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

It was morning at the Royal Ancient Tech Lab, but as Dr. Purah tried to concentrate on her research, Robbie was getting on her nerves. He kept going back and forth to shelves and retrieving documents, all the while talking to himself. Finally, she had had enough and needed to speak up.

"What are you muttering about, Robbie?" said Purah as Robbie retrieved yet another manuscript from a shelf.

"Was I speaking? Oh, don't mind me, Dr. Purah," said Robbie. "It's Her Majesty. She wants me to provide her with a report on the Great Calamity and everything we did to defend ourselves, including our research, and where we stand today compared to then. Unfortunately, the Calamity happened before Tabs were available to us. So, we recorded all the information on manuscripts, which are time-consuming to go through. I've been pulling several of them now."

"I can help if you need me, though it sounds routine," said Purah. "Lapha is arriving later, and she can help too. Did Her Majesty say why she wanted you to do that?"

"No, but it must be because she fears something similar will happen," said Robbie. "I can think of no other reason."

"Indeed! Well, what is the state of our defense?" said Purah.

"We still have the Divine Beasts and Champions to pilot them," said Robbie. "And your rune for making them resistant to malice corruption proved invaluable."

Robbie paused for a moment.

"Though I'm not sure I should technically call that your rune, Dr. Purah. It came from a future 'you' that doesn't exist anymore," said Robbie.

"It was still me," said Purah, waving away the objection. "But that's not the point. The point is, it worked. Go on, please."

"Queen Zelda or her older daughter has the sealing power from the Goddess," said Robbie. "And Link still holds the sword that seals the darkness. Link is older now, but I understand he still keeps himself fit and combat-ready. And besides all of that, we have the benefit of North Hyrule's help. So, while I need to gather specifics and write a proper report, in short, I think we are in good shape."

"Hmm," said Purah. "I wonder. Link said we underestimated the cleverness of the attack the first time. We should be careful not to overlook anything."

Meanwhile, it was a hot sunny morning on the North Hyrule seacoast, but the brisk breeze off the water made it quite pleasant. Large blue-green waves rolled toward shore, ending with a thunderous crash and the rush of water onto the white sandy beach. Seabirds on spindly legs scurried away, then followed the receding water, hunting for food the wave may have exposed. Young Link stood drying himself off on the beach and watching his wife, Tila, and sister-in-law, Faray, play in the surf with his daughter Tara. Tara was laughing, riding the waves in, then swimming back out for the next one, accompanied by Tila and Faray. Two Zora guards named Kleo and Iona stood by Link and watched them play.

"Your daughter is certainly full of energy," said Iona.

"That she is! I finally gave up and had to come ashore," laughed Link. "I couldn't keep up with her. But they're all still having fun."

"None of us ever fully grows up when it comes to playing in the water," said Kleo. "And we all love coming to the coast here where the waves are so much fun."

"Can we get you anything, Link?" asked Iona.

"No, I'm fine, Iona, thanks," said Link. "Is everything back to normal here now?"

"Oh, you mean the alert?" said Iona. "Yes, it's over, and nothing much happened here in the end. But we heard your mother played an important role in your defense, retrieving a legendary artifact from the Akkala Sea on her own. That was very brave of her."

"Yes, my mother can be quite the warrior when she needs to be," said Link. "But she tends to live in my father's shadow."

The two guards glanced at each other with a puzzled look, then Iona broke into a smile.

"He means his Father's wake washes hers out, Kleo," said Iona.

"Oh, yes, I see what you mean," laughed Kleo.

"I think they're coming ashore now," said Iona.

Tila, Faray, and Tara rode a wave together into shore, laughing and shouting, then stood up and began walking to where Link and the guards stood. Tara ran on ahead.

"Hug, Daddy!" shouted Tara when she reached him.

Link bent down and picked her up, then hugged and kissed her. Tara wrapped her arms around his neck and rested her head on his shoulder.

"Did you have fun, sweetheart?"

"Mommy said I wore you out," said Tara.

"I'm fine. I just needed a break, sweetheart," laughed Link. "You know I can't swim as long as you and Mommy can."

"Hey!" said Tila as she put her arm around Link, and they exchanged a sweet kiss. "Daddy's little girl here thought you were getting lonely without her."

