The midday sun over Hyrule shone brightly. The light chill of spring was carried along by a subtle breeze. Birdsong and the hum of insects filled the atmosphere with a soothing ambiance. All in all, a perfectly normal day. Yet, it was far from normal for a certain Zora princess.
Webbed feet trod upon compacted soil as Mipha followed the roads leading to Castle Town. To any observer, nothing was out of the ordinary with the Zora. Yet Mipha felt like her chest would burst from excitement. A diplomatic summit at Hyrule Castle had been called for, as the royal missive said, a matter of utmost importance. So Mipha found herself to traveling to Hyrule Castle to represent Zora's Domain at the request of her father, King Dorephan. He himself could not make the summit, being tied up with other political matters. A few dignitaries from another domain had come to Dorephan's court not long ago, wishing to discuss trade opportunities. Which meant when the Hylian missive arrived in the middle of these dealings, it fell to Mipha to take her father's place at the summit.
To be honest, Mipha was actually thankful to be away from Zora's Domain. One Zora merchant lord immediately took fancy with her when he arrived. No matter how many times she politely brushed him off or flat out ignored him, the oblivious Zora could not take the hint. Mipha was sure Dorephan caught on to her displeasure. No doubt he was close to sending the persistent Zora away, if the call for the summit had not arrived. It provided Dorephan an opportunity to kill three birds with one stone. Mipha could escape the merchant, take her father's place at the summit, and Mipha herself could see a friend she so desperately missed.
Hence why it was not the summit, nor escaping the merchant lord, that had Mipha bursting at the seams. No, that sole honor belonged to Link. Mipha brought up a hand to her heart. Just thinking about him now set off fireworks in her chest. How long had it been since she last beheld those striking blue eyes, and that infectious, child-like smile? Not since he left Zora's Domain for knight's training at Hyrule Castle. Mipha was proud of him for following his dream, to give up the familiarity of home so he could follow in his late father's footsteps. However, an ache wormed its way into her heart when the reality of his absence set after he had left. It's not like they hadn't kept in touch. Letters were sent back and forth, with him writing about his knight training, and her about her own duties and the going-ons of the Domain. Yet those letters could not ease the feeling of loss she felt. She seemed to have this small hole in her chest. One that could not be filled by her friends in the Bazz Brigade, her father, or even her little brother Sidon. Mipha soon came to realize something very important. Something she did not even consider the possibility of happening.
She had fallen for Link. Hard.
In the past, Mipha never would have thought that the Hylian orphan would steal her heart. Yet between when he first arrived at Zora's Domain as a young boy and when he left for Hyrule Castle, she somehow managed to fall head over heels for him. When she thought about it further a few days after her comprehension, it wasn't un-feasible. The nights they spent under the stars, teaching him how to swim, their excursions Lanayru, the intimate spear lessons they shared… it was foreshadowing of her eventual infatuation with Link.
There was no room for doubt. She had a total, undeniable, infallible crush for the young Hylian. Which also brought up another question.
Did he like her back?
Wasn't that an entertaining thought? A thought that made Mipha want to melt with joy. At the very least she knew he cared for her, but not to the extent. Maybe she could find the answer in the next few days. She already planned on seeking him out, to spend time with him if nothing else. But if she just steal Link away for but a moment, perhaps she could glean some insight on his current feelings toward her. And if the goddess was against her, and Link didn't like her as much as she did him, maybe little bit of flirting was in order. If she didn't die of embarrassment first.
"Something on your mind, princess?"
Mipha looked to her left to see Demon Sergeant Seggin walking beside he. Seggin was an older Zora, but every bit of the warrior his nickname hinted at. He was covered from head to toe with scars that marred his black and white scales. Each one carried a story, and the Demon Sergeant wore them proudly. He was a proud member of the Royal Guard and Mipha's mentor in the art of the spear.
Mipha coughed politely. "Just thinking about things."
"Anything thing specific?" Seggin asked, a hint of mischief in his voice. "Or should I say, anyone specific? In fact, I think a certain Hylian comes to mind."
Mipha quickly look away as a blush crept across her cheeks. "I have no idea what you are talking about."
Seggin merely chuckled. "There is no reason to feign ignorance, your Highness. After all, your father's tongue becomes quite loose when he's had enough Kakariko wine."
With that Mipha turned to Seggin, shocked. "He did not!"
Not a moment later, the group of Zora turned their eyes towards the front, as Seggin howled with laughter. He doubled over, clutching his sides as he desperately tried to regain his breath. Mipha, on the other hand, was not amused in the slightest.
