: iiNotes:

(See the end of the chapter for .)

Chapter Text

The mornings in Zora's domain are far different than mornings in the desert. The heat isn't blistering, the sun isn't constantly blinding. There's no waves in sand, but rather a breeze that creates waves in the grass.

Link dips his feet into the spring, shirt tossed aside. He feels safe, knowing Sidon is there, and the prince did say himself that Link's secret is safe. He figures the Zora took precautions to keep their time private. The Hylian leans back on his hands with a sigh, lightly kicking his feet into the spring.

Ripples and waves form in the water as a figure begins to swim up to him from under the surface. Link quirks a brow and lifts his legs, and Sidon surfaces. He uses a claw to playfully flick water in Link's direction. Link guards himself with his hand and a smile, before flicking some water back.

"Now, please join me," Sidon beckons, spinning his body so that he's floating on his back. "I'll start by letting you float to give you a chance to get used to being in the water."

Link nods as Sidon floats closer to the shore, gracefully so in the still water. The little Hylian crawls from the shore and straddles Sidon's chest.

"Wonderful. Off we go!"

The prince kicks off shore and Link lets out a small gasp as they float on. His fingers curl against Sidon's chest, and the prince senses the obvious discomfort.

"Don't worry, I won't let you fall in. Not yet, anyway," he breathed lightly with a wink. "This is the first time you've been in the water, then?"

Link shrugs his shoulders and taps the side of his head.

"That you can remember? How fascinating. I've only been to the desert a few times in my life, but what I truly want to try is seal surfing."

Link stifles a laugh at the image of a Zora behind a sand seal.

"You know, the desert is not so different from the water. I see many humans surf the waves, just as they surf on sand. In a way, dancing can be much like swimming," Sidon continues as he floats on, lightly using his fins to keep them both afloat. "With your experience in dancing, it should make swimming that much easier."

Link hums and nods his head slowly, finding himself looking over Sidon's side to see his own reflection in the crystal clear water. His sun-kissed shoulders hunch up, suddenly insecure by his own appearance over the waves of water. He still doesn't feel quite right without a shirt, his scars showing without being hidden.

Sidon can sense something, and curiously covers Link's hands on his chest with his own, and Link turns his head to look down at the prince. They both don't realize it, but they've stopped moving, and are just floating in the center of the spring.

"You are stunning," Sidon whispers as he gives a squeeze to Link's hands. "Scars and all, head to toe. And, look at this..." Sidon lifts Link's hand. "Callouses. You have hardworking hands."
Link can't help but smile softly. He suddenly thinks of something, and points back to shore.

"Shore? Already? My dear, you haven't-"

Link deadpans and points to shore again.

Sidon is a bit struck with uncertainty at the stern look in Link's face.

"Alright, alright, back to shore."

The prince kicks his way back to shore, and Link crawls off of Sidon and onto solid ground – he doesn't outwardly protest, he still wasn't quite used to the water – and reaches to his change of clothes. In the pile of clothes is his Sheikah slate. He almost forgot! He loads it up with a swipe of his hand and points it toward Sidon, floating lonesomely in the water.

Sidon only tilts his head, and hears a snap coming from the slate.

"A picture?" he questions.

Link nods and turns the slate, showing him pictures he had taken so far on his trip to Zora's domain. Mostly pictures taken in his own room. Sidon thinks these are just simple pictures, like a tourist on a trip, but to Link, these pictures mean everything to him.

Sidon watches carefully as the show has stopped, and looks up to meet Link's gaze. The Zora flashes a toothy grin.

"I see! You take pictures to keep memories," he states triumphantly. "Well, dear Link, I want to invite you to come make even more memories with me. Would you allow me show you around the domain?"

Link has to think for a moment. How did this happen? Being invited to a tour around Zora's domain by the prince himself... He wonders if maybe the headmistress would be opposed to accepting the offer.

Diplomacy be damned, he'll never get a chance like this again. He has to accept!

With a smile, Link nods his head, his ponytail bouncing behind his head with the swift movement.

Sidon is beaming, perhaps the biggest smile Link has seen on the prince so far. "Wonderful! Oh, I'll provide a disguise for you as well. I did say I'd keep your secret safe, after all."

Link sighs, relieved, and lowers his Sheikah slate onto his lap.

"It's settled, then. I will show you everything that makes the domain truly a place of wonder!"

