Of Royal Blood - The Legend Of Zelda

[ImmortalsBlade]

THE LOST FORCES OF THE KINGDOM OF HYRULE II​

Organization of the Hyrulean Army Types of Standard Soldiers Equipment of the Knights of Hyrule Equipment of the Royal Knights of Hyrule

• 
  Organization of the Hyrulean Military Forces​
  
  As a marriage between having a small but well-disciplined army and allowing a great deal of freedom between the various provinces Hyrule's military forces organization would often appear strange to outsiders more used to noble-lead levies and men-at-arms or disorganized to more legion based militaries. It is the opinion of this author though that it's in fact the most adaptable when dealing with the vast hordes of monsters that have long preyed upon Hyrule. This can be most seen in the organization of the army, which we will now discuss.
  
  The smallest grouping of soldiers in the Hyrule army is the squad, made up of typically 10 men. Each squad is lead by a Corporal which is usually the most experienced member of the squad. Squads usually have unique names, which often leads to a great deal of attachment from the soldiers. 10 squads form a company, lead by a Sergeant. 5 Companies formed a Battalion which was lead by a lieutenant chosen from amongst the knights of Hyrule, and two battalions formed a Regiment. A regiment was typically lead by a Captain who was typically belonging to one of the lower noble ranks and did not require prior military service. Companies composition could vary wildly depending on the needs of the battle, consisting of archers, musketeers, pikemen, engineers or whatever else is required.
  
  10 Regiments with one regiment consisting of a detachment of Hyrule's knights and not counting support staff formed a division, which was lead by a General. Typically a General would be a Duke or other high ranking noble, again prior military service not being a requirement. The knight regiment was structured very differently compared to the typical regiment, with specialized units. Organization varied wildly, depending on how they were deployed. The overall command would fall unto the Knight captain, with his second in command being a Knight Lieutenant. The units would be typically lead by a Knight sergeant. Sergeants and higher ranks were typically armed with elementally enchanted blades and spears and were on the front lines against any evil foe rather than commanding from the rear.
  
  Overall command of the army would fall unto the Captain-General of the Royal Knights when a member of the Royal Family wasn't taking command. The Captain-General would answer directly to the Royal Family, serving as the main bodyguard and though the Hyrule army does not currently exist to the best of the author's knowledge the Captain-General is currently the Sheikah known as Impa.
  
  The royal knights as their numbers varied greatly due to the intense requirements to become one did not have permanent ranks other than the Captain-General and their lieutenant second in command. Sergeants would be appointed based on the situation at hand. Royal knights existed outside typical army structures and only obeyed the orders of their own or that of the royal family.
  
  The navy, however, is much more differently organized, owing to the efforts of Grand Admiral Linebeck. The effectiveness is currently unknown to the author but it will be recorded here for sake of completion.
  
  A single ship is usually lead by a Captain, with a lieutenant as a second in command. A group of small ships is called a squadron and lead by a commander. Groups containing 2 squadrons or at least 2 Large vessels are called a Flotilla and lead by a Commodore. 2 Flotilla's made up a Battle Fleet lead by an Admiral. 2 Battle Fleets made up the entirety of Hyrule Naval Fleet and as such was under the command of Grand Admiral Linebeck. As the fleet was very recently constructed it did undergo many shortages of ships and men, made up by the experience and courage of Hyrule's sailors who long dealt with those horrors who long plagued her waters. It did, however, leave many details scarce to assemble into a document, even to the crown Princess and especially to the crown Princess who has been in hiding for around half her life.
  
  Ranks generally followed as Seaman, Petty Officer, Chief Petty Officer, Warrant Officer, Ensign, Lieutenant, Captain, Commander, Commodore, Admiral and Grand Admiral.
• Types and Equipment of the Standard Hyrulean Military Forces​
  
  
  
  ​
  
  The common soldier in the Hyrulean army was incredibly well-equipped compared to even the knights of other lands. Gambesons, mail and plate were all provided to the common soldier, mass-produced by the Gorons along with high quality weapons. Though there wasn't the special personalized gear afford to the knights of Hyrule even for mass-produced weapons and armour their quality was exceptional. All soldiers were equipped with Soldiers Broadsword and dagger, trading out for a mace or axe as needed. Spears were the most common, with Claymores serving for more specialized units. Rounded shields, designed with a wooden core, were also frequently issued.
  
  
  
  ​
  Soldiers intended to handle more ranged options were given leave to remove some of the more cumbersome armour pieces to allow more freedom of movement. Those armed with rifles or crossbows tended to avoid that and wore the complete set of armour. This lighter style of equipment, however, proved useful for mixed or more specialized units such as those who ventured forth into Hyrule's wilderness straight into the territories of the most vicious of monsters.
  
  
  ​
  
  It also proved exceedingly popular with the spellcasting elements of Hyrule's armies. While often due to their specialized nature having access to far better equipment then the common soldier, those of magical persuasion prefered to follow the style set by the archers of Hyrule, incorporating enchanted robes into the uniform. This afforded them a great deal of movement and allowed them to carry many of the components they would need to carry out their duties. Armed with magical staffs and rods though few in number they vastly tipped the scales in any battle they were in.
• 
  Equipment of the Hyrulean Knights​
  
  The knights of Hyrule though they bore equipment of similar quality thanks to the custom nature of the equipment all of it carried a unique look to the point no two knights looked the same. Decorated with their families personal crests and banners their uniqueness was a shining banner to the uniformed troops around them. Brave, honourable and the exemplar of chivalry the knights of Hyrule struck deep into the heart of the enemy, with the greatest among them wielding enchanted weapons powered by elemental magic. The obvious bonus to this two was that it made it exceedingly easy for troops to recognize the knights upon the battlefield, though the din of battle made it hard to issue commands the sight of the knights would easily rally the soldiers into a charge behind them, a wave of men that smashed into Hyrule's foes.
  
  
  ​
  
  Many knights would also empower themselves with magic and faith, allowing them to wield weapons of truly superhuman sizes. The knight greatsword alone was known to be so large it could easily cleave a man and horse in two. All knights carried a sword, mace or hammer along with a dagger into battle atop their armoured steeds. From there depending on their role the knight would either choose equipment based on the mission before them (such as charging into a line of troops) or what they exceeded best in. Perhaps best showing the character of knights the ones who did not have to manage lands would often train day in and day out, mastering every form of combat to better serve Hyrule.
• 
  
  Equipment of the Royal Knights of Hyrule
  ​
  The royal knights, in contrast to the normal Hyrulean Knights, were far more uniform. Most would never see their armour, only witnessing the blue-red uniforms and caps as they would guard the Royal Family and their holdings. The immediate guard detail was known to carry massive Claymores few could comprehend a normal person wielding with such ease. Lieutenant Alfonzo was well known for it in fact. Others would be given the Royal Shield, quick to leap to the defense they would drill constantly and took their job very seriously. So seriously in fact that the author of this is more familiar with the back of these shields then the front. The weapon the people of Hyrule was most likely to see was the Royal Halbred, held at the ready to create a wall of pointy death at anyone who threatened the Royal Family. What was not commonly seen by any but the most fearsome of monsters about to be wiped from the world however was their golden armour.
  
  
  ​
  Made with fragments of master ore this armour was virtually impenetrable. Variants existed depending on mission parameters, such as whether the knights would need to move stealthily or light. Even the mages present in the royal knights would wear these concealing suits. Though of course they were uniform in appearance there did exist a few unique suits. Most notably was the armour used by the Captain-General Impa which was designed for her Sheikah style of fighting. Unfortunately, this armour and her weapon are currently lost. Captain Impa also tried to expand the amount of variants, hoping to recruit Sheikah into the Royal Knights so as to increase the variety of roles the Royal Knights could fill. Sadly, this did not come to pass.

GM NOTE: Man so uh, things have gotten hectic for reasons you guys can probably guess at. Wrote this up to tie you all over while you wait for the update. Feel free to dig into it and discuss, I'll happily answer any questions.

 

[ImmortalsBlade]

[X] Use the Gale Boomerang to send flames from the Haybales at it while Midna focuses on its children.

​

Your shield vanishes with a flash of blue light, replaced in hand by the ivory and gold of the gale boomerang. Pale green light began to emanate from it as a breeze picked up, scattering the falling rain from you.

"Deal with the children! I'll keep the big one busy!" You shout to Midna, just before the two of you leap back from a spray of that acrid purple liquid the large head of the monster suddenly shot from its maw, sending up that same burning smoke as if it had been flames rather then liquid.

"I hope you can do something!" Midna shouts back, lifting her arms up as two massive arms made of shadows appeared in front of her. As if they were her own she threw out her hands, the two arms miming her actions to snatch a snaking Deku-baba. Then with a squeal and spray of ichor followed by an awful tearing sound, the Deku Baba fell in two ruined halves.

You don't reply, hurling the boomerang towards one of the burning haybales. Almost as soon as it left your hand the wind picked up, dust and the acrid smoke sucked toward it until a vortex filled with motes of green light slammed into the fire. You expected embers to be picked up and launched towards the beast, keeping it at bay while you formulate a way to hurt something that big but instead the vortex became a swirling tornado of flame that carried towards the beast. Flames licked up its body, charring the outside of its stalk like a pepper whose skin had been cooked over a flame, making it burst, flake and reveal the soft plant flesh underneath. It roared, slinking back into its chasm as larger deku baba heads rose up from the acid pits around you.