"Seggin!" she shouted.
Seggin held up a hand as the laughter died off, resuming his original posture. "I apologize, Princess. Don't fret, your father never said a word. Though your reaction confirms a hunch I've had for a while regarding you and Link."
Mipha was confused. It was true she confided in Seggin when her own father was busy, usually done over sparring. But that did no mean she necessarily shared with him the matters of her heart.
Her webbed foot kicked a pebble in the road, sending it skittering down the path. Was she that obvious with her emotions? She was so sure that she kept her crush on Link well hidden. How many others might have caught on?
"And how did you come up with such an hunch?" Mipha finally asked.
"It's in your eyes. The way you at him, when you think no one else is looking… The affection that's there tells me as much." The Demon Sergeant tilted his head sway from Mipha and closed his eyes. "I have my own beautiful wife. I know what to look for."
Seggin then looked back down toward his royal charge. A blush on her cheeks tinted her creamy white skin from her previous embarrassment. A small but gentle smile graced her face. With the sunlight beaming down on her red scales, and a gentle wind swaying her fins, Mipha appeared to be the very essence of Zora beauty.
Damn boy didn't know how lucky he was.
"I guess it's true, that nothing escapes the eyes of the Demon Sergeant." Mipha said softly. "Though I do have to say, I think my father to starting to rub off on you."
Seggin chuckled as he rubbed his dorsal fin. "Indeed. Or maybe I'm starting to get too soft in fatherhood."
"On that I can agree."
The harsh voice of Muzu rang out as he strode up to the two. Muzu, being older, and far shorter than Seggin, had to look up in order to stare down the Demon Sergeant. "Laughing out loud, especially towards the Princess, is something I did not expect from you, Seggin. Such improper conduct should be beneath one such as you." he said.
Seggin frowned at Muzu. "The day I take advice on proper conduct from you, Muzu, I'll eat a Rock Roast."
Muzu sent a scowl to Seggin before turning his attention to Mipha. "As for your, Princess, need I remind you that we will be in Hyrule on a diplomatic mission? As much as I am loathed to say it, we must play nice with the Hylians until the matter of this summit is concluded. Small outbursts, such as the one you displayed earlier, will reflect badly on Zora's Domain."
Mipha visibly flinched from the reprimand. She didn't take it personally, or at least, she didn't try to. After all, Muzu was as much of a mentor as Seggin. While the Demon Sergeant taught her the ways for war, Muzu instructed her in combat of words and politics. He had instructed Mipha in etiquette, history, and diplomacy; all important aspects of being her father's next successor.
"Such behavior in front of those filthy Hylians will do us no favors." Muzu said. "I'm afraid that boy, might have left a bad impression on you."
That did not mean Mipha tolerated the old fish's hatred for Hylians. Especially when it regarded Link.
"And let me remind you, Muzu." Mipha stated slowly, her voice drained of any warmth she previously had. She then halted and whirled around to face the offending Zora, causing him to nearly run into her. The rest of the guards came to a stop as well, their own blood turning to ice as they witnessed their enraged princess.
"We are being graciously hosted by the Hylians" Mipha continued. Her every word was a barb, spoken meticulously as if she was trying to stab Muzu with words alone. "So I ask you keep a lid on your scathing comments. Such behavior will do us no favors."
And with the grace of a drunken Goron, Mipha came about face and stomped down the road, leaving a quite shocked and sputtering Muzu behind.
Seggin couldn't hold back a snicker. Many who encountered assumed Mipha assumed she was a calm and shy creature. Indeed she did carry a serene grace around her whenever she went. However, the Mipha's wrath was nothing short of fury when stoked, coming into form as ice. Loathe the day anyone made an enemy of Mipha
"I swear, she gets more obstinate with every year that passes." Muzu muttered. The old Zora straightened his posture after regaining his shock at being the victim of Mipha's anger.
"You fail to remember whose bloodline you're talking about." Seggin said. He laid a hand on Muzu shoulder. "Like father, like daughter." Seggin then motioned his head to the rest of the Royal Guard, and followed after the Mipha.
Mipha continued to storm ahead, doing her best to let her rage dissipate. She did not mean to be so short with Muzu. Though in truth, he certainly had it coming. On a good day, Mipha could ignore the old Zora's ravings on Hylians, learning to tolerate is insults. But today? Today was a day she waited two years for, and she was not about to have it ruined by her bigoted mentor. She was going to have to change her plans. They'll have to go someplace quiet and out of sight. The last thing Mipha wanted was to have Muzu interrupt her awaited reunion with the man she cared so much for.
