The Legend of Zelda: The Silent Princess

The Zora Princess

When we reached Zora Domain, I commanded Link to rest until I came to get him. It took a while, but finally, once he gave me something to defend myself with, he let me go find Mipha and have a chat--princess to princess. I was determined to find out what happened between Link and Mipha!

When I was told Mipha had recently made herself at home upon the dam, I rushed up to find her. Just as her father had told me, she sat on a bed on the dam, finishing up something. Once I got closer, I recognized what it was. A suit of armor. And not just any kind of Zora armor. I knew their customs.

"Mipha," I asked, astounded, "Is that what I think it is?"

Realizing that she was no longer alone, she jumped a little on the bed. She looked like she was about to hide the armor, but she stopped once she remembered I had already seen it. I felt bad for coming in like that as I sat down on the end of the bed, placing my hand on top of hers.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to startle you or ask such a personal question."

She shook her head, polite as always, "No, Princess, it's alright. I knew you were coming. Link isn't here, is he?" Her eyes glanced around as if worried.

"No, he's down below resting. I just wanted to talk to you first before I brought Link," I sighed, daring to ask, "What happened between the two of you? Every time he's around, you get all tense."

Her fingers traced along the gems on the blue suit of armor she had made. "Well . . ." she started off, but after that, nothing else came out.

My eyes went down to the suit. Then it hit me. Her behavior wasn't just stiffness, it was bashfulness. The Zora engagement armor she was making was no doubt meant for him. After all, I too made him a tunic. It was about the same size.

"Oh, Mipha," I said, suddenly beaming as I took both of her hands, "That is wonderful news!"

I brought the two of us to our feet so I could hug her. She gasped in surprise, but a smile was on her lips when I pulled away. It died though as she went back to her shy nature.

"But Princess . . . don't you love Link?"

My mouth dropped as I grew a bit pale from her question. I wondered why she would ever ask something like that. For most of my life, I was jealous of Link. I hadn't even thought of him as a friend until recently. But a lover? The thought hadn't crossed my mind. I was too busy when I was younger trying not to like him because my maids talked about him so much.

I laughed it off. "To be quite honest, I am just barely liking him as a friend. I wouldn't dare go that far."

"I see," she said, her hazel eyes hiding something.

Smiling, I said, "Well, how about I go get Link for you? You'll get to spend some quality time together. Maybe you can even give him . . . you know . . . your gift."

As I tried running off, she grabbed onto my wrist, shouting, "Wait!" She relaxed when I faced her again, "Let him come up just before the sun starts to set."

I nodded, "I will."

Then I walked away, thoughts buzzing in my mind. The first thing I wanted to know was how Link felt about Mipha. Next, I thought about what Mipha had said. It was odd to think about, but the idea of it wasn't horrible once I got past the part where I resented him. In the long run, though, I thought it was a joke.

Entering Zora Domain again, I found Link eating a strange meal he had cooked himself. It seemed as if he had a very interesting taste. If he had eaten that frog, I wouldn't have been all that shocked.

"Mipha wants to meet with you soon, but not until later today," I explained to him.

I looked at his cuts. I had hoped that the normal medicine he received from the Zora would at least make it look better. It seemed like it had almost gotten deeper. I gave a sigh.

"I hope Mipha will be able to heal that. I don't want you to strain yourself."

Our eyes met. In all the legends and stories it was the princess and the chosen hero. We were connected in some way. I shook my head. There was also the story of the chosen hero and the Zora princess. Mipha had a chance and I was supporting her.

Touching Link's shoulder, I went to go exploring. I was hoping he wouldn't come with me, but he did. I went to read the stone tablet that was at the very back, just under the throne room. I read the records they kept. Remembering parts of some of the other tablets, I recalled the story of Princess Ruto.

She fell in love with the chosen hero just like Mipha. She became a sage, however. And then, according to the records, she only aided the princess and the hero. Again, the princess and the hero. It was no wonder why Mipha had asked what she did.

Turning to Link, I asked, not looking him in the eyes, "How would you describe Mipha in your own words?"

I glanced up at him. His eyes dropped to the floor as he said, "Apart of my family. Someone I need to protect, just as she did when I was younger."

"So like a sister?" I shut my eyes as I asked. When I opened them, I saw the nod of his head.

His response was reasonable. After all, when he was a small boy, Mipha probably looked exactly the same. In his mind, Mipha was always more or less someone that cared for him like family. He probably played with Sidon. Breaking that kind of thinking would take years.

Looking out at the setting sun, I said to him, "Well, I suppose you should make your way up to see Mipha."

He appeared as if he didn't want to leave my side with the glum face I had on. I told myself to cheer up. There was still hope for Mipha. I started to push him towards one of the bridges.

"Well go on now. I can't let that injury get any worse," I said as we were on the bridge.

Link did a side step, making me stumble forward before he caught me. His blue eyes were reading deep into my soul as he made me face him.

"Princess," he said.

I pulled away from him before he actually could read everything. I pointed a finger straight up at the dam. "Just go!" I demanded, trying to get him up there with Mipha already.

Finally, he went his way up. Quickly, I got to a good vantage point and pulled out the Sheikah Slate. Using it as a scope, I saw Mipha and Link meet. I watched as they got on top of Ruta's trunk. I felt satisfied as I saw Mipha start to heal him. Perhaps she could pull it off. After all, she was serious enough to make him a suit of armor. She loved him so much that she wanted to marry him.

I put the Shiekah Slate down. That was all I needed to see. I went back to the inn of Zora Domain. I passed the time by trying out some different recipes. I should have kept that frog and made Link eat it when he got back, especially so if he broke Mipha's heart. Yet, who was I to force someone to love another?

When I saw them crossing the bridge together, I hoped for the best. However, I noted that Link did not have Mipha's armor with him. Did he not accept it? I waited for the two of them. Once they reached me, Mipha gave her sweet smile.

"That cut shouldn't be bothering him any longer, Princess," she said.

She started to walk away. I stopped her, confused. "Mipha, why didn't you--"

"I know how the story goes Princess," she said, "It's about time you did too. I hope the best for you."

I let go of her arm as she continued to walk away. The rest of the story. How many stories featured the princess and the hero? Then how many had the Zora princess and the hero? That was what she meant. And it crushed me, but it also took me to a time when I was five.

Mother told the legends and fairytales of the princess and the hero. How together they battled against the dark forces of Ganon. How wisdom and courage could conquer power. I remember what I said to her after each story. How one day, I wanted to find my chosen hero.

Link wasn't my chosen hero though. Never had I actually chosen him over anyone else. He was just there. That is unless . . . unless the time I prayed to the sacred blade, Hylia . . . she . . . No, it was too far-fetched. I didn't choose him.

Poor Mipha. In her diary, she mentions how Princess Ruto fell in love with Link, but I think she realized that it never worked out, which is why she never gives Link the suit of armor. Anyway, vote, comment, and in the next chapter, you'll see more of Link and Zelda.