Sheikah - The fate of us: Part II

Chapter 1: About chickens, carrots and golden days

POV Paya

Consciousness slowly creeps into my body, pushing away the remnants of sleep. I quickly open my eyes, and by the light filtering through the hallway, I realize that the sun must have just risen. A smile plays on my lips as I stretch, feeling content.

Today is going to be a good day.

They all are.

I leap out of bed, not wanting to waste another second lounging around. I shake my head to dispel the last traces of drowsiness, and before changing out of my pajamas and getting dressed for the day, I sit down at the desk beside my bed. My journal lies open on it, exactly as I left it the night before. I pick up the quill resting nearby, dip it in ink, and begin recording this morning's entry.

I had a good night's sleep today, without any particularly memorable dreams. I feel full of energy and ready for another day as the leader of the Sheikah.

Since Zelda and Link vanquished Ganondorf a few weeks ago, life in the village has become much lighter. We're still working on clearing the collapsed ruins and rebuilding what was destroyed — but the simple fact that there's no longer any imminent danger or prophecies to fulfill has made everyone much more relaxed. Even with the two heroes absent — finally setting off on their well-deserved honeymoon, which had to be postponed after all the chaos and the princess's disappearance — we feel very safe now.

Well, I do, at least.

Grandma still has some reservations about the kingdom's safety, given that the Yiga remain active — though no more than usual. But that doesn't worry me. We Sheikah are highly trained in combat techniques. And Link has also done an excellent job over the past few years, teaching any Hylian interested in learning about self-defense.

I don't blame Grandma for her fears, though... given her history with the Yiga. Being deceived by the person she thought was the love of her life... and while pregnant, no less... and then losing her daughter to the same tribe... I can't even begin to imagine the pain she must have endured.

But that's all in the past... There's no sense in all this distress now. And I'm the leader of the Sheikah now, not her. By her own decision, no less. When she came to me almost a year ago and said I was already an adult and could therefore take on the role, I spent many weeks questioning whether I was ready or not. However, shortly after, the whole chaos with Ganondorf's return, Zelda's disappearance, and the collapse of the floating islands' ruins ensued... and there was simply no time left for doubts. And amidst all that turmoil, I found myself as a leader and discovered that I enjoyed the role.

The people seemed to accept me, and together, we managed to work very well during that period. Unlike Grandma, who always stayed in her home with her vast wisdom, helping those who came to her, I chose a different approach. The fall of the ruins onto the village seemed to require a more active and present stance — so, since then, I've made it a point to go down to the village and interact with the residents every day.

It's a great pleasure to strengthen my relationship with them. I hope they are as satisfied with my leadership as I am happy to lead them.

I stare at the journal for a few more seconds, wondering if there's anything else I want to add. However, with nothing more to say, I simply get up and start my morning routine.

Although I've grown quite fond of my recent role as the Sheikah leader, I still haven't learned to appreciate the uniform that comes with it. The many layers of fabric, the tight, floor-length skirt — terrible for walking — and the enormous hat are all so cumbersome. When I asked Grandma about possibly changing the attire to something more modern and agile, she got irritated and emphasized the "importance of preserving traditions."