1.8
[X] Have Sheik take out the blue Bokoblin and archer after you sneak close then engage.

You quickly explain your plan to Sheik who quickly nods, leaping up onto one of the trees. Taking out your hatchet and knife you slowly creep from the woods towards one of the ruined walls, your footsteps not making a noise. You can hear the Bokoblins snoring, every snort a potential prelude to a flurry of violence. Even when you press yourself against the wall and peer around the corner you remain on edge. Though they were Bokoblins you weren't well armed, and you aren't going to underestimate anything when someone else's life was on the line. You glance back into the treeline, taking a few minutes to actually spot Sheik. She was in a tree, bow drawn and waiting for the right moment. If you did this right you might be able to kill most or all of the Bokoblin's without a fight. You spot her head tilt slightly to keep you in her gaze, and you raise your hatchet.

There was a whistle, a thump and the blue Bokoblin toppled soundlessly into the fire, an arrow sticking out of the back of its head. The archer pulls its finger out of its snout, its tiny brain trying to comprehend what had happened as the other Bokoblin who was awake stands up. You step out, pull your arm back and then throw your hatchet just as another whistle and thump announced the Archer tumbling off the watchtower, its face contorted in an expression of surprise as the light dimmed from its eyes.

The Bokoblin doesn't even get a chance to raise its arms as the Hatchet buries itself into the monster's skull, the force snapping its head back before it went limp and dropped to the ground. The smacking of a pair of lips draws your attention as another Bokoblin stirs, sitting up and rubbing its eyes. You swiftly creep up behind it and as its eyes widen at the corpses of its companions you slam your dagger into the side of its head, the crunch of bone giving way to a spurt of purple-black blood and the shock of its entire body tensing then going limp.

You yank the blade out with another spurt of blood and twitch of Bokoblin limbs and sheath it as you begin to see movement all around you, the smell of roasting Bokoblin was starting to permeate the camp and the Bokoblins were beginning to stir. You run for the shield and rusty blade, leaping over a Bokoblin that wasn't rising too quickly, rolling in the dirt but feeling your hand close around both of them. The Boko shield was little more than a piece of sturdy wood with a strap attached to it, the shield looking like it had sat out in the rain for weeks but both were still serviceable. A quick movement of your arm secures the strap around it as you run up and plunge the blade into the Bokoblin you jumped over's chest, bone crunching and flesh giving way as easily as it would have with a well-kept blade. Its eyes open wide, its body spasming as a spurt of blood erupts from its mouth. An angry roar draws your attention and you wrench the blade out and whirl to face your challenger, just managing to catch the full weight of a Bokoblin with your shield as it leaped at you. Cloven hands grope at you trying to scratch your eyes out while you stand your ground, only turning a bit to better present a better target.

Sheik evidently was still keeping watch as a thump and the Bokoblin suddenly becoming a limp dead weight informed you. Another angry yell tells you the best way to dispose of this corpse and you toss it. It strikes another Bokoblin, bowling it over and you piroutte to meet your blade against another Bokoblins club. It opened its mouth to snarl, large ears flapping and tongue lolling out as spittle flicked off its teeth, pushing itself closer and closer to your face. It evidently did not expect you to slam your forehead into its snout, blood pouring out of the porcine nose as it staggered backward, dropping its club and holding its hands to its face, forgetting about you for a split second.

A fatal mistake.

"HYAAAAAAAAAAA!!" You cry out as you twist and rend the Bokoblin's hands and head with a single stroke of your blade, sending both flying. You then toss your sword up, catching it by the blade and holding the tip with your shield hand and sprint towards the Bokoblin you had knocked over which had just now tossed the corpse of its companion off. Its eyes widen in surprise as you jump and swing the crossguard of the blade into its skull. Bone and brain give way, the skull caving in like an egg as the Bokoblin's eyes pop out of its skull. You then reach out and grab the handle before stabbing the blade backward, straight into the throat of a Bokoblin trying to sneak up on you and out its eye.

Two more gurgling cries tells you Sheik had dealt with the last remaining Bokoblins, but one other sound told you the battle wasn't over yet. The sound of something pulling itself from the ground.

You wrench your blade free and run up to one of the emerging skeletons, before slamming your heel into the Stalkoblin skull. The brittle bone gives easily, the skull crumbling as the evil lights in its eyes vanish. But turning you see you aren't out of danger, as three more Stalkoblins rise from the ground. Seems this tribe of Bokoblins had been wiped out repeatedly without anyone burning the bodies.

"Link!" Sheik yells as she jumps from her perch, Stalkoblins rising from the ground around her tree. She crosses the distance in moments, even crushing a Stalkoblin head with one landing. She lands near you, rolls and comes up to a crouched position with her bow already drawn. But she was running low on arrows.

"Link what do we do?" She asks as a Stalkoblin detaches its own arm to use as an impromptu club and charges at you. You sidestep the clumsy charge easily and swing your blade, cleaving into the bone of its head. Yet the skeleton still remains upright, at least until you kick it and send the bones scattering across the ground. Stalkoblin bodies could remain standing and reassemble themselves as long as there was a skull within around twelve metres, but if the last skull was destroyed every bone within that radius would crumble.

"We go into the shrine and wait for daylight, it'll kill them all and hopefully clear this area out." You tell her, putting your weight into slamming your shield into another Stalkoblin.

Sheik nods, and immediately leaps backward, landing near the entrance to the shrine. She pulls out and taps her Sheikah slate against a strange pedestal, causing the eye on the device to glow brightly and the dull orange of the shrine to become a bright blue. Stone shifts and the solid wall of the shrine opens up to reveal... a glowing circle on the inside of it?

"Link hurry!"

Not in the mood to debate you break into a run, charging forward at full sprint. A Stalkoblin tries to intercept you but you bash it with your shield, sending its bones scattering as you run then dive forward. You curl into a ball and roll upright onto the platform as Shiek steps on and she stumbles slightly as you hit her leg when you roll upright into a crouched position. Blue light surrounds you as the Stalkoblins charge forward and then seem to be repelled by some sort of barrier. Then to your surprise the circle you were standing on begins to lower.

You push yourself to your feet as the platform sinks into the ground into darkness, broken up by glowing blue lines that cast odd patterns as you went past. Sheik's eyes were wide, and she was holding up her sheikah slate, moving it around in a strange way as you see on the screen the words "Recording," her bow lying forgotten at her feet.

Soon, however, the darkness surrounding you is replaced with some clear tube made of light, with a few pieces of Sheikah masonry to break it up that revealed you had been lowered into a decently sized rectangular chamber. Blue light poured down from the roof above you, with solid looking walls with strange orange patterns on them surrounding you. At the far end seemed to be another pedestal with a trinangular object hanging over it set into an alcove. The platform came to a stop, and you both stepped off with Sheik only pausing to pick up her bow.

Sheik's eyes were wide, her mouth slightly ajar as she stared at the strange room you were in. You can't imagine you were doing any better. She turns to you, voice nearly breathless. "We did it LInk, we actually did it. THIS IS AMAZING!!" She cheers and then hugs you tightly. "Ahahahaha! We did it! We did it! We did it!" She cries, her grip tighening.

"Uh..."

"Ah!" She squawks, leaping off you like she was burned as badly as her cheeks probably felt right now.

You look away, rubbing the back of your head and your own slightly red cheeks. "So um... what is this place? I mean... it's practically empty."

"Oh uh..." Sheik says, trying to compose herself for a second. When she next speaks her tone is serious. "This place looks like it's some sort of storage facility. No doubt there are hidden vaults here. I'll need to access the terminal over there."

You nod, and the two of you make your way across the room, your footsteps echoing in the near total silence. You get the feeling no one had been in here for a very long time.

Once you arrive at the terminal Sheik places the Sheikah slate into an alcove on the pedestal. There was a whirring sound as the slate was twisted around by some mechanism and the slate was slotted into the Pedestal. This seemed to be expected as while you jumped back in shock when something that looked like an ethereal blue semi-transparent piano appeared in front of Sheik she kept her cool. She presses a few keys, each one lighting up at her touch. Words were projected onto the wall in front of you, in a language you didn't know.

"Hmm strange, It doesn't seem to want to give me access." She mutters, pressing a few more keys. "Hmm, maybe if I try to force it- Ah!" She cries as the sound of moving stone and mechanisms working behind you causes you both to whirl around. Four pillars had emerged from the floor, extending up towards the ceiling. Each one was several meters away from the corners of the room. The center of the room, however, had opened to reveal a pit.

"Sheik, what's going on?!" You ask, holding your blade at the ready.

"I... I'm not sure! It's just saying Testing! Why is it-"

Whatever Sheik was going to say next was cut off a platform was raised from the center of the room with something sitting on it. It kinda reminded you of an Octorok made of metal and stone, with three tentacle legs. It came up roughly to your chest, and was covered in glowing orange lines. A dome-like section on the top of it lifted up, revealing a gear-like mechanism in its "neck." There was the sound of grinding metal as the dome rotated around, revealing a single cyclopean eye sitting in the center of it. The eye flashed, glowing blue as light seemed to be pulled into it. Sheik was staring at it, shock and disbelief on her face as her eyes widened.



A bad feeling sits in your gut, and you grab Sheik and pull her down just as a wave of warm air suddenly hits you followed by a concussive blast that nearly knocks the wind from you. You turn around, seeing a scorch mark on the wall behind where Sheik was standing just moments ago. If you'd have to guess while it may not kill you it'll probably leave a nasty wound if it hits you, whatever that blue light was.

Sheik seems to get a hold of herself, and screams "Get to cover!"

You both take off, running towards one of the pillars and diving behind it. "What is that?!" You half-ask, half yell.

"A defense mechanism! We need to destroy it! Its eye, neck and legs are its weak points, anywhere there isn't armour protecting its vitals- EEP!" Sheik squawks as you both leap out of the way as this... guardian scuttles behind the pillar and begins charging its beam. Thankfully it seems to need to stand still to do so, and you both get out of its line of fire before it unleashes it right into the pillar.

How are you going to take this down?!
[] Write-in.


 
1.9
[X] Plan Decapitation Strike
[X] Have Sheik shoot at the eye and neck from cover behind a pillar.
[X] Attack the neck joint, ducking back into cover once it's getting close to shooting at you or if it starts taking an unusual action.
-[X] Try to figure out the timing for dodging its blasts, you won't always have cover.
-[X] Try to discern its attack patterns in general. If the Sheikah put one in a shrine here there's probably more in other shrines.


"BLIND IT!" You yell to Sheik as you dash out of cover, hoping to draw its attention.

The Guardian obliges, scuttling after you like a giant enemy crab, its claw ended tentacles scrapping against the shrine's floor. There was something unsettling about this thing. It didn't breathe, didn't tire, there was no unevenness to its movements like all living creatures. Only a singular mechanical purpose. The fact that it seemed to telegraph its movements, however, could prove useful in the future. If there was more of these construct's wouldn't they be all built almost exactly the same? Knowing how to defeat one would tell you how to defeat all of them.

Of course, you needed to survive this one and the sudden ceasing of its movement told you that it was charging an attack. You skid to a halt and turn, keeping an eye on the construct's eye, watching it glow brighter and brighter. Just as it becomes blinding you dive to the side, narrowly dodging another light beam. Rolling to your feet you feel a grin on your face, you got its timing down. The mechanism being unintelligent didn't notice your change in demeanor, immediately scuttling after you, intent to spear you on one of its tendrils. Mindlessly it closed the gap, not understanding why you didn't start running from it as you did before and instead waited until the last second to flip backward just out of reach of a tendril.

You continued to bait it, just a few steps more until a whistle and the cracking of glass announced Sheik's arrow that smacked into the eye of the Guardian. The arrow wasn't well made, so cracking the glass was all you could manage but it had its effect. The mechanical beast clicked and whirred, head spinning and body scuttling back and forth as it tried to correct for its impaired vision. You don't give it the chance, charging at it and leaping onto its metal hull. You shift a bit, almost thrown off as the Guardian began to move erratically but you stood your ground and did your best to get a handhold.

By plunging your sword into its neck.

It was different than slicing through flesh, your sword finding significant resistance, snagging on something or other with every bit of weight you pushed onto it. The slightest movement from the Guardian threatened to pull it from your grip but still, you held on when suddenly a jolt went through it into your flesh, every nerve feeling like it was set on fire. Your muscles contracted, your teeth ground together and foam gathered at the edges of your mouth but you did not let yourself convulse. You didn't know if this was another weapon, all you knew that somewhere in this beast there had to be a vital organ of some type.

You're not sure where you found that last bit of strength, just a warmth in your dominant hand drew your mind from the pain and with a hoarse scream you sank the blade as far as it would go into the Guardian. The pain stopped so abruptly that it surprised rather than relieved you, the lights in the guardian vanishing and it dropping like a stone to the ground. You stumble back, pulling your blade free as you went back several steps before collapsing against the pillar.

