Summary: Princess Zelda has words with the Goron Ambassador. Midon and Lapha join Linky, Mila, and Tara for waterfall races in the Faron Region. Two of Tila's friends from North Hyrule visit her at Zora's Domain. Link takes Mila's and Mipha's advice and agrees to begin filling in some gaps in the early portions of his journal. An underground chamber of unknown purpose is discovered at the Forgotten Temple.

It was a sunny morning at Hyrule Castle, and after breakfast with Randall and Horwell, Princess Zelda's workday began with a call from Goron ambassador Hadon. Unfortunately, the call was far from a cordial one, as the irate ambassador was expressing his displeasure that fewer funds would be available for expanding public transportation and tourism in the Goron City area. Instead, funds were being spent on Dr. Purah's two excavation projects.

"Yes, I hear you, Ambassador Hadon," said Princess Zelda. "There's nothing wrong with either my hearing or my Tab. And yes, I'll mention your concerns to my mother. However, I have responsibility for some of her former duties now, and that's why your call was directed to me. Moreover, I can assure you that my mind is quite made up on this matter, as is my mother's. I'm not finished, Ambassador. As you well know, volcanic activity makes construction in your region more expensive than in other parts of Hyrule. You already receive the largest share of the construction budget, and some feel it's more than you deserve. So please keep that in mind. And, on a personal note, I see no reason for you to be rude. Thank you, and good day to you too!"

The call ended, and Princess Zelda took a deep breath and then exhaled. Her Tab showed it was time for her daily morning briefing with her mother, and so she left at once for her mother's office.

"Are you alright, dear?" Zelda asked as her oldest daughter arrived with her face flush. "Did you run up the stairs? Your face is as red as Death Mountain!"

"That's an apt comparison, Mother," said Princess Zelda, as she sat down still out of breath. "And no, it wasn't the stairs. It was Goron Ambassador, Hadon. He was quite rude! Ignoring his tone, the gist of his gripe is that using funds for Purah's excavation work will delay public transportation construction in his region and hurt their tourism efforts. He raised the usual complaint that we don't know if the excavation work will bear fruit. Anyway, he wanted to know how long we were planning to continue excavation and if any other funds were available to them."

"Here, calm down, sweetheart, and have some tea. I recommend adding some honey."

Zelda poured her daughter a cup of tea, which she took, stirred in some honey, and then took a sip. It helped her regain some of her composure.

"What did you tell Ambassador Hadon?"

"I did my best at first to calm him, Mother, even suggesting they should mine more gems to raise funds themselves. But he said increasing gem supply would only lower gem prices, so they would not benefit all that much, and certainly not enough to replace the funds he feels they are losing."

"Well, there is some truth to that," said Queen Zelda. "But their budget has the most funds to begin with, and construction work near Goron City is painfully slow, anyway. It's ironic in a way. Gorons are quite skilled and efficient at digging and mining but less so at building structures. And it costs extra to hire non-Gorons to work in their intolerable conditions. Besides, I think their tourism expectations are optimistic. There are other more accessible hot springs in Hyrule, and only the most avid thrill-seeker enjoys one of their nerve-rattling mine cart rides."

"Yes, oh wow! I went on one of those mine cart rides with Randall when we were dating, and I swore I would never ride one again," said Princess Zelda. "I thought for sure we would go off the rails and plunge into the lava below."

"So just let Hadon cool off a bit. If he gets out of hand again, I can speak with him personally or with their leader."

"I'd rather you didn't, Mother. I can handle this on my own, and I just need to keep from getting flustered."

"That's fine, dear. Whatever you prefer. How is the rest of your work going?"

"I have the reports ready to go over with you," said Princess Zelda, and then she stopped to produce a sheet of paper. "Oh, Horwell drew you a picture this morning, Mother. It's a drawing of Hyrule Castle, and that's supposed to be you smiling and looking out of the window at the top."

"Aw, how cute! Tell him I love it if you see him first, and I'll keep this here in my office. I guess I do often look out the window, don't I? But it helps me to think."

"I can see that. This tea is quite good, by the way," said Princess Zelda after taking another sip.

"It's Sheikah made, and I got it from Impa. It's supposed to help clear the mind."

"As long as it's not from Dr. Purah," laughed Princess Zelda. "Otherwise, I would worry it's one of her experiments."