The sound of footsteps behind her caused Mipha to look over her shoulder. Seggin, having left Muzu behind, was now jogging to catch up with her. It wasn't long until he was walking side by side with his royal charge. Not a word was spoken between the two, and only after a few minutes of did Seggin finally speak up. "Try not to be too hard on Muzu." he said. "He only has your best interest in mind."
Mipha did not respond right away. Although Seggin was correct in his statement, she was still fuming. "That doesn't mean I have to like it." she said eventually.
The rest of the trip was spent in silence. Mipha's anger was slowly replaced by nervous anticipation when the walls of Castle Town finally came into view. After passing through the main gate, Mipha found herself pleasantly surprised to see things with Castle Town had not changed drastically since her last visit. All manner of folk, from Hylian, to Rito and Goron, walked the stone streets, going about their daily business. Shopkeepers heckled their wares, and a pleasant scent of cooked meat and firewood wafting from the stone buildings that surrounded her.
As the Zora made their way through the streets, passerby's could not help but stop and stare. Mipha could hear murmurs of gossip coming from their unexpected audience.
"Hey look, do you see those fancy lookin' Zora?"
"They're probably from Zora's Domain. Today's the summit after all."
"See the scarred one? That be the Demon Sergeant, no doubt about it."
"Wait, is that Princess Mipha with them?"
"By the goddess, she's beautiful."
"Hah, maybe you should go up to her and ask her out for a date."
"And risk being stabbed to death? Do you even see that trident of her's?"
Mipha kept her gaze forward, but a small smile formed on her lips. Zora were not uncommon in Castle Town, making up a minority of its population. However, royal visits from Zora's Domain were rare. To be honest, Mipha would prefer not being the center of attention. Falling back on her training, Mipha managed snuff out whatever anxiety was growing in her stomach, and gave her onlookers a graceful wave.
"Hmph" Muzu muttered. Unlike Mipha, the older Zora made his opinion clear that did not like the attention they were getting.
"You do not do well in crowds I take it?" Seggin asked. He himself was nodding to the crowd, which caused quite a few women to swoon at the gesture.
"No. It's that these Hylians should be minding their own business instead of gawking like cuccos in a downpour."
Mipha could see why Muzu felt as much. Some of the men and women watched with innocent wonder. Others were not as virtuous. A few were clearly eyeing Mipha up and down. Their eyes betrayed the emotionless masks they wore as the stared hungrily at the princess. No doubt their minds were creating certain images that she would rather not think about. Mipha did her best to ignore their stares and keep her attention forward.
As Mipha and the rest reached the central square, she noted a contingent of Hylian knights approaching them. Their steel armor gleamed in the sun, smartly marching in an orderly column. King Rhoam must have sent them to fetch her and the others.
Maybe Link is among them? Mipha hoped so.
The captain among them, a full-plated knight with a red plumed helmet, approached Mipha directly. He gave a bow, as did the rest of the knights behind him.
"Princess Mipha. I'm Captain Rolof." The captain said in a gruff voice.
Definitely not Link. Glancing over the captain's shoulder, she did not spy her Hylian friend either. A disappointment to be sure, but not entirely unexpected.
"Captain" Mipha responded with a curtsy of her own.
Rolof pointed over his shoulder towards Hyrule Castle. "As per his highness' orders, we're to escort you and yours to the castle henceforth. If you would follow me?"
Mipha nodded, then looking over to Seggin and Muzu who gave their own curt nods. "It would be our pleasure." she said.
As the group made their way to Hyrule Castle, Mipha kept her eyes open for Link. Not one guard was spared a scrutinizing glance. And not one guard was the Hylian she desperately wanted to see. After the last pair failed her inspection, she outright gave up altogether. It was just then that a cry came out from the sky.
"Hello, my dear lady!"
Looking up, Mipha barely had enough time to notice a blue feathered Rito overhead before he swooped down from the sky. Landing in a small cloud of dust, the rito struck a pose. All of the guards immediately put their hands on their weapons, startled from the Rito's sudden appearance.
"Who- ?" Mipha began to ask.
"Master Revali, of Rito Village. A pleasure to make your acquaintance." the Rito interrupted. He bowed deeply, never taking his eyes off of Mipha. "I take it you are Lady Mipha?"
Mipha frowned. "I am."
"Well Lady Mipha, let me say that it is such a privilege to meet you. I have heard tales of your beauty, but they do not do you justice." Revali said. "No doubt you are wondering about my sudden appearance?"