Suddenly, a light began to pour from every crevice on the Guardian, and you had just enough sense to raise your shield as the Guardian detonated with a burst of blue flames. When you lowered your shield all that was left was a few bits of scrap metal and a scorch mark. You weren't sure what had happened, but somehow that tiny blast had managed to destroy most of the Guardian, almost like the Sheikah didn't want anyone examining it.

You lean back against the pillar, resting your head against it and trying to relax after that intense bit of pain. A pair of boots slamming against the ground at a flat run announced the arrival of Sheik, who literally slid into place beside you. "LINK! Oh goddess, oh goddess stay still. I'll-" She cries out, looking you over, uncertainty and fear on her face.

You raise an arm to wave her off. "I'm fine, just some weird... pain field or something-"

"You were electrocuted!"

You blink. "Electrocuted? Huh, wonder if they have the same weaknesses as electric keese..."

Sheik stares at you with her red, almond shaped eyes before sighing and falling with her back against the pillar. "Let go next time, alright?" She mutters as she brings her knees up to her chin.

"Next time I'll bring something to smash them apart instead, promise." You tell her, looking over at the girl.

Sheik shakes her head. "I just hope the next shrine has a puzzle, not a guardian. I can deal with that sort of challenge."

The two of you then sit there, not moving other than rising and fall of your chests as the two of you caught your respective breaths.

"Hey, Sheik?" You ask suddenly.

"Yeah?"

"We did it. The Shrine's ours."

She looks up over the empty room, a small smile on her lips. "Yeah, yeah we did. We make a pretty good team, huh?"

"That we do." You say, raising a fist.

Sheik looks at it for several seconds, before closing her eyes and leaning against the pillar then casually raising her own and bumping it against yours. "So my partner in archaeological pursuits, how say you to cracking open whatever treasure this guardian was protecting?" She asks with a sly smirk, cracking open one eye to glance at you.

You let out a bark of laughter. "I'll let the esteemed scholar Sheik handle it, I'm just the understudy."

Sheik giggles. "You just want to lie here for another minute, don't you?"

You raise your hands up in mock admission of guilt as Sheik bursts out laughing, nearly doubling over.

"Pfftahahaha, okay, okay. I'll let you rest my lazy understudy," She manages while standing up, stretching her arms with a noticeable crack, "I'm going to make this shrine sing."

You watch Sheik walk back to the pedestal, again activating the strange keys and word projections. She spends a good few minutes just tapping at the keys, her back to you when all of a sudden the weird pyramid-shaped structure above her begins to glow. She notices it, stepping back to observe it as blue script flows down to the very tip of the pyramid that seemed to be gathering some type of glowing blue liquid. The liquid built and built, and you could make out the same eye-like design on the Sheikah slate before the liquid drops, a single droplet that splashes down onto the Sheikah Slate.

The sound of ancient mechanisms grinding to life draws both of your attentions back to the center of the room and the platform the Guardian had emerged from slid out of view only for another platform to emerge, this time bearing only a singular chest. It was a strange object, made of metal and covered in the same glowing orange lines as this Shrine.

You push yourself to your feet, having gotten your breath back from your ordeal and walk over to this chest, Sheik joining you after removing her Sheikah slate from the pedestal.

"So how do you...?" You start to ask, only for Sheik to crouch down and raise her Sheikah Slate to the chests "lock" causing both it and the eye on the slate to flash. The mechanism of the lock whirs then the whole chest springs open with a pop.

The two of you lean in, staring at the contents of the chest.

Tucked into the corner, seemingly forgotten in a rush was a single clear diamond.

"That's it? All this for a single Diamond?!" Sheik laments, disappointment clear on her face.

You, however, couldn't believe your luck. A Diamond could buy a horse, supplies, a saddle maybe even an actual not-terrible shield and bow. You pick up the diamond and pocket it, mentally checking off how much it was worth. You weren't sure if you could find a buyer in the village but a diamond went for 5000 Rupees, which was the worth of two cows and one year's wage for the most dirt poor of farmers.

Rupees, the one currency accepted by everyone. These magical gemstones, as tiny as coins, were the backbone of Hyrule's economy. This was made easier by the fact that Rupees in significant quantities merged together, changing colour depending on how many rupees were merged in. 5 Green Rupees created 1 Blue Rupee. 100 Blue Rupees created one Gold Rupee. If you "broke" a rupee it would reform back into lower denominations of Rupee. You'd heard of tavern games where people would compete to break a Gold Rupee down into 500 Green Rupees in one go. This powerful magic could even be used to power other magic, literally throwing money at problems. Often this was very powerful magic, though you wondered if that was because only the most well-respected mages could afford to cast them.

All gems in Hyrule contain magic in one way or the other, and often gems were inlaid into armour, clothing or jewelry to give unique effects. You'd heard that heat resistant armour containing sapphires were required just to visit Death Mountain and the Goron's who lived there, and the only people who could afford it wouldn't visit a place called "Death Mountain" no matter how many gems were said to be laying out in the open, as the rock-eating Gorons found gemstones and many metals disgusting to eat.

Green Rupee: 1 -A single rupee. Its soft green glow puts a smile on your face.
Blue Rupee: 5 -Five rupees. Its shiny blue facets make you weak in the knees.
Red Rupee: 25 -25 rupees. It's red luster tickles your heartstrings.
Purple Rupee: 50 -50 rupees. Its violet glow fills your heart with generosity.
Silver Rupee: 100 -100 Rupees. Its dazzling silver light reflects your beaming smile.
Gold Rupee: 500 -500 Rupees! Its radiant golden shine illuminates your soul.

1 pound of Raw Meat = 5 Rupees
-1 Boar has 100 pounds of raw meat
-1 Sheep has 30 pounds of raw meat
-1 Mountain Goat has 100 pounds of raw meat
-1 Rabbit has 6 pounds of raw meat
1 pound of Prime Raw Meat = 15 Rupees
-1 Buck has 60 pounds of prime meat.
-1 Cow has 450 pounds of prime meat
-1 Hog has 25 pounds of prime meat
1 pound of Gourmet Raw Meat = 30 Rupees
-1 Cow has 50 pounds of Gourmet Meat
1 pound of Salt = 15 Rupees (Cheap due to Goron Salt Mines)
1 Deer Hide = 20 rupees
3 pounds of grain/rice = 1 rupee
1 Pound of butter/Cheese = 3 Rupees
1 Olive oil = 5 Rupees
1 Ale = 3 Rupees
1 Cucoo = 10 Rupees
1 Cow = 2500 Rupees
1 horse = 1250 Rupees
1 Set of Common Clothing = 30 Rupees
1 set of Winter Common Clothing = 60 Rupees
5 arrows = 15 Rupees
5 Elemental Arrows = 60 Rupees
1 Travelers bow = 100 Rupees
1 Travelers Sword = 150 Rupees
1 Travelers Shield = 50 Rupees
1 Wooden Shield = 30 Rupees
1 Amber = 300 Rupees

1 Opal = 600 Rupees
1 Luminous Stone = 700 Rupees
1 Topaz = 1800 = Rupees
1 Ruby = 2100 Rupees
1 Sapphire = 2600 Rupees
1 Diamond = 5000 Rupees

You turn to Sheik, who was still sulking that her big treasure breakout turned out to be a bust. "Sure there wasn't anything else?" You ask, hoping curiosity would get her to give the place another once over.

Sheik, however, shakes her head. "No, other than the remains of the Guardian we picked this place clean. The rest of the storage containers were supposed to contain organic materials and those went bad thousands of years ago after the refrigeration went. Though... I did pull off some data."

"Data?" You ask, unsure what she meant.

Sheik holds up her Sheikah Slate, revealing a string of characters on her slate. "Most of it was corrupted but I seem to have found a note detailing some ritual or spell, I'll need to look at it more closely. The other thing I found seems to be a key phrase being repeated over and over; 'Nexus' but I have no idea what that means." She pauses, brow furrowing and frown on her face as she looks back at the "data" she had pulled off it. "I think it also updated my Sheikah Slates access codes, it pinged it about detecting 'TF_W' and 'TF_C' whatever those files are but I don't have full access to the Slate's OS or could understand the code if I did, so just guessing at this point."

Sheik puts her Sheikah Slate away, then rubs the back of her neck, not looking you in the face as she says "Sorry, I lead you someplace dangerous without any real payoff for you."

You wave a hand, "Don't worry about me, you came here because you wanted to research it right?"

"Yeah, but..."

You shrug, "Look, we've still got a ways off till we can leave. Let's pick a corner to sleep in and you can get your work done, alright?"

Sheik doesn't seem to know how to respond, nervously rubbing her arm. "A-alright... I suppose I have a lot of notes to write."

You nod, and quickly set about picking a corner for the two of you to hunker down for the rest of the night. Setting yourself down Sheik sits herself a couple metres from you, tapping away at her slate. The solid wall and floor being a bit hard you try to figure out what you can use as a pillow when you notice Sheik's tapping had stopped, her head bowed and fists tightening around the slate that if it wasn't made of such sturdy materials you're sure it'd break.

"Sheik..?

"D-did you mean it?!" Sheik asks suddenly, voice cracking as she looks up at you. Her almond shaped red eyes were filled with fear, apprehension and a tiny glimmer of hope. "Did you mean it w-when you said 'next time' o-or after this i-is there not going to be one?" She finishes, almost unwilling to say that final bit.

You blink in shock, this was unexpected. Was she that scared of traveling alone again after what happened or...?

What do you say to reassure her?
[] Write-in.
 
Last edited:
1.10
[X] It's not like there's anything to really keep me here. A diamond might not seem important at first glance, but to me, it's the means to buy another horse, supplies, gear, everything we need to go looking for more shrines. Maybe it's a bit early to say we're friends, but I'd like to think we are. And if you have no complaints? I'd be happy to come along.

Sheik's eyes go wide, mouth slowly hanging open as she takes a moment to register what you just said. Then a visible look of relief washed over Sheik, her eyes turn watery, and her face is split with a grin stretching from ear to ear.

"Th-thank you..." She manages, before taking a hand and rubbing her eyes. "Sorry, I'm making a complete fool of myself, asking that kind of thing out of the blue. After everything, I must not be thinking right..."

You frown slightly at that, but don't say anything as Sheik goes back to tapping her fingers against her Sheikah Slate. Part of you wants to tell her it's alright to admit she's afraid, but you aren't sure how'd you approach it. For all the dangers of the forest, you'd never fought a Yiga assassin before. To have someone hunting you from that cursed tribe, anyone would be frightened. You suspect she just wanted anything to give her some small impression of safety, rather than wanting you specifically to accompany her. It was probably why she was so distressed when it turned out the shrine only contained a single diamond, she'd been hoping for a Sheikah weapon, maybe even a control for that Guardian.

That and you got the impression she didn't like people risking their lives for her sake. Though, she did seem really happy that you consider her a friend-

"What?" Sheik asks, putting down her Sheikah Slate and looking at you with a raised eyebrow, "You're staring at me."

"Ah, sorry. I was just thinking we should probably turn in," you say quickly, raising your hands apologetically. That's when you notice it, what Sheik had been writing on the slate.

REPORT UPDATE ON SOCIAL INTERACTION STUDY: I made a friend!!
Link, the Hylian who tended to my wounds, has said he considers me a friend! This overturns Paya's and my own previous hypothesis that not only does friendship take a significant period of interaction to develop, but that the more intellectually minded such as myself and Paya will find it increasingly difficult to develop a camaraderie with others our own age due to incompatible thought processes. And Impa said our difficulties with interacting with others was because we were both "shy" or "dorks" but it just goes to show that proper field testing makes or breaks hypothesizes, and even Impa isn't immune to the rigors of the scientific method.

Of course, I must consider the factor that Link himself rarely interacts with others, according to his word. I shall ask Paya when I eventually return to Kakariko Village to consult Sheikah history and myth for comparison. Perhaps there are similar figures in history to Link we can compare him too, and then compare those historical figures interactions to his. Oh I can scarcely wait, Paya is so devout but she never gets a chance to actually use her knowledge save in daily rituals and no one in the village appreciates the hard work she puts in.
Oh, that reminds me, I should see if Link will establish a camaraderie with Paya when they meet. While we are very like minded Paya does not have years of tutors telling her how to speak, or has the villagers and elders bowing to her whenever she walks by or is watched at every moment and yes, anyways she doesn't so she'll be a good test if it can be replicated. Though, that'll also mean I'll have to convince Impa to not cut his head off with her Naginata for being an outsider, but I'm sure she'll be reasonable.

Perhaps most reasonable if I use the argument that Link can teach the children about wilderness survival, maybe I should prepare videos with him demonstrating his knowledge to-


........

You look Sheik right in the eyes, your face blank. Sheik just looks more confused, shaking her head slightly.

You glance towards the Sheikah Slate.

Her eyes follow yours, staring at the slate for a second before a horrified realization dawns on her face.

