diary;

[sealedsun]

𝓅𝒶𝑔𝑒 𝑜𝓃𝑒

After meeting with the Champions, I left to research the ancient technology, but nothing of note came of my research.

The return of Ganon looms—a dark force taunting us from afar. I must learn all I can about the relics so we can stop him.

If the fortune-teller's prophecy is to be believed, there isn't much time left...

Ah, but turning over these thoughts in my head puts me ill at ease. I suppose I should turn in for the night.

P.S. Tomorrow my father is assigning HIM as my appointed knight...

𝓅𝒶𝑔𝑒 𝓉𝓌𝑜

I set out for Goron City today to make some adjustments to Divine Beast Vah Rudania.

I still recall feeling his eyes on me as I walked ahead. The feeling stayed with me so long, I grew anxious and weary.

It is the same feeling I've felt before in his company... And still, not a word passes his lips.

I never know what he's thinking! It makes my imagination run wild, guessing at what he is thinking but will not say.

What does the boy chosen by the sword that seals the darkness think of me? Will I ever truly know?

Then, I suppose it's simple. A daughter of Hyrule's royal family yet unable to use sealing magic... He must despise me.

𝓅𝒶𝑔𝑒 𝓉𝒽𝓇𝑒𝑒

I said something awful to him today...

My research was going nowhere. I was feeling depressed, and I had told him repeatedly not to accompany me.

But he did anyway, as he always does, and so I yelled at him without restraint.

He seemed confused by my anger. I feel terribly guilty...and that guilt only makes me more agitated than I was before.

𝓅𝒶𝑔𝑒 𝒻𝑜𝓊𝓇

I am unsure how to put today's events into words. Words so often evade me lately, and now more than ever.

He saved me. Without a thought for his own life, he protected me from the ruthless blades of the Yiga Clan.

Though I've been cold to him all this time...taking my selfish and childish anger out on him at every turn...

Still, he was there for me. I won't ever forget that. Tomorrow, I shall apologize for all that has transpired between us.

And then...I will try talking to him. To Link. It's worth a shot.

𝓅𝒶𝑔𝑒 𝒻𝒾𝓋𝑒

Bit by bit, I've gotten Link to open up to me. It turns out he's quite a glutton. He can't resist a delicious meal!

When I finally got around to asking why he's so quiet all the time, I could tell it was difficult for him to say. But he did.

With so much at stake, and so many eyes upon him, he feels it necessary to stay strong and to silently bear any burden.

A feeling I know all too well... For him, it has caused him to stop outwardly expressing his thoughts and feelings.

I always believed him to be simply a gifted person who had never faced a day of hardship. How wrong I was...

Everyone has struggles that go unseen by the world... I was so absorbed with my own problems, I failed to see his.

I wish to talk with him more and to see what lies beneath those calm waters, to hear him speak freely and openly...

And perhaps I, too, will be able to bare my soul to him and share the demons that have plagued me all these years.

𝓅𝒶𝑔𝑒 𝓈𝒾𝓍

Father scolded me again today. He told me I am to have nothing more to do with researching ancient technology.

He insisted that I focus instead on training that will help me awaken my sealing magic.

I was so frustrated and ashamed I could not even speak. I've been training since I was a child, and yet...

Mother passed the year before my training was to begin. In losing her, I lost not just a mother, but a teacher.

Mother used to smile and tell me, "Zelda, my love, all will be well in the end. You can do anything."

But she was wrong. No matter how I try or how much time passes...the sealing power that is my birthright evades me.

Tomorrow I journey with Link to the Spring of Power to train. But this, too, will end in failure. Such is my curse.

𝓅𝒶𝑔𝑒 𝓈𝑒𝓋𝑒𝓃

I had a dream last night... In a place consumed by darkness, a lone woman gazed at me, haloed by blinding light.

I sensed she was...not of this world. I don't know if she was a fairy or a goddess, but she was beautiful.

Her lips spoke urgently, but her voice did not reach me. Would I have heard her if my power was awoken?

Or was my dream simply a manifestation of my fears? I am sure I will know the answer soon, whether I wish to or not...

𝓅𝒶𝑔𝑒 𝑒𝒾𝑔𝒽𝓉

I turned 17 today. That means this is the day I will finally be allowed to train at the Spring of Wisdom.

When Link arrives, we will set out for Mount Lanayru. The other Champions will accompany us there.

I have not seen my father since he last scolded me. Things are too strained now... I will meet with him when I return.

...

