Before there was Light: Part Six
Remerber to look for the paralels between Zelda's growing up and Impa's... they might seem slightly unrelated right now, but the flashbacks always deal with the present sooner or later...
“Well,” Fiate smiled, straightening the clasp of his cloak for the thousandth time, “here we are…”
“Fiate,” Defaid laughed, “you’ve never been this ancy over meeting the king before, why the extra nervousness now?”
“This is a big day for us, that is all…”
“So it has nothing to do with his daughter who will be there?”
Fiate reddened slightly, but the Hylian noble possessed more self-confidence then entire cities of Zora.
“Oh, I would never say that the immense quality of the glorious young woman is lost upon me, however-”
He continued on, but Defaid and I had ceased listening.
After Defaid and I had been separated for another year, the Shiekah elders finally saw fit to pull me back up to the north. I found out later this was only due to a strongly worded request from Fiate, now a greatly respected general and war hero, for a young adventurous Shiekah master to join he and Defaid performing various covert missions for the empire. In actual fact I am sure Fiate thought he had no need of me, but he always has been willing to help friends where he can, and he no doubt knew of mine and Defaid’s relationship.
Whether he had initially believed I possessed any skills at all, Fiate had soon learned to be grateful of my varied abilities. We had traveled on nearly a dozen missions gathering ancient Hylian, Shiekah, Greudo, Gordon, and Zora icons from temples and shrines scattered across Hyrule. The somewhat superstitious and sadistic king of Hyrule needed these items for his own purposes, and the thought of loosing three young people deep in the temples and dungeons filled with monsters and traps apparently did not lay hard on his mind. Simari had been with us originally, and it was doubtful our deaths would cause him to loose any more sleep then hers had.
The three of us walked into the throne room. Fiate knelt down on one knee and ducked his head, as was the Hylian fashion, as Defaid and I straightened, bending slightly forward from the waist eyes focused on our boots.
“Enter,” Devan’s voice hissed, beckoning for us to draw nearer to his throne. It was a massive gold and velvet chair that dominated the far side of the room, dwarfing even Fiate’s powerful frame; sitting on it, Devan looked exactly like the petty, little, tyrant he was.
As loathsome as I found Devan, his daughter Julia was quite a remarkable girl. She was sitting not far from him, on a small backless chair, dressed in the Hylian royal dresses she hated so much, long blond hair braided falling down to her waist. Julia was one of the few rich people in the world who hated being doted on. She had spent a fair amount of time with the three of us, and all of us had come to love her in our own way. For Defaid, she was the long lost little sister; a girl he could care about and protect without the complications that came with someone like me. For me Julia was the one feminizing influence I had ever had. She had quickly become my closest friend, and the two of us shared everything together. But for Fiate, it was as though one of the goddesses had come to Hyrule in flesh. He positively worshiped the ground she walked on, and in turn he was the one person she allowed to treat her like the royalty she was.
“Did you find it?” Devan asked. As usual, he has all the tact of a Lon Lon cow… I swear, I felt no loss in my heart when he finally died; goddess knows it was about five years too late… it has taken all of Fiate’s notable diplomatic skill to patch the fractured relations that petty king set up.
“But of course, Lord Devan,” Fiate answered as he rose, “we tirelessly delved into the Fire Temple, risking life, limb, and our wonderful complexions, for the noble cause of retrieving Din’s Spear for you.”
Defaid and I also straightened. We had both formed a silent agreement that Fiate did all the talking at these sorts of things; he was the only one that did not spend the majority of the time just wishing the arrogant Hylian would keel over dead. Defaid produced the spear, and stepped forward, offering it out. It had nearly cost him his life, so it seemed that he should be the one to hand it over. Devan nearly pounced off his throne down to snatch away the old weapon. He swept past us towards the door, pausing only to look back once.
“Julia, show the Shiekah to their rooms… Fiate, wait for me in the command room, I have much to discuss with you…” And then he left us. Fiate glanced back to Defaid, who shrugged, then stalked off towards Devan’s military planning room.
Little did any of us know the changes that this simple meeting would send crashing into all of our lives.
*******
Zelda, for all her wonderful qualities, is no Shiekah.
She could easily fool a normal Hylain, and even those who had spent a fair amount of time around us, but there is no chance she would trick an actual Shiekah into thinking she was one of our own. So our trip to elder Marte’s camp is going to serve me a two fold purpose. First it will give me a safe place to deposit the princess while I investigate Rauru’s hut along with Dega. I also have a second job for Marte to do for me.
