multbasa

[multbasa]

I have my phone back!

The battery swelled but I didn't see it because of the cover, so that's a little scary. It's an old refurbished phone, so it's not like it would be the end of the world if I had to buy another one, but I'm happy it's been fixed. I can finally write my fanfictions without watching the battery drop 3% every few seconds, and I can fill out my spreadsheets without having to constantly charge it.

So if your battery life sucks all of a sudden, look for swelling!!! Lithium battery fires are no joke and I'm glad I put mine in for repair before anything awful happened.

My phone battery swelled up which explains why is wasn't keeping charge, but now I have to leave it for repair and can't write self-indulgent fanfiction between jobs...

...Also I can't access my spreadsheets or make calls which is super inconvenient....

[multbasa]

My phone battery swelled up which explains why is wasn't keeping charge, but now I have to leave it for repair and can't write self-indulgent fanfiction between jobs...

...Also I can't access my spreadsheets or make calls which is super inconvenient....

[multbasa]

I was looking at/listening to the voice memories and something stood out to me. Zelda's Diary in Tears of the Kingdom mentions that Link remains at her side wherever she goes to offer aid.

"No matter where I go to offer aid, Link remains at my side—"

Zelda's Diary, Tears of the Kingdom

However Link doesn't appear to be around her constantly according to events in TotK simply because many NPCs tell Link about things Zelda has said or done as if he is not there. Many considered that Link was actually with Zelda in these instances but was not noticed for some reason but I don't believe that to be the case.

I come to this conclusion simply because Zelda has mentioned Link on the occasions when he was explicitly with her such as when she went to see King Dorephan:

"With Link accompanying me, I told the gathered Zora of Mipha's fate. The throne room was filled with sobs and angry shouts, but King Dorephan quieted everyone when he spoke, offering a simple, soft "thank you." His words felt like he was giving me permission—even telling me-to move on, to not be held prisoner to the past."

–Zelda voice memory, Tears of the Kingdom

(I don't blame Zelda for bringing Link, the Hylian who saved their domain for moral support because I'm sure Muzu, Seggin and the other elderly Zora likely blame her for what happened. At least Dorephan is so kind, Mipha definitely inherited that from him.)

But she makes no mention about him during events that preceded quests in Tears of the Kingdom where NPCs tell Link about what Zelda did as if he weren't there:

Goflam's Secret Hot Spring

" A hot spring hidden deep within the mountain. I heard the pained cries of an animal and have now found an injured horse soothing its wounds in the refreshing waters. I had meant to investigate the immense skeleton on the northern summit, but this horse seems so friendly... Oh, the skeleton isn't going anywhere. Now how far away is the nearest stable..."

–Zelda voice memory, Tears of the Kingdom

The Golden Horse

"I came upon an injured horse and brought it to Snowfield Stable to be treated. I had hoped to bring it with me on my travels, but it needed more time to recover, so instead I offered a prayer that some kindhearted person would come to care for it."

–Zelda voice memory, Tears of the Kingdom

I would imagine that Link would be particularly helpful in this event because Zelda mentions how great Link is with horses on numerous occasions.

It is pretty clear that Zelda is alone here, so I think that confirms that she did indeed talk to a lot of people and do a lot of things when Link wasn't around. Perhaps Link was in the area doing other things, but he definitely wasn't with her 100% of the time and she did talk to a lot of different people without him. I think this does make sense considering the dialogue in TotK and this means that her saying that Link remains at her side shouldn't be taken so literally to mean that they were never apart.

It did irritate me that a lot of people assumed that Link must have been with Zelda 24/7 and complained about the dialogue not constantly bringing up Link who "must" have been there too. They certainly spent time together but that doesn't mean they were attached at the hip. Zelda is perfectly capable of travelling by herself as she did in BotW. She clearly doesn't require protection constantly and I'm glad she and Link actually had individual lives and were acquainted with different people.