"And my little girl was right! I missed her!" said Link as he spun around once, and Tara giggled.

"Tara, you're so much fun!" said Faray as she reached out and tickled her, making her giggle more. "And every time I see you, I'm impressed by how well you speak. Oh, Iona and Kleo, please feel free to swim if you like. We're fine here."

Iona and Kleo bowed, then made their way into the surf.

"I think all the attention my family gives Tara helps her to speak better," said Link. "There's always someone happy to spend time with her."

"Yes, I can imagine," said Faray. "That's one reason I've understood why you and Tila want to live there. But perhaps when Tara is a bit older, that won't be as much of a concern?"

"Oh, admit it, Fa!" said Tila. "You just want Tara here to play with every day."

"Well, there's that, too," laughed Faray, reaching out and tickling Tara once more.

"But, seriously, I understand Tila's and my duty," said Link. "If the time comes you need us here, Faray, we'll be here."

"I know you will," said Faray.

"I think Tara could use a snack," said Tila. "Do you want to help me catch some crabs, Tara?"

Tara gave Link a quick kiss on the cheek as Link put her down, and she ran off with Tila to find some crabs.

Faray looked after them as they made their way along the beach, then turned back to Link.

"You and Tara have been wonderful for Ti," said Faray. "She's just so happy now, and I'm glad for her. Her life started so tragically, Link, losing our mother at age one and our father at age three. She grew up afraid to form close relationships for fear of being hurt. Your older sister Mila helped, inviting her to dances and concerts. They were a way for Tila to get out and have some fun while she outgrew her fear of growing too attached to anyone. But you helped her most of all, Link. She felt something special for you from early on. I can remember how excited she was when she told me you two first kissed at the dance. And believe me, she put me in my place when I tried to stop her from visiting you at Hyrule Castle after that incident in Castle Town! I realized afterward, I was wrong."

Link laughed.

"I remember that incident, and I got myself in a bit of trouble over it. But those three had it coming, and I have no regrets," laughed Link. "Anyway, I'm just as crazy about her, Faray. Tila's perfect in every way, and Tara is another joy in my life. I've never been happier, and I feel fortunate and truly blessed."

"Yes, I can see it in your eyes," laughed Faray.

Meanwhile, in Zora's Domain, Link awoke to see Mipha already awake and looking at him. She smiled, and Link smiled back.

"Hi," said Link finally as he reached out and pulled her close, making a gentle wave in their slumber pool.

"Hi, yourself," said Mipha.

"Serene soak last night?" said Link.

Mipha laughed.

"It's so cute when my Hylian hubby speaks Zora slang," said Mipha as she stroked his hair. "Yes, I slept very well. You?"

"Yes, fine," said Link.

Then they kissed.

"We should get up," said Mipha. "You know Astra will be anxious for you to get to the Castle. And Lapha wants to travel with us this morning."

Breakfast was quick, and Mipha, Lapha, and Link made their way to the ferry terminal.

"So, you're back working with Dr. Purah?" asked Link as they sat down together on the Hyrule Castle bound ferry.

"Yes, after the funeral and all, our work has resumed," said Lapha. "Besides our research on the Lens of Truth, Queen Zelda has suddenly grown concerned about our old enemy. Robbie Tabbed me. She has asked him to make sure our defenses are in order and review all we learned from last time. Something has spooked her."

"It's an old fear of hers, Lapha," said Link. "She always worried she did not seal away our enemy as strongly as if she had learned her power over time as a young child. There has been no evidence of that, and we all try to reassure her. However, the realization we still have enemies bent on our destruction worries her. And then there was the loss of her husband. She loves Hyrule, and the well-being of her people has always been first in her mind and heart. If I know her, she will work through her grief."

"Well, two North Hyrule scientists are joining us, and that should help our research," said Lapha. "They are also giving us a detailed explanation of Grendon's work."

"I know you're a scientist at heart," said Mipha. "But don't forget there is such a thing as magic, both for good and evil. Keep that in mind when you do your research."

"I do, Mom," said Lapha. "What are you and Dad doing?"

"I plan to spend time with Queen Zelda," said Mipha.

"And I plan to spend some time with Astra," said Link.