Midna snarled, hurling spear after spear of darkness into the horde of Deku Baba's rising up around her, severing stalks left and right as slavering plant maws occasionally lunged at her, toxic clouds of purple smoke beginning to fill the area like a deadly mist. Finally, she seemed to have enough and raised a hand up as if to backhand a nearby Deku Baba as a massive hand made of shadow and glowing green light rose up behind her miming the same pose. Then, with all the impunity of a scorned lady of her station, she waved her hand as if to slap the impudent louts in front of her. The massive hand mimed her actions with force, ripping through Deku Baba's, splattering them as the ground shook from the sheer force behind these movements. You actually had to duck out of the way to not get hit, so furious was Midna she was starting to lose focus on what was around her as what remained of the Ranch's fence was shattered to pieces.

Thankfully the hay bales weren't totally extinguished by her wild flailing. You slashed at a Deku Baba that lunged at you, the master sword biting into it like there was nothing even if you could feel the resistance of plant flesh parting through the hilt of the weapon. There was a flash of blue and the Deku Baba was consumed by holy power, its body crumbling into black ash before you had even completed your swing. Before you had even been able to ponder what had occurred the gale boomerang returned to your hand, so gracefully you'd thought it had been placed in your hand not returning from its forceful throw. A voice seemed to encourage you, whispering a plan in your ears as you threw again and a small voice yelled from underneath your hat.

"That's right sister! Link, burn them all up with a single throw!"

The vortex surged forth again, picking up fragments of shredded Deku Babas until it reached a haybale and once again an inferno lit up the ranch, one punctuated by explosions from the Deku seeds spraying burning plant matter into the smaller Deku Baba's as it roared into the larger heads that were looming out of the chasms. When it reached them the large heads almost instantly they ignited, steam pouring from their mouths as their skin blackened and shrivelled until the steam became smoke and then flames, their heads bulging and then bursting with near blinding flashes as the seeds within finally ignited. An ear-splitting roar reached you as the boomerang returned, the heat from the flames so intense you actually felt your clothes drying despite the rain.

The earth rumbled, groaning as if in agony as you felt the vibrations shoot up your legs. The creature's central head seemed to erupt from the chasm it had retreated too in an explosion of caustic liquid, revealing a bulbous body and twitching almost insectile limbs. It roared, its glowing eye visible through the smoke, yet the roar slowly began to turn into a gurgle, the sound of rushing water mixing in. Hope filled your heart for a second, was this the sound of a death rattle? Had it burned alive?

Sadly, your hope was not rewarded, as a blast of that same purple liquid erupted forth from its mouth in a geyser, spraying a trail of purple bubbling liquid that coated a path up and over Malon's home. You thankfully were pulled out of the way by one of Midna's shadow hands, though with the speed you were pulled made pain shoot up through your side as you landed roughly in the dirt of the road. Groaning you climb to your feet, Midna helping you with an offered hand remorse clear on her face as she see's you wince when you poke your side. You weren't given any time to give her any reassurances, as the creature roared again, it's singular eye glaring at you with a hatred that burned brighter then the flames that surrounded it. You flourished your blade, taunting the creature as you saw Midna give a dismissive wave of her right hand, as more of her shadow hands appeared. You both were prepared to finish-

Then a deafening crack made you both whirl around even with the danger looming in front of you, just in time to watch the entirety of Malon's house collapse. Clouds of noxious fumes rose into the air as the entire building literally melted into a puddle, wood turning into mush before your very eyes. Both you and Midna slowly turned back to the massive monster, wide-eyed and pale as multiple things occurred to you both in this second.

1. This overgrown Deku Baba is REALLY big. Extraordinarily big. Swallow you whole big.
2. You have a sword and a boomerang, Midna has magic but has never fought a giant monster.
3. Both of you are exceptionally meltable.
4. It is really, REALLY angry and apparently not that hurt.

Both of you audibly gulp, "I... think we might have gotten a bit cocky," You say quietly to Midna, not keeping your eyes off the creature.

"Maybe it can only do that once?" Midna offered, her voice cracking slightly.

The creature, obviously tiring of waiting to do something, disabused Midna of that notion by immediately launching another jet at the two of you. The Twili barely had time to summon forth a magical barrier made of the same glowing green lines that you both immediately slammed yourselves against as acid gouged bubbling pools on either side of your barrier as your lungs and eyes began to burn.

"This is what I get for helping! You better do something nice for me if we live!" Midna yelled at you, her voice becoming hoarser with every passing second.

"How long can the barrier hold?!" You shouted back as the creature paused for a moment then continued its assault and you momentarily thanked the goddesses it was rooted.

"I don't know! I never had a giant weed try to kill me with acid!" Midna snapped back, before yelping and pressing herself as much as possible against the barrier, pawing at her face in the darkness.

"W-we need too-" You press your hand up to your face, trying to block the increasing awful burning smoke choking you. When you pull your hand away, it was wet and you didn't need the now blocked flames or the occasional flashes of lightning from the still raging storm to tell what it is, "Oh, the acids smoke is melting our lungs." You state, your voice surprisingly emotionless despite the fact your heart was now hammering in your chest. Or maybe that was the increasing lack of air.

Midna looked back at you, everything under her nose and mouth on her face stained with her Twili blood, "What do we do Link?" Was all she could manage to say.

"Stab it in the eye!" Came the muffled reply from your hat.

"It's a PLANT!" MIdna hissed, swiping at your hat and its occupant in frustration.

"H-Hey!" You cough out, ducking away. But then something strikes you, "No, she's right! Deku Baba's do have a brain, it's skin is strong, but that eye has to connect right too it! If I can stab my sword in, it's a narrow gap but it'll get through its defenses!"

Midna looked at you, clearly ready to berate you for such an obviously suicidal plan, but instead she gritted her surprisingly fanged teeth and turned to the barrier, placing her hands upon it as if ready to shove. She looked back at you, and with a determined voice curtly told you, "I'll try and hold it down, just clear away this damn smoke and distract it!"

You give a quick nod, holding both the Master Sword and Gale Boomerang at the ready as Midna puts her palms against the wall she had summoned, closing her eyes as the lines on her body began to glow. You waited for the stream of liquid to slow, bubbling purple acid inching closer to both you and Midna's feet, then you threw.

The vortex that followed was beyond what you had expected, a whirling sphere of wind that pulled at you with all the ferocity of a gale. The toxic smog was sucked in, ribbons of poison turning the vortex a sickly purple. Then Midna pushed hard on the barrier, sending a wave of force that struck and shattered like glass against the creature. It only staggered a little as you chased after it and for a moment you were concerned it was about to melt you as its hateful eye settled on your form.

Then a shadowy fist burst forth from the ground and struck it in the chin, as another hand grabbed onto one of its mandibles. You spare a glance to Midna, sweat pouring off her as her arms had disappeared into geometric black portals, blue lines crisscrossing it. You turned back, just in time to see the creature be dragged to the ground, head slamming down in front of you with enough force to make you stumble as the eye on the end of the stalk darted back in forth in rage as acid poured from its mouth.

"N-NOW LINK!" Midna screamed, choking on something that you couldn't see as you looked back at the creature. You don't hesitate, swinging your sword as a blade of blue light strikes the creature. More then the flames this slices into the creature deeply, white-blue light parting its flesh. The acid pouring from its mouth pauses as you keep running, sputtering out as it suddenly clogged. You aim another swing and the blade of light again leaps from the master sword, slicing into it as the creature writhes with earth shaking force. The acid stops, a mere trickle from its mouth as it roars in anger and fear. Your run becomes a leap, the master sword raised above your head as it seemed to glow with its same blinding blue light until you plunged it down into the creatures eye, it's pupil growing wide as the blade pierced into its flesh.

With a scream you poured your strength into the sword, blue white light racing up into the creatures body as it suddenly jerked back out of Midna's grip as it writhed in agony, tearing its eye free as it began to shrivel and desiccate before you. The eye you were standing on disintegrated, burned away by blue-white flames in an instant, sending you falling backwards into cool liquid that for a moment you thought would burn your flesh from your bones. But you felt no pain as you lay there, watching the creatures movements slow with halting movements until it finally stopped moving. Then without warning it flashed white and exploded with a wave of energy that washed over you all, making you close your eyes for a second as you felt warmth hit you. When you opened them, rain falling on your face from a roiling, flashing sky above you let out a sigh of relief. Clenching your hand into the dir- no... into grass? In the light from the Master Sword still in your grip you could see what had been a desolate acid scarred battlefield was now covered in plant-life, flowers and grass as the trees blossomed with leaves. More even then had been when you first arrived. The acid it had left everywhere now pools of clean water, the pits it had opened closed up with caved in earth.

You laughed, a choking exhausted sound as you rolled over onto your hands and knees, climbing to your feet as every part of your body screamed in pain as you looked over to Midna. Battered, bloodied and sunk to her knees but laughing in relief as well. Without thinking you raised your hand, feeling the boomerang return to it and vanish back into the space you had called it from with a small unseen voice whispering from it so quietly it was almost lost on the wind "You fought well, hero..."

