Summary: Mipha comforts Mila during Link's absence. Disguised as a Vai named Dorian, Link does some snooping around Gerudo Town but is less skilled at it than hoped.

Mipha awoke early to the sound of heavy rain beating against their house by Mikau Lake. She turned and looked next to her, but she didn't need to. She already felt the emptiness of their bedroom slumber pool. Link would have loved listening to the rain, and they would have cuddled together for a while. She was so used to having him there with her, to talk to and to hold. Checking her Tab, she noticed there was no new message from Dorian3_KV, but it was still very early.

She suspected there might be more to Link's mission than he let on or perhaps more than he himself realized. For example, the technology staff at Hyrule Castle were worried about his Tab messages being intercepted, hence all the subterfuge involving a different Tab and identity. But intercepting Tab messages was difficult, and so the precautions being taken were those used against someone technically sophisticated.

Anyway, she might as well get up and get breakfast. Rain or shine, as long as there wasn't lightning, swimming was swimming. Mipha assumed everyone else must still be asleep as she quietly made her way downstairs. So, she was quite surprised to see Mila already sitting at the dining table.

"Mila, dear! You're already up?" said Mipha.

"Hi, Mom. I couldn't sleep much," said Mila. "Here, I caught a huge Hearty Bass. I hope you have more of an appetite than I do."

"Thanks, sweetheart," said Mipha. "But what's wrong?"

"You know what's wrong, Mom," said Mila. "I keep pretending to myself I outgrew it. I even told Dad that I had, that I was old enough now. How do you manage to deal with it?"

"You just have to trust that he can take care of himself, sweetheart," said Mipha sitting across from her and taking her hand. "And he usually can."

"But there have been so many times that he couldn't!" said Mila. "I was a young girl when I saved him from dying after he battled his evil twin, and then there was that time with Sopha in North Hyrule. And just recently, Astra saved him. How long can we count on a current of luck flowing his way?"

"I'd like to think there was more to it than just luck," said Mipha. "He is blessed by the Goddess, Mila, and I think she is the one looking out for him. Those of us who help him are her instruments. But if I told you I didn't worry, it wouldn't be true. I worry too. So, let's share this tasty looking fish and our worries, alright?"

Mila laughed.

"Have you heard from Dad?" said Mila as she ate a piece of fish.

"He Tabbed me last night," said Mipha after swallowing a bite. "He's at the Kara Kara oasis, and all is well so far. Aren't you teaching today?"

"No, I requested a substitute fill in for me today," said Mila. "I didn't get enough rest, and I can't concentrate. Maybe I'll feel better tomorrow."

"In that case, unless you have other plans, let's spend the day together, just the two of us," said Mipha. "I miss spending time with my oldest little girl. Let's take the ferry to the North Hyrule shore. You can sleep on the boat. There are some tasty porgies and crabs there, besides a chance for some fun swimming in the surf."

Mila smiled.

"I don't know how you do it, Mom," said Mila. "Some days, I think you're younger than me! But that sounds like fun."

"Good!" smiled Mipha. "We can leave right after we finish this tasty fish, and Tab Midon and Lapha about where we went."

After they finished the fish, Mipha and Mila made their way across East Reservoir Lake to the ferry terminal at Spool Bight. The rain didn't bother them, and they spoke while on the way.

"You know, Mila, I firmly believe your father is still the most skilled warrior in all of Hyrule," said Mipha. "I know I berate him sometimes, like for letting his guard down and allowing Sopha to get the better of him. But I do that to remind him to be more careful. Have you ever seen your father battle an enemy?"

"I watched him battle his evil twin," said Mila. "It was like seeing double, both of them were skillful fighters. They fought each other to the same depth, to the death actually, until I healed Dad."

"That was an unusual situation," said Mipha. "Your father was fighting himself in a sense. But have you never seen him fight any other enemy?"

"No," said Mila. "I don't know if I could bear to watch it."

