Chapter Text
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."
"But I can barely move in these clothes! What if I need to fight?" I asked her, frustrated.
"As a leader, your chances of being on the front lines are very slim, Paya. Your role here is to manage the village and advise those who seek your help, not to engage in battle."
With that, she ended the discussion. And although she was right about the need for me to join the battalions — even during Ganondorf’s attack, my duties were mostly administrative — I wish I had more freedom in decision-making. The Sheikah blood that runs through my veins yearns for agility, for movement, for adrenaline. Well, I’m the leader now. Maybe I’ll just decide to change the uniform. What could she do about it?
The mere thought makes my heart race slightly, and I feel a chill run through my body for a few seconds.
Yeah, maybe not today.
I finish dressing and clumsily make my way downstairs. When I reach the ground floor, I find Grandma sitting in her usual spot — on the elevated platform in the room — sipping a cup of tea.
"Good morning, Paya," she says, smiling.
"Good morning, Grandma," I reply, giving a slight nod of respect. "How are you today?"
"Excellent, thank you. And you, dear? What are your plans for the day?"
Grandma Impa is very interested in how I’m leading the village; she generally doesn’t express her opinions much, but she seems to approve of my approach in this role.
"Oh, the usual," I respond. "First, I’ll do my morning rounds to check if everything’s alright in the village. Then I’ll speak with the volunteers about the progress of clearing the ruins… I wish I could help them too, Grandma. I’m strong; I’d be a useful addition to getting it done quickly…"
"We’re not in a hurry, Paya," Grandma dismisses my suggestion. "There are no more threats lurking in the kingdom, so soon all these little issues will be resolved, and the people will simply return to their normal, monotonous routines. Let them enjoy the change for a bit."
I nod, frustrated.
"Okay… you’re right," I say, grabbing an apple to eat as I head toward the door. "I’ll be back before lunch."
The fresh morning air hits me as soon as I step outside, the petrichor smell indicating that it rained not long ago. Some people are already up and starting their day, so the village is beginning to come alive. The beauty of the place where I live, surrounded by mountains and waterfalls, quickly washes away the slight discomfort that arose after my conversation with Grandma.
I descend the stairs happily, eager to talk to the villagers.
"Good morning, Dorian!" I greet the guard at the foot of the stairs.
"Good morning, Chief Paya," Dorian replies, serious and focused as always.
"Where’s Cado? Is he alright?" I look for the other guard, who usually stands watch with Dorian.
"Some of his chickens escaped again," Dorian says, and behind his stoic expression, I can tell he’s slightly irritated. "Since it’s a quiet day, he asked me to cover his shift so he could go find them."
"Poor thing! I know how much he loves them… it must be so frustrating that they keep running away."
"They must’ve learned it from his ex-wife," Dorian mutters under his breath, probably thinking I wouldn’t hear him.
"Dorian! That’s not a nice thing to say," I scold him, and he blushes slightly. "When Cado returns, please tell him to find me if he needs help rounding them up."
I continue my walk, following my usual route around the village counterclockwise. I pass through the agricultural fields, where the carrots and pumpkins are growing beautifully. The orange of the fruits combined with the pink of the plum trees creates a lovely contrast against the village’s greenery, and my eyes even water a bit at such beauty.
I chat with the villagers, asking about their lives, duties, and any difficulties they might be facing. I mentally note the complaints and requests some of them have, so I can address them as soon as possible.
I move on, and as I approach the fork leading to the western hill, I notice the researcher Tauro arriving at the village. Although I’m used to his usual choice of attire — or lack thereof, considering he’s always shirtless and only wears a vest — I feel my cheeks heat up slightly at the sight of him.
"Good morning, Miss Paya," Tauro greets me politely, giving a slight bow. "A beautiful day, isn’t it?"
"Good morning, Mister Tauro," I reply, shyly nodding in agreement with his statement. "I didn’t know you were around."
"Yes, yes. Purah asked me to come here and collect some soil from around the chasm that opened on the western hill. Now that there’s no more gloom escaping from the fissure, we can get closer and gather materials for study," Tauro explains.
Gloom was the name we gave to the toxic smoke that plagued the kingdom a few months ago. Anyone who came into contact with it would immediately lose vitality and become bedridden. There were even some fatalities. However, after Ganondorf’s fall, it disappeared entirely.
"I see," I respond. "Well, you already know this, but I’ll remind you: if you need any assistance, don’t hesitate to seek me out. I’m here to help! I hope you enjoy your stay here in the village."
"Thank you, Miss Paya," he says, flashing one of his broad smiles. My heart skips a beat, and I frown, puzzled by the reaction. He waves and walks away, heading towards the hill.
I shake my head and take a deep breath before continuing my walk. Reaching the last stretch of my route, I begin the descent back to my house. However, instead of completing the round as usual, I decide to stop by Enchanted, the clothing and armor shop located in this part of the village.
I enter the shop hesitantly and greet Claree, the young attendant. We exchange some pleasantries while I gather the courage to bring up the topic that led me here.
"Claree, you and your grandmother made this outfit I’m wearing, didn’t you?"
"Yes, Miss Paya. Nanna — my grandmother — and I worked hard on this outfit. It was especially challenging since we didn’t have your measurements, as Chief Impa requested secrecy during its making."
Mortified for having caused such trouble, I immediately apologize.
"I’m so sorry, Claree… If I’d known, I would’ve come here right away."