You gave the Master Sword a small twirl, a flourish to feel that it was still there and you hadn't hit your head before you sheathed it.

"I-I can't believe we're alive!" Proxi shouted, emerging from underneath your hat and darting back and forth between you and Midna, "Uh... Still alive. You two need a healer!"

"There'll only be two survivors if you keep yammering!" Midna snapped, swiping at Proxi but only managing to fall face forward into the mud. You limp over, helping the Twili to her feet and just barely managing to keep her upright since she was significantly taller then you. She was quite a sight, the flash of light from the lightning giving you brief glimpses of her bloodied, battered form, one side of her completely covered in mud that slowly dripped off her face. As she looked at you, eyes swollen from the fumes you could see her wince slightly, obviously you weren't looking that much better.

"Creature couldn't even have left us our dignity. I have no power left in me to fly so you better pick me up when I fall," Midna says, slowly beginning to limp towards the thankfully still glowing portal,

"Just a short walk, after that how bad could it be?" You say as Proxi dives under your hat again to get out of the torrential downpour, "Rain will wash off... all this gunk."

Sadly you were wrong, as the rain turned the fields into what felt like an icy pond. More then once you and Midna slipped and fell face first into the mud, the other helping only to they themselves fall backwards. Exhausted, in agony, cold and probably sick form the fumes neither of you cared for the increasing loss of dignity as one fell on top of the other or was reduced to practically crawling to get closer, the portal the only thing carrying you on.

Proxi occasionally shouted words of encouragement over the storm, "You're almost there! A few more steps! Little mud never hurt anyone!" But eventually it just became background noise like the storm, the only thing that mattered was the portal ahead of you. When both your feet found solid ground you both used the last of your strength to practically fall through the portal, landing hard on stone floor.

Ignoring the pain you rolled over, breathing heavily, "O-oh thank the goddesses we made it..."

"I... am taking a bath... and never leaving it..." An out of breath Midna informed you from the side.

You laughed, before clutching your ribs. Oh it hurt to laugh-

"LINK! MIDNA!"

Suddenly several forms collided with you and Midna, laughing, crying and shouting with relief as they hugged you both. One redhead and blonde in particular latched on tight, somehow laughing and crying at the same time. You felt something soft and warm against your cheek and with what surprise you could muster in your exhausted state you tilt your head slightly to see Zelda, her face now muddy burying her head into your shoulder before quickly lunging at Midna to hug her tightly as she was replaced by Paya who practically gave you a bear hug as she tried to express her worries verbally, only for it to come out as a stream of squeaking.

You look around, seeing the cart which had Romani and Irene, now also containing a pale looking Mipha who had dragged herself to the edge of the cart and was just collapsed at the side staring at you with exhausted relief, seeming as though the only thing stopping her from also leaping to hug you was the unexplained illness that seemed to have suddenly taken her. Irene too was there, holding the blanket she was covered with up to cover her unclothed form. As your eyes locked onto hers she weakly raised her free hand to give you a thumbs up before letting it fall back down, still too weak to move. There was also the cows, a whole herd awkwardly moving around you all and seemingly finding their new environment while better then the rain a fair bit more stressful then they wanted. Your other animals were there, Zelda's bird happily perched on the wagon, Sift patrolling around the outside to keep the cows at bay and your horses, who were far more used to the crazy activities you got up too patiently waiting for you all. There were also Cucco's, a lot of Cucco's, all looking puffed up as if the slightest scare would make them explode in a cloud of feathers.

"Wha-what...?" Was all you could manage to get out.

Zelda though immediately perked up, "We got all the animals through! We saw some of the fight, we were so worried when Mipha collapsed we were going to run back out but then you came through and you're both alive!"

"Collapsed...?!"

"My... strength left me when that... creature appeared. Forgive me... I barely have the strength to move or I'd... heal you both," Came the exhausted sounding response from Mipha, her speech slurring slightly as she spoke. It truly sounded like she'd pass out at any moment.

"But everyone got out!" Malon shouted triumphantly, "I mean, you both look like you tried to wrestle a Moblin but we did it!"

"Not yet, need to get to Navi to get your sister healed," You almost grunt out, again pulling yourself to your feet.

"Link, you and Midna can barely stand! We're all battered as well. Don't worry about us," Malon responded, looking over to her sister, "We... couldn't live with ourselves if you something happened because you put helping us over your own health. You've all done more then anyone had any reason too for us."

"Maybe Navi can also heal us? S-She's still weak from her ordeal b-but she is a G-great Fairy. I-if she can heal Romani then surely with us..." Paya stutters out before trailing off.

"If we go back to the manor we'll need to wait for Mipha to heal and I don't know if that'll take all night," Zelda cut in, wiping the mud from her face, "Maybe Impa can scrounge up some medical supplies, but we'll have to deal with our injuries till tomorrow and Mipha might not even have her full strength yet. They're not serious by the looks of things so we shouldn't use up what meager supplies we have stored. It'll be rough and exhausting, but not life-threatening"

What do you do?
[] Get to Navi, Romani still needs help and maybe she can do something about your injuries. You can take the cart so you don't have to walk.
[] Head back to the manor, inform Impa and maybe get some medical supplies. Navi can wait till tomorrow.
[] Just rest here, even with cows and cuccos running about you all could use a rest, though you'll have no medical treatment save the basics.
[] Write-in.

GM NOTE: So my computer died. Took a while to get a replacement. Apologies if this feels disjointed, trying to get back into the swing of things.

 

[ImmortalsBlade]

[X] Get to Navi, Romani still needs help and maybe she can do something about your injuries. You can take the cart so you don't have to walk.

Leaving behind every horse but Abby, Zelda's bird and Sif and letting Irene throw on her dress the cart slowly makes its way through the empty halls of the ruins along the familiar pathways to the Great Fairy fountain. You were all exhausted, tired, wet and in a few cases (such as yourself) just now realizing how injured you were. Even the others had been on the receiving end of ornery cows headbutting them, and were just now beginning to wheeze from cracked or broken ribs. Conversation was sparse, only the occasional acknowledgement that of still being awake though from the occasional slurring of speech it was clear exhaustion was going to quickly win out. When you finally reached the familiar doors all of you didn't so much get out of the cart so much as fall out, those still able to walk supporting/half-dragging those who couldn't and you felt no shame as Zelda had to practically drag you through into the Great Fairy's realm.

​

Still, the feeling of calm and the scent of flowers on a breeze you could not identify the source of soothed your aching form, the dimly glowing flowers and mushrooms that filled the room actually managing to rouse you. The power held in this room, so vast yet tinged with such kindness that it brought strength to your limbs and soothed the pain from your wounds without any healing spell cast on you. Even Romani, lifeless in her wide-eyed sister's arms, began to shift slightly. As you walked to the open Lotus Navi called home you saw the deep pool in the centre blaze with blue light as the familiar form of the Great Fairy emerge unbidden by any of you, waiting for your arrival. She regarded you all with an expression of sympathy, her blue eyes almost filled with tears as she looked down upon you all as your group finally dragged themselves to the edge of her pool.

"It is good to see you all again, though my heart wishes it could be for once without the sight of open wounds and grim deeds hanging over your heads," She says, her kind voice soothing you all and almost lulling you to sleep, "But my powers are yours to use, though I see there is one you would all see restored before I attend to any open wounds."

You see Malon visibly swallow and slowly step forward to the edge of the pond before sinking to her knees, holding her sister tightly in her arms. She spoke quietly, her head bowed and unable to even raise her head to the great fairy, "O' Great Fairy, I-I've come to humbly beseech you to use your powers to heal my sis-" Malon suddenly gasps as her sister glowed and was lifted limply into the air by a gentle blue light, held aloft as if in a mother's arms.

Navi giggled as Romani was carefully set into the waters, floating half-submerged with her arms over her chest, the young girls eyes closed as she started to breathe softly as if asleep. "You don't need to show me any humility Malon," Navi said, a hint of mischievousness in her voice, "I'm sure you're well acquainted now with this extraordinary groups willingness to help those in need, and I've taken it upon myself to humbly follow their example. I will heal Romani, and do whatever I can to aid you."

Malon gawked at the fairy for a second, tears welling up in her eyes before she began to sob, choking out "T-thank you! Thank you!" Again and again to the great fairy. She only paused for a second when the fairy took her into her arms, holding Malon tightly as she gently rocked her back and forth.

"You've borne so much hardship for your sister Malon," Navi whispered into the farm girl's ear, "I share your new friends regret that I could not have helped both of you sooner. We shall all do what we can for you two from now on."

Slowly Malon's sobs quieted, Navi holding the girl for a few moments longer before she helped Malon to her feet and floated back to the centre of the pool, Malon rubbing her eyes as she spared one last glance to form of Romani. "Now then," Navi said, finally looking over your group, "I believe you all need heal-" Navi stopped, her eyes going wide as saucers as her mouth dropped open in an expression of shock quite uncharacteristic of the fairy in the brief time you've known her. You follow where the fairy is gawking, straight to the newest member of your group. Midna, still weak from the battle just confusedly looks around, unsure why she was now the centre of attention in such a strange way.

"Wha... but..?! The mirror! It can't be...?!" Navi sputters, "MIDNA?!"