Judging by who's very familiar with Link in TotK, it looks like he spent most of his time killing monsters, so I imagine he probably went off to help clear monsters while Zelda did other things. It feels like this can be put to bed though I feel like some people would disagree.

[multbasa]

Threat at the Surface and One Hundred Years Surviving

[multbasa]

OoT Link grew up around the Kokiri, BotW Link grew up around the Zora, so I think a future game should have him grow up around the Gorons or the Sheikah or the Rito! I just think it would be really interesting to see the hero connected to different peoples of Hyrule.

[multbasa]

Happy Memories

[multbasa]

I'm thinking about what happened between Link, Kodah and Mipha that led Kodah to feel so bad about telling Link to choose between her and Mipha.

"A hundred years ago, I asked you... to choose between me and Mipha. I...I'm sorry about that."

–Kodah, Breath of the Wild

According to Sidon, Link spent considerable time with Mipha during visits every so often to the domain, and it made him think that Mipha was being taken away from him. I think perhaps this closeness between Link and Mipha was also noticed by Kodah which likely made her jealous.

"Actually, I recently remembered something...a fuzzy memory from my early childhood. There was a swordsman that came by every so often and spent a considerable amount of time with Mipha. At the time, it felt like he was stealing my sister away from me. I know better now."

–Sidon, Breath of the Wild

King Dorephan also comments on Link and Mipha's closeness.

"But surely you must remember my precious daughter, Mipha, yes? You do, do you not? I cannot believe it... Have you truly forgotten my dear Mipha as well? You and Mipha were so close..."

–King Dorephan, Breath of the Wild

Kodah does not speak negatively about Mipha at all, and I don't think she had ill will for her even back then when she was jealous over Link.

"[Mipha] was the Zora Champion and could heal wounds with ease. We all loved her dearly."

–Kodah, Breath of the Wild

She doesn't elaborate on her nickname for Link and how it came about, but in Tears of the Kingdom, she does mention that she gave it to him in childhood. They were definitely friends as kids like how Link was friends with Mipha, Bazz, Rivan and Gaddison as kids as well.

"You really are amazing, Linn... Uh, Link. You... Um... Argh, enough already! I can't stand it! It feels so cold and unnatural to call you that, as though we're strangers! I thought it would feel weirder to call the hero of the domain by some silly nickname I gave him as a child, but... Oh, whatever! I'm just going to go ahead and call you Linny! Ahhh, yes. That feel sooo much better. You're more than just 'Link' to me. I hope you'll forgive me for using my 'old friend' card for that."

–Kodah, Tears of the Kingdom

She also comments about having bad taste in men...I think she realized that she and Link weren't really compatible perhaps because she didn't have a lot of time with him after childhood and her feelings may have stemmed from admiration for him as a Champion and skilled swordsman rather than a genuine desire for an intimate relationship. She is commenting on her young daughter who only communicated to a Hylian through letters, so it would make sense that she identifies the feelings as immature and shallow. She moved on from Link and I assume that she believes her child will grow up the same way.

"[Finley's] horrible taste in men...it reminds me of a certain someone."

–Kodah, Breath of the Wild

Considering all this, I think Kodah felt very close to Link since childhood, but he spent more time with Mipha as Champions after returning to the Domain with the Master Sword on his back. This turned into jealousy which led her to ask Link to choose between them. Perhaps this was their last conversation together before Link and Mipha fell to the Calamity which is why she feels so remorseful.

I do think that this is what led to Mipha getting cold feet before she intended to propose to Link. My personal belief is that Link would have just done something like shook his head at Kodah since he wasn't a talker. This could have been interpreted as choosing Mipha in Kodah's eyes but not something that would be particularly encouraging to Mipha before she intended to confess.

Furthermore, I am sure that numerous people were aware that Mipha was making the Zora armour even though they didn't know who it was for:

"King Dorephan!! Surely you do not really intend to give this outsider the Zora armor! Countless generations of Zora princesses have gifted that armor to the one they have sworn to marry! Princess Mipha made that one there with her own hands!"