Without saying a word she turns to face the corner of the wall, her pointed ears crimson. You try and fail to not laugh, earning from the Sheikah girl a high-pitched "SHUT UP! IT'S IMPORTANT RESEARCH!!"
++++
Eventually the two of you fell asleep despite the hard floor of the shrine doing its level best to make it as uncomfortable as possible. You aren't exactly sure how long you sleep for, only that you're suddenly awakened by Sheik letting out a pained hiss, sitting up from her corner and wincing whenever she brushed her side with her fingers, her hand recoiling as if burned at the slightest touch.

You push yourself up with one arm. "How bad?" You ask, concerned.

"Painful, but not crippling." She breathes out through clenched teeth, "Slept on it, hard floor must've irritated the damaged tissue. Isn't there anything that can be done?"

You shake your head. "Nothing I'd recommend permanently other than finding a Zora who can heal you. Think you'll be good to travel?"

Sheik lets out one long breath, then climbs to her feet, wincing a bit. "Yeah, let's just get out of here. We've stripped this place dry."

You nod, and help Sheik quickly gather your belongings before stepping onto what Sheik informs you was an "elevator" that takes you back to the entrance of the shine. You emerge from the darkness of the shrine into the blinding morning dawn, and you're both forced to raise a hand to shield your eyes.

"Aaagh, I can't see a thing! Oh please tell me there's no more Bokoblins." Sheik asks, rubbing her eyes and hanging back as you step forward.

"Yeah, it looks clear of-" You draw your shield just in time, catching the blade plunging from above. The wood of the shield does little more than to slightly deflect it away from your flesh, but it was enough that you weren't instantly skewered by the single-edged blade, you could see the shine of some undoubtedly very dangerous poison coating the sword. Two feet land silently on your shield, the weight pushing down on the blade and every closer to your flesh, and you grit your teeth as you put all your strength into keeping that blade from your flesh.

"No..." Sheik croaks out behind you, trapped, her limbs paralyzed at the sight of who was trying to kill you.

This stirs a fire within you, and you let out a roar as you put all your strength into pushing on the shield, causing the man on it to fall off, wrenching his blade free. The man catches his fall with his free hand, turning it into a backflip that puts him a good few meters from you and you get your first good look at him. He was wearing some sort of red and black form-fitting outfit, with straps and pouches for storing poisons and daggers. It was made of some strange flexible material that seemed to dampen the sounds of the man's movement. His face was obscured by a white mask with no visible mouth or eyeslits, featureless except for a single inverted eye design you'd seen on the Sheikah Slate and all Sheikah items.

You knew who this was.

A Yiga Clan assassin!

You draw your blade just as the Yiga assassin crosses the distance between the two of you in an instant, catching it with a ring of steel on steel.

"Wha-?!" You could almost see the assassin's eyes widen when he realizes you had parried his two-handed swing with only one hand.

The Yiga tries to pull his blade away, only to stumble back as you slam your shields edge into his gut. The weight he was applying on the blade loosens, and you knock his blade aside before bringing it back up, the tip of the blade tracing a bloody gash into the assassin's undefended chest.

The Yiga retreats back, a hand to the wound you had rent in his flesh. He spares a glance, rubbing his blood in his hands before snarling at you. "You'll die slowly for that!"

The faint sound of heavy footfalls causing you to smirk, you hold your arms out wide, taunting the man to come and make good on his threat.

The Assassin doesn't take it well, holding his blade up high as he prepares to come at you, his face probably contorted in anger behind his mask.

"GRRAAAAH!!"

You feel the spear impact more than see it as the Yiga Assassin's chest explodes for lack of a better term, a massive spear tearing through it, his back and embedding itself into the ground. Blood pours out from under the assassin's mask as he slowly begins to slide down the spear, his upper torso threatening to tear itself free as his ruined organs began to spill out.

An absolute mountain of a man lands in front of you, his wild red mane falling down his back like a wildfire, with several long braids tied into it keeping his hair from being too unruly. His clothes were rough and well worn, a leather brigandine over a Gambeson that reached to his shins, armoured braces and a cloak with a fur mantle over his shoulders. Underneath he seemed to wear simple clothes with well-traveled leather boots, with belts and pouches for his belongings. A large claymore hung on his back in its scabbard, but given the size of the man, he looked like he could wield it one handed.

He stands up straight, towering over you and turns, giving you a good look at his face. His skin was dark, and he had sharp facial features with a prominent nose. He wore a beard as wild as his hair, yet trimmed short in comparison. Fierce yellow eyes looked down on you, alight with an intelligence and cunning you would not expect from his wild appearance, a prideful smirk sitting comfortably on his face.
"Sav'otta Link, but you should know better than to play with trash," Ganondorf says, humour clear in his voice.

You nod, sheathing your sword, "Thanks for the help Ganondorf, were you tracking him?"

Ganondorf waves a hand, "Bah, they're not nearly as good at covering their tracks as they think they are. Picked up their trail while clearing out that Moblin camp, figured they were up to no good so followed them here. Never expected to see you here of all places though, along with... who are you?"

Sheik had stumbled out from the shrine, staring at the Yiga corpse with a look of horror and disgust. It takes her a moment to notice Ganondorf and when she does Sheik then proceeds to do something you did not expect, she curtsies.

"S-sav'otta, y-your m-majesty!" She says in a shaky voice, sounding ready to collapse. You walk up beside her, ready to catch her is she falls.

Ganondorf does not say anything. In fact he was just staring at the two of you, wearing an expression of shock, his eyes wide and yet strangely filled with recognition. Unconsciously you see his hand begin to reach for his sword and you step in front of Sheik. "Ganondorf stop, she's Sheikah, not Yiga. She was the assassin's target!"

He stops, letting his hand fall to his side and he squints at the two of you, inspecting. Realization and... acceptance seems to hit him and he starts to chuckle, then laugh.

"Uh... Ganondorf?"

"Hahahaha! My mistake Link! To think, after I told you to go out and experience life you'd so quickly find yourself a vai!" Ganondorf manages to say through his laughter, "I'm not sure whether to congratulate you or feel humbled you took my advice to heart so soon!!"

He then looks at Sheik, a grin on his face, "Still, to lay claim so quickly. You'd be the talk of the town among the Gerudo, how'd you do it with this numbskull?"

Sheik however she expected this conversation to go certainly did not expect whatever Ganondorf was talking about. "Wha- no no no nonononono he's not- we aren't... Link tell him!!"

Ganondorf simply lets out another laugh.

Response?
[] I'm her research assistant.
[] Your majesty?
[] Write-in
 
Last edited:
1.11
[X] I'm her research subject

"I'm her research subject." You state, face completely blank.

Ganondorf grins.

Sheik nods. "Yes, see? He's just-" She stops, the realization of what you just said leaving her completely mortified.

"So that's what kids these days are calling it, well as long as you're being safe and smart-" Ganondorf begins to say as he folds his arm in front of his chest.

"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" Sheik wails, interjecting herself between Ganondorf and you. "It's just ancillary research!! I'm not studying him!!"

That catches Ganondorf off guard. "Wait, wha-"

"But you wrote that big report?" You ask honestly.

"ANCILLARY! FRIENDS DON'T USE EACH OTHER AS EXPERIMENTS! I WOULDN'T EVER AGAIN-"

That stops you. "Wait, again?! "

"PAYA AGREED!!"

Ganondorf is pinching the bridge of his nose. "Please tell me this is all innuendo and you both aren't completely hopeless."

"Wait, what would I be insinuating?

"...Why am I hopeless?"

"And just like that, it is suddenly too early in the morning..." Ganondorf groans as he throws up his hands and walks away from the two of you towards the corpse.

"What are you-" Sheik begins to say before Ganondorf grabs his spear and pulls. There was a wet sound, followed by a cracking one as the spear was yanked from the ground, the shaft splintered with a long crack running up it.

"Bah, broke." Ganondorf spits, tossing the remnants aside as Sheik goes green.

"E-excuse me for a moment." She manages before wandering over to a wall.

Ganondorf cocks a bushy eyebrow, "She never been in a fight not involving monsters before-?"

The sound of violent retching answers his question.

You quickly make a beeline for Sheik, who was currently spitting out the last bits of last night's dinner from her mouth. When she notices your approach however she waves you off while wiping her mouth off with her other hand.

"I'm f-fine, I'm fine. S-sorry." She manages to choke out. "I won't be a burden."

That wasn't the response you wanted to hear.

Sheik straightens up and begins heading over to Ganondorf, striding past you. "Come on, we better dispose of these monsters corpses. I may not be able to stop them from coming back on a blood moon but I can stop their bones from becoming Stalkoblins and-Ah?!" She stops as you gently grab her shoulder. She turns to look at you, her eyes wide.

You don't say anything, yet after a moment Sheik answers your unspoken question. "I'm fine Link, really. Let's just get this done."

Sheik was refusing to look you in the eyes...

You sigh, letting your hand fall to your side as Sheik turns back to walking over to Ganondorf and you walk after her. Yet just as you fall into step with her Sheik stops, hands clasped in front of her and nervously rubbing her thumb.

"...Thank you though, for being concerned." She says quietly, looking at her feet.

Now it was your turn to look away, running a hand through your blonde hair. Sheik takes this opportunity to hurry over to Ganondorf, who was stacking monster corpses in between glancing over to you and Sheik with a bemused expression and you quickly join them.

Now that it had been several hours since you killed them the stench emanating from the bokoblin corpses was overwhelming. Monsters decayed at an unnatural rate, their flesh breaking down into this black tar that too degraded eventually. Bokoblins were no exception, the ones you had killed already missing chunks of soft tissue. While you could always grab a horn and one or two teeth (the rest being cracked degradded messes) bokoblin guts were rare, as even disemboweling them in combat didn't guarantee it wouldn't turn into a black spongy mush. The ones that did remain pulsed with an unnatural life, and remained healthy almost indefinitely. The implications of that were... disturbing, especially as you weren't entirely sure what purpose those guts actually served for the bokoblin, and it wasn't as if you were ignorant of biology or anything. A lot of monsters biology just don't make sense if you examined them before they decayed.

By the time you were finished you'd only manage to collect one Bokoblin gut and a handful of teeth and horns. Bodies successfully harvested for raw materials you begin gathering up anything useful from the camp, which was just flint arrows as the bokoblins didn't have much in the way of supplies or loot, simply what the could make themselves. It was during this search of the camp Sheik suddenly asked Ganondorf, "So um... your majesty, how is it that you know Link?"

"I'm not a king, I abdicated," he tells Sheik as he places down some dry brush, "and as for how I know Link, we met at the village harvest festival last year. We both ended up competing for the festival prize, a collection of foodstuff donated by all the villagers that could last someone on the road for months."

"We both ended up tying for points, and it all came down to a wrestling match," you chime in, putting away your hatchet you had used to help cut the Bokoblin's spears down to a more easily burned size, "Almost beat him, but he knocked me out of the ring at the last second."

Ganondorf lets out a bark of laughter, "I remember it being a little more one-sided Link! Especially when they cracked open a cask of ale afterward!"

Sheik looks confused so you elaborate, "We uh... had an impromptu competition between us and a few other villagers afterwards. I passed out before he did."

"You did manage better than the rest of those lightweights, admittedly," Ganondorf muses, "you might be the only Hylian I've seen who wouldn't embarrass himself when drinking with a Gerudo!"

"Did the two of you meet again recently?" Sheik asks, tossing a Boko shield onto the growing pile of wood and corpses.

Ganondorf nods, "Aye, a few days ago. I'd heard of a Moblin nest that was starting to make moves to moving closer to the village, learning that Link's home was on the way I paid him a visit and the two of us shared a meal and drinks for a night. That's where I learned this voe has been living in the same place for years and gave him some advice I see he has taken to heart!"

"I uh... don't really remember what you said," You admit, rubbing the back of your head, "had a fair few drinks in me at that point."

Ganondorf sighs, rolling his eyes. "I told you if you ever wish to change your fate you must go out and seize it for yourself."

Then his expression changes, a serious look you aren't sure where it had come from "Never let the whim's of destiny dictate your path."

++++​


By the time you were finished and had a blaze going courtesy of Ganondorf igniting some red Chuchu jelly with a thrown rock the three of you were hungry, thirsty and wanting to be as far as possible from the smell of burning Bokoblin. Ganondorf leads the two of you to where he had left his horse, a massive black stallion with a wild red mane, possibly the largest horse you had ever seen. A whistle brings Epona trotting over from somewhere in the woods as Ganondorf shares some dried meat with you and Sheik.

"So, " Ganondorf says, while inspecting the sword he had taken off the Yiga's corpse, "I take it the two of you will be heading to the village?"

Sheik finishes taking a long drink from her waterskin, setting it down and nodding, "Yes, Link is accompanying me on my journey so we'll need supplies for traveling."

Ganondorf nods, "and I take it a horse for you? Hmm, your journey wouldn't happen to be taking you towards Lanayru, would it?"

Sheik looks away, rubbing her ruined lower jaw, "P-possibly. But there is also someplace else I might need to travel too. I w-was planning to make that decision when we got to the village, to see how many supplies we'll have to buy."