“Mistress Impa,” Marte greats me as I walk into camp. I have pulled Zelda’s hair into a single tight braid that falls down her back. She is wearing the brown and green traveling clothes she made me buy just this morning at the market, and I have cautioned her to keep her eyes a reddish brown for now. I want Marte to take extra care of Zelda, but it would be best if her identity was known to few people as possible.
“Mistress Marte,” I reply. Both of us like to get right to the point, so I do not bother with pleasantries. Gesturing for Zelda to give us some room, I lower my voice and talk to the elder alone.
“This is Julia. I need you to watch over her for the next few days, and Marte, I cannot stress the importance of this girl, do not let her fall into serious harm.”
The old elder’s shrewd eyes glance over to Zelda, an eyebrow rising with a hint of incredulity.
“She’s a Hylian? Mistress Impa, I remind you this was one of the last hidden Shiekah camps…”
“I know that Mistress Marte, and that is why I had to come to you… ‘Julia,’ as you have no doubt guessed, is no ordinary Hylian… she is actually Princess Zelda. However, no one else must know. I need her hidden for a few days.”
“If I didn’t know of your friendship with Lord Fiate and the unflappable loyalty you possess, I would be tempted to think you had turned rebel…” Marte pries, obviously pressing for more information.
“I realize that Plain Shiekah are slightly relaxed,” I begin darkly, “but respect is a universal Shiekah trait… if you wish to challenge my place, then please state so openly…”
“Oh, no… nothing like that,” Marte replies, smirking slightly, “but surely you cannot fault me for pressing slightly. Someone bringing me the princess of Hyrule and asking me to hide her for a few days? Sounds at least moderately like a kidnapping, wouldn’t you agree?”
“I am not someone, Marte,” I growl, “I am Elder Impa of the Far Shadow Clan, a Master of the Taraja style. You know who I am, do not push my patience further…”
“Of course, I mean no harm by it…” she chuckles, turning towards Zelda, “is there anything else?”
“There is one thing… you will probably only have two or three days, but in that time I want you to make her as Shiekah as possible… if the time ever comes where she need to vanish for more then a few days I want her to be able to do it. Your teaching skills are legendary around the Shiekah circles, so do this for me now.”
“Of course,” she walks over to Zelda.
I watch from my vantage point as Zelda smiles up at Marte, who looks back at the princess with an expression of interest.
“So, you are Julia…”
“Yes, pleased to me-”
I wince inwardly as Marte’s backhand audibly smacks the princess’ face.
“You will answer questions in as few words as possible. I am Elder Marte, and you will show me the correct respect. Mistress Impa has asked that I begin you training in the Shiekah ways. For starters you must learn respect. You will call me and any masters you meet Mistress or Master. Brothers and Sisters should also be referred to as such. You may call your fellow children by their names.”
“How will I know if-”
Zelda’s head jerks again as a second slap connects.
“Do not presume to interrupt me again… do not think I will hesitate in cutting an insolent tongue out of your pretty little head. If you are in doubt as to a person’s station, refer to them as ‘Master’ and they will correct you if you have given them undo honor.”
“So there’s no-”
Another smack rings out and I swallow hard. I have a feeling the spunky little princess will be sporting a very red left side of the face before she learns the Shiekah brand of respect.
“Your time here will be short, so we will begin your combat training immediately… report to Master Barck at the training ground on the far side of the camp. I have other matters to attend to, so I will see you when the clan gathers for diner,” she waits, and I try to mentally will Zelda to bow. Marte sighs, but obviously decided to show some mercy at this point.
“Bow to anyone of a higher status then you when you part… it is a sign of respect, oh and on a related note, never leave a brother or higher, they will release you when they are finished.”
Zelda smiles, obviously just relieved that the instruction was not punctuated by another backhand. After watching the bow, Marte nods and walks away. I decide Zelda might need a moral boost, and walk towards her.
“Julia?” I say as I walked up behind her. Zelda turns, and looks up at me with eyes that are obviously brimming with tears.
“Oh, Impa!” she gasps, looking up at me. Sighing, I raise an eyebrow, giving an obvious hint.
“Oh, I mean, Mistress Impa,” she whispers, tears obviously about to spill out.
“Do not cry,” I sternly caution, “never let them see you cry. Crying is equated with the weakness it is around here. And just remember, show respect and you will be fine.”
She nods and turns to go, and I swallow hard. For some reason, I can barely bring myself to do what I know I must.
“Julia!” I snap, and she freezes, “I did not dismiss you. Turn around!”