At those words a strange and indescribable feeling of displacement and a sense of vertigo crept over you, before vanishing in an instant. Your hand felt warm, though as you looked down you caught a glimpse of Zelda's gripping hers tightly with her other hand as if it had suddenly been burned. You looked up and could see her face scrunched up in discomfort and confusion, her eyes almost golden in the soft light of the Great Fairy's chamber. A few errant white feathers which you assumed to be from the cuccos drifted past as your gaze shot back up to the great fairy who was shaking her head and composing herself.

"My deepest apologies for that outburst, it is quite surprising to see a Twili here. Nevermind one of the royal family!" Navi exclaims, bowing slightly, "I understand it must be very difficult for you to be here in a land so antithetical to your existence, though I hope your fellow maidens have made your time here comfortable."

"You know of my people?" Midna asks, seemingly quite taken aback by someone showing any familiarity with her.

Navi merely nods, a large smile on her face, "One of your ancestors once journeyed to this land to help defeat a great evil. I had the pleasure of briefly interacting with her."

Midna stepped forward slightly with a limp, approaching the hovering great fairy with a genuine almost childlike curiosity in her eyes despite the exhaustion written on her face, "Could you tell me more of my ancestor? I never knew any traveled to this world of light! What were they like, did they have powers like me? They were brave and courageous right? Please tell me everything!"

Navi chuckles, her laughter more like the ringing of bells then anything you're used too "There'll be plenty of time to tell you about your ancestor, your majesty. But I do believe you all could use a rest, I'm sure there's much to do to have you all settled and prepared for your next journey."

"Oh my dear Navi, you're quite right. Time is something we have in abundance," An unexpected but familiar friendly voice spoke from behind your group, making you all whirl around as Navi's head jerks up to look at the new arrival, her eyes widening in shock.

"Guardian of time!" Navi says in shock, before actually bowing to the head priest, "You honour us with your presence! But... what brings you here?"

Moebius, still clad in his purple robes approached your group, looking you all over with a careful gaze before looking up to the floating Navi, "I merely wished to see how my old friend was doing, and see how my favourite student has been progressing on her journey," He frowned slightly, his voice clear with sympathy "Of course, more serious topics will need to be discussed but it seems you've all endured much hardship recently."

Malon looked at you with confusion, clearly unsure what was going on. You mouthed "he's a friend" to her, hoping to assuage any worries Malon had. To your relief she gave you a nod of acknowledgement in return, backing up slightly to give the Guardian and Navi space.

"Yes, they've experienced much recently and I fear many more hardships are in front of them, perhaps you could assist Lord Moebius? My powers are weakened but I believe together we could quicken everyone here's recovery," Navi explained, floating back down to stand with your group. Moebius nodded, raising his staff up as Navi did the same with her hand and a bright light filled the room.

Suddenly all pain and exhaustion left you and you looked down to find yourself completely clean and unblemished, not a scratch or speck of dirt on you. In fact this might have been the cleanest you've been in awhile. You look over to your companions and see them all in a similarly free of any sign of exhaustion, injury or travel.

"This is... incredible. I knew Great Fairy's were powerful but..." Mipha begins, looking for all the world like she hadn't been drained.

Navi merely shakes her head, "I merely gave Lord Moebius an easy source of power to draw on, all credit belongs to Time Guardian."

"Oh you give me far too much credit, I merely serve in the best capacity I can," Moebius replied, bowing slightly, "But now to see you all as you should be I can see the progress you've made. The Master Sword has been recovered, and only two more Maidens remain. Though it seems you've gained a dark power even you feel fear from, Chosen Hero," He looks at you then, a chill going up your spine as he appraises you. Perhaps it was the slight change in tone, or the way his pale eyes regard you but even with all your power, all you encountered, there was a force behind Moebius's presence that spoke of unimaginable ancient power from the Guardian.

"Yes, I... hope to find answers from Navi's sister when I am able. But I have no intentions of abusing it, only seek answers," You tell the time guardian, straightening up as you address him as if you were addressing the king of Hyrule himself.

"It speaks well to your character to view such a power so humbly, you do this old man proud Link," He smiles at you, before his eyes drift to the sword at your back, "It is not my place to speak of such power, but trust in that sword. It will temper that power, make it controllable. As you progress in your journey there'll be ways to enhance the Master Sword, you will need to locate them if you have any hope in succeeding in your destiny."

You feel a pulse of warmth from the blade, as if it was agreeing with Moebius's words, and you feel your hand drawn towards it. However you stop yourself as you see your hand, the triforce upon it glowing intensely. Moebius raises an eyebrow, regarding your hand with a hint of curiosity, "Ah, it appears the triforce is reacting strongly as you grow in power. Undoubtedly your enemies will detect its presence, and hunt you with even greater furor. It is good fortune you no longer are traveling with Ganondorf, as the presence of the three pieces of the Triforce together in the Empires lands would undoubtedly attract the entire host of the Empires forces."

"No.... no he can't be here," Navi suddenly speaks, and you turn to see her looking quite different then you had ever seen her. Her wings were fluttering wildly, her eyes wide and face pale as an expression of utter fear consumed her features. One that was rapidly replaced by one of utter rage as she whirled on you, eyes glowing as a wind kicked up and an undeniable pressure emanated from her, "You must destroy Ganondorf!"

"Destroy him?" Zelda asked, visibly shocked at the sudden change in demeanor from the Great Fairy, "I do not know what crime he has perpetrated, but we traveled with him for some time. If he's the bearer of the Triforce of power then shouldn't we stay our hands? What crime has he done that is so great?"

"HE-!" Navi practically shouts, before glancing to you. Her expression softens, the light in her eyes vanishing and the wind calming. Suddenly Navi looked very tired and world weary, as if she had taken your collected exhaustion and channeled it into her self, but a spark of hatred remained in eyes, "Ganondorf is not who you think he is. He is deceitful and whatever kindness he showed hides a heart as black as tar. The dark power he wields poisons the very land, leaving nothing but sorrow and evil in his wake."

"I'm afraid Princess that Navi speaks truthfully," Moebius responded, his expression sorrowful but you could hear a hint of venom in his voice, as if the very mention of Ganondorf was some grave insult, "Whatever kindness he showed you was merely an attempt at manipulation. For he wields the power of Calamity, the same power that brought about the Blood Moon and played a dark role in its summoning. Many innocents have been slain by his hands, why just recently he massacred his way through the great plateau to plunder its archives for knowledge. My guards eventually drove him off, but not without a considerable price in blood."

It felt like a pit had fallen out of your stomach. The man you had traveled with. Ate, drank and laughed beside the campfire had slaughtered people in that sacred place you had stood. More, he was somehow involved with the Blood Moon? You felt like a fool. You looked to your friends, and while horrified at the news none looked as though they had known Ganondorf, instead they looked to you with concern and worry. All except Zelda, who was looking to the Time Guardian with her jaw clenched, shaking hands balled into fists.

"I understand this is hard for the two of you to hear," Moebius addressed the two of you, "But you must believe us, the betrayal of the trust and friendship you both gave him is just a small glimpse of what evil he is capable of. Thankfully though, he is not nearly as clever as he thinks he is. His grand plan was undone nearly a decade ago by the arrival of the empire, a small solace for the indignities they've inflicted on Hyrule. Now he is merely a merciless vagabond, desperate to claw his way back from the irrelevance he rightfully has been thrown. He hoped to use the two of you for his own dark purposes, then discard you without a hint of remorse."

"What is his plan? Why all this violence, trying to manipulate us?" Zelda asks, gesturing as if the evidence of the crime was behind her, "If his plans were undone what could he be hoping to achieve?"

"To control the direction of your destinies of course! Even now he lingers in Gerudo Canyon, waiting to intercept you when you travel to collect the Maiden of Light. He will tell you lies, attempt to have you take him to his daughter so he can use her to control the rest of you even with doubts in your minds. Poor girl, she endured much having a father as monstrous as Ganondorf. Now Riju bears a great mantle of responsibility, and will have an even greater one when her nature as the Maiden of Light is revealed to her. To know that Ganondorf will abuse whatever trust she has for him as her father, while feeling nothing for her except contempt? Truly, there is no being as vile as him."

"And how do you know this?" Midna interjects, stepping forward as she eyed the Guardian with a suspicious eye, her arms crossed in front of her, "I do not know you or your role in this world, though I can see my allies trust you. However I can not trust your word implicitly on that merit alone. Please, enlighten me."

Moebius smiles and nods, giving a short bow, "Forgive me Princess Midna, I am Moebius, the Guardian of Time. My role as Time Guardian gives me a certain degree of... Omniscience shall we say? While the gods intended my role to be one of observation with the occasional... nudge to prevent the timestream from being altered by malevolent forces, I am obligated to assist when necessary to ensure the completion of your destinies. A small role, but one I follow with the greatest of humility."

"Even so, your help is greatly appreciated Lord Moebius," Navi says, before turning back to you all, "I would suggest avoiding Ganondorf for now, his power must surely be great. You must find the Maiden of Fire, grow strong enough that his manipulations will have no effect on you and so that you can help the poor Maiden of Light see her father as he truly is."

