Aiyana

BASICS
Name: Aiyana
Meaning: "ever blooming" or "eternal blossom"
Nicknames: Droplet, Water Blossom, my Pearl (Sidon)
Age: 20+
Race: Sheikah
Hometown: Kakariko Village

APPEARANCE
Height: shorter than most Sheikah and Hylian
Clothing: a customized Sheikah outfit
Accessories: Ribbons, hair sticks, Zora jewelry (TotK)

CHARACTER
Favorite Food: Creamy Heart Soup, Wildberry Crepe, Meat and Rice Bowl, Poultry Curry, Pumpkin Stew, Warm Milk
Flower: Blue Nightshade, Cherry Blossoms
Likes: Sheikah technology, Fairies, Lantern Lake, Opals, Luminous Stones, Sapphires, flora & fauna, Star Fragments, Snowcoat Foxes, Zora's Domain, growing flowers, forging and fixing weapons, swimming, music, playing the flute
Dislikes: the Yiga clan, Mighty Bananas, the Blood Moon, the Calamity, Guardians
Personality:
Aiyana has a kind heart, genuinely wanting the best for everyone and helping where she can. She's extremely loyal to her family, friends and tribe, holding her values and loved ones close to her heart. She believes in them fully and always strives to see the best in them.

She has a natural curiosity and inclination towards many different specialties.  She's well versed in weapons especially, but also has a passion for music, animals, and of course, the different places in the region. She takes an interest in many different things, and does her best to study, learn and figure things out, even if it's initially difficult. She's very determined, overcoming any hardships that cross her path.

Due to having grown up in a pretty tight-knit tribe, Aiyana can be initially shy around new people. She's one who easily blushes and flusters, especially when it comes to a special someone.

COMBAT
Skills:
+ Mobility and jumping
+ Hand-to-hand combat
+ Stealth
+ Forging and fixing weapons
+ Swimming
+ Archery
+ Sand seal surfing
+ Mining
+ Music (flute, kalimba & harp)

INVENTORY
Swords: Eightfold Blade, Eightfold Longblade, Edge of Duality, Ancient Short Sword, Zora Sword, Silver Longsword, Great Flameblade, Great Frostblade, Great Thunderblade
Shield: Shield of the Mind's Eye, Silver Shield, Ancient Shield
Bow: Phrenic Bow, Silver Bow, Ancient Bow (Arrows, Fire Arrows, Ice Arrows, Bomb Arrows, Shock Arrows and Ancient Arrows)
Misc. Weapons: Serpentine Spear, Zora Spear, Silverscale Spear, Ancient Spear, Ancient Battle Axe, Fire Rod, Meteor Rod, Ice Rod, Blizzard Rod, Lightning Rod, Thunderstorm Rod
Elixirs: She carries every Elixir on hand, especially Fairy Tonic, Hearty Elixir, Chilly Elixir, Enduring Elixir, and Sneaky Elixir
Armor: Stealth Sheikah Set; Snowquill Set; Amber Earrings; Opal Earrings; Sapphire Circlet

RELATIONSHIPS

Grandfather: He was the court poet who lived in Hyrule Castle before the Calamity struck and had an unrequited love for Princess Zelda. Aiyana recalls seeing the print of the Picture of the Champions before her grandfather eventually passed it down to his Rito student Kass whom would later give it to Link after he assists Kass in completing his mentor's unfinished work. She inherits a book of ballads from her grandfather. Aiyana wonders if her love for a royal will be as unrequited as her grandfather's was.

Impa: Like everyone else in Kakariko Village, Aiyana is loyal to Impa. She often listened to Impa's stories, and despite being a little intimidated at times, Aiyana has high respect and love for her. Through her journey, she sometimes misses working under Impa. Impa thinks fondly of Aiyana due to her friendship with her granddaughter, Paya.

Paya: One of her friends from her village; Aiyana adores how sweet and shy Paya is, and is always trying to encourage her. Paya worries over her when she first reveals she's going to leave the village to go after the Yiga Clan, but with how determined and insistent Aiyana seemed, she couldn't bring herself to stop her. Aiyana tries to visit often. 

