Summary: First week with the new babies.

It was a week now since the babies had hatched. The nursery staff were still on hand much of the time and continued to be an essential help. The babies needed new food every two hours, and their food was a mixture of some finely chopped pieces of fresh fish as well as some small live food. The live food was provided to help the babies develop their vision and coordination in trying to catch it, something essential to their natural development. There were filtering devices on each tank to purify the water and keep it fresh and oxygenated. Once every other day, the nursery staff cleaned each tank by hand.

Shortly after the babies hatched, King Dorephan had issued an official announcement to the Zora community and shared it with representatives of the other kingdoms. The language was very formal in keeping with such announcements. Mipha was given her official title and Link his Hylian title.

"The Zora Royal Family is pleased to announce the birth of Princess Mila and Prince Midon, daughter, and son of Her Royal Highness Princess Mipha and Hylian Champion Link. Her Royal Highness and children are all doing well."

The notice went on to give the date of birth, etc. It was understood that the order of the names was the order of their birth, so the line of succession to the throne was clear. As news of the happy occasion spread, congratulatory letters began to arrive.

"We're getting a lot of nice letters of congratulations," said Mipha. "I'll be happy to handle them with a short 'thank you' reply but let me know if there are any you want to add a personal note."

"Alright, thanks," said Link. "Probably just Zelda's. Let me know when you get to that one."

"The nursery staff is a huge help," said Link. "Do you get all this help because you're a princess? How do Zora mothers cope?"

"No, it's not because I'm royalty," said Mipha. "We provide this service to all Zora mothers. You may have noticed we are not a very large community. In the first three weeks, the nursery staff will be there every two hours, day and night, to help feed and care for the babies so the parents can get some rest. As the babies grow larger, they eat more at one time but less often. So that becomes easier for the parents to manage, and the nursery staff starts cutting back on their visits. By the time the babies are three months old, they can be moved to our community nursery pool, where they are watched over together. The parents can visit any time and take them home at any time."

"That's a great service the community provides," said Link.

He was standing by the two tanks again while Mipha sat at the table. He continued to stare at them.

"I can't stop watching our babies swimming around and eating. This is a miracle for me. I think Mila actually stopped once to stare at me for a while," said Link. "Maybe she's beginning to recognize me."

"I love looking at them too," said Mipha. "Having children with you is another dream of mine come true. But I don't think their vision is developed enough yet, beyond the ability to catch nearby food. If Mila did see you, she was probably sizing you up for dinner," laughed Mipha.

"Thanks for the happy thought!" said Link.

"We Zoras are voracious carnivores, you know, especially in the water. Don't you ever notice how hungrily I sometimes look at you when we swim together?" she teased.

"And here I always thought it was a different kind of hunger," said Link.

"It's the thought of that other hunger that quells my appetite. Just a warning to keep me happy," Mipha laughed.

"Sure, scaring me will certainly help!" said Link.

He turned back to watch the babies.

"I see both of them are a lot bigger after only a week."

"Yes, they'll continue to grow very rapidly," said Mipha. "All that food they're eating has to go somewhere! In about a month, we will need to move them together to a larger tank. And at three to four months old, they will need to move to a nursery pool. Over time they will gradually eat larger meals but less often. By five to six months, you can start to play with them a little. Just watch out that they don't nip your fingers! By six to seven months, they can come out of the water briefly to exercise their lungs. By nine months old, they will be fully capable of remaining out of the water indefinitely. Though, of course, they will always be more comfortable in the water. They should be able to recognize us before then. It sounds like a long time in the future now, but as Father said, it will all seem to have gone by fast looking back at it."

Link moved over to sit with her.

"I know I have to get back to work today after the week off they gave me and earn my keep attending council meetings and such," said Link. "But it's so hard to think about anything but these two babies swimming around and knowing they're ours. I hate to miss a moment of their growth."