–Muzu, Breath of the Wild

This doesn't mean that Kodah knew about it, but it would definitely be something that would encourage her to butt in between Link and Mipha especially if she suspected that Mipha was going to propose.

So I suspect that Kodah realized that she ruined Mipha's chance before she and Link fell to the Calamity. The guilt she must have felt after all this time...

[multbasa]

"Mipha passed away 100 years ago. She was Prince Sidon's big sister. I wasn't even born 100 years ago, so I don't really know what happened around that time... But if you talk to someone who speaks super formally, they're likely over a century old. They might know more!"

–Tona, Breath of the Wild

I think this dialogue might be exclusive to a point in the game because I don't recognize it, but I saw this on the Zelda wiki (not Fandom) when I was looking for a different quote from Sidon, and wow! I didn't realize that the bit about the Zora talking formally explicitly originated in BotW!

Dunma does suggest that Zora elders are more formal and insists that she isn't 100, so I always assumed that Fronk's dialogue in TotK about 100 being middle aged and how they speak "eloquently" was new information building upon what Dunma says, but it seems that Tona spelled it out long before Fronk did.

"*sigh* Let's just say I'm less than 100 years old. Can't you tell?" / "I'm so much less formal than the elders... aren't I?"

–Dunma, Breath of the Wild

I think the way she says that she is so much less formal didn't click in my mind that she meant the way she speaks rather than, say, her mannerisms or poise.

"We Zora tend to speak more eloquently after reaching middle age." / "I hope that when I reach 100 years, I will also speak as beautifully as our elders. Unless that is too...OLD-fashioned, heh."

–Fronk, Tears of the Kingdom

100 years old is a very significant milestone for a Zora where they can be considered "elders" as it is around the middle of their life.

It is kind of unfortunate that this distinction in the way they speak doesn't really come across in English. I imagine that the difference is much more pronounced in Japanese. I wonder if I could see the difference in characters even though I don't speak Japanese? I do know that they use more kanji over katakana as they get older, so the difference might be the same?

[multbasa]

"Fluffy white clouds! Clear blue Zora!!"

[multbasa]

I have two Mipha related plot bunnies in my mind that I will likely never write but they are fun to think about:

Everyone Lives Except Link AU:

All the Champions survive, Zelda unlocks her powers and seals Ganon away, but Link dies in the battle protecting Zelda from Ganon. Mipha is too late to heal him and is devastated but Zelda suggests that he be put in the Shrine of Resurrection. The world does not need the hero anymore but the Champions can't bear his sacrifice. Years go by and the Champions live their lives until eventually Mipha is the last one alive. 100 years later, she visits the Shrine and notices that it's open and empty, but when she finds him on the plateau, he doesn't remember her or himself or anyone. Mipha and Link go on a journey around Hyrule to honour their friends and help Link regain his memories.

Mipha Survives Within Vah Ruta AU:

The Champions are attacked by the Blights and everything goes as it did in BotW except Mipha survived within Ruta by hiding in the water, avoiding the Blight, healing herself and sustaining on fish that wandered through small gaps in the Divine Beast. Worse for wear and stunted in the rest of her growth, Mipha survives 100 years until Link arrives to free Ruta. Mipha finally sees the sun and her family again after so long. (This is inspired by something King Dorephan says after you defeat Waterblight Ganon where he says some part of him hoped that she was still alive somehow)

...

I won't get around to writing anything involving these, but I needed to share my visions. Both are angsty in different ways but they end up with a happy ending. These are quite barebones, so if anyone feels inspired, don't feel like you need my permission to use these ideas. I would love to see other people's take on it.

[multbasa]

Honoring Revali

"Revali... You were always quickest to rush to my side when I struggled. I'm sorry I wasn't able to help you when you were in need. You being you, I imagine you shrugged off waiting a hundred years like it was the smallest inconvenience... You were so tough on Link to make sure he could protect me, weren't you?