Actually...I've had a horrible feeling ever since that weird dream. No one would believe a failure of a princess, but...

Right now, for no particular reason, I am filled with a strange and terrible certainty that something awful is about to happen.

Comments

research notes;

[sealedsun]

𝓅𝒶𝑔𝑒 𝑜𝓃𝑒

Today I met with Impa of the Sheikah tribe and began my research into the ancient technology in earnest.

Impa introduced me to Purah and Robbie, other respected members of her tribe.

Tomorrow I embark on an excavation with them.

We hope to find ancient tech with which to operate the Guidance Stones.

𝓅𝒶𝑔𝑒 𝓉𝓌𝑜

Today we uncovered some ancient technology that we believe may have the power to control the Guidance Stone.

It is a rectangular object, small enough to be held in my two hands. Sheikah text is featured prominently on it.

It is made of an unknown material, but we believe it is the same as the shrines scattered across each region.

Impa proposed that I hold on to it for now. I hope that it leads to some new developments in our research.

𝓅𝒶𝑔𝑒 𝓉𝒽𝓇𝑒𝑒

The stone relic we discovered has been named. We are calling it the Sheikah Slate.

We have not found any mention of a name for this object in the records we have unearthed so far...

Nevertheless, Purah insisted we call it the Sheikah Slate, as the relic is a slate made by the Sheikah tribe.

Feels a bit on the nose to me, but it was not a fight I thought I could win.

𝓅𝒶𝑔𝑒 𝒻𝑜𝓊𝓇

We did it. We were finally able to restore some functionality to the Sheikah Slate.

We have discovered that this stone slate is capable of producing...images. Perfect likenesses of the things you point it at.

Unlike normal pictures drawn by hand, this requires no artist to capture anything in perfect detail.

I deeply admire the accomplishments of Sheikah technology. Still...I know there is more to learn. There must be.

We believe the Sheikah Slate may have a function that will allow it to control the Guidance Stone.

We must continue our research, and quickly.

𝓅𝒶𝑔𝑒 𝒻𝒾𝓋𝑒

We have started training the Champions who will pilot the Divine Beasts.

It may sound rude that I found this unexpected, but Mipha mastered the controls with surprising ease.

Daruk struggled at first but eventually got the hang of it. Urbosa and Revali both managed just fine as well.

I can finally see the light of hope in our fight against the rising Calamity.

𝓅𝒶𝑔𝑒 𝓈𝒾𝓍

Robbie has restored mobility to many of the Guardians we've excavated.

...But we have still yet to find all of the Guardians. Records mention a greater number of them—and even other types.

They are said to be stored in five giant columns that rest beneath Hyrule Castle. The thing is...

No matter how I search beneath the castle, I can't seem to locate these columns. They must be buried deep.

Were they perhaps designed to sense the appearance of Calamity Ganon and to only activate upon his return?

𝓅𝒶𝑔𝑒 𝓈𝑒𝓋𝑒𝓃

Countless ancient structures are being discovered across Hyrule...but all attempts to enter them have failed.

Records indicate that these are facilities designed to train the hero who is fated to combat the Calamity.

But the crucial activation mechanism remains a mystery. Is the Sheikah Slate the key to activating them?

That is Purah's theory, and I concur. And yet, my experiments so far have been fruitless.

Still, we must exhaustively investigate all means of opposing the Calamity. We must not give up, no matter what!

𝓅𝒶𝑔𝑒 𝑒𝒾𝑔𝒽𝓉

I spoke with Purah about the Shrine of Resurrection we discovered earlier.

As we speculated, this particular shrine is, in fact, a medical facility with the power to heal.

It also has a long-term stasis function that can be activated and maintained until healing is complete.

In the war against the Calamity 10,000 years ago...were the injuries so great as to necessitate such a facility?

If so, I will remain uneasy until we have made all adjustments necessary to restore it to full working order.

I can only pray that even if Calamity Ganon returns, our battle will not require the Shrine of Resurrection's power...

rhoam's journal

[sealedsun]

𝓅𝒶𝑔𝑒 𝑜𝓃𝑒

Today, as the sun rose and a new day was born, my daughter, too, joined this sweet world.

In keeping with the traditions of the royal family, I have decided to name her...Zelda.

I am not a man accustomed to frivolous musings, but now seems as good a time as any to begin my royal memorandum.

𝓅𝒶𝑔𝑒 𝓉𝓌𝑜

Reports keep arriving regarding the excavation of relics. The fortune teller's predictions seem to be coming true.

