Chapter Text
The weeks have dragged on slower than usual and the tedious council meeting Sidon was obligated to attend all morning did not encourage the flow of time. Each meeting goes roughly the same way. The Elders complain about things they offer no solutions towards, and Sidon is treated with a mild disdain due to his lack of experience, and no doubt, his open fondness of Link.
Sidon voiced his desire to encourage more travel through their Domain, to rethink the roads placed along the Zora River, but he was quickly silenced with an accusation of not prioritising the needs of their own people first. It was frustrating and disappointing, but not surprising in the slightest, and Sidon did his best to remain composed. It would only serve to fuel their beliefs that he's not yet worthy of the crown his father bestowed upon him.
The council's Elders seem to be in no hurry to change their opinions of any non-Zora Hyruleans, prejudiced and false beliefs keeping them from trusting anyone outside of their Domain. Sidon would like to see their alliances with the neighboring Kingdoms flourish, but sadly, the Elders are set in their ways, leaving them isolated amongst the mountains.
Thankfully Link came to them, saving their beautiful home from a what would've been a catastrophic flood, and then, again, putting an end to the noxious sludge polluting their waters. Only Hylia knows what future would've been in store for them without his help. By no means does he wish for his Kingdom to be reliant on Link, Sidon takes great pride in his Guard, but these were problems beyond their ability to fix. Perhaps Seggin could've eventually put a stop to Vah Ruta's downpour, but it might have cost him his life in the process, robbing Bazz of his father. Sidon hopes that one day he'll be able to get through to the Elders, but till then, he'll need to exercise patience.
After the draining Council meeting, Sidon had been in desperate need of air, swiftly taking Bazz up on his offer to spar. It felt good to be active, the wind rushing past his scales as he defended against his friend's well-trained blows, searching for his own opportunity to strike. Their blunted weapons left a few sore welts across their scales, and Sidon graciously accepted defeat as Bazz ended their lengthy draw with a firm, skillful blow to Sidon's unprotected abdomen. It's a defeat that reminds him not to underestimate his enemy's intelligence after fighting with weak-minded Bokoblins and Lizalfos for so long.
As the champion of their sparring match, Bazz requested that Sidon was to acquire their well-deserved lunch, and he doesn't need to go far to collect it. He tosses half a dozen bass from a nearby waterfall into his net bag before climbing back up a waterfall to Mipha's court, making his way across the beautiful park. He drops down onto a small ledge over the east side, sitting down between Bazz and the single evergreen he's watched grow over the years.
Bazz thanks him, taking his half of the catch and they look out over the vast Lanayru sea. Sidon gazes over to a small island in the distance and it causes a small flutter of nerves in his stomach, realizing only a couple of days remain until he'll be alone there with Link. The time has passed agonizingly slow while waiting for his lover to return, but with only days left, Sidon can't help but feel a little apprehensive.
It's been so strange. He'd been hopelessly in love with Link for years and he was nothing short of overjoyed when his feelings were reciprocated, it almost feels like a dream when he remembers the two long days of intimacy and passion they shared before he left again. Now, it's been weeks since he's seen Link, it disconcertingly feels as if the two days they spent together never happened.
His brooding is interrupted by Bazz, sounding mildly concerned. "Your Hi-... Sidon? Is something wrong with your fish?"
Sidon shakes his hand and rubs a firm hand over his crest, trying to soothe his worries with a weary chuckle. "No, the fish are fine. I'm just... Thinking."
Bazz waits for a few moments, giving him the chance to volunteer the information before asking, no pressure in his tone. "Do you want to talk about it?"
Sidon inhales deeply before letting himself fall back against the cool grass, staring up the Sky Fish and its collection of floating debris. He'd rather the sky was empty with just the familiar spatter of gray clouds floating by, but he does find it peaceful to watch the waterfall thundering over the island's edge. He can feel the light spray from its tail end drifting towards them in the breeze, and Sidon sighs to himself.
"I suppose... I was thinking... It's been so long since Link and I last saw each other. It almost feels like a dream now... What if he changes his mind about our relationship when he returns?"
The center of Sidon's crest creases with worry, looking over to Bazz for his opinion before his friend sighs. "Would you like my answer as your guard, or your friend?"
"My friend, please." Sidon appreciates how seriously Bazz takes his role as Captain of the guard, but he values his friend's input.
