Offspring

Epilogue

Link's presence in Zora's Domain had ushered in good fortune that could be felt throughout the valley from the moment he left. No one in the Domain could've expected the sun to look as beautiful as it did the first time it rose after the fateful night of Vah Ruta's appeasement. Its wonderful radiance had cast rays across the sky that following morning, bringing with it a degree of warmth and security that hadn't existed in the valley for nearly a month. The Zoras had awoken bright and early to greet its arrival the moment it broke through the horizon, despite them having attended the late-night ceremony just hours before. The mood was especially quick to strike the triplets, naturally. Noelani, while known to be a heavy sleeper, was among the first of her people to jump to her feet and go see the sun that morning.

The gusto with which the Zoras regularly went about their day had taken no time to settle back in as well. While the Domain shone brightly under the sun's nourishment, so too did the happy energy emitted by its people. They walked faster, they talked louder, and most importantly, they smiled more. More social interactions occurred, and ultimately, the morale throughout the population experienced a dramatic improvement. The Domain once again looked, and felt, as it had a hundred years ago.

In this state, the weeks went by quickly. Days and nights could actually be discerned from each other under the clear skies. Dinners were enjoyed by happy couples to pristine, glowing sunsets. Occasional treks were made to the Eastern Reservoir to observe and admire the Divine Beast in all its former glory from its new perch on the adjacent mountaintop. Aspiring Zoras departed from the Domain to travel to other places and meet nomadic Hylians. Gatherings were held in the plaza to mingle and talk recreation. Each day in this life was a new experience for Mira, Noelani, and Murdoch. It was as if Vah Ruta's freedom...and Mipha's freedom within...orchestrated the freedom of the entire Zora tribe. The uplifting nature of it all was nothing short of a constant blessing.

True to his word, in celebration of the big victory, Murdoch had granted the Zora Guard an entire month of time off, effective immediately after the ceremony. There had been a slight bit of concern from Prince Sidon about his nephew's choice, particularly with unexpected threats, but Murdoch was adamant on his decision. His subordinates on the team needed some time to enjoy the Domain's new, budding era of peace, and he himself needed some time to catch up with his sisters. It was in everyone's best interest, he had reasoned, and the two of them were able to agree on his decision under the condition that his subordinates kept their weapons handy at all times during their vacation. In the wake of his decree, he spent the entirety of his free time accompanying his siblings.

The three of them got along like peas in a pod. Thanks to Murdoch's natural, keen sense, Muzu was never worried about their whereabouts as long as he was with them with a spear in tow. Almost every day, whenever they had the energy to do so, they would venture out from the Domain together to spend time alone and introduce Noelani to the sights she had always missed during their childhood. Sometimes they'd be gone for a couple hours, and sometimes they wouldn't be seen for the entire day. It mostly depended on where they were headed...and how much Noelani was enjoying the views. They certainly never had a curfew.

Among the curious Zora's favorite destinations were Crenel Peak, the Eastern Reservoir, and the summit of Ploymus Mountain. She had already seen the Reservoir upon first gaining her sight, while their mother was still speaking to them in spirit form the night of the appeasement. Regardless, she found the sparkling waters of the lake and the elegant architecture of the awning to be beautiful, irreplaceable features of her childhood home, even after visiting it several times. She doubted she'd ever grow tired of the image.

Crenel Peak had been a long trek to make a second time, but when they had done it, she had the special benefit of traversing the Zora River without the help of her sis. For once, she actually found the slick, agile style of swimming associated with being a Zora to be seamless and fun, since she could finally feel independent while doing it. It was a deeply rewarding and satisfying trip, made ever more memorable by the sight of her birthplace within the peak. She was basically filling the role of her father from the time they had shown him the peak, only for her, the images held a type of significance that could never be explained. She knew she would sooner forget her own name before losing the sight of the pond in which she hatched.