link were planning to visit the following day.

"Hi Mom, Dad, I'm home," shouted Lapha as she entered the front door of her family's house by Mikau Lake.

Mipha and Link were upstairs in the room they used as a study, going over some older unpublished journal manuscripts Link had written. Mila and Midon were out.

"Be right down, sweetheart," said Mipha.

She and Link put down the papers and went downstairs, then exchanged hugs with Lapha.

"Hungry?" asked Link.

"Starving," laughed Lapha. "And I thought you might be too, so I brought some porgies from Castle Town."

"Oh, that's so thoughtful of you, sweetheart," said Mipha kissing her on the cheek.

"I know they're your favorite, Mom," said Lapha. "And Dad will eat anything."

"I think my reputation for that is a bit undeserved," laughed Link as he took two of the porgies to the kitchen. "I never actually ate any Dubious Food I made."

After frying the two porgies, Link joined them at the dining room table.

"Mi and Mido are out, I assume?" said Lapha.

"Yes, but they'll be home for dinner," said Mipha. "Are you staying long? I hope so."

"All weekend if it's alright," said Lapha after swallowing a bite. "I miss it here, our Domain, and being with you and the family. I sometimes take walks alone in the evening to think, and then I find myself wishing I was here instead. Our Domain is so beautiful and peaceful. I want to try working more from home when I don't need to use lab equipment. That is if you don't mind."

"Why would we mind, sweetheart? We'd love to have you!" said Mipha. "Your room is always available."

"Yes, this will always be your home whenever you wish, sweetheart," said Link. "And I know Mila and Midon would be thrilled if you stayed here more often."

"That's great. I can even access some lab equipment through my Tab now," said Lapha. "So, I think this can work."

"Do you see Tila and Link much?" said Mipha. "They're visiting tomorrow."

"I sometimes run into them of an early evening," said Lapha. "I literally ran into them two days ago. They're usually swimming together or going to dinner in Castle Town, their arms around each other."

"Yes, they are certainly a very loving couple," said Mipha.

"They're not the only loving couple in the family," said Link as he smiled at Mipha.

"No, they're not, but let's not embarrass our dear daughter," laughed Mipha.

"Don't worry, I'm not embarrassed at all," laughed Lapha. "We all know how much you two love each other."

After lunch, Lapha made her way to her room, then paused to look around. There were so many of her memories here, memories from when she was a child. There were the souvenirs from Castle Town her parents had brought back for her when she was young. And on the dresser were awards she had won at school, the science award and class honors award. They were the kinds of things you hated to dispose of because they mattered so much to you at the time you received them, even though you had moved on with your life by now. After arranging things the way she liked, she settled in and began reading her Tab. She would do that until she felt like taking a swim.

Mila and Midon returned home in time for dinner.

"Laff, great to see you!" said Midon as they embraced. "You still keeping Dr. Purah busy?"

"She's still keeping me busy," laughed Lapha. "But it's great to see you too."

"Come here, Laff," said Mila as they embraced. "My baby sister, how you've grown! You still like the work?"

"I do," said Lapha. "I've found what I love doing. And it seems you have too, Mi. Your book was very well received."

Later, before dinner, Lapha went to Mila's room and gave her the bracelets.

"Oh, Laff, they're beautiful!" said Mila. "I love them! But you shouldn't have."

"I thought you would like them, Mi, and the salesperson, Tanya, was a bit persistent," said Lapha.

"Oh, yes, Tanya," laughed Mila. "I've met her with Dad. But you look well, Laff. Are you?"