The ferry picked up speed as it reached the deeper part of the river, then slowed as it neared the Castle, maneuvered around the moat, and finally docked.

"I'll stay on board for the Royal Ancient Tech Lab stop," said Lapha. "Say Hi for me."

They hugged goodbye, then Mipha and Link disembarked and made their way toward the Castle. They were shown in at once, and Queen Zelda was waiting for them in the hall with Astra.

"Thanks for coming again," said Zelda.

Everyone exchanged hugs.

"I had a picnic basket made up for you and Astra, Link," said Zelda.

"So, what do you want to do today, Astra?" said Link.

"I was hoping you could give me an archery lesson," said Astra. "I borrowed a bow from a guard."

Link turned to Zelda.

"Is that all right with you, Zelda?" said Link.

"Yes, it's fine," said Zelda. "Astra has been talking about it all week, and I agreed."

"Okay, fine," said Link. "We can set up a target in Hyrule Forest Park and practice there. Come on, sweetheart."

Link took Astra's hand, collected what he needed from one of the Royal Guard, then they walked toward Forest Park. It was a warm morning, a beautiful day. Astra was quiet, not as excited about fish or animals today, and it was hard not to notice the change in her. Link assumed it was natural, given her family's recent loss. He would have to work to overcome that.

"I thought you might want to go sailing," said Link.

"I'd like to later," said Astra.

"You still like sailing, don't you?" said Link.

"Yes, but I feel like I should improve myself now," said Astra. "We can go sailing after the lessons if that's all right."

They reached a quiet place in the park away from passersby, and Link set up a target. Then he showed Astra how to draw and shoot a bow and finally helped her to do it herself.

"Just hold it a little tighter this way," said Link as he helped Astra aim. "Now pull back, and when the string gets to about here, release it. Got it? Now you try."

Astra tried, and the arrow flew straight, but short of the target.

"It takes practice to get a feel for the arrow's path, how far it will go and how high to aim," said Link. "But your shot was straight and true, which is an excellent start. Now, let's keep trying."

Astra resumed practicing and slowly showed improvement as she developed more of a feel.

"I can always practice on my own, too," said Astra.

"You're doing fine, and you seem very serious about learning," said Link.

Astra smiled at him.

"You're the best teacher, so I want to do my best, too," said Astra. "Though I heard Aunt Mipha is very skilled with a spear. I might want to learn that too. How about another hour, and then we can have our picnic?"

They practiced together for another hour, then finally broke for lunch.

"Let's see what they packed for us today," said Link as they sat alongside each other under a large tree, and Link opened the picnic basket. There was a variety of food, and no fish for lunch for a change thought Link. They sat together, eating lunch, and Link looked over at her.

"Astra, I think I know why you're doing this, pushing yourself so hard to learn combat skills," said Link. "And what you're learning can serve you well in life. But don't do it out of revenge for what happened."

"I'm not, Uncle Link, really," said Astra. "Revenge is when you hate someone and want to hurt them back. But I sometimes feel these urges that I need to make things right. Not just for my family, but everyone. And it's not because I hate anyone, it's because I care about everyone."

Link looked over at her and smiled.

"Yes, I have those urges, too, sweetheart," said Link. "I guess that's something else we both have in common. But you're still too young, Astra. Don't push yourself too hard too soon. I was around twelve or thirteen when I first drew the sword, and you're only going on ten. Don't grow up too fast, okay?"

"I won't," said Astra. "Don't worry."

They finished lunch, then Astra leaned against him, and Link put his arm around her.

"I always enjoyed taking a nap with you after we went sailing," said Astra.

"And you still can," said Link. "I used to doze off myself with you, and it's a wonder your mother didn't have the Royal Guard out after us. But you know I tell you these things because I love you, sweetheart, and I always will."

"I know," said Astra as she smiled at him. "I remember it every time I see the stars at night."

Link smiled, moved her soft blond hair back from her forehead, and kissed her gently there.

"I do love you that much, Astra," said Link. "You are very special to me."

Astra snuggled against him, rested her head on his chest, and soon she was fast asleep, her breathing coming slow and steady. Link cradled her head on his chest and sighed. He sensed what was happening, and his role would be to help it along. But all in good time and not too fast. Now he did have to be a father figure for her.

