Before the Wild

Forming Two Legends

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.

Rhoam shut his journal, placed it aside and looked up to the updated picture of the Royal Family. Him, with little Zelda sitting on his lap, Queen Tetra standing tall behind him. He quickly looked away, preventing himself from releasing the tears he had stored up and held back all day. If his daughter, young and innocent as she was, could do it, he could as well.

"Sire?" Rhoam turned around to see Impa standing behind the slightly ajar door.

"What is it?"

"The Princess wishes to be with you, if it is alright?"

"Shouldn't she be training, Impa?"

"Not for her sake, Your Majesty. For yours."

Rhoam nodded. "Yes let her come." Impa nodded and stepped back, allowing six year old Zelda Hyrule to enter her father's study. Wearing a pink and white dress with a matching headdress, the young princess walked into her father's study, observing the many books and pictures on the shelves and walls. For her, it was a rarity she was granted an audience here with her father, her mother having her study in the western wing of the castle, close to the residential rooms of the family. That study was to be Rhoam's as well once his father had passed, but in mourning, he found this part of the library as a great place of solitude. He made it his study after he was given the crown.

Rhoam watched as little Zelda scanned the many notes the king has made about the ancient technology over the years. Her interest in the ancient technology has spiked ever since the first Divine Beast was finally excavated two months ago. It was the lizard beast, and based on research by Purah, was the protector of the Gorons. In that, the tribe of Death Mountain were first in the selection process for a Champion. It was named Vah Rudania.

Between the first signs of Rudania seven months ago and his release from his rocky prison, two more Divine Beasts had been located. One to the northeast, close to the avian Rito tribe, and another by the amphibious Zora tribe to the south of Death Mountain. Everything was progressing so quickly, worrying King Rhoam to no end. He didn't know if it meant the Calamity was coming sooner than later, but his knights have been vigilant. So far, Hyrule was as normal as ever. No report strange sightings, anything out of the ordinary... Just a lingering calm before an unseen storm.

Zelda's presence here instead of training was just another worry. She had began a month ago, the day after her birthday under Tetra's tutelage, but after the queen became ill, Impa took over, and will do so until Zelda has unlocked it. Rhoam hope it is soon. It'll take time, but if it can happen before Zelda is a teenager, all is well. As for the swordsman, Rhoam and Impa came to the conclusion that he is close to the same age as the princess, and it is best-until the signs of Calamity's return come-that they wait until Zelda and the Champions are ready before such a search happens. If the swordsman shows beforehand, he'll have to show with the blade that seals the darkness, and the Sheikah have located it.

The Lost Woods to the north of the castle. Whoever is brave enough to venture in and retrieve the sword will be declared the Hylian Champion. But that'll be saved for another day.