Held Onto By A Thread

Chapter Five

Small splashes of water filled the air as Mipha quickened her pace and was relieved to see the many armored men standing inside the inn. However, she had received mixed feelings upon entering. On one hand she would be thrilled to see her friend, on the other Mipha would have to say goodbye to him even after such short time together. In that moment, Mipha had gotten so caught up in her thoughts again that she had not noticed the Hylian Guard that she bumped into.

"I'm terribly sorry!", she instantly said. The man looked down at her and both set of eyes widened on what stood in front of them.

"Apologies your highness I should have been more aware of where I was going myself.", he responded rubbing the back of his neck. And for Mipha she was equally as embarrassed, "No it was my fault, I was lost in thought...", she trailed off staring into a familiar set of blue eyes. Just then the silence was broken from a younger voice, calling out from behind the man.

"Miiphaaa!"

As quick as the sound came the one responsible ran in between them bouncing up and down on their two little feet.

The Zora immediately recognized it and could not help but smile at the expression of excitement Link had on his face when he saw her.

"Oh, you have met my son?", the man asked puzzled. "We are great friends!" Link beamed turning from his dad back to Mipha.

'This is his father! No wonder his eyes looked oddly familiar. He must be very skilled to serve in the Royal Guard she told herself.

"Yes, we are." She said cheerfully looking at Link.

"Thats great to hear! My little knight has not been able to meet or make any friends unfortunately, since he usually stays in the military's care camp. Lucky, he had the chance to come with me!" Link whined, "Do we have to go back? I like it here; the camp is so boring." 

Mipha felt sorry for him, the military lifestyle was no way for a child to grow up in especially now. While the two bickered, the Zora sought to find a solution, eventually settling on an idea that would solve their problem, even hers.

"Would it be possible for Link to stay here?" It went silent, the rush of waterfalls was to be heard laughing in the distance.

'Oh Lanayru. Mipha why in Hyrule would you suggest such a thing!' She yelled at herself inwardly.

Yes, it was a bit farfetched, but she too had never had a friend and did not want to go through losing one, especially after experiencing what it felt like to have one. "Thats not a bad idea... but who will take care of him? Surely, I could not just pass the duty of a child onto you prin-" Link's father was interrupted as his son interfered.

"You don't have to! I'm very inder pinedent! "It's independent Link..." the man sighed.          

"Yeah that!"

Mipha held back a laugh at the innocence of the boy. A voice echoed out through the inn walls, "Five minutes men!", a soldier barked. His dad looked down with worry, "Are you sure you will be alright here?" "Yes, I will be", Link almost sounded uncomfortable. "Is there something wrong Link?"

"It's just that I won't see you for a while..." "Aw it's ok bud.", he crouched down and held out his arms. Link ran into them returning the hug, a single tear visible from his eye.

"In the meantime, I know a wonderful person who will keep you company.", he said looking up at Mipha. The Zora Princess gave a gentle smile, although it saddened her to see the two separate.

"Soldiers form ranks!", the same voice from earlier called out.

He squeezed Link tightly one last time and Mipha a bow, then he was off. Mipha and Link watched the soldiers with King Rhoam make their way to the plaza and Link's father look back at them. He gave them both a crisp salute and stepped out of view.