Summary: A chapter of conversations. Mipha and Link meet Zelda for lunch, and Link shares an experience with Astra. Finally, link backfills his journal with what happened on the second day of their engagement.

The light was dim, and Link's first waking sensation was an odd echoing sound, like the rapid tapping of something against a hollow vessel. He stirred and opened his eyes, and the explanation for the noise became clear. He was floating feet down with his head above water inside the enormous dome at the rear of Divine Beast Vah Ruta, and heavy rain was falling outside, beating against the structure.

Mipha was floating beside him and still fast asleep. It was rare for Mipha to sleep later than him, so he took time to admire her at rest. She looked content and at peace, her sleep untroubled. And she looked as cute as ever too - practically the same as the day they married. Mipha was taller now, of course, which was normal Zora growth. She was only the Zora equivalent of a teenager when they married and had not completed her growth spurt by then.

Link recalled last night when she had Ruta raise the water level to the depth of a slumber pool after they came inside. One enjoyable aspect of floating together in the water was that they were eye-to-eye once again. And lips to lips. Last night had been fantastic: the jolting sensations of passionate pleasure mixed with the tender emotions of deeply felt love.

He smiled. Mipha really was amazing! There was much more to her than you would ever suspect if you didn't get to know her. She had hidden depths, he had told her once, and she had laughed at the rare Hylian expression that could apply to water. Then she had told him so did he - which was true too.

The rumble of thunder pulled Link's thoughts back to the present. It was hard to judge the time of day. It was daytime, but the storm outside darkened the sky. After several more minutes, Mipha stirred and opened her eyes to see Link looking at her.

"Hi, sweetheart," said Mipha as she reached out to caress his cheek, and then they kissed. "Did I sleep late, or are you up early?"

"I don't know," Link laughed. "I was too lazy to check my Tab. I loved last night, by the way."

"I loved it too," said Mipha. "Maybe all that time on the virtual sea affected us. Or me at least."

"Maybe," said Link. "Or for me, maybe it's just that you're so irresistibly cute, with that charming smile of yours."

"So sweet," said Mipha, as she brushed some hair back from his face.

"Is my hair getting too long?"

"No, it looks cute like this," said Mipha as she fluffed it a little. "I like it long in the back. It reminds me of a tail fin."

"Whatever!" laughed Link.

Then Link checked his Tab and noticed it was about the right time to get up. There was also a message from Queen Zelda.

"Zelda is inviting us to lunch. She wants to hear all about our adventure in the simulation," said Link. "Do you want to go?"

"Sure, we can go," said Mipha. "I always enjoy those visits. Will you answer her?"

"All in good time," said Link as Mipha ordered Ruta to drain the water to a shallower level. "She said she doesn't need much notice, and it can wait until we're ready."

"It's nice seeing you more in control dealing with her," said Mipha. "I still get annoyed when I think back to the days she mistreated you and wished you to leave her alone."

"It was my duty, and I was still a young knight, intimidated by royalty," laughed Link. "You intimidated me too, by the way."

"Don't I know it!" laughed Mipha. "It took forever to get you to call me by name instead of Princess. But we should get home. If I know Mila, she won't relax until she sees us in person."

They made their way home and were reunited with the family for breakfast, while Link messaged Zelda that they would be happy to have lunch with her at Hyrule Castle.

"At last!" said Mila as Mipha and Link arrived home, and Mila hugged them both.

"We're both fine, not injured in the slightest," said Link. "I'm not even sure the simulation would cause any injury in the real world here, but we didn't want to take any chances."

"Didn't want to take any chances? Entering the simulation at all was already taking a big chance," said Mila. "But I understand why you did it."

"Did everyone eat, by the way?" said Link.

"Yes, that's the most important question," laughed Mipha.

"No, you're just in time," said Linky. "I'll cook your fish, Dad. Now, we all want to hear what happened."

The trip to Hyrule Castle later that day was uneventful, and the weather cleared so that it was a sunny afternoon as Queen Zelda, Mipha, and Link finished lunch.

"Lunch was delicious," said Mipha. "Thank you, Zelda."