"I know what you mean. And I know you will make a great father," said Mipha. "You have a natural love for children, which shows when you play with Sidon. Don't worry about missing things. There will be many happy times ahead as they grow older. And there are so many things you can teach them that typical Zora children never have the chance to learn. They are fortunate to have a Hylian father to learn from, never mind a famous Hero. Just relax and enjoy the moments as they come. And don't forget, I have to start doing some work soon too."

"You always know what to say to make me feel better," said Link. "Alright, I better be off to the council meeting. I don't want to embarrass you by getting fired," said Link. He kissed her and headed to the meeting.

When he arrived at the council meeting, he was surrounded by the other members who offered their congratulations and well wishes with hopes that Lady Mipha and the new princess and prince were all doing well. Everyone was very gracious, and his fears about not being accepted seemed groundless now. After several minutes the meeting was called to order. He honestly didn't remember anything of special note that was discussed this time. There were the usual reports on water quality and water levels at the reservoirs. This impacted other areas of Hyrule as well. They were both still fine. There was also a report on the number and quality of fish in the nearby waters. That seemed fine, as well. There was an item on the agenda concerning a request by the proprietor of the general store who wanted to discuss increasing trade with Lurelin Village to offer more variety of fish here. Would the council consider more frequent boat service between the Domain and Lurelin Village so fresh live fish could be shipped? The council asked for more information on the expected amount of demand to see if it would justify the cost. After the meeting ended, there was a backlog of items that he needed to read to catch up on the week he was off. He was relieved none of the upcoming items required any travel on his part. Finally, he was finished and could head back home.

"Hi, sweetheart," he said. "Nothing much happened at the council meeting. However, they are considering getting more kinds of fish at the store here. Would you like to have dinner out? The babies are in good hands."

"Sure," said Mipha. "Is this a date?"

"I guess so," said Link. "What? Are you offended by the short notice?"

"I think you are taking me a little for granted," she teased. "I do wish we had restaurants here like in Castle Town. But we can still get some good fish. Let's go."

Mipha told the nursery attendant, and one of the guards on duty outside she and Link were having dinner near the plaza if anyone needed them. Then they strolled hand in hand there. Link paid the owner of the general store to have two fish cooked and brought to them at one of the gazebo structures. Mipha added to be sure the fish was not overcooked. They walked up the water ramp to the gazebo on the west side of the Domain nearest the store. After a few minutes, the two fish were delivered.

"This is nice," said Mipha. "I'm glad you thought of it. It's important we have some alone time together, especially later when we are spending more of our own time raising the children. Speaking of which, I took over feeding the babies during most of the day to give the nursery day shift staff some time off."

"You know I do like eating fish more now," said Link. "It's tasty and probably healthier than a lot of things I used to eat. In fact, thinking back to some of the concoctions I used to cook, I know it's healthier."

"Glad to hear, " said Mipha. "It's that anniversary present I gave you. The tunic is designed to turn you into a Zora. I can already see some web skin forming between your fingers."

Link glanced down at his hands while Mipha burst out laughing.

"I need to tell Zelda next time I see her," said Mipha. "You really are fun to tease."

They finished eating the fish then looked out over the plaza. There were the usual shoppers and people passing through. There were also some children splashing each other by the fountain, but they were getting a bit out of hand. Water was splashing onto some of the people passing by. One of the children looked familiar.

"Is that Sidon down there?" asked Link.

"Yes," said Mipha. "And he's going to get himself in trouble. Zoras don't mind getting wet, but sometimes they're carrying things that need to stay dry. Let me go down and get him."

Mipha went down to the plaza and took Sidon by the hand.

"Sidon, what are you up to?" said Mipha. "If you keep this up, you're going to get in trouble."

"I was just splashing the water, Sis," said Sidon.

"I know, but you are going to splash someone who doesn't want to get wet and get them upset," said Mipha. "Why don't you come with me. Link and I just finished eating upstairs. Maybe Link can tell you a sleep time story when you get home."