"Dark forces are moving to ensnare Medli, though thankfully unaware of her true nature. Look for Kass, he will tell you more of the situation they find themselves in. But the travel will be dangerous, and require quite a significant amount of supplies. Dear Malon, I entrust you can assist with this task?" Moebius asks, finally addressing the farm girl who was gawking at the situation she found herself in.

Malon straightens herself up, gulping audibly at the attention of such powerful beings that had fallen on her, "Y-yes, if you could give me an idea of what I'm working with maybe I can help?"

Zelda was instantly at her side, showing her the Sheikah slate, "So this is what we have, but I think the real issue is buying up supplies. See..."

As Zelda and Malon discussed you felt a small tug at your tunic, and you turned to see a small red-haired girl in a white dress bashfully looking up at you, "Uhm, mister? Where is Romani? Why is my sister and that... uhm long-haired boy talking about?"

A bright smile splits your face as you kneel down to eye level with the small girl, "You're in the company of the Great Fairy Navi Romani, I'm so glad to see you awake! I'm Link, a friend of your sister and that boy..." You pause, avoiding the urge to laugh, "Well it's a girl, she's Princess Zelda."

Romani's eyes go wide as her mouth drops, and she whirls around with all the energy one would expect from a small child as she suddenly notices Navi floating a foot off the ground and the others crowded around her. Then with twinkling eyes she looks to Zelda, who was so adamantly talking with Malon she wasn't noticing anything around her, only pausing to brush a blonde lock out of her face. Romani pointed at Navi, then Zelda and back and forth as she finally shouted "P-PRINCESS!!! FAIRY!!!"

"I like her," Proxi chuckled as she wormed herself out from under your hat, just as Malon finally noticed who had awoken as she pushed past Zelda. The other girls fell silent, quietly observing the scene before them as Malon locked eyes with her cheerful sister.

With blinding speed Malon practically tackled Romani, pulling her up into a whirling hug as she openly sobbed, clutching her sister tightly.

"Wha-hey! Why are you crying Sis?" Romani asked, struggling in her sisters grip, "Did something happen?!"

"I'm just glad... I'm so glad..." Was all Malon could say, until her sobs rendered her incapable of speaking.

Malon and Romani will need some time alone, and Moebius disappeared while you all weren't looking. What do you do?
[] Help Impa get the cows penned.
[] Hang out with Zelda, Irene and Mipha.
[] See what Paya and Midna are up too.
[] Speak to Sahasrahla about the oddities you've noticed.
[] Write-in

GM NOTE: Life got in the way.

 

[ImmortalsBlade]

GM NOTE: This update contains disturbing content. As it has been awhile since this quest updated remember this is a mature rated quest and will deal with mature topics with the assumption readers will also act mature about it. More importantly characters will not have modern sensibilities. Views expressed within represent a fictional culture set in a pre-modern period. They do not represent the views of the QM. Reader discretion is advised.

[X] Speak to Sahasrahla about the oddities you've noticed.

Returning through the portal back to Kakariko village you found to all your great disappointment it was still pouring rain and pitch dark out save for the occasional flash of lightning. After a great deal of screams of anguish, angry cursing, "WHYYYYYYYY HAVE YOU FORSAKEN US?!" yelled repeatedly by multiple sources followed by quiet resignation (and uproarious laughter from a thoroughly entertained Romani) that all your now clean dry clothes would return to being absolutely filthy and soaked to the bone you all assessed the task at hand. Getting a large herd of farm animals to the barns on the other side of the village. A task none of you could even begin to comprehend how you'll accomplish.

"Can we not go find someone to help?" Malon yelled over the howling gale that surrounded you all.

"Zelda and Paya are from here, they'd know who to get!" You shout back, looking around for your Princess and Sheikah friend. You don't see Paya immediately, but quickly spot a white haired Sheikah woman approaching only slightly struggling in the awful conditions, wearing a cloak made of woven straw and a wide-rimmed hat. When she reaches the lamplight you had all set up enough to see her rain-slicked face you quickly realize she's... Paya? Wearing far more Sheikah clothing then what she was wearing just a few minutes ago, and in a slightly different style then her typical outfit.

"Link? Is that you amongst this cattle?" The apparent Paya calls out with a voice you quickly recognize as Impa's. As she drew closer you could just make out her features and different tattoos, yet it was undeniable there was a strong resemblance to her niece.

"I-Impa? Is that you?" A barely audible voice calls out and you watch as Paya squeezes herself out from between the stressed out cattle. Finally next to each other, and with Impa's change in what you assume is a more casual outfit and hairstyle for her the resemblance you noted became even more apparent. Even their expressions seemed so similar.

Spoiler: Large Image

Huh.

"Lady Zelda, Paya, you've all returned! With... quite the evidence of your missions success." Impa notes with some surprise and relief.

"It's not quite over yet," Zelda replies with a hoarse but relieved laugh, "Is everything ready? I know the storm complicates things, but we need every hand we can for this."

Impa nods, sending a small cascade of water down that had gathered on her hat, "Y-yes of course Lady Zelda! Do not concern yourself with the storm. I will rouse everyone I can to assist!"

With that proclamation from the rain soaked Impa you make your way to the fidgeting Epona. "Just point me where you'll need meURK-" You begin to yell to the girls, only for a clawed, webbed hand to grab you by the collar and pull you away from your horse, two yellow eyes glaring down at you.

"Oh no! Not after that fight!" Mipha berates you, though the worry plain to see in her expression told you all you needed to know about her harsh tone, "Even with the Great Fairy's magic I can't in good conscience as your healer let you and Midna assist. Both of you go and get some rest."

"Romani should get out of this weather as well," Malon adds, only for her sister to wrap herself around Malon's legs.

"B-but Romani wants to help!" The smaller girl begins to cry, only for Malon to wrap her sister in a tight hug.

"I'll only be gone a moment. Then we'll spend the whole night together, I promise you," Malon tells Romani quietly, and you could see her face even in this torrent look just a bit wetter.

"You... don't have too-" Zelda begins, but Malon cuts herself off with a shake of her head.

"I... want so badly to be with Romani, but if this place is to be our home I... I need to do my part. Make this the best new start for Romani I can, so I need to see this through until I know it is" She quietly says, just loud enough for you to hear over the pouring rain. Malon then looks you dead in the eyes, her expression utterly resolute, "I owe you a debt I could never truly repay, so please I hope you understand this."

You nod. "More than understand, Thank you Malon," You tell her, only shouting slight over the rain as relief washes over Malon face.

Impa then chimes in "Lady Seres can watch the child, she will be well cared for."

A crack of lightning soon followed, which quickly reminded you all (and the large herd of nervous cattle) of the exact nature of your current situation. Malon quickly rushes up and mounts Epona, the warhorse actually letting the farm girl onto her. Impa beckons with her hand, and you help shelter Romani with your cloak, keeping her dry even as the cold rain seeps into your clothing. Impa leads you both quickly back to the manor, the path almost unrecognizable in the downpour.

When you finally reached the Manor you were surprised to see that it was well lit up. In fact a little too lit up, as near the entrance you could see a strange bluish glow flickering as if they were were candlelight. Approaching the flames almost looked like feminine figures, floating back and forth as if agitated. In the centre of them, standing in the door just enough inside to not be soaked by the rain, was Seres wearing a sheer nightgown with a robe hastily thrown over it. Her short green hair was a mess, looking as though she had (and likely did) just crawled out of bed, and she was clutching the robe tightly to her figure in an attempt to ward off the biting wind with the thin fabric.

When she sees the three of you the floating figures swirl around you, sightless eyes glaring at you before Seres seems to recognize you all and the figures and her relax. What you could only assume were spirits then dissipated like the foggy breath leaving all your throats. "Link! Impa!" She calls out over the storm, ushering you both towards the house, "Oh I was so worried when I sensed the portals activating with so much life and power pouring through it but I'm so glad to see things are alright!" She then pauses, noticing now the mop of orange hair and wide blue eyes peeking out from under your cloak, "And... with a guest?"

"This is Romani, her sister is helping bring in her cattle. Impa's going to round up people to help Romani's sister, so we'll need to get things ready for her so-" You begin, before Impa cuts you off.

"Link, I believe you were ordered to get some sleep," She tells you through an uncharacteristic grin tempered by the genuine concern in her voice, "Seres, could you watch the girl and help prepare a room for our new guest?"

"O-oh of course Impa!" Seres replies, before kneeling down so she was eye-level with Romani. "Hello there Romani, I'm sorry if I frightened you. My name is Seres, I hope we can get along."

Romani nodded, disentangling herself from your cloak and approaching Seres who held out her hand. Romani slowly took it, prompting a warm smile from Seres. "Now, how bout we get you something to eat? I baked some lovely muffins this morning. Link do you have her belongings?" Seres asks you as she stands up, Romani's hand in her own.

"Yeah, I can set out some of their belongings in one of the spare rooms," You tell her, holding up your Sheikah bracelet.

"I'll go rouse the villagers then," Impa added in, turning back around to leave before looking back over her shoulder and softly saying, "Please, get some rest Link."

Then with a considerable amount of speed she disappeared into the storm.

