Summary: Life goes on, but with more hints at future developments.

It was late afternoon at Hyrule Castle, and the nearly setting sun cast an orange glow through the western window of Queen Zelda's study. She yawned and stretched her arms overhead, then stood up from her desk and walked over to a window facing south. The view was magnificent! On a beautiful day like today, you could see as far away as the green waters of the Faron Sea on the horizon.

Zelda had converted this room at the top of a tall central castle tower into her study for two reasons.

For one thing, it commanded a sweeping view of Hyrule, with windows in all four directions. When she needed to clear her mind, it helped to look out over the land she loved and the places she had visited. Looking at a location would bring back memories of times she spent there, whether on behalf of her father as a young Princess, or journeying with Link before Ganon's attack, or visiting later as the Queen of Hyrule.

The second reason she loved this room was the seclusion that her study offered. It was nicely sheltered from the busy parts of the castle with all their comings and goings. This was her study, not her office, where she conducted Hyrule business. It was a place for reflection, a place for her to be alone and to think. Link had told her he once had a small house in Hateno Village for the same reason. That was his place to get away and think. Anyway, it was her habit to put her Tab on family/emergency only mode when she came here.

She walked to the window facing east, stretching her legs a bit and taking time to admire the view in that direction. Hyrule had changed since she was a child, yet in many ways, it remained the same. On her left was Death Mountain, still spewing molten lava as it always had, and where Daruk and the Gorons lived happily amidst the scorching heat. Glancing further right, you could make out the Zodobon Highlands cliffs near Zora's Domain where Ruta once stood. It was there in Zora's Domain that Link had found happiness and fulfillment in life. At least he had the second time around. Link had explained how things had not worked out well the first time.

She crossed the room to the western window where the sun was setting, and from there, you could make out Spectacle Rock where Urbosa once piloted Naboris. And if you looked further to the right, you could see the silhouette of Divine Beast Vah Medoh perched high above Rito Village, Revali's home. Yes, some things in Hyrule had changed, but a good deal had not.

Finally, she walked to her left and stared out the window facing north. It must be subconscious, she thought, but she always found herself looking out the north window last. For to the north was the mysterious part of Hyrule, the least understood and most magical part of her kingdom.

For one thing, the land to the north contained the Lost Woods, a sinister forest with ominous-looking trees and forever covered in dense fog. It was a danger to anyone who dared wander into it without knowing its secret. There was undoubtedly magic there, for science could not explain it. And at the heart of the Lost Woods lay the Korok Forest, home of the Great Forest Spirit, the Deku Tree. There was powerful magic there as well.

But then if you ventured even further north, you would encounter the mysterious Thyphlo Ruins. They had never fully explored that area of Hyrule or understood what secret kept it shrouded in perpetual darkness. Its architecture suggested it was once a Zonai location, and the road there through the Drenan Highlands was lined with ancient Zonai pillars. Presumably, at one time, the Zonai followed that road to Thyphlo. It must have been important to them, to take the trouble to build such a path and line it with towering stone columns. But why was it important? What had been there? And what had made it turn into the way it had become?

And then looking even further north, beyond the Thyphlo Ruins was the land of North Hyrule whose history Link's daughter, Mila, had only recently chronicled. North Hyrule itself was a mysterious land they had learned of only recently. What was it, only about fifteen years now since Mipha and Link had first set foot there? And they had gone there in search of an element to help Purah's reverse-aging rune.

So, yes, as she stared out the northern window, there was no doubt she was gazing upon the strangest part of Hyrule.

And perhaps the most dangerous?

Link had thought their enemy had taken refuge in the Thyphlo Ruins, and she did not like unfinished business any more than the Gerudo. Mipha and Link made a great team, but she was the one who carried the blood of the Goddess. There were some things that only she, or her daughter, and Link could do together. They were bound by the seemingly never-ending blood of the Goddess and soul of the hero curse. Link still carried the sword that seals the darkness. Perhaps Hylia needed them one last time? Did they have one more adventure together ahead of them? Or was their time already past?

