Summary: Mipha and Link attend Rudin's funeral. Zelda and her family try to move on from their loss. Link promises to play a more active role in Astra's life. Mipha reminds Link about Zora ages and her resolve to join in the eventual fight back.

It was three days after the attack that killed Prince Rudin and the Gerudo soldiers, and Link thought the time had gone painfully slow. He and Mipha had rushed to Hyrule Castle the day after Rudin's death, doing what they could to support Zelda and the family. They had expressed their sympathy, of course, though it was hard to know what to say at such times: words seemed so inadequate. But you said what you could, and hoped it helped in some small way.

Unjustified though it might be, Link had taken it as a personal failure that anyone in Hyrule had been killed. He still considered protecting Hyrule his duty, and he felt bitter they had failed to save everyone in the end. And so, his first instinct had been to begin thinking about how to seek out those responsible. But his better judgment told him this was not yet the right time for that.

As Zora ambassador, Link had conveyed formal condolences on behalf of the Zora people to the Gerudo Ambassador and the Hyrule Royal Family for the losses that each had sustained. But, of course, the latter was also personal, since Rudin was Link's cousin.

Today was the funeral service at the Royal Cemetery, and Link shivered slightly, pulling his collar up as Mipha glanced over at him and gently squeezed his hand. As befitting the occasion thought Link, it was a gray and dreary morning, cold and overcast. At least it wasn't raining, though.

A very few high ranking Hyrule officials and other dignitaries stood nearby, including the ambassadors from the North Hyrule, Gerudo, Rito, and Goron regions of Hyrule. Mipha and Link stood at the graveside itself, along with the rest of the family in attendance: Queen Zelda, her daughters Zelda and Astra, Princess Zelda's husband Randall, Rudin's sister Lara and Lara's husband, Lenard. Zelda had asked that the service be kept small, and so Link's and Lara's children were not present.

Link shuffled his feet slightly to keep warm as the service neared an end. The Hyrule priest who was officiating said he had some final words to say before they lay Prince Rudin to rest.

"Her Majesty found a note inside Prince Rudin's diary, and she asked that I close this service by reading it to you. The note contains two short poems. They are not Prince Rudin's original work, but he must have felt they were the words he wanted to leave with all of us who knew and loved him. I will read them to you now, and as I do so, I ask you to think of him."

Not, how did he die, but how did he live? Not, what did he gain, but what did he give? These are the ways to measure the worth Of a man as a man, regardless of birth.

Remember me in your heart: Your thoughts, and your memories, Of the times we loved, The times we cried, The times we fought, The times we laughed. For if you always think of me, I will never have gone.

After the service ended, Mipha and Link waited their turn to place a flower, a Blue Nightshade, in their case. They bowed and said a silent prayer, then followed the others as everyone quietly made their way back inside the castle for a light buffet lunch in the dining hall.

At the luncheon, Link had a chance to renew the acquaintance of his cousin, Lara, whom he rarely saw. He and Mipha briefly chatted with Lara and her husband about their families, then moved on.

"Ambassador Link, a word, please?" said a familiar voice. "I am very sorry for your loss."

"Gerudo Ambassador Raynia, thank you," said Link turning around. "And let me express my condolences in person for the loss of your brave soldiers. Oh, I believe you met my wife Mipha at Hyrule Castle, did you not?"

"Thank you, and yes, greetings, Lady Mipha. Of course, you need no introduction even had we not met," said Raynia. "Lady Urbosa often spoke of you and the other Champions. Forgive me for bringing this up at a time of mourning, but our Chief is anxious to learn anything we can about those responsible. I have read the official reports, which contain the facts but not any speculation. Do you have any idea where those responsible could be now?"

"I understand, Ambassador Raynia," said Link. "I know the Gerudo do not take injury lightly, and I am not sure there is even a Gerudo word for forgiveness. It's only my guess, but I think the Thyphlo Ruins is a likely location. However, I would caution against exploring there. You know the conditions."

"Yes, but I will pass along your suspicions," said Raynia. "Some information is better than none, and lack of news will only make our Chief's temper hotter than the desert sun. It was nice seeing you both, though the occasion is most sad. I must speak to the Goron Ambassador, Hadon, next. Farewell."

