A Tale of Two Princesses

Chapter 19 - A Time For Us - Part 1

Chapter 19 - A Time For Us - Part 1

Summary: Mipha's and Link's early days back in Zora's Domain.

It was late afternoon, and Link had fallen asleep first as he and Mipha lay on the grass by Mikau Lake. Mipha was quite content to rest on him, her head on his chest, his arm around her back.

She had sensed a welcome change in Link since they had returned to Zora's Domain together. It was hard to describe, but Link seemed filled with inner happiness now. She liked to think it had a lot to do with her, but it was no doubt also due to the successful completion of his mission. He often smiled now, instead of seldom. When he looked into her eyes, there was a twinkle in his. And when they spoke, he gave her his undivided attention, not like before when he seemed so distracted and distant.

Now it was just the two of them together, the way she had always wanted it to be. Her heart had led her true. Trying to save Zelda and Link that day had been the right choice. He was happy now, and so was she. She closed her eyes and fell asleep.

It was Link who awoke first and wondered for a moment where he was. Then he felt Mipha lying asleep on top of him, her head resting on his chest and his arm wrapped around her.

It was dark now, and they had slept until nightfall on the soft grass by Mikau Lake. Sunset Fireflies glowed nearby, and the sounds of night insects along with the occasional hoot of an owl punctuated the steady, soothing sound of the waterfall.

He didn't dare to move, to wake her and ruin this precious moment. It felt too good to be holding her like this, feeling her heartbeat against his chest, and her slow, steady breathing. He had never held her like this before or for this long.

He felt they were growing more comfortable with each other, but not so comfortable they took each other for granted. It felt natural to kiss her or hold her hand, but it was still exciting each time he did. As he lay there, he thought this was the most beautiful place in all of Hyrule to live, and she was the most beautiful person in all of Hyrule to be with. And yes, he was awake.

Mipha stirred, then opened her eyes. She smiled, seeing Link was already awake.

"It's customary ..." said Mipha, but Link cut her off and kissed her.

"I know it is," laughed Link." I'm trying to be a quick learner."

"I'm very comfortable resting on you," said Mipha as she nestled against him again. "You might be the next best thing to water."

"Coming from a Zora, I'm sure that's a great compliment," laughed Link.

They held each other quietly for a few more minutes.

"We should get up," said Mipha finally, and then they both stood up.

"It's late. I think you're going to be in trouble with my father for keeping me out past my curfew," said Mipha.

"You're not serious, are you?" said Link. "We're an engaged couple, and you still have a curfew? It's only my first day in the domain, and I'm already in trouble with your father?"

"If we were younger and dating, then you would probably be in trouble," laughed Mipha. "Father would have sent guards out looking for me. But he knows I am in very safe hands now, the safest in all of Hyrule. And he also knows I'm big enough to take care of myself."

"I can never tell when you're serious or teasing," said Link.

"That's good," laughed Mipha. "There needs to be some mystery in a relationship."

"There's no mystery that I love you," said Link.

"Not anymore," laughed Mipha. "We should get back and try to sleep, or the whole next day will be ruined. And Sidon is expecting a picnic tomorrow."