After the Calamity:Love story

Chapter 2-Zora's Domain

"Come, I will pull you through the water," said Mipha as she reached out for Link's hand when they arrived at the river. "It's faster to get home that way. Do you remember how we used to play in the water together?"

"Of course, I remember," laughed Link. "I was always the happiest when we played together."

Mipha took Link's hand as they dove into the river together.

"Now, close your mouth, so you don't swallow any water," said Mipha as she prepared to swim fast and pull Link along with her. "But you speak to me so seldom these days that I don't need to tell you to close your mouth."

"I'm sorry, I ..." said Link, then quickly closed his mouth as they raced through the water.

The trip went quickly, as Mipha could swim amazingly fast. When she reached the last waterfall at the footDomaine Domain, she pulled Link up the falls and then up the smaller falls that led from the lowest level to the plaza level.

"I wish I could swim up waterfalls as you do," said Link as he caught his breath.

"I wish that too," said Mipha. "Perhaps you will someday. Now I want to share the good news of our victory with my father. Do you wish to come with me?"

"Yes, of course," said Link.

Mipha and Link made their way up the stairs to the throne room. The guards on duty all welcomed Mipha home. When she reached the throne room, she ran to King Dorephan, and he hugged her as he spoke.

"My darling Mipha, the good news already reached us!" exclaimed King Dorephan. "Ganon has been defeated, and you have returned home safely as you promised."

"Yes, Father, it's finally over," said Mipha.

"And you too, Link, you proved yourself worthy as the knight chosen to wield the sword that seals the darkness," said King Dorephan. "You are a true hero and are always welcome here."

"Thank you, Your Majesty," said Link.

"Ah, here is Sidon," said King Dorephan as Sidon came out from hiding. "I think he is still a bit shy around you, Link."

Mipha ran to Sidon, and they embraced.

"Dear Sidon, I love you so much," said Mipha. "You are the best brother I could have."

Sidon grinned and flashed a toothy smile.

"Perhaps we could all celebrate tonight at dinner," said King Dorephan. "You still like fish, Link."

"I do if they're cooked, Your Majesty," said Link.

"Of course!" laughed King Dorephan. "Now I know you and Mipha probably want to make up for lost time together. We can meet again at dinnertime. Is that suitable?"

"Yes, Father," said Mipha. "I'm sure Link and I have much to talk about. Link has been so very quiet of late."

Link laughed, and then he and Mipha went off together.

"Where should we go?" Link asked.

"I would like to check on Ruta," said Mipha. "I know she made her way back to East Reservoir Lake as I asked her to."

They walked toward East Reservoir Lake and then up the long flights of steps that led to the top of the reservoir. It was late afternoon now, and the water was calm. They passed the covered bed on the northwestern pier and then walked to the end of the pier. Ruta was sitting peacefully in the middle of the lake, its markings glowing a soft blue.

"Come, I'll pull you again," said Mipha as they both dove into the lake.

They frightened a family of ducks that flew off as Mipha pulled Link to Ruta, then lowered the entrance, and they entered the Divine Beast. Mipha first went to a chest and retrieved a bundle, then led Link along the passageway to Ruta's trunk. After lowering the trunk so they could reach the tip, she raised it high above as they sat down together.

"It's beautiful here," said Link as he gazed at aro Domain from high above on Ruta's trunk.

The sun glistened off the blue stones in the surrounding cliffs.

"Do you remember when I taught you to swim here at the lake?" Mipha asked. "It wasn't easy for me to figure out the best way for you to swim since you lack fins. But you wanted to play with your friends Bazz, Rivan, and Gaddison in the water, and I said I would help you."

"Yes, I remember," said Link as he smiled at her. "You were very patient with me. And kind."

They sat quietly for a moment enjoying the view, and then Mipha spoke again.

"It was not that long ago we sat together on Ruta like this," said Mipha. "You don't have any wounds to heal this time. But you remember I promised to always look after you."

"Yes, and that meant a lot to me," said Link as he looked at Mipha, and she gazed back into his eyes.

Link felt a warm feeling inside as he looked into her eyes. They were a lovely golden color, and he had trouble taking his eyes off them. Mipha was so beautiful, and her eyes so warm and kind. Ever since he turned old enough, Link struggled to decide if he should tell Mipha of his feelings for her.

When he first met Mipha as a young boy, she was like a big sister or an aunt to him. She took care of him and healed his cuts and bruises. But then he became a teenager and started feeling interested in girls. And suddenly Mipha, who looked the same and hadn't aged a bit the whole time, didn't seem like an aunt anymore. Instead, she seemed like a beautiful girl his own age. Moreover, she was very intelligent and kindhearted, and someone he enjoyed being with. He found himself falling in love with her, thinking of her when they were apart, and happy when they could be together.

But all this time he kept his feelings to himself, unsure what would happen if he told her how he felt. He did not want to cross a line with her and lose her friendship, for she was the best friend he had. Besides, he respected her position as Princess of the Zora and heir to the Zora throne. He might be a hero, but he was still just a humble Hylian knight. Mipha was royalty, and he told himself that her father would want her to marry a well-respected Zora, someone who could give the Zora people a worthy heir to the throne. So, he had never told Mipha what was in his heart.

And Mipha, too, had been reluctant to tell Link how she felt, though she wanted to. But ever since he was chosen by the sword that seals the darkness, he grew quiet and distracted, difficult to talk to. Then he began spending so much time with Zelda as her appointed knight, Mipha worried he would develop feelings for her. Zelda was a beautiful Hylian, after all, and it would be very normal for Link to be attracted to her. And so, she had been afraid to tell Link of her love for him and offer him the Zora Armor she had made for fear he would reject it. He would reject it kindly, of course, because Link was a kind person, and they were good friends. But it would still hurt so very, very much if he turned down her proposal! Her heart would be broken, and she wasn't sure she could meet her responsibilities as Zora Champion with such an aching heart.

But now they were alone together, Ganon was defeated, and perhaps each could find the courage to speak what was in their hearts.

It was Link who surprised her, and as was typical with Link, it was not through his words but his actions.

Link gazed into her eyes, and they looked so sweet and inviting. Her smile was lovely, too. Finally, the feeling was too strong. He reached out, gently pulled her toward him, and pressed his lips to hers. Then Link pulled back at once, afraid perhaps he had gone too far and offended her. But his heart and hers leaped as Mipha pulled his head to hers and returned the kiss. They kissed twice more, and then Link finally spoke.

"I love you," said Link. "I should have told you sooner. But something held me back."

"I love you, too," said Mipha. "And it was the same for me. But I am so happy you told me how you feel. It makes what I wanted to do easier."

Mipha took out the bundle she had taken from the chest inside Ruta.

"I started working on this after we slew the Lynel on Ploymus Mountain," said Mipha. "And I have wanted to offer it to you sooner but never felt the time was right. So, I kept it hidden inside Ruta so people would not see it and start rumors or gossip. But, its sip. It is an ancient Zora Princess tradition, and I offer it to you now with all my love. I hope with all my heart you will accept it, Link."

She handed the bundle to Link, and he unwrapped it, then held it out to examine it. It was a magnificent silver and blue set of Zora Armor.

"It's beautiful, Mipha," said Link. "And I know enough Zora tradition to know what it means. You have made me the happiest ever, and I will cherish you and this gift forever. Of course, I will marry you, Mipha. Because I love you with all my heart."

Then they both laughed and kissed over and over until Ruta squirted them with some water and bellowed.

"I think Ruta is happy for me too," laughed Mipha. "Come, let's share the joyful news with Father."