Dorian: As gatekeeper of Kakariko Village, Aiyana feels safe under his and Cado's watchful eye. Aiyana is grateful to both of them for their time and patience with training her in battle. She appreciates him imploring her and others to use the village's resources, and it's his mention of the Great Fairy, who is the guardian spirit, that made her want to seek her out. She adores his daughters. 

Koko and Cottla: The two daughters of Dorian. Aiyana is aware that Dorian keeps his wife's death from his daughters, but she also knows that Koko has found out and secretly visits the graveyard in the morning to pay her respects and grieve in secret. And keeping strong, Koko does her best to take care of her sister, so Aiyana took it upon herself to help with recipes whenever she's in town. It breaks Aiyana's heart as Cottla fails to realize it and in the mornings innocently plays hide-and-seek with her mother due to believing her mother is simply hiding. Other times, Aiyana will happily play hide-and-seek with her.

Cado: As gatekeeper of Kakariko Village, Aiyana feels safe under his and Dorian's watchful eye. Aiyana is grateful to both of them for their time and patience with training her in battle.  She's unsure of what to think when Cado and Rola separate, however, and how affectionate he is about his Cuccoos, wondering if that is the reason why. 

Rola: Often Aiyana goes to The Curious Quiver shop to buy her arrows when in town, and can't help but feel bad at how lonely she seems, especially knowing she used to be with Cado. 

Pikango: A traveling Sheikah artist who happens to be visiting Kakariko Village in search of the Great Fairy Fountain of Cotera. Although Aiyana doesn't believe he's part of the Yiga Clan, she knows that the Sheikah living in the village have chosen to keep the location a secret from him as he is considered an outsider, so she keeps the secret as well. However, she can't help but be intrigued by his art, and is surprised when she starts to find him at most Stables in Hyrule. She learns from him that Kakariko Village is indeed his birthplace, but due to having left long ago in search of beautiful landscapes to paint, he returned to search for Kakariko Village's fabled Great Fairy Fountain only to find the village had changed since he lived there and no one recognized him. Aiyana apologizes, finding him to be sincere, and also asks him about locations in his artwork, wanting to see them with her own eyes.

Claree and Lasli: As she bought her armor at Enchanted when starting off her journey, she was a customer and an acquaintance of both. It was from Claree where Aiyana learned of the Lover's Pond, and couldn't help but grow interested herself in the rumors surrounding it. Lasli and Aiyana always greet one another when they cross paths.

Nanna: Mother of Claree and Lasli. Many years prior, Nanna trained under Purah as a Sheikah Tech researcher, which intrigues Aiyana, and she asked questions about her work. Whenever Nanna is in need of help and her daughters aren't around, Aiyana will do her best to lend a hand.

Steen and Trissa: The couple is very endearing to Aiyana, and she will always smile whenever Steen bombards Trissa with questions about how she's doing, to which she brushes off his concern with a laugh. Trissa will smile when asked, and tell Aiyana that Steen tends to focus on her, and not to worry about it, but Aiyana just thinks it's sweet. Steen has also been helpful with Aiyana's training, with Focus (Targeting, Jump Attack, Sneak Strike). Aiyana knows that Steen takes great care in his garden of Swift Carrots, and though he might dismiss Olkin's claims about Fortified Pumpkins being the pride of the village, she knows the two are on good enough terms to hunt together. 

Olkin and Mellie: Aiyana thinks it's sweet that Olkin wants to protect his wife, and that Mellie cooks Fortified Pumpkins every day for him because he loves them so much. She admires how much he cares for his pumpkin patch. Sometimes Olkin's jokes throw Aiyana off, but he always apologizes for it. Aiyana is fond of Mellie, and how much she loves and cares for her plum trees, believing her when she says they're the "silent guardians" of the village. 

Ollie: Aiyana doesn't know him very well other than greeting one another- she never really has a reason to visit the Shuteye Inn. There are times she's seen him fall asleep standing up, and Aiyana worries about that.

