2.18
[X] See the Elders for the important meeting.
"So, who are the warriors in the village?" You ask Zelda as the two of you make your way through the village.
"Well, there's Impa, who you met. She's the leader. Brokka, she's only part Sheikah like me so she often pretends to be a Hylian when leaving the village. She's also rather obsessed with gems and Rupees so don't mention the size of our wallet," Zelda explains, "There's Akko, who's our resident novice battle mage. She's also only part Sheikah. Cado, who's often guarding the elders. He's.... a cucco farmer."
"...Why did you put so much emphasis on-"
'AND FINALLY!" Zelda cuts you off, "There's Dorian. He lost his wife, so he's caught between his duties and raising his two young daughters. Koko and Cottla are in my class, so you'll get to meet them soon enough!"
"Can't wait..." You reply, half-distracted as you glance around the village. It was like no village you had seen before, the architecture distinct and the people wearing clothing of unique styles. If you didn't know any better you'd have assumed you had left Hyrule completely.
Yet there was something... off about the village, and it took you a second for it to click in what that was. Most of the villagers were either elderly or very young children. You also don't see many people remotely close to the appropriate age that they could be those children's parents. You feel sick as you consider the disturbing implications of this bizarre population dynamic but something does manage to distract you from it.
The fact everyone was bowing to Zelda as you walked past. Even the elderly were straining themselves to bow as the Princess walked past, whispers following you.
"The Princess returns!"
"Her Majesty!"
"Why is she wearing such filthy clothes?"
"Who is that boy she's with?"
"He sure looks like he knows how to use a bow~"
"...wait wha-"
"Zelly's back!"
"Why is the Princess so familiar with him? You don't think-!?"
"No, her majesty would never!"
"Quite an interesting reaction..." You mutter to Zelda, whose expression had fallen considerably.
"I'm sorry... they're wonderful people but-"
"Mipha's going to make a killing if she charges for back pain healing," You muse, and Zelda makes a rather undignified snort, covering her mouth.
"Pffft, goddess that's horrible Link!" She manages to say while stifling her laughter.
Now in much better spirits, the two of you eventually reach the building Zelda says is where the elders say. You think it's some sort of temple, but you aren't sure. It was at the top of an outcropping of rock, with a set of stairs leading up to it. In front of the stairs was two guards, older men in outfits similar to the other residents though modified with some protection on the arms and at their waists were small single edged blades. They obviously weren't going for threatening, but they were armed if they needed to fight. You heavily suspected that there were actual weapons and armour stashed nearby in the case of real danger.
The two guards immediately get down on one knee, heads lowered at the sight of the Princess. You assume they're Cado and Dorian. You could easily tell which was which as Cado smelled distinctly of Cucco's and Dorian had bags under his eyes.
"Your majesty, the elders are already waiting for you and your companion, go right ahead," Dorian tells her, and the Princess thanks the guard before heading up the stairs with you following behind her.
Upon actually reaching the temple grounds you notice a path leading off to a waterfall where a small pool of water with a statue of the Goddess Hylia sitting in it was located. Zelda, however, doesn't lead you to it, instead taking you into the main building, and you actually raise your eyebrow when you notice the doors seemed to be sliding panels made of wood and rice paper.
You enter what seems to be a large hall, that for some reason lacks chairs instead being filled with cushions. The elders were at the end of the hall, seven ancient Sheikah dressed in elaborate religious robes and headdresses. Sheikah symbols adorned their bodies, and you could feel a thrum of power coming off them even at this distance.
The elders regard the two of you as you both step in, and the head elder from her more elaborate dress speaks up, "A Princess of the ancient bloodline, and her loyal champion in green. You both truly are the very picture prophecy speaks of."
"Wha- I mean greetings Elders," Zelda quickly bows before snapping upright, crossing the distance to stand in front of the elders, "What do you mean prophecy?"
"Your majesty, you are aware of how you are referred as being blessed by the goddesses?" Another Elder asks, to which Zelda nods.
"Y-yes, that thing about how I am to save Hyrule?"
The head Elder nods, "I see you have heard of the beliefs that have spread throughout Hyrule. Inadvertently helped spread by the empire. In truth, it is simply part of a much larger destiny."
"Dear Zelda, your sacred duty has always weighed so heavily on you that we kept its true scope from you, " Another elder adds, "Yet it seems we have held you back, for your risky flight has led you straight to your champion!"