"In a way, that's a shame, as I think if you had, you would feel more confident about his ability to protect himself," said Mipha. "Monsters are pretty much gone now, so you can't see him in action anymore. But he trained for years to be the best fighter in Hyrule. He knows all the tricks. Even as powerful a monster as a Lynel didn't stand a chance when he put his mind to it. He was so fluid in his movements, Mila, as he switched from a bow to a shield and a sword. When an adversary struck out at him, he could parry the blow perfectly with his shield, stunning them. Or he could jump aside at just the right moment and unleash an attack so rapidly that it looked like a blur. My point is that he knows how to defend himself if it comes to it."

"I guess I should trust your judgment, Mom," said Mila. "It's just hard to get past my old fears. I used to go to Dad when Midon picked on me, and Dad would hug me, rock me in his arms, and tell me I was his special little girl. Not that you didn't comfort me too sometimes, but somehow I got very attached to him. And when I was a little older and understood how different from us he was, I thought he would grow unhappy trying to live with us Zoras, that he would miss the company of Hylians. But he was true to his word when he told me he would never leave us, and I came to rely on that. And I still want him to be here for all of us, to work with him on his journal, and see you two happy together. So, I do worry."

"All I can say is try not to worry so much," said Mipha. "I believe in my heart he will be fine."

After checking her Tab, Mila noted that the first ferry to the North Hyrule Coast was in less than half an hour. When the boat docked, they both boarded and sat together on the port side.

"Now, my dear worried daughter, you are going to close your eyes, lean your head on my shoulder, and rest," said Mipha. "I don't want you passing out on me in the sea!"

"Whatever you say, Mom," laughed Mila as she did as asked.

Meanwhile, in the Gerudo Desert, Link awoke at the Kara Kara inn to find the sun shining. It was mid-morning already, and he had slept enough, though he remembered how much trouble he had falling asleep. He also remembered Mipha and how much he missed her. He sent her a message.

Dorian3_KV:To:Vanta_KV:: Miss everyone A LOT. More sightseeing today.

He got a quick reply.

Vanta_KV:To:Dorian3_KV:: Same. Out with family today. Enjoy and stay safe.

He felt better. The problem now was how to transform into a Vai without attracting attention. He couldn't just show up out of nowhere. He decided to walk back across the desert to the Gerudo Canyon Inn, where it was quieter, change to a Vai somewhere, then board a PAT to Gerudo Town.

After grabbing a quick breakfast, and drinking an elixir to ward off the heat, he began the walk to the Gerudo Canyon Inn. It was about a ninety-minute walk, and not too difficult as he could avoid walking in the sand now by keeping to the side of the road. Gerudo still often walked this way for the exercise or to save the fare, and he had walked it before a long time ago, though in the opposite direction.

Toward the end of his walk, the cliffs of the Gerudo Highlands cast a welcome cooling shade across the hot desert sands. When he neared the inn, he did not go to the inn itself but quietly climbed to where the old shrine stood near a small pool of water. He changed into his Vai outfit, popped a voice-changing pill, then quietly climbed down and walked to the inn to wait for the next PAT.

It was not a long wait, and nobody paid him any attention when he boarded. He sat alone in the last row again, and this time stayed on board when it stopped at the Kara Kara oasis. Two Gerudo boarded there, and the PAT began the drive to Gerudo Town. The midday sun was quite intense now, and he was grateful to be inside. When the PAT stopped at the Gerudo Town entrance, he disembarked with the rest of the passengers and passed the two guards into town. Thank Hylia, entry to the town still relied on only a cursory visual inspection. He strolled past the entrance and decided to walk around first, looking at the shops.

The underlying architecture and structure of Gerudo Town were the same as he remembered. The shops in the courtyard looked different, a bit more modern, but were mostly in the same location. On his right, as he entered, was a food stall that sold uncooked items, then the Starlight Memories jewelry store, and after that, the Hotel Oasis. There was another stall that sold ready to eat cooked meat, as well as some other snacks. Where he used to purchase arrows long ago, there was now the main branch of the Tech Oasis store. Then there was the Gerudo palace and on the opposite side of the plaza, a cosmetic store and hair salon, the Fashion Passion clothing store, and another open-air food stall that sold ready-to-eat fruits and vegetarian dishes. You could still rent a sand seal for recreation near the entrance, but you could also rent a motorized cycle now too since roads had built. They still had sand seal racing competitions but he wasn't going to try his luck at that again. Besides, it would only draw more attention to him. He hadn't needed to speak yet, but the pill should last another two hours, at least.