Astra slept for about an hour, and then an overly loud bird disturbed her sleep. She stirred and lifted her head.

"I guess I do still like naps," laughed Astra.

"They're good for us," said Link. "How about some sailing now?"

"I'm ready," said Astra. "My arm is a little sore from archery, anyway."

"Yes, please pace yourself and don't overdo it," said Link. "I learned that the hard way myself. Let's go get the boat, captain!"

A short while later, Astra was navigating the sailboat down the river, moving the tiller as Link helped with the sail.

"You've become quite the accomplished sailor," said Link. "Perhaps soon we can sail on the sea from Lurelin Village. I think you'd enjoy that. It's a lot different from sailing down a river, and there are some islands we can visit and explore. And I know Aunt Mipha would love the trip too. She likes the fish there, and can keep us out of trouble on the water."

"That sounds like fun," said Astra.

"By the way, how is your sister doing?" asked Link.

"Zel is handling things pretty well," said Astra. "She was pretty shaken up, having been there in person when it happened. But she's been spending more time with me, which I like. And I think I've been a comfort to her too. And Zel has been trying to help Mom out a lot more too."

"And, speaking of that, how do you feel your mother is doing?" said Link.

"You know Mom, Uncle Link," said Astra. "She buries herself in work and in looking after me. I'm glad Aunt Mipha is spending time with her, though. Meeting her in person is still the best."

"Yes, it is," said Link. "We can't hug each other over Tabs. At least not yet, I guess."

Meanwhile, Mipha was having afternoon tea with Queen Zelda.

"You must be tired of hearing it, but I'm so grateful that you and Link can visit," said Zelda. "It's a real comfort."

Mipha reached out and took Zelda's hand. "You're family, Zelda, and we will do whatever we can."

"I'm going to have to rely more on my older daughter now, to do some things Rudin used to handle," said Zelda, "And I know that's hard on her, just starting her married life. But she's been wonderful, telling me she's ready to help."

"I'm sure she wants to help, and you need to let her, Zelda," said Mipha. "This is not the time to be trying to do too much on your own."

"You're right, though sometimes work can be a needed distraction," said Zelda. "Speaking of work, you've certainly been quite busy, retrieving the artifact and then spying on our enemy. How do you and Ruta get along these days, by the way?"

"She's like a sister to me, Zelda," said Mipha. "I've bonded with her perfectly, and she understands my thoughts."

"That's good," said Zelda. "That's very good. It comforts me to hear that."

Mipha looked at Zelda, and something seemed to be on her mind. But then Zelda spoke up.

"Will you and Link spend the night here, or do you need to return home? I'd love it if you could stay," said Zelda.

"We're happy to spend the night, Zelda," said Mipha. "We might look for a gift for our granddaughter tomorrow in Castle Town."

"Yes, speaking of that, how is your son Link doing?" said Zelda. "He's something of a legend with the Royal Guard here, you know. They speak of him as someone you didn't want to mess with, though my daughter says she never felt that way about him."

"He's off with his family in North Hyrule for a week and doing fine," said Mipha. "There is a lot of his father in him, and he too can show a kind side to most people but a tough side to those who fight him."

"Yes, you've got that right," said Zelda. "And I think it's wonderful Link is spending time with Astra. She looks up to him, and his guidance will be invaluable to her."

"I'm sure he doesn't mind," said Mipha. "I know he would want to look out for her."

Meanwhile, as the sun sank lower in the sky, Astra and Link sailed back to the Castle pier and docked the boat. Link carried the empty picnic basket and took Astra's hand as they made their way back to the residence. They found Mipha and Zelda still sitting together in the small family dining room.

"Well, while you two were sitting here all afternoon, we had a fun day learning archery and then sailing," said Link.

"Did Astra teach you any archery tips?" asked Mipha.

"Very funny," said Link. "You sound like Revali now."

"We had a marvelous time," said Astra as she hugged her mother. "Uncle Link said maybe he and Aunt Mipha could take me to Lurelin Village and do some sailing on the sea."

"Would you like that, sweetheart?" said Zelda.

"Yes," said Astra.

"Well, with Aunt Mipha there, I'm sure you'll be fine on the water," said Zelda.