"H-hold on... just hold on a second," Zelda asks, clearly overwhelmed by everything the elders had said, holding up a hand to stop them, "You're dumping a lot on me the moment I stepped through the door. Please, elders, could you start at the beginning?"
"Apologies your majesty, the excitement of seeing prophecy fulfilled has made us overeager."
"That's... that's alright," Zelda says, "Just, what prophecy are you talking about?"
The prophecy of how Hyrule averts Calamity, of course. One as old as our ancient land," The head elder explains, "Whenever evil rises, it is said, a Princess blessed by the Goddesses and a great champion shall rise to save the land and bring about an age of peace and prosperity."
Zelda nods, "Yes, I know that. Scholars theorize that such figures are usually members of the royal line and the leader of their knights, made into holy figures for their great deeds-"
"Ohoho, dear Princess Zelda, still relying on your books!" The head elder chuckles, "No my dear, the Princess and Champion are holy figures, signified by the royal mark, and in the champion's case a garb of green."
You look down at your clothes, the one Zelda had given you, "Uh... this?" You ask, pulling on your tunic, "My other clothes are dirty."
Zelda if anything seemed more confused, "Elders, with all due respect I bought those clothes for Link. They're... um... were a gift for him."
"Your destiny clearly lead to you picking them! Ah, you see Princess, your precognitive powers are growing, just like the Princesses of old!" An Elder chimed in.
"No elders, I... I think there's some mistaken identity. Link's my friend," Zelda replies, shaking her head, "Look here, it's just a tunic I bought-" She grabs your tunic and pulls you forward, and you reflexively (though lightly) grab her hand.
Neither of you expected the warm glow that would come from your hands, and you both leap back from each other in surprise. The glow does not vanish though, instead, it seems to coalesce until a shape was visible on your hand. That symbol, the one that looked so much like the royal symbol of Hyrule that appeared occasionally, that only had one part truly illuminated. You look over to Zelda, and sure enough, she had one as well on her right hand. Except a different part of the symbol was glowing.
You were both speechless, looking between the symbols on your hands, trying to make sense of what was happening.
"Do you see now, young Princess? You and the champion are linked by the gods themselves, those symbols make it as clear as day," The head elder tells you, hope blossoming in her eyes.
"It was destiny that led you to him!" Another Elder adds in.
Zelda's expression though was inscrutable, as she set her jaw and turned to the elders, her hand falling to her side as the symbol slowly vanished, "What.... what does this mean?"
"It means you have a great task ahead of both of you! One began by your mother, before she was so cruelly taken from us," The head elder has a momentary expression of intense grief, before she composes herself, "You must find the six holy maidens, and bring them to a most sacred Nexus. They are individuals of exceptional holy power, just like the sages your mother surrounded herself with, perhaps even greater. You will know them by their connection to you, and the greatness they can spark from even the most minor of actions. Only when they are safe, can you begin healing our home. To free it from those who wish to exploit it, and finally banish the blood moon and its monster spawn from our lands!"
The elder than looks at you, and you feel yourself stiffen under her gaze, "As champion, Link, you are their sword and shield. Defend them from those who would prey on them, and be their blade when the time calls for action!"
You nod, you wouldn't let someone hurt innocents anyways, but the elder continues, "But first, you must activate the Sheikah Gate, located just outside the village. It will take you to a very special place, located deep in the Hebra mountains. Our ancestors called it "The Nexus" and it is no doubt a truly sacred place. It will serve as a sanctuary for the maidens, protect them from the evil that has infested Hyrule."
Zelda steps forward, and you see her hand clench slightly, "Wait, that structure is a portal? But you told Paya and I that it was only to safeguard the Sheikah Slate."
The elders bow their heads, looking apologetic, "Forgive us, your highness, but we did it to protect you. No doubt there are many dangers and trials in the Nexus, and the gate will only respond to the presence of the Champion. We feared if you explored it, you would have undoubtedly come to serious harm."
Zelda steps back, hand unclenching.
"Where exactly would we even begin to look for these maidens?" You ask, stepping forward, "It'd take years to search every individual in Hyrule."
The elder nods, "Yes, such a thing would be impossible even for those chosen by the gods. You will need to travel to the Temple of Time after you activate the Nexus, located on the Great Plateau and speak to the Guardian who resides there. They will set you on the right path."