Raynia left to find Hadon, which given his size, was easy to do.

"I think I'll speak to the Rito Ambassador, Rayna," said Link. "She's alone at the moment."

"You go ahead, I want to speak to Princess Zelda and Randall once more," said Mipha.

Link approached Rayna, who turned and greeted him.

"Ambassador Link, I am sorry for your loss, and Master Revali sends his condolences as well," said Rayna.

"Thank you, and please give Master Revali my thanks," said Link. "I was happy to learn the Rito suffered no harm in the attack."

"Yes, we disposed of the explosive in time," said Rayna. "It was hard to believe their spy was living so close to our village all this time. We are grateful that the North Hyrule Sheikah discovered a means of rendering him visible in time. I have already thanked North Hyrule Ambassador Laray for their efforts."

"Yes, it was fitting that they were the ones to find a remedy," said Link. "I think the Sheikah there felt especially motivated since it was their scientist who unwittingly caused the harm. I intend to speak with Ambassador Laray as well."

"I shall inform Master Revali that we spoke," said Rayna. "Now, please excuse me, I need to speak with Ambassador Raynia now that I see she has finished speaking with Ambassador Hadon. And once more, I am sorry for your family's loss."

Rayna left, and Link wandered over to Laray, who was alone at the moment.

"Ambassador Laray," said Link.

"Ambassador Link," said Laray. "I wanted to speak to you and Mipha when I could. We are all very sorry for your loss. Our people feel terrible about what happened, and especially our Sheikah. Chief Saldon had a meeting with his people, where he emphasized the importance of confining research to our location."

"We all understand Grendon was a bit of an eccentric but meant no harm," said Link.

"By the way, Queen Faray is delighted that Mistress Tila and her family are spending the week with her," said Laray. "Your granddaughter Tara is just gorgeous, Link. Her eyes are so beautiful: they just captivate you."

"Yes, she is a lot of fun," said Link.

"Now, let me find Mipha," said Laray. "I wish to convey my condolences to her, as well. Ah, I see her now, over there."

Laray went over to speak to Mipha, and it was then that the Goron Ambassador Hadon walked over to Link.

"Hey, Link, sorry for your loss," said Hadon. "Daruk said to tell you the same."

"Thank you, Hadon," said Link. "How is Daruk?"

"Doing well, but hotter than mountain magma when he learned the enemy was hiding by his monument," said Hadon. "He was already steamed that they used our region for their hideout. He keeps saying that if he were younger, he would do this and that. It's just as well he isn't, I think."

"Yes, but I know exactly how he feels," said Link. "My Goron brother and I think alike in some ways. Anyway, thank him for the good wishes."

It was after everyone had eaten that Queen Zelda approached Mipha and Link and asked to speak privately to them. They stepped to the far side of the room together, away from the others.

"We're both so sorry, Zelda, and you know you can call on us to help you in any way we can," said Mipha.

"I know," said Zelda. "You've always been there for me. I ..."

Then Zelda started sobbing, and Link reached out and held her.

"I'm sorry, Link," said Zelda as she sobbed into his shoulder. "It was my idea, but listening to those poems...."

"Zelda, it's fine, it's fine," said Link as he held her.

Zelda took another few moments to compose herself, then they separated, and she wiped her eyes.

"There is something on my mind that you can help with, Link," said Zelda. "It's Astra. It's not easy for any of us, of course, but Zelda is grown and has a husband now. I know how terrible it is to lose a parent as a young child. I realize you have a grandchild and your own family to be with, Link, and it's a lot to ask. But would you mind spending some extra time with Astra? I've asked Zelda to make more time for her sister too, but I think Astra would benefit from someone more like a father figure in her life. She thinks the world of you, Link, and I know how much you love her. As much as there are stars in the sky, she proudly tells me. And Mipha, I hope you don't mind my asking?"

"Of course, I don't mind, Zelda," said Mipha. "Remember, I too lost a parent, and I know how terrible it feels. My heart goes out to Astra and Zelda both. We will both do everything we can to help."

"You didn't even need to ask me, Zelda," said Link. "I planned to give Astra more time anyway."

