Summary: A day of more talk than action. After having used Purah's experimental anti-aging rune, Queen Zelda meets with Link to discuss concerns. Link agrees to explore Lomei Labyrinth Island with Mipha when Zelda requests it. Astra's combat training begins to include Ganon's Blight creatures.

It was a dark afternoon at Hyrule Castle as a flash of lightning lit up the sky, followed at once by an ear-splitting crash of thunder. A newly young Queen Zelda stood beside Link as they both gazed out the south window of her study, watching the heavy rain collect in puddles on walkways below and stream down the sides of the stone walls. The forces of nature had been too awesome to ignore, and so they had interrupted their conversation to stare out the window.

"What a terrible storm!" said Zelda. "It reminds me of the time we had to race to the nearest stable for safety. Do you remember?"

"I do," said Link. "We were returning from the Spring of Courage, and we heard the storm approaching as we rode through Sarjon Woods. You kept wanting to stop to examine more Zonai pillars, but I urged you to hurry. We ended up riding full gallop to Lakeside Stable. Even so, we both got soaked to the skin."

"We did," laughed Zelda. "We both dried off by the fire after the storm passed. Was I still being rude to you back then? Well, I guess it doesn't matter now. But I can recall how terrible the storm that day was, just as it is now."

"Speaking of lightning, are you sure it's safe for you here, Zelda? We're pretty high up in this tower."

"Thanks, but relax," said Zelda as she smiled at him. "They installed lightning rods at several places around the castle. I've been through many storms here, though none I can remember quite so bad as this."

They watched as another bolt of lightning lit up the room, followed by the expected crash of thunder.

"Anyway, thanks for coming, and I'm glad you arrived here safely this morning before this bad weather struck," said Zelda. "I know the younger generation loves to do everything by Tab, and I don't mind it either sometimes. But it's no substitute for meeting in person."

"I agree, and I wanted to see Astra this morning anyway," said Link. "It's not often the two of us have time alone together, and I always enjoy it when we do. But you're the younger generation yourself now, Zelda. As I said earlier, Purah's rune worked perfectly, and you look fantastic!"

"Thank you, I feel great too," said Zelda. "My daughter Zelda having the baby convinced me to go through with it, and I'm glad I did."

"You look like the young princess I used to travel with," said Link. "No wonder it's easy for me to recall things we did together."

"Oh, please, I'm not quite that young!" laughed Zelda. "But thank you for the sweet compliment. Concerning your memory, though, I honestly don't know how you keep things straight, Link! With all the twists and turns in your life, the time travel reversals, it's as if you've lived several lives in one lifetime."

"It feels like that to me too, and you don't know the half of it," said Link. "I've gotten over most of my confusion. But now and then I have to stop and ask myself if some memory that pops into my head still really happened."

They watched quietly for another moment.

"How are Mipha and the family?" Zelda asked. "Your granddaughter Tara is adorable from the few pictures I've seen. And in case you missed the inflection in my voice, I emphasized the word 'few.'"

"Guilty!" laughed Link. "Mipha tells me the same thing, that I neglect to take enough pictures, though the family has plenty. But everyone is well, and Tara is fun to play with and quite bright. Your grandson is adorable too, Zelda. I know Astra is fine as I spent this morning with her, but how are Zelda, Randall, and the baby doing?"

"They're all doing fine too. Like new parents sometimes do, they say they can't wait for the baby to get bigger, so taking care of him will be easier. Soon I know they'll be complaining about how fast the time went. If you stay for dinner, you can see them."

"If the weather stays bad, I'll gladly stay, thanks," said Link. "Otherwise, I should get back. Mipha is home alone today. But it's not just new parents who wonder where the time went, Zelda. Here we are both talking about something we did together thirty-five years ago. Yet if I close my eyes, I can still see us galloping through Sarjon Woods and feel the wind and rain on my face."

"It's funny that some things you never forget," said Zelda. "Or get over. Speaking of Astra, how do you feel about her combat training? She has certainly taken to it with unexpected enthusiasm!"

"Astra is doing remarkably well with her training, better than I imagined," said Link. "Dr. Purah agrees. I've never seen anyone so determined to excel at combat."

