Hyrule Castle is a fortified stronghold that shields the Royal Family against the threat of invasion. Since its construction, it has known many sieges and assaults upon its barricades. The Civil War had only recently subsided; yet Hyrule Castle stood as a bold testament to the victory of the Royal Family and its loyalists against the rebels.
However, Hyrule Castle's purpose is not confined to defence. Within its walls is an opulent residence; a secluded sanctuary of splendour. A hundred rooms adorned with silver, gold, and platinum, overseen by dozens of devoted staff that ensure its exquisite service and spotlessness.
Impa is the newest of these fortunate attendants. She was hired a few months ago to tend to day-to-day chores under the command of the Chamberlain; a stern and uptight gentleman whose duty was to oversee all domestic affairs. Since her arrival, Impa had not felt particularly welcomed by him. Then again, what was to be expected, considering her heritage?
Impa is a member of the Sheikah tribe; a tribe known for its elusiveness and mystery that often bears more distrust than curiosity. She was born and raised in Kakariko Village at the base of Death Mountain. As soon as she came of age, her tribe's elders determined that her abilities would be best suited to Royal Attendant, and thus assigned her the role in Hyrule Castle. She packed her belongings and was delivered to the Royal Court for service. Since then, she remained within the confines of the Castle walls; unpermitted to stray beyond the grounds and unable to meet with her family in Kakariko.
She never asked for this. This was a responsibility that was placed upon her against her will by those who believed they knew best. It is the highest honour to serve the Royal Family, they would remind her. It is the best place for you.
Screw that. She loathed her every waking moment from her sunrise breakfast service to her feather-dusting at dusk. She detested the authority of the Chamberlain and the exclusiveness of the staff. Her loneliness left her longing to return home to that little village on the mountainside. But she was forbidden.
Impa retires to her assigned accommodation in the servants' quarters in the basement. She shares a chamber with the head cook, Marjory; a large loud-mouthed lady who commands the kitchen staff. She would order Impa back and forth from the kitchen to the pantry to fetch ingredients without thanks. Tonight, she is a shapeless lump snoring beneath her duvet. Impa creeps cautiously into the dorm so as not to disturb the dragon and crawls into bed. Like every night, she stares thoughtlessly at the ceiling, counting the cobwebs until she falls asleep. Suddenly, her ritual is disrupted by an abrupt banging on the door.
Marjory jerks awake and furiously rips off her duvet. "Who in the bloody hell could that be at this hour?"
The cook dons her dressing gown and storms across the floorboards in her slippers. She opens the door to be greeted by the Chamberlain.
"Oh! Mr Chamberlain, Sir!" she switches effortlessly to her respectful manners to address her superior. "I'm sorry that you have to see me like this!"
"Your attire is of no concern to me, Ms Marjory." The Chamberlain responds in his drab, characterless voice. "I must speak with your roommate."
Impa closes her eyes and prays for divine intervention before climbing out of her bed. She slides into her slippers and stands in the doorway. "How may I be of service, Mr Chamberlain?"
"Come with me." he orders.
Marjory steps aside to allow Impa to pass. Her penetrating gaze pleads to know more; alas, the Chamberlain escorts the young attendant along the corridor and out of earshot.