Bazz looks over at him before stating matter-of-factly. "Then, as your friend, I think you're being ridiculous."
"...Thank you, Bazz." Sidon scoffs under his breath and looks back up at the Sky Fish, reconsidering how much value he places in Bazz's words after all.
Bazz laughs at his reaction before continuing in a softer tone. "Honestly, Sidon... Why waste your time worrying about something so improbable? Nothing you've said would have me believe that Link would consider calling things off... If you ask me, I think you're simply caught up in the fears of a new relationship. It may have been a longer time in the linear sense, but with Link's travels put aside, it's only been a couple of days. It only makes sense that your emotions would be running high before he returns."
Sidon takes a moment to let his friend's words sink in, taking assessment of his emotions and finds Bazz is more than likely correct. The last few nights have been a little restless, each sunset one day closer to seeing Link and the first time welcoming him back, not just as a friend, but a lover. He's been hopping between giddy excitement and dizzying nerves, flustered and daydreaming through possible scenarios that might happen upon Link's arrival.
He'd imagined Link walking up the main bridge, handsome as ever and running over into his arms, a subtle kiss pressed to his cheek. Link appearing in his room in the dead of night, soft skin exposed through a thin, sultry piece of fabric while luring him into bed. He'd also considered Link returning only to end things between them, needing his full focus on the strenuous task ahead. For a second, he'd considered that he may never see Link again, his dearest love having befallen some terrible fate out in the hostile wilds, but Sidon had shunned the thought as quickly as it appeared. He has faith in Link's swordsmanship and unbreakable spirit. No monster could best him.
Sidon sighs heavily, conceding that Bazz was right. He was, indeed, being ridiculous. Sometimes he just needs to be reminded not to let his thoughts carry him off into uncharted waters. "You're right..."
Bazz chuckles, laying across the grass with him before adding with a playfully arrogant tone. "I often am."
Sidon laughs heartily at that. "Hmm, maybe you should be King, in that case."
Bazz exhales harshly and waves his hand in dismissal. "No, thank you, I've seen how exhausting it can be."
"Haha, let me know know if you change your mind." Sidon appreciates the empathy, still laughing to himself as he soaks up the afternoon sun with his friend. The spray from the Sky fish's waterfall is a welcome relief to the sun's powerful rays, keeping his scales a comfortable temperature and Sidon closes his eyes, speaking quietly.
"I really am excited, Bazz.... But, it's a little overwhelming at times. There's so much I need to focus on here. It feels selfish to be lost in thoughts about him. About Link. The council's Elder's doubt my dedication to the domain, and sometimes it almost feels as if I'm proving them right..."
Bazz groans quietly, sounding unimpressed. "The Elders... Sidon, you know they will never be happy with anything other than what they're accustomed to, and now they have a new King that's centuries younger than them. I wouldn't spend too much of your time worrying about what they have to say at the moment."
Sidon can't argue with that. When he sent just five of their Zora soldiers to help the Hylians at Lookout Landing, the Elders had accused him of sacrificing their people. Sidon had struggled to regain control of the situation, sitting across from two council members shouting that he was clearly placing the Hylians' safety over their own. That King Dorephan had made a grievous mistake giving the throne to Sidon when he clearly wasn't ready.
It took his father ordering silence across the table for Sidon to be heard again, and he explained how Link had been crucial in stopping the sludge from destroying their Domain, and that sending a few of their soldiers was the least that Sidon could offer in gratitude. Thankfully, his father had strongly supported his decision, weighing the Elders into a reluctant acceptance over the situation, but Sidon still felt a little shame at being unable to get the room under control himself.
Sidon rubs a hand over his face, still frustrated at the memory and squints into the bright sky as he sits up. He looks out over the water, attention drawn to the small island peeking out the waves and he asks. "Bazz, do you think it'd be irresponsible of me to take Link to Palm Island?"
His friend turns to face him, looking surprised, but pleased. "For how long?"
Sidon runs his hands over his knees, not entirely sure on exactly how long he'd planned to stay with Link on the island. Though, he had hoped it would long enough to enjoy each others uninterrupted company for a night at least. "A couple of nights? If he has enough time to spare, that is..."
Bazz grins up at him, a sly chuckle in the back of his throat. "Why would you be measuring in nights specifically, your majesty?"
