High Priestess Tali

Happy Sunday! Spring in the Northeastern US can be unpredictable lol. One day it's warm and breezy, the next you'll need to drag your sweater back out. Thankfully, I do not suffer from allergies, but I'll pray for ya'll who do 😅

Anyway, my projects for Mermay are coming along nicely. I'm excited to share all my work next month. There's already some preludes on my WIP page of what to expect! In the meantime, I have the bio for high priestess Tali.

Sheikah high priestess: Tali

Updated design for Tali.

Age: 30

Location: The Great Hyrule Forest

Primary ability: Protection

High priestess Mechi gave birth to her daughter, Tali, at the Spring of Power. Born healthy and without incident, sisters rejoiced across Hyrule. By this time, the Great Calamity passed. Kakariko stood against the destruction, and continued to serve as a safe haven for the Sheikah. Mechi took her maternity leave in the village and settled with her husband and newborn. From infancy, great power manifested within Tali. This was expected from a child born to a high priestess with incredible strength. To ensure the child’s safety, a sealing spell kept her powers manageable until she came of age.

Even on leave, Mechi continued her studies in protection. Her daughter could always be found near, curious in her mother’s endeavors. Tali began her study in the protection arts as a child, finding all of her mother’s work fascinating. From the time she could read, she began engrossing herself in Mechi’s journals. They contained ancient knowledge and personal discoveries connected to defensive techniques. Even with a seal, Tali had access to a portion of her strength. She began informal training at 10, and continued until her trials at 13.

Tali knew she’d pursue high priestess rank even before her entry into the shrine organization. Her few years of unofficial study were of benefit. Everything already felt familiar. After the first year, Mechi proudly released the seal. Tali’s newly released power became refined throughout her final maiden years, and she gladly accepted the responsibility of high priestess study. Given her lineage, the path forward would take her to the Sacred Lands. Being a bookworm already, Tali enjoyed the knowledge her classes had to offer. She combined this with her new magical abilities. By the time of her voyage to Hyrule Forest, she felt prepared for her next steps. 

Although capable, the Sacred Lands were an adjustment for Tali. The spiritual energy within Hyrule Forest swirled and shifted in unfamiliar ways. She wouldn’t face these uncertainties alone, though. Her mother and other powerful priestesses guided her through the new experiences. After a year of intense training, Tali became accustomed to the forest. She learned many ways of protection that were passed down for generations. The high priestesses that watch over Hyrule Forest also protect the Woodland Tower, and meet with their sisters at the Woodland Stable. Tali traveled to both during her apprenticeship. All of the challenges she faced during her training only honed her spiritual power. Soon, Tali faced them with confidence that saw her overcome any obstacle put before her. Many believed she would surpass her mother in strength through her journey ahead.

The soon to be high priestess returned to Kakariko with her head held high. She’d accomplished something few would. Tali spent a week within the main building for fasting and prayer. Her mother and the rest of the high priestesses then gathered for her tattoos. The group traveled to the Spring of Courage for her anointing. Tali emerged as the newest high priestess. Quite a few gathered for the celebration for her return to Kakariko. The village rejoiced in her success. Tali vowed to use her strength to uphold the legacy that would protect her people.