Grace for the Appointed Knight

An Unarmed Chariot

Chapter 2 – The Unarmed Carriage

She rose up to the sound of the waterfall rushing gently in the distance, awoken from a dream about her childhood for the first time in years. Ancient memories began to flood her mind as she stood up from her bed to walk over to her dresser. There was a tall white mirror above it, and it reflected morning light into the stillness of her room. A groggy hand came across her face as she began to put on her traditional day garments, and started by placing her Zora Sapphire around her neck. Though her mind was still spinning from her dream, she knew she had to stay focused.

A long sigh escaped her chest. The mirror in front of her told no lies. Doubt and humility would not allow her to see it, but her beauty was always elegantly displayed before her. The majesty of her complexion that had been passed down for countless generations was beveled gracefully upon her frame.

Just then, she heard a knock on her door, and she began to put on the rest of her clothes as she walked towards it.

"Just a moment," she said.

It was typical for her to be alert in the morning, but for some reason on this day, she was restless. After finishing her morning routine, she took one last look in the mirror before heading toward the door. She pulled it open and peered around the corner to see Sidon waiting patiently with a toy spear in his hand. Glee filled her heart as she took him by the hand and walked with him down a massive lined corridor.

There was a lot for her to do today, starting with sending Sidon off about his day. Her thoughts, however, quickly turned back to the dream she had the night before. The more she continued to let her mind wander, the more she became unaware of her surroundings. Onward she walked through the long corridor leading to the King's quarters, and as they made their way, a guard by the name of Tottika noticed her and stood to attention.

He was a soldier who typically stood watch over the northern keep, and like many other Zora at the Domain, he had a pitch-black haze above his white underbelly. A lot of the Zora of this era had red, blue, or even green skin tones, but there were many who were born with a high pigmentation count - which in turn gave them their black overtone. He was still somewhat young - the equivalent of about 16 years old - but he stood tall with broad shoulders and had a confident gaze.

"Good evening my lady," he said. "It is well to see you up so early."

He cut himself off in shock as Mipha blindly walked past him, without saying hello. Sidon was still following alongside and Tottika followed after them with urgency. It was quite unlike her to be so unaware, and young children were strictly prohibited from the King's quarters.

"M-majesty, I am afraid the child cannot go inside your father's room,"

Mipha snapped back to reality as she looked down to see Sidon tightly in her grip with a slightly confused look in his face.

Tottika paused and looked at her with concern. "Is everything alright?"

Mipha shook off her delirium and quickly re-engaged her focus. "Forgive me, Tottika" her eyes glanced to the side. "My current involvement can get the best of me." She looked at him with humility.

There was a short pause. He looked at Mipha with regained concern. His gaze faded. "My lady - you do recall the King wishes to meet with yourself and the council later this afternoon - right?"

Mipha froze and stopped her breath short.

"It's quite alright," Tottika said. "I am sure your father will be ready for you at your convenience. I will be here if you need anything."

Mipha bowed gently toward Tottika. "Thank you."

He unveiled the seal covering the entrances to Dorephan's room and stood to attention as Mipha walked up the massive stairs leading up to the top floor. Once she arrived at the doorway, she noticed that the water fountains he usually kept on were turned off. Dorephan's room was this rather lavish and elegant display of lights and water, and the controls for these displays were right next to his throne.