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“Princess Mipha, I do not mean to impose…,” the distinctly snobbish Hylian voice— unfortunately—rises above the general gin of other conversations, “but if you could mention my proposal to his royal majesty—”
Mipha gently raises her hand to reassure the other. “I’ll bring it up with him if it crosses my mind. However, I’ve been quite busy with my responsibilities as a Champion lately and rarely get the pleasure to converse with my father. I’m sure you understand.”
“Yes… of course,” he gets out with a strained voice, “I’ll leave you to it.”
Mipha internally lets out an internal sigh of relief as the nuisance heads off in the direction of a lone Muzu perusing the buffet on display. She almost feels sorry for the chamberlain. Yet, she takes relief in the fact that he has battle-hardened experience in dealing with such trivial petitions from his service in the Zora Court. Well… at least she thinks it was a trivial request. After dozens of such requests, one begins to tune them all out. That’s not even mentioning how distracting the “fashion” choices of these nobles are. It’s hard to believe that a great evil is supposedly resurrecting soon when such garish trash is out for everyone to see. She sardonically notes to herself that a victorious Ganon would solve that problem.
With the space to finally breathe around her, Mipha glances around the other attendees at the gala. The gentle rhythm of band draws the Zora’s gaze to the dance floor where she spies the awe-striking scene of Link and Daruk partaking in a waltz together. The boisterous laughs of Daruk trying to gracefully move his hulking body and the ever-stoic face of Link still on display despite the situation are certainly a sight to behold. Tearing her gaze away—with great difficulty she would add—from the scene, the form of Zelda can be seen dutifully standing next to King Bosphoramus at the head table. A little to the left of the table, a frazzled Impa can be seen trying to corral the obviously drunk Purah and Robbie from causing too much chaos.
“Want to give a toast for our dearly beloved Impa?”
Mipha jumps a little in shock at the sudden appearance of Urbosa next to her; a drink in hand being offered to her.
“Want a drink little one? I know how draining the art of “diplomacy—” she says while giving air quotes with her free hand, “—can be. I must say that the late Queen and I found a little alcohol works wonders in making it bearable.”
“Thank you, but I must decline Urbosa. I have not even had a chance to grab a bite of food yet.” A quick glance at the buffet shows the Hylian noble has engaged Muzu in conversation. “Maybe later though…”
“You know where to find me if you change your mind,” Urbosa says before drowning the drink in one fell swoop.
As Mipha once again begins to scan the heads of everyone across the room, a look of befuddlement settles on her facial features. “Hey Urbosa, do you know where Revali has gone? I don’t see him anywhere… which is odd. One would think he would want to be the center of attention.”
“Well…,” the Gerudo tilts her head to the side in thought, “I saw him a few hours ago after the king gave his speech at the gala’s beginning. He was off by himself by that balcony overlooking the garden. I think I glimpsed him in my peripheries heading towards the door at some point during the night, but I’m not certain.” Urbosa ends off by giving a shrug.
“I think I’m going to head out for a few moments myself and recharge a little,” Mipha nods her head with certainty. “Hopefully by the time I return, I will have free reign to snag some food for myself.”
Giving the princess a figure salute, Urbosa says, “Understood. Don’t get too lost wandering the halls now! And by the way, my offering of a drink still stands. I hope you will take me up on it.” The chieftess begins to make her way in the direction of the dance floor.
“I’ll probably will with how things have been going. See you later,” Mipha calls after her.
Meandering through the throngs of people, Mipha makes her way towards the exit. Accidently bumping into another Hylian noble who exclaims, “Watch where you are—Oh!” Their voice instantly flipping to a more placatory tone. “Princess Mipha, I didn’t see you there. Would you want to stay for a—”
“Sorry, I’m a little occupied at the moment.” Sending a small smile their way before leaving them in the dust.
Reaching the safety of the empty hallway, Mipha lets out a sigh of relief. Dropping her posture and forced smile, she gives her aching limbs a much-needed stretch. A few moments pass as she lets out all of the tension in her body. Hearing the metallic clinks of approaching guards on patrol, she quickly gathers her composure once more. She begins to walk down the hallway just as the guards turn the corner ahead of her.
“Champion.” They acknowledge in unison as they pass her.
Continuing forward, Mipha begins to aimlessly wander the halls of the castle. Gazing at the the numerous statues and artwork of Hylian history; with a particular aging mural drawing her attention the most. While the depiction of the castle in the artwork’s foreground is definitely the focal point in the piece, she finds herself focused on the background of the picture.
Though the paint has begun to chip away in places, the unmistakable form of Vah Ruta can be seem proudly raising its trunk up into the sky. Almost rising high enough to touch the form of Vah Medoh; which seems as if it is protecting Vah Ruta in the shadow of its wings. “How did we ever forget that the Divine Beasts existed when it was in front of us this whole time?” The Zora quietly muses to herself.
Ruminating on that question as she continues her trek down the hall, she almost misses the open door to the side slightly ajar; the lit torches within drawing her attention. Glancing up and down the hallway, Mipha recalls nothing from her memories about what this room could be. She wants to shrug it off and head back towards the party, but she stops for a moment. Slightly biting her lip, she seems to be having some internal battle in her mind. Shifting back and forth on the fins of her feet, she makes a decision. Curiosity has won its parley with Etiquette as she peeks into the room.