Sidon feels heat prickle over his cheeks and covers his face with a hand, embarrassed at the oversight he should've known Bazz would notice. It takes a second for Sidon to compose himself, giving his friend a slightly accusatory glance before sighing. "Bazz, please..."
His - somewhat traitorous - friend smiles at Sidon before sitting up and looks over to the island. "No, I don't think it's irresponsible. Aside from the Blood Moon, now the sludge has been cleared, it's been surprisingly peaceful in Lanayru, especially considering the Upheval... In fact, I think taking a short break from your duties might be good for you, and I'm sure some time alone with Sir Link would do wonders for your mood."
Sidon feels a wave of relief wash over him, grateful to have Bazz's kind words to reassure him, though the suggestive slip in tone towards the end of his friend's sentence doesn't go undetected. Sidon knows it won't be the last of Bazz's teasing, but he does his best to accept that for now. "Thank you... I'd been a little conflicted, but I trust your opinion."
Bazz puffs out his chest a little, likely proud to be held in high regard and seems to spend a minute thinking before making a decision. "Thank you... Now, for safety's sake, I want to suggest that if there's an emergency in the Domain, I'll light a fire here, on this ledge. Likewise, if there is trouble on Palm Island, please light two fires on the shore and I'll bring the guard to you as soon as possible."
Sidon should've expected the Captain of the Royal Guard to take his safety seriously and he pats a firm hand on Bazz's shoulder. "Excellent idea, my friend. However, let's hope it doesn't come to that."
Bazz nods in agreement, but doesn't show any signs of concern. "It would be terrible luck for things to go south now, and honestly, between the two of you, any monster that makes the mistake of visiting that island has my pity."
"We'd make quick work of them, I'm certain... Though, even through the Blood Moon, Palm Island has remained unsullied as far as I'm aware."
Sidon's visited the island for a few hours on occasion, just needing a moment of solitude to help him through the day. The sea air is refreshing and listening to the waves can help him relax. Sidon notices a slight smirk pulling up on the side of Bazz's face and he makes the mistake of curiously pointing it out. "What's so amusing?"
Bazz's grin grows and he seems to debate sharing his thoughts before snickering under his breath. "I have a feeling it won't remain unsullied for long."
Sidon can feel his face heating up, but even he can't help an embarrassed laugh at Bazz's crude remark, momentarily hiding his face in his hands before swinging a leg out and lands a half-hearted kick to his friend's ankle. "Bazz! Why do you always have to say things like that!"
Sidon receives a light kick in return, mostly shielded by his anklet and his friend sighs around the softening laughter. "Because you get embarrassed so easily. Really, I'm the one who should be embarrassed, that first night-"
Sidon cuts Bazz off, knowing exactly where this is going because his so-called friend has tormented him on the subject multiple times since he and Link first shared a bed together. "No! I don't want to hear anymore!"
"Neither did I!" Bazz lays back across the grass, holding his stomach through the hysterics of his own wit.
Sidon curses himself for falling into such an obvious trap and swats a hand at Bazz's arm, cheeks burning from a mixture of laughter and emotional distress. "Oh, you are incorrigible! For the love of Hylia, please don't ever tell Link you heard him. He already knows, but he mustn't hear it from you."
Bazz bats Sidon's arm away, slowly regaining control over his breathing and he smiles, still laying across the grass. "I swear, I won't... Unless he asks me directly. I wouldn't lie to him."
Sidon can make peace with that and he sighs in exasperation, resting his head in his hand, unable to stop a shimmer of that night replaying in his mind. Seeing Link fully unclothed for the first time, his breathtakingly perfect body flushed with excitement, pressed against his own and a desperate plea for more in his eyes. More sex. More teeth. More pleasure. Just more . It's almost intimidating in the most thrilling way.
Sidon exhales roughly, rubbing the back of his neck and he's grateful his face can't get any hotter as he lets the vivid image fade away. He's already been revisiting their shared moments together more than he'd like to admit, relieving himself of some of the day's accumulated stress before falling into a deep, satisfied sleep.
He's still in disbelief at how lucky he is that Link doesn't mind being bitten. No, he enjoys it. Sidon reminds himself of Link's warm smile and request of feeling his teeth again. It makes his chest wonderfully warm and Sidon clasps his hands together, letting them rest between his crossed legs.