The Great Fairy Cotera: Aiyana is one of the few to know that the village was built under her watchful eye, and that they are under her sacred protection. One day, Aiyana hopes to meet her and thank her for everything. She adores the Great Fairy Fountain area, and loves to sit and watch the fairies. 

Link: It is because of the print her grandfather had that Aiyana recognizes him, as there was no possible way they could have met prior. They meet a few times on their journeys, and help each other to take down the Yiga Clan. She offers him help to fix his broken weaponry as well for a really good discount in comparison to other travelers, and they enjoy each other's company, even in silence- and often with food! Aiyana can become a temporary party member for Link.

Zelda: When the princess returns after 100 years, Aiyana is fiercely loyal to her- she may not have been around before Calamity struck, but she recognizes her as Princess Zelda from the print her grandfather had. When they first meet at Zora's Domain, Aiyana murmurs that Zelda is just as beautiful in person. Realizing they heard, Aiyana blushes and apologizes, admitting finally that she had seen the print of the Champions. Zelda and Aiyana often bond over Sheikah technology. 

Kass: Her grandfather's student and a dear family friend. The two bond over memories of the court poet, and Aiyana asks for Kass to teach her the songs her grandfather wanted to pass down. 

Amali and Kass's daughters: Aiyana finally meets Kass's wife and children when visiting Rito Village. She reassures them that Kass is okay, mentioning she's seen him during her own travels. To soothe them, Aiyana plays familiar songs on her flute for his family.

Safflyna: When she visits, Safflyna is immediately in love with her hair color! Safflyna sighs dreamily and comments how it reminds her of starlight. Aiyana is quite flustered by how friendly she is and shies away, but after visiting every so often, becomes more comfortable around her.

Purah: Despite not wanting or expecting visitors, Purah is surprised, but welcoming when Aiyana happens to visit- especially when Aiyana shows an interest in Sheikah technology. Through time, Purah teaches Aiyana everything she knows about the Sheikah Slate and other technology that may benefit her on her adventures.

Robbie: Through her travels, she stumbled across Robbie and Cherry a while back. Although she didn't gather very many materials, she gives him what she can to buy some of his weaponry. She also finds herself intrigued by how Sheikah weaponry works, and learns how to forge her own. 

Riju: When Aiyana discovers how young Riju is she's surprised, considering how wise she is despite it. Riju cares greatly for the safety of her people, and seems aware that the Gerudo doubt her ability to govern, but Aiyana believes they have no reason to worry.

Isha: The owner of Starlight Memories. Whenever Aiyana arrives in Gerudo Town, she loves to stop by and visit her, and to look at all the pretty jewelry she sells, and how she creates them. 

Uliana: The two met in Gerudo Town first, and cross paths again later. Aiyana is initially shy, but Uliana instigates talking with her, and the two form a bond. Uliana makes Aiyana a cute Sand Seal plush, as well as a Snowcoat Fox, Blupee and a Fairy, which she treasures. 

Bala: One of Aiyana's closest Zora friends and a thresher shark Zora who does competitive speed races for fun, and prefers to go fishing for the tougher, speedier catches. It's thanks to Bala and the prince that Aiyana improves her skills in swimming, and the basics in water combat. Aiyana loves watching Prince Sidon and Bala race, even if they know the odds are in the prince's favor of winning. And she grew quite fond of his pet starfish. He's also part of Prince Sidon's Fan Club, much to Aiyana's surprise.

Bensen: Aiyana and Bensen bond over their love of the water and flowers! Aiyana often brings him some recently fallen flowers for him to collect and press, and Bensen happily accepts them and gets excited each time! They have a very easy going and lighthearted friendship that's very feel-good for the both of them. Though initially shy about it, Aiyana likes to talk about love with him, too, knowing that Bensen is a romantic. 

Calder: Aiyana and Calder both bond over their love of travel- they often compare notes of the land vs the ocean! Especially after long expeditions on one or the other, they regroup to tell of their travels- often in the evenings around a fire and some yummy food. 