"No? Then try looking in the mirror," laughed Zelda. "You were the same way, training every chance you could get. I recall another time we were caught in the rain, though there was no lightning. I sat under a tree pouring out the frustration I felt that my path in life was not of my own choosing. You didn't say a word to comfort me, just kept practicing with your sword."

"I remember that incident too, and I didn't know what to say," said Link. "Not knowing what to say is a characteristic of mine, as Mipha will readily agree. But I think Astra's even more dedicated than I was. I didn't have simulations to practice with every day."

Another flash of lightning interrupted their conversation, and they watched the wind splash some raindrops against the window.

"How are you coping with everything Zelda?" said Link as he turned to her.

"I'm doing my best," said Zelda. "I finally finished putting away all of Rudin's things. That was hard for me, but I needed to do it. His sister Lara wanted a couple of items as mementos, things she said she remembered from when they grew up together. I didn't mind. You know, I think Lara blames me for what happened. She never liked coming to the castle and thought her brother should have led a simpler life like her, not married into royalty. Maybe she was right."

"No, she wasn't right," said Link. "She was completely wrong. Rudin loved you, and you loved him, and that's what mattered. Nobody can foresee what the future holds. Rudin was a knight like me. Had he lived the simpler life Lara wanted for him, he could have died years ago in combat or from some freak accident. And what about your children and your grandchild?"

Zelda was quiet, but Link could tell she agreed with him. They watched the rain again for a few more moments, lost in their thoughts. Finally, Link spoke up.

"Why did you ask me here, Zelda?" said Link finally. "Not that I mind visiting you, of course."

"Yes, I do have a reason," said Zelda as she turned to him. "Though it's nice to see you too. It's this business with the Thyphlo Ruins and the Lomei Labyrinths and the shortage of Luminous Stones. Something is going on. I just feel it. I want to discuss with you what you think we should do about it."

"As for the Luminous Stones, I have no idea," said Link. "I explored the Lomei Labyrinths once and visited Thyphlo ruins before. The labyrinths are a nuisance to navigate, but there should be no malice there now. Or monsters either, for that matter. The Thyphlo Ruins are creepy, forever dark. Do you want me to investigate any of them? If I go, Mipha will insist on going with me. Now that our children are older, we're more of a team."

Zelda stared out the window.

"I just don't know," said Zelda. "I only want your thoughts at this point. I certainly don't want to send you and Mipha off on a fool's errand or into unnecessary danger."

Zelda paused for a moment, but Link could see she wanted to say more.

"The thing is, you are still the only person I have who is so highly qualified for these kinds of missions," said Zelda. "They require stealth and experience, an understanding of the enemy. But they also require a high degree of combat skill should the need arise. For better or worse, there is no one else in Hyrule like you."

"Are you forgetting Revali?" said Link. "He would be squawking right now to hear you say that!"

"I haven't forgotten Revali, how could anyone?" said Zelda. "And there could well be a role for him. He would be excellent for scouting from the sky or if it came to archery combat. But stealth is definitely not his strong point, and he would stand out in many situations. You can disguise yourself if necessary, like a Sheikah or a merchant. Or even as a Vai as I recall."

"Yes, you would recall that, wouldn't you?" laughed Link. "I've had my share of adventures in Gerudo Town disguised as a Vai. But seriously, we do need to be mindful of whatever is going on. Why don't I discuss with Mipha exploring the labyrinths? We can start with the one closest to the Domain, the island labyrinth."

"You can discuss it, but don't go yet. I still want to think it over," said Zelda.

"Of course," said Link. "It looks like the storm is finally leaving us."

The sky had brightened, and all they could hear now was the occasional rumble of distant thunder as the storm had moved west.

"Yes, we have sunny skies again," said Zelda. "Let's finish our conversation outside."

They made their way down the steps and through the castle to the garden outside, then strolled together.

"The air is always so fresh and clean after a storm," said Zelda taking a deep breath.

"And I would like to make Hyrule fresh and clean as well," said Link.

"So would I, but please don't do anything yet. I want to consider things a bit more and consult with Purah. I'll let you know, all right, Link?"

"Whatever you say," said Link. "Meanwhile, I'll just let Mipha know we might be going. Speaking of Mipha, I should probably get back soon. As I said, she's been home alone today."

