Summary: Excavation work proceeds near the Forgotten Temple and the Faron Region. Link shares his concerns on a boat ride with Astra, while Mipha spends an afternoon with Zelda.

It was a cool and breezy but sunny early afternoon at the Forgotten Temple in the northernmost section of the vast Tanagar Canyon. Teams of workers were busy excavating selected areas around the massive structure, moving away dirt and debris that had accumulated over the years as the land shifted. The work here was part of two large excavation projects, a search for Sheikah technology hinted at by information extracted from the ancient Sheikah Tablet recovered from Eventide Island.

Dr. Purah had overall responsibility for both projects, but there had been a discussion at the lab about how best to divide up the oversight between the two locations, here and in the Faron Region.

It didn't take long for everyone to agree that it made the most sense for Lapha and Midon to oversee the excavation work in the Faron Region, as there was plenty of water there and an inviting assortment of waterfalls to enjoy. Visiting the Faron Region waterfalls was a treat for any Zora and thus a chance to combine business with pleasure.

The Forgotten Temple, on the other hand, was reasonably close to the Royal Ancient Tech Lab, a brief ride across the Irch and Rowan Plains, and thus more convenient for Purah and Robbie to visit. They were both visiting the Tanagar Canyon site in person today and watching the work.

"This reminds me of when we excavated the Divine Beasts," said Robbie. "That was certainly an exciting time! But was that really over forty years ago now?"

"Yes, about that long," said Purah. "I'd like to think our current efforts will be equally fruitful. But given our progress so far, I don't know that will be the case."

It had been a month since the excavation work had begun, and so far, there was little to show for it. As a result, Purah's mood kept swinging from pessimism to optimism and then back to pessimism again. Robbie sometimes found himself in the unusual position of having to bolster Purah's spirits rather than rein in her exuberance. In any case, he tried to keep up her hopes but not let them soar to unrealistic heights.

"It's a bit like fishing with a pole and hook, Dr. Purah," said Robbie. "You never know how long it will take to catch a fish, and you just need to be patient. We've only just begun, and whatever secrets these locations may hold could well be buried deep underground. But we also need to prepare ourselves that we may find nothing and that the technology we're seeking was destroyed long ago. We don't know if there are really any fish to be caught."

"I suppose you're right," sighed Purah, who had been in one of her pessimistic moods lately. "Still, as you say, we have barely scratched the surface. There are thousands of years of dirt and debris to dig through. I hope our funds don't run out before we discover something."

"Her Majesty has been quite generous about providing the resources needed for our efforts," said Robbie. "And we are uncovering some ancient Zonai artifacts in the Faron Region, at least. I know they're not Sheikah technology, but they do have some historical interest."

Purah stood quietly for a moment and watched the excavation work, then spoke up again. It sounded to Robbie that perhaps she was swinging back toward optimism.

"I still have to believe there must be something for us to find here. With so many Guardians stationed in this location, the ancient Sheikah must have felt there was something of importance worth protecting," said Purah.

"That's true. But it could also simply be that they held this site sacred, containing as it does Hyrule's oldest statue of Hylia, and wished to prevent its desecration," said Robbie.

Purah stopped to think for a moment.

"I suppose that's possible. But don't forget that the Hero of Time's journal was discovered here. That was partly documented in the chapter of Link's journal titled 'The Zora's Sapphire.' We believe this temple was built to commemorate the past heroes of Hyrule. So, it stands to reason there may be more such items to be found."

"Very possibly," said Robbie. "You should keep in mind that we could find nothing for some time, and then the next moment could change everything."

"True. Let's walk over to the other side. I want to speak to the supervisor about where to dig next and get a closer look at the work," said Purah.

Meanwhile, Link and Astra were enjoying a scenic afternoon sailing down the Hylia River together, though it would be more accurate to describe them as drifting rather than sailing. Their sail was furled, and they let the strong current carry the boat along. Astra sat facing forward in the boat's stern and steered using the tiller while Link faced her from the bow.