Akos:

Kaede: Due to how close Kaede was to the champions, she had known Aiyana and Maka's grandfather, and met Aiyana during her visits. Whenever Kaede comes to watch Yumiko train, Aiyana would be there as well, and would ask her questions about the champions, wanting to hear everything. She indulges the little Sheikah, and more often than not talked about Revali, having to remind herself that Aiyana wanted to hear about the others, too. Aiyana's happy anyway, though, thinking it romantic how much Kaede loved Revali. Kaede is proud to see the small Sheikah girls getting big and strong. Aiyana misses Kaede dearly after she passes.

Yumiko: Childhood friend. The two grew up together training in combat with Dorian and Cado. They forged a solid friendship and an unbreakable bond despite how different they are. When Aiyana and Maka's grandfather passed on, Yumiko did her best to be there for her, and likewise, Aiyana was there to help her through Kaede's death. When Aiyana realized where Yumiko's specialties in battle lie, she crafted a bow just for her. Whenever it breaks, Aiyana will always fix it up for her, free of charge and like it'd never been broken at all. 

Diya: Before they met, Yumiko would talk highly of Aiyana, and how she’d made her bow. So when they crossed paths, Diya was surprised, expecting Aiyana to be more wild, given how Yumiko is.

Tabris: Having met before when Tabris was trying to learn more about ruins, Aiyana got to know her better thanks to Purah and Robbie. Tabris squints a little when she realized Aiyana somehow already knew of Yumiko's nickname "Tabby", realizing it spread to everyone else so quickly.

Eira: The two vibe together, finding that they have a shared love of water and swimming. Aiyana finds comfort in finding another who is more shy than others like she is, able to talk with Eira about these feelings. Eira smiles often when she sees Aiyana and Sidon together, very supportive of them, and has even started to tease when she can, much to Aiyana's embarrassment- she thinks Calder's teasing nature is rubbing off on her.

Faye: They met during travels near Riverside Stable, Faye hearing her playing the flute and following the sound of her music. Aiyana and Faye bond over their love of music, and open up to each other about their crushes. They were able to relate to one another in having feelings for someone who had an important role. Aiyana thinks it's very endearing that Faye has a crush on Paya.

Asha'ra: Uliana introduced the two when she brought Aiyana to get her nails done by Asha'ra. Aiyana was a little embarrassed, since due to travel she wasn't exactly able to take care of her nails nicely, and tended to keep them short. After her nails are done, Aiyana watches as Asha'ra does Uliana's nails, both admiring her own nails and wanting to see how Asha'ra works. There's a moment where she catches Uliana blushing, and smiles to herself, realizing there might be something more. Uliana notices Aiyana caught wind of her feelings and flusters a little.

Lumine: It's when Lumine approaches Aiyana and they bond through technology that she finds out Maka really doesn't know anything about Sheikah tech, and how she's being truthful when she says she's bad at using it. Any Sheikah technology that she wants to know about, Lumine knows she can go to Aiyana for, having studied under both Purah and Robbie for some time and done research herself. They become in-laws in the future through Maka.

Prince Sidon's Fan Club: It might be surprising, but Aiyana actually gets along quite swimmingly with each member of the club. The Zora women may all gush over Sidon and are head over fins for him, but they absolutely catch on to Aiyana's crush on him and give their full love and support, especially seeing their charming Prince seems to like her more than he realizes! Tula, Tona and Laruta ask for all the details when they finally get together.

Dorephan: Aiyana respects and admires him, both for his wisdom as well as his strength. She was also rather flustered with how kind and generous he was towards her, and how accepting he was of her relationship with her son. 

Love Interest

Sidon: Despite what she says, she does indeed have a crush on the Zora prince. At first, she can't help but get shy, and believes she would never have a chance with royalty- so it really takes her off guard when he confesses to her, and assures her she's the one for him! Aiyana gets rather flustered as he's playful, has complete faith in her, and loves to spoil her and make her feel special. Although he's aware she's capable of fighting, he can't help but be a bit protective- and she's protective of him as well.