Mipha glanced to the side. The guards had all removed their hands from their weapons by this point, seeing that the Rito did not mean any harm. Seggin looked rather unamused, knuckles white as he clenched his spear. Poor Muzu looked like he was at his boiling point, no doubt ready to tell off the puffed up rito. Honestly, she felt the same as her mentor. The audacity of this Rito was astounding. To come flying in with no regard to her status or those around her, when he clearly knew who she was. Mipha nearly puffed out her cheeks in annoyance.
"Well, Master Ravioli -" she started.
"Revali." the rito interrupted again. Mipha adopted her own glower, but it seemed Revali did not care or notice. "Anyway, I was flying overhead, minding my own business when, I could not help but notice a beautiful radiance below me. It screamed, Revali. Beneath you is one who no doubt matches your handsomeness with her inexplicable beauty."
Mipha heard Muzu stammer. He was frothing at the mouth, ready to tear into this rude Rito.
"I simply had to check it out for myself, and low and behold-"
"Alright. I think you've wasted enough of the poor princess' time." a strong voice cut through the air, cutting off Revali.
Revali turned over his shoulder to tell off the offender, but his words died on his beak as an impressive Gerudo figure strode in.
She was tall, taller than Seggin by half an inch. Her brown skin complimented her well toned muscles. Fiery red hair was tied back in a high ponytail, which cascaded down her back like a great mane. An impressive scimitar was sheathed at the left side of her hip, with a circular shield secured behind her back. She wore a colorfully designed breastplate which exposed her well toned abs. An intricate gold belt kept a long red skirt in place.
As she watched the Gerudo approached Revali, Mipha swore could feel the air shift by this warrior's impressive presence. A hint of danger and mischief was on the wind. It seemed Revali did not take the hint.
"I'm sorry." Revali said, his voice carrying an annoyed tone. "Who might you be?"
"Oh, my apologies, Master Revali." the Gerudo said sarcastically. "I guess the Chieftain of the Gerudo tribe is not an important enough figure to deserve the same graces that you are giving Princess Mipha here." Revali looked like he was completely take by surprise. His beak hung open as he watched the Gerudo woman move around him to stand in front of Mipha.
"Lady Urbosa, it is an honor." Mipha said with a regal bow.
"The honor is mine, Lady Mipha. I assume you are here for the summit?" Urbosa asked. Mipha nodded to her, causing the Gerudo to smile. "I see. To be honest I had been expecting King Dorephan to be here as well. I assume he had a good reason not to?"
"Father had to treat with some Zora from outside of Hyrule." Mipha said. "He sent me in his stead."
"Is that so?" Urbosa stated. "Anyway, as much as I would love to keep entertaining this voe, I think it's time we made our way to the castle." Urbosa turned from Mipha to Rolof. "Isn't that right, captain."
"Y-yes." Rolof stuttered. "Right this way." He then motioned to his men and began to march towards Hyrule Castle.
Urbosa sent Revali one last wicked smile before following after Rolof. Mipha soon fell in step behind them, leaving a very flustered Revali behind.
It was only until they were out of sight did Revali finally regain his wits.
The nerve of that Gerudo woman. If she wasn't Chieftain... he thought angrily.
Actually, better he left that thought unanswered. Picking a fight with her would probably would not have ended well. Her figure attested as much. Din's Fury, that Urbosa probably could have crushed him with her thighs alone. Not that he wouldn't give her a run for her money of course. In the meantime, he still had plenty of time to kill. Perks of being an escort to the Rito chieftain was that he needn't attend the stupid thing and could peruse the town at his leisure.
Revali casted a gale below him and took to the skies. As he flew over the city, he wondered what pubs might serve a good drink or two.
Zelda paced the entirety of her room for what felt like the tenth time this day. Today was the royal summit, and her father had not given her the answer she wanted.
She eventually stopped in front of a desk mirror. She looked like a mess. Her eyes had heavy bags underneath them, and her hair was frazzled. Stress, the enemy of beauty. All because of her father. She hardly expected him to accept her proposal, but that did not mean she was okay with it.
The first Divine Beast of Prophecy has been discovered in Death Mountain, and yet he wants me here playing politics instead of helping secure Hyrule's future!