"I really am happy with him, Bazz. I already love him so much but... He's perfect. He..." Sidon bites down on his lip, trying to decide how much he should share. He wants to respect Link's privacy, but Bazz is also the only one outside of his former partners that know about his desire to bite. He'd desperately needed someone to talk to after it damaged the foundations of his previous relationships.
"Hmm?" Bazz looks over to him, waiting for Sidon to finish his sentence.
Sidon makes his decision, desperate to share how happy and lucky he feels that they're compatible beyond his expectations. He has no intention of exposing how much Link enjoys being bitten, just that he's not afraid of them. He chooses his words carefully. "Well... Do you remember why I've had... Issues with relationships in the past?"
Bazz nods sincerely, knowing it may be overstepping to tease him concerning that subject. "Yes."
Sidon smiles to himself, brushing his thumbs together. "He doesn't mind it... At all. He's not afraid of it, and... I feel so lucky for that."
"That's really great. I'm happy for you." Bazz hums softly to himself in thought. "Maybe it's because he's a warrior... He must find himself in endless dangerous battles, a bite must be nothing in comparison."
"Yes, I would expect that to be the case..." Sidon lets Bazz believe his own conclusions, but the mention of battles has his mind drifting to thoughts of where Link might be, and the possibilities seem endless. He could be in any corner of Hyrule, in the gloom ridden depths below, or gliding across the sky islands. Sidon hopes he's close to Lanayru, that it won't be long until Link's in his arms again.
Sidon sighs quietly, wondering how they might spend their days on Palm Island, aside from the obvious. He's looking forward to waking up with their day empty of any obligations, only the sea and Link to keep him company. He might even treat himself to a restful nap, submerged beneath the water.
He'd love to sleep in the sea, rocked back and forth by the steady flow of waves above, but it would be foolish to attempt on his own. At least he can spend his daylight hours exploring the sea bed and gorging himself on the plentiful schools of porgy. The thought of fresh ocean fish makes him salivate, almost forgetting the three bass he had for lunch.
Even with the Lanayru sea so close, they rarely venture down the steep cliffs to visit it, and so he offers. "Hmm... Bazz, would you like me to bring back some porgy from Palm Island?"
His friend perks up at the suggestion, giving him a firm nod. "Yes, thank you! It's been a long time since I've had porgy..." Bazz suddenly sighs, looking wistful as he mumbles. "...I still haven't seen any hearty bass since the Upheval. I wonder where they all went..."
Sidon tries to remember the last time he saw a hearty bass, and true to Bazz's words, he hasn't seen a single one since the sludge began to fall on their domain. He hopes the sludge didn't decimate the fish into extinction. Though, there is a particular Hylian that comes to mind who might stand the best chance of finding any. "Perhaps, I could ask Link to keep a lookout for one..."
Bazz takes a moment before replying, thumb resting against his chin in thought. "Thank you, however, I wouldn't want Sir Link to go out of his way for my sake. He has far more important things to attend to than a disappearing fish."
His friend suddenly chuckles to himself, and Sidon tilts his head in confusion, wondering what's sparked his amusement as Bazz sits up with a grin. "Remember when we were kids, and we snuck down to Rist Peninsula?"
Sidon shakes his head, unable to hold back a slightly guilty laugh as he recalls their childhood mischief. "Oh, I haven't thought about that in a long time. What in Hylia's name were we thinking?"
He follows Bazz's line of sight to the north, looking at the distant swirl of land carved into the ocean and his friend beams proudly. "We were thinking about adventure! I still remember diving from the ridge behind Toto Lake, the first time I'd stepped foot in Akkala, and the great ruins engulfed in the mountainside..."
"The Citadel ruins? Yes, they left me in awe..." Sidon remembers it fondly. The dizzying leap into South Lake Akkala, mesmerized by the new environment and powering through beside Bazz until they reached the northern shore. The moment of triumph as they clumsily ran down the shore, excitedly diving into the cold ocean waters to catch his first saltwater fish.
The memory brings a smile to his face and Sidon joins in his friend's reminiscing. "The whole of Akkala Lake to ourselves... Ha, we saw a Goron on the road and hid. I thought they were a Talus."
Bazz snickers. "Ha, a Talus... I thought he was one too. I guess we didn't know any better back then."
He also remembers the heavy sinking sensation in his gut when Sidon looked back towards the domain, shocked it was so small and far away. There wasn't even a glimpse of blue stone, or any sign that it was his beloved home, it could've been another mountain for all Sidon knew, but Bazz had confidently reassured him it was indeed Ploymus Mountain.