The princess turns to me an obvious fear in her eye. My hand jerks up, ready to send a stinging backhand. Her wide eyes are filled with pain and fear, and I simply cannot follow through with the stroke. Sighing, I let my hand fall. Sinking to my knees in front of her I place a hand on her quivering shoulder.
“Impa,” she murmurs, beginning to sniffle.
“You will be fine, princess,” I whisper, “learn all you can, and the time to use the knowledge may soon come upon you. I will return as soon as I can. Now go and find Master Barck.”
I watch her little figure run across the camp, and swallow again. It might be hard for her here, but I know Zelda as well as anyone. These next few days might be hard for her, but they would not crush her. The princess is a spunky, lively, girl, and though her first day might be rough, the rest would get progressively easier. I have no doubt she will actually be sad to leave when I collect her in a few day.
Well, maybe NO doubt is a bit strong…
*******
Julia and Defaid were laughing about something trivial when Fiate walked in.
The princess had led us to the room Defaid’s guest room, and the three of us had been exchanging news of sorts. Nothing overly important had been said, and mainly we had just been awaiting Fiate’s return. But it was not the confident, zealous, dashing Fiate that staggered into the room and collapsed into one of the open chairs, or even the more serious and courageous warrior Fiate; this was a Fiate I had never seen before. He stared mutely at the three of us for a full minuet as we stared back; curiosity mixed with concern on Defaid’s face, worry plain in Julia’s eyes, and my normal expressionless face hiding my own worries. Finally, Fiate shook his head and chuckled slightly. It grew steadily until he was laughing hard, hands clenching his knees.
“That old fool,” Fiate finally wheezed through his chuckling, “he finally did it this time…”
“What? Did what?” Julia barked, frustration clear in her blue eyes.
“Told me I’m going to be his successor to the throne!” Fiate began to laugh again.
“But you’re not in the ruling bloodline,” Defaid protested, obviously confused, “won’t Julia become queen when…” the bonehead trailed off finally getting it.
“Fiate!” Julia gasped, rising to her feet, “Did he-”
“He said we WOULD be married, that I WOULD rule… like it or not, he said; it was an imperial order. Of course, the prospect is somewhat bleak, but who am I to refuse the call of Hyrule...”
“Uh, congratulations?” Defaid offered weakly, obviously still confused as to what exactly was happening.
“Gah, again!” Julia, groans, stamping her foot, “he didn’t even bother to ask me if I wanted you… Thank Narue he picked someone out I actually love, though heaven knows it was not out of consideration of my preferences I am sure. If he were not my father, I could find it in me to hate him!”
“This changes thing for us somewhat as well,” Fiate went on, gesturing to Defaid and I, “I will be operating out of the palace now, serving Devan here in the palace on his advising staff. I would love to have the two of you join us here… Devan has already told me that Julia and I are to be married within the fortnight, and I would long to have my two closest friends here at the palace…”
“But Fiate,” I protested, shaking my head, “Defaid and I are Shiekah; there is no way we could just leave our old lives behind us.”
“No, no, no…” cried Fiate, rising and taking Julia’s hand, “I will not hear of it. You WILL be here from now on, at least if I have anything to say about it. You two have lived in death’s shadow long enough… you both deserve some happiness.” With that he swept Julia out of the room, leaving Defaid and I to discuss our future.
“Well,” Fiate smiled, straightening the clasp of his cloak for the thousandth time, “here we are…”
“Fiate,” Defaid laughed, “you’ve never been this ancy over meeting the king before, why the extra nervousness now?”
“This is a big day for us, that is all…”
“So it has nothing to do with his daughter who will be there?”
Fiate reddened slightly, but the Hylian noble possessed more self-confidence then entire cities of Zora.
“Oh, I would never say that the immense quality of the glorious young woman is lost upon me, however-”
He continued on, but Defaid and I had ceased listening.
After Defaid and I had been separated for another year, the Shiekah elders finally saw fit to pull me back up to the north. I found out later this was only due to a strongly worded request from Fiate, now a greatly respected general and war hero, for a young adventurous Shiekah master to join he and Defaid performing various covert missions for the empire. In actual fact I am sure Fiate thought he had no need of me, but he always has been willing to help friends where he can, and he no doubt knew of mine and Defaid’s relationship.
