A Tale of Two Princesses

Chapter 14 - A New Found Friend

Chapter 14 - A New Found Friend

Summary: Zelda and Mipha grow close after a heart-to-heart talk, changing Zelda's plans. King Dorephan pledges his support for Zelda. Link reunites with his fiancée, and they spend a relaxing day together.

It was early morning, and Zelda was the first to awaken at the Seabed Inn. She stretched, looked around, and then remembered where she was. As she sat up, she could see Link still sound asleep at one of the nearby beds, and she smiled. It had been a long day for both of them.

Then Zelda rose and made her way out of the inn. She decided not to wait for Link for breakfast, but walked over to Marot Mart and picked out a Sizzlefin Trout and some Hylian Rice. Then she cooked her breakfast at the cooking pot by the inn and made her way up to one of the gazebo structures overlooking the plaza to sit down and eat.

The fish was fresh and tasty, and she watched the activity in the plaza as she ate. A few children were playing, laughing and chasing each other, and some adults were talking together in small groups. Zora's Domain was a beautiful town with its distinctive architecture and gently flowing waterfalls. It gave one a sense of peace, yet the town was still full of activity. The Zora people were justifiably proud of their home and their impressive building skills. And fortunately, the domain had been spared any damage from Ganon's attack.

After breakfast, Zelda planned to meet with King Dorephan to ask for his pledge of support. She had met him only once before, and that only briefly. It was during her visit to ask Princess Mipha to be the Zora Champion and pilot Ruta. When she arrived at that time, King Dorephan had greeted her warmly and then told her that Mipha was swimming with her brother Sidon at Veiled Falls. She had thanked him and then left to see Mipha. Her father had spoken of King Dorephan sometimes and told her they had known each other for a long time.

Meanwhile, Mipha had also awoken. She took a brief swim near the waterfall behind the domain's structure and then caught a tasty Hearty Bass for breakfast. After making her way back, one of the guards spoke with her.

"Lady Mipha, we thought you should know that Princess Zelda and Master Link arrived here late last night. Master Link is still sleeping, but the Princess is eating alone in the structure near the inn."

"Yes, thank you, Alira," said Mipha. "I do indeed want to know that."

Thank Hylia that Link was safely home, thought Mipha. But she needed to greet the Princess. It was terrible Zelda had not been appropriately welcomed and had to eat alone. Mipha made her way to the plaza and saw Zelda where the guard had indicated, then walked up the waterway leading to her location. Zelda had just finished her meal when she saw Mipha. She put down her dish and stood up.

"Princess, welcome to our domain," said Mipha. "I am happy to see you again and that you are well. And I apologize you were not better received. I did not know you had arrived until just now. I am very sorry for your loss, Princess, and offer you my sincere condolences. May I be of any assistance to you now?"

"Princess Mipha," said Zelda. "It is good to see you too. I was thrilled when Link told me you had survived. Link and I both arrived here very late last night after a long ride, so there is no need to apologize. And I understand congratulations are in order. Link told me the good news about the two of you. I am very happy for you both."

"Thank you, Princess," said Mipha. "You are very kind."

Zelda paused for a moment.

"Princess Mipha, would you mind sitting with me and talking for a moment?" said Zelda. "And can we address each other by name? I would like us to be friends if you are willing."