They'd spent an hour or two frolicking in the waters, venturing off into the sea and hunting down schools of porgy before fleeing back to the shore. Sidon shakes his head, giving an accusatory squint towards his friend. "Do you know what else I remember? I remember you trying to scare me with tales of behemoth monsters below the waves."
Bazz grins, fangs glistening in the sun. "Haha, I had to stop you heading out to the horizon somehow."
Sidon does remember being quite eager to head deeper into the blue, regaining his enthusiasm after the momentary panic over being so far from home and he admits. "It'd seemed like such a shame to waste the opportunity after we'd made it that far... But, urgh, the swim back was so much harder..."
Bazz groans in agreement, rubbing a hand over the fin of his crest. "Yeah... I underestimated how high those waterfalls were."
They'd made it back to the West Sokkala Bridge without too much hassle, but the final waterfall leading back up to Ploymus Mountain was too high for them to climb. Neither he, nor Bazz could swim any further than half way up before giving into exhaustion and plunging back into the lake. It'd been a scary moment for them both, and they were considering trying to make their way back into the sea to reach the Lanayru Wetlands, not knowing any other way home.
It was a journey neither of them as children were prepared for, and it would've taken at least another entire day to complete if they rested that night. By the time the sun began to set, Bazz was blaming himself for endangering Sidon, the Zora prince, and led them both back into Akkala Lake to rest. His friend had promised he would spend the night watching over him, but Sidon could see the dark circles beneath his tired eyes.
Thankfully, they hadn't been forgotten, in fact, there had been an uproar in the Domain as everyone had been out searching for both of them, and Sidon almost burst into tears of relief upon hearing his sister's panicked voice calling out across the lake. Even with the sun fallen below the horizon, she soon found them and they'd clung to her as she climbed the waterfall with ease, carrying them back to the safety of their home.
Sidon's expression and tone softens. "We were lucky that Mipha was looking for us so far from the Domain..."
Bazz smiles warmly at the mention of his sister, but quietly sucks the air through his teeth before correcting. "Actually... We were lucky that Rivan overheard us scheming about going to Rist Penninsula, and told Princess Mipha where we might be."
Sidon laughs, unsurprised. "Ah, that makes much more sense... We should have told Rivan or Gaddison where we going in the first place, then we wouldn't have been out there till nightfall."
Bazz sighs with a small nod. "Mhmm... We certainly learned that lesson the hard way."
Sidon gives his friend's shoulder a squeeze. "Hence, why I informed you that Link and I will be on Palm Island... And Bazz? I wouldn't change a thing, we truly had an adventure that day. Thank you for sharing it with me."
Bazz pats an appreciative hand over Sidon's shoulder blade before exhaling, looking up at the sky. "Same here, Sidon... Ah, we should head back soon."
The time must've slipped by without him noticing and Sidon pushes himself up onto his feet, surprised the sun has already passed its peak in the sky. He can only estimate without a sundial at hand, and while it can't be any later than three from the sun's position, it's much later than he'd allotted for their lunch. "I didn't realize the day had gotten away from us."
"Neither did I... Thankfully, I don't need to relieve Torfeau from guarding the palace today. If it were yesterday, she'd have my head on a spike."
They both climb back up to Mipha's court and Bazz picks up his spear before offering. "Would you like me to escort you back to the palace, King Sidon?"
He's always been impressed at how easily Bazz transitions between his formal duties as Captain of the Royal Guard, and being able to speak freely with Sidon as an equal. Bazz has been an invaluable friend to him over the years. He has friendships amongst the other Zora, but there's always been a barrier between them due to his status as a royal. He can't fully relax in their presence, and they're careful to retain a polite, agreeable attitude with him. It leaves Sidon feeling strangely alone at times, even in the company of others.
Sidon lets out a long sigh, looking over to shatterback point and the radiant, graceful statue of his departed sister at its peak. He's been avoiding visiting her since the last Blood Moon, unable to face her kind eyes, but the reminder of Mipha coming to their rescue that night has his mind made up. "Thank you, my friend, but you go on without me. I'll be there soon."
He pats the Captain's shoulder as Sidon walks past and Bazz respectfully dips his head. "Of course, your Majesty... Take your time."
