A Tale of Two Princesses

Chapter 20 - A Time For Us - Part 2

Chapter 20 - A Time For Us - Part 2

Summary: Mipha's and Link's last week in Zora's Domain before their wedding.

"Ouch!" said Link as he landed flat on his back, then began laughing again.

"So? Do you agree with me yet?" said Mipha after having knocked Link on his back for the third straight time using the handle of her Lightscale Trident. "I told you that you're not so tough without your flurry rush skill."

Mipha had argued it was Link's rapid attacking skill, his ability to slow time as it were, that made him such a formidable opponent. Link had claimed he was impressive enough without it. So, they had staged a small combat trial as they spent the afternoon together at Ralis Pond.

"I know you trained long and hard to get this good at combat, Mipha," said Link, still laughing as he stood up, rubbing his back. "Don't act like you just picked up a spear for the first time. I can defeat quite a few opponents without using my special skill."

"I've had a few lessons," laughed Mipha. "Shall we go four for four?"

"No, no, you proved your point," laughed Link. "But I still claim you're not a typical adversary. Would you mind looking at my back? It felt like I landed on a rock this last time."

"Of course, sweetheart," said Mipha as she sat down and put down her trident. "Just lay on your stomach next to me."

Link lay down on the grass, and Mipha lifted his tunic.

"It's just a small bruise," said Mipha. "Lie still, and don't be so tense. I promise I won't tickle you this time, though it is quite tempting."

Mipha healed the bruise, then Link stood up and straightened his tunic.

"It looks like it's going to rain," said Link looking at the sky. "Let's cuddle together under the ledge of that rock."

Mipha picked up her trident, and they walked over and sat down. After putting down her trident, they put their arms around each other and leaned back against the rock. Link glanced over at Mipha's trident as it lay next to her.

"You know, you gave me a terrible scare in Naboris," said Link. "It was smart of you to throw your trident at the enemy to harm it with its own electricity, but I didn't want you to put yourself at risk."

"I'm sorry it hurt you," said Mipha. "But seeing how much it did, made me more certain of your feelings. Why didn't you say how you felt then?"

"I don't know," said Link, shaking his head. "I was always too afraid of crossing a line with you and losing your friendship. I dared to face enemies but not to tell you my feelings. I feel so silly about it now."

"Well, it wasn't just you," said Mipha. "I could have told you my feelings sooner too. But I was always so afraid of rejection and how much that would hurt. So, I wasn't all that courageous either. It seems matters of the heart are riskier than combat."

It was a week before their wedding day now. Mipha leaned her head against his shoulder, as a gentle rain began to fall around them, the rock overhang keeping them dry.

Ralis Pond was another scenic location situated on a plateau southwest of Zora's Domain. It was a pleasant area to visit and pass the time now that its former resident Hinox was no longer present. Fleet Lotus Seeds grew in the pond, and there were clusters of pine trees as well as small pink and blue shrubs throughout the area. The wind from the North made a gentle whistling sound and rippled the pond water. A Highlander Hawk could be seen high above, searching for prey, as a Hot Footed frog made a small splash in the nearby pond. If you stood on one of the rock outcroppings, you could make out the giant fish sculpture of the domain below.