5.16
[X] Great Hyrule Forest AKA The Lost Woods
You only spend a day resting at the manor, a sense of urgency spurring you all on as you spend the next day quickly preparing so you can leave the following morning. You barely keep track of where everyone is as you double and triple-check all the supplies, making sure you have enough food for the long expedition.
You do however catch sight of Paya talking with Impa, wearing the outfit you presume Impa had bought for her. In many ways, it resembled Zelda's with a black hooded cloak and mask that hid many of her features, though this one seemed more like a piece of armour then Zelda's enchanted mask, covering Paya's cheeks as well as the upper part of her face and stylized to look like a bird while conveniently obscuring her eyes and forehead. You could also see what looked like a dark turban or cap underneath it. She had a cuirass similar to the one Brokka wore, though lacking any shoulder protection. Underneath that Paya was wearing a thick blue coat, the sleeves tied down with leather armguard with her hands covered by fingerless gloves. A long red bit of cloth had been tied around her waist, its end hanging loosely at her side. Her coat extended past to cover everything up to her knees and you noted the odd pattern in the fabric, suggesting that some type of reinforcement was in this part of the garment to provide some thigh-protection. Other than that she wore the simple white leggings you'd seen her regularly wear in the village and nearly knee-high leather boots like the ones you had.
You had to give it to Impa, while you could see the Sheikah influence Impa's choices with the armour gave the impression of a more standard Hylian mercenary. Paya certainly didn't look comfortable with that amount of armour on but from Impa's expression, you had the rather deep impression Paya's aunt was making very sure that Paya was properly protected if your group had to venture into another monster-filled deathtrap.
As you left the next day, made your way to the station you had visited before and piled onto a train car you couldn't help but note that your group resembled a mercenary band save two exceptions, though Midna kept herself from view from everyone but your tiny group. You doubted however that Irene would wear the hooded robes you'd read Mages typically wore. No one so far had raised much of a fuss about it, however. Considering that Maple was already ancient when she had joined the Sages a young girl in a black dress probably only raised eyebrows at her flying broom rather than her pointy hat.
X 90,000
The plan, as Zelda had explained it, was to hit two birds with one stone. The closest stop with the spirit tracks was the town of Rauru, the last known location of the Sage of Spirits Seres and her father, Sahasrahla. Seres from Mobius's information was living a quiet life having devoted her life to the gods, assisting the local priest and tending to the Sanctuary Church located in Rauru. She hadn't appeared to have much trouble, other than apparently a large number of soldiers from the local garrison regularly attending service in an attempt to speak to her, though Seres seemed to ignore them. Zelda, on the other hand, believed it was only a matter of time before an attempt was made on Seres's life and the best option was to get her and her father out of the village and safely to Kakariko through the closest Sheikah Gate. Even if you all had to fight your way out it wouldn't matter as no one sane would dare follow you all into the Great Hyrule Forest, known by locals as the lost woods from the cursed fog that seemed to cover it that led all who entered the woods astray.
From what Navi had told you, Zelda theorized that there must be Sheikah ruins somewhere inside. They could even be the cause of the fog to protect whatever this superweapon was. She seemed rather excited by it as she explained her theory, assuming it must be some grand weapon of Sheikah origin, perhaps even a massive war machine.
You weren't so sure. The night you had all decided to make your way to the Great Hyrule Forest you'd been plagued by restless sleep, awakening to find your arm outstretched as if to grasp something. Whenever you had a moment to yourself since then you found yourself in a wistful mood, eyes always wandering to your hand as though to find something... missing from it. You kept this from the others, unsure of what to make of it. Navi had spoken of an old friend in the Great Hyrule Forest alongside her warning to bring as many allies as you could muster, perhaps they were guiding you?
Besides Zelda though there was another of your party who seemed quite excited at what lay ahead of you.
"D-Do you t-think Miss. Seres remembers h-how her magic worked?" Paya asked suddenly, looking up from where she had taken a seat on the wagon.
"Of course! Seres is amazing! She was the same age as Impa when she became a Sage you know!" Zelda helpfully chimed in, positively bouncing in her seat, "Why there was no one who could command spirits quite like her, it's no wonder she wound up working at the Sanctuary and its many tombs. If it wasn't for how dire things have become I'd bet Rupees on her being able to trounce any monsters that showed up singlehandedly!"
Paya simply bowed her head, wringing her hands nervously as she quietly asked, "D-do you t-think she w-would be w-willing to t-teach?"
"O-oh," Was Zelda's only response as her eyes widened in realization, "Oh Paya..."
An awkward silence followed as Zelda shifted to sit beside Paya as your dog, sensing that something was amiss, set his head onto Paya's lap with a small whine.
