Chapter 2 - Family Picnic

Mipha and Link walked over to King Dorephan's chambers to collect Sidon. To save time, Link had purchased a picnic basket from the inn on the way there. But he noticed Mipha was carrying something too.

"Hello, Sis, Hello, Bro," said Sidon excitedly. He ran to Mipha, who enveloped him in a hug. Then Link reached down and hugged him as well.

"Hello, Sidon. Are you ready for our picnic?" said Link.

"I'm ready for a picnic adventure!" said Sidon with a grin.

When they went out somewhere together, Sidon liked to imagine he and Link were embarking on some adventure, and Link enjoyed playing along. He was happy to have a cute little brother now, something he never had growing up. And it was charming how quickly Sidon had accepted him as his brother.

"Okay, we'll definitely have an adventure today. Let's think about what it could be while we walk to the picnic spot," said Link.

Link carried the picnic basket in one hand and held Sidon's hand in the other. And Mipha took Sidon's other hand as they got underway.

"Why don't we picnic at Ralis Pond," said Link.

"That's a nice spot," said Mipha. "But don't think I missed the Rutela reference." Prince Ralis was Queen Rutela's son.

They headed to Ralis Pond, which was a pleasant walk from the Domain but not too far. Just enough to build up an appetite.

Link did remember this place and a battle he once had there. The water in the pond was deeper than he remembered. Must be 100 years of evaporation from now, he thought. "I know what we can play here, Sidon. I'll pretend to be a Hinox, and you can battle me. And remember, it's no fair escaping into the water."

When Sidon thought he was losing one of their battle games, the first thing he did was jump into the water and hide. Then Mipha would have to go get him, remind him it was just for fun, and coax him back to land.

"But let's have lunch first so I can build up my strength," said Link.

They sat down and unpacked the picnic basket. It was a beautiful spot. There was shade, an area to run around, and a pool of water to play in. They enjoyed the meal together.

"Now I have a little surprise for everyone I made myself," said Mipha. "Close your eyes, Link, and open your mouth."

Link did as asked, and the next thing he knew he was biting into a delicious sweet treat.

"This is delicious!" said Link. "I love it, and I love you."

"I only made a few, but I'm glad you like them," laughed Mipha. "I knew a sweet treat would bring out some sweet words from you. But I think Sidon better have one now the way he's looking at them."

"I told my father how much I like playing with you, Link," said Sidon. "He said he thought you would make a good father someday."

Mipha laughed. "Okay, enough! Is this the topic of the day? Sidon, let's not repeat everything our father says about Link. We don't want to embarrass him." She reached over and hugged him so he wouldn't feel bad.

"I think it's about time for our battle," said Link. "Are you ready? You can ask your sister for some tips to win."

Link got up and walked over to a spot near the trees. Then he pretended to lie down asleep, snoring loudly.

"You remember how to defeat a Hinox? You need to stun him with an arrow then finish him off with your spear," said Mipha.

Sidon crept over to where Link was lying down. Then he threw a small branch at him as a pretend arrow. Link got up, looked around, then with a roar, started to head for Sidon. Sidon squealed, then threw another branch. Link pretended to be blinded, and Sidon rushed up to him and started poking him with his hand, pretending it was his spear. Link squirmed around, then straightened up, and began to head for Sidon again. Sidon again squealed with excitement, ran away, picked up another small branch, and threw it at Link. He missed, and Link was getting closer. Sidon picked up another branch and tossed it. This time he didn't miss, and Link again pretended to be blinded. Sidon rushed in and poked him a few more times. Link let out a groan and collapsed on the ground.

"You did it, Sidon. Very well done," shouted Mipha.

Sidon gave her a big grin and looked proud of himself. Link finally got up from the ground and gave Sidon a fist bump. "Nice job. You knew exactly how to finish me off," said Link.

"Can we do it again?" asked Sidon.

"Maybe in a little while," said Mipha. "Why don't we let Link rest while you have some fun swimming in the pond."

"Okay," said Sidon.

Link sat down with Mipha while they watched Sidon play in the pond. They put their arms around each other.

"You really are very good with him. He certainly has a lot of fun with your adventures," said Mipha.

"I enjoy it too," said Link. "He's adorable! Playing with him is such a fun bonus of being part of your family. I am just so happy now, Mipha. I never dreamt my life could be this good." He leaned over and kissed her.

"Me too," said Mipha.

They sat together quietly, watching Sidon splashing and diving in the pond.

"Let's all go in the water and play now," said Mipha.

Mipha grabbed Link's hand, and they ran to the water's edge. Mipha did a jump twist in the air and landed gracefully in the water. Link entered the water more slowly.

"Let's play tag," Sidon shouted. "Sister, is it!"

Link had the Zora armor on, which helped him swim better but playing any kind of water game with Zoras was a losing proposition. Still, he had fun. Mipha quickly caught up to Sidon, and now Sidon was "it". Despite twisting and dodging as best he could, Sidon had little trouble catching up to Link, and soon Link was "it." Link tried pretending to chase Mipha, then quickly veered off course to catch Sidon. But Sidon was still too quick for him, squealing as he swam out of reach. In the end, Link said, "I give up – you're both too fast for me." Then they just played around in the water for a while until it started getting late.

"Let's finish up the picnic food that's left for a light dinner," said Mipha.

After a quick meal, Mipha said, "I think it's time we headed back. We don't want to miss your bedtime Sidon, and you have school tomorrow."

They collected the remaining picnic materials and headed for home. They soon reached King Dorephan's residence and stopped in to drop off Sidon. King Dorephan greeted them.

"I hope you all had fun today. Sidon, you look worn out. I bet you'll sleep well tonight!" said King Dorephan.

"I had a lot of fun. I even defeated a Hinox!" said Sidon.

"Wow, a Hinox. That's very impressive," said King Dorephan with a smile at Link. "Well, say goodnight to everyone, Sidon."

Sidon went over and hugged Mipha, then Link. "Good night, sister and brother," said Sidon.

"Have a good night Sidon. I love you," said Mipha. "And I love you too," said Link.

"And good night, father," said Mipha. "Good night, father," added Link. Mipha and Link left holding hands for the short walk to their home.

"Mipha, all I can say right now is life is good. I'm living a dream come true, and sometimes I'm afraid I'll wake up," said Link.

She leaned over and kissed him. "Don't worry. It's real. And I hope you haven't worn yourself out playing Hinox," Mipha said with a smile.