He walked through one of the passages toward the outer perimeter of the town, and there was the famous Noble Canteen. A little further on was a small residence with a good book collection, and on the opposite side, the classroom near the soldier's barracks. He smiled, remembering the fun Mipha had embarrassing him in class. The soldier's barracks were at the end of the path, and the northwest sand seal rental facility along the outer wall.

He returned to the plaza and headed for the Starlight Memories jewelry store. It seemed gems had something to do with whatever he was trying to discover.

"Vassaq!" said the store proprietor as Link entered, and he raised his hand to return the greeting. There was a collection of sample items on display near the entrance, and to the back of the shop was the workshop where the jewelry was crafted.

"My name is Casha, and are you shopping for yourself, or as a gift, perhaps?" said Casha.

"As a gift," said Link, and he had to avoid betraying shock at the sound of his voice. It was a much higher pitch now.

"Is it for a Vai or a Voe?" said Casha. "Either can wear many of our items, but some are more appropriate for one or the other. And some would be good to impress a special Voe in your life."

"Oh, it is for a Voe," said Link, not having thought the question through ahead of time and not knowing what to say.

"Excellent!" said Casha. "I thought so from the shy look you gave me when I asked. Circlets are always nice, and besides looking attractive can protect the wearer from harm, depending on the gem chosen. We also have pendants that are quite nice looking on a Voe, and earrings as well if your Voe wears them."

"May I look around a bit first?" said Link. "I can't quite decide yet."

"Of course," said Casha. "And all of our items are crafted right here in our shop and are of the highest quality. You will not find better jewelry in all of Hyrule."

"Yes, I know your shop has a reputation for outstanding workmanship," said Link as he glanced at the merchandise on display. "I have purchased items before from your Castle Town shop."

And thank Hylia Tanya did not work here, though he thought his disguise might fool her anyway.

"Excellent!" said Casha. "Please, take your time and ask me anything. Our prices have never been better."

"Yes, I heard that," said Link. "Why are your prices so much better now?"

"We have been fortunate in being able to acquire a good quantity of gems," said Casha.

"But, forgive me, why are you able to obtain more gems? Have the Gorons increased production or lowered their prices?" said Link, wondering if perhaps he had said too much. But Casha did not seem overly suspicious.

"I do not know," said Casha. "But one of our buyers, Banya, is due here after lunch. Perhaps if you bought her a drink, she would tell you all about it. Banya is very outgoing and, between us, loves a drink or two. But have you seen anything you like yet?"

"I think earrings might make a good gift," said Link.

"That is always a good choice for a Voe or a Vai," said Casha. "Now, you should select the gem. Or, for less than double the price, you can purchase earrings containing two gems each."

"I think Topaz earrings would look good," said Link.

"Yes, and they will help protect the wearer a bit from electric shock," said Casha. "I am told that once these were used as protection against electric weapon carrying monsters. Today the only shocks come from lightning, and these provide only limited protection against something that strong. But they do look quite nice. Let me wrap them for you since you said they are a gift. You are paying by Tab, of course?"

Link completed the purchase as Dorian.

"Oh, I would like to speak to Banya when she is available," said Link. "Can you Tab me when she is free? I would be happy to buy her a Noble Pursuit."

"Of course," said Casha. "But may I ask why you are so curious about the price and supply of gems?"

Luckily Link had thought a little about this question.

"I'm a little embarrassed to say," said Link. "But my Voe friend works for the economic ministry at Hyrule Castle. He is always going on and on about the prices of goods and services, and this will be a topic of interest to him and show him we have something in common."

"I see," said Casha. "You want to show him you can speak his language, live in his world. Well, he doesn't sound like the most exciting Voe to me, but to each her own. I will Tab you when Banya and I finish transacting our business."

Link thanked her and left the shop carrying the gift package. There was time to get some lunch, then hopefully meet up with Banya.