"You two are such a loving couple," said Zelda smiling. "I'm happy for you that worked out. Take the next ferry then. We can say goodbye here. Until next time, then, Link."

"Until next time then, Princess," said Link. "Oh, forgive me, Your Majesty, I must have forgotten myself, seeing how young you look."

"Very funny," laughed Zelda. "But thank you for the compliment."

Link and Zelda hugged, then Link made his way to the ferry terminal.

Meanwhile, in the Royal Ancient Tech Lab, Astra was preparing for her final combat simulation of the day. Today Astra would take on Windblight Ganon, and this was the first of the blight creatures she would fight.

"How realistic is the next simulation, Dr. Purah?" asked Astra.

"Pretty accurate, I would say, Princess Astra," said Purah. "For the blight creatures, I worked with Link and the Champions to learn as much as I could about them, and coded the information into the simulation device. For Ganon itself, we put together what we think is reasonable using a composite of the blight creatures plus what I learned from further discussions with your uncle Link. The simulations are improved, more realistic than when your uncle did his Trial of the Hero exercise some years ago."

"That's good to know, Dr. Purah," said Astra.

"Are you ready?" said Purah.

"Yes," said Astra. "And this simulation takes place atop Divine Beast Vah Medoh, is that right?"

"Exactly," said Purah. "As if Medoh had been corrupted by it. All right, here goes!"

The next thing Astra knew, she was atop Medoh as it flew high above the area near Rito Village. Powerful air currents rose from the propeller-driven shafts. And with a horrible screech, Windblight Ganon announced its presence. Astra knew she would have to use her paraglider and did so. But she wasn't quite ready for the blasts of wind from the horrible creature. And after a few falls, she had to concede defeat when she ran out of arrows. She activated the device on her belt, and she was back in the lab.

"I need to work on this one," said Astra. "Let me review what happened, and I can try again tomorrow."

"Yes, of course," said Purah. "These creatures take some experience and planning to destroy."

"Revali was able to defeat the real one on his first try," said Astra.

"Yes, but he was forewarned and better armed than you," said Purah. "If this were real, you might have more Bomb Arrows, but I cut back the number to increase the challenge. You need to make every shot count."

"I see," said Astra. "Well, thank you, Dr. Purah. I'll try again tomorrow."

Astra then left the lab for the day.

"She didn't handle the blight?" asked Robbie.

"No, but I short-changed her on the number of Bomb Arrows," said Purah. "In real life, she would probably have had more. Link wants her to be efficient in case her weaponry runs low."

Meanwhile, in Zora's Domain, it was a rainy afternoon, but without lightning, as Mipha and Sidon walked through the plaza on their way to meet with King Dorephan.

"Father just wants to catch up on how the family is doing," said Sidon. "Plus, he knows that you're home alone today."

"It's nice for just the three of us to get together," said Mipha. "Speaking of how we're doing, dear Brother, are you still seeing Tila's cousin, Arana?"

"Did Tila say something to you? Arana is actually visiting me here this weekend," said Sidon blushing slightly.

"Don't be embarrassed," said Mipha. "Tila said Arana is a wonderful person and that she likes you. There's nothing wrong with dating her."

"She is a wonderful person," said Sidon. "And I wish I could see her more, but my duties here keep me busy. Besides, I think Father still needs some convincing that our saltwater brethren from the north are the same as us."

"Well, don't worry, I can work on Father about that," said Mipha. "He loves little Tara, so he'll come around. You just follow your heart, dear Brother, and believe in yourself."

"Like you've always told me, dear Sister," said Sidon as he smiled at her.

The guard at the foot of the stairs to the throne room nodded to Mipha and Sidon, indicating King Dorephan was free, and they could go right up.

"Ah, welcome!" King Dorephan exclaimed when Mipha and Sidon arrived." A nice rainy afternoon, isn't it? But it must be quiet at home for you today, Mipha."

"Yes, Link is away at Hyrule Castle for the day, Lapha is back at work at the Royal Ancient Tech Lab, and Tila and her family are in North Hyrule for the week," said Mipha. "Mila and Midon are both working then going out with friends after work. So, yes, it's a quiet day, Father. But quiet is good sometimes."