—Zelda voice memory, Tears of the Kingdom

Not gonna lie, I yelled excitedly when I heard this one (on YouTube). Revali being the quickest to her side when she struggled? From his diary, I knew that he wanted her approval and he pitied her for all the work she put in for no results, but this voice memory really confirms that he really cared for her besides the previous voice memory about the hot spring.

Even long before the Zelda Notes, I had this feeling that the Champions were split into two groups: those who connected with Link and those who connected with Zelda. Mipha is Link's childhood friend while Daruk made Link his sworn brother, so their connection was obvious. Urbosa was also obviously connected to Zelda while Revali was kind of connected to Zelda by having similar feelings about Link's stoicism as well as doubting Link's worthiness.

However now it's much more clear that Revali and Zelda had a lot more in common. They're both very dedicated to their skills and they both struggled with social connections: Zelda dealt with massive expectations of those around her while Revali had a very pompous attitude. Zelda also says that she learns to be more considerate and giving others the benefit of the doubt which is something Revali could definitely have learned from, haha. They both come across as quite solitary people where Zelda preferred to travel alone and Revali had his own training space.

It seems that Revali tried to keep others at arms length but Zelda could tell how much he truly cared for her. I could tell that he really wanted her to succeed and thought she deserved to succeed from all the effort she put in. His diary especially gave me that impression despite the way he diminishes others compared to himself. He said he didn't have time to see Zelda off but when he asked her "nothing at all?" when she comes down the mountain, I think he really expected her to finally be rewarded by the goddess for all her efforts. He cares more than he lets on.

I'm just happy that my headcanon on their friendly relationship and mutual respect would actually be canon.

So it's interesting that Link had someone from his childhood in the form of his childhood friend Mipha while Zelda had a mother-like figure from her childhood in the form of Urbosa then Link had a friendship built upon mutual respect for physical might in Daruk while Zelda had a friendship built upon mutual respect for effort in Revali.

[multbasa]

I have believed for a long while that Kodah was the one to ruin the mood and give Mipha cold feet when she decided to give the Zora Armour to Link simply because she seems so apologetic for telling Link to choose between her and Mipha.

"A hundred years ago, I asked you... to choose between me and Mipha. I...I'm sorry about that"

—Kodah

Since a Tears of the Kingdom Voice Memory confirms that she gave it to her father for safe keeping, I think she decided to wait until after the Calamity to propose to Link but didn't know whether she would live.

A Maiden's Prayer

"I have heard that an important part of the process of crafting Zora Armor is a prayer for the safety of a loved one. Apparently, Mipha often came to this place to work on armor she made for Link. However, in the end she left the armor with King Dorephan... Perhaps she knew she would not be able to hand it to Link herself.

—Zelda Voice Memory, Tears of the Kingdom

Mipha's Champions Ballad memory with Sidon makes her appear as someone who prepares for the worst as she says she will leave him to face her fate with Ruta.

"One day, Princess... I must leave him... to face my fate with Ruta. [...] Sweet Sidon. Should fate ever part us... I'm counting on you to protect our beloved home from harm."

—Mipha

And in her memory with Link atop Ruta she comments on the uncertainty of the future:

"So if this Calamity Ganon does, in fact, return, what can we really do? We just don't seem to know much about what we'll be up against."

—Mipha

I think she always felt that she might not make it through the Calamity and worried about whether Link would survive. Zelda mentions a prayer during the crafting process of the Zora Armor which makes me think that Mipha made it not only to convey her feelings to Link but as a charm for his health and protection.

Furthermore perhaps giving the armor to her father for safe keeping was also a way to give her something to look forward to after the Calamity. Like the way the statue of Mipha was meant to act as a beacon to bring her home safe, the armour represented the future she strived for after the Calamity where she and Link could live happily and carefree again, where the only wounds she had to heal were those gained by silly things rather than hard fought battles.

"Once this whole thing is over... maybe things can go back to how they used to be when we were young. You know... Perhaps we could spend some time together."