Meanwhile, the ferry was arriving at the North Hyrule northern coast, and Mila was still sound asleep, her head leaning on Mipha's shoulder while Mipha gently held her head to avoid movement. As Mipha looked down at her, she smiled. She hadn't had Mila fall asleep in her arms in a very long time. She was a wonderful daughter, though, but so sensitive. Of her four children, Mila was probably the most empathetic, the best at understanding how others felt and taking their feelings into account. She understood people, and that was an excellent attribute to have. She was also not afraid to take risks, as she showed in her dealings with Sopha and sneaking off to follow her father in his pursuit of Dark Link, much against Mipha's wishes.

As the ship came to a stop, Mila suddenly woke up, then looked around.

"Mom! I slept the whole way?" said Mila.

"Yes, and I'm glad you did. You must have been very tired," said Mipha.

"Have you heard from Dad?" said Mila.

"Yes, he Tabbed me while you were asleep," said Mipha. "He's fine, and he misses us. But we're here now. Come! The waves are calling me!"

Mila laughed, then they disembarked and headed for the shore. When they reached it, they both ran into the surf together, laughing and then diving into a massive incoming wave. Zoras were never too old to have fun in the water!

Meanwhile, in Gerudo Town, Link made his way to the cooked meat stall and bought a steak then found a quiet place away from the plaza to eat. Eating with a veil on was such a pain! After finishing his lunch, he popped another voice pill, then walked back to the plaza, stopping at each store for a short while to examine the merchandise. He stopped to look around now and then as he did. He was trying to see if anything looked suspicious or anyone was following him. But he didn't detect anything out of the ordinary, and nobody appeared to be paying him any attention.

It was about two hours later and late afternoon when his Tab indicated he had a message. It was from Casha and said Banya was just getting ready to leave the shop. Link hurried over in time, and Casha introduced them.

Banya was a young Gerudo adult, probably early twenties, quite attractive, and wore what Link thought was a good deal of makeup.

"I thought perhaps I could buy you a drink, Banya, and we could discuss gem buying," said Link after introductions were over.

"A drink sounds fine, and if you're buying, we can discuss anything you like," said Banya. "I've had a busy day. Come on, Dorian!"

It was a short walk to the Noble Canteen, and Link ordered two Noble Pursuits. Fortunately, he looked old enough now to be served. He brought the drinks back to where he and Banya found seating.

Link handed Banya the drink, and she took a long sip, so Link did the same as he sat down. He found the drink to be quite strong!

"So, what would you like to know?" said Banya.

"I am wondering why jewelry has gotten cheaper here," said Link. "Have the Gorons lowered their gem prices?"

Banya took another sip of her drink as she eyed Link.

"You're cute but on the muscular side for a Hylian Vai," said Banya. "Do Hylian Voe's like strong Vai like you?"

The question took Link by surprise.

"Some may. I'm probably more muscular than many Hylian Vai. Why do you ask?" said Link.

"I'll tell you later," said Banya taking another sip of her drink. "Now, what was your question again?"

"Have the Gorons lowered their gem prices?" said Link.

"Well, they have," said Banya. "But only to keep up with their competition."

"Their competition?" said Link. "Who is their competition?"

Banya took another sip. Then noticed Link was not touching his drink.

"Come on, Dorian, drink up!" said Banya. "It's my time off now, and we're going to need another one of these soon. Plus I have some plans for us later tonight. Trust me! You're going to thank me!"

Link had no choice but to drink his drink more deeply and began to feel the effects at once.

"Now, what were you asking?" said Banya.

"About Goron competition," said Link.

"Oh, yes," said Banya. "I generally buy gems from the Gorons but will offer to buy in lots of ten from anyone else. Lately, a good number of Hylians have been mining gems in the Eldin Region, and they are willing to sell them in Goron City. I have never seen anything like it."

"Do you have any idea why?" said Link.

Banya finished her drink, and by way of answer, waved her empty glass at Link.

"You need to finish your drink, too!" said Banya. "We both need another. And I'm not some alcoholic who drinks alone!"

"No, no, of course, you're not," said Link, who reluctantly drained his glass, then went to the bar to order two more. He brought the drinks back to their seats and handed one to Banya, then quickly sat down before he lost his balance. He was already dizzy. Banya promptly took another sip, then gave Link a dirty look, so he had to do the same.

"What were you asking again?" said Banya.