Chapter 1 - Champion Mipha
The sun was beating down from above, and she stood at the edge of an ancient waterfall made from a dense, off-white marble. The frame was worn and it's color had faded since it was erected long before the end of the great sea. The glare above the summit of Mount Polymous was fierce and it tested the lifespan of these ancient structures. She waited patiently for Zelda's arrival and maintained her gaze on a river basin over 100 feet below, where her little brother, Sidon, splashed playfully in the water. As the wind blew, she heard the soft churning of grass in the distance and closed her eyes to take in the silence.
Her mind was a tethered framework of somber solitude, and like the ocean, it was elegantly volatile; perfectly justified, and mysteriously beautiful. Just as her tranquility became anchored, the sound of footsteps in the grass was heard nearby.
"Princess Mipha," said a voice from behind.
Severed from her peace, she turned around to see her standing there, clad in traditional Hylian blue. Her garments were modest but gave off a tame sense of authority. In a gradual motion, she walked closer and met Mipha with a warm smile.
"It's so nice to finally meet you." she said.
A moment of silence emerged as Mipha patiently waited for her to continue. She gave a confident smile and shifted her posture.
"I know I'm late, I do apologize. I barely made it up the river basin before collapsing for air."
Mipha laughed quietly and looked Zelda in the eye.
"Yes, it is quite the trek up this mountain. I apologize for the distance. I am only here to take care of my little brother, Sidon."
She stared down towards the river basin, where Sidon could be seen ceaselessly throwing water into the air, pretending to toss arms with a fierce opponent.
"He's quite the handful. You will have to forgive me while I watch over him."
She stared lovingly at him as he continued to play inside the water. In all ways, she was a gentle spirit, and her body resonated with a very quietly somber energy. Her eyes held a deep vinework of profound emotions that often staggered those who stood on the receiving end. Zelda, however, was firm and a little bit abrasive. Curious to see, she carefully peeked over the ledge of the waterfall and lost her balance. Her knees began to shake as she took a step back.
"Goodness, Mipha, I don't think I realized how high up we were. I do admire your candor!"
Mipha laughed quietly and kneeled at the edge of the cascade. She took a moment to calm her mind before continuing. She was not one to entertain small talk due to the ocean of thoughts she tended to carry. She looked over her shoulder at Zelda with a modest gaze.
"..I am aware that you are here to seek my role as Champion, Princess"
A moment of silence emerged once more.
"... may I ask you who the other chosen Champions are?"
Zelda paused and took the time to adjust herself.
"Yes, you may:" she replied.
"Goron vigilance, Daruk. Rito confidence, Revali. Gerudo Spirit, Urbosa and Link, the knight with the sword that seals the darkness."
At the mention of his name, Mipha felt a cold chill come over her.
"...that boy from before."
she thought to herself.
She took a moment to recount the Hylian and her memories with him. He was a small, feisty, and very engaged young boy when she met him. Many years had passed since then and she had no other memory of his appearance aside from his bright blonde hair and teeming blue eyes. She paused and placed her arms on her lap.
"I haven't heard that name in years."
Zelda stared at her with a slightly concerned look. She felt the urge to ask her why she placed emphasis on Link above everybody else, but before she could, Mipha stood to her feet and began to call for Sidon.
"Sidon!" she said. "Hurry and swim up here!"
Zelda's concern became urgent. She walked closer to Mipha and placed her hand on her shoulder.
"Mipha... perhaps he is still too young to swim up this waterfall? I'm not one to say, but I think it's not very safe for him to try."
Mipha then turned around and made eye contact with Zelda.
"Princess," she said.
"I wish not to seem frank, but one day, I must leave him, and he may not have another opportunity to learn how to survive without me. If ever I must leave him to face my fate as a warrior of the Zora Domain, he must be fully prepared to take the throne."
Mipha began to caress her necklace in comfort.
"If you'll excuse me for a moment.."
Without warning, she jumped up high and plunged down the almost endless cascade. Zelda let out a gasp and rushed over to the edge of the waterfall. She looked carefully at Mipha as she elegantly grazed across the ripping current of the waterfall, and within a matter of seconds, she had landed inside the water basin right next to Sidon with a loud splash. He was so enthused by her arrival that he swam toward the waterfall as Mipha had emerged from below. Zelda shivered frantically at Mipha's sudden gesture and knelt carefully at the edge of the waterfall.
Down below Mipha swam gently toward Sidon and placed a hand on his shoulder. She looked into his eyes tenderly and smiled at him.
"I think it's time." she said to him.
"It's ok to feel nervous. I was quite nervous my first time too. We'll go together so you can get a feel for it."