They had just drifted past the Applean Forest, and a deer on shore stared at them for a moment, then sprinted off into the woods. Link was recalling what had happened there just over six years ago when Astra picked up the sword that seals the darkness, and Sopha was finally captured.

Link turned to look back at Astra and could only admire how much she had grown since then. She was only an inch shorter than him now and had his blonde hair and clear blue eyes. And she was quite mature for her age, certainly more mature than he had been at twelve when he was likely still wasting time on mischievous pranks with his Big Bad Bazz Brigade friends. Though he guessed he was also getting better acquainted with Mipha back then, too, as she worked to keep him out of trouble and heal his injuries. That had certainly not been a waste of time!

"We haven't gone sailing together in some time," said Astra, interrupting Link's thoughts. "I'm glad we are again. I have a lot of happy memories of us doing that."

"I'm glad too, sweetheart," said Link as he smiled at her. "We've both been busy with our lives, I guess. But we should make more time for each other, and I blame myself that we haven't."

"It's fine, Dad," said Astra. "And it's not like it's too late."

"No, it's not too late, sweetheart," said Link. "Not at all."

They were both quiet for a moment, gazing at the river as it carried them along in its flow. A Hyrule Bass broke the surface near shore with a sudden splash, drawing their attention.

"I guess you're not as excited about seeing fish anymore."

"Not as much as when I was little," laughed Astra. "But I still enjoy it."

"It seems like everyone, including you, is growing up so fast," said Link. "But I guess that's how the world looks to someone like me when you get older. Are you still practicing your combat skills, by the way?"

"Yes, I do advanced combat simulations three times a week," said Astra. "Do you think that's still important? I had a feeling that you and Mom kind of finished things off for us at Eventide Island."

"I hope so, and you mother and I believe so too," said Link. "But you never know when Hyrule may need your special abilities."

"But you're still here, Dad," said Astra. "And you've shown you can still do whatever it takes."

"That's true. I'm just saying you never know, sweetheart, and I think it's wise to stay ready," said Link.

They coasted quietly for another moment, and then Link spoke up again.

"By the way, we're all thrilled you decided to alternate birthday celebrations between Hyrule Castle and Zora's Domain. I hope you know you're part of our family there, too, sweetheart, and we all love you."

"I know," said Astra with a smile. "And I certainly know how much you love me, Dad. I think about it when I look up at the night sky sometimes."

"And I meant every word, sweetheart. It came straight from my heart."

"I always knew that too," said Astra, as she smiled at him.

They were quiet as the boat continued past the Bottomless Swamp.

"Left or right?" said Astra as they approached the Floret Sandbar, and the river divided beyond it, one branch flowing to Lake Hylia and the other to Nabi Lake.

"Oh, let's go left," said Link. "Going all the way to Lake Hylia might be a bit too far today. We can stretch our legs and talk by Nabi Lake."

Astra steered the boat past the Floret Sandbar. There were plenty of flowers growing there, but no one eager to yell at you if you stepped on one. Then Astra steered the boat under the Eagus Bridge and onward into the calm waters of small Nabi Lake. Link rowed the boat onto the sandy southern shore, and then they both hopped out as Link pulled the boat further out of the water.

The spot was a quiet one, their only company three Blue-Winged Herons hunting for food near the water's edge. In the distance, you could make out Hyrule Castle, where they had come from. They began strolling along the sandy shore.

"There was a Bokoblin camp here back in the day, my day, I mean," said Link. "And I say back because that's how it feels like to me. Technically, using a calendar, it would be sixty years in the future from now if we hadn't created this other timeline."

"I notice you keep talking a lot about your other timeline lately, Dad," said Astra. "Is that preying on your mind?"

"I admit it is. Capturing the thief, Misko, started me thinking about it again, that things I learned there could be useful here, and life there was and is real. But it's more than that. Have you studied about the Hero of Time?"

"Yes, I learned about that as part of my Hyrule History lessons."

"Then you know about the timeline splits," said Link. "There was one timeline without a hero to protect it when Ganon eventually struck. I wonder if the timeline I left behind will suffer the same fate, or Hylia has some plan to prevent that?"

Link glanced at Astra, and she turned to him.