You have a fairly good idea of what she was referring too. Her home, this Kakariko village she had mentioned. No doubt Sheik was considering if she should return, both to let her family know she was safe and probably have you escort her to probably a fair few more shrines than would be found on the way to Lanayru due to proximity to the Sheikah.

Considering, as you had no doubt Sheik was aware how badly they might take her current injuries and how necessary it was to heal them.

Ganondorf rubs his bearded chin, pondering. "Well, you probably won't find decent weapons and supplies in the village. You'll need to head to castle town if you're heading to Lanayru, or hope any monsters you meet on the way have them."

You spare a glance towards Sheik before saying "Castle Town? If the Yiga are after us, wouldn't it be dangerous to go there?"

Ganondorf lets out a laugh. "Ha! I forgot you've never gotten a good look at Castle Town before! That city is so busy you could hide an army in there! As long as you keep your head down at the gates no one will ever notice you. Been there enough times to prove that."

Well, you guess if Ganondorf could be unnoticed so could you and Sheik. You imagine the Empire probably wanted to keep the former Gerudo king under check and wouldn't have let him stroll in and out of the city at his leisure. You still couldn't believe he was a King, you'll probably ask him about it later.

"What's your Rupee situation though? The Empire's laws make it impossible to sell without a merchant's license in the city unless you find the black market, so you'll need to have a steady amount of cash on you."


You produce the diamond as Sheik elaborates. "We have a diamond, we'd hoped to trade it in at the village."

Ganondorf nods. "Hmm, good thing a trader is in town, Beedle I think his name is. Trustworthy fellow, and happy to buy anything off you for a fair price. Strangely, I always seem to run into him at the most unexpected places. But many merchants won't and will refuse to pay out Rupees and only offer items in trade. With more valuable gemstones it'll be quite the ripoff, and most won't accept meat unless they have some way to store or sell it off immediately. Villagers and travelers will often buy meat though for dinner, as I'm sure you're familiar with Link. Skins and monster parts, however, are always valuable commodities. Same with elixirs."

Sheik nods, taking in the information and you see an excited glint in her eyes. "Well, Link, between my knowledge of Hyrule's flora and fauna and you're survival skills we'll never be strapped for Rupees!"

You smile and nod, while Ganondorf only shakes his head and chuckles. "Well, if you're heading to Lanayru I can accompany you there as it's along the way to where I'm heading, though I'll have to split off before you enter the region proper. I'm afraid that place is someplace I avoid going too."

"Is it because you can't swim?" You ask.

"It's exactly because I can't swim."

You look over to Sheik, who seems lost in thought. She'll have to make the decision on where to go.

Where are you heading?
[] Zora Domain
[] Kakariko Village
[] Write-in
 
1.12
[X] Zora domain

"Lanayru, we'll need to go Lanayru," Sheik says resolutely and Ganondorf nods.

"We better hurry to the village then, we're burning daylight."

Packing up, the three of you mount your horses (Sheik riding Epona with you) and set off towards the village. Even with Ganondorf's horse's massive size Epona easily keeps pace, not even showing the slightest sign of exertion. Light filtered down onto the path as your two horses winded through the trees onto the main road, a soft breeze rustling leaves as birds, insects and other creatures sang their songs around you. It was quiet and peaceful despite the carnage you had instigated in the last few hours, yet the three of you passed through it without pause. Between your two mounts, you quickly pass through the forest into the fields surrounding Ordon village, eventually entering the village itself, the sounds of villagers going about their daily lives greeting you.



Ordon village, most known for its agriculture, was considered by many to be isolated from the world's problems despite its size. Close to the wilds, it had somehow avoided attacks by monsters for years, allowing it to grow to a respectable size. It was even large enough to have its own militia, though they were armed only with cheap metal helmets and spears, mostly spending their time as a local fire brigade or helping injured villagers. The village had its own blacksmith, fletcher, tailor, carpenter, mason, general store and other businesses which made it a central hub for other nearby communities. The river you had fished Sheik from ran through here, splitting the village in two, bound only by three stone bridges. The centerpiece of the village was the town hall, which also doubled as the inn and chapel. The village Alderman was often there, settling some issue or another.

As you directed Epona through the village whispers started to follow you. While Ganondorf drew some attention most of it was on you. You were well known in the village, having lived in the woods for years saving people from monsters or bad weather, bringing in fresh meat with almost every visit tended to enamor the village with you and you don't think anyone really disliked you, at least outside the few your age who wanted to appear tough and pick on the outsider but even then you'd hardly consider it awful treatment. Yet the whispers you heard caused you to bow your head, hunch over and try to look as small as possible.

"Is that Link?"

"Link's in town!"

"He's with a girl!"

"There's a girl with Link!"

"Hey, she looks pretty cute."

"Wow, look at the girl with Link."

"She's gorgeous!"

"Hey, don't they look close?"

"Is there something wrong with her face?"

"Those two look pretty close, you don't think our Link..."

"Look how she's holding onto him, they must be an item!"

"D'aw, they're embarrassed. Ah, to be a young couple again..."

"Link, you lucky dog!"

"Uh, I think she's just trying to not fall off..."

"I can't believe Link got a girl."

"Wow, didn't know he had it in him."

"Guys seriously, look at her face."

"Don't be rude!"

"What the..."

"Her jaw..."

"H-hey, that doesn't look right."

"Those eyes are... really red."

"Are you sure you aren't talking about her cheeks?"

The rest of the villager's comments were drowned out as you were certain Sheik had suddenly been replaced by a deflating Octorok who (judging by the elbows poking you in the back) had covered her face with her hands.

Ganondorf was doubled over in his saddle, looking like he was in a lot of pain as he desperately tried to hold in his laughter.

Reaching the town hall provided a welcome relief from the whispers, letting the three of you get off your horses and leave them. Sheik, however, had to be practically pried off Epona and looked as though she trying to make herself as small and unnoticeable as possible.

"W-w-w-w-w-w-what are they saying?!" Sheik asks you in a rather shrill voice from behind her hands.

"Ahaha, I think they're just confused. I'll clear it up!" You respond, hoping you actually could convince them that Sheik was just a friend, "Let's ask around for where this Beedle is. Ganondorf could you rent beds for us?"

"Two beds, got it."

....

"I'll handle the beds," You flatly state, stepping into the town hall. The town hall could be divided into several parts. The right side of the building contained the Alderman's office, where the records were kept. The left section was a pub and inn, with the back having the actual rooms. The main hall you had stepped into was a large open space, that could be filled with tables, chairs or cleared for dances when the village needed it. A large fireplace sat on the right side along with decorative shields, while on the left was a large notice board. Directly across from the main entrance was the village shrine, dedicated to the three golden goddesses and the Goddess Hylia. Din, Farore, and Nayru were depicted as floating above the goddess Hylia, the winged statue holding her arms outstretched, hands cupped to hold something. Nayru was to the left, hand outstretched as if giving something to Hylia, Farore was to the right and looking up to her sister while Din stood above them all, but she looked down at you with compassion.

In Hylia's hands was a small portrait, and you knew who it depicted. It was common after the regicide of Hyrule's royal family for those still loyal to put a portrait of Princess Zelda in the goddesses hands. The empire didn't like that, and cracked down on the practice but eventually stopped when it became too much effort for a trivial thing. In a village as far from the Empire's seat of power as this one the portrait wasn't even disguised and sat fully displayed. Some viewed the practice as a form of mourning, saying that the young Princess was in the goddesses embrace now, reunited with her mother and far from the pain and suffering she had suffered in life. Other's claimed it showed that the goddess had protected the girl, and that soon they will have to replace it with the young woman she had surely grown into.

You glance towards Sheik, comparing the portrait to the young woman hovering by the entrance of the town hall, nervously tapping her fingers. Obviously, the girl depicted in the portrait was around ten, dressed in the finest clothes you had ever... well, you'd seen similar clothes before when you were young. Looking at the face of the young girl however you noticed... inconsistencies. Her eyes were rounder, and as you look closer it looked like they had splattered make-up on her, giving it an almost doll-like look. The vivid red color of her irises was instead a normal Hylian hazel-colour.

The more you looked, the more inaccurate it seemed. It's almost like they had downplayed her unique facial features, making her fit more with the Hylian girls in the village.

Shaking your head, and wondering if they had just used a village girl as a reference with the original missing, you stop staring at your friend and head over to the inn section where Oliver, the innkeeper, was sitting in a chair smoking a pipe and reading a book. He looks up as you step in for a moment before looking back down at his book.

"Greetings Link, saw you come in with the lass an the big un. That'll be two beds for-"

"Three beds." You correct him, "for one night. We're leaving in the morning."

Oliver looks up, fixing an eye on you with a slight grin and you suspected you were going to hear that joke a lot, "Alright, consider it on the house."

You're actually a bit surprised at that. "On the house, why?"

"I'm guessing those burns on that lass peeking in are recent, right?" He says, which was followed by a quiet eep from the door and someone moving away quickly. "Keeps rubbin em and wincin, an she's wearin your shirt. Ya saved enough lads for me to know what happened, ain't lettin a hero have to scrounge around for rupees after saving a girl from monsters."

You rub the back of your head, you did have the habit of not having any cash on you when you went to the inn and then paying Oliver off afterward when you finally sold off skins and meat. You weren't going to correct him that they weren't burns, you didn't want to worry the village about housing someone who had a Yiga assassin after them.

Thanking Oliver you step back out into the main hall, looking around for where Sheik had run off too. You find her standing in front of the shrine, and you hurry over to her. You almost call out to get her to hurry up before you catch her expression. She was staring at the portrait of Princess Zelda, confusion plain on her face. She glanced over at one of the shields on the wall, examining her face in one of the polished metal parts of a shield. A hand brushed below her eye, trailing down to her ruined jaw.

"Sheik?" You say, causing her to jump, "You alright?"

Sheik waves her hands in front of her, "I'm fine! Don't sneak up on me like that!"

"Ah sorry, uh I got us a place to sleep. Do you want to look for Beedle now?"

Sheik nods, "Yes, we better hurry though. We've already wasted most of the day."

Looking back to the entrance, however, you notice someone was missing. "Hey, where's Ganondorf?"

"He said he was going to buy his own supplies."

Which meant you were going to have to ask around for Beedle. As you both leave the town hall you look around for someone to ask for directions, you knew most of the villagers so it wouldn't take long. Sheik though immediately makes a beeline for a small girl picking flowers.

"Excuse me, I'm looking for a merchant by the name of Beedle. You wouldn't happen to know where he is, would you?" Sheik asks the girl, a kind smile on her face.

The girl doesn't look up as she plucks a flower from the ground. "Huh? Are you the pretty lady who came with mister Link? Mister Beedle is-" The girl had turned to look at Sheik and her eyes had immediately bulged out when they fell on Sheik's face.

An ear-piercing scream of terror was soon followed by cries as the girl took off down the road, yelling for her mother. Sheik was still crouched down, her smile still frozen on her face.

"Sheik?" You ask, placing a hand on her shoulder, causing her to bolt upright.

"I'm fine!" Came the rather strained response.

Before you could say anything an older woman approached, an apologetic expression on her face.

"Apologies for that ma'am, I'll let her mother know how rude she was. If you're looking for Beedle he's over by the blacksmith with that big pack of his."

"T-thank you!" Sheik says, and immediately grabs your hand and starts dragging you in the direction the woman had pointed.

"Such ghastly wounds, poor thing..." You hear the woman mutter.

++++
Finding Beedle was remarkably easy, all you needed to do was look for the man with massive beetle shaped backpack. How he carried that thing around you had no idea. The man himself seemed fairly average, save for his rather prominent and red nose.

You wave to him to get him to stop, causing the man to pull down a table from the roof above him. "Hello there!" He calls to you in a rather cheerful voice.

He then squints at your faces. "Sorry, I don't think I've ever made either of your acquaintances."

"I'm Link."

"And I'm Sheik, it is a pleasure to meet you Mister Beedle."

The man waves a hand, "Oh shucks, just call me... actually Beedle works fine. Now, what can I do for you two?"

You pull out the diamond, "I was wondering if you could do anything with this."

Beedle gives you an apologetic look, "I'm sorry, I'm not a Jeweler. You'll have to head to castle town if you want a ring made. But I wish you two the best."

Sheik looks like she had just swallowed her tongue, as she had gone from a deep crimson blush to a vaguely purple look as she suddenly shrieks, "W-W-WHY WOULD YOU ASSUME THAT?!"

Beedle puts a hand to his mouth, "Oh! Oh no, I am so sorry! I sincerely apologize for making that kind of assumption! I just heard talk from the villagers and- Please forgive me!!"

You sigh, this was starting to get old. You have to wonder if Ganondorf had a hand in this. "Just... will you buy this?"

"Oh, of course! I'll give you 5000 Rupees for it!"

You hand over the diamond as Beedle hands over ten gold rupees in a small purse he had thrown in as an apology. The Purse it seemed had an enchantment that Rupees couldn't be stolen or fall out by mundane means, and it'll automatically break down Rupees for you! What a bargain!