Whether he had initially believed I possessed any skills at all, Fiate had soon learned to be grateful of my varied abilities. We had traveled on nearly a dozen missions gathering ancient Hylian, Shiekah, Greudo, Gordon, and Zora icons from temples and shrines scattered across Hyrule. The somewhat superstitious and sadistic king of Hyrule needed these items for his own purposes, and the thought of loosing three young people deep in the temples and dungeons filled with monsters and traps apparently did not lay hard on his mind. Simari had been with us originally, and it was doubtful our deaths would cause him to loose any more sleep then hers had.
The three of us walked into the throne room. Fiate knelt down on one knee and ducked his head, as was the Hylian fashion, as Defaid and I straightened, bending slightly forward from the waist eyes focused on our boots.
“Enter,” Devan’s voice hissed, beckoning for us to draw nearer to his throne. It was a massive gold and velvet chair that dominated the far side of the room, dwarfing even Fiate’s powerful frame; sitting on it, Devan looked exactly like the petty, little, tyrant he was.
As loathsome as I found Devan, his daughter Julia was quite a remarkable girl. She was sitting not far from him, on a small backless chair, dressed in the Hylian royal dresses she hated so much, long blond hair braided falling down to her waist. Julia was one of the few rich people in the world who hated being doted on. She had spent a fair amount of time with the three of us, and all of us had come to love her in our own way. For Defaid, she was the long lost little sister; a girl he could care about and protect without the complications that came with someone like me. For me Julia was the one feminizing influence I had ever had. She had quickly become my closest friend, and the two of us shared everything together. But for Fiate, it was as though one of the goddesses had come to Hyrule in flesh. He positively worshiped the ground she walked on, and in turn he was the one person she allowed to treat her like the royalty she was.
“Did you find it?” Devan asked. As usual, he has all the tact of a Lon Lon cow… I swear, I felt no loss in my heart when he finally died; goddess knows it was about five years too late… it has taken all of Fiate’s notable diplomatic skill to patch the fractured relations that petty king set up.
“But of course, Lord Devan,” Fiate answered as he rose, “we tirelessly delved into the Fire Temple, risking life, limb, and our wonderful complexions, for the noble cause of retrieving Din’s Spear for you.”
Defaid and I also straightened. We had both formed a silent agreement that Fiate did all the talking at these sorts of things; he was the only one that did not spend the majority of the time just wishing the arrogant Hylian would keel over dead. Defaid produced the spear, and stepped forward, offering it out. It had nearly cost him his life, so it seemed that he should be the one to hand it over. Devan nearly pounced off his throne down to snatch away the old weapon. He swept past us towards the door, pausing only to look back once.
“Julia, show the Shiekah to their rooms… Fiate, wait for me in the command room, I have much to discuss with you…” And then he left us. Fiate glanced back to Defaid, who shrugged, then stalked off towards Devan’s military planning room.
Little did any of us know the changes that this simple meeting would send crashing into all of our lives.
*******
Zelda, for all her wonderful qualities, is no Shiekah.
She could easily fool a normal Hylain, and even those who had spent a fair amount of time around us, but there is no chance she would trick an actual Shiekah into thinking she was one of our own. So our trip to elder Marte’s camp is going to serve me a two fold purpose. First it will give me a safe place to deposit the princess while I investigate Rauru’s hut along with Dega. I also have a second job for Marte to do for me.
“Mistress Impa,” Marte greats me as I walk into camp. I have pulled Zelda’s hair into a single tight braid that falls down her back. She is wearing the brown and green traveling clothes she made me buy just this morning at the market, and I have cautioned her to keep her eyes a reddish brown for now. I want Marte to take extra care of Zelda, but it would be best if her identity was known to few people as possible.
“Mistress Marte,” I reply. Both of us like to get right to the point, so I do not bother with pleasantries. Gesturing for Zelda to give us some room, I lower my voice and talk to the elder alone.
“This is Julia. I need you to watch over her for the next few days, and Marte, I cannot stress the importance of this girl, do not let her fall into serious harm.”
The old elder’s shrewd eyes glance over to Zelda, an eyebrow rising with a hint of incredulity.
“She’s a Hylian? Mistress Impa, I remind you this was one of the last hidden Shiekah camps…”
“I know that Mistress Marte, and that is why I had to come to you… ‘Julia,’ as you have no doubt guessed, is no ordinary Hylian… she is actually Princess Zelda. However, no one else must know. I need her hidden for a few days.”
“If I didn’t know of your friendship with Lord Fiate and the unflappable loyalty you possess, I would be tempted to think you had turned rebel…” Marte pries, obviously pressing for more information.