Unsure of any reassurance to give Paya you instead spent the rest of the trip recalling what Zelda had told you of what she personally knew of Seres and her father. She was indeed the youngest of the Sages, with only the then-teenage Urbosa close to her in age. Zelda described her as being rather carefree in personality, polite and kind, never one to raise a fuss. Zelda's mother had been incredibly close to both of the younger members, being something of a mentor to the young Seres as the Sheikah were adept at magic concerning spirits. Seres had lost her mother at a young age and while Zelda never raised the possibility from the sound of it Seres may have viewed Zelda's mother as almost an adoptive parent. It certainly would have explained her reaction to the Queen's passing, having taken it particularly hard and turning to religion to help ease her grief.
It was convenient that the famous Sanctuary was located at the town her father had retired too. Already an older gentleman when Seres was born Sahasrahla was likely an old man now and in the care of his daughter. Sahasrahla was a former advisor to the King of Hyrule, though had retired a few years before Zelda was born for reasons she wasn't quite sure of. He was known to be incredibly knowledgable on the histories of Hyrule, perhaps the most knowledgable in all the land. She had communicated with him mostly through writing at the encouragement of her mother and Purah, though had lost touch after her mother's death.
You weren't sure how either of them would react to the supposedly dead Princess showing up on their doorstep, telling them they should pack their things to leave town by nightfall. At least from the sound of things they weren't in immediate danger, even with one of the largest garrisons of Imperial troops just a short hop away.
Then again, Maple didn't seem like she was in immediate danger...
You only spend a day resting at the manor, a sense of urgency spurring you all on as you spend the next day quickly preparing so you can leave the following morning. You barely keep track of where everyone is as you double and triple-check all the supplies, making sure you have enough food for the long expedition.
You do however catch sight of Paya talking with Impa, wearing the outfit you presume Impa had bought for her. In many ways, it resembled Zelda's with a black hooded cloak and mask that hid many of her features, though this one seemed more like a piece of armour then Zelda's enchanted mask, covering Paya's cheeks as well as the upper part of her face and stylized to look like a bird while conveniently obscuring her eyes and forehead. You could also see what looked like a dark turban or cap underneath it. She had a cuirass similar to the one Brokka wore, though lacking any shoulder protection. Underneath that Paya was wearing a thick blue coat, the sleeves tied down with leather armguard with her hands covered by fingerless gloves. A long red bit of cloth had been tied around her waist, its end hanging loosely at her side. Her coat extended past to cover everything up to her knees and you noted the odd pattern in the fabric, suggesting that some type of reinforcement was in this part of the garment to provide some thigh-protection. Other than that she wore the simple white leggings you'd seen her regularly wear in the village and nearly knee-high leather boots like the ones you had.
You had to give it to Impa, while you could see the Sheikah influence Impa's choices with the armour gave the impression of a more standard Hylian mercenary. Paya certainly didn't look comfortable with that amount of armour on but from Impa's expression, you had the rather deep impression Paya's aunt was making very sure that Paya was properly protected if your group had to venture into another monster-filled deathtrap.
As you left the next day, made your way to the station you had visited before and piled onto a train car you couldn't help but note that your group resembled a mercenary band save two exceptions, though Midna kept herself from view from everyone but your tiny group. You doubted however that Irene would wear the hooded robes you'd read Mages typically wore. No one so far had raised much of a fuss about it, however. Considering that Maple was already ancient when she had joined the Sages a young girl in a black dress probably only raised eyebrows at her flying broom rather than her pointy hat.
X 90,000The plan, as Zelda had explained it, was to hit two birds with one stone. The closest stop with the spirit tracks was the town of Rauru, the last known location of the Sage of Spirits Seres and her father, Sahasrahla. Seres from Mobius's information was living a quiet life having devoted her life to the gods, assisting the local priest and tending to the Sanctuary Church located in Rauru. She hadn't appeared to have much trouble, other than apparently a large number of soldiers from the local garrison regularly attending service in an attempt to speak to her, though Seres seemed to ignore them. Zelda, on the other hand, believed it was only a matter of time before an attempt was made on Seres's life and the best option was to get her and her father out of the village and safely to Kakariko through the closest Sheikah Gate. Even if you all had to fight your way out it wouldn't matter as no one sane would dare follow you all into the Great Hyrule Forest, known by locals as the lost woods from the cursed fog that seemed to cover it that led all who entered the woods astray.
From what Navi had told you, Zelda theorized that there must be Sheikah ruins somewhere inside. They could even be the cause of the fog to protect whatever this superweapon was. She seemed rather excited by it as she explained her theory, assuming it must be some grand weapon of Sheikah origin, perhaps even a massive war machine.