Sidon eagerly swam toward Mipha and braced himself. He gripped to Mipha's shoulders and without a second to spare, she bolted towards the waterfall and swam up-stream with overwhelming speed. As they scaled the fierce current, Sidon had almost lost his grip and let out a distressed cry. He looked at his sister, who gracefully rode the current of the waterfall without an ounce of fear in her eyes. In response, he calmed himself and quickly regained control. They were nearing the foot of the waterfall where Zelda stood waiting, and in an attempt to keep her safe, she veered slightly to the left of the waterfall and she attempted to get Sidon's attention before they were out of space to work with.
"Ready?" she said over her shoulder.
With only seconds to spare, she reached behind her back and grabbed Sidon by the wrist. She had her leg positioned against the wall, with which she used to force themselves from out of the current. Blindingly, they launched high above the stone platform where Zelda stood motionless. After regaining control of her body, Mipha locked eyes with a spot on the ground and griabbed Sidon's wrist tightly. She bent her legs toward the ground and landed firmly next to Zelda. Her face was painted with shock as Mipha laid Sidon down beside her carefully. As his feet touched the ground, he gleamed with excitement and could not contain his energy. Placing a hand on his shoulder, she caressed him gently to try and calm him down. Sidon bounced around playfully in place while Mipha hushed him.
"Sweet Sidon," she whispered, placing a hand on his head.
"Your life is so precious to us all. Should fate ever part us, we will count on you to protect our beloved home from harm. I feel the same strength that has propelled our great kingdom through cold centuries of time whenever I look into your eyes."
She ran her hand gently across his face.
"No matter where you go, and no matter what happens to me, I will always be with you." she said.
Sidon nodded, still a bit hyper, and he threw himself into Mipha's arms. She giggled in response and held him tightly in her arms.
"Oh my sweet brother," she said. "You will have nothing to fear so long as you remember my words. "
"Now... shall we try one more time?"
In that moment, Zelda walked over to Mipha and kneeled down beside her.
"Mipha, I'm sorry, but I think I'm going to walk back to the more stable part of the domain before I have a panic attack. I think the altitude is getting to me.."
Mipha smiled as she stood to her feet. She dusted off her garments and approached her calmly.
"That's understandable, there's no need to explain."
She lifted Sidon into her arms and turned to look at Zelda once more.
"Please, allow me to accompany you."
The warmth of the sun faded as they walked closely together down the mountain. The day grew weary, and both princesses still had very busy days ahead of them. Down below, the bright glow of the Zora's Domain could be seen beneath the overcast; time would soon bring this day to a close.
The two princesses stood at the gate, and the sun was beginning to plaster a beautiful reddish glow across the sky. As the gates churned open, Mipha turned to Zelda and reached behind her back to reveal a small gift. It was quaint and wrapped in an elegant Zora Paper that reflected beautifully in the light. She stood speechless as Mipha extended the gift toward her.
"Mipha," Zelda said.
"I am in no position to accept gifts from you when you are already doing us such an enormous favor."
"Oh, please," Mipha said.
"I insist."
She extended the gift closer to Zelda.
"It truly is an honor to all of us that you would call on us for help in your time of need. I do it proudly knowing that you would do the same for us."
Zelda was conflicted and she continued staring at the gorgeously wrapped gift.
"Please Zelda, I insist." said Mipha.
For a moment, Zelda was slightly taken back since this was the second time that Mipha had addressed her by her first name, and not by one of her various titles. Though part of her felt she had been disrespected, the other part of her wholeheartedly acknowledged that Mipha too was an heir to her own throne - and quite a powerful one at that. She reached out to Mipha, ensuring to make eye contact, and she accepted her gift with both hands - a sign of humbleness and respect.
"Mipha" Zelda said looking directly at her.
"I am so moved by your unending kindness. I cannot believe you would offer me a gift at such a time like this. You are already doing so much for the kingdom, and it does not even suit you to be more gracious. The fact you show such grace out of the kindness in your heart only further proves to me that you are the perfect candidate for Champion of Hyrule. Thank you."
Zelda took the gift into her arms and began to examine it. The paper felt so smooth, and the package was tiny, but it was so heavy - almost as if it were made out of a dying star. Zelda immediately marveled at what it could be.
"I will treasure it dearly," Zelda said, bringing the gift close to her chest and smiling warmly at Mipha.
Mipha smiled back and turned to see Sidon waiting impatiently at the gate.
"It seems the great prince has grown weary of the day," Mipha said jokingly. She turned to Zelda and smiled, "I hope your travels are safe and swift."
Zelda bowed and made her way towards the royal carriage waiting for her. As she got inside, she once more marveled at the immense weight coming from the gift Mipha had given her. She didn't want to open it in fear of it being something of great value.
The caravan rolled off into the distance, and the gates to the domain were closed.
First attempt at writing!
Trying to keep all these characters close to their true personalities. Hopefully, the result will be a near-accurate tale of what may have happened between Mipha and Link during the time of pre-calamity/champion inauguration! ~(˘▾˘~) Only fyi is that Mipha's thoughts will be alligned center with quotes in italics.
Please do review/critique.