Of Royal Blood - The Legend Of Zelda

[X] Shopping!

You are lead by Zelda through the village, passing by Sheikah going about their business or children playing in the street. To your surprise, the center of the village actually had shops, as Zelda explains many Sheikah who ended up arriving over the years are often only part Sheikah, and were merchants or scholars like in Akko's case and were far from the major backlash. Some weren't even aware they were part Sheikah (such as Akko) until the Yiga and Empire accused them. Thankfully those were often rescued by those mentioned Sheikah merchants who blended in with the populace. Not true warriors, but they still had the necessary skills to smuggle them out. Unfortunately, due to recent tragedies what merchants and scouts left the village stuck to only nearby Hylian villages, though Zelda didn't elaborate on what those tragedies were.

As you begin discussing which shop to enter first an old couple approaches your group, or rather Zelda in particular.

"Ah your majesty, it is good to see you have returned home safe and sound," They greet her, giving a bow.

Zelda smiles, "Thank you, how're you both doing?"

"Oh we're both well, but..." The old woman responds hesitating, "We would like to know how the crops will do this year, what with all the rain..."

Zelda's expression sours, and she takes a breath to collect herself, "Well, it's been months since I've been in the village so I'll need to go out and check on them, gather data-"

The old man and woman glanced at each other, clearly worried they had offended the Princess, "No no! It is quite alright, just a prayer to the goddess from you will be enough. No need to trouble yourself."

"Of course, I will do so later. Thank you for informing me."

"You really weren't kidding back then..." You mutter as you watch the couple walk away, before looking over to the blonde Sheikah girl, "You doing alright?"

"I'm fine, I'll pray for them after we complete everything," Zelda tells you, quickly walking past you towards a shop with a sign that read "Enchanted."

Outside the shop was a woman, wearing a Sheikah dress much like Zelda's but with white hair like Paya's. She looked... lifeless was one way of putting it. You try not to think about how much it reminded you of Zelda on her really bad days. But when the woman noticed you she immediately brightened up, practically bouncing with energy, "Oh your majesty! And... your majesty!" She exclaimed, looking between Mipha and Zelda.

She then spots Paya, and the woman takes a step back in shock, raising a hand to her mouth, "Paya!? You're out of Lady Purah's manor! Oh, did you get talked into doing someone's errand again?"

"N-no miss Lasli, I-I-I-I-I'm here to help master Link!" The nervous girl manages to stammer out, and Lasli turns her attention on you.

"Oh! You must be cute boy Claree said arrived with Zelda!"

You don't meet her eyes, scratching your cheek. Well, it wasn't the worst way to be known-

"You should head inside, the others probably would want to see you!"

Wait, others?

The others seem just as confused as you are, and peek into the shop only to see a small crowd of people inside the building along with...

"Kapson? Dento?" Mipha states with some surprise and the two elder Zora turn to greet their Princess.

"Ah good, we were just about to get you Lady Mipha," Kapson states as Zelda and Paya seems to realize who else was crowded into the shop,

"Tome, Rola?"

A Sheikah with dark hair and dark skin does a quick bow, while a younger Sheikah woman with one eye covered by a bandana gives Zelda a friendly wave.

"And... Fuku and Okatsu as well?"

A Sheikah wearing a more long sleeved variant of the Sheikah outfit does a deep bow to Zelda, "Your Majesty," while the other who was wearing a Sheikah outfit consisting of light and dark blues bows respectfully before returning to eying you in particular with suspicion.

"What's going on?"

Kapson steps forward, "Your majesties, Dento and I have been discussing lending our talents towards magic and smithing and it seems our skill sets would be most appreciated."

"Appreciated? I didn't even know you could use metal in that way! How you make things so ornate and yet so durable..." Tome trails off, clearly enraptured by the potential of Zora smithing techniques.

"We've all discussed it and combining our techniques would allow us to equip you all with better gear, or upgrade existing items you find," Dento adds in, "However, Kakariko village does not have the resources for producing high-quality items. Repairing the Lightscale trident alone would be impossible if it was damaged."

"We can send Bugut out for what he can get from the nearby villages, but we'll have to charge you simply to not go bankrupt," Rola adds, "But getting the necessary ores is not going to be easy."

Dento nods, "Yes, we Zora use a special type of silver for all our metal-working. The vast majority of it is found in Lanayru, with some in Eldin. Getting a steady supply from either of those places would be difficult."

You cross your arms, thinking, "But if we're traveling, we can secure the ore and materials you need. We'll need a cart though..."

"Trissa is selling her old cart, " Tome helpfully provides, "On the cheap too, with plenty of free storage containers included."

"Hey~! If you're out there see if you can bring in some high-end fashion as well! Enchanted is always willing to add Rito or Gerudo craftsmanship to the world-famous Claree collection!" The shop owner, Claree adds from behind the counter, practically hopping up and down to be heard over the small crowd gathered in her shop.