"Yes, it is, and it gives the three of us a chance to be with each other," said King Dorephan.

"You look quite well, Father, in the peak of health, I would say," said Mipha. "I trust you've gotten over feeling sorry for yourself and thinking you're too old, as I told you?"

"Yes, as usual, you were right all along, sweetheart, and it was silly of me," said King Dorephan shaking his head. "I keep forgetting that you and Tila had children very young. But enough about me. How is Tara doing? She seems a very bright and energetic young girl and reminds me a lot of you at that age, Mipha."

"Yes, she is bright and energetic," said Mipha. "And her mother is extremely bright too, especially in mathematics. You know the North Hyrule Zora have a rich tradition of their own. They are also quite advanced thanks to the Sheikah, who share their land and work with them. It was from North Hyrule we obtained Tabs, remember, and who can live without them now?"

"Yes, that's all true," said King Dorephan. "That Queen Sopha, though, was a scary person. I don't know, Mipha. Am I wrong to be mistrustful of them?"

"I believe you are, Father," said Mipha. "Sopha wasn't typical, and it's unfair to judge them by her. You've met Sopha's sister Faray, and you know Tila well as family now. How do you feel about them?"

"They both seem fine to me," said King Dorephan. "My grandson, Link, certainly seems very happy with Tila."

"And Mila was friends with Tila before she and Link became a couple, and they got along well," said Mipha. "You know how good a judge of character Mila is."

"Yes, that's true, too," said King Dorephan. "Well, perhaps you're right, Mipha, and I need to be more open-minded. Anyway, Sidon, anything new with you?"

"Father, I've been so very busy with my new responsibilities that I don't have time for much else," said Sidon.

"Yes, I know you've been busy, but I would like you to learn to delegate more, Sidon," said King Dorephan. "Don't spend all your time working. You need a social life too."

"Yes, very true, Father," said Sidon as he glanced at Mipha, who was holding back a grin. "I will certainly take your advice to heart."

"Now, Mipha, please tell me what each of my grandchildren is up to," said King Dorephan.

"Gladly, Father," said Mipha, who proceeded to share everything she knew. At the end of an hour or so, their meeting ended, and Mipha left with Sidon. By then, the rain had ended, and it was a sunny day. And as soon as they were out of earshot, Mipha turned to Sidon with a smile.

"You're welcome, dear Brother," laughed Mipha.

"Yes, thank you, dear Sister, you handled Father quite well," laughed Sidon. "You were always good at dealing with Father, even getting him to change his mind sometimes."

"Now enjoy Arana's visit this weekend without feeling guilty," laughed Mipha. "How about a swim after all that sitting and talking. Race you up Veiled Falls like we used to?"

"You're on!" laughed Sidon as they both ran toward the west entrance, to the amusement of the security guard on patrol.

When they reached the falls, they dove in and swam up at full speed. It was hard to tell who won since they landed at almost the same time.

"We'll call it a tie," laughed Mipha.

"All of your lessons paid off," laughed Sidon.

They stood together at the top of the waterfall.

"There's a beautiful view of the Domain from here," said Mipha as she looked down at the giant fish sculpture below. "And you can see Shatterback Point across the way and Mount Lanayru in the distance to the right."

"And don't forget your house to the right of the tail," said Sidon. "It must feel strange to go from a full to an empty dwelling. "

"It's certainly quieter with no one around," said Mipha. "But Link and I have a lot of memories there, pictures on the wall and such. I still love it, empty or not."

They were both quiet for a moment.

"Have you heard anything more about the people who attacked you?" Said Sidon. "I learned a little on the ambassador call, but it bothers me that they are still at large."

"It bothers me too," said Mipha. "And neither Link nor Zelda is one to let this matter rest either. When the time comes, we will know it and deal with it."

"And I want to support you in this," said Sidon. "When the time comes, please tell me how I can help, Sister."

Mipha looked at him and smiled.

"I will tell you right now," said Mipha. "We are all counting on your help, Sidon, not just me. If I am busy working with Link, then it's up to you to protect our home, keep our people and our Domain safe. That task is vital."

"I can see that, and I'll certainly do my best," said Sidon. "You've taught me to always do that too."

Mipha's Tab signaled a message, and she took it out and looked.