Life in Zora's Domain

Chapter 68 - Pride and Prejudice

Summary: It's a week later, and Link is still affected by his three-week stay in the future and the barely averted tragedy. Mipha tries to get Link back to normal, but his children notice his changed behavior, and Mila has an emotional reaction when she learns what happened. Mipha recalls how she coaxed a young childhood Link to use her name. Lapha's and Linky's history instructor makes light of Link's role in defense of Hyrule, causing both of them to speak up, and Mipha to find a dramatic way of correcting his outlook. Link resumes duties as Zora Ambassador and looks forward to a possible future trip to Gerudo Town with Mipha. It's party night in Zora's Domain, and Mipha hopes some music and dancing will speed Link's recovery.

"What's with Mom and Dad?" said Lapha as the four children left the house together after breakfast and started making their way to class.

"You noticed too, Laff?" said Mila.

"Who couldn't notice?" said Lapha.

"I think it's more Dad than Mom," said Linky.

"I didn't notice anything," said Midon.

"That's because you're always playing with your Tab, Mido," said Mila. "Anyone but a clam could see Dad's been clinging to Mom all week. He can't stop holding Mom's hand or putting his arm around her."

"So? What's so unusual about that?" said Midon looking up from his Tab. "They're in love, aren't they? And I'm not playing with my Tab, by the way. I'm testing a rune."

"You missed the point," said Mila. "We all know they're in love. But why are they suddenly so openly affectionate? They act like newlyweds or lovers reunited after a long absence."

"Okay, can the family clam ask how you explain it then?" said Midon.

"Obviously something must have happened to make them appreciate each other more," said Mila.

"And the fact they aren't telling us about it means it must be pretty serious," said Lapha.

"I don't know," said Midon. "Are you sure you're not reading too much into things? They've both been home this whole week. Nobody went anywhere. So how could something terrible have happened?"

"I don't know how something happened, but I think Mila is right," said Linky. "They're even more affectionate now than when Dad was a Zora. And Dad was pretty emotional back then!"

"Mi, maybe you and I can have a private talk with Dad tonight," said Lapha. "With both of us reading his feelings he's bound to reveal something. And maybe we can even help him."

"You two are something else!" laughed Midon. "You're scheming to read Dad's feelings, and you think that will reveal something? You're wasting your time. If Dad doesn't want to talk about something, he won't tell you anything."

Mila looked over at Lapha, and they smiled at each other.

It had been a week since Link returned from the future, a future in which he had spent three weeks coming to terms with the fact he had inadvertently destroyed his and Mipha's life together. Once the initial shock wore off, he had been consumed by grief and guilt.

But the situation Link found himself in when he awoke in the future was bizarre. His grown children were shocked, too. But their shock was one of joy that the father they thought they had lost many years earlier was actually still alive. From their viewpoint they hadn't lost anyone they loved, they had suddenly found someone they loved. So, while he was in mourning over the loss of his wife, his family was celebrating over the return of their father. In the end, only the technology of the period, and his children's intelligence and love and willingness to see it all from his point of view had saved his life with Mipha.