With Impa gone Seres hurried Romani off towards the kitchen, leaving you to head to one of the spare rooms and deposit a few of Malon and Romani's trunks since you didn't want to overwhelm the two with sorting out their belongings. You also brought forth their bed, which landed with a loud "Thunk!" in the middle of the room. With that all done you left and moved to your own room, passing a few other rooms as you did so. With how quickly the manor had filled up it was likely that soon your friends would have to start bunking together if anyone else needed to be moved in. Not that you expected any of them to mind that part over how many people you all kept running across who only had your group to turn too.

Heading to your room you were glad to finally have a chance to change into some dry clothes. You dimly note someone had cleaned regularly in here as you climb into bed, wincing slightly at the chill that had still seeped into the sheets from outside. Yet maybe it was the storm, or just thoughts playing out through your head but sleep wouldn't come. Within minutes you'd felt so fed up you kicked off your sheets and climbed out of bed, restlessness demanding you take a walk. Though it is in that moment you remember your constant tag along, "Hey Midna, I'm feeling restless so I'm going for a walk. I hope I'm not going to keep you up."

A snore from your shadow gave you your answer so with a shrug and barefoot you stepped out into the hall, just letting your legs carry you around the manor's halls. It was quiet, despite the storm raging outside and you greatly appreciated the Sheikah technology Paya's mother had installed keep your feet warm. It wasn't long before you noticed an open door to one of the spare rooms, lamp light spilling out into the hall. Sparing a look inside saw that it had been converted into a study with a single bed shoved into the corner. Every surface save a small path to the bed and a well-used desk had been filled with stacks of books and scrolls. Some of which looked so ancient you were certain you'd been in ruins younger then them. Sitting at the desk in a remarkably comfortable looking chair and pouring over one book was the robed form of Sahasrahla. Sahasrahla seemed to sense your presence, as even though you hadn't made a sound he perked up and looked back to you curiously, before his expression warmed.

"Ah Link, it is good to see you returned safe and sound. Seres told me of the current situation, you've all done quite well," He says, before looking at you with a bit more scrutiny, "I see though that despite dressed to enjoy some well-deserved rest restlessness consumes you. Come, take a seat. While I'm sure you have a great appreciation for knowledge I'm sure listening to an old man prattle on will help you find the rest that is eluding you."

He chuckles before giving an almost casual wave of his hand. The book he was reading snapped shut and flew off to a pile while a kettle and two tea cups materialized onto his desk. A cushioned chair appeared as well, wedging itself in one of the few empty spaces. Not one to refuse you took a seat, and graciously accepted the tea he then offered.

You take a second to enjoy the warm liquid going down your throat, the tea soothing your nerves. "Needed that, thank you. Have you been settling in well?"

"Quite so, though I feel a bit guilty of enjoying the hospitality of my former student while she is away. Ah, it will be good to speak to her again when I am sure you will return her home," Sahasrahla responds, sipping his own tea and looking into the distance with a fond expression as he reminisced, "That girl, no doubt she'll be ecstatic when she see's how Zelda and Paya have grown."

You hide your wince at that with a sip of tea, no need to mention to Sahasrahla how... ragged your group has been doing mentally lately. Though a thought hits you then, wasn't he part of the royal court? Would he not know what happened to the horses kept at Malon's ranch?

Sahasrahla seems to notice you mulling over the question in your head, with a look of concern he asked, "Is something the matter Link? You look as though you are wrestling with something. Please, feel free to take advantage of the knowledge I have if it'll help-"

"Do you know what happened to Lon Lon Ranch?" You blurt out suddenly, before collecting yourself, "Sorry, I should explain. You see Romani is fro-" You stop, as you finally notice how instead of looking confused at your question a dark expression had come over him before he closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

"I knew this question would come up," He says with a sigh, "I had hoped I would be spared explaining, though not for my sake. But I supposed after all you in particular have endured I can speak of it. If you'll forgive me but the only way I can answer this is by being... exceptionally blunt."

"Huh... why?"

"Because the reason the oldest line of horses in Hyrule was singularly wiped out which nearly drove one of the great houses into poverty is because her royal highness's father was an avaricious, conceited moron who would sell out his own country for an ounce more wealth and power despite his already considerable coffers and authority!" Sahasrahla practically shouts, making you flinch back. "Ah... I'm sorry for my outburst. There is... a lot of bad blood here."

"I... can tell," You say slowly, aware you had shrunk back from the unexpected outburst, "I... feel like I have several more questions now."

"Yes... well I'll start from the beginning. Would you believe before you were born the Empire was an ally and trade partner? Princess Zelda's father even regularly spent summers at the Emperor's court, enjoying the exotic luxury in the company of the Emperor. Of course, much to the displeasure of the far more moral of us due to the signs of their later exploits already well present. The king, freshly crowned, wished to ensure a lasting peace and perhaps in his mind a peaceful unification in the future by gifting the empire the entirety of our knights horses. Nearly all the horses held at Lon Lon Ranch were sent to the Empire, as the king argued that now that Hyrule was enjoying a long peace it was only right that they share what had ensured it to those less fortunate. Of course, he made Lady Malon's family pay for everything and when they rightly objected he stripped them of their titles. Thankfully your father kept them from being exiled, as that was when the King listened to him."

"That..." You swallowed, unsure of how to even begin to acknowledge what you were just told.

"Believe me, the nobility were in uproar. Until the empire bailed the king out with a quite generous trade deal. That was how it was for awhile, the king salving the uproar over his short-sighted, idiotic decisions with cash and the empire always there to rescue him from his own short-sighted greed," Sahasrahla shook his head, the disgust clear in his tone, "That was the first time I left the royal court in disgust to teach. Which is where I had the pleasure of teaching your mother and the Queen, and meeting my future wife, may she rest well."

"What did Zelda's mom even see in that man?" You wonder aloud, and instantly regret it when you see how quickly the expression on Sahasrahla's face darken to one of hatred.

"This is... difficult to speak of but I say without a shadow of a doubt Link she absolutely hated the man. I do not know what happened exactly but as their renown skyrocketed one day the sages were invited to a private ball. I am sure the king was undoubtedly jealous of them, and when I expressed my concerns I was uninvited. Oh I regret that I was not there, as a few weeks later I get a tear-streaked letter that the Queen was in Kakariko and pregnant."

You feel a pit growing in your stomach.

Sahasrahla was holding the side of his head, his expression pained as his voice finally cracked, "Queen Oren and King Dorephan, who viewed Tetra like she was their own daughter, demanded the King immediately marry Tetra and provide for her. The king was not happy over finally learning how far his authority truly stretched but he conceded in the end and they were married before Princess Zelda was born."

"Why...!?" You began to shout, anger in your voice. Things were starting to make sense, everything put into horrifying relief.

"They meant well even if we both disagree on the actions they took, but you must understand the Zora view love... differently then Hylians. Partly due to their long lifespans, look at how Prince Sidon remains a young man even into his first century. To them time could heal all wounds, and better for the child their parents were together. How enamored your mother and father was undoubtedly influenced their decision as well. While I strongly disagree it was not a sentiment shared by the other members of the nobility. Perhaps they also feared what would happen to Hyrule if a royal bastard was born to a far more popular figure, given the King's actions. Moebius assured me later they had averted civil war, but he was always a yes man to anyone with authority," He paused when he saw how your expression changed, and the old scholar scoffed, "Ah, I see you've met him. Guardian of time he may be and loyal to the royal family, but the man always would say whatever he needed to keep in the good graces of the King. Never could like the man because of that, even if he told me repeatedly it was for the good of Hyrule."

"Moebius aside, surely they could see how horrible it was to keep Zelda's mother with the King? How could they... and what of Zelda? To be born into that kind of environment..." You trail off, horrified that anyone would allow someone they viewed as their child to be put into that kind of situation. Pre-arranged marriages were common in Hyrule, and there were many... disagreeable ideas regarding it but to have it be done to the mother of someone you're so close too in such a terrible way was nauseating.

"I know it is difficult, and I am more than happy that someone who travels with the Princess is outraged at that situation. But would you share the same moral beliefs as those hundreds of years before you? While I do not wish to speak ill of the Zora, they are a society where the individual who is born in such times would still live to this day, their society changes very little over time due to their long lifespans. Even before the empire, while thankfully uncommon it was not unheard of amongst Hylians. I am not excusing it, but such is the society we live in, and must continue to struggle to change it so that future generations do not experience the hardships we have. It is the true power Princess Zelda has as the future leader of Hyrule, people will take that first step forward to change at her word."

More things to put on Zelda's shoulders whether she wants it or not, "So what of Zelda?" Goddesses this is uncomfortable to ask, but if you ever speak to Zelda or Mipha about this you couldn't approach this with only some of the facts.

"I can tell you are concerned, but you can put your fears to rest. The Queen loved Princess Zelda with all her heart. While Moebius pushed to be Princess Zelda's tutor I was able to a part of her life. Her father was cold to her when she was a babe, undoubtedly he desired a son who he would have had marry the Imperial Princess. I fear what would have happened to Zelda if he conceived one with any of his mistresses. Thankfully Zelda remained an only child. As she grew older it became apparent she was... different then other children..." He trailed off, fidgeting uncomfortably in his chair.

"Her sacred powers?" You asked, Zelda told you how she had discovered them when she was young.

"Huh? Oh no that was... Well it was quite a relief when we saw how she positively latched onto you. Oh the two of you were inseparable. It wasn't surprising in the slightest how quickly you two were engagedGAH!!" Sahasrahla suddenly screamed, as a mouthful of tea was sprayed at him.

