Love in Zora's Domain

Chapter 57 - Reflections and Farewell

Summary: Zelda and her husband Royce travel to Zora's Domain, where they spend a day with Mipha, Link, and their family. They briefly reflect on their lives and the events that have brought them here and look forward to a bright future for Hyrule. As this part of the story ends, we finally meet the true author.

It was a cloudless, sunny early afternoon in Zora's Domain as Zelda, Royce, Mipha, and Link sat talking and laughing around a picnic blanket beneath an evergreen tree near the shore of Mikau Lake. Meanwhile, Raypha, Tidon, and their friends Fara and Landon splashed and played in the crystal clear water, stopping occasionally to race up and down the waterfalls.

"I think I'll have another one of those delicious cookies," said Zelda as she helped herself. "They're quite tasty."

"Thank you. They're a modified Zora recipe made with Hylians in mind," said Mipha. "Link insisted they were tastier substituting nuts for fish. I made a separate batch for the children."

"I have to agree with Link," laughed Royce. "But the other dishes were all delicious, too."

"I'm glad we could spend time together here," Zelda said with a smile as she glanced around. "This is a beautiful spot, and your company is delightful. You both truly are my dearest friends."

"We're thrilled you could visit with us," Mipha replied with a smile.

"And I think it's wonderful you both are seeing more of Hyrule together," Link added.

"With Hyrule safe and at peace now, Zel and I have decided to travel a bit more ... while we still can," said Royce. "It's instructive to visit people where they live, and it especially helps me understand and appreciate Hyrule better."

"Speaking of travel, it's great to see Link looking so young again," added Zelda after finishing her cookie. "It brings back memories of our journeys across the kingdom together. I can't wait to do it again now under safer circumstances. By the way, Link, I noticed you didn't eat much. Did becoming younger ruin your appetite?"

Link shook his head and laughed. "No, Zelda. I'm just trying to stay healthy and make the most of this chance I've been given to live a longer life with my family."

"Something I encouraged him to do," added Mipha with a smile. "Link usually does what I ask."

"Yes, I'm happiest when you're happy, sweetheart," said Link as he smiled back at her.

"Remember that Royce," Zelda teased. "It's the key to a happy marriage."

"I think I already figured that out," chuckled Royce. "But Link, I'm glad you mentioned a longer life. I've been meaning to tell you something. If you read through Dr. Purah's report on her anti-aging experiments - which is not exactly light reading, by the way, full of technical jargon interspersed with self-congratulations - she mentions that the rune not only reduces a subject's age but also tends to slow down the aging process. So that's even more good news."

"Oh! That truly is! Thanks for telling me! But I'm sorry Purah and Robbie didn't accept our invitation to join us," said Link. "We wanted the chance to thank them again in person."

"Oh, don't worry about those two. They live for the joy of scientific discovery," chuckled Zelda. "And don't take it personally. I was lucky they even showed up for my wedding. They have a one-track mind when it comes to spending their time. Purah is forever trying to improve her rune technology, while Robbie constantly searches for a discovery that rivals hers. They're happiest working at their lab."

As they spoke, the sound of laughter and playful shouts echoed from the nearby water where the children were playing.

"It's funny coming from a Hylian like me, but it's amazing how your children have grown up so quickly," commented Zelda as she watched them play. "I remember when they were babies, and you could hold them in your arms. Now they're teenagers."