"You're very welcome. I know what you like now, Mipha," said Zelda. "As for Link, I know I need never worry about what to serve."

"Very funny," said Link. "But the meal was delicious."

"More tea or coffee, anyone?"

"I'll have more tea, please," said Mipha, and Zelda refilled her cup.

"Anyway, it was quite the adventure you both had in the Hero of Winds world," said Zelda. "I'm glad it ended well. Of course, Purah and Robbie are beside themselves with excitement at all they hope to learn from the Hall of Heroes. They can't wait for further excavation work to be completed."

"I'm sure there is still much to learn," said Link. "I just hope they're more careful."

"And we can learn more than just technology," said Mipha. "If these simulations are accurate, and there is no reason to believe they are not, they will be of great historical interest as well."

"Yes, that's true too," said Zelda. "I'm sure your daughter Mila will be interested in that aspect."

After several more minutes of conversation, Zelda made a suggestion.

"If everyone is finished, perhaps Mipha and I could take a stroll together," said Zelda. "Link, perhaps you would like to join Astra in Hyrule Forest Park? She's babysitting Horwell there this afternoon."

"Yes, I'd like that," said Link. "I'll leave you two, then, before you think up more things to tease me about."

Link rose and kissed Mipha, then left for the park. Zelda and Mipha smiled at each other, rose from the table, and made their way to the Castle garden. A large variety of flowers grew there, and a small flock of Blue Sparrows flew off as they approached.

"I hope you don't mind that I suggested Link spend some time with Astra," said Zelda. "I guess that was a bit presumptuous of me, not asking your permission first."

"It's fine, and I know he would wish to spend time with her," said Mipha. "He told me he feels their time together may be limited, that perhaps after she turns seventeen, she will be needed for some purpose. So, he wants to share any knowledge he can with her to help her be prepared."

"Yes, he mentioned that to me as well," said Zelda. "I don't know how I will handle that. It seems I'm fated to suffer one loss after another. But I suppose everyone does, eventually, and I need to be strong."

"I'm here for you, Zelda if you ever need me," said Mipha.

Zelda smiled, and they walked silently for another moment.

"How is your father, Mipha?" Zelda asked finally.

"He's well," said Mipha. "He sometimes shakes his head and complains he can't keep up with all the changes in Hyrule. But with a little coaxing, he does fine."

"I'm glad," said Zelda. "And the rest of the family is well?"

"Yes, all fine," said Mipha. "As are yours?"

"Yes, just growing up so fast," said Zelda.

They walked quietly together, enjoying the garden and passing by the small structure Purah took a picture of all of them after the Champions' inauguration ceremony some 37 years ago.

Meanwhile, Link made his way to Hyrule Forest Park and found Astra and Horwell at the water's edge, sailing a toy boat on the river. The small boat was attached to a string that Horwell was holding.

"Hi, Dad! Mom said you might stop by after lunch," said Astra as she and Link embraced.

"I wouldn't miss the chance for all the world, sweetheart," said Link. "And how is little Horwell doing?"

Link knelt and gave him a hug, which he returned, then went back to sailing his boat.

"He's pretty independent lately," said Astra. "He likes to try doing things without anyone's help."

"As long as he's safe, that's good for his development," said Link.

Horwell pulled at the string then let it back out, maneuvering the toy boat in the current.

"How did you handle your development, Dad? Not as a child but as a teen."

"Good question," said Link. "I don't remember much about before I was put in the Shrine. I probably just dedicated myself to training. We didn't have combat simulations back then, so it was all actual combat."

"What about after you emerged from the Shrine?"

"Mostly trial and error, including a good deal of error," said Link. "Looking back, I realize I tried to push myself too fast at first. But everyone I spoke to who knew what was happening urged me to save the Princess before it was too late. Eventually, I became more methodical about it, freeing the Divine Beasts and relearning my combat skills. It was like the old saying, make less haste and gain more speed."

"Were you ever frightened, Dad? Of course, I feel confident about my training and experience, but sometimes I fear I will be unequal to the task asked of me."