It's a little while after they've gotten together that they share their first kiss. It was when they were on a swim together, with Aiyana sitting on him as he float, drifting in the water. A soft, night glow on them, both from the moonlight and the Blue Nightshade she carried, the prince having plucked them just for her.

His love language is words of affirmation and physical touch. He always seems to have a compliment for Aiyana on the tip of his tongue. Hand holding, scooping her up into a hug, letting her sit on his shoulder, anything to be close to one another. Due to their height, he often either has to pick her up or kneel down to give her affection. Despite this confidence, he can become rather bashful if Aiyana is the one to show him love, whether in words, touch or gift. He will turn away to try and hide his smile and blush. The two enjoy to be lazy with one another when they're off duty, often drifting in the water with Sidon on his back and Aiyana resting on top of him. Waterblossom.

STORY
Kakariko Village was always peaceful, so Aiyana picked up lots of relaxing habits during her upbringing. She loves to garden, learn about flora and fauna, and has an extra soft spot for music because of her grandfather, who used to be the Royal Family’s Sheikah court poet. Growing up, she loved hearing stories from her grandfather and Impa. The stories of the Hylian Champion and the Princess were her favourites; she often daydreamed about them, even as a young child. Through these stories, she developed a real love for the thrill of battle and the idea of protecting those you love and those who can't fight. She decided to make a difference, learning battle skills from the guards, Dorian and Cado, at a young age. When she feels prepared enough to take on real battle, she decides to help best she can. After meeting the Gorons and a Sheikah named Robbie, Aiyana gains an interest in learning how to forge and fix her own weaponry.  Although it takes time, she takes great pride in her skills and the weapons she can create or make usable once more.

Sidon and Aiyana met one day while the prince was on his way to Kakariko Village to learn about and establish connections with the Sheikah tribe.  While others of his race had issues with the Hylians and Sheikah, Sidon had no such ill feelings and hoped that he would be able to improve the relationship between the races over time.  While nearing the village, he heard the tune of a soft flute; detouring to follow the sound, he found Aiyana.  He was enchanted by both the tune and the young woman playing it.  He waited to enjoy the music and allow her to finish, but afterwards immediately went over to her, enthusiastically introducing himself and showering her music in compliments. Aiyana was extraordinarily honoured, flustered, and excited in one go.  She immediately was taken by Sidon's charm, needing to take a moment to collect herself before she could properly respond, thanking him and introducing herself. When he mentioned heading toward Kakariko Village, she offered to lead him the rest of the way there. It wasn't until later that she'd realized he was the Zora prince! 

Aiyana learns more of the world by visiting the other races and cultures around her; she tries to adapt some of their skills to better aid her in her quest for making Hyrule a better place.  One of her most improved skills is swimming and water combat, learned from the Zora- specifically Prince Sidon and Bala. Her own people's skills will always hold an important place in her heart despite the outer influence. Especially as she grows up to appreciate the value, she falls in love with Sheikah technology; she learns the basics from Robbie and Purah and tries to help them. Thanks to their influence, she becomes fairly proficient with it in her own right. She helps to fix up ancient Sheikah weaponry, and often tinkers by herself trying to figure things out or discover new technology. 

She recalls seeing the print of the Picture of the Champions before her grandfather eventually passed it down to his Rito student, Kass. So she was a little surprised to actually meet Link, recognizing him immediately. Not wanting to come across as odd, Aiyana quickly brushes off her questions, insisting she knew it had to be him simply due to Impa's stories, and introduces herself. When he questions her being away from Kakariko Village, she mentions she wishes to save Hyrule from threats, including those of the Yiga Clan, and to take down members through her search of the hideout. The two cross paths often, and eventually find the hideout around the same time. When Link speaks to her, she offers to assist him, and helps to keep guard when he fights their leader, Kohga. 

After the eradication of Calamity Ganon, Aiyana has the chance to meet Princess Zelda and reunite with Link.