You weren't so sure. The night you had all decided to make your way to the Great Hyrule Forest you'd been plagued by restless sleep, awakening to find your arm outstretched as if to grasp something. Whenever you had a moment to yourself since then you found yourself in a wistful mood, eyes always wandering to your hand as though to find something... missing from it. You kept this from the others, unsure of what to make of it. Navi had spoken of an old friend in the Great Hyrule Forest alongside her warning to bring as many allies as you could muster, perhaps they were guiding you?
Besides Zelda though there was another of your party who seemed quite excited at what lay ahead of you.
"D-Do you t-think Miss. Seres remembers h-how her magic worked?" Paya asked suddenly, looking up from where she had taken a seat on the wagon.
"Of course! Seres is amazing! She was the same age as Impa when she became a Sage you know!" Zelda helpfully chimed in, positively bouncing in her seat, "Why there was no one who could command spirits quite like her, it's no wonder she wound up working at the Sanctuary and its many tombs. If it wasn't for how dire things have become I'd bet Rupees on her being able to trounce any monsters that showed up singlehandedly!"
Paya simply bowed her head, wringing her hands nervously as she quietly asked, "D-do you t-think she w-would be w-willing to t-teach?"
"O-oh," Was Zelda's only response as her eyes widened in realization, "Oh Paya..."
An awkward silence followed as Zelda shifted to sit beside Paya as your dog, sensing that something was amiss, set his head onto Paya's lap with a small whine.
Unsure of any reassurance to give Paya you instead spent the rest of the trip recalling what Zelda had told you of what she personally knew of Seres and her father. She was indeed the youngest of the Sages, with only the then-teenage Urbosa close to her in age. Zelda described her as being rather carefree in personality, polite and kind, never one to raise a fuss. Zelda's mother had been incredibly close to both of the younger members, being something of a mentor to the young Seres as the Sheikah were adept at magic concerning spirits. Seres had lost her mother at a young age and while Zelda never raised the possibility from the sound of it Seres may have viewed Zelda's mother as almost an adoptive parent. It certainly would have explained her reaction to the Queen's passing, having taken it particularly hard and turning to religion to help ease her grief.
It was convenient that the famous Sanctuary was located at the town her father had retired too. Already an older gentleman when Seres was born Sahasrahla was likely an old man now and in the care of his daughter. Sahasrahla was a former advisor to the King of Hyrule, though had retired a few years before Zelda was born for reasons she wasn't quite sure of. He was known to be incredibly knowledgable on the histories of Hyrule, perhaps the most knowledgable in all the land. She had communicated with him mostly through writing at the encouragement of her mother and Purah, though had lost touch after her mother's death.
You weren't sure how either of them would react to the supposedly dead Princess showing up on their doorstep, telling them they should pack their things to leave town by nightfall. At least from the sound of things they weren't in immediate danger, even with one of the largest garrisons of Imperial troops just a short hop away.
Then again, Maple didn't seem like she was in immediate danger...
++++
"That is considerably more soldiers then I thought there'd be," Zelda tonelessly stated as she slumped against the tree, hand planted firmly against her forehead.
You had reached Rauru just past noon, and quickly made your way to the Sanctuary where Zelda had taken a quick peek through the front door. Rauru was a fairly quiet town, wattle and daub buildings lining cobblestone streets with stores, inns and markets nearly every step. For a town that was on the edge of the wilderness and so close to the looming Death Mountain a lot of trade seemed to pass through it. The Sanctuary was not a large building, while stone and clearly of religious importance with large stained glass windows it was very different to the temple of time that were it not for the large windows you'd have assumed it was a simple home. A large graveyard seemed to surround it alongside many cherry trees that seemed to stretch into the foothills surrounding the church where you presume the older tombs were.
Your group had parked themselves beside one of these cherry trees as you discussed this new obstacle.
"I mean the notes said attendance had picked up considerably amongst the soldiers but to fill the Sanctuary?!" An exasperated Zelda stated, waving her arm towards the church in frustration.
"It's not that big of a deal, we just need to talk to her alone without Seres recognizing us while we walk up to her," You point out.
"Well, that rules me out then," Mipha points out, shifting her trident so it rested against her other shoulder, "I might be able to fool even my own people on the road but there's no way anyone who spent any time in the Zora court wouldn't recognize me, even if I'm no longer a child."
Irene raised a hand next, "Yeah, I'm gonna have to sit this one out too. Seres would recognize a proper witch anywhere if she spent any time with my Grandma. Same with Paya over there with the uh, white hair."
Paya nodded awkwardly, having looked increasingly nervous as you had drawn closer to the Sanctuary.
"I say we just kidnap them in the night. If they're as close to you as you all claim I'm sure they'd be still willing to divulge this information you're after even if they've been tied up," Your shadow whispered in your ear.