He makes his way over to the stairs, sparing a moment to greet Trello, still working dutifully on repairing any damage inflicted by the sludge. Sidon gives his sincere thanks to his fellow Zora before ascending the stairs, eventually reaching the peak and the beautiful stone sculpture of his dear sister standing watch over their home.
He crosses over the small bridge and motions towards the pooling water below, carefully summoning an orb of it above Mipha's statue before releasing the water over the stone. It washes away the dust and debris, trickling down her spear before flowing over the edges of its stellate base. The water makes her glitter in the soft afternoon sun and Sidon smiles wistfully up at his sister, placing a gentle hand on the cool stone beneath her statue.
"Hello, Mipha... It's been a while since I last visited. I do hope you'll forgive me."
Sidon traces his thumb over the smooth metal embellishment encircling his Sister's memorial, falling into silence as he gathers the courage to share the important, but sensitive event taking place in his life. He speaks softly, barely above a whisper. There's no need for him to project his voice.
"I'm afraid I have a confession to make... It was over a year ago now, I came here to tell you that I'd fallen in love with Link. Well, last time he visited our Domain, he-... He told me that he feels the same way... And w-we are... Courting? I think..?"
Sidon bites down on his lip, unable to look up at his sister's soft, adoring expression carved the hard, blue stone. He feels undeserving of it just yet and he sighs, watching the light dance over the puddles of water by his hand. "I've been lonely for a long time, and he makes me so happy. He's such an amazing person... So bold, and courageous and-... Well... I suppose, I don't need to tell you that, do I?"
Sidon's huffs out a single, mirthless chuckle as his heart squeezes tightly, the dull ache radiating throughout his chest. He glances briefly up towards Mipha's face before bowing his head back down. "I know you cared deeply for him, and I'm so, so sorry that out of all the people in Hyrule, I fell in love with Link... But... No matter how hard I try, I can't change the way my heart feels."
Sidon clenches a hand against his chest, feeling the beat of his heavy heart. "I love him so much, Mipha... And he loves me back. It may not be my place to assume this, but... From everything I remember of you, my dear sister, I do believe that you wouldn't wish for me to be alone with a broken heart. You were far too kind and selfless for such a thing..."
He can't help a small, genuine smile, remembering the incident at Lake Akkala and he looks up at Mipha's statue. "Not to change the subject, but... Ha, earlier, Bazz and I were recalling the time we snuck away to visit the sea when we were children, and you rescued us from the lake... You were far too kind to us after we caused such a panic. You never scolded us for doing something so foolish... I think you knew how scared and tired we were."
Sidon sighs quietly, resting his crest against one of the cold, stone spikes of water emanating from her spear. "I miss you terribly Mipha... You were the best, most wonderful sister I ever could've been blessed with. I'm so grateful for the short time we had together..."
Sidon spends a moment in silence, accepting the painful fracture aching in his heart from falling in love with the same man he's almost certain his sister did. But, also firm in his belief that Mipha would want him to be happy, to feel loved and not spend his days alone, heartbroken. Mipha was incapable of anything cruel. He can't force himself into misery in the name of his sister. It would be an insult to her memory.
But, that doesn't mean it wouldn't sadden her to see them together either. Were the situation reversed, it certainly would have crushed Sidon's heart, but he would've done his best to accept the situation, as unbearably painful as it may have been. He whispers, so faintly he can barely even hear himself. "I wish there was some way to know if you forgive me..."
Sidon exhales shakily, feeling moisture gathering in the corner of his eyes, but no tears fall. He smiles with sorrow at the image of Mipha in his mind, still looking up at her from the eyes of a child, not having reached his growth spurt yet. She always framed by the bright sky and drifting clouds.
He's pulled from his thoughts by a strange tickling sensation across the back of his hand, looking down to see a small, red butterfly resting on his scales and Sidon lifts his hand closer, careful not to scare the small creature. Sidon offers his other hand to the fragile insect, a wide smile tugging at his cheeks as it flutters over to the tip of his finger. He wonders if it's soaking up the warmth from his hand before continuing on its brave journey and Sidon gently cups his hand behind it, sheltering it from the cold breeze.
He's never seen a summerwing butterfly in Lanayru before, and certainly not at this frigid altitude. The timing feels a little strange, but Sidon can't help but wonder if there's a chance that it's a sign of Mipha's understanding to their complicated situation. It feels a little selfish to imagine such a thing to sooth his conscience, but a summerwing, almost the same shade of red as their scales, in the cold mountains of their domain, seems so unlikely.