While Rudin had been alive, they had agreed not to pursue it. She did not want to use Purah's reverse aging rune for fear it would work for her and not for him. She would not have wanted that. And he had said the same thing, that he would not have wanted the reverse either. So, they had been content to grow older together.

But now, with Rudin gone, what was the harm? If it didn't work, she was no worse off. And if it did, perhaps that was what Hyrule needed before the time came to leave responsibility for it to her children. She would speak to Purah about her rune.

Her thoughts were broken by her Tab going off, and given its setting, that could only mean family or an emergency. It turned out it was family.

"Mother? Are you all right? Do you feel like having dinner with Randall and me," said Princess Zelda? "We can meet you in the family dining room."

"Yes, of course, sweetheart," said Zelda. "I'll be right down."

Astra was away in Lurelin Village this weekend with Mipha and Link so that it would be just the three of them. Zelda cleared off her desk, locked her study door, then went down to meet them.

Earlier that day, Astra steered a sailboat out of Lurelin Harbor as Link sat beside her, and Mipha swam, diving and playing in the water.

"You're doing fine," said Link as Astra navigated the boat past Rimba Beach.

The winds were favorable for heading east this morning, so Link had suggested they round Soka Point and head toward Eventide Island where they could stop and have lunch.

"It's fun!" said Astra. "Is Aunt Mipha all right?"

"Aunt Mipha couldn't be better, sweetheart," laughed Link. "She's where she loves to be right now. And a bit more to starboard, helmsman, it gets shallow here."

"Aye, aye," said Astra as she steered the boat into deeper water.

They caught a brisk ocean breeze now and picked up speed as they hugged the southern coast of Cape Cresla. It was a beautiful day for sailing, and the splash of the boat's wake sparkled in the bright sunlight.

"Our destination is straight east when you need a break," said Link. "It's called Eventide Island, and it's uninhabited now. We can eat lunch there, then do a little hiking to stretch our legs if you like."

Astra navigated around the area for a while, and it was midday when they finally sailed onto the sandy shore of Toronbo Beach. Link secured the boat, helped Astra onto land, and then grabbed the picnic basket they had brought. After moving further back, Link turned to stare out at the sea, shading his eyes. A moment later, they could see Mipha swim toward shore, then dive underwater, and finally surface at high speed, landing acrobatically on the beach next to them, dripping wet.

"That was fun!" said Mipha. "You two must be tired."

"You're not?" said Link.

"Not a bit, sweetheart," said Mipha, touching him on the cheek. "Not hungry either. I love the porgies here! But I'll sit with you for lunch."

"Let's find a nice spot," said Link. "There's an old abandoned campsite atop the hill over there. And there's a beautiful view."

They made their way south along the shore, then up the gently sloping path to the tiny hill on the southwest coast. There was a Hearty Dorian tree here, and evidence of an old campsite, as Link had said. The ocean breeze was pleasant, and you could hear sea birds calling to each other and swooping along the water searching for food. They all sat down, and Link opened the picnic basket, then he and Astra helped themselves.

"You've been here before, Uncle Link?" said Astra.

"Yes, a few times," said Link. "Coming here used to be a test of skill of sorts, with Bokoblins, Moblins and a Hinox making life unpleasant. But later, it became uninhabited. There are the remains of an old stone structure here, so it must have been occupied long ago. But nobody remembers who once lived here."

"I wonder when I will be ready for a test of skill?" said Astra.

"Not until you have a good deal more training, sweetheart," said Link. "But Dr. Purah can create a virtual environment for you to train in. Thanks to Revali, I had to pass a Trial of the Hero Challenge, and it's training that can you can do safely. You just need to connect a device, and it places you in a very realistic simulation."

"Yes, I can see I need a lot more practice," said Astra after swallowing a bite. "I'll ask Mom about it, though."

After lunch, they hiked to the very top of the island, Koholit Rock. It was a rigorous climb, but fortunately, the weather stayed fair, and they reached the top where an ancient Sheikah shrine stood. They all stopped to admire the northwest view across the Necluda Sea from the tiny Tenoko Island to Palmorae Beach and Loshlo Harbor. Mount Lanayru loomed large to the north. But then Mipha turned and stared out to the south, and Link turned to follow her gaze.