"Thank you, thank you both, that's a load off of my mind," sighed Zelda. "I know I can depend on both of you when I need you."

Afterward, people began to say goodbye, and Mipha and Link prepared to do the same. When they got to Astra, Link reached down and lifted her for a hug.

"You're almost too big for that, but not quite yet," said Link as he kissed her on the cheek. "I know it's hard, sweetheart. I'll be back very soon to check on you and, when you feel ready, you can take me sailing if you like. Ask your mother anytime you would like to visit us or if you want me to come here. I always, always, always have time for you, sweetheart. Please remember that, okay?"

"Okay, I'll remember," said Astra as she hugged him back. "And I would like that. Maybe you could even start teaching me things."

Then Mipha and Link said goodbye and made their way to the ferry terminal for the ride home.

"Well, that's that," said Link as they waited to board. "It's such a shame."

"You do need to make time for Astra," said Mipha. "You never knew your parents, so you don't know how terrible it feels to lose one."

"I fully intend to, sweetheart," said Link. "And I won't argue with you about how it feels to lose a parent. But you know very well I once lost someone else I loved, and it hurt a great deal."

Mipha looked at him, smiled, and took his hand. They boarded together when the ferry arrived, then sat down, leaning against each other. They were both quiet on the trip back, thinking about all that had happened.

They arrived home to a partially full house. Tila, Tara, and Link had gone to spend a week in North Hyrule, but Lapha, Mila, and Midon were all home.

"How is the family doing?" said Mila as they arrived. "All of us would have liked to attend and express our condolences personally. Anyway, we made dinner."

"Thanks, sweetheart," said Mipha. "It was sad as you would expect, and the service was deliberately kept small. You should feel comfortable reaching out to your cousins, though, especially Astra."

Everyone sat down for dinner, and the subject changed to what happened and what would happen.

"Zelda is in no mood to take any action right now, but the time will come," said Link. "The Gorons already drained the lava pool and investigated the hideout. The enemy left a few things behind, including some invisibility suits and backpacks. They all became visible once taken outside and exposed to the ash."

"By the way, the Tesimals are still active but should be expiring in a few days," said Lapha, interrupting.

"Anyway, the Goron ambassador told me there was nothing else of interest found in the hideout," said Link. "It looked like they quickly abandoned it once they realized we had uncovered their plot."

"Do we have any idea where the enemy fled?" said Midon.

"I have some idea," said Link. "I found their leader's father hiding in the Thyphlo Ruins once. His horse broke a shoe, and I was able to track him there from the hoof prints. That was way back in the day we all traveled by horseback. If I had to guess, that's where his son is hiding out now. But it's a difficult place to explore, covered as it is in perpetual darkness. And, of course, I'm not sure he's even there, it's just a hunch. And if he is there, he may well be underground in a hideout of some sort, and placed traps about, making exploration hazardous."

"So, there's nothing we can do right now?" said Midon.

"Purah, Robbie and I are still working on discovering how the Lens of Truth works," said Lapha. "We want to be prepared should something like this ever happen again."

"Nothing immediately," said Link. "We just need to be vigilant for now. Has anyone heard from Link or Tila, by the way?"

"Linky Tabbed me, and they're doing fine," said Lapha. "Faray needed to meet with her sister Tila to go over everything that happened, update codes and such, things like that. So, the family decided they might as well stay for a week."

"I hope they have better weather there," said Link. "Thanks for dinner, by the way. Who cooked my fish this time? It was nicely seasoned."

"We should make you guess, Dad," said Mila. "We take turns, and we should see if you can notice any difference."

"You all know very well I can't," said Link. "But thank you, it was delicious."

It was the early evening after dinner as Mipha and Link held hands and strolled through the village square and then partway across the Great Zora Bridge. The guards acknowledged them as they passed the Domain entrance. They stopped midway and looked down at Ruto Lake. Some younger Zora's were playing in the water there, and the sounds of their splashing and laughter filled the air.

"So, what happens next?" said Link. "There is unfinished business, and some of us, like me, hate that."

Mipha looked over at him.

"You sound like a Gerudo now. I believe we will deal with it in due time," said Mipha. "But tonight is not the night."