"She does have that reputation, doesn't she?" laughed Queen Zelda.

"Anyway, onto business," said Princess Zelda as she prepared to go over the reports.

Meanwhile, later that day, it was a sunny afternoon as Linky pushed himself to keep swimming up the falls to the Riola Spring. Of course, he had to keep his mouth closed to avoid swallowing water, but that only made breathing more difficult. And he was already out of breath! Would this falls ever end?

Finally, Linky reached the top, landed in the spring, then swam to the side and pulled himself up out of the water. He sat with his legs dangling over the edge and completely out of breath. His daughter Tara floated in the spring along with his siblings Mila, Midon, and Lapha. Midon and Lapha had taken today off from overseeing excavation work in the area to spend the day with the family.

"You hit me with your fin, Mi!" said Midon. "I would have won."

"You swam into me," said Mila. "Still the same sore loser as ever, Mido!"

"You okay, Linky?" asked Lapha as she saw him sitting on the side of the spring.

"Yeah, Laff, just winded as we Hylians say," said Linky.

A gentle breeze rustled the leaves of the nearby palm trees as Linky watched Tara splash and play.

"Four more to go," said Linky finally between deep breaths. "But wow, that last one was tough! It was so long I thought I'd never reach the top!"

They had all just raced up the waterfall that led from Lake Floria to the Riola Spring, the sixth waterfall of the day so far. They had started today's visit to the Faron region by swimming up the falls by Rassla Lake, and then they had swum up the three falls that ultimately led to Corta Lake and then the falls from Corta Lake to Lake Floria before taking on this one.

"This is fun!" said Tara. "They have great waterfalls here! I think Mommy's going to be sorry she didn't come with us!"

"Swimming up all ten Faron waterfalls is one of those things every Zora does, usually more than once," said Mila. "It's common to come here on dates or with young families. I've been here with Kendal several times. And I know Midon has come here with Larena, right?"

"Yes, it's a fun visit," said Midon. "It's a great place to get away, at least when the weather cooperates. They can get some nasty thunderstorms here, though."

"How is Kendal, by the way?" Linky asked. "You've said very little about him lately, Mi. I don't know if that means you two are more serious or less serious."

"We're about the same," laughed Mila. "We're both still only in our thirties, and it's too young to get serious. Some Zoras don't marry until they're over one hundred. Anyway, I've been busy with history work lately, and Randall's unit is away training at Lanayru Bay."

"I guess I'm still not used to Zora time scales, even after all these years, no pun intended," laughed Linky. "Tila married me when she was much younger than that, but I understand that was different."

"You two do make a cute couple," said Mila.

"She's definitely cute, and I couldn't be happier," laughed Linky. "But Tila is a wonderful person too, and I'm still amazed we ever met. It was so unlikely to happen if you think about it. When I hear her talk about her friends from school, I realize she could easily still be living a carefree single life like them."

"She is wonderful, Linky," said Mila. "And I know she's thrilled to be with you and have cute little Tara here as your daughter."

"But holy Hylia, did Tila ever make the big splash when she visited our Domain for dances or concerts!" said Midon. "She looked hot enough to boil water! Some of my friends couldn't stop talking about her and were in the shallows of despair when they learned you two were a couple, Linky."

"I thought Tila always behaved properly during those visits, Midon," said Lapha. "Your friends were just too immature. But fish of a fin, school and swim."

"You're saying I was immature too, Laff?" Midon laughed. "Well, maybe I was back then."

"Back then?" laughed Mila.

"Linky, you need to defend me from our two mean sisters," laughed Midon. "You owe me for sticking up for you in school."

"When can we do the next waterfall?" asked an impatient Tara as she floated in the spring next to Mila.

"Give your Daddy a chance to fill his gills or catch his breath as Hylians say," laughed Mila.

"I'll be ready in another minute, sweetheart," said Linky to Tara. "You know, theoretically, I can still come in fourth place. I did beat Tara on one waterfall."

"Yes, you can tie Tara for fourth place if you come in fourth in all four of the last four waterfalls," laughed Mila. "Do you want to bet who catches dinner on that happening?"

"No, I'll be too exhausted by then to catch fish, anyway! But I'm ready now," said Linky standing up. "Which falls is next?"