"Are... Are we to leave immediately?" Zelda asks, but the elder only shakes her head.
"No, dear child, the two of you are barely standing as it is. You must rest, regain your strength and only when you are certain you are ready to venture forth."
Zelda nods, and bows, "Understood Elder. I.... I think I shall go pray at the statue of the goddess."
The elders nod in understanding, and Zelda takes that moment to turn and walk towards the exit. You make a motion to follow her, but the elder calls to you, "Wait, champion."
You turn around, respectfully standing at attention as your father had taught you.
"We knew your father, young Link," The head elder tells you, and you start a bit, "Called the werewolf for his ferocity in battle and the wolf symbol of your household. Wolves were once considered sacred beasts in the province of Ordona, believed to be loyal protectors of the Royal Family, defending them from any evil that would harm them. Be not just her majesty's champion, but that same loyal protector who is the symbol of your house. Show the courage and ferocity of those sacred beasts, as you take up this ancient forgotten role!"
"I will, honoured elders," You tell them, your words carrying the full weight of your conviction.
True to her word, you find Zelda by the goddess statue but she was doing anything but praying. She was leaning against the rock outcropping with her arms crossed, watching the waterfall and very clearly waiting for you.
"Soooo..." You begin to say, getting her attention. She turns to you, her expression still unreadable, which makes you pause.
When you don't respond for several seconds she lets out a long, drawn out sigh, "Sorry... and sorry for dragging you into this."
"You didn't drag me into anything Zelda," You tell her, "How're you holding up?"
She looks back to the goddess statue, "I... thought it would get to me but... I don't know. I guess I must still processing everything..."
"We'd do it anyway. A chance to end the blood moon? We don't need to be special to throw everything into that."
She smiles a bit at that, "Yeah... but, to think that we'd be this."
"Just means we're watching each other's backs like we always have."
She shakes her head, "No... no, it's more than that."
"Well... " You begin, trying to formulate a response, "I guess it's also the maidens. Do you-?"
"Mipha. It's obvious when you think about it."
You pause, considering... Yeah... yeah if there was anyone who fit the elder's description it'd probably be Mipha.
"Well hey, one of six down before we even get started! This should be a snap."
Zelda shakes her head, "No... no there's... there's something missing...."
"What do you mean?"
Zelda lets out a stream of air, shaking her head, "Forget it, the elders know so much more than us. I should... just defer to them..."
"Zelda?" You ask, concerned.
Zelda looks back towards the statue, folding her arms over her chest again, "Nothing, I was just... reminded of another time I was here."
Now you're just curious. "What happened?"
She waves a hand dismissively, "I was fourteen, and I... started to have odd thoughts towards.... well someone. Nothing I could repeat. They... scared me, honestly."
Oh?
"Naturally, I went to the elders and explained them. They told me that these thoughts weren't appropriate for a princess and that I must have been slipping back into that... violent state I was at before."
She looks back at the water with half-lidded eyes, lost in the memory, "So... I was made to pray here. Pray until I could control those thoughts. I passed out here, terrified of myself and unsure of what to do. The elders did carry me back inside, but I... I tried to control them from now on. The books helped, and... I went on without... slipping."
She lowers her head, and mutters something you only barely catch, "Paya still doesn't know why I avoided her for the next month..."
Your brow furrows as you consider what she told you, and then something clicks.
A SPEECH WOULD BE A VERY BAD IDEA.
[] Write-in.
GM Advice: Seriously though, trying a speech right now would be stupid.
"So, who are the warriors in the village?" You ask Zelda as the two of you make your way through the village.
"Well, there's Impa, who you met. She's the leader. Brokka, she's only part Sheikah like me so she often pretends to be a Hylian when leaving the village. She's also rather obsessed with gems and Rupees so don't mention the size of our wallet," Zelda explains, "There's Akko, who's our resident novice battle mage. She's also only part Sheikah. Cado, who's often guarding the elders. He's.... a cucco farmer."
"...Why did you put so much emphasis on-"
'AND FINALLY!" Zelda cuts you off, "There's Dorian. He lost his wife, so he's caught between his duties and raising his two young daughters. Koko and Cottla are in my class, so you'll get to meet them soon enough!"
"Can't wait..." You reply, half-distracted as you glance around the village. It was like no village you had seen before, the architecture distinct and the people wearing clothing of unique styles. If you didn't know any better you