Words For Him

Pride of the Zora

Stopping at a hill outside Kakariko Zelda and Link looked out over Hyrule. Zelda hoped to bring the Zora king, King Dorephan, some comfort regarding Mipha's fate. Zelda told Link she could no longer feel her powers but that she was content with it. "If it's any consolation I can no longer feel the champion's powers in me but I'm content knowing they are truly at peace," Link said as they walked back to their horses "We have that in common then, it's nice not being alone in that." Mounting again they rode the short distance to Inogo Bridge where they had to continue on foot. To Link's relief the Zora had cleared the area of monsters still the trek would be long. As they drew closer Link could see Zelda's anxiety was growing. "Princess, what is troubling you?" "I fear they will blame me for Mipha's death." "No it is I the elders blamed, except for King Dorephan he was still as kind as always to me and he spoke fondly of you so fear not." Zelda was comforted by this though deep down she still blamed herself despite what her father's and champion's spirit said.

Crossing the Great Zora Bridge Link caught sight of Sidon, Prince of the Zora, staring up at his deceased sister's statue. Walking closer Zelda could hear whispers amongst the elder Zora. "The princess of Hyrule, she's returned." This unsettled Zelda, she feared Link was wrong. Noticing the commotion Sidon turned, his face clearly showing signs of deep thought. "Ah Link you have come to see us again. We saw Vah Ruta fire its beam and when the sky grew red a bright flash from Hyrule castle. When some of our soldiers investigated there were signs of a great fight, I knew then it was you, Link, fighting the calamity." "A fight a hundred years in the making." Ah ha ha, your humor seems to have survived the battle, Link." Sidon looked behind Link finally taking notice of Zelda. "Do my eyes deceive me or is it really you, Princess Zelda? You appear before us triumphant in your struggle against the calamity." "Greetings Prince Sidon, you have grown since last we met," Zelda explained why they were there and asked how much they knew of Vah Ruta's situation. Unfortunately, Sidon nor any Zora knew much. As Sidon led them to the throne Zelda began to wonder how King Dorephan would react. Sidon was warm and welcoming but the whispers still echoed in her head. Standing before him King Dorephan welcomed Link back, congratulating him on his victory over the calamity, then he turned his attention to Zelda. "It has been some time since we last met hasn't it Princess Zelda, or given the circumstances Queen Zelda." "No, Your Majesty, I'm still a princess. It will be some time yet before I even dare think of a coronation. There is much to do before that time comes if it comes." "As diligent and duty-driven as ever, these hundred years have not dampened your resolve. But you did not come this long way just to chat. You came because of the trouble with the Devine Beast Vah Ruta." "Yes that is indeed why I am here, but there is something I need to tell Prince Sidon and yourself...alone." The other Zora left giving them privacy but as Link turned to leave also Zelda grabbed his arm saying it would be better if he stayed. In truth, Zelda didn't want to be alone again, not with what she had to say. "After we defeated Calamity Ganon the effects of my hundred-year struggle took hold causing me to enter a deep sleep. As I slept I was approached by the spirits of the champions and my father." Zelda began to feel choked by her emotions. "Before she departed Mipha asked that I bring words of comfort." Zelda hadn't known what to say before but now she had one thing to say. "I'm so sorry, for everything." Tears began to well up in Zelda's eyes as she apologized profusely over and over for Mipha's death. "Stop Princess Zelda. It was not your fault." King Dorephan interupted. "Mipha knew the risk when she accepted the role of champion." "We all did," Link said placing a comforting hand on Zelda's shoulder. "Some of the elders may foolishly point fingers but I know you suffered greatly at the hands of the calamity, both of you have. Both you and Link have endured much but have proven the better for it." Zelda had not expected to receive words of comfort from King Dorephan but it was reassuring.

Standing in the shadow of Vah Ruta Zelda marveled at the size of the mechanical behemoth. Though she was very familiar with the Devine Beasts their size always awed her. "Devine Beast Vah Ruta, pride of the Zora. Even though it is unmoving it's still a wonder to look at." Zelda said looking up at Vah Ruta. Climbing onboard Link and Zelda began their investigation which carried on through the night. Everything seemed to be functional but the beast was still and lifeless. Purah's diagnostic tool wasn't as helpful as Zelda had hoped. Inserting the sheikah slate into the central terminal only confined Link and Zelda's inspection. "I want to compare the results with the other Devine Beasts but from what I can tell everything is in working order." "Perhaps without a pilot, Vah Ruta shut down entirely." Link suggested. Zelda looked over in surprise wondering why she hadn't thought of it. "That must be it, without something to control it the Devine Beast shutdown. We should report back to King Dorephan immediately." Returning Zelda told the Zora king of their results. The king was pleased with the results and even more pleased to hear Zelda's plan forward. "Should the investigations into the other Devine Beasts render the same result I will suggest the Devine Beasts be scrapped so that they can never be corrupted again, and used for something more beneficial." King Dorephan told Link and Zelda that they were welcome to stay as long as they wished. They thanked the Dorephan for his kind offer and proceeded to stay for two days. Before leaving for Goron City Link and Zelda bided King Dorephan and Prince Sidon farewell.