"And you're telling me this because?"

Link hesitated a moment, then decided it was best just to say what was on his mind.

"Because it's possible that you are Hylia's plan," said Link quietly. "How that could be, I do not know. But that's actually what has been preying on my mind and worrying me, that you may have some ordeal ahead of you I cannot help you with."

"I see," said Astra. "That's an interesting thought."

They walked together quietly for a moment, staring at the water and the gentle waves from the light breeze. Then Astra spoke up.

"I believe whatever happens will be for the best, Dad," said Astra. "We both need to trust in the Goddess that she will grant us the means to prevail and save her people. It's always about saving her people, the people she loves, even if the hero who helps achieve that must sacrifice something. I learned that studying about the past heroes of Hyrule too."

"That's true and very perceptive," said Link. "You really are wise beyond your years, sweetheart. I'm very proud of you!"

Link reached out, and they kissed each other on the cheek and then embraced, holding each other for a few moments. Finally, Astra spoke up again.

"Thanks, Dad, and I do truly believe everything will work out for all of us," said Astra. "But you know what else I believe? I believe I can skip a stone across the water more times than you!"

"You're on!" laughed Link as they broke their hug and began hunting along the shore for flat stones to skip across the water.

Astra was at that cute age when she was growing up, but there was still a good deal of little girl in her too, thought Link. Yes, it wasn't too late at all. They both still had time.

Meanwhile, Tara, Tila, Mila, and Linky were at Ruto Lake, resting on the large island below the Great Zora Bridge after spending the morning swimming. Then, suddenly, they heard Tara cry out.

"Ouch! Zodont!" exclaimed Tara as she was bitten on the finger by a Bright-Eyed Crab she had caught.

"Tara, are you okay, sweetheart?" said Tila, rushing over to her.

"I'm okay, Mommy, it's just a crab bite," said Tila, pouting and nursing her bit hand.

"But please watch your language, Tara," said Tila. "Where did you learn that expression?"

"Uncle Midon uses it sometimes when he gets angry."

"It's not a polite expression, Tara, and I don't want you to use it anymore," said Tila. "Do you understand?"

"Okay, Mommy," said Tara.

"Let me heal that for you, sweetheart," said Mila as she joined Tila and began using her healing magic. "And I will have a word with your Uncle Midon about controlling his language and his temper."

Mila took Tara's hand in hers, and after a moment, it was all healed.

"There, all better now," said Mila. "You have to be careful handling crabs. But I guess you realize that now. As they say, the bit fin sinks caution in."

"Thanks, Aunty Mi," said Tara. "And I do know it!"

Mila, Tila, and Tara returned to where Linky was sitting.

"Thanks," said Tila.

"Of course," said Mila. "Ever since I was little, Mom said my gift was precious and never to pass up the chance to help someone by using it. And I will speak to Midon. He should control his language, especially in front of Tara."

"I read your chapter on the Hyrule invasion, Mi," said Linky. "It's very well written, as always. I know Dad's journal will be in excellent hands. Or is it fins?"

"Both," laughed Mila. "But thanks!"

"Speaking of Midon, I hope he and Lapha can return here soon," said Linky. "It feels like forever they've been gone, and I miss them."

"It might still be a while," said Mila. "They claim that they are both working hard on the excavation in the Faron Region. But I heard laughing and the sound of a waterfall in the background when I spoke with Midon. Maybe we should visit them instead. I'm actually interested in some of the things they uncovered."

"Speaking of visits, two of my friends from school, Paloma and Marena, are visiting here tomorrow," said Tila. "Paloma is a writer and Marena a would-be musician. They're both okay, though Marena is a bit snobbish. I'm hoping their visit helps Marena outgrow her attitude. Feel free to join us as I show them around."

"Why don't I help Linky watch Tara while you spend time with your friends," said Mila. "I think you'll have a better time without us following in your wake. In fact, we could even take Tara to see the Faron waterfalls. She's big enough for a trip like that, and I bet she would enjoy it."

"Yay!" shouted Tara. "Then I can play with Aunty Mila!"