Calamity Ganon was not a figure of fable, or even a legend. He actually existed in our great land of Hyrule.

We must investigate all the relics, learn as much as we can. But understanding the Divine Beasts alone will take time...

Zelda's eyes lit up like a wildfire when I told her about the relics... I must admit, she has a knack for research.

𝓅𝒶𝑔𝑒 𝓉𝒽𝓇𝑒𝑒

My queen has left this world. Her death was so sudden and unexpected, I awaken most nights unsure if she is really gone.

Zelda never cried, never faltered. Not even during the royal funeral or later when she and I were alone with our grief.

I must assume her strength is a result of us repeatedly informing her of her duty to be a valiant and steady princess.

For a child of merely six years of age, her conduct was truly that of a born leader. Her strength gives me hope.

From now on, I must raise her all alone... Now, only I remain to prepare her for her difficult future as princess of Hyrule.

𝓅𝒶𝑔𝑒 𝒻𝑜𝓊𝓇

Zelda finally reported back after her visit to the fountain. It seems her sacred sealing power has still yet to awaken.

It has been a year and three months since her mother passed. Perhaps she is held back by heartache too deep to heal.

If the Ganon prophecy wasn't looming over our heads, I would tell her to take her time... To wait until she is ready.

But our situation is dire and leaves no room for weakness—even on behalf of my beloved daughter.

My heart breaks for Zelda, but I must act as a king, not a father. I must order her to train relentlessly at the fountain.

𝓅𝒶𝑔𝑒 𝒻𝒾𝓋𝑒

I was told Zelda went off to research ancient technology, so I had no choice but to confront her about it.

She claims she was simply using her day off from training to indulge in a bit of research, but still I scolded her.

She won't get it through her head... Forcing me to tell her the same thing I have been repeating ad nauseam.

The reason her sacred powers still won't awaken is because she's spending all her efforts playing at being a scholar!

𝓅𝒶𝑔𝑒 𝓈𝒾𝓍

In truth, I understand Zelda's feelings. Painfully so. She lost her mother, her teacher, before she could learn from her.

Ten pointless years of self-training, without so much as a book or note to help her find her way...

Those in the castle talk behind her back. And I, her only family, scold her for her shortcomings.

No wonder she wishes to hide away in her beloved relic research. I'd love nothing more than to console her...

But I must stay strong. She MUST fulfill her duty, just as we all must. Even if she comes to despise me.

𝓅𝒶𝑔𝑒 𝓈𝑒𝓋𝑒𝓃

I have been told my Zelda went to the Spring of Wisdom...

This will likely be her last chance. If she is unable to awaken her power at Lanayru, all hope is truly lost.

If she comes back without success, then I shall speak kindly with her. Scolding is pointless now.

I forced 10 years of training on her... and after all that, it seems her power will stubbornly awaken some other way.

Perhaps I should encourage her to keep researching her beloved relics. They may just lead her to answers I can't provide.

For now, I sit anxiously, more a father than a king in this moment. I sit and await my daughter's return.

urbosa's diary

[sealedsun]

𝓅𝒶𝑔𝑒 𝑜𝓃𝑒

My dear friend from afar came to visit Gerudo Town today. It is always a pleasure to see the queen of Hyrule.

She described her reason for coming as urgent. She wished for me to meet her newborn child.

Her sweet daughter's name is Zelda. She has her mother's smile. I cannot help but cherish her already.

I told her that Zelda is sure to grow up into a dignified and beautiful queen, just like her mother.

My friend thanked me, but said that looks are fleeting, and instead she wishes for Zelda to be blessed with true happiness.

The way she gazes upon her daughter... her little bird, as she calls her...I have never seen such unconditional love.

𝓅𝒶𝑔𝑒 𝓉𝓌𝑜

It has been a long while since we laid my dear friend, the queen, to rest. I only now have the will to write again.

It was so sudden, I still can't believe she is gone.

All of my sweet memories of her keep running through my mind. Even now, I can hardly keep the tears at bay.

Young Zelda kept her head held high as she said her final good-bye to her mother at the funeral.

She carried herself as a true princess, but I can sense the deep grief she is hiding within. I worry for her...

𝓅𝒶𝑔𝑒 𝓉𝒽𝓇𝑒𝑒

I made a voyage to visit Hyrule. After speaking with the king, I saw Zelda for the first time in a year.

In truth, it was my concern for her that brought me there.

The king allowed me to keep her company as she went to the spring for her training.

There, Zelda prayed and prayed in the spring's icy waters until the sun set.