"Okay," said Sidon. "He has some of the best stories."

Mipha took Sidon's hand and rejoined Link.

"Hi, Bro," said Sidon.

"Hi, Bro," answered Link, giving Sidon a fist bump.

"I promised Sidon you would tell him a bedtime story," said Mipha. "But nothing too scary, or he won't sleep all night."

"Alright," said Link. "I'll think of something on the way there. We should probably start now before it gets too late."

The three of them headed back to King Dorephan's residence.

"Good evening, Father," said Mipha. "Link has agreed to tell Sidon a sleep time story if that's alright."

"Of course," said King Dorephan. "Sidon loves your stories. By all means, go ahead. I'll chat with Mipha in the meantime."

"Good night, Father and Sis," said Sidon taking Link's hand and leading him to his sleeping area. After he had gotten ready, Sidon hopped into the water pool, and Link sat alongside it.

"I think I have a story," said Link. "I'll tell you a story about the mystery of who was stealing sheep at Hateno Village and how it ended up being in a battle with six Bokoblins and a Moblin. But promise me you won't be scared."

"I won't," said Sidon. "I know your stories always have a happy ending."

So, Link started telling Sidon about his adventure with the sheep rustlers at Hateno Beach. When the story was finished, he gave Sidon a hug. Mipha was talking with King Dorephan.

"Thank you, Link," said King Dorephan. "I know it's hard for you to imagine, but it won't be very long before you're telling stories to your own children."

They all said goodnight. It was already dark out by now, and a full moon lit up the sky. There was time for a brief walk before heading home.

"The Domain is so calm and beautiful at night, isn't it?" said Link. "The gentle sound of the water and the soft light of the moon, reflecting off the blue structures, gives me such a feeling of peacefulness. There is a natural tranquility here that's unique. I have never experienced anything like it anywhere else in Hyrule. Every day I'm here, I love it more."

"I'm so glad you're happy here," said Mipha. "This is home now. There's no reason you ever have to leave."

"You know, I thought at first when I settled down, I would miss all the combat and adventuring," said Link. "I used to live for the next challenge, pushing myself to prove I was the best. No enemies were too strong or too clever for me: I would always find a way to outsmart them and outfight them. I loved the special power I have to speed up my attacks. I can deliver a flurry of strikes or a barrage of arrows against an enemy so quickly they appear helplessly frozen in time to me. I know I can still do that if I need to, but I don't really want to anymore. You've shown me another side of life I've come to love: a home and a family."

"I understand," said Mipha. "I may not have been the adventurer you were, but I had my share of challenges. One I remember was dealing with an assortment of Guardians on the Zodobon Highlands. Like you, If I'm needed again, I would do my duty. But I much prefer taking care of my family now."

"Speaking of family," said Link. "Let's head home and check on the little ones. They're probably fast asleep by now."

"Sure, let's head home," Mipha said, giggling.

Link assumed that this late at night, everything would be quiet at home. But when he walked over to the tanks, he was stunned to see Mila and Midon swimming around chasing food and as active as ever.

"For the love of Hylia, don't they ever sleep?" said Link.

"Actually, they don't," said Mipha laughing. "Not until they are older. I told you to be grateful for the nursery help, or you wouldn't be sleeping either."

"Lady Mipha," said the attendant. "I just fed both children, and since you are home now, I will be leaving. Someone will be here in two hours to give them their next meal. If you don't need anything else, I will be going now."

"No, nothing else," said Mipha. "Thank you so much for your help."

"You're very welcome, Lady Mipha. All the nursery staff is jealous of those of us assigned to help here, but it's because we are the best. Good night," she said and bowing her head, she left.

"I know how great it is to have all the help, but I couldn't wait to have the place to ourselves for a while," said Link.

"Oh, why would that be?" said Mipha smiling.

"So I can be sure I'm safe swimming with you," said Link.

He took her hand, then they kissed and headed off to be together.