Sheik was staring at it with an expression of pure shock, however. "Wow, you're just... giving that to us?"

Beedle gives her a sad smile. "I recognize what gave you those wounds, and I can tell by your kind eyes you did nothing to deserve those Yiga jerks targeting ya. You did a good deed in saving her Link, it's only natural you be rewarded for it! Besides, I get the feeling the Goddesses will have us meet again, and at Beedle's we always treat our regulars!"

Sheik smiles, her eyes filled with tears of gratitude. "Thank you mister Beedle, both for your gift and your kind words. I too hope the goddesses will have us meet again."

Beedle rubs the back of his neck, "Aw shucks, you're making me feel like I just got praised by the Princess herself!"

Sheik laughs, "Ahahahaha, what a funny joke Beedle I'm going to go over to the tailor thankyoubyesolongahahahaha-" She say all in one breath, grabbing two gold Rupees and promptly legging it.

Beedle raised an eyebrow. "Oooooooookay? So anyways Link was it? You're free to browse my stock, such as it is. Is there anything you wished to buy? Oh, and if you find any rare beetles come find me, I'll reward you!"

Hmmm, given all the stuff you likely had to purchase you reckon you'll only have 1000 Rupees to spend. While 3000 Rupees seemed a bit much to set aside you wanted to be safe than sorry. Though you'll need to remember not to spend all of it in one place, who knows how much you'll need in the future.

WILLOW TREE BARK

-This bark taken from the Hylian Willow Tree contains a unique compound that soothes aches and cramps. Chew or make into a Tea to release its effect!
1 x 2 Rupees
ELIXIR BOTTLE -These bottles are used to store elixirs for later consumption, their corks are tied to the bottle so you never have to worry about losing them, and their sturdy construction makes them perfect for rough traveling. 1 x 50 Rupees

RESTLESS CRICKET
-A very energetic cricket. Cook it with monster parts to create a stamina-recovery elixir. 1 x 2 Rupees
CHUCHU JELLY -A gelatinous substance that came from a Chuchu. It's only useful for elixirs in this state, but applying a bit of elemental stimulation will change its form. 1 x 15 Rupees
What do you buy?
[] Write-in
 
1.13
[X] 5 Bottles
[X] 10 Willow Tree Bark
[X] 10 Restless Crickets
[X] 10 Chuchu Jelly


You hand over the Rupees for your purchase, leaving you with 560 Rupees in spending cash. Luckily you brought a bag with you, so you just toss the items in. You could use the restless crickets to make Energizing elixirs, which could take you from the depths of exhaustion to perfectly awake, even make you feel like you had just eaten a meal.

Willow Tree Bark was an excellent painkiller, and the Hylian strain was especially well known for it and having few side effects. It isn't particularly tasty though, but you'll eat anything so it didn't bother you. For others, they'd probably want to shove an entire hives worth of courser bee honey into their tea.

Having made your purchases you say your goodbyes to Beedle and leave, heading off into the village proper. First stop was buying a horse and a quick run to one of the stables gets you a spotted mare named Abby, as well as a saddle and saddlebags. The mare wasn't a warhorse like Epona but she'd do fine on the road. After placing your purchases from Beedle into the Saddlebags you begin to make your way through town, stopping at stores or villagers who you knew had the items you'll need for your journey. Most of your supplies, therefore, were food.

Normally you would just scavenge for food but on the road and constantly on the move all you'd do is increase the time it'd take to reach your destination. While you would stop at stables to resupply before you reached Castletown all it'd do is increase your travel costs. You estimate that Sheik and yourself would need to eat two pounds of food a day each, with proper nutritional requirements needing to be met. With a long journey ahead of you without a wagon and only with what you could carry on your horses you have to carefully ration the food and even then you expect a few days of going hungry in between stops. You didn't have to worry about water too much, even near the city. Contrary to a book you read written by some sheltered scholar pretty much everyone knew the dangers of contaminated water. The plague that killed your mother was due to years of poor maintenance and lack of oversight leading to a catastrophic series of failures. It was only in Hyrule's more extreme environments (or areas with lots of standing water) that you'd pack a lot to drink.

Still, you ended up buying some beer. Wine was prohibitively expensive and beer on long journies or when faced with a lot of physical exertion (such as farmers did) beer served well when you didn't have access to Energizing elixirs. While you could probably hunt down some chuchu's and restless crickets you'd rather save the energizing elixirs you could make for combat situations. Also, it tasted much better. Loaded up with cured meat, cheese, bread and preserved fruit and soon other needed supplies you finally went to the fletcher for bows and arrows. While muskets were gaining popularity they're practically unusable in Lanayru due to how wet everything was. Nevermind the dangers of carrying around all that gunpowder if you ran into a Wizzrobe or a fire-breathing Lizalfos. You purchase some broadheads and two traveler's bows, they weren't as mighty as the bows given to knights or soldiers but they were durable and could ruin a Bokoblin's day. The fletcher even throws in a quiver as a gift, a good luck charm for your travels.

Next, you purchased a simple wooden shield. While you wouldn't describe it as very protective it'd last much longer than the Boko shield you had, which was essentially just a large piece of wood. Finally, you had completed all your purchases, all 3000 of those rupees having been spent just as the sun sank below the horizon. You were prepared for any danger on the road, even if one of your horses got injured you could treat them. Sheik's new horse was a bit overburdened, and you quickly make your way back to the town hall in order to split up all your purchases between Abby and Epona. Even splitting everything between them it was clear you wouldn't have room for skins or meat if you went hunting, or treasure if another shrine had riches in it that you couldn't just stuff into your pockets.

Having spent the entire day running around the village you were hungry, thirsty and looking forward to a nice long sleep. Stepping into the inn portion of the town hall you noticed it was full, full of chattering villagers enjoying a few drinks before they returned home. A few raised their drinks to you, wishing you luck on your journey as you passed. Or good luck with Sheik, to your embarrassment. Speaking of Sheik Ganondorf and her were at a table in a corner with some stews and tankards sitting in front of them. Sheik was clad in new clothes, a dark blue tunic over a white undershirt, a white scarf around her neck with dark coloured pants and traveling boots. Over her chair was a very light gray cloak that only went down to her waist. A leather belt went over her shoulder, along with the strap to a large bag that hung at her side and likely containing the Sheikah Slate. She had two belts around her waist, one for a belt laden with pouches and another for your old quiver, with two fingerless gloves stuffed poorly into one pouch.

Under Sheik's chair was some more clothes, wrapped up securely so they wouldn't get dirty or wet. You couldn't tell what they were but you suspected they were some more typical clothing, maybe even a dress or skirt along with her old clothing. You also notice some wrapped up items that you can't immediately identify underneath the clothing and you briefly wonder what they could be. That is until you see what else Sheik had bought.

"Oh Link!" Sheik suddenly calls out waving you over, "You took awhile, did you manage to buy everything?"

You nod, "Yeah, everything is purchased. We have 560 rupees left. But uh-"

"600 actually, still have 40 left over from all my purchases." She informs you as she hands the rupees over.

"Actually, about that, what are those?" You ask, pointing at her purchase.

Sheik frowns, and her eyes become downcast, even her ears droop, "Aw, you saw? I wanted it to be a surprise."

She then dives under the table, emerging with a wide, bright smile and a bundle of clothes in her hands. "Here, it's a gift for you!"

"A... gift?" You say as she practically shoves the clothes into your hands. It was a green tunic with a long, floppy green cap, white undershirt, light beige pants, leather bracers with fingerless gloves, traveling boots, and a rustic red cloak. Strangely, it all looked your size and it seemed Sheik had planned ahead a bit as well with it and intended for you to add armour to this outfit as time went on, as the tunic while a bit large looked like it could be worn over chainmail. She even included a scabbard for your rusty broadsword.

"Uhuh, you saved my life, fought bokoblins, a guardian, an assassin and you spent any earnings we had on traveling supplies for my expedition. As your friend, I felt indebted to you, but I knew you would never accept me trying to pay you back so instead, I give you this as a symbol of our newfound friendship! It's pretty amazing, isn't it? I chose everything myself and since the tailor knew your sizes she was happy to make everything perfectly fit!" Sheik happily explains, clapping her hands together while sounding both absolutely thrilled to be calling you a friend and like she was lecturing you.

You look down at the clothes, biting your tongue to stop you from commenting on it.




YOU GOT THE HERO'S CLOTHES!


Given to you by Princess Zelda Sheik as a symbol of your friendship! They look like they might be a little warm for this weather...

"They're um..." You manage to say after a good few minutes of staring at the clothes.

"Subject is displaying hesitation at the outfit. May have a slight aversion to the colour green. However, subject has not rejected gift, indicating hypothesis that items given as gifts to friends provide increased endearment to them despite any perceived faults in an item from the friend is correct. Will need to conduct tests to make Link recognize the superiority of items chosen by me-" Sheik mutters quietly as the sound of her fingers tapping against her Sheikah Slate reach your ears.

"Sheik, is this an experiment," You ask, frowning.

"NO!" Sheik yelps, hiding her Sheikah Slate behind her back. Poorly.

You sigh, and glance over to Ganondorf. He was quietly eating his stew, apparently disinterested in the conversation. Yet occasionally you'd see his eyes go to the clothes in your hands and his brow would furrow slightly. When he noticed you looking at him however he grinned, "Well Link? Are you just going to stand there? Come, take a seat!"

"WAIT! I want to see how it looks on you!" Sheik interjects.

What do you do?
[] Try the outfit on.
[] You need a stiff drink.
[] Actually, maybe you should get some news.
[] Write-in.
 
1.14
[X] Try the outfit on.

You sigh, "Alright, where's our room?"

Sheik makes a high-pitched noise and then practically drags you towards the rooms. When you reach the door she opens it and practically shoves you through. She slams the door behind you and you hear her scurry off, probably awaiting your return at the table. Glancing around the room you're relieved there are three beds and you toss the outfit onto the bed that doesn't look like it had been claimed by either of your traveling companions.

With no real other options, you quickly change into the clothes Sheik had purchased for you. To your surprise, they were actually kinda comfortable though you still suspected they might be a bit warm on the road. You didn't have a mirror to really look at them so you were left twisting this way and that to see how they looked at all angles. They were honestly better than any other clothes you had, even the cap seemed like it'd be fine. It was all well fitted as well, you'll have your full range of movement in it.

The cloak wasn't bad either, good material and it'd keep you dry or warm depending on the weather. Actually made you feel a bit nostalgic wearing it, though you weren't entirely sure why. You honestly feel a bit bad for your misgivings about it now, Sheik really went all out on getting you something. She was viewing it as an experiment, true, but she also was genuinely excited in seeing you wear this outfit.

You step out of your room and back into the inn, immediately catching sight of Sheik sitting at the table, ramrod straight and practically vibrating with anticipation. When she see's you she crosses the distance between you and her in an instant, her chair going flying.

"Oh, you're wearing it perfectly!" She squees, dancing around you as she examined you, "I knew everything would fit right, and you've even clasped the cloak correctly-"

"Wait, what-?"

"Nothing! Oh, you look absolutely perfect!"

You glance around the room, hoping for someone to bail you out to no avail. Ganondorf was eyeing your cloak with a raised eyebrow while the regulars at the inn were all chuckling or raised their mugs to you with grins plastered on their faces.

"Sheik..." You say, failing to get the girl's attention, "Sheik!"

Sheik's head snaps up "Huh?"

"Can I sit down and eat something?"

Sheik winces, realizing what she was doing, "Oh! Oooh sorry. Y-yeah I asked ahead for a bowl of stew for you."

Finally free you take your seat, Sheik following suit with her head bowed. She's completely quiet as Oliver arrives with a mug of ale and a bowl of warm stew that brings a smile to your face and a bit of drool to your lips. You immediately dig into it as soon as it hits the table, practically inhaling the stew. You finish just in time to notice Sheik staring at you, not in disgust but in amazement at how quickly you devoured your meal. Washing it down with some beer you wipe your mouth and look to Sheik, "So, we got a plan to how we're going to get to Lanayru?"

Sheik nods, pulling out her Sheikah Slate. A few taps of the screen ends up revealing a map covered in markers in notes. You're impressed, and so is Ganondorf as he leans in to examine it.

"We'll be following your Maj- Ganondorf's plan. Take the main road past the stable and right to Castle Town to restock. We'll split up there, you and I Link traveling to Lanayru on the main roads straight to the Zora capitol. We might be able to join up with a merchant's caravan, Ganondorf says the regional governor seems to be calling in a lot of people so we shouldn't attract too much attention."

"My information is outdated though since like I said Lanayru isn't someplace I like visiting. But I wouldn't be too at ease there, William the "Just's" dogs are paranoid at the best of times and Lanayru has had more than its fair share of troubles," Ganondorf says with a clear hint of vehemence in his voice.

"We'll be careful, I doubt any patrols will recognize what caused Sheik's wounds at a glance if we get stopped," You say, looking over at your friend who's hand just now unconsciously drifted to her jaw.