"See those islands in the distance," said Mipha. "I should like to explore them someday. And perhaps beyond. Maybe when our family is older, Link, you and I can journey there. Would you like that?"

"It would be interesting," said Link. "I've often wondered what lay beyond the waters here. And of course, I want to be wherever you are."

As they returned past the Shrine, Mipha suddenly noticed something, an old bone laying on the ground near the Shrine.

"A Zora has been here," said Mipha as she examined the bone. "I can tell from the teeth marks. This is old, though, and it's very unusual for a Zora to choose meat over fish, especially on an island surrounded by the sea. Unless they feared to go in the water."

"Yes, that is odd," said Link as he thought about it. "Wait! Could it have been Sopha? I remember she hid after she pinged us on our vacation and was never found despite Father sending out guards to search. Sopha may have hidden here on Eventide Island for a time."

Mipha shuddered.

"That's one person who truly gives me the creeps," said Mipha. "I'm glad she and her double are taken care of."

Then Link turned to Astra.

"It's getting late, and we should sail back before it gets dark," said Link. "Are you ready to set sail, Captain? Your crew is ready!."

"Ready, Uncle Link!" said Astra.

"I can push if the wind is unfavorable," said Mipha. "It is getting late."

They made their way back to shore, then Astra hopped aboard, and Link pushed it into the water. They were soon on their way back to Lurelin Village. And the occasional push from Mipha did come in handy, as the winds were not the most favorable. It was sunset by the time they docked in the harbor and secured the boat to the pier. They planned to spend the night here, then return to Hyrule Castle by ferry the next morning.

"That was a lot of fun, thanks for taking me," said Astra as they held hands and walked back to the central part of the village.

"We both enjoyed it, sweetheart," said Mipha. "Uncle Link and I have fond memories of Lurelin Village, and we never mind returning here."

"And I never mind taking you anyplace, Astra," said Link. "If there is somewhere you would like to go, just check if it's okay with your Mom and let me know."

The sun was setting now, and the sky grew orange as they walked along the beach. Razorclaw and Ironshell Crabs scurried out of their way, and they could see the odd Hearty Blueshell Snail in the shallow water. Flickering torches lit the way to the village as fishers put away their equipment and made their way home. When they reached the village, Link cooked some fish on a stick for Astra and himself, and then they sat down to eat near some torch lights. A nearby musician was playing a song with a tropical island beat to it.

"This place has changed little, and I like that," said Link. "It's easier to get to by boat now, but that hasn't spoiled it. It's still a quiet fishing village."

Astra was quiet.

"You all right, sweetheart?" said Link as he took her hand.

"I miss my family now," said Astra. "I'll call Mom before I go to sleep."

Link looked at Mipha, then he reached out and hugged Astra.

"Of course, sweetheart, and I know it's hard," said Link. "Life does this to us sometimes, takes away someone we love. I'm sorry."

Astra held Link for a few moments.

"I guess I'm feeling tired after all the sailing and hiking," said Astra.

"Sure, it's been a long day, sweetheart," said Link. "Come on. You can hop into bed and have your call with your mother."

They made their way to the bungalow near the beach they had reserved, and after goodnight kisses, they tucked Astra in for the night. Mipha and Link walked outside and stood a little way from the bungalow. They could hear the murmur of Astra speaking to her mother for a few minutes, and then it was quiet. Astra had fallen asleep.

"I wonder if it was a good idea to take her on an overnight trip so soon," said Mipha.

"I think it's okay," said Link. "I should have realized she would miss her family under the circumstances, though."

Link paused for a moment.

"You know, some things Astra does and says make me think of her as older than her years," said Link. "But when I think back to my childhood, was I like that too? You probably remember it better than I do."

"Concerning physical skill, you were way ahead of your years," said Mipha. "Don't you remember you could beat adults at swordplay by age four? Why do you think you always accepted those crazy dares from your Big Bad Bazz Brigade friends? You were only eleven when you lost your father, then joined the Hyrule army. And a year or two after that, the sword chose you. But there are differences too. Astra is not an orphan like you were if you catch my drift."