Well, to be fair, she just really wanted the opportunity to gaze upon the Divine Beast with her own eyes. Zelda had asked her father to allow her to travel to Death Mountain to assist in the preliminary analysis, which he promptly denied. Years of studying ancient tomes and scrolls on the Sheikah's past technological prowess made the princess interested with anything related to the technology responsible for sealing Calamity Ganon. When Zelda's father called for region wide excavations, it all but sealed her fate. Every shipment sent back to the castle containing ancient technology fueled her interest into an unhealthy obsession. Any bits of she could get her hands on would cause her to squeal with delight. And how could she forget the time the first Guardian was rolled out into the parade grounds? She nearly had a heart attack. But now. Now they actually found one of the Divine Beasts she merely dreamed of seeing? How could she not be impatient at being stuck in Central Hyrule. She should be out their, with tools in hand assisting the other excavation teams. Not waiting around in some stuffy dress awaiting to play the role of the silent princess.
Thankfully, Purah had sent her letters. Being the top researcher in all things ancient technology, the Sheikah was sent to every digsite to have discovered something new. Purah, knowing Zelda's interests, did promise to keep the princess appraised of everything she came across. Which so happened to include the situation at the Death Mountain digsite. It was only two weeks ago that the Gorons stumbled upon the Divine Beast when digging for richer minerals. Not only had they uncovered the technological monstrosity, but a cache of ancient Guardians, Scouts, and weapons along with it. All save the Divine Beast itself were being sent to Hyrule Castle for further study. Zelda had desperately wanted to assist in overseeing the operations, but had to be content with what was being sent her way. Though the denied request she gave her father still stung.
Hyrule now stands at the precipice and we must all be ready to do our part. That includes you, my daughter. You must attend as we address the rest of Hyrule. They must know what is to come in the following months. They must see that Hyrule is dedicated in stopping this Calamity. You know you are a key part in this. So I cannot have you traipsing off at the whims of your fantasies. Take responsibility and do not ask me such a foolish question again.
Din's Fury! Zelda knew fully of the Prophecy of Calamity Ganon! How it weighed heavy on her father's mind. And her role in saving Hyrule from destruction. But by the goddess, that did not mean she had to like it.
Zelda would do her part and be there for her her father. Perhaps once the summit concluded, she would ask him again.
"Your Highness. It's time." a voice came from the other side of the door.
"I'll be right out." Zelda said in response. She took one last look in the mirror. Well, if she was going to be stuck attending this summit, she might as well look the part. A quick application of make-up, a comb through the hair, a straightening of the dress, and Zelda was out the door.
As she closed the door behind her, Zelda was greeted with the sight of Impa waiting for her. The Sheikah was King Rhoam's Royal Adviser and personal guard, following the ancient tradition of the Sheikah tribe serving the royal family. Although these days, Zelda felt like Impa was more of her personal woman stood silently in the hall, her hands behind her back. She wore light plated armor, although most of it was covered with light blue cloth. Half of her breastplate was exposed, featuring the Sheikah symbol of the Eye of Truth. Plate braces and grieves covered her wrists and feet respectively. Her white hair, which a racial feature of every Sheikah, was tied back in a bun save for a single braid of hair which rested over her right eye. On her back sat a giant longsword. Rumor had it that that the weapon was crafted by a unknown Goron blacksmith of great renown. It was lead to believe that Impa beat the blacksmith in a arm wrestling match, and thus acquired the greatsword. Regardless of the tales, how the slim Sheikah wielded the slab of steel with the aptitude of a longsword, Zelda did not know.
"We're going to be late." Impa said.
Zelda shot the Sheikah a scowl. Impa merely shrugged at Zelda's scathing look.
"I don't need you to tell me that." Zelda said.
Impa merely raised an eyebrow at her. "I am merely stating for your benefit, princess. I'd rather not see your father scold you again."
Zelda pinched the bridge of her nose. "Don't remind me." The last time being when she was yelled at for working with Purah. Both had been underneath a Guardian, inspecting the inner workings underneath its chassis when her father found her there. The dressing down was quite embarrassing for Zelda and Purah both.
Zelda remembered his scathing words quite clearly. Stop chasing these silly little fantasies of yours, Zelda. You have a responsibility to this kingdom as its princess, and a key role in the prophecy. I'll not have you wasting your time!
"Shall we make our way to the audience chamber then?" Impa offered. Truly, her heart bled for the princess. The responsibility that rested on Zelda's shoulders was great. It did not help that her own father treated her less like a daughter, and more like a tool to be utilized. Impa gave a silent prayer to the goddess for good fortune for the princess in the coming days. For she did not see Zelda's relationship with her father surviving after everything was said and done.
Zelda nodded to Impa, and the two made for the audience chamber to await the summit.