"We still have to do Floria Falls, then the two falls by Rodai Lake and lastly the falls by Calora Lake," said Mila. "We should do Floria Falls next. And don't worry, little brother, the rest of the falls are smaller than the falls to Riola Spring."

"It's not just the height of the waterfall, Mi, but it's also fighting the current to even get to it!" said Linky.

"Can we do them all again when we're done?" Tara asked.

"Yes, we can, sweetheart, but probably without your Daddy," laughed Mila as she ignored Linky's groan. "I think your Daddy will be a bit too tired."

"I can meet all of you at the Lakeside Rest Area after the next four," said Linky. "If I can make it there!"

"Let's go!" said Tara, as she reached out and grabbed Mila's hand.

Linky laughed and dove into the spring, and then they all plunged over the Riola Springs waterfall into Lake Floria. By the time they finished swimming up the last waterfall at Calora Lake, Linky had agreed that was enough for him.

"Will you be okay?" Mila asked.

"Yes, I can float down the waterfall here and then walk through the Ebara Forest to the Floria Bridge and on to the Lakeside Rest Area. So all of you have fun, and don't worry about me."

"I'll stay with Linky," said Lapha. "I'm feeling a little tired myself. And Midon and I have already swum these falls several times during our month-long stay here."

"It's fine, Laff, you don't have to stay with me," said Linky.

"I want to," said Lapha. "I feel like talking with you."

"We'll catch you both some fish for dinner," said Mila. "Come on, Tara. Let's head back to Rassla Lake and start over."

"Yay!" exclaimed Tara, and then she went over to Linky.

"Bye, Daddy, sorry you're too tired," said Tara, as they hugged and kissed.

"I'll be fine, sweetheart," said Linky. "You go and have fun! Oh, and watch your language and listen to your Aunt Mila and Uncle Midon."

Then Tara swam off with Mila and Midon.

Lapha and Linky sat down and leaned against a large palm tree near some Zonai pillars by the side of Lake Calora as Tara's laughter faded into the distance. The only sounds were the gurgling of water, the buzzing of insects, and the gentle whistle of a steady easterly breeze that blew small pieces of grass across the area.

"Tara's so cute!" said Lapha.

"Yes, and a lot of fun to be with," said Linky. Then he sighed. "I hope I get to see her grow up, Laff. I want to be there for her as long as I can, and Tila too, for that matter."

"I'm working on it, Linky, and there's still plenty of time. We're both only in our mid-twenties," said Lapha. "I'm still researching longevity and disease as time permits, and I believe we can improve upon that rune Dad used. Speaking of which, how are Mom and Dad? It feels like ages since I've been home!"

"They're fine, but you and Midon should try to come home and see them," said Linky. "Dad's been spending more time with Astra lately, and Mom has been taking over more duties from Grandfather, heading up more meetings and such. But they're the same. They still enjoy teasing each other and are quick to laugh. You can feel how happy they are when they're together - their mood is infectious."

"Nice disease analogy!" laughed Lapha. "But I'll talk to Midon and then discuss it with Dr. Purah. I think we could both use a visit home."

They were both quiet for a moment.

"Anyway, thanks for taking time off to spend the day with Tara and me, Laff. How's work here going?"

"Slow," said Lapha. "We uncovered more Zonai artifacts, but nothing too exciting yet. I suspect the Forgotten Temple area will be a more fruitful location for interesting discoveries."

"Well, you never know," said Linky. "That's one thing I've learned about Hyrule. Surprises can come from anywhere at any time."

They paused and watched the water flowing toward the falls.

Linky mentally checked his Tab, but there were no messages. Tila had messaged him earlier to ask if everything was fine, and he had answered that it was and sent her a picture of Tara by one of the falls. He knew Tila was busy with her two friends from North Hyrule today, so he didn't expect many messages.

As Linky sat there quietly with Lapha in his Zora Armor, he realized it was sweet of Tila to have made the armor for him. Of course, she needn't have done that as it was not their wedding custom in North Hyrule. However, it helped him spend more quality time in the water with Tara, as he was doing today, and that time was precious. Tila had understood that when she made it for him.

"Ready to go?" Linky asked finally. "We can talk on the way."

"Sure," said Lapha. "Let's go. I can help you down the waterfall. We need to be careful because there's a hidden ledge under the falls you don't want to crash into. Are you hungry? I can catch you a fish to eat at the rest area."