"Alright, that just leaves me and Zelda then, as long as Zelda keeps her mask on," You say, looking over to the Princess who gave you a quick nod before climbing to her feet, brushing off dust and tree bark, "You'd best head into town so none of the soldiers get suspicious why Seres is leaving with several heavily armed strangers."
The others nod and begin making their way into town as you and Zelda start heading towards the thick wooden doors of the Sanctuary.
Before you both enter the church Zelda lets out a long sigh, rubbing her arm nervously, "Agh, I'd change into a dress if Seres wasn't going to immediately recognize my face, we seem so out of place..."
"Can't be that strange for mercenaries wanting to pray before heading off to the frontier," You try and reassure the Princess, reaching out to pull open the door, "We'll be fine, just act natural."
Zelda chuckles to herself, "Heh, and here I'd thought you'd be nervous stepping into one the oldest places of worship for the-" Zelda freezes, only just now realizing how you'd stopped reaching towards the door and left your hand hanging there, "O-oh... you didn't..... I just made this really awkward didn't I?"
"Incredibly," You tonelessly reply as you pull open the door and the two of you step into the Sanctuary. It was rather barren all things considered, a square room with a path down the middle and pews on either side. On the far end was a raised platform, two doors that lead into the back of the church and an alter that looked as old as the surrounding graves pushed up against the far wall. The pews were occupied almost entirely by uniformed soldiers, all young men save for a few older villagers who seemed to be shooting the men disgruntled looks. Others seemed to be milling about, a few speaking to an old man who very clearly was the local priest. The rest seemed to have lined up at a table to the side of the room that seemed to be positively straining under the number of cups and pastries that were stacked on top of it. None of the men seemed particularly interested in any of the food stacked high on it though, despite the mouth-watering scent of freshly baked sweets coming from it, even if they all seemed to be quickly hurried away from it with a steaming cup in one hand, a pastry in the other and a look of utter frustration on their face as their attempt to hold a conversation with the person standing near the table with a tea kettle in hand failed miserably.
This person was a young woman of a slim frame with bright green hair and eyes, her hair cut into a short bob that framed a kind face that never seemed to show a trace of a frown. A white cap sat upon her head, with five golden disks sewn in at the front. She wore a sleeveless blue dress that reached to the ground, tied at the waist by a blue sash. Covering her bare arms was a blue cape with a gold trim that reached down to her ankles, clasped at the front with a gold broach with two inset light-blue gems and the symbol of the royal family etched into its surface. To complete the ensemble she wore a plain gold bracelet around each of her wrists though you suspected they were more for religious reasons then for fashion as despite the high-quality of the girl's ensemble she wore no make-up or any other jewellery then what seemed to have been a part of this outfit. The style reminded you strongly of a dress you had seen Zelda wear and you wondered how much coded religious symbolism you missed in your daily life, something you probably should get better at considering everything.
You had reached Rauru just past noon, and quickly made your way to the Sanctuary where Zelda had taken a quick peek through the front door. Rauru was a fairly quiet town, wattle and daub buildings lining cobblestone streets with stores, inns and markets nearly every step. For a town that was on the edge of the wilderness and so close to the looming Death Mountain a lot of trade seemed to pass through it. The Sanctuary was not a large building, while stone and clearly of religious importance with large stained glass windows it was very different to the temple of time that were it not for the large windows you'd have assumed it was a simple home. A large graveyard seemed to surround it alongside many cherry trees that seemed to stretch into the foothills surrounding the church where you presume the older tombs were.
Your group had parked themselves beside one of these cherry trees as you discussed this new obstacle.
"I mean the notes said attendance had picked up considerably amongst the soldiers but to fill the Sanctuary?!" An exasperated Zelda stated, waving her arm towards the church in frustration.
"It's not that big of a deal, we just need to talk to her alone without Seres recognizing us while we walk up to her," You point out.
"Well, that rules me out then," Mipha points out, shifting her trident so it rested against her other shoulder, "I might be able to fool even my own people on the road but there's no way anyone who spent any time in the Zora court wouldn't recognize me, even if I'm no longer a child."
Irene raised a hand next, "Yeah, I'm gonna have to sit this one out too. Seres would recognize a proper witch anywhere if she spent any time with my Grandma. Same with Paya over there with the uh, white hair."
Paya nodded awkwardly, having looked increasingly nervous as you had drawn closer to the Sanctuary.
"I say we just kidnap them in the night. If they're as close to you as you all claim I'm sure they'd be still willing to divulge this information you're after even if they've been tied up," Your shadow whispered in your ear.
"Alright, that just leaves me and Zelda then, as long as Zelda keeps her mask on," You say, looking over to the Princess who gave you a quick nod before climbing to her feet, brushing off dust and tree bark, "You'd best head into town so none of the soldiers get suspicious why Seres is leaving with several heavily armed strangers."