"I think courage and confidence with a dose of humility is the healthiest attitude," said Link. "What you are feeling is perfectly normal. But was I ever frightened? You bet I was! It's funny, but do you see that tree over there? I shivered in the rain for two hours hiding in that very tree, scared to death to leave it until the coast was clear."

"Really?"

"Really! It was just after I got the paraglider on the Great Plateau," said Link. "I was supposed to go to Kakariko Village next. But in my pride, I thought I would travel to Hyrule Castle first and see how bad things were there. So I followed the Hylia River north, keeping close to shore and avoiding combat as much as possible until I eventually made my way here. I moved about cautiously, working my way slowly toward Hyrule Castle. Then suddenly, I got spotted and chased by a Guardian Stalker, and my heart was in my throat! It was a horrible creature and relentless in pursuit. I dodged from behind one tree to another, and I could feel the heat of its energy beam on my face as it kept barely missing me and setting fire to the foliage. I finally managed to climb a tree, crouch down, and hide from it while it kept searching for me. Then it wandered off, and I lost track of it: I couldn't see where it went. Then, to make matters worse, it started raining, and I didn't dare climb down for fear it would be too slippery to climb back up if it spotted me again. Anyway, it taught me a lesson to be less headstrong and listen to those with good advice. I realized I risked not only my own life but the very survival of Hyrule with my recklessness. Eventually, I got skilled enough that I began hunting Guardians for ancient parts, not the other way around. But I didn't start out that way, not by a long shot. Sometimes you learn more from your failures than your successes."

"Thanks, Dad. I do feel better knowing even a hero like you had to face his fears."

"But you should take heart that you're better prepared than I was at your age, sweetheart," said Link as he gave her a quick hug. "You're an incredible person, Astra, and I'm very proud of you. I know you will live up to whatever the Goddess asks of you."

Astra smiled and hugged him back. Then they heard Horwell cry out.

"Uh, oh!" said Horwell.

"Oh, it looks like he snagged the string," said Astra. "Let me help him."

"I'll fetch the boat while you untangle the string," laughed Link. "Then the future king of Hyrule can get back to playing."

That evening after he and Mipha returned to Zora's Domain, Link worked on his journal, then looked for Mipha to share what he wrote.

"I made some more progress backfilling the days of our engagement as Mila suggested," said Link. "I was hoping you would read it and correct any oversights."

"Of course, sweetheart, I'll be happy to," said Mipha as she took the pages from him. "I like recalling those days too."

Mipha began reading.

The sky was a soft orange as the sun began setting behind Upland Zorana. It was 9 o'clock and time for Mipha's little brother Sidon, and other small children, to make their way to the slumber pools and rest for the night.

"Goodnight, Sidon, and thanks for a fun time," said Link as he gently patted Sidon on the shoulder.

Sidon gave Link a smile, which was a welcome change. Sidon used to turn his back on Link or pout whenever he saw Link with his sister.

"Come, Sidon, I'll walk you to the slumber pools," said Mipha as she took his hand. "I hope you had fun playing with Link this afternoon. Now, remember that we agreed he would play longer with you in place of a sleep time story tonight. Okay?"

Sidon nodded, and when they reached one of the slumber pools, Mipha kissed him on the forehead.

"Happy dreams, my sweet brother," said Mipha.

Sidon smiled, then waded into the pool and closed his eyes. He was tired, for it had been a busy day of swimming and playing, including games like tag. He had fun playing tag with Link, as he was much easier to catch than his sister. And he noticed his sister was much happier now, smiled even more than she used to. Maybe it was because he was playing with her more. That was probably the reason. Sidon drifted off to sleep.

Mipha watched him for several more minutes, smiled, then returned to where Link was waiting for her. They kissed once, and then Link spoke.

"Asleep already? That was fast!"

"You wore him out with all the playing," laughed Mipha. "But thanks for spending so much time with him. I'd like him to grow comfortable with you."

"He's adorable, and I enjoyed it," said Link. "But he wore me out a bit too."

"Do you still have any energy left for me?" Mipha said in a fake pout.

"I'll dive deep to find some," laughed Link.