Zelda taps her chin, thinking, "Actually, with my... well myself I might be able to convince Rito, Gerudo, Hylian and even Goron masters of their respective crafts to help us. They could provide skills and techniques none of us have even heard of."

Tome's eye goes wide, "I heard Goron's handle and even taste the molten metal when forging to make sure it's perfect! The things I could learn from them..."

Zelda nods, "The Goron's were close allies of my father, and the royal weapons that adorned our guard detail were produced only through combining the skills of master-blacksmiths throughout Hyrule."

"I fear my fellow masters may be hard to find if the Empire hasn't gotten to them already," Dento grimly states, "We may be a tough bunch, but anything could have happened in eight years."

Tome sighs, "I'd have given anything to see your guys work, master Dento. I can scarcely imagine what the royal guard gear looked like..."

"Oh, I have one right here. You can look at it, but I'll need it back," You tell her, drawing your father's knife and passing it to Tome. The one-eyed blacksmith lets out a high-pitched squeal and gives a quick thank you before disappearing into a corner to examine it.

"We are also here to assist you, your Majesty," Fuku suddenly speaks up, getting down on one knee with Okatsu following suit, "Lady Impa has instructed us to make our wares available to you. While we would gladly give them to you for free they're quite expensive to produce in the quantities you will likely need them."

Zelda looks grateful but hesitant, "But I've never used talismans before..."

"Do not worry, I'll be sure to teach you before you depart. Lady Paya, your open invitation still stands as well."

Paya shakes her head, "M-m-m-my apologies, Lady Fuku but my duties..."

"I understand, it's still open if you change your mind though," Fuku says with a nod, though she adopts a sad and disappointed expression.

"What's a talisman?" You ask, drawing everyone's attention.

Okatsu seems to mutter something along the lines of "Stupid outsider" but Fuku only nods.

"Ah, this would be a strange topic to an outsider. Well, talismans are essentially spells written onto parchment. While it takes those trained in the Sheikah arts to use these charms any Sheikah could use them with only a bit of practice. Many of our abilities in Hylian myths are actually a result of them. Though it takes those truly gifted with spiritual abilities to bring out their true power. On average, it usually takes an entire pack of them to cast a spell, but they're rather easy to make, just parchment and blessed ink."

Fuku then looks over to Okatsu, who was still looking at you with suspicion, "Lady Okatsu specializes in the tools of the other side of the Sheikah mythological prowess, providing bombs and poisons for our warriors."

"Lady Impa has instructed me to sell my wares to you, but I can not fathom why she would approve an outsider-" Okatsu begins, only for Zelda to cut her off.

"Okatsu! That is enough. Link has been chosen by the gods to be my Champion, you will provide him with everything necessary to complete his sacred duty and show him the same courtesy you would show me."

Okatsu's eyes go wide, and she immediately prostrates herself on the ground, "My deepest apologies your majesty for my impertinence, I shall offer-"

Zelda shakes her head, "That won't be necessary Okatsu, just offer your wares as normal."

"Of course, your majesty."

Well, Zelda wrapped that up rather quickly. Seems this Okatsu was naturally distrusting of outsiders, and probably for good reason. But her loyalty to Zelda was absolute to an almost fanatical degree, and you knew Zelda was fully aware just how much power she had over the young women.

Mipha claps her hands together, drawing everyone's attention: "Well, perhaps we should get to shopping then?"

Claree claps her hands to her cheeks, "Oh I almost forgot! Your Majesty, Impa put in a special order at most of our shops for items to be given to you on your return. I have it in the back here."

"Oh, that's most excellent then! Link, don't worry about buying anything for me other than charms and ammo. Oh and please leave at least 7000 Rupees for me to purchase various miscellaneous items and clothes. I probably won't use all of it, but it'll cover anything necessary."

You nod, and begin talking to the various store owners about what you can buy. You do consider that now would be a good time to stock up on things like throwing knives and bombs for yourself. You should also consider if you need to replace your hatchet. You suspect you could carry five throwing knives comfortably, you're not fully used to using them after all, and four bombs of any type though other smaller misc items could be easily kept in one of your pouches. If you get all those you'll probably only be able to carry five elixirs in an easily accessible place at a time. That doesn't mean that you shouldn't buy spares. No point in buying knives or swords for Zelda though because it looks like Impa's order covers that. You should also consider if you want to switch your spear out for another weapon. Any other items you'll have to really consider if you'll need them on your journey.

Also, if you're going to the Hebra mountains you're going to need some really well-made winter gear or spicey elixirs. You could also get some stuff for Mipha, though she has her own weapons and armour.

X 87000

The Plucky Hinox Forge:
Enchanted:
The Curious Quiver:
Yellow Spring
Shrine of the White-Goddes:
High Spirits Produce:
What do you buy? Be sure to include the colour you want for dyeable items.
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