She dismisses my apology with a wave of her hand.
"So, how can I help you today, Miss Paya?"
"Well…"
Then, even more embarrassed about complaining about an outfit that apparently took so much effort to create, I stammer my request.
"It’s just that… well… this outfit is wonderful," I say diplomatically. "But very… restrictive. I was wondering if, perhaps, it might be possible to… create an alternative that allows for more… agility."
Claree seems slightly annoyed by the request but nods reluctantly in agreement.
"Of course, Miss Paya. Do you have something specific in mind?"
I glance to the left, where the stealth Sheikah uniform pieces are displayed. A flash of memory of Link wearing the same outfit, so snug against his lean muscles, crosses my mind, and I shake my head to dispel the thought.
He’s a married man now, Paya, control yourself, I think, annoyed with myself.
I go back to examining the clothes. This set is made of a special fabric that reduces noise and seems very light and durable.
"Would it be possible to create something similar?" I ask. "But in the colors of my current uniform… and perhaps more… feminine?"
Claree furrows her brow, puzzled by the request, then shrugs as if she doesn’t really mind.
"Sure. Can I take your measurements this time?"
I nod, feeling myself blush again.
"One last favor… please don’t mention this request to anyone, alright? Not even to… my grandmother, Impa. Please," I ask, a bit desperate.
. . .
I toss and turn in bed, restless. Is it early enough yet? The hallway is still dark, but not too much. I believe the sun should rise soon.
Anxious, I get up and slip a robe over my pajamas. It’s been a few days since I ordered the new uniform from Claree. When I saw her yesterday during my evening rounds in the village, she waved at me as if to indicate that everything was ready.
I descend the stairs to the ground floor as quietly as possible so as not to wake Grandma. I put on my shoes and step out into the chilly dawn. The sun hasn’t risen yet, but the sky is already lightening. Satisfied, I see that everyone is still in their homes, probably sleeping. Hurrying down the stairs, I head towards the shop. From a distance, it is possible to notice the front door is slightly ajar, and the light inside is on.
My pace quickens, barely able to contain my excitement to see the results. I climb up to the shop’s platform and step forward to knock on the door — despite it being open a few centimeters, I don’t want to be intrusive. However, just as I raise my fist to announce my arrival, I hear my name in the middle of a conversation between Claree and her grandmother.
I frown and move closer quietly, trying to listen better. My sense of decorum reprimands me, telling me I shouldn’t eavesdrop on others’ conversations, but my instincts compel me to investigate what’s happening.
"She should be here soon to pick up the order," says Claree.
"It really turned out excellent. I believe it’s one of the best outfits we’ve ever made, dear," replies her grandmother, Nanna. "Too bad it’s merely decorative, isn’t it?"
"Grandma!" Claree laughs, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Don’t be cruel."
"Oh, Claree, don’t play dumb, please. You know as well as I do that this position of Sheikah chief today is a big joke."
"Paya did a decent job leading the investigation of the ruins that fell from the sky here in the village."
"Hmm," Nanna scoffs. "Investigating stones, what an accomplishment. This is a disgrace to the history of the Sheikah, Claree. We used to be so much more than this. We were royal advisors, the intelligence of Hyrule — we changed the course of wars, did the dirty work without question, we were powerful and ruthless. And now, look at us… raising chickens and growing carrots."
"You talk as if you lived through the glory years, Nanna. Didn’t the Calamity happen a few years before you were even born?"
"Well, yes," the old woman admits, with the decency to look embarrassed. "But I heard the stories. And I’ll tell you, dear, compared to the Sheikah of old… we are a disgrace."
"Well, Princess Zelda is married now. I believe it’s only a matter of time before we have new members of the royal family. Who knows, maybe we’ll regain our original duties?"
"Under Paya’s leadership?" the old woman mocks. "She’s playing at being chief, but she’ll never be more than a mere village administrator. Sure, she’s sweet… but she doesn’t have what it takes to forge quality Sheikah soldiers."
Even though I can’t bear to listen to another second of this discussion, my feet are glued to the floor, unable to move me away from there. A loud buzzing fills my ears, and their voices become indistinct and distant.
Doubts crash down on me, turning any confidence I might have had into dust. Is this what everyone thinks? Does everyone see me as an incompetent leader? The daily conversations, our interactions… have they always been filled with condescension… and I just didn’t notice?
My cheeks burn with shame, and my eyes sting with the tears that well up at the thought. I feel small, incapable, like a joke. Yet, beneath all the humiliation that vibrates in every cell of my body, a fierce anger begins to throb in my core.
I force myself to smile and gather the strength to knock on the door, announcing my presence. Without waiting for a response, I push it open. Claree and Nanna fall silent immediately. For a split second, I see their expressions freeze, afraid of being caught in the midst of their venom. The old woman recovers quickly, while the young one takes a few seconds longer.
"Chief Paya, what a pleasure to have you in our shop!" Nanna says, smiling. My instinct is to lunge at her and slap that grin off her face, but I force myself to greet them back with my usual enthusiasm.
"Good morning, ladies. I hope I’m not too early."
"Of course not! I was just telling Claree how incredible this outfit turned out. The material is light yet very robust. It’s waterproof and highly silent. We believe you’ll make great use of it," she says as she picks up a box from the counter and then carries it over to me.
I stare at the old woman for a moment, looking deep into her eyes, until I notice she seems uncomfortable. Then, I say, "I’m sure you do."