"No, I can wait until dinner, but thanks," said Linky. "I remember you always looking out for me growing up, Laff. And you're still doing it. Love you, Laff."

"Love you too, little brother," said Lapha. "Here, take my hand, and we can go down the falls together."

They stood up, made their way down the waterfall, then climbed down a short distance and began walking through the forest on the path to the large Floria Bridge that spanned the lake of the same name.

"There are Zonai ruins everywhere here," said Linky as they passed some ancient pillars. "Oh, let me grab some of these bananas. Tara likes them."

"Yes, this area is full of Zonai structures, and it's hard to know the best places to excavate," said Lapha. "I think close to the Spring of Courage is our best bet, and that's where we've concentrated our efforts. But the excavation work is slow as the conditions here can get quite hot and humid."

As they crossed the Floria Bridge, they could see Mila, Midon, and Tara in the distance, swimming up the second of three waterfalls that led toward Corta Lake.

Meanwhile, in Zora's Domain, Tila was showing her friends Paloma and Marena around the area.

"I have to admit it's nicer than I expected, Ti," said Marena.

"Knowing how shallow your expectations were, Marena, I'm not sure that's saying much," laughed Paloma. "But it is lovely, Ti. I can see why you enjoy living here."

"Besides the cute hubby that comes with it, of course," laughed Marena.

"Oh, come on!" laughed Tila. "I would be happy with him anywhere. But I knew you would be impressed by the Domain here once you saw it. It's even more striking at night with its soft blue glow. Let's visit Ploymus Mountain next. We still have time before you have to leave, and there's a magnificent view of Hyrule from there. You can also see Vah Ruta in the lake below. Then, we can all dive off Shatterback Point. If you're up to it, that is."

"Lead on," said Paloma. "I like the house here by the lake, Mikau Lake, you said?"

"Yes, it's very comfortable," said Tila. "And Tara likes that it's cozy and so many family members are together in one place."

"I can tell you about the next book I'm working on while we make our way to the mountain. It's another mystery," said Paloma.

"Just don't spoil the ending in the unlikely event I read it," Marena laughed.

"I promise to use simple words, so you'll be able to, Marena," teased Paloma, and Marena stuck out her tongue at her.

"Will you two ever grow up?" laughed Tila. "Come on! Three waterfalls and a short walk brings us there."

The three of them made their way to Shatterback Point by way of Mikau Lake and Lulu Lake.

"Beautiful view!" said Paloma as she turned and looked in every direction. "I can see why your sister Sopha loved Hyrule so much. And I see Vah Ruta clearly in the lake below. Have you been inside it, Tila? It looks older than our Divine Beasts."

"It is older, and I haven't been inside it," said Tila. "And please refer to Ruta as 'she' if you speak with my mother-in-law. We restrict access to Divine Beasts to pilots or other special individuals."

"Like husbands," laughed Marena. "I will admit that Hyrule above water looks very scenic. But I still like our coral gardens and seacoast."

They spent a few moments admiring the view, and then Tila spoke up.

"So, are you ready for a dive, or should we just head back?" said Tila. "A dive would be quicker."

"Let's just head back," said Marena. "I'm not used to the freshwater fish we had for lunch here, and my stomach's a bit bubbly."

"You have the backbone of a jellyfish, Marena," laughed Paloma. "The fish tasted fine. Admit it. You're just too scared."

"Fine," laughed Marena. "I'll admit diving from this height is not my idea of fun. And the name of the location is a bit off-putting."

"It's okay," said Tila. "Perhaps next time. Because I want there to be a next time, as there is a good deal more for you both to see. You should plan to spend the night here next visit. Anyway, I had a lot of fun with you both. It reminded me of when we were in school."

"We will come again," said Paloma. "I enjoyed the visit, too, and it was like old times getting together."

"Same for me," said Marena.

"I'll go with you to the ferry landing and see you off," said Tila. "Follow me."

Meanwhile, Mipha returned home from a meeting to find Link seated at his desk and browsing through his journal again. Mipha noticed he had been doing that more often since the Misko adventure.

"Hi, sweetheart," said Mipha as she leaned over Link's shoulder, and they kissed. "Are you still working on your journal?"