Post-game, Aiyana can't help her curiosity when Link reveals the Astral Observatory- an underground room beneath the throne room where ancient Sheikah researched celestial bodies. The walls covered in constellations and silhouettes of locations from across Hyrule are breathtaking, and she finds a love in studying it together with Princess Zelda.

Locations
Aiyana can be found in several locations across Hyrule, though more commonly at Zora's Domain or Kakariko Village. She can sometimes be found in Hateno Village at Link's house, planting a small garden for him. Through time, the garden grows, and she's instead tending to them on later visits. Aiyana has also stayed at Selmie's Spot previously during her travels, and has written in the journal, as well as left food for whoever stays there next, which happens to be Link.

If Link speaks to Aiyana early on in game, she'll suggest heading toward Zora's Domain, explaining that the Zora need help, and how she wishes she could do something but the rain has made it difficult to make her way there. It gives Link the option to mention Aiyana to Sidon later, and the prince feels bad not being there when she was.

Link can ask Aiyana to fix a broken weapon of his choice, or ask her to forge one in specific, for a price. Specific weapons also require materials alongside. Aiyana always gives him a discount, and on the rare occasion offers to do it for free, wanting to help the hero of Hyrule best she can. He can also ask her for assistance when he goes to fight Ganon's monsters, where she will follow behind and help take down enemies. She will not enter any Divine Beast or Shrine, though does help him with taking down Master Kohga if asked. 

QUESTS
?

TRIVIA
+ Her birthday falls in early April, during Hanami ("flower viewing"), when the cherry blossoms are in bloom. 
+ Sheikah outfits keep rain off, ward off lightning, and are still comfortable even when wet.
+ She speaks to Mipha's statue sometimes. About her day, about Sidon, or just... anything. Whenever she does, she brings her flowers, thinking she might like them. She wishes she could have met Mipha. Sidon is touched when he finds out, and both of them dealing with the loss of a loved one deepens their bond. Aiyana is always happy to hear him talk about his dear sister. 

+ They get married post-botw and pre-rewritten totk. Sidon is excited and wants to marry Aiyana pretty early on in their relationship, which both flusters her and worries her. She's touched he wants to marry her so soon, and she wants to marry him, too, but she's worried he's moving too quickly and worries he'll regret it- not to mention he's a prince and that would mean she'd one day be queen. She tells him she'd love to marry him, but needs time before jumping into it too soon. He's very patient and loving to her about it, but the moment she says she's ready, he's so excited he almost wants to marry her on the spot. He does agree to get to wedding planning however and asks for Link and Zelda's help with preparations!

totk spoilers:
+ Aiyana buys Ring Garlands from Koko. One for herself, and one she brings to Sidon, which he's able to wear as a flower crown.
+ Instead of what happens in the events of the game, Sidon is stressed about his father's condition and the state of the domain, afraid to lose anyone else like he lost his dear sister. Sidon's concerns cloud him with doubt. Aiyana is there to help ground him, sweet and sympathetic about his situation, but encouraging. Before returning to the domain, Aiyana is searching for Splash Fruit in hopes of helping in any way she can. 
+ Aiyana may be helping out at Lookout Landing. Possibilities are with Purah and the towers, or with Impa and Cado to look at the geoglyphs. 
+ In botw, Aiyana was who Link would go to when it came to repairing a weapon or helping fix an item so it wouldn't break again. In totk, she feels frustrated when all weapons decay. She turns to Sheikah technology again, hoping that bringing back ancient technology weapons will help. 
+ Instead, Yona will be next in line to become a royal advisor and take Muzu's place. Her relationship with Sidon would be familial/platonic, and they would treat each other like siblings, just like how Sidon spoke of her in the monuments as if she were an older sister. While she can still be sweet, she is more impatient and gets annoyed and frustrated with Muzu, scolding him and standing up to him. Muzu is why we don't meet Yona in BotW's events. Yona didn't know how to process Mipha's death and ran away from her responsibilities to try and process her grief.