Chapter 5 - Hyrule Castle and Home

Mipha and Link were back at Hyrule Castle, staying in the same guest room. Zelda had been very weak when they brought her home, and the Royal Physician was treating her. She had suffered no permanent injury and was expected to recover in another day. There was nothing Mipha and Link could do right now, so they decided to visit Castle Town while they had the chance.

Castle Town was known throughout Hyrule for its variety of shops and the bargains available if one knew how to bargain. Almost anything made was likely available there. The Castle Town merchants conducted extensive trade with the other kingdoms. One could find jewelry there, for example, crafted by Gerudo jewelers and made from precious stones mined by Gorons. Mipha was surprised to see there was even some Zora jewelry available. There was also a wide variety of clothing for sale, including high-quality cold weather clothing from Rito Village. There was also an extensive food market with vegetables from Hateno Village and seafood from Lurelin Village. And there were a variety of restaurants with food catering to all the different tastes. Mipha was excited wandering from shop to shop. There was nothing like this at home.

"Link, this is amazing!" said Mipha. "I've never seen so many interesting shops at one time. Why didn't you tell me about this?"

Link gave her an awkward smile.

"Oh, right," she said. "How convenient, another lost memory. I want to come back here again when I need to get someone a special gift. But right now, I'm hungry. I noticed we passed a seafood restaurant with fish from Lurelin Village. Let's eat there."

They headed to the restaurant and were shown to a table. Like many seafood restaurants, they had images of various fish adorning the walls.

"I like the décor," said Mipha. "It's making me even hungrier."

The waiter brought over two menus.

"Seafood might be one subject you know more about than me," said Link. "I'll let you choose the whole meal."

"Very funny," said Mipha. "I'm too hungry to argue now. As for 'letting me', did you forget you will soon be one of my loyal subjects? That is if your superior knowledge is sufficient to pass our citizenship test. Be grateful I don't make you wait on me," she teased.

"I beg Your Highness's forgiveness," Link said laughing.

Mipha kept studying the menu. It was hard to decide.

"Can Your Royal Highness please make up her mind? Your kingdom is about to lose one of your loyal subjects to starvation soon," said Link.

"They have such a wide selection of dishes here," said Mipha. "I feel like trying everything."

Finally, she made up her mind and they were soon enjoying orders of Razorclaw Crab, Ironshell Crab, and Mighty Porgy.

"We can't get food like this at home," said Mipha. "These crabs are a delicacy. I'm a little sorry they don't serve them raw, but they're not too bad cooked either."

"They might have been willing to serve them raw," said Link, "but I think the waiter took pity on me."

Link had never seen Mipha eat so much at one time. He was glad she was enjoying herself.

"Let's go look at some more shops," said Mipha after they finished their meal. "I'd like to bring back a gift for Sidon."

They passed an interesting clothing shop with a variety of garments from all different kingdoms.

"What about something from here?" Link suggested.

"In case you didn't notice, we Zoras don't wear clothing," said Mipha laughing.

"Well, I did kind of notice. Why do you think I like you so much?" he teased.

"Very funny," said Mipha blushing slightly. "And if I were you I would be very careful what I say right now. We will be in water together later and I know how ticklish you are. You haven't experienced my echolocation skills yet. Some well-timed clicks of the right frequency will leave you helpless with laughter."

So, clothing was out. They next passed a shop with luggage, purses and backpacks.

"Backpacks are popular with young people," said Link.

"Yes," said Mipha. "But have you ever tried swimming with a tailfin while wearing one?"

So, backpacks were out too. The next stop was a bookstore.

"Books are always good," said Link.

"You might finally have a good idea," said Mipha. "Let's take a look."

The store had quite an assortment of books for all ages. They soon settled on a storybook about some seafaring adventures they thought Sidon would enjoy reading.

"I think it's time to head back to the castle," said Link. "My feet are killing me."

"Well, that was fun," said Mipha. "This trip was nearly a disaster but ended well at least."

They strolled back to the castle. The guards at the entrance recognized them and welcomed them back. They headed straight to their room and collapsed together on the bed, worn out from all the walking. They were soon fast asleep.

Next morning, they packed their belongings for the trip home then went to have lunch with Princess Zelda.

"Mipha and Link, I am so sorry for what happened," said Zelda. "I nearly did something horrible. I never imagined some residual malice from Ganon could cause such harm. I gave the Sheikah Slate to Purah for study and safekeeping for now. And Mipha, I can't thank you enough for your healing."

"I'm glad I was able to help," said Mipha.

