Love in Zora's Domain

Chapter 56 - Washing Away Years

Summary: Purah uses her age-reducing rune on Link at Zora's Domain.

The first rays of the morning sun crept over Ploymus Mountain, casting a soft glow across the house by Mikau Lake as Mipha stirred in her sleep. The excitement and anticipation that had kept her awake most of the night still buzzed through her veins, though fatigue had finally set in. But how could Link sleep so soundly?

Two days ago, they received a letter from Zelda explaining that Purah and Robbie would arrive today to administer the anti-aging rune on Link. A wave of nervousness and thrill washed over Mipha as she thought about the possibility of many more years ahead with her loving husband.

As she lay there waiting for Link to awaken, Mipha could hear the sounds of their children, Raypha and Tidon, stirring in the kitchen. Tidon soon left to catch fish while Raypha began preparing the cooking pot for Link's meal. It was a sweet gesture that had become routine since the children had gotten older and wanted to help with chores.

Several minutes later, the sound of food sizzling in the pan and the scent of cooked fish wafted through the air. She gently nudged Link awake.

"Huh? Is it morning already?" said Link as he rubbed his eyes, and then they kissed briefly.

"Yes, on a very special day for you, something like a re-birthday," said Mipha. "I hardly slept a wink thinking about it, yet you slept like a clam."

"I guess I'm a heavy sleeper," laughed Link. "But I smell breakfast. We should get up."

Mipha and Link slipped out of their slumber pool and, after Link got dressed, made their way to the kitchen table.

"Good morning," Mipha and Link said as Raypha and Tidon returned the greeting.

"Ah, just in time, Dad," said Raypha as she moved Link's fish to a plate and brought it over to him.

"Thanks, Raypha, and thanks, TIdon, for catching this delicious-looking Hyrule Bass," said Link.

"I don't mind cooking, Dad," said Raypha. "I feel rather unique thinking I'm one of the few Zoras who knows how to prepare Hylian food. Well, at least fish dishes."

"And you do a fine job," laughed Link. "It's very tasty."

After finishing breakfast, Raypha and Tidon got ready to leave for class.

"I hope you both finished your homework," said Link as he hugged them goodbye.

"I did," replied Raypha confidently. "Once I start, I can stay focused."

She grinned at Tidon, who shook his head as Raypha enjoyed teasing him about losing his concentration.

"I'm the same way, Ray," he said with a smile. "Despite what you may think."

"I guess we will find out once it's been graded," Mipha replied as she hugged them before they left.

As soon as the children were out of the house, Link let out a sigh of relief.

"I was trying to act normal while they were here, but now that I'm awake, I feel butterflies in my stomach," he admitted. "I'm more nervous about this than I let on. What about you?"

"I'm nervous too and, as I said, could hardly sleep last night," Mipha replied, taking his hand in hers. "But I'm also excited. If this works, sweetheart, it will wash away one of my deepest fears - living without you."

"I know, my love," whispered Link as he caressed her hand. "I never want to imagine us being apart. That's why I'm willing to take this risk."

"Oh! Wait right here!" Mipha suddenly exclaimed as she remembered something.