“I realize that Plain Shiekah are slightly relaxed,” I begin darkly, “but respect is a universal Shiekah trait… if you wish to challenge my place, then please state so openly…”
“Oh, no… nothing like that,” Marte replies, smirking slightly, “but surely you cannot fault me for pressing slightly. Someone bringing me the princess of Hyrule and asking me to hide her for a few days? Sounds at least moderately like a kidnapping, wouldn’t you agree?”
“I am not someone, Marte,” I growl, “I am Elder Impa of the Far Shadow Clan, a Master of the Taraja style. You know who I am, do not push my patience further…”
“Of course, I mean no harm by it…” she chuckles, turning towards Zelda, “is there anything else?”
“There is one thing… you will probably only have two or three days, but in that time I want you to make her as Shiekah as possible… if the time ever comes where she need to vanish for more then a few days I want her to be able to do it. Your teaching skills are legendary around the Shiekah circles, so do this for me now.”
“Of course,” she walks over to Zelda.
I watch from my vantage point as Zelda smiles up at Marte, who looks back at the princess with an expression of interest.
“So, you are Julia…”
“Yes, pleased to me-”
I wince inwardly as Marte’s backhand audibly smacks the princess’ face.
“You will answer questions in as few words as possible. I am Elder Marte, and you will show me the correct respect. Mistress Impa has asked that I begin you training in the Shiekah ways. For starters you must learn respect. You will call me and any masters you meet Mistress or Master. Brothers and Sisters should also be referred to as such. You may call your fellow children by their names.”
“How will I know if-”
Zelda’s head jerks again as a second slap connects.
“Do not presume to interrupt me again… do not think I will hesitate in cutting an insolent tongue out of your pretty little head. If you are in doubt as to a person’s station, refer to them as ‘Master’ and they will correct you if you have given them undo honor.”
“So there’s no-”
Another smack rings out and I swallow hard. I have a feeling the spunky little princess will be sporting a very red left side of the face before she learns the Shiekah brand of respect.
“Your time here will be short, so we will begin your combat training immediately… report to Master Barck at the training ground on the far side of the camp. I have other matters to attend to, so I will see you when the clan gathers for diner,” she waits, and I try to mentally will Zelda to bow. Marte sighs, but obviously decided to show some mercy at this point.
“Bow to anyone of a higher status then you when you part… it is a sign of respect, oh and on a related note, never leave a brother or higher, they will release you when they are finished.”
Zelda smiles, obviously just relieved that the instruction was not punctuated by another backhand. After watching the bow, Marte nods and walks away. I decide Zelda might need a moral boost, and walk towards her.
“Julia?” I say as I walked up behind her. Zelda turns, and looks up at me with eyes that are obviously brimming with tears.
“Oh, Impa!” she gasps, looking up at me. Sighing, I raise an eyebrow, giving an obvious hint.
“Oh, I mean, Mistress Impa,” she whispers, tears obviously about to spill out.
“Do not cry,” I sternly caution, “never let them see you cry. Crying is equated with the weakness it is around here. And just remember, show respect and you will be fine.”
She nods and turns to go, and I swallow hard. For some reason, I can barely bring myself to do what I know I must.
“Julia!” I snap, and she freezes, “I did not dismiss you. Turn around!”
The princess turns to me an obvious fear in her eye. My hand jerks up, ready to send a stinging backhand. Her wide eyes are filled with pain and fear, and I simply cannot follow through with the stroke. Sighing, I let my hand fall. Sinking to my knees in front of her I place a hand on her quivering shoulder.
“Impa,” she murmurs, beginning to sniffle.
“You will be fine, princess,” I whisper, “learn all you can, and the time to use the knowledge may soon come upon you. I will return as soon as I can. Now go and find Master Barck.”
I watch her little figure run across the camp, and swallow again. It might be hard for her here, but I know Zelda as well as anyone. These next few days might be hard for her, but they would not crush her. The princess is a spunky, lively, girl, and though her first day might be rough, the rest would get progressively easier. I have no doubt she will actually be sad to leave when I collect her in a few day.
Well, maybe NO doubt is a bit strong…
*******
Julia and Defaid were laughing about something trivial when Fiate walked in.
The princess had led us to the room Defaid’s guest room, and the three of us had been exchanging news of sorts. Nothing overly important had been said, and mainly we had just been awaiting Fiate’s return. But it was not the confident, zealous, dashing Fiate that staggered into the room and collapsed into one of the open chairs, or even the more serious and courageous warrior Fiate; this was a Fiate I had never seen before. He stared mutely at the three of us for a full minuet as we stared back; curiosity mixed with concern on Defaid’s face, worry plain in Julia’s eyes, and my normal expressionless face hiding my own worries. Finally, Fiate shook his head and chuckled slightly. It grew steadily until he was laughing hard, hands clenching his knees.