The others nod and begin making their way into town as you and Zelda start heading towards the thick wooden doors of the Sanctuary.
Before you both enter the church Zelda lets out a long sigh, rubbing her arm nervously, "Agh, I'd change into a dress if Seres wasn't going to immediately recognize my face, we seem so out of place..."
"Can't be that strange for mercenaries wanting to pray before heading off to the frontier," You try and reassure the Princess, reaching out to pull open the door, "We'll be fine, just act natural."
Zelda chuckles to herself, "Heh, and here I'd thought you'd be nervous stepping into one the oldest places of worship for the-" Zelda freezes, only just now realizing how you'd stopped reaching towards the door and left your hand hanging there, "O-oh... you didn't..... I just made this really awkward didn't I?"
"Incredibly," You tonelessly reply as you pull open the door and the two of you step into the Sanctuary. It was rather barren all things considered, a square room with a path down the middle and pews on either side. On the far end was a raised platform, two doors that lead into the back of the church and an alter that looked as old as the surrounding graves pushed up against the far wall. The pews were occupied almost entirely by uniformed soldiers, all young men save for a few older villagers who seemed to be shooting the men disgruntled looks. Others seemed to be milling about, a few speaking to an old man who very clearly was the local priest. The rest seemed to have lined up at a table to the side of the room that seemed to be positively straining under the number of cups and pastries that were stacked on top of it. None of the men seemed particularly interested in any of the food stacked high on it though, despite the mouth-watering scent of freshly baked sweets coming from it, even if they all seemed to be quickly hurried away from it with a steaming cup in one hand, a pastry in the other and a look of utter frustration on their face as their attempt to hold a conversation with the person standing near the table with a tea kettle in hand failed miserably.
This person was a young woman of a slim frame with bright green hair and eyes, her hair cut into a short bob that framed a kind face that never seemed to show a trace of a frown. A white cap sat upon her head, with five golden disks sewn in at the front. She wore a sleeveless blue dress that reached to the ground, tied at the waist by a blue sash. Covering her bare arms was a blue cape with a gold trim that reached down to her ankles, clasped at the front with a gold broach with two inset light-blue gems and the symbol of the royal family etched into its surface. To complete the ensemble she wore a plain gold bracelet around each of her wrists though you suspected they were more for religious reasons then for fashion as despite the high-quality of the girl's ensemble she wore no make-up or any other jewellery then what seemed to have been a part of this outfit. The style reminded you strongly of a dress you had seen Zelda wear and you wondered how much coded religious symbolism you missed in your daily life, something you probably should get better at considering everything.
With no desire to aggravate the soldiers you both step into line, Zelda taking some deep breaths beside you as she seemed to physically stop herself from rushing forward and embracing Seres. As the line progressed forward you listened in for a moment to the conversation around you, before very pointedly doing your best to ignore it when it became none of the soldiers were here for religious reasons.
When you finally reached Seres she greeted both of you with a warm smile as she filled two cups, "Good afternoon sirs, welcome to the Sanctuary. It is always so pleasant to see new faces join our congregation. Did you enjoy the service?"
"Uuuuh-" Was all Zelda could manage, which prompted Seres's face to turn beet red as she clapped a hand to her mouth in horror.
"Oh! Oh, I am so sorry ma'am, I didn't mean-" Seres began as she set down the tea kettle, but you cut her apology off with a raised hand.
"It's alright, actually we're here to join the church in service of the gods. We've uh... decided to put our swords down to fulfill a greater purpose," You lie, wincing at how unconvincing you sound.
Seres stares at you, blinking once, twice and then putting a hand to her mouth, "Oh! Oh my, this is quite unexpected but joyous news! Please, let me get the Priest. He'll be positively overjoyed that we have some extra hands-"
Huh... "He looks quite busy, and we have been on the road for so long," You interrupt her before she runs off towards the Priest who seemed to be regaling some villagers with a story that conveniently was keeping some soldiers from returning to Seres, "Do you have someplace we could set our belongings down? It seems quite improper for us to carry weapons into a sacred place such as this, and we have... many things to confess to."
A flash of uncertainty passes over Seres's face, before it sets into a warm and understanding smile as she nods, "Of course, follow me into the back room."
"Thank you," You say before following the young woman, feeling the glares of several soldiers boring into your back as you and Zelda are lead into a room that looked like a mix between a storage room and an office for the church.
Almost immediately as you are through the door Zelda slams it shut behind you and rips off her mask, tears streaking down her cheeks as she croaks out "Seres!"
Seres, without a hint of recognition, is at Zelda's side almost immediately, overcome with concern at the sudden turn at what must be to her a complete stranger.