"It's nice you're so happy about being away from me, you little cutie," laughed Tila as she reached out and tickled Tara. "I think one reason you like playing with your Aunt Mila is so you can play harder knowing she can heal you. Anyway, I hope I can count on your Daddy to make sure you watch your language."

"Don't worry, dear," said Linky. "I learned all the bad Zora expressions growing up here. I mean, I learned them so that I would recognize them, not that I would ever use them, of course, Tara."

Tara looked at her father for a moment and then giggled.

"What?" said Linky.

"Do you know you always tighten your lips, Daddy, when you say something that may not be right?"

Everyone burst out laughing.

"You Zora, and your mind-reading skills! Let's get in some more swimming," laughed Linky as he stood up and took Tara's hand. "I'll race you up the waterfall. It will be good practice for tomorrow."

Meanwhile, while Astra and Link were sailing, Mipha was having afternoon tea with Queen Zelda in her office atop one of the castle turrets.

"I'm amazed you can get any work done here, Zelda," said Mipha as she admired the magnificent view. "I would find myself staring out the windows all day."

"I do some of that too," laughed Zelda. "But I guess you get used to it after a while. I'm glad you and Link are visiting more often now, as I very much enjoy your visits."

"I enjoy them too, and Link is eager to spend more time with Astra."

"Yes, I noticed that," said Zelda. "How is Link, by the way?"

"He's doing well, keeping up with his ambassador duties while still enjoying time with the family," said Mipha. "He's basically a happy person, but I think seeing Astra growing up makes him realize his days as a young child's father are coming to a close. That role has been a big part of his life since Mila and Midon hatched about 35 years ago."

"Yes, and I understand that perfectly," said Zelda. "Astra is growing up fast, and I feel the same way."

Zelda and Mipha both paused to take a sip of tea.

"It was amazing to see how quickly Link took to being a father," said Mipha. "He dearly loves the children, and they can tell. Mila, especially, was very close to him growing up, closer than she was to me in many ways. She used to sit on Link's lap when he worked or run to him when something happened like Midon teased her. It was cute to see! I think sitting with Link and asking him questions while he worked on his journal developed Mila's interest in history."

"Speaking of which, Mila did another a fine job on the Hyrule Invasion chapter," said Zelda. "But it's wonderful that you got to see the fatherly and gentle side of Link. Those who only saw him in combat would be quite surprised."

"Yes, it's another remarkable side to him," said Mipha. "And I know he wants to impart whatever wisdom he can to Astra while she is still young enough to benefit."

They both paused again to sip some tea. Zelda wondered if she should bring up the next topic but thought enough time had passed that it was safe to do so.

"Speaking of Astra, we never really spoke, you and I, about her and how you felt," said Zelda. "It is certainly a bizarre situation that I still have trouble understanding. I hope learning about what happened wasn't too painful for you. It was more shocking than painful for me. But if you don't wish to talk about it, forgive me for bringing it up."

"It's fine, Zelda," said Mipha. "It was challenging at first, and I needed some time to myself to take it all in. But in the end, I realized Link had acted honorably throughout what was an impossible situation for him. It wasn't his fault. And we Zora are a religious people, as you well know. I believe the Goddess has some higher purpose in not undoing what happened, and Link believes that as well. Besides, who can be upset at having such a lovely child in our lives, however she came into being. Astra is a darling!"

"That she is!" said Zelda. "Anyway, I'm glad you came to terms with it. I'm not sure how Rudin would have reacted had he lived to find out, but I'd like to think he would have come to accept it as well. Anyway, let's move on. I guess the big item of late is that Purah is overseeing excavations now and is quite excited about the prospect of uncovering more ancient Sheikah technology. Unfortunately, we had to delay some work on the Eldin Region transportation system expansion to provide the funds Purah needed. But I think that will prove to be a worthwhile decision. My daughter Zelda just has to deal with an upset Goron ambassador, but that's part of growing up into the job. More tea, Mipha?"

"Yes, thanks, Zelda," said Mipha. "It's delicious."

They both sipped tea and looked out the window at the vast expanse of Hyrule below them. It was a magnificent view, after all.