Link just stared out at the water.

"It breaks my heart to see how much Zelda and her family are hurting, though," said Link. "It makes me want to do something."

"Come on, let's go home," said Mipha. "We could use some music right now to lighten the mood."

They headed home and to their room. Then Mipha played some music from her Tab. It was an old Hylian slow song, and the lyrics seemed appropriate to Link.

"Dance?" said Mipha.

"Of course," said Link.

They held each other close as they danced together.

Someday, when I'm awfully low.

When the world is cold.

I will feel a glow just thinking of you.

And the way you look tonight

You're lovely, with your smile so warm

And your cheeks so soft

There is nothing for me but to love you

And the way you look tonight

Then they kissed.

"I do love you," said Link. "And you look so beautiful. You always do."

"I love you, too," said Mipha.

The song ended, and they stopped dancing.

"I guess I'll start visiting Astra each weekend unless she has other plans," said Link. "She has lessons during the week to keep her busy. You should come with me. She loves seeing you too."

"If you go, I will go too, and I can look in on Zelda," said Mipha. "She might need some help too."

Link yawned and stretched.

"Sorry, but let's get to sleep," said Link. "It's been a tough day."

"It has been, but we have each other and we are in this together, sweetheart," said Mipha.

Link smiled.

"No, you're right," said Link. "We have each other."

They fell asleep in each other's arms in their slumber pool.

Meanwhile, in Hyrule Castle, Princess Zelda knocked on Astra's half-open bedroom door. Astra was sitting up in bed, reading a story, and looked up.

"Hi, Zel," said Astra. "Did you come to say good night to me?"

"Yes, sweetheart," said Princess Zelda coming over to her bed and sitting on the edge. "What are you doing?"

"Reading this story," said Astra.

"Would you like me to read it to you?" said Zelda. "Like I used to?"

"I'm big enough to read on my own now, Zel," said Astra. "But I always loved the way you told me stories. So, sure, if you don't mind."

"I don't mind at all," said Zelda. "I like reading these stories for myself sometimes."

Princess Zelda took off her robe and climbed into bed next to Astra. She began reading the story as Astra leaned her head against Zelda's shoulder. She got partway through the chapter, when Astra suddenly reached out, hugged Zelda, and burst into tears. Zelda put down the story and hugged her back, patting her gently on the back.

"It's okay, sweetheart," said Zelda. "Crying right now will do us both good."

"Can you stay with me tonight, Zel? Until I fall asleep?" Astra asked between sobs.

"Of course, sweetheart. I'll stay with you all night, like the sleepovers we used to have," said Zelda as she kissed Astra on the forehead. "Just don't hit me with a pillow in the morning like you used to!"

"I love you, Zel," said Astra.

"I love you, too, Astra," said Zelda. "Now, let's get some sleep."

They cuddled together, and after a short while, they both fell asleep. Queen Zelda stopped by later to check on Astra and smiled to see the two of them sleeping together. She quietly closed Astra's bedroom door and returned to her room.

The next morning, Astra awoke first, and her sister was asleep with her arm around her. Astra closed her eyes again. Finally, Princess Zelda moved, and Astra hugged her.

"Thanks, Zel, for staying with me," said Astra.

"I'll stay with you as long as you like, sweetheart," said Zelda as she kissed her on the cheek. "We're sisters, remember?"

"What about Randall?" Astra asked.

"He'll just have to take care of himself, won't he?" said Zelda.

"Maybe just a couple more nights, Sis, and I'll be fine," said Astra.

"As long as you want me here, I'll be here, sweetheart," said Zelda.

Astra paused for a moment.

"Do you think they will ever catch who did this to Dad?" said Astra.

"Well, the person who did it died along with him," said Princess Zelda. "Though I'm not sure he wanted to."

"No, I mean the person who was responsible for it, not the one who got killed," said Astra.

"Oh! The leader? I hope so," said Princess Zelda. "I'm sure Mother won't rest until whoever did this is brought to justice. She just needs a little time."

Astra paused to think about it some more. Then she spoke up.

"Let's have breakfast," said Astra. "But, you need to go back to your room and get dressed, Sis."