"What'll we do for rupees? I doubt we can get my scars healed for free with the empire's policies," Sheik suddenly asks.

"In my opinion? Skins, elixirs and raiding monster camps," Ganondorf states, "There's a lot of desperate people heading to Lanayru who'll pay a premium for a proper elixir. Wouldn't rely on selling meat though, even if you could store it the wetlands are chock full of animals and fish."

"I suppose if we're really desperate I can see if I can pick up a pan flute in Castle Town, learned how to use one before it rotted so I can play a few songs for some travelers in exchange for rupees. Bardic schools aren't regulated, so I can pass myself off as a traveling musician without too much trouble," You add, you were quite popular at the inn when you still had your pan flute and knew a fair few songs.

A look of uncertainty was on Sheik's face, and she was avoiding looking at either of you "I um... play the lyre, they're expensive but I could help..."

You consider it. You didn't know how well Sheik could sing or play but seeing as how you were both young you could probably pass yourself off as traveling musicians out to see the world. Very heavily armed musicians but thankfully monsters helpfully excused that little flaw with your appearance. A Lyre was a bit more expensive than a pan flute though. Unless Sheik was absolutely amazing you'll probably have to rely on killing monsters.

"What about shrines, what's our plan with those?" You ask.

Sheik holds up her slate, revealing a small icon on it that seemed to ping slightly. "Shrines aren't the only Sheikah relics out there, I've calibrated the Sheikah Slate to help locate them. However, we'll probably want to hold off on searching for them until we reach Lanayru unless we're really strapped for rupees. With my slate though I should be able to "synch" them with it, which in turn should give me more information on this Nexus that came up in the corrupted data. Oh, I also deciphered a bit of that data we pulled Link, definitely a spell. I'll work on learning it," She says with conviction, sounding eager to get to work.

"You'll need to work at night, any patrols see you with that Sheikah slate and there'll be trouble," Ganondorf observes, before finishing off the last dregs of his beer, "Anyways we leave early, so I'm heading to bed. Night."

You yawn, before standing up and stretching, "Think I'll call it a night as well."

Sheik reluctantly agrees and the three of you head into your room and collapse into your respective beds, soon falling into a deep sleep...

++++
You're awoken the next day by Sheik shaking you awake, you apparently having slept in. Quickly getting all your belongings you emerge from the inn into the surprisingly warm morning air. Ganondorf had already mounted his horse so you were left feeling a little awkward as you ended up having to take some time to get Epona ready before you all could set off.

"We have quite the ride to the nearest stable, and the storms the last few days have surely washed out the roads. We'll need to cover as much distance as we can, given the conditions. Hopefully, we can reach the stable before we'll need to take two days off to rest the horses," Ganondorf says as you leave the village.

From then on not much is said as the three of you make your way down the winding dirt roads connecting villages to the main road. You stopped every hour to let the horses graze and to stretch your legs, the sun beating down on you relentlessly. What few bits of conversation you had on your first day of travel was with Sheik, who was beginning to have trouble with her mount. While it took a bit of prying, a bit of easy deduction and a few frustrated mutterings from the girl you managed to get her to admit she wasn't as nearly a skilled a rider as you or Ganondorf. You ended up spending time showing her how to treat her mount, hanging back to pass along advice to Sheik as she rode. You met a few travelers on the road; merchants and farmers mostly. A few spared you a greeting, others kept their heads bowed or cast suspicious glances towards Ganondorf.

When it finally came to stop for the night you lead your horses off the road and found a secluded spot to bed down for the night. As Ganondorf gathered wood and got a fire going you sat with Sheik and discussed the best ways to handle her horse, gave her tips on how to make riding easier and less sore. She genuinely seemed interested after awhile, listening with rapt attention and asking questions. You had to cut your lesson a bit short to prepare dinner for the three of you, having been declared camp cook by both Ganondorf and Sheik.

The next day again started with Sheik again waking you, and the relentless heat pounding down on you. This day was a bit more eventful than the last, as you came upon a bridge over a dry ditch. Three men were standing by it with sticks, but who all scattered when they caught a look at how armed you all were, as well as the glare Ganondorf sent their way. You waited for a fair distance to laugh at the toll collectors with Ganondorf, while Sheik seemed disturbed that those men could demand travelers rupees. Ganondorf told her they probably only set up shop today as you were on the main road, a passing patrol will rout them. If the three of you did something about them you'll probably end up killing one or all of them.

With Sheik insisting she try your advice on her own and a bit gloomy from those men you ended up talking to Ganondorf today, who had taking an interest in Sheik's progress. He told you unlike other Gerudo he preferred horses over Sand Seals while traveling over the desert. The hellish conditions made him feel alive, and it took many years to find a steed that shared his desire to push himself to the very limits. While he complimented Epona's capabilities he told you that he would never trade his steed for her, as no other creature matched his same temperament as the stallion he rode.

You had to wonder if that pair would charge headlong at a Lynel simply to test their power against one of the most fearsome creatures in Hyrule.

You also ended up passing some the Empire's soldiers sitting by the side of the road, little more than poor militia but wearing the image of the rose proudly on their chest. One even had a musket in his hand, powder hanging off his chest in small bags. Ganondorf spat after he passed them, a dark expression on his face that worsened when you caught sight of the mainstay of the Rozsa Empire's army. While you weren't sure of their official name those who despised the empire called them the "Possessed," suits of armour that supposedly were animated by magic. Apparently perfectly loyal if not nearly as smart or skilled as their human counterparts they looked like clunky suits of armour with glowing white eyes peering out from the blackness of their helmets. They usually were directed by a Chief or captain of some sort who was flesh and blood, as they apparently did not have much capacity for tactics.

You hear Sheik mutter "Dumb robots" under her breath as some of the Possessed stumbled in the field as they marched back and forth. You'd heard many rich folk would purchase some as guards but you couldn't imagine why, if you had to guess from their movements while probably a bit tougher and better armed than a bokoblin you'd have a far easier time fighting them. Really their main strength seemed to be that the empire could just throw wave after wave of them at an enemy without risking their flesh and blood troops, of which they had plenty. You'd certainly heard of the legendary Darknut and Iron Knuckle knights, orders of Rozsa Empire knights so mysterious no one knew where they came from, only that they had been magically enhanced in some manner and were only clearly seen as guards of the Empire's most important figures and locations. There were rumours that they are deployed on the most important of missions, but few ever saw a trace of them other than the army clearing out corpses of those who had earned the Empire's ire.

Of all the tools at the Empire's disposal, they might be more feared than the Yiga clan.

Sheik had you travel a bit farther than normal that day, and you had no reason to argue with her being nervous around the Empire's troops. The three of you went a good ways off the main road before setting up camp, you once again handling preparing a meal. With the heat of the day relentlessly pounding on you both you and Sheik ended up drinking a fair amount of water, and chowed down on the salty food. Ganondorf laughed at both your antics, offering that in the future he should take you both to the Gerudo desert and show you what real heat is.

Wanting to learn more about the Gerudo desert you ask him about it, and he elaborates. The Gerudo desert and highlands was a harsh, unforgiving environment where if the heat didn't kill you the monsters will. Only the strongest survive there, and so the Empire has completely ignored it. This has allowed the Gerudo people and those who fled to oases like the Kara Kara Bazaar to prosper. He begrudgingly admits both you and Sheik would probably do well there, and if both your paths lead you to meeting again there he'll show you the true wonders and excitement of the desert. You haven't truly lived, he tells you, until you've killed your first Molduga. A sand-dwelling monster even the mightiest of Gerudo warriors would not wish to face.

Sheik helpfully adds in that Molduga guts are some of the best possible ingredients for medicine in Hyrule, able to cure even the worst of diseases. Combined with potent healing magic and other ingredients there was practically nothing it could not do, even a droplet could restore someone to full health. Only the fairies possibly topped it.

Perhaps one day you should travel to the Gerudo desert...
++++
The next day starts in good spirits, with you commenting that Sheik was certainly making improvements to her riding. She became rather pleased with herself, holding her head high as the three of you marched on. But soon the heat soured her good mood, as she was not used to the wilderness it wore on her patience and her water. It didn't help that all the riding was starting to make her side ache horribly and no one wanted to start a fire in this heat to make some tea so she just had to grit her teeth and bear it. Something that was proving increasingly difficult as she was practically in tears after a few hours, holding her side and slumped over her horse. Yet when you said to stop she snapped at you and increased the pace, trying to hold herself straight up despite the pain. If anything you had to admire her sheer tenacity.

Eventually, though you had enough, and said you all had to stop. You didn't want to see your friend in pain. Besides, getting a chance to relax will probably ease the pain, rather than the heat and stress of riding continuing to wear on her.

Sheik reluctantly agrees and the three of you make camp in some abandoned stone ruins. Getting a chance to sit down in the shade does seem to make the pain fade for her, enough that you now had to figure up how to divide camp roles. First, you needed to decide what you'd be doing. You could get water from the abandoned well sitting in the middle of the ruins, which will also require you to check if it's safe. You could also gather firewood or prepare dinner... again.

What does Link do?
[] Go to the Well.
[] Gather firewood
[] Prepare dinner
[] Write-in
 
Last edited:
1.15
[X] Go to the Well.

"I'll handle getting water," You announce, grabbing the cooking pot and water skins.

"Guess I'm handling firewood," Ganondorf says, climbing to his feet and brushing the dirt from his pants, "Need to stretch my legs anyways."

"I'll pull out the food then, no one objects to eating it cold though? I don't want to cook in this heat." Sheik asks, to which you and Ganondorf shrug and tell her no, you don't mind.

With camp roles settled you walk over to the well tucked into the corner of the ruins, depositing the pot and skins on the ground as you inspected it.

It was a normal affair, and it still had its rope and bucket laying outside of the well. The actual well itself though someone had apparently decided to shove large quantities of brush into it. It looked like an entire tree was put into it.

Great, you had plenty of experience with uncovered wells so a bit of foliage in it wasn't really anything special, but the well was unusable with all the stuff in it. You'll have to pull it out.

With a sigh, you grab a branch and start pulling, a simple excursion turning into tiresome work. Still, as you pull the large branch out it was obvious the well still had water which spurned you on.

The next branch looked fresh, which bothered you. Who'd cut down branches to throw down a well? Unless the well water was dirty and they didn't want anyone to use it. That would be bad to find out, even if you could just boil the water. Then again, given how fresh the branches were they could have broken off nearby trees and some careless traveler tossed them down the well rather than stacking them to dry for whatever other traveler came here after them. You won't find out until you clear the well enough to get a bucket of water.

A few more branches and you run into a problem, you can't see down the well anymore as the sun had set below the horizon. Fishing out the last bit of sticks out is going to be a pain-

"LINK!" Sheik yells from behind you, causing you to jump and smack your head against the beam that held the rope for the well, "LINK I FIGURED IT OUT!"

"Wha- What did you figure out?" You ask as Sheik runs up behind you, practically bouncing off the walls with breathless excitement.

"The shrine- the info- what I- if there's anymore- who knows what- LOOK!!" She manages to wheeze out before extending a hand out in front of her. Something in her palm seemed to spark, then glow brighter until an orb of golden light sat just a few inches off her palm. She waved it around and the ball followed her hand's movements.

You stare at it for a few moments, blinking. "It's... just a light spell?"

Sheik looks incredulous. "Just a light spell? Oh no Link, it's so much more than that!" Sheik says, holding the sphere of light up.

"...How though?"

Sheik freezes, "Uuummm.... It uh... more shrines might contain more spells?"

"...and the light helps with that... how?"

"Ah, well... it um... I can do this with it!" She shouts, before literally tossing the sphere of light into the well. It ends up sticking to one of the well's walls, allowing you to see into its depths and at the remaining sticks in the water.

You stare at it for a moment, before nodding and turning back to Sheik. "Well, it did solve my current problem."

Sheik puffs her chest out, holding her chin up with pride. "Ha, see? You shouldn't doubt me, you know. Magic is something I take naturally too. No doubt this spell will prove invaluable on our journey-"

"-and since it helped you can now help me pull out these remaining branches from this well so I can finally get some water."

Sheik pouts, her ears actually drooping a bit before she wordlessly starts to help you clear out the well.

By the time you were finished you were both soaked and dirty and really wanting a drink of water, or in Sheik's case tea as she was holding onto her side again. Picking up the bucket you drop it into the well, hearing it splash down into the water. Pulling on the rope you draw it up, but there was something odd about it, the bucket was... heavier than you expected. What could possibly be in the bucket-

"YAHAHA! YOU FOUND ME!"

Oh...

Well, that explained why the well was full of branches.

The creature sitting in your water bucket was a small humanoid creature apparently made of wood. On its face, stuck through apparently a sharp branch was a leaf with holes in it in the shape of a face. The creatures tiny limbs lacked any fingers yet it was holding onto a branch it waved back and forth. It hopped out of the bucket onto the rim of the well, making an odd rattling noise and looked up at the two of you like a child with a question it wanted to ask but wasn't sure.