Link seemed lost in thought, gazing off into the distance as he tried to remember his childhood.

"Are you listening to me, sweetheart?" said Mipha, interrupting his thoughts.

"Sorry, I'm all ears," said Link.

"Whenever a Hylian uses that expression, I think how literally true that is," laughed Mipha as she touched him gently on the cheek. "Anyway, we're all tired. We should get some sleep and catch the early ferry. Love you!"

"Very funny. But I love you, too," said Link.

Then they embraced and shared a kiss.

"I do have the best memories of the time we spent here," said Link. "You know what I mean."

"Yes, I do, sweetheart," said Mipha. "And we slept in that small pool under the waterfall over there at the side of the cliff. I'll never forget it."

They kissed one more time, then went back inside the bungalow and slept.

The next morning Astra was in an excellent mood, and after a quick breakfast, they waited for the boat back to Hyrule Castle. After the boat stopped at Hateno Bay, they would continue and exit at Lanayru Bay. From there, they would switch to the ferry that would travel up the Rutala River and back to the castle. It looked like it would rain, so it was fortunate they sailed yesterday.

"Sorry if I got a bit moody last night," said Astra.

"Not at all, sweetheart, it's perfectly understandable," said Mipha. "Don't apologize. We just both hope you had fun."

"I did! I had a terrific time!" said Astra happily. "Sailing rivers will never feel the same now!"

"I'm glad you like being on the water," said Mipha.

"We can board now," said Link as a crew member opened the gate for passengers. Four others boarded, two Gerudo and a Hylian couple. The Hylians briefly nodded to Astra and said, "Good Morning, Your Highness," and Astra wished them a good morning back. Then everyone took their seats, with Mipha, Astra, and Link choosing a bench near the stern.

As the boat got underway, Astra leaned over and spoke in a low voice.

"I'm not used to strangers addressing me like that," said Astra.

"It's a show of respect and that they care," said Link. "You are a Princess of Hyrule. And you did the right thing."

Astra turned and looked out at the water.

"There are some Mighty Porgies!" exclaimed Astra, pointing out the side of the boat.

Link smiled at Mipha. Astra was getting back to her old self.

Meanwhile, Purah was making her way to see Queen Zelda in her office. A guard showed her in at once.

"Your Majesty, you sent for me?" said Purah.

"Yes, please sit down, Dr. Purah, and no need to be formal," said Zelda pointing to a chair by her desk. "I wanted to ask you about your anti-aging rune. Does it work?"

"It's still somewhat experimental," said Purah. "It works but not always and sometimes only once or twice. I could never perfect it. Princess Lapha has also taken an interest in the subject and been doing some research. But I assume you are not asking out of academic interest?"

"No. Would it be possible for me to use it?" said Zelda.

"We can try," said Purah. "It worked for Link. And when it doesn't work, there don't appear to be any ill effects. Its success depends on the person and also on how much reverse aging you wish to accomplish. In experiments I've conducted, it becomes unstable and difficult to calibrate as you approach twenty-five years or more."

"So, twenty-two years might work for me?" asked Zelda.

"If it works at all, it should," said Purah. "Do I take it you wish to do this, Your Majesty?"

"I'm thinking about it," said Zelda. "I have a feeling perhaps Hyrule needs Link and I to do something together. And I think we should be close in age in that case."

"I see," said Purah. "Well, I can make sure the rune is ready, calibrated for your genetic structure and all. So, if you decide to proceed, I will be all ready."

"Yes, that will be fine, thank you, Dr. Purah," said Zelda standing up and showing that the meeting was over.

Purah bowed and left. Then as she returned to the lab, she wondered what to make of all that. Queen Zelda wanted to be twenty-eight again because of a future mission with Link? Or was she suddenly feeling old after losing her husband and wished to recapture some of her youth? Purah trusted that Zelda honestly felt the former. But was she only kidding herself? Anyway, whether or not the rune worked, Purah did not see any harm that could come of it. Zelda sometimes did have premonitions. Maybe the need for a mission with Link was one of them. But, holy Hylia, was this a surprise!