"My dear, it's alright," Seres says, a reassuring hand placed on Zelda's arm, "You're safe now, whatever troubles you faced won't find you here."
"No," Zelda whispered, looking up to Seres, "No Seres, it's me. It's Zelda."
Seres eyes go wide, and you see Seres's expression shift through a dozen emotions before settling on something between shock and disbelief as she slowly reaches up to cup Zelda's face, inspecting it closely as she whispered, "No... it can't be..."
Yet as she looked into Zelda's tear-filled ruby eyes recognition flared and in an instant Seres's arms were around Zelda, the two girls holding each other close as Seres quietly sobbed into Zelda's golden hair, "You're alive.... you're alive..."
They stayed together for a moment until Seres pulled away, her eyes and nose red and running as she held Zelda by the shoulders, "But how?"
Zelda sniffs, before finally managing, "Impa, she saved me..."
Seres lets out a laugh, shaking her head with a smile, "Of course, of course. I should have had faith, nothing could stop Impa. To think, if I had only travelled to Kakariko..."
Seres stood up, turning to look at you she bowed deeply at the waist, "Thank you, kind stranger, for guiding her majesty here. I am forever in your debt."
You rub your neck awkwardly, looking away from the girl bowing in front of you, "Actually we're not strangers. It's uh me, Link."
Seres suddenly bolted upright, a hand to her mouth as she looked you up and down, "Link?! Oh my goodness it is you! I didn't recognize... this is incredible!"
"Mipha's with us as well, same with Irene and Paya," Zelda added in, rubbing her eyes with her sleeve, "We've come to get you out of here and to the safety of Kakariko."
Seres shook her head, clearly overwhelmed, "Princess Mipha, she's alive too? But... Why is Maple's granddaughter here, and Purah's child as well?"
"Maple was murdered," You growl, shoving down the terrible violent power that bubbled up at the thought of that memory, "And we believe you're next on their list."
Strength seems to leave Seres finally, as she collapsed into a chair, "Maple.... murdered? Oh... Oh Irene that poor girl... Yes, yes I understand... but my father-"
"We'll get him out as well, but we have to leave tonight."
Seres nods, "I understand. I may be a bit rusty, but I'll start gathering my things here and preparing some magic just in case. Zelda... Your Majesty, if you could help me?"
Zelda nods before looking over to you, "I've got things here Link, perhaps it'd be best if you headed over to Seres's home to make sure her father's safe?"
Seres nods in agreement, "Yes, that would be best. You look like you've grown into quite the capable warrior Link, just like your father. We'll be over shortly and... it would be best if someone prepared my father that everyone we thought lost is here and well."
When you finally reached Seres she greeted both of you with a warm smile as she filled two cups, "Good afternoon sirs, welcome to the Sanctuary. It is always so pleasant to see new faces join our congregation. Did you enjoy the service?"
"Uuuuh-" Was all Zelda could manage, which prompted Seres's face to turn beet red as she clapped a hand to her mouth in horror.
"Oh! Oh, I am so sorry ma'am, I didn't mean-" Seres began as she set down the tea kettle, but you cut her apology off with a raised hand.
"It's alright, actually we're here to join the church in service of the gods. We've uh... decided to put our swords down to fulfill a greater purpose," You lie, wincing at how unconvincing you sound.
Seres stares at you, blinking once, twice and then putting a hand to her mouth, "Oh! Oh my, this is quite unexpected but joyous news! Please, let me get the Priest. He'll be positively overjoyed that we have some extra hands-"
Huh... "He looks quite busy, and we have been on the road for so long," You interrupt her before she runs off towards the Priest who seemed to be regaling some villagers with a story that conveniently was keeping some soldiers from returning to Seres, "Do you have someplace we could set our belongings down? It seems quite improper for us to carry weapons into a sacred place such as this, and we have... many things to confess to."
A flash of uncertainty passes over Seres's face, before it sets into a warm and understanding smile as she nods, "Of course, follow me into the back room."
"Thank you," You say before following the young woman, feeling the glares of several soldiers boring into your back as you and Zelda are lead into a room that looked like a mix between a storage room and an office for the church.
Almost immediately as you are through the door Zelda slams it shut behind you and rips off her mask, tears streaking down her cheeks as she croaks out "Seres!"
Seres, without a hint of recognition, is at Zelda's side almost immediately, overcome with concern at the sudden turn at what must be to her a complete stranger.
"My dear, it's alright," Seres says, a reassuring hand placed on Zelda's arm, "You're safe now, whatever troubles you faced won't find you here."
"No," Zelda whispered, looking up to Seres, "No Seres, it's me. It's Zelda."