“That old fool,” Fiate finally wheezed through his chuckling, “he finally did it this time…”
“What? Did what?” Julia barked, frustration clear in her blue eyes.
“Told me I’m going to be his successor to the throne!” Fiate began to laugh again.
“But you’re not in the ruling bloodline,” Defaid protested, obviously confused, “won’t Julia become queen when…” the bonehead trailed off finally getting it.
“Fiate!” Julia gasped, rising to her feet, “Did he-”
“He said we WOULD be married, that I WOULD rule… like it or not, he said; it was an imperial order. Of course, the prospect is somewhat bleak, but who am I to refuse the call of Hyrule...”
“Uh, congratulations?” Defaid offered weakly, obviously still confused as to what exactly was happening.
“Gah, again!” Julia, groans, stamping her foot, “he didn’t even bother to ask me if I wanted you… Thank Narue he picked someone out I actually love, though heaven knows it was not out of consideration of my preferences I am sure. If he were not my father, I could find it in me to hate him!”
“This changes thing for us somewhat as well,” Fiate went on, gesturing to Defaid and I, “I will be operating out of the palace now, serving Devan here in the palace on his advising staff. I would love to have the two of you join us here… Devan has already told me that Julia and I are to be married within the fortnight, and I would long to have my two closest friends here at the palace…”
“But Fiate,” I protested, shaking my head, “Defaid and I are Shiekah; there is no way we could just leave our old lives behind us.”
“No, no, no…” cried Fiate, rising and taking Julia’s hand, “I will not hear of it. You WILL be here from now on, at least if I have anything to say about it. You two have lived in death’s shadow long enough… you both deserve some happiness.” With that he swept Julia out of the room, leaving Defaid and I to discuss our future.
posted by Czar at 2:13 PM
5 Comments:
Um, and before everyone freaks out, this story is NOT as long as Seven Years... you wont have to feel obligated for much longer...
What???? *shakes head* Obligated is not the feeling on this end. Reread this last night when I got home at 12:30am, so I didn't have the clearness of mind to write one coherent sentence, sooooo that will come tonight. *smile* Real quick - Impa is a great character.
You have been able to capture a sense of realness for each of your characters. Their actions are not “too good” or so evil they are unbelievable.
Impa’s understanding of Zelda’s desire to be “free” from the constraints of royalty must come from her friendship with Julia. But I am kinda surprised Impa is not more willing to let Zelda be more free more often. I guess it is because Impa does have an attachment to Fiate and desires to do at least some of what he wishes for Zelda. One could do a character study on Impa – she is stalwart, yet loving, confident, yet humble, strong, yet graceful, passionate, yet controlled. I wonder though, what is it that drives her to be all these things? Does she believe so strongly in her country? If she did wouldn’t she stay with the Shiekah? I would say she is dedicated to Fiate, but that didn’t drive her before Fiate was there. Was it just what was ingrained in her from the time she was little and first taught to fight for what was right and just?
Out of curiosity why was Impa not laughing when you said: “Julia and Defaid were laughing about something trivial when Fiate walked in.” Is it just yet another indication that Impa hid almost all emotion when around most people?
You see it quiet clearly... Impa knows that, dispite her love for all parties involved, she is not Zelda's mother. So she does her best to see that the princess is raised the way Julia would want (and as seen she is more then willing to use this to trump Fiate's wishes is nessary). You also picked up on a deliberate neuance (Julia and Defaid were laughing... NOT Impa). I was glad to see that the message got through...
Oh, and I guess you weren't getting this Sarah... the Shiekah have long been loyal to the Hylian Empire and a core part of their military goals. The Shiekah are very aware of their race and heritage, but part of the haritage is their close conection with the Hylian Empire. For Impa (and nearly all Shiekah) to be loyal to the former demands loyalty to the latter. Her friendship with Fiate (though a strong one) is merely that, and doesn't interfear with her political leanings.
Very good section... I thought the scene with Zelda in the camp was really sad, though. Seems quite tough to put a girl who's never worked a day in her life through... but of course we also know how much that comes in handy later on in her story *grin*
I agree with Sarah, though -- Impa is a really amazing character, probably one of the most real characters I've ever read in fiction to whom I can't think of a real-life parallel... that is to say, she is a real fictional character with her own life, not seeming to be based on anyone else. That is quite an accomplishment!
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