I told her many times to stop, but she wouldn't listen. I eventually had to drag her out of the water.

Zelda gazed at me for the longest time with heartbreaking vulnerability.

Eventually, in a tiny voice, she told me of the pressure and panic she feels at not being able to fulfill her sacred duty.

She whispered over and over, "Why can I not do as the royal daughters of the past have done? What is wrong with me?"

All I could do was hold her close and listen... I pray that it is enough.

𝓅𝒶𝑔𝑒 𝒻𝑜𝓊𝓇

Emissaries from Hyrule came to see me today. They informed me that I have been chosen to pilot the Divine Beast.

My people are uneasy about it. They tell me such a dangerous task is not fitting for the chief. I understand their fear.

However, I intend to accept this task.

Calamity Ganon's resurrection does not only threaten Hyrule, but the whole world. I refuse to sit idly by.

Ganon is also closely associated with the Gerudo...an association I deeply resent.

I believe Zelda will be here soon to receive my official answer. I am excited to see her, as always.

𝓅𝒶𝑔𝑒 𝒻𝒾𝓋𝑒

I attended the inauguration ceremony alongside the other Champions whom I share a fate with.

Zelda, Revali, Mipha, and Link are so young. They are Hyrule's future. Daruk and I hope to help them see that future.

However, one thing did trouble me. Zelda was...uncharacteristically cold toward Link. I can imagine why.

I hear Link has been assigned as Zelda's guardian knight. I hope they find a way to get along.

𝓅𝒶𝑔𝑒 𝓈𝒾𝓍

Link requested to meet with me today.

He tells me Zelda exploited our law that restricts men from entering town to slip away from him.

I told him of a trick that would allow him entrance, and he was able to get in. By then, however, Zelda was long gone.

I promised to let him know if I saw her, so he reluctantly returned home.

In a similar yet distinct way, Link seems to have trouble expressing himself.

Perhaps the two can help each other... That is, if she ever gives him the chance.

𝓅𝒶𝑔𝑒 𝓈𝑒𝓋𝑒𝓃

Today I accompanied Zelda as she went to research Naboris. When the sun set, the poor, exhausted girl drifted to sleep.

I sent word to Link, who showed up at Naboris faster than I expected.

Although it is none of my business, I felt the least I could do to bridge their gap was to share some things about Zelda.

The rest is up to them.

𝓅𝒶𝑔𝑒 𝑒𝒾𝑔𝒽𝓉

I am so happy to say that Zelda smiles much more often lately. It seems she and Link have finally learned to get along.

I hope this will have a positive effect on her training. However...I am concerned we may be running out of time.

Whenever I hear of monster attacks or other unusual events plaguing the kingdom, my concern grows.

All I can do is pray that Zelda...my little bird...has enough time.

I do not pray to the goddesses, but to her mother. My dearest friend... How I miss her.

revali's diary (the rito legend)

[sealedsun]

𝓅𝒶𝑔𝑒 𝒻𝑜𝓊𝓇

Hyrule's princess stopped dawdling and asked me to pilot the Divine Beast. I asked what our plan is.

I wish I hadn't. It is completely absurd.

The Divine Beasts are little more than backup for some Hylian knight who has the honor of fighting Calamity Ganon.

ME! A Sidekick! I thought of declining, but then she looked me dead in the eye and held my gaze as she said...

"We must protect the precious life of this land from the Calamity's grasp at all costs. Hyrule needs you, Revali."

It was so corny, I almost died. But I won't soon forget the look in her eyes. She meant it with all of her heart.

I thought Hylians only thought of themselves, but I suppose there's an exception to every rule.

I'm going to accept, of course. But out of self-respect, I'm going to let her sweat it out a bit longer.

𝓅𝒶𝑔𝑒 𝑒𝒾𝑔𝒽𝓉

Daruk informed me that we have been asked to escort the princess to Lanayru.

We're to see the princess off at dawn at the mountain's base and meet her there when she returns at sunset.

Must I participate in this nonsense? Though...I still remember that look on the princess's face.

When she asked me to pilot the Divine Beast, she was not only determined...she seemed desperate.

She's aware she can't fulfill her sacred duties, and anyone can see how it weighs on her.

It's difficult for me to comprehend the troubles of the talentless, but...I'm trying.

It's not that I dislike the princess. She tries her hardest. It's simply not good enough.

No, I don't think I can spare the time to send her off in the morning, but perhaps I will fly over to greet her at sunset.

Perhaps that alleged "sealing power" will show her some mercy and finally awaken this time.