Koroks, as they called themselves, apparently couldn't be seen by most people. You, however, could see them since the day you first entered the woods with your father. Your father didn't believe they existed and assumed you were making up imaginary friends when you would run off to play with a Korok who you had found under a rock or leaf pile. Word apparently spread fast among the Koroks, and every one of them seemed to know who you were after a few years. While shy they loved games and your ability to see them meant they kept wanting to play with you, with their favourite game being hide and seek.

Of course, their idea of hiding was a bit strange and they often would turn up in the most ridiculous of places.

You look over to Sheik, expecting a confused expression on her face at your surprised reaction when the Korok revealed themselves. Instead though, to your great surprise, she was staring at the Korok, eyes wide and mouth hanging open.

She could see them!

Which meant...

"Um... Are you okay pretty lady? You're just looking at me-" The Korok began, uncertainty in its childish voice before it jumped a foot in the air as a loud high-pitched yell answered its question.

"EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE! A KOROK! A REAL KOROK!" Sheik squeals, before pulling out her Sheikah Slate and rapidly tapping the screen as the slate made clicking noises.

"Yes, I am- EEP!" The Korok yelps as Sheik is suddenly inches from its leafy-face.

"Oh you must tell me everything! What's your name? How old are you? Your weight, favourite food, do you prefer the current climate or a more milder weather? Is your magic instinctual or taught? How do you feel about Vegetarians? Oh I have so many questions I don't know where to start!"

The Korok turns to look at you. "Wow Link! This pretty lady is a big nerd!"

Sheik freezes as you let out a nervous laugh before she slumps over with her ears drooping, muttering "I'm not a nerd..."

Then she perks up, having realized how the Korok had just addressed you, "Link? Wait, it knows you by name?!"

"Ahaha, yeah... I've been able to see Korok's for years so they all kinda... know me-GAH!" You shout as Sheik is suddenly way too close.

"YOU MUST TELL ME EVERYTHING!" She demands, before stepping back with her hand to her chin, "But wait, seeing spirits like the Korok is a rare ability even amongst the Sheikah. Unless... maybe diet and the unique circumstances... YOU MUST TELL ME OF YOUR FIRST MEETING!!"

"I found one under a rock and then I chased it with a stick," You state truthfully.

"...Was it a special rock?"

"No."

Sheik pouts, apparently lost in thought before she snaps her fingers, "Oh! The legends say the Korok's give those who find them something! Is that true little one?"

The Korok shakes its... leaf, "I dunno, not anymore. Not after Hastu said no one wanted his gift."

"What about information?" You ask, "Can you tell us anything?"

The Korok taps a little stick arm against its leaf. "Uuuhhhmmmm, I think I can tell you one thing. If you find anymore of us, they might tell you more stuff!"

You nod. So that probably means if you ever need some information you could look for a Korok. Korok's from what you knew were everywhere across Hyrule, even on Death Mountain so if you were ever in a bind you'll just look for a Korok. But you'll only be able to ask a Korok one thing. While they'll most likely be as helpful as possible you don't think they'd be able to recall more than one thing.

But what do you ask this Korok?
[] Is there some treasure nearby?
[] Is there a monster nest nearby?
[] Are there any rare ingredients nearby?
[] Write-in.
 
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1.16
[X] Is there some treasure nearby?

The Korok jumps up and down, rattling and waving its arms. "Uhuh! Right under that pile of bricks! It's a box with pretty things in it!"

Sheik smiles and gives the Korok a pat on the head, "Thank you little one, we'll be sure to put it to good use."

The Korok looks away shyly, kicking a foot back and forth, "Aw shucks..."

You tap Sheik on the shoulder, "Better start clearing off those bricks now."

Sheik nods, and follows you as the Korok waves, "Bye-bye!"

When you look back it had vanished, only a few leaves floating down from where it had stood.

Moving the bricks was a quick affair, whoever had hidden it ages ago obviously had simply intended to cover it and sure enough, you find a small lockbox hidden under it. It was rusted, worn down from years but a quick test indicates it's still locked tight.

Sheik stands up, inspecting it with her hand on her chin, "Hmmm, given the wear on the lockbox we might be able to carefully dislodge the mechanism with carefully directed kinetic impacts. I'll need to use your medical tools to-"

You kick the lockbox, causing it to snap open.

"...That works too."

You both peer inside, Sheik summoning a light to shine on the lockbox's contents. Inside was an uncut piece of Amber tied to a string as a makeshift necklace and a single silver Rupee.

You pocket both, looking over to Sheik who seems contemplative. When she see's your curious expression she waves a hand and shakes her head.

"Sorry, I was just thinking.... why would someone leave this buried under the bricks here?"

You shrug, "Probably a merchant or bandit storing their valuables and for whatever reason, they were unable to return. "

Sheik makes a non-commental sound, before wandering back over to the horses. You return to the well to take your bucket of water, as well as fill up the empty water skins. When you return Ganondorf had evidently already returned, as he had gotten a fire going.

"Heh, you two look pretty disheveled," He says with a grin, glancing at both your and Sheik's states as you were both filthy from digging up the lockbox and cleaning out the well, "You could have just asked for a few hours alone, didn't have to send me off to get firewood."

"Huh?"

His eye roll indicates you had missed something, but he doesn't offer to explain as you set down the water bucket and fill up a pot then set it on a stand to boil. Sheik chooses that moment to return with some of the willow bark, bread, and cheese, still clutching her side. She quickly tosses the bark in the pot, before handing you and Ganondorf the bread and cheese.

The three of you take a moment to relax, enjoying your dinner before Ganondorf finally claps a hand against his thigh and says "Alright, what were you two actually up too while I was gone?"

"We found a Korok in the well, remarkable creature." Sheik happily explains, "It pointed us to some treasure then vanished into thin air."

You pull out and hold up the piece of amber, and Ganondorf nods while stroking his beard, "Hmmm, I've never seen a Korok before but I've heard tales of them. Fascinating. That amber looks like it might catch a fair price with some merchants. You might be able to sell it to anyone looking to buy something for their sweetheart. Amber isn't prohibitively expensive like other gems, but is still sought after for its unique qualities."

You nod, finding an ancient insect in some amber made it all the more valuable and often a favourite for scholars. Why, amber might be the only gem that was more valuable uncut.

You all finish your dinners just as the water was brought to boil, and you use a cloth to help shield your hands as you tip the coloured water into a mug. With the water still boiling hot Ganondorf and Sheik got out their bedrolls as you went to dump out the pot and set it to the side. When you returned Sheik was typing on her Sheikah Slate as Ganondorf simply laid back and looked up at the constellations weaving through the air above you. You look up as well, enjoying the spectacle above you. Hyrule's night skies always seemed active, and shooting stars and comets were a common occurrence. Some claimed it was the goddesses way of bringing beauty to the world even in the dark of night. All you really knew was that on clear nights it made it really easy to navigate.

Eventually after a few minutes you tapped Sheik on the shoulder, telling her the tea was likely cool by now.

Sheik nodded, then picked up the mug. She gave it a curious sniff then took a sip.

Then promptly spat it out, retching.

"BLECH!! It tastes like wood!!"

"Well yeah," You say from your bedroll, having climbed in after letting Sheik know, "What did you expect?"

Ganondorf was sniggering, his back turned to the two of you.

"Not wood."

"Drink it fast, you want to be able to sleep without being in pain all night, right?"

Sheik huffs, "Fine... buying some honey when we get to a market..."

She then chuggs it down, finishing with a cough and a sputter. Sheik scrambles out of her bedroll for one of the water skins you had filled, before chugging that as well.

"Never drinking that unsweetened again!" Sheik hisses as she crawls back into her bedroll.

"You get used to it," You say, "Lived off that stuff after I broke a rib two years ago."

"I almost prefer the pain..." Sheik mumbles into her blankets.

"That reminds me, almost forgot hearty lizards don't live up here. You'll need to buy them in bulk when you get to castle town, unless you plan to detour to Necluda or the Gerudo desert," Ganondorf adds, turning over in his bed and you make a mental note of it. It was true, you could only purchase hearty lizards from merchants. On the road, you'll have to pick and choose your battles, as one bit of bad luck could spell disaster.

Soon though you drift off to sleep, dreaming of dancing Korok's...

++++
The next day the heat wave continued, and you saw travelers practically doubled over from exhaustion on the road. You were running into more and more people which meant you were drawing nearer to the stable. You and Ganondorf had both gotten used to the heat, even in your slightly warm outfit. You didn't even feel the need to take off your cap, even when the sun was shining down on you, it was breathing remarkably well.

Sheik though, Sheik was doing poorly. It was obvious she spent most of her time inside, as she was absolutely miserable. The pain in her side had lessened thanks to the tea, but she was still irritable and was glaring daggers at the sun. She was chugging down the water, practically going through an entire water skin in an hour. She didn't really want to eat anything either, claiming the heat was too unbearable for food. You did force her to eat dinner though, despite her grumbling. You all fell asleep early, the sounds of buzzing insects and the heat all lulling you to sleep.

The day after that Sheik didn't wake you, and when you eventually stirred Ganondorf had already packed up much of the camp. Evidently tired of waiting he had started a fire and was frying up some bread and meat in oil for breakfast. Packing up your bedroll you notice Sheik was still in hers, curled up with the blanket thrown over her head. Feeling a bit pleased that you'll finally get to wake up Sheik you stroll over to the bundle of blankets and poke it.

"Sheik~ Time to wake up~ You want to get to the stable tonight, right?" You tease, continuing to prod the bundle.

Sheik doesn't respond.

"Hey Sheik, come on, Ganondorf made breakfast."

"Uuurgh..." Came the groan.

"Sheik?"

You pull back blankets from her head, revealing a very green Sheik whose face was scrunched up in a grimace. You realize she was clutching her lower stomach, wincing as waves of pain went through her.

"Sheik!"

This must be the water! It may have been fine for you since you lived out in the wilds but for Sheik it must have made her ill. This was bad, this was very bad!

"Don't worry Sheik! I know how to deal with drinking bad water, you just stay there while I-"

"Not... water..." Sheik manages to get out in between winces.

"Huh? Sheik you clearly-"

"Just... just make more of that tea."

That throws you for a loop, Sheik clearly seems to not want to tell you something. "Sheik, if you know what's wrong you'll have to tell me. I know plenty of herbs that can help with diseases or parasites-"

"It's not-" Sheik hisses, before wincing, "Just... just make me some tea already."

"Sheik-"

"Make the tea Link."

You step back from Sheik, looking over to Ganondorf to see if he noticed. To your surprise he was biting down on his hand, looking like he was desperately trying not to laugh. There were even tears forming!

Uhm...

What does Link do?
[] Write-in
 
1.17
[X] Make the tea and ask Ganondorf about what he thinks is happening.

You walk away from Sheik over to Ganondorf, intent to start boiling the tea only to notice Ganondorf had already set out the pot and thrown in a piece of willow bark.

Without much to do you grab a plate and take some bread and meat from the frying pan. As you eat and wait for the water to boil Ganondorf evidently calmed himself, as he quickly finished his meal and was drinking from his water skin.

"Soooo...." You begin, "Do you know what's wrong with Sheik?"

A blast of water hits you in the face as Ganondorf falls over, clutching his sides as tears streamed down his face. You frown as you hear Sheik groan from over where she had curled up. If Ganondorf knew something why was he laughing at this? If there was some Gerudo medicine that trivialized whatever affliction Sheik had-

Wait...

Oh.

Ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooh.


By the goddesses holy power, you are a complete and utter idiot.

You hold your head in your hands, face burning as Ganondorf laughs even harder. Eventually, Ganondorf manages to pull himself upright, wiping tears from his eyes.

"Hahahaha Oh please don't tell me I have to give the talk-"

"What?! NO!"

"Haha, thank goodness-" He freezes, the mirth was gone from his face, "Wait, did you get the actual talk or the 'curdles milk' talk-"

"ACTUAL!" You almost shout, ears red.

You hear Sheik groan again as Ganondorf lets out a sigh of relief.

You aren't even sure where those beliefs came from, it's not like magic didn't allow scholar's a nearly unlimited ability to peer into the world. Even you, who lived in the woods for years, knew the disease that killed your mother was caused by a microorganism.

You wonder why the University of Hyrule didn't put out any papers dismissing some of the more.... absurd theories you've heard. Or maybe they have and you've lived in the woods for too long.

The water was now boiling, so grabbing a cloth and being glad to have something to distract from the realization of how stupid you are you take the hot pot and pour it into a mug for Sheik. You wait a few minutes for it to cool before carrying it over to Sheik, who was still lying in her bedroll.

"Here, the tea," You say, setting it down next to her. In an instant Sheik snatches it up and downs the entire thing in seconds.

"See, get used to it haha... haaaaa...." You chuckle awkwardly, rubbing the back of your head as Sheik glares at you.

You inhale and let out a long breath, "Sorry, I'm an idiot."

"Yes, you are," Was Sheik's mumbled response.