"That malice infection was not just clouding your judgment," said Link. "It was trying to find a way to help its master return. Urging you to change time could create the opportunity for Ganon's return, and his malice preyed on your emotions to twist you to do its will. I'm glad you had the strength, in the end, to turn to the Goddess," said Link.

"Yes, I am very glad of that too," said Zelda. "Link, as to your citizenship request, I discussed that with my father during one of his visits to see how I was recovering. We have no problem your pledging allegiance to the Zora King as your primary obligation. But given your status as the Hylian Hero, we would like to make a special provision that you will also retain Hylian citizenship as secondary to your Zora citizenship. So, I hope that will work out for you," said Zelda.

"Yes, thank you, Zelda. You've given me the best of both worlds," said Link.

"Now let's enjoy lunch," said Zelda.

Afterward, it was time to say goodbye.

"Have a safe journey home," said Zelda. "I hope you will visit again soon. I promise to be more hospitable!"

"We will," said Mipha. "I'm going to make Link take me shopping in Castle Town whenever I'm in the mood. But seriously, Zelda, I hope you're feeling better and don't feel bad about what happened. You did the right thing in the end and that showed that you are the loyal servant of Hylia we always knew you were."

"Thank you, Mipha," said Zelda. "I appreciate you saying that."

"And thank you, Zelda, for the dual citizenship," said Link. "You can always count on my help if I'm ever needed."

For variety and since they had plenty of time, Mipha and Link had decided to rent a boat for the trip home. They could board at the Hyrule Castle Moat and then steer southeast until the waterway turned northeast to the Zora River. They would then follow the Zora River into Ruto Lake and home. Mipha was excited about the idea. She could swim anytime she wanted, and it was a lot more comfortable than riding horses.

Once the boat cleared the castle moat and entered the river Mipha decided to dive into the water. She swam around the boat a few times then lay on her back and gently paddled next to it.

"I might just float along with you the whole trip," she said. "I miss the water."

"Whatever makes you happy," said Link. "But then I'll miss cuddling with you."

"Oh, so sweet!" said Mipha. "How can I resist this sudden burst of charm."

After a few more minutes swimming around, she dove underwater to the river bottom, then rose rapidly, jumped clear of the water and came down gracefully into the boat.

"I don't recommend you try that," Mipha laughed.

"I wouldn't dream of it!" said Link.

"This and swimming are the only way to travel," said Mipha. "You know if we hadn't packed so much food, I could easily catch some. There are plenty of fish in the river."

"Yes, but what about me?" said Link. "I can't cook on the boat."

"Didn't I tell you?" said Mipha. "One of the Zora citizenship requirements is eating a meal of raw fish."

"What!" said Link. "Are you serious? How much do I have to eat?"

"You're too easy to tease," said Mipha. "I'm just kidding. And I don't want to gross you out so I'll stick with the food we packed this time."

The boat was approaching Zora's Domain. The river wound through some beautiful blue cliffs and rolling grass hills.

"I always feel happy seeing those ice blue cliffs," said Mipha. "It means I'm close to home. But we will have to leave the boat now and swim up waterfalls. It's a good thing you wore the armor I gave you."

"Yes, I feel the same way now when I see the Domain," said Link. "The only other home I remember never existed anymore. This is the only home I know now. By the way, do you think the Zora people will accept me as a member of the council?"

"I think most will. They respect what you accomplished, and they know my feelings for you. So out of respect either for you or me, they should accept you. But it may take a little time for some of them," said Mipha.

"I will try my best to be sensitive to their feelings," said Link. "I can completely understand how they might feel."

They sat together in silence for a bit as they swam together into Ruto Lake and the last stage of their journey. Link started thinking back to the events of their trip.

"Well, what I thought would be a routine visit certainly turned into anything but," said Link.

"Yes, that was nearly a disaster. It serves to warn us to never let our guard down," said Mipha.

He was silent for another minute.

"So, I never knew you were so jealous of Zelda," said Link smiling. "I don't think I ever gave you cause."

"Well, I always thought there would be some mutual attraction there. You two spent so much time together, you are both Hylians, and she is a very beautiful princess. I think any woman would be jealous under the circumstances," said Mipha.

"Well please don't be jealous anymore. I married an even more beautiful princess, and I could never be happy with anyone but you," said Link.

"You'd better not be! And I'm not jealous anymore. I know your mine, and I'm never letting you go," said Mipha.

"Let's hurry home," said Link as they swam into the Domain. "I'd like to feel you never letting me go again."