Sidon considers the possibility, desperately hoping that it could be a sign of his sister's forgiveness and he waits patiently until the summerwing has regained its strength, flying out of the small shelter of Sidon's hands. He watches it gracefully flutter away before settling atop the point of Mipha's Lightscale trident, leaving Sidon with a strange, deep feeling of reverence in his chest.
He stares in wonder until the summerwing takes its final leave, flying into the distance until its small frame disappears from view. Sidon looks back at his sister's memorial, lost for words, but still uncertain if he's falling prey to wishful thinking.
Sidon hesitates before speaking softly, holding his hands together. "If that was for me... Thank you, Mipha..."
Sidon feels significantly lighter, the ache residing in his chest fainter and more bearable. He smiles warmly at Mipha before looking over to the Domain and realizes that once again, he's lost track of time. He wonders if Bazz has been waiting for him, or found a way to occupy himself for the time being.
Sidon presses a hand to his chest before placing his palm against the statue's base, smiling up at Mipha. "I suppose I should go, Bazz is waiting for me... I'll try to visit you more often, even if I have little to share... Rest peacefully, my dear sister."
He waits for a few seconds with his eyes closed, then leaves to the open platform of Shatterback Point, diving into the deep waters below. It doesn't take him long to swim back the central Domain, using the waterfall to propel himself up onto the highest floor of their towering palace before beginning his search for Bazz.
His search is over nearly as soon as it began, easily finding his friend mid-patrol around the Plaza and Sidon flashes him a wide grin, jogging down the stairs to meet him. Bazz seems both surprised and pleased to see him in higher spirits and Sidon clasps a hand over his guard's shoulder. "Bazz, my apologies for being so late."
Bazz dips his head once in respect and assures him. "No need to apologize, your Highness. It gave me time to check in with Gaddison and Dunma."
"And I assume all is well?" Sidon smiles, already knowing the answer from Bazz's stress-free demeanour.
His friend taps his spear once onto the tiles and nods proudly. "Not a pebble out of place, your highness."
"Excellent!" Sidon exclaims jubilantly, always happy to hear the Domain and her people are faring well. "Well, I suppose I should finally look over the papers in my study, some still need transcribing to the archives. Would you care to stand guard?"
"Gladly, King Sidon." Bazz leads the way to his rooms, opening one of the doors before Sidon has a chance.
They exchange a friendly nod of appreciation and respect before Sidon's alone in the privacy of his study, settling down at his desk much later than he'd planned. The sun is still shining brightly in the sky, but the afternoon is much later than he would've liked to start sifting through the paperwork on his desk.
Correspondence to read, organise and reply to, records drafted on paper that need copying onto blue stone for their archives, and the annoying task he's saved for last before it saps too much of his precious energy. The same notes he's been reading for nearly two weeks, to the point Sidon almost has them memorized word for word.
The Elders wrote down information they insisted he needs to study before his official Coronation. He'd greatly appreciated the help at first and spent two entire days carefully re-reading through the notes, committing the instructions to memory. How he should first bow in respect to his father, careful not to arise until the crown had been officially been placed back onto his crest. How he should acknowledge each member of the Zora council before addressing the people.
There are many rules for him to follow, and relics that will be brought out from the safety of their submerged archives to mark the significance of the occasion. Sidon knows how seriously he needs to take the official ceremony of his coronation before the festivities start, but his mood had soured after the first week of the council's Elders insisting that he would be unable to remember it all. That he needed to read them again and pay careful attention to the details.
He could almost recite the papers verbatim now, but Sidon made a promise to himself that would still put aside time to read them again. Even though he's almost certain it's simply the Elder's lack of faith in him, there's a chance they're being sincere and he may have misinterpreted the notes.
Sidon sighs deeply, threading his fingers together before resting his head on them, looking over the first letter from their soldiers stationed at Lookout Landing. Thankfully nothing has gone awry any further than the already dreadful state of things in the central Kingdom of Hyrule, and it seems his people are being treated with kindness by the Hylians.
He reads on, happy to hear his soldiers have been given charge of a small pond within the fortress's walls, allowing them a place to hydrate and rest between training. Sidon reads twice through the letter before reaching for his quill, wetting the end in ink and starts his response.