Chapter 1: The Sheikan Prophet
Images and sounds flashed through her head, storm clouds, thunder, blood, cries for help. A flash, of the majestic Farore dragon soaring overhead in a deadly aura of electricity. The trees around her, or rather her point of view were palm trees. Stone sculptures surrounded her and the cries of keese screeched behind her. Emerald’s vision faded to black once more and the cloth above her eyes flittered back down to cover them. Her breath was heavy, her brows risen and she was drenched in sweat. She could feel soft grass under her palms, pushing up between her fingers. The soft clucking of cucoos was somewhere close by, followed quickly by light but quick footsteps. “Emerald! Emerald whats wrong!” A child’s voice, one she recognised as Koko’s. Her senses slowly came back to her and she felt a tug on her hand, and stood with the light pull. “I’ll take you to Impa’s Miss!” She smiled softly, unsure if her eyes were aligned with the child’s or not, and let herself be led to the elder’s home. She could go herself, she knew the way by heart from any point in the village, but humoured the little girl. “Koko, you know you can’t be here right now-“
“Miss Emerald had a vision!”
“A what?” Paya looked at Emerald, and she could sense her eyes on her. She nodded.
“I feel this one is important. I need to speak with Impa about it.” Paya nodded quickly and pushed the doors open. Koko went to follow after her, but saw Impa’s frown and knew better, so she turned and hurried down the steps. Paya closed the doors and Emerald approached Impa, and stopped a few feet in front of where she sat. She rested her knees on the cushion provided for her and rested her hands politely on her knees.
“You’ve come to me with a warning, I presume? It’s been years since the last time you felt a prophecy was worth coming to me about.”
“Yes Lady Impa. I...It was much less clear than my previous one a few months ago. This one was choppy and I only recall a few sounds and images.”
“Well, tell me what you do remember.” Emerald thought carefully for a moment, clearing her head and trying to bring the images back into her mind. “A storm, in the East Necluda region. I believe caused by Farore.”
“Yes, these are very common down there.”
“No, this one is different. I heard screaming, and crying, and saw blood. Farore was angry. A tree, it collapsed behind me.” She recalled.
“I see...is that where the vision ended my dear?”
“Yes, Lady Impa.”
“I see.” She sighed and patted her knee. “Hylia protect us then. Perhaps we should get you somewhere better than this village, where you can be isolated and have a clearer vision.”
“Perhaps the Spring of Wisdom?”
“No, no. That place is littered with Guardians now. You need somewhere completely safe and clear.” Emerald thought for a moment, when a thought came into her mind.
“What about Mount Hebra?”
“The journey there is incredibly far and dangerous!”
“But the peak is completely isolated, and I know of a cabin there I could use to rest.” Impa sighed and thought for a few moments, and stared up at the ceiling. “Perhaps Link could bring you, you aren’t fit for travel on your own, let alone such a dangerous one.”
“No, he needs to stay focused on the task ahead of him. Besides, my previous vision sent him to Vah Ruta, and we don’t have a messenger here who could get to him before he moves on.”
“Then perhaps we’ll have to hire you a bodyguard.”
“A bodyguard? That kind of job is extremely rare now these days, where in Hyrule are we going to find me a bodyguard?” She paused when she noticed her own tone. “No disrespect, Lady Impa.”
“Hm...I suppose we’ll simply have to wait and see what Hylia brings us then hm?”
“Impa...we can’t rely on chance.”
“Trust me child.” Impa smiled and Emerald knew this was the end of their discussion. She stood and brushed herself off, before bowing politely to Impa. A bodyguard? She didnt particularly despise the idea, but being followed and judged for her abilities, and lack there of, by a complete stranger put her on edge.
‘Hylia help me.’