Seres eyes go wide, and you see Seres's expression shift through a dozen emotions before settling on something between shock and disbelief as she slowly reaches up to cup Zelda's face, inspecting it closely as she whispered, "No... it can't be..."
Yet as she looked into Zelda's tear-filled ruby eyes recognition flared and in an instant Seres's arms were around Zelda, the two girls holding each other close as Seres quietly sobbed into Zelda's golden hair, "You're alive.... you're alive..."
They stayed together for a moment until Seres pulled away, her eyes and nose red and running as she held Zelda by the shoulders, "But how?"
Zelda sniffs, before finally managing, "Impa, she saved me..."
Seres lets out a laugh, shaking her head with a smile, "Of course, of course. I should have had faith, nothing could stop Impa. To think, if I had only travelled to Kakariko..."
Seres stood up, turning to look at you she bowed deeply at the waist, "Thank you, kind stranger, for guiding her majesty here. I am forever in your debt."
You rub your neck awkwardly, looking away from the girl bowing in front of you, "Actually we're not strangers. It's uh me, Link."
Seres suddenly bolted upright, a hand to her mouth as she looked you up and down, "Link?! Oh my goodness it is you! I didn't recognize... this is incredible!"
"Mipha's with us as well, same with Irene and Paya," Zelda added in, rubbing her eyes with her sleeve, "We've come to get you out of here and to the safety of Kakariko."
Seres shook her head, clearly overwhelmed, "Princess Mipha, she's alive too? But... Why is Maple's granddaughter here, and Purah's child as well?"
"Maple was murdered," You growl, shoving down the terrible violent power that bubbled up at the thought of that memory, "And we believe you're next on their list."
Strength seems to leave Seres finally, as she collapsed into a chair, "Maple.... murdered? Oh... Oh Irene that poor girl... Yes, yes I understand... but my father-"
"We'll get him out as well, but we have to leave tonight."
Seres nods, "I understand. I may be a bit rusty, but I'll start gathering my things here and preparing some magic just in case. Zelda... Your Majesty, if you could help me?"
Zelda nods before looking over to you, "I've got things here Link, perhaps it'd be best if you headed over to Seres's home to make sure her father's safe?"
Seres nods in agreement, "Yes, that would be best. You look like you've grown into quite the capable warrior Link, just like your father. We'll be over shortly and... it would be best if someone prepared my father that everyone we thought lost is here and well."
++++
So after getting directions, you begin to make your way through the town over to the outskirts, where a small house with a garden sat separately from all the other homes in the village. While not of poor quality, it was a bit strange to find that a former Sage and kings advisor had been living in such a small home.
As you approach the house though a shadow whispers in your ear, "Seres and Zelda... They were in tears at the sight of each other, yet they were filled with such joy..."
"That's how it is when reuniting with your loved ones who you worried for," You say, unsure of where to speak to address the Twili, "You have loved ones you miss from your home, right?"
Midna is silent for a good long while, too long to simply be dismissive silence before she suddenly says, "Sheesh, I was just making an observation. It doesn't matter to me, as long as it gets me one step closer to returning to the Twilight Realm."
You sigh, shaking your head, "I will. Don't worry about that."
"I'm not!"
You smirk, "Glad to know you have such great confidence in my abilities."
"Hey, I never said that!" Came the indignant reply, "I was- Ooooooooooh, I see what you're doing."
You let out a laugh, which turns into a yelp as you feel something slap the back of your head causing you to stumble forward into the garden of the small home. Immediately, a voice calls out to you "Eh? Who's there?"
You look up, catching sight of an elderly man with a long white beard wearing orange robes sitting on a bench in the middle of the garden, a rather thick tome in his hands. He looks you up and down, seeming to take in every detail of your appearance before he shoots up with a gasp.
"By the goddesses, that green tunic and hat! Just as the legends foretold!" Sahasrahla shouts as he rushes over to you.
"Eh?" Was all you could manage.
"My boy, Link! Yes I know of who you are," Sahasrahla tells you, holding himself upright with a staff, "And I can see by the armour and weapons you bear that you have faced the great evil that has plagued these lands! Even now, I sense the great Gale Boomerang amongst your possessions!"
"....Yes?"
"Ah, I see a look of uncertainty in your gaze. But it is by no mere coincidence that you find yourself here on this day, as I sense a great force for good calling to you from the depths of the Lost Woods! Tell me Link, how much do you know of the Seven Sages, of who your mother belonged too?" Sahasrahla asks.
Unsure of the sudden turn this day had suddenly turned all you can manage is, "Not much?"
Sahasrahla sighs, "Oh that is most unfortunate. Suffice to say, were they here today Hyrule would not be in the dreadful state it finds itself in. But hope is not lost, for their successors are out there even now waiting to be lead by none other than Princess Zelda herself!"