Cautiously peering into the room, Mipha quietly steps further past the entryway once it is clear that no one is around to question her. The towering bookshelves act as canvases for the dancing shadows that emanate from the lit torches. Filled to the brim with scrolls and books, a brief thought of trepidation crosses the Champion’s mind of the possibility of the shelves collapsing under the sheer weight of all the written works.
The rustling of a scroll from deeper in the room causes her to pause. Someone else is in the room, though the shelves make it difficult to know where. Feeling completely out of her element, Mipha moves to retreat from the room as soon as possible. As she stealthily makes her way back to the entrance, a shrill squawk sounds through space. A scroll darts out from behind a bookcase unraveling itself. Quickly darting behind a pillar, Mipha hides herself just in time as the clacking of the other person rushing across the floor to catch the scroll hits her ears.
Wait…clacking? Mipha thinks to herself. Poking her head slightly out from behind the pillar, the Zora can hardly stop herself from blurting out, “Revali!?”
The Rito instantly diverts the gaze of his striking green eyes to the unexpected company; his beak opened in shock. For a brief moment, they stare at each other as an awkward silence descends over them. The scroll lightly bounces to a stop off a bookshelf.
Revali regains his composure first. Straightening his posture and fixing his scarf, he asks, “Princess Mipha, is my presence needed back at the gala or has the party ended already? I seem to have lost track of the time.”
“No…no. I just decided to explore some of the castle to take a little break from the gala,” Mipha explains.
Revali regards her with curiosity before turning away to pick up the scroll. As he rolls the parchment back up, he says, “I’m surprised you manage to get away so easily, you seemed to be swarmed as soon as the party began.”
With the parchment rerolled, the Rito moves back behind the bookshelf with Mipha following just behind. “I assure you it wasn’t an easy task; there are some quite persistent people in attendance, let me tell you. What’s your secret? I need to learn whatever wisdom you got in escaping nobles!” the Zora lets out with a light chuckle.
Revali gently sets down the scroll back in its place on the desk. Joining the numerous other scrolls and books scattered across the surface. The Rito turns back around, leaning against the desk and his arms crossed in front of him. “What do you mean wisdom? I just walked out of the room; no resistance to be found.”
“Surely someone tried to talk to you on your way out?” Mipha questions him with confusion.
“I doubt anyone has even noticed that I have left the room,” he scoffs out. Staring at the crown on Mipha’s head, he says, “And I hardly believe for a second that anyone would care if they did notice.”
Concern flashes in Mipha’s eyes, “Don’t say that! You’re one of the Champions of Hyrule, of course people would notice your lack of presence.”
“I may officially be a Champion, but socially speaking, I’m a nobody in this castle. Why would these nobles waste their time on somebody who they can’t profit from?” Revali glares at the stones on the floor. “I have no noble blood within me, I’m not the leader of my people, nor do I have any inherent power imbued within me. I’m just some bird on the periphery.” He moves around to the other side of the desk and takes a seat. “Well, no matter to me. I don’t want to converse with people who only see me as a way to advance their own standing in the court. Even the looming threat of Ganon won’t stop their foolishness it seems.”
“You are not a nobody. Even though I have only known you personally for a brief time, I can certainly say that you are probably the best archer that Hyrule has in its arsenal. The few times I have seen you in action has left me awed. Though I may be young by Zora standards, I have had decades to master my healing power and spear,” Mipha responds before gazing directly in Revali’s eyes. “You, by comparison, have achieved a mastery with the bow, and even created a new technique on top of that, in a fraction of the time. Though I may have royal blood flowing through me, I recognize the immense work you have put into your skills,” Mipha clutches her sash before finishing, “I would be honored if you would share some of that experience with me. While I can dominate the short-range with my spear, I must admit my archery skills are severely lacking.”
Revali is taken aback by the words of the Zora in front of him. He is having trouble finding the words to respond with. “Princess—”
Mipha cuts him off, “Drop the title. We are both Champions.” A sheepish look takes hold of her, “I didn’t mean to put you on the spot, but my offer to learn is genuine.”
The Rito clears his throat and gives a response, “Mipha, if you are willing, then I guess I can impart some of my skill with you.” He outstretches his wings from his seated position, “Who better to learn from but the best?”
Mipha gives one of her first genuine smiles of the night, “Who else indeed?”
As Revali begins to organize the written material on the desk, Mipha inquires, “What are you looking over anyway?”
An exasperated sigh escapes the Rito’s beak. “I’m trying to find anything that might help me form a deeper connection with Vah Medoh. Yet, I have found absolutely nothing of use in that regard. I tried historical records, ancient musical verses, journals, and even cooking recipes! Who titles their cookbook ‘Recipes to fly as high as Vah Medoh’!?”
“Would you like some help?” the Zora says with an amused expression. “Who knows what other ancient recipes we mig—”
“Princess Mipha! . . . . . . Princess Mipha!” The voice of Muzu can be heard calling through the halls.
A frown forms on Mipha’s face. “It seems my free-time has been used up.”
“So it seems.” Revali stands up and accompanies his fellow Champion to the door. Along the way he mentions, “Maybe you should go see Urbosa to help you survive the rest of the night. I saw her mixing up quite the concoction before I left the gala.”
“Are you sure you don’t want to come back with me Revali?” Mipha hopefully asks the Rito.
“I’ll be fine here.” Revali sends a small smile towards the Zora. “But I appreciate the offer.”
Just before Mipha crosses the threshold into the hallway, she sends one last gaze back towards the Champion’s eyes as she says, “Oh, and by the way Revali, you should know that, at the very least, I realized that you were no longer at the gala.”