—Mipha

Aaaahh, Mipha is such a tragic character, and I've always loved how much Zoras Domain offered in terms of lore and about Link's childhood. I like piecing together the events of their lives by chatting with NPCs who knew them and the way that the Zora actually knew Mipha personally and grieve her has always made her feel really close as a character which adds to the emotion of her tragic short life.

The Zora Armor (dyed navy blue) with the Royal Guard Grieves and the Sapphire Circlet was my favourite outfit to wear in BotW. I like to imagine that was Link's answer to her as he grieved for her.

...

As an aside: girl, you really should have given it to him before the Calamity because he faced Guardians in little more than a T Shirt! I'm sorry, but I really dislike the Champion Tunic for how little protection it appears to have. I do however adore the Champion Leathers in Tears of the Kingdom—now THAT is an outfit ready for battle.

[multbasa]

Spoilers for the Zelda Voice Memories about Revali:

Divine Beast of Wind

"Divine Beast Vah Medoh seems to be soaring easily through the air. Training must be going well. Among all of the Divine Beasts, I am told that Medoh, controlled by air currents, is the most challenging to maneuver. Yet Revali continues to impress. I imagine he, with his strong sense of duty and work ethic, has trained more than anyone else."

...

Bedraggled Wings

"Watching him practice here at the Flight Range, it is clear to me that he is a truly unique Champion. He creates an updraft and then catches it, soaring upward rapidly. He is the only one capable of such a feat, and yet it isn't even what makes him so remarkable."

...

Secret Rito Spring

"Revali brought me to Goflam's Secret Hot Spring, telling me I was overworking myself. Since he can only carry one person, he said he would act as my guard, so Link is waiting at the village. I cannot remember the last time I relaxed on my own like this..."

I've always believed that Zelda really admired and appreciated Revali, so I am so happy to see this really confirmed. Out of all the Champions, he's the one who works the hardest.

Revali also comments on how hard Zelda works in his diary even though she doesn't get any results on her powers:

"She's aware she can't fulfill her sacred duties, and anyone can see how it weighs on her. It's difficult for me to comprehend the troubles of the talentless, but...I'm trying. It's not that I dislike the princess. She tries her hardest. It's simply not good enough"

Now that Revali apparently took Zelda to a secret hot springs to help her relax from overworking herself, I really think that he was genuinely trying to be helpful. Revali seems like the type to believe that working harder will give him the results he wants, so seeing someone who works so hard but has nothing to show for it is probably perplexing.

[multbasa]

In another time, in another world...

[multbasa]

The Leap of Courage at Shatterback Point with Link and Bazz

And the Aftermath of The Big Bad Bazz Brigade's Leap of Courage:

[multbasa]

Zelda Universe posted all the BotW Voice Memories on YouTube. I am so thankful.

Spoilers for voice memories about Mipha:

Ruta immediately reaching out to Mipha is the cutest thing ever!!

Mipha was embarrassed by the statue of herself which, yeah, that makes sense since she's so shy. I always assumed the statue was made after she died, but I don't recall that ever being stated in the game. This also explains why it was moved in TotK.

And here Mipha was very protective of Sidon! But also this must take place before Mipha and Link fought the Lynel since it's written in present tense! According to Mipha's diary, the Lynel incident happened after Zelda approached her to be a pilot but before King Dorephan agreed, so maybe this memory happened around the time Zelda was talking to Mipha in the Champions Ballad memory. Mipha and Sidon were there with Zelda afterall. Her description of Link wanting to protect the Zora from the Lynel also has more context because her own little brother wants to climb the mountain, so Link had even more of a reason to want to fell the lynel.

But you know what I also realized? Mipha's statue is moved to Shatterback Point, the place where she warned Sidon not to go, the place where she and Link fought the Lynel together and when she fell in love with him, and it's also a place looking over Zora's Domain. It's a really meaningful location to her and now that it's built up, a Lynel will likely never call it home again under her watch.

[multbasa]

There are events from the Voice Memories that I absolutely want to add to my BotW timeline, but at the same time, I am scared to edit it...what if the formatting breaks again and I have to fix it all over again...