"It's so cute hearing you use Zora expressions!" laughed Mipha as she squeezed his hand. "Race you to East Reservoir Lake for some alone time?"

"You're on, Princess," said Link as they both began running, laughing all the way there.

Link won by taking the long flight of steps two at a time, but the finish completely winded him. He sat down at the end of the pier, his legs dangling in the water and taking deep breaths. The lake was peaceful now, and the only sounds were the lapping of waves against the pier and the gentle hum of the steady breeze that blew from the sea. Looking across the lake, you could make out the summit of majestic Mount Lanayru in the distance, home to the Spring of Wisdom attended to by the dragon Naydra. It was fitting that you could see it from here, as Naydra was named after the Goddess Nayru, the deity most worshiped by Zoras.

Mipha was winded too, but she dove at once into the cool, clear lake water and swam about, using her gills to breathe. Mipha swimming was a marvel to behold, and Link could only watch with awe. She swam through the water effortlessly, smoothly changing direction, whether on her back or face down. She moved with such graceful beauty that he couldn't take his eyes off her. Link realized he must have seen her swim before during his many visits to the Domain. But with his memory loss, he couldn't remember. It didn't matter, though. She was a joy to watch, no matter how many times he saw her swim. He would never tire of it.

Mipha saw him staring at her and smiled.

"Won't you join me?"

"In a minute. I need to catch my breath."

"What a funny Hylian expression!" laughed Mipha. "Won't chasing after your breath make you more breathless? But I'll try to remember it. It's only fair I learn some Hylian expressions too."

"Well, I guess it does sound a bit silly," admitted Link. "But I love watching how beautifully you swim. You're so graceful in the water!"

"Am I not graceful on land?"

"Oh, you are. I only meant...." Link stammered, but Mipha smiled and interrupted him.

"I'm teasing you, sweetheart," laughed Mipha. "But don't take too much longer. I want to hold you in my arms. I've waited so long for the chance."

It had been a busy day, this second day of their engagement. They had a brief morning to themselves, then played with Sidon until his sleep time. Mipha had tried explaining to Sidon that Link would be his brother, but they weren't sure Sidon understood what that meant or believed it if he did. He looked skeptical.

"Ready yet?" Mipha asked after another few moments and gave Link a cute smile.

"I'm ready," laughed Link. "You know that smile of yours can charm me every time."

Link jumped into the water, and Mipha swam over and took him in her arms. Link returned her embrace, his arms around her, and they kissed several times, then Mipha pulled back.

"It's wonderful to see you smile again," said Mipha. "You're back to your happy self once more."

"It took a long road to get there, but you're right," said Link. "I've truly never felt happier."

"Nor have I," said Mipha. "I love you so much!"

"I love you, too," said Link as they kissed again.

They swam together for about half an hour, Mipha sometimes taking his hand and pulling him. Then some clouds rolled in, and the distant rumble of thunder signaled an approaching storm. So they headed back to the northwest pier and sheltered below the awning above the bed as the rain began to fall, along with the occasional flash of lightning and the crackle of thunder that followed it.

"It's cozy here," said Link as they lay beside each other on the bed. He pulled Mipha close, and they kissed once more.

"I know you don't remember, but you used to rest here sometimes after swimming," said Mipha after their kiss ended, and they held each other in their arms.

Their conversation was interrupted as a nearby bolt of lightning lit up the sky, followed by the loud crash of thunder. Heavy rain fell around them, splashing hard onto the blue stonework and making the lake water bubble. Link looked out over the water, and he could see Divine Beast Vah Ruta glowing blue in the center of the lake. Ruta was quiet now, but you got the sense she was alive, keeping a watchful eye on everything. It was hard to believe that Ruta had helped destroy Waterblight Ganon less than a month ago and then aided in the defeat of Calamity Ganon itself.

Mipha saw Link staring at Ruta and gently turned his head back to look at her.

"Sorry, I was just thinking about Ruta," smiled Link.

"I could tell. I hope you feel up to visiting Ruta someday," said Mipha. "But I'm not rushing you. Only when you feel ready."