"Uh..."
"I know this must be much to take in, but Princess Zelda is indeed alive. She is held somewhere, waiting for the chosen hero to free her and lead her to the six maidens who are the successors to the Seven Sages so cruelly taken from us! That chosen hero is you Link!" Sahasrahla exclaims, poking you in the chest with his staff.
You just tilt your head slightly.
"Speak to my daughter Seres, one of the few of the past Sages who yet still live. Though she is lost in mourning, your arrival will reawaken her dormant powers and she will aid you with the great trial that awaits you in the Lost Woods!" He tells you, before holding out his arms, "Now go Link, time is of the essence! Complete the trial set before you, claim the Power that lurks within the Lost Woods, gather the lost Maidens and free Princess Zelda-!"
"Oh -ow -ink, youffe ovt oo eye ease ace-ease Aeres ought or the -ervice!" A certain Princess exclaims through a very un-Princess-like mouthful of pastry, doing her best impression of a bushy-tailed squirrel as she sauntered up to you, carrying a basket of said pastries.
No indication of recognition seemed to come from the Elder, however. Sahasrahla simply looked confused at Zelda, looking between her and you with impatience that you were still here rather than hurrying on to find Seres.
[] Write-in your response to this situation.
As you approach the house though a shadow whispers in your ear, "Seres and Zelda... They were in tears at the sight of each other, yet they were filled with such joy..."
"That's how it is when reuniting with your loved ones who you worried for," You say, unsure of where to speak to address the Twili, "You have loved ones you miss from your home, right?"
Midna is silent for a good long while, too long to simply be dismissive silence before she suddenly says, "Sheesh, I was just making an observation. It doesn't matter to me, as long as it gets me one step closer to returning to the Twilight Realm."
You sigh, shaking your head, "I will. Don't worry about that."
"I'm not!"
You smirk, "Glad to know you have such great confidence in my abilities."
"Hey, I never said that!" Came the indignant reply, "I was- Ooooooooooh, I see what you're doing."
You let out a laugh, which turns into a yelp as you feel something slap the back of your head causing you to stumble forward into the garden of the small home. Immediately, a voice calls out to you "Eh? Who's there?"
You look up, catching sight of an elderly man with a long white beard wearing orange robes sitting on a bench in the middle of the garden, a rather thick tome in his hands. He looks you up and down, seeming to take in every detail of your appearance before he shoots up with a gasp.
"By the goddesses, that green tunic and hat! Just as the legends foretold!" Sahasrahla shouts as he rushes over to you.
"Eh?" Was all you could manage.
"My boy, Link! Yes I know of who you are," Sahasrahla tells you, holding himself upright with a staff, "And I can see by the armour and weapons you bear that you have faced the great evil that has plagued these lands! Even now, I sense the great Gale Boomerang amongst your possessions!"
"....Yes?"
"Ah, I see a look of uncertainty in your gaze. But it is by no mere coincidence that you find yourself here on this day, as I sense a great force for good calling to you from the depths of the Lost Woods! Tell me Link, how much do you know of the Seven Sages, of who your mother belonged too?" Sahasrahla asks.
Unsure of the sudden turn this day had suddenly turned all you can manage is, "Not much?"
Sahasrahla sighs, "Oh that is most unfortunate. Suffice to say, were they here today Hyrule would not be in the dreadful state it finds itself in. But hope is not lost, for their successors are out there even now waiting to be lead by none other than Princess Zelda herself!"
"Uh..."
"I know this must be much to take in, but Princess Zelda is indeed alive. She is held somewhere, waiting for the chosen hero to free her and lead her to the six maidens who are the successors to the Seven Sages so cruelly taken from us! That chosen hero is you Link!" Sahasrahla exclaims, poking you in the chest with his staff.
You just tilt your head slightly.
"Speak to my daughter Seres, one of the few of the past Sages who yet still live. Though she is lost in mourning, your arrival will reawaken her dormant powers and she will aid you with the great trial that awaits you in the Lost Woods!" He tells you, before holding out his arms, "Now go Link, time is of the essence! Complete the trial set before you, claim the Power that lurks within the Lost Woods, gather the lost Maidens and free Princess Zelda-!"
"Oh -ow -ink, youffe ovt oo eye ease ace-ease Aeres ought or the -ervice!" A certain Princess exclaims through a very un-Princess-like mouthful of pastry, doing her best impression of a bushy-tailed squirrel as she sauntered up to you, carrying a basket of said pastries.
No indication of recognition seemed to come from the Elder, however. Sahasrahla simply looked confused at Zelda, looking between her and you with impatience that you were still here rather than hurrying on to find Seres.
[] Write-in your response to this situation.
Okay, this time I was just sick with a bad cold.
