Love in Zora's Domain

Chapter 34 - Meeting the Tutors

Summary: Link and their son, Tidon, meet with their children's math tutor. Mipha shares some memories with their daughter, Raypha, before they both meet with the history tutor.

It was a sunny morning in Zora's Domain as Mipha and Link lingered at the breakfast table. Their children, Raypha and Tidon, had already finished breakfast, and you could hear the sound of their laughter as they played at Mikau Lake just outside. Link, lost in thought, was only picking at the half-eaten fish on his plate. Mipha had long since finished her meal, and Link's uncharacteristic behavior caught her attention.

"You're eating very slowly, sweetheart. Are you savoring the flavor of your fish, or does it not taste right? Or is the portion too large?"

"Huh? Oh, no, dearest, it's definitely not too large! And it tastes fine, cooked to perfection. I was just thinking about this morning's upcoming meeting with the children's math tutor."

"I'm glad you're thinking ahead. The meeting is at the gazebo nearest the Coral Reef shop, and it's to discuss the upcoming term's topics."

With a sheepish grin, Link replied, "Yes, I know. And I know we agreed to divide and conquer – you attending the history tutor meeting with Raypha and me with Tidon for math. But I'm having second thoughts. I'm wondering whether it wouldn't be better for you to attend this morning's meeting instead of me."

"Why is that?"

"Well, I was only an average student, and math isn't exactly my strength. I don't want to appear ignorant in front of our children's tutor. Given your refined upbringing as a Princess, which included an outstanding royal education, wouldn't you be better suited for this task?"

Mipha chuckled, "Refined upbringing as a Princess? Why it wasn't long ago that you bemoaned my apparent lack of manners, worried I would offend Hylian sensitivities by eating fish raw in their presence."

"What an amazing memory, sweetheart! You even recalled something as insignificant as that!"

"Insignificant?"

"But the excellent memory you just displayed only serves to prove my point: that you're more intellectually suited to discuss academic matters," Link replied. "Anyway, I was wrong about what I said about your eating raw fish, and Zelda herself told me off - that I worry too much. But you can't deny my larger point about your intelligence."

Mipha's eyes twinkled with amusement as she affectionately grasped one of Link's hands and caressed it, "It's so endearing, sweetheart, to hear you praise my intelligence. You never tire of complimenting me for my beauty. But it's so refreshing to know you hold my intellect in such high regard as well."

Link nodded, looking into Mipha's eyes, "Always have, always will, sweetheart."

"I also know you have a gift for flattery when the time is right, my love. But you can't wriggle out of your duties so easily. I'm meeting with their history tutor later, as we agreed. It's your turn as a parent to step up and meet with their math tutor. Show a bit of that legendary courage, hero!"

"Very funny, sweetheart. Alright, I'll do it," said Link, who took another bite of fish. "But flattery aside, I really do admire both your intelligence and your beauty."

"Thank you, dearest. And there's no need to be anxious about the meeting. You're not taking a test. Their math tutor is a Sheikah volunteer that Zelda recruited for us. After the session, you can share your thoughts with Her Majesty and thank her. I'm sure she'd love to hear from you - she always does."

Link sighed, "You always have a way of making perfect sense. I admire that."

"And I admire your courage, dearest," said Mipha, upon which they both laughed and exchanged a kiss.