-

Link pulls his hood over his head, and straightens out the cloak that covers his shoulders. He's a little overdressed, but at least his identity will be hidden – no one in his troupe will recognize him. He hooks the Sheikah slate securely to his hip, the cloak successfully keeping it hidden from view.

Sidon was kind enough to escort him. The prince bends his arm and holds it out, and Link reaches up to hook them together loosely.

Zora's Domain is very... open. There's a waterfall and a large pool where different Zora gather and mingle. Zora of all colors, all sizes. It's busy at this time of day, in the early afternoon. The central pool is populated, Zora relaxing casually at the sides, some going for a swim in the refreshing waters.

Link's attention is drawn to the pillars that hold the domain standing. In the architecture, there are tiny details – carvings, stories to be told right there on the surface.

"You like art?" Sidon notes as he steps to Link's side. Link nods, running a hand over the figures. "It was hand crafted by my tribe over a hundred years ago."

Link retracts his hand, not realizing how important that these carvings must be.

Sidon laughs, leaning down to the disguised Hylian. "Do not worry, my pearl, these engravings have truly passed the test of time. Feel free to touch and experience the domain in any way you see fit."

As a response, Link unhooks the Sheikah slate from his hip and holds it up to the pillar to snap a quick photo of it that he can cherish when he returns to Gerudo Town. The action makes Sidon smile, and Link looks up at the prince.

"I'm hoping you're enjoying yourself so far."

Link nods.

"Wonderful. Are you hungry at all?"

The question doesn't linger long, and Link nods his head sheepishly.

"Zora cuisine may be different than you're used to. I hope you like fish."

Link tilts his head. He has never had fish – at least he thinks. Sidon guides Link away, in the direction of the marketplace.

This is probably the busiest part of the domain. There are shops, the smell of food, and chattering throughout the place. All of Link's senses are filled as Sidon leads him through the crowds. When Zora pass by Sidon, they take a moment to bow their heads, and carry on their way. It's fascinating, the way that his people respect him. No one seems to question Sidon's company, and honestly, Link is glad it's kept that way.

Sidon loosely holds onto Link's hand, and leads him to the side of the path of oncoming traffic. "You should be safe here while I get us some food. I promise I'll be back in a moment." The prince gives an assuring smile and Link returns the gesture with a nod of his head.

Sidon has been gone for a few minutes. He's lost in the crowd somewhere out of Link's view. He kicks his boot on the ground impatiently, and pulls out his slate. He starts to look at past pictures he had taken – the room he was staying in, the carvings on the pillars – and stops at the picture he took of Sidon in the spring. He sighs, and someone taps his shoulder.

Oh no. Link whips his head around, staring up at his headmistress with widened eyes.

"You're not in trouble," she assures as she pats the hood on his head. "I'm just... checking up on you for the chief's sake. It seems like you're getting close to that prince," she loosely gestures to the slate in Link's hands, "I'm glad you've found a friend. Don't get too close, though. We're leaving for Gerudo Town before night falls."

Link's heart sinks a bit. He was finally expanding his horizons, creating new memories with an amazing friend, and it was going to slip away just as fast as the opportunity presented itself.

"The other girls are quite jealous, Link. They all wanted a shot at the prince. But it's no wonder why he chose you, dear. You're beautiful and strong, and he must see that."

Link averts his gaze bashfully.

"Such a good boy. I'll see you later."

As the headmistress fades from view, Link turns his attention back to his slate, and Sidon's face. His expression is cute; curious, with a puzzled look on his face. Link dares to crack a smile, and slides the slate to view the next picture-

Huh. That's weird. He doesn't remember taking this picture. It's a picture of the outskirts of the domain. The point of view is from a field, camera pointed toward the domain in a foggy distance. Link squints to get a better view.

"Ah, any new pictures?"

A familiar voice causes Link to lift his head. Sidon stands in front of him with a plate in his hand. Link nods and turns the slate to face the prince. Sidon hums in thought. "Outside the domain," he concludes. "That isn't the path from the desert. How curious – did you take that recently?"

Link only shrugs.

"Well, it doesn't matter now – here. Shrimp. It's nothing special, but it's a start." Sidon lowers the plate, offering some to Link, who finishes hooking the slate back to his hip. The Hylian reaches to the plate, and takes a small shrimp in between his fingers before bringing it toward his mouth. Sidon watches him in anticipation, quite obviously hoping that Link enjoys it.