"I-I'm sorry, what?!" You shouted, wiping away the tea dripping down your chin with one hand and very aware you were now standing.

"A-ah, yes I suppose with everything that happened you would be unaware. You were the son of a Duke from a well known family line after all, and both your mother and the Queen were the dearest of friends. Plus there was your father... but well suffice to say none would settle for Princess Zelda being married off to foreign royalty when she was the heir apparent," He trails off when he see's your expression, one you weren't even sure of what you were making but you could feel the heat radiating off your face.

"I... understand this must be awkward with your loyalty to her as the Hero and she the Sacred Princess..." He quietly adds and you resist EVERY urge to say something. What you weren't sure, as you really weren't in the mood to psychoanalyze your and Zelda's current relationship at the moment.

"Okay... Okay," You say more to yourself as you sit back down, "Putting that aside for a moment, what was that about my father?"

Sahasrahla suddenly looked deeply uncomfortable, not meeting your eyes, "Ahem... well, forgive me if I say anything that insults your father's memory but there are... aspects of your father you aren't aware of."

"He wasn't as bad as Zelda's father, was he?" You ask with a good amount of apprehension. Certainly you don't remember your father being that kind of person but how much did you truly know him?

"Well your father was... a bit of a social climber. Oh he did dearly love your mother but he had a certain... obsession with his family line. He tried to keep the King in line but I suspect at some point he only supported the king to ensure your and the Princess's engagement. I do not know the full breadth of what he desired from you when you would have been crowned King, but I certainly view that everything surrounding the engagement was a welcome bonus to his real goals," Sahasrahla states, stroking his beard as he sips his tea.

You however were left dealing with another bombshell, "Sorry, King?"

"Oh, yes the Empire has probably suppressed knowledge on Hyrule's succession laws. Royalty is under "Jure uxoris" succession when a Queen takes the throne, once a heir is born the husband of the Queen would become co-ruler and be crowned King. However if the heir would be lost, the King would be forced to abdicate as only those of the Royal Bloodline may truly sit on the throne. I believe this was intended to prevent some power hungry noble from potentially extinguishing the royal line when it was established in law centuries ago. Though, the myths of powerful kings and queens of Hyrule jointly leading it through turmoil undoubtedly played a role." Sahasrahla nods as he says this, undoubtedly recalling some information from one of his books.

You meanwhile were beginning to wonder if maybe your homeland was a little too in love with its own mythology, "This is... a lot to take in. But this was all before Zelda discovered her powers?"

"Yes, after that things... changed. The king, ailing in popular support began to aggressively court public opinion with the reveal of the Princess's sacred powers. Who was once viewed as a weak ruler became in the public eye an unbreakable pillar of Hyrule; righteous, just and pious. I was eventually given "strong incentive" to retire as my daughter was taken under the Queen's tutelage. In the public eye it was the King who ordered the Sages to protect Hyrule as monster attacks began to increase, with the blessing of Princess Zelda's sacred power." He suddenly let out a long sigh, eye's downcast as he muttered, "Then came the plague..."

Sahasrahla shakes his head, "When the time it was done no one had even realized the king had quietly stripped your family of its titles and exiled you and your father. I suspect he eventually grew to resent having that tiny bit of control taken from him. What he planned to do with Zelda's marriage annulled I no longer know. But even he seemed unprepared for the numberless hordes of monsters that was pouring out from the dark places of Hyrule. King Dorephan swiftly had the Princess taken to the Zora domain to keep the Princess as far away from the King as possible, the king withdrew from the public eye as King Dorephan tried with the Princess to rally the people of Hyrule to combat them. I only know of what was happening from what news reached my home, and the occasional letter from Purah and Robbie as Seres had arrived to take care of me."

Sahasrahla sighs again, painful memories returning to him, "But then the letters became scarce, all we had was a crier who told us one day the Princess had returned to Hyrule castle. Then nothing but the endless news of the encroaching monster hordes until one day a man rides up and tells us of what happened at Hyrule castle. I'm sure you're more informed on what happened next then I am."

You don't respond immediately, mulling over the details Sahasrahla had told you. Finally you say "I... think that will be all for tonight. Thank you for telling me and... apologies for bringing up bad memories."

"It is something I've been meaning to get off my chest for awhile, thank you. It was a pleasure to speak with you and illuminate even the unfortunate parts of our past. Have a good evening Link," Sahasrahla says, giving you a warm smile through his beard.

With that you take your leave, returning to your room. But now sleep definitely eluded you, your mind racing as you tried to connect fragmented memories to what you were told. You didn't care for any potential titles or whatever, even if the engagement stuck in your mind you knew you didn't want it to dictate things moving forward. But then there were others involved in that story. Zelda obviously, but then there was Malon who had her family destroyed by the short-sighted greed of Zelda's father and Mipha. You could talk with them, proper communication with each other was the only thing keeping any of you sane and certainly they would notice from your behavior if you were keeping something like this to yourself. Individually probably, and it was better they learned it from you then at their lowest. But it would be difficult to speak of it, and you were all at the razors edge of madness. This would be a blow. Perhaps you could keep it to yourself for a little bit?

"Oi! I see a light on in there!" A familiar voice calls out and the sliding door is slammed open, revealing the form of Zelda who was glaring at you with hands on her hips. She was a simple robe that reached down to her ankles with cavernous sleeves, her long blonde hair worn loose and slightly damp. "I knew it, you didn't go rest like you were told!" Zelda angrily states as she marches barefoot up to you, a slight floral scent hitting you that told she had just come from the baths, "You can't just..." She pauses, Zelda's expression softening into one of worry as she see's you, "H-hey Link, is something wrong? You look like you've just got some bad news."

You instinctively look to the side slightly, not meeting her eyes, "Well it's... where do I even begin..."

Quick as a flash Zelda sits down next to you, cocking her head slightly so her ruby eyes filled with concern could lock onto yours, "Just start from the beginning Link. Was it a nightmare?" She asks, brushing a few damp locks out of her face, "I didn't see what was going on in the battle, but I must imagine it was horrific."

Oh boy...
[] Just tell her.
[] Lie.
[] Write-in.

GM note: Minor health problems and just being busy killed my muse for a bit, nothing like COVID or anything. Trying to get back into the swing of things and get my writing to a decent quality. Apologies, fairly rusty.

 

[ImmortalsBlade]

[X] Just tell her.

You take a deep breath, looking Zelda dead in the eyes, "Well to start I couldn't sleep so I went for a walk to clear my head. Sahasrahla was still awake so remembering all the oddities we noticed I had a chat with him and learned... a few things. Disturbing things about our shared pasts. You may want to brace yourself, if you feel you're up to hear it."

Zelda's brow narrows, looking a bit taken aback by your warning. She pulls back her hand, which had been reaching for your own, as she crosses her arms across her front and looks to you with a determined expression. "You can tell me Link. I'd rather know than not."

So you tell her.

Zelda does not speak the entire way through, listening with rapt attention to your words. The expression she wore for it went on quite the journey, quickly going from determination to empathetic horror to finally a stone-faced neutral expression she wore until you finished your explanation though you could tell she was gritting her teeth.

"So... that's everything," You finally say as you wrap up your story, awkwardly scratching the back of your neck.

Zelda nods, still looking stone-faced at you.

"I know this is quite... shocking. I don't even know what we'll tell the others Zelda... Zelda?" You ask, concern in your voice as Zelda suddenly gets up and walks towards the window. Without saying a word she throws them open, briefly illuminated by a bolt of lightning as she leans over the windowsill. You think for a moment she's going to scream but instead you see her head bob down and with shaking shoulders empties the contents of her stomach.

You dart quickly to the puking princess's side but she waves you off with a hand, "I'm fine, I'm fine! Just nerves. Uuuuuuuuuurgh..." She groans as she slumps slightly over the windowsill before reaching out with cupped hands to rinse out her mouth with rainwater.

"You sure don't look fine," You state with clear concern, helping her back in and closing the window behind her as Zelda sits on the floor.

Zelda instead shoots you a glare, gently pushing you back with one hand as she shakily climbs to her feet. "Can't a Princess have a weak stomach to this kind of thing?" Zelda grumbles, though from the slight smile you see cross her face you knew she wasn't actually annoyed before it changed to an awkward and uncomfortable expression that undoubtedly mirrored your own. "Let's... take a seat, okay?" She says, gesturing towards the bed.

With a nod you do so, Zelda quickly sitting herself down next to you. For a moment you just sit there with her, before with a sigh you said, "I... can't imagine what you're going through with..."

"I haven't thought much about my father in years, and scarcely remember him," Zelda cuts you off, not looking you in the eyes, instead staring at her hands in her lap, rubbing the back of the hand which contained the triforce with the other, "I'm... disgusted with it, horrified. But..." She grits her teeth in a snarl, eyes almost flashing as Zelda suddenly grips her hand, "I am so sick of us paying for and being defined by things in the past we had no part in."

Zelda turns to you, resolute, "I renounce my father. I..." Her expression falters for a moment, and she turns away from you, "I just want to make my choices for my own reasons."

When your hand falls onto her shoulder though she snaps back to face you, eyes wide. "I'm proud of you Zelda, not many could say that after just hearing what you did," You tell her, giving her a reassuring smile.