You shake your head, standing up only for Sheik to speak up, "Wait..."

She looks up at you, still looking a bit green but there was a faint smile on her face, "Thank you for the tea."

You look away, scratching your cheek, "Hey well... can I get you something to eat?"

Sheik waves a hand, "No, couldn't keep it down if I wanted. Urgh..."

She doubles over again, looking miserable "Could you just sit here for a bit, until the tea kicks in? Always used to do stuff to keep my mind off it."

You nod, taking a seat on the grass. It was slick from the morning dew but you didn't mind.

"Think we'll get to the stable tonight?" She asks, and you nod.

"Phew that's a relief, finally a real bed- wait...." Sheik's eyes go wide and she paled as a terrible realization went over her like a storm.

"We'll be having two rest days for the horses starting tonight... right?" She asks and you nod again, raising an eyebrow.



"The cramps... always start a few days before..." She trails off, staring ahead with the look of a woman who knew a terrible fate awaited her.

..............


"Oh... " You manage to get out as Sheik lets out a frustrated scream, falling backwards with her hands over face.

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAGH WHY?! What did I do to deserve this?! Did I anger Hylia in a previous life?! The heroines in all my books don't have to go through this!!" She cries out in anguish.

"Uh..."

"I mean I know why, I'm not some uneducated boor, " Sheik adds, looking over to you, "It's a natural cycle-"

You hold up a hand, "Okay, yes I know. I'm not that much of a moron."

"Oh just let me talk, doing anything else makes me want to drown myself in a tub of that tea," She moans, arm over her eyes.

"You could tell me about your life in the Sheikah village," You offer, and she lifts her arm up partly to fix an eye on you.

"We're called the Shadow Folk for a reason, Link."

"And this reason includes keeping your friend up all night as you tap away on your Sheikah Slate?" You ask, crossing your arms.

"Uuuuuugh, I'm in too much pain to argue with you." Sheik groans, covering her eyes again, "Fine, as I said before I'm the teacher and resident scholar of my village."

"Self-appointed, if I remember you correctly," You say with a smirk.

"H-hey! There was no one else and s-since I am the most well read it was important that someone taught the village children how to read and write, and how the world works!" She sputters, pushing herself upright with an embarrassed blush on her face before grimacing and flopping back down.

"Did you like being a teacher?"

"Of course! I... I could actually make a difference in their lives. Their parents and the elders only have so much time in the day, a-and I could show them so much more. Make them see as I did through the books that there is so much more to this world than the village," Sheik says, conviction in her voice that slowly puttered out.

"But you left," You state, hoping you didn't sound accusatory.

She winces, not in pain, "I... I wanted to see what was in my books... experience it for myself. What good am I as a scholar if I never truly researched anything? And..."

"And?"

Sheik seems to struggle to find the words, eventually managing to say "I... I have a friend. A-almost a sister really. She... She's really devout to the Sheikah's teachings, more so than anyone in the village."

A sadness seems to wash over her as she spoke, "Hardly anyone appreciates her piety, how she works herself to the bone every day to fulfill her duties and she's so modest she'd never think of complaining. Impa's always so busy as guardian and everyone expects me to..."

"Expect you to what?"

She shakes her head. "Nothing, but well... I thought if I find the relics of our ancestors I can give the data I gain from them to my friend. She'll get to know so much more about our history and the villagers will finally appreciate her."

"Heh," You chuckle to yourself, shaking your head, "She and I have got a pretty amazing friend."

Sheik blushes hard, turning away.

"But... why didn't she go with you?"

Sheik frowns, her ears drooping slightly, "I wanted her too, but she's not a fighter and she told me...told me..." Sheik trails off, tears building in her eyes as she recalls something.

"Sheik?" You ask, concerned.

"N-nothing," Sheik says, rubbing her eyes, "It's my... pain suddenly."

Whatever her friend had said to her meant more than you can imagine to Sheik, so you won't pry.

Sheik didn't really want to talk more after that, so you helped Ganondorf pack up the camp. Eventually though she was able to ride and the three of you set off. Sheik was miserable, but now there was plenty of people on the road. Various snippets of conversation drifted through the air, plus a few exclamations when they saw Ganondorf's unique appearance. You did notice the number of travelers armed and armoured, men and woman. Monsters, it seemed, were a problem even this close to the capitol.

As you all predicted it was nighttime by the time you reached the stable. It was a massive structure, made of wood and fabric with a large horse head sitting on top of it, colourful streamers dangling from it. Animal pens, smaller tents and small barns surrounded the structure, along with stacks of crates, hay piles, wagons and other signs of life. Travelers huddled around fire pits and cooking pots, while those who lived at the Stable went about their evening chores or headed inside to sleep for the night. Those who lived at stables were said to belong to a culture different from most Hylians, indicated by their unique clothing styles. It was said they once belonged to a culture that venerated horses and has managed to maintain their distinct lifestyle for years. You kinda wanted to know more about them, much like you wanted to know about all cultures that called Hyrule home.

Also sample their food, every cultures delicious food.

Ganondorf offers to pay for the horses and beds, he knew the owner of this stable who had covered for him during Empire inspections and could probably get bunk beds that were actually clean. His only demand: Top bunk, the bottom bunk wouldn't fit him.

You and Sheik agreed, and separated from Ganondorf to head into the tent to secure a place to sit. The inside of the tent was certainly interesting, there were no chairs only pillows. Everyone sat around circular tables that were scattered about the cavernous interior. The center of the room was dominated by a massive firepit, with a cauldron tended to by an old man hanging over it. One wall was divided up into rooms via curtains for privacy, a few hanging open to reveal bunkbeds and open trunks, the other half of the room containing the counter where the owner was happily talking with people.

Finding an empty table you and Sheik sit down onto the cushions, setting your packs down around you.

"This place is oddly homely for being so crowded. Never seen anything quite like this." Sheik observes, looking around, "Do you think I can sneak a few pictures-"

You shake your head, and Sheik frowns looking disappointed.

"Hey, I'm going to go get some food mind watching our stuff?" You ask and Sheik waves a hand.

"Yeah, medicine is wearing off anyways. Hope that soup is light..."

Climbing to your feet you weave your way through the tables over to the center of the room, grabbing a tray and three bowls from a table. The line wasn't too long, so you reached the cauldron and attendant quickly. How it worked if you remember right was what was in the cauldron was pottage, essentially whatever the people staying could toss in all boiled into a soup. It wouldn't be the most amazing tasting thing, but it was food.

The old Hylian looked at you with a beady eye, "Anythin' for the pot?" He asked.

You pull some Hylian herbs from a pouch on your belt, and the man happily accepts it and tosses it in. "Thank you kind sir. Ah, are you with that lass hidin those burns? You have three bowls though."

You glance over to Sheik, who had pulled down her scarf to better breathe in the smokey environment. "Yeah, other traveling companion is purchasing everything, knows the owner."

The old Hylian nods as he fills your bowls, "Ah yes, though... if you have a lass why's she making you do all the food gathering?"

That's an... odd statement. "She's... not feeling well?" You say, not sure how to really answer that, "Uhm... stomach cramps."

The old man's brow creases as he looks over to Sheik, who was watching you with her chin resting in her hand. When she see's you both she raises an eyebrow, to which you can only shrug.

Frowning, the man finishes filling your bowls, "Tch... dangerous..." He mutters as you leave.

Oooookay?

"What was that about?" Sheik asks as you return, setting the bowls on the table and producing a spoon from a pouch as Sheik produces her own.

"No idea," You say as you dig into your food, wolfing it down.

"Ah good you got food!" A voice joyfully exclaims as Ganondorf sits down and grabs his food, producing a spoon.

"Got a room?"

"Mmm, corner one." Ganondorf says, pointing with his thumb.

"So what's the plan for the next few days?" Sheik asks.

"Well, was hoping to see how you two deal with armoured targets. Monsters ain't the biggest threat in these parts." Ganondorf observes, "Maybe get a bit of sparring in, need to stretch these old muscles."

"Shame it's our rest days, was thinking of seeing if anyone wanted to race. Might earn a few Rupees." You say, slurping down the last bits of your pottage.

Sheik leans back, stirring her food with her spoon as she looked upwards, "Be nice to do some target shooting, haven't really got a chance to break in my new bow."

The three of you finish your meals without being disturbed, though not feeling tired you just sit as a few people pull out instruments, ale or cards.

Quiet talk drifts over to you, snatches of conversation about people's lives. No ground shaking news, but it kept you all entertained.

Then you hear it, an argument coming from a nearby table as the old man from before talks with other travelers.

You mostly ignore it until finally he slams his hands down onto the table and stands up, drawing everyone's attention. "I'm tellin ya you shouldn't use her name in vain like that!"

"Oh pipe down, she's been dead for nearly a decade now." His companion says,

"No I agree, saying the Princess be rottin, it ain't right to speak ill of such a sweet young girl." Another adds.

"It wasn't right what happened to her, so let me be cynical in peace."

"No, we should be raisin a glass in her memory!" The third says, and another table adds in a "Hear hear!"

"To the beloved Princess Zelda! May she find peace in the Goddesses arms instead of knowin the sufferin of our sorry lot!"

You glance over to Sheik, whose expression had darkened considerably. Her eyes were fixed on the growing commotion.

"Oh I remember seein her at the castle some ten years ago. As she walked past I swore the flowers bloomed in her wake."

"Ah, if she was here she'd give a right talkin to the governor bout them taxes, if she could talk down that brute of a fish she can convince that lout."

"Oh if only she lived, she'd be such a pretty lass now. As beautiful as a Silent Princess in full bloom."

The old man slammed his ale mug down on the table, before standing up straight, "Won't hear this talk, she is alive, bidin her time for her return!"

You could hear nails digging into the wood of the table,

"Been eight years, what hope is there now?"

"I'm tellin you she's out there, and you know how I know she's alive? We all say it every day, she's blessed by the goddesses, the most blessed of anyone!"

Murmurs of agreement seemed to spread through the crowd, everyone's eyes on the old man.

"Aye, blessed! She'd not be afflicted by the ills that affect us today! Even when her mother fell ill did she even show signs of being afflicted by that miasma? No! She was right as rain, her purity protecting her! Her very presence was a blessed sign in a morally corrupt Hyrule! None of those Sheikah filth's blades could hope to draw the blood of someone so pure! Nay, she must have escaped!" The man rants, before casting a glance towards Sheik who was grinding her teeth, "Ah but when she returns imagine how her heart will weep when she see's how our society has collapsed? That is why she has not returned to us!! Youth running about with such loose morals, woman letting their afflictions corrupt them and their husbands into-"

"Oi! How about an affliction of boot in the face ya old coot!" An armored woman stands up, glaring at the man, "Don't try to shove the Empires beliefs onto the Princess!"

"Only good thing the Empire ever did..." Another old git muttered, prompting one of the younger travelers with him to get up,

"Oh and I'm sure you think them desecrating the temple with their Fierce deity was not sacrilege?!"

"Our old Legends always spoke of a warrior..." The old man mutters, prompting more angry shouts. Soon the entire stable had descended into shouting as they argued on religion and what aspects of society was stopping the return of the pure Zelda from saving Hyrule. You glanced over to Sheik, only to catch her vanishing out the door of the Stable into the night.

"Go after her Link, I'll help the owner calm these morons down." Ganondorf tells you, standing up and making it very clear he loomed over everyone present.

You nod and take off, exiting the din of the Stable into the quiet, clear night.

It didn't take you long to find Sheik, she had wandered over to an oak tree a bit off the main road. She was rubbing her knuckles, having evidently punched the tree shortly before you found her. When she hears you approach she looks up, a glare on her face that softened when she noticed it was you.

"Hey..." You begin, but she waves you off,

"Sorry, I had to leave before I lost my cool," She says, "I'm not going to hit someone like a fool just because they're.... ugh."

"Yeah, that was just.... ridiculous." You say, leaning against the tree.

Sheik lets out a bitter laugh, "Yeah, the wonderful goddess blessed Zelda. What a joke..."

Huh? "What do you mean?"

She shakes her head, "Didn't you hear? The whole Hyrule worships.... her like some savior even when she never did anything. Making flowers bloom, what nonsense."

Sheik kicks the dirt, glaring at it as though it had wronged her, "Everyone expects her to return, to save Hyrule, to be like a goddess when she hasn't done anything great her entire life. Mo- her mother saved Hyrule from plague, not her. What would she even do? It's not like there an evil who destroying will make things go back to the way they are. It's not like she can make taxes go away..."

She folds her arms in front of her, looking more like she was holding herself than crossing her arms, "There are other's so much more deserving of praise and admiration, yet no one cares about them over Zelda..."

She then looks at you, "What do you think of Zelda, Link? You think she's the savior of Hyrule?"

Sheik....

You think pretending to not know who she was had run its course, you need to confront her about it. Especially after... that. But she also seemed to truly want to know what you thought of Zelda, and saying the wrong thing might hurt her.

What do you say?
[] Write-in.
 
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