...But it disappoints both of them. As soon as he swallows, Link sticks his tongue out in disgust.

"Oh... it's the texture, maybe."

Link nods his head fervently.

"That's alright! There are plenty of other foods here that you're sure to enjoy," Sidon sighs hopefully.

Though he doesn't show it, Link is hoping the same thing.

-

They venture further into the marketplace. Link tries an array of food, lobster, crab – he likes crab the best, to Sidon's surprise and pleasure – and grabs onto Sidon's arm once more.

There are shops in this part of the marketplace. It's a little less populated since it's so far in. Luckily, Link is used to the crowds in Gerudo Town, especially the entertainment district. Still, he stays close to the prince so he wouldn't get lost in the crowd.

Link halts in front of a small shop. The shopkeeper is outside, trying to draw in customers.

"Come on in! Handcrafted jewelry and other goods!"

Link gives Sidon's arm a few tugs to draw his attention.

"Oh," the prince smiles. "You like jewelry?"

Link smiles faintly and nods. He wishes he could show Sidon his vast collection back home.

"Well, then let's go inside."

The shop is small, but the size doesn't effect the quality of the goods. While Gerudo Town is full of gold and rubies, Zora jewelry is decorated with silver and other gems such as sapphires, with an added touch of pearls and shells.

Sidon begins looking around at the more expensive necklaces and the like, but Link's attention is drawn to a pearl bracelet. He doesn't dare touch it, fearful that it would break.

"That piece is unique," the shopkeeper approaches Link slowly with a soft smile. "The pearls were gathered locally. You won't find a piece like this anywhere else."

Link is tempted to try it on. That's when Sidon steps over, looking over Link at the bracelet on the stand. Link notices the shopkeeper bow her head politely as the prince passes by.

"You found something you like, I'm glad. Miss, I'd like to buy this bracelet."

Link's eyes widen and he panics. He doesn't have the rupees to pay Sidon back! There's no way he can let Sidon do this-

The little Hylian tries to protest, but fails. If only he had a voice...

Before he knows it, the deal is made.

"Let down your hood?" Sidon requests politely. "And turn your back toward me."

Link quirks a brow, but does as requested, and slides the hood off his head. He turns on his heel, and Sidon lightly ties the pearl bracelet around Link's ponytail.

"There! A new hair tie for my pearl."

Link turns to face Sidon with a blush, and reaches behind his head to run his fingers over the pearls. It's a lovely gift, and Link knows he'll be treasuring it forever.

-

The day passes by too fast. Link wants to stay longer in Sidon's company. The trip to the domain proved to be more than Link could imagine – a stay in a beautiful room, in the company of a rather handsome prince. He's heartbroken that he has to leave so soon, but his hands are tied.

The rest of the troupe have packed up and mounted their horses. Link, after securing the saddlebags of his own horse, soothes the mount by slowly stroking her mane with gentle hands. The other girls have distanced themselves, and he can hear some of the whispers in the air.

"She spent the whole damn trip with that prince."

"I know, right? What makes her better than the rest of us?"

"She probably slithered her way into his pants, that's why she's better."

"Zora don't wear pants!"

"Shh..."

Link wonders the same thing, though – what makes him so special?

He gently tightens his ponytail, and smiles under his veil when he feels the pearls against the pads of his fingers, the memories of the day he spent with Sidon flooding his mind.

"Link!" a voice booms, and a figure is approaching quickly.

Sidon!

"I wanted to see you before you left, I'm so glad I caught you," the prince panted, and swiftly grabbed Link's hands. He brings the disguised voe's hands to his lips to plant a sweet kiss against his knuckles. Link looks up at Sidon sadly with a sigh.

"I wish you could stay longer, but I know you must return home. I will cherish the time we shared together," he grins. "Come back and dance for me when you're able. I'd love to see you again soon."

Link nods his head, the offer lifting his spirits a bit.

"Come on girls, mount up. Gotta head home before night falls."

Sidon places a final kiss to Link's hands before they part ways. Link steps up to his horse and swings his leg over. The headmistress leads the girls, giving her horse a stern kick, and the rest of Link's troupe follows. There's hesitation before Link gives his horse a kick as well.

He can't help but look behind him as Sidon fades from his line of sight.