Zelda nods, then with a sigh closes her eyes and tilts her head into the back of your hand so her cheek is pressed up against it. "Still, I can't help but imagine this is going to get awkward in the future... our parents deal and everything..." She mumbles, sounding suddenly very tired.

"It'll work out. Just cause our parents decided on the engagement doesn't change where we are now and our choices," You say, a bit more interested in the ceiling than you should be.

"Huh?" Zelda says, snapping her head up with a raised eyebrow. "Oh! No no, I don't give a single care about that!" She exclaims rather hurriedly, waving a hand dismissively, "Who cares about that now?"

"Uhm..." Was all you can manage, blinking at the suddenly animated Princess as your hand returns to your side.

"Okay I know, I'm the Princess and believe me I remember my lessons of," Zelda suddenly adopts a nasally mocking tone as she brandishes an imaginary ruler, "You must do your duty as a Princess! The future of the royal line and Hyrule depends on you! But none of that matters to who we are now. I doubt those demons and monsters certainly care and I certainly worry more about their machinations than something decided for us over a decade ago."

You stare at Zelda for a good minute, tilting your head slightly before letting out a bark of laughter, "Yeah! You're completely right! None of that matters, we've got a world to save."

Zelda shares in your laughter, giggling into her hand before she brings it up to her right temple and winces as she begins to sway back and forth, "Haaaaaaaaaa, feel like today's beginning to hit me all at once. Can barely see straight."

"I'll help you to your room," You quickly say as you begin to sit up, but instead Zelda grabs your wrist and pulls you back onto the bed. Bouncing slightly on the straw mattress as you find yourself sitting on it again you look to Zelda with surprise, the princess still firmly gripping your wrist but not meeting your eyes as her ears begin to turn an interesting shade of crimson.

"L-look I know I said it didn't affect me but...b-but I really don't want to be alone to think about it and I-I don't want to worry Paya so..." Zelda stammers out as she suddenly seemed intensely focused on her bare feet, "Can I... stay? J-just for tonight. L-like that time at the inn."

You just give her a reassuring smile and nod, lying down onto your bed, "C'mon, we should get some sleep."

Zelda just gives you a nervous if enthusiastic nod in return, grabbing the blanket to cover you both as she settles in beside you at the edge of the bed, leaving a small gap in between the two of you. You can almost feel her heart beating a mile a minute as she alternates between trying to get more comfortable and glancing at you with her crimson red eyes with a blush that matched all the way to her pointy ear tips.

You just give her a small smile in return before leaning back and closing your eyes, exhaustion finally creeping in. You feel after a moment a bare foot gently tap your leg, followed by a pause before small calloused hands drift down your arm to your own hand, hovering there for a moment as their owner wrestled with whether or not to grasp it before retracting quickly as if burned. From one eye cracked open you see them settle by Zelda's face, the crimson-eyed Princess biting her lip for a moment before shutting her eyelids. Remarkably quickly her expression slackens and her breathing slows until a gentle snoring fills your ears and lulls you into slumber.

++++
You dream of darkness growing closer to seven and one lights.

You dream of darkness growing closer to seven and one lights.

You dream of darkness growing closer to seven and one lights.

You dream of darkness growing closer to seven and one lights.

You dream of darkness growing closer to seven and one lights.

You dream of darkness growing closer to seven and one lights.

You dream of darkness growing closer to seven and one lights.

You dream of darkness-
++++
​

Your eyes snap open as you awaken, though you don't jump up despite the bed and sheets now being soaked in a cold sweat. You'd like to say it was because of your self-control even while half-asleep but more accurately it was the weight that was pressed down on you. The... two separate weights? One was clinging to your side, a lithe frame pressed up against you whose warm breath tickled your neck as a head rested on your shoulder. The other what you can only assume was an individual was significantly more... well-cushioned who had rested their head on your chest, their arms wrapped around your midsection.

"Ah, he's finally awake," You hear Zelda's voice come from your shoulder, sounding half-asleep as you feel her head shift.

"Took him long enough, I don't know how I fell asleep with his snoring," Midna's voice replied to your confusion, as the figure lying on you rolled slightly on your front, lifting their head and resting their hands on your chest in such a way that made it clear they were lifting their chin up.

Your craned your neck to take in your predicament, instantly meeting the crimson eyes of Zelda and Midna as they looked up at you with groggy expressions. Zelda had taken up position on your shoulder, curling up close enough during the night that you could feel her breath on your face as she looked up at you. Half-covered by the blanket you could see that her robe had become disheveled as she moved around, exposing her pale shoulders and probably much more only hidden by how she was lying on top of you. Midna had forgone her shawl, leaving her long mane of orange-yellow hair to fan out over her back, her rather noticeable figure obvious even under the blankets as she lay on top of you.

"Midna, wha-" You begin, your suddenly very awake brain making yourself very aware of how Zelda reached up a hand to move a lock of hair out of Midna's face before gently brushing over the Twili's shoulder.

"Well, I noticed how comfortable Zelda was and assumed this was a ritual you light-dwellers do after such a life or death struggle. It seems my assumption was correct, as when Zelda awoke to my presence she happily told me of how you, her and Mipha had done so after your encounter with a large Octorok creature and encouraged me to stay," Midna tells you, evidently quite pleased with herself for her observation skills.

Zelda was very pointedly avoiding meeting your eyes, with a blush to match her eyes. Coughing awkwardly she said, "A-anyways we talked a little, had a lovely sleep and awoke a little while ago and waited for you to wake up Link. You must have been truly exhausted as you didn't stir at all."

You just let out a sigh as you let your head fall back into the pillows, pulling a hand out from under Midna to rub your eyes as you ask, "What time is it anyway?"

"Seems to be around noon, possibly later. I imagine everyone is having a late start today," Zelda responds, twisting her head slightly to look at the closed windows and the thin bit of light emerging from between the shutters.

"So, what's the plan then?" You lift your head back up, looking Zelda dead in the eyes.

At that Zelda's expression falls, and goes back to resting her head against your shoulder and clings to you just a little bit tighter, "I... suppose when everyone is together we'll tell them about our history. While I could see others saying we should tell Mipha and Malon privately I... we've fought and bled for each other. Whatever burden we bare we do so together."

"Certainly our foes want us all equally dead. While my people's safety comes first, of course, none of us can afford to have grievances with each other," Midna adds in, before narrowing her eyes and jabbing you in the chest with a finger "So I hope you aren't planning to abuse my desperate situation mutt, this is a lot of trust I'm putting in you light-dwellers."

Zelda chuckles at that, "Hehe, weeeell I suppose we also have quite a bit of time to kill before we gather up everyone. I'm sure there's something around the village you can check up on before then Link," She pauses for a second, before quietly adding "Gosh, I don't even know what I should do..."

"Could always stay like this a bit longer~" You add offhandedly, and almost immediately receive a half-hearted elbow to the ribs from the blushing Hylian princess.

"A-anyways I'm sure we could all use some lunch, Link could you um... Cover up your eyes for a second?" Zelda asks quickly with her blush now incredibly prominent. You just quickly pull out the pillow from under your head and place it on your face, not peeking as you feel both girls get off you.

After a moment Zelda pulls the pillow off your face, having fixed her robe. Midna herself was back in her standard outfit, the benefits of being such a powerful magical being. As you yourself climb to your feet Midna ducks into your shadow, not risking the halls of the manor having any sunlight. Zelda however suddenly looks incredibly worried, her face still crimson.

"O-oh dear... L-Link could you leave first? W-while the others would understand... Okay they probably would have wished we were all together but Sahasrahla and Impa well... they don't s-so maybe it would be... mmmmurgh" She stammers out until all she can make are noises resembling a teakettle.

"I'll do a quick check so you can slip back to your room," You reassure her, earning a thankful nod.

Carefully you slide the door open, checking the hallway for any sign of life. Seeing nothing you gesture to Zelda who quickly slips out past you, making no noise as she disappears down the hall towards her room.

Closing the door again you quickly get dressed in your green outfit though leaving the mail behind, thankful for Navi making sure you didn't need to have it laundered. While doing so you considered what you could do to kill time. The others would probably be lazing about and you weren't exactly willing to drag any one of them anywhere. Malon and Romani too would probably be catching up and speaking with the villagers they would be living alongside now. Also after watching so many people die last night you weren't exactly willing to spar with anyone, even if you found yourself shouldering the Master Sword. You could check out the shops even if you weren't going to spend anything, or maybe there's something else to do.

Pick where you'd like to go. Votes are only counted in a group, not individually. You only vote one it won't make your vote matter. Pick three, don't pick more to game the system. That way pisses off the GM.
[] Check out the general store and whoever could be nearby.
[] Check out the blacksmith and their progress with all the stuff you've given them.
[] Check out the Archery Store, maybe there's a little you can learn about the village.
[] Check out the clothing store, you're sure to learn about recent goings on there.
[] Try to find the Zoras and the Elders, see how they've been doing and if they can offer any guidance.
[] There's probably a place where the locals eat and drink after a long day, mingle there.
[] Write in

GM Note: It's remarkable how much stuff came up in the last... 40 days it apparently took me to write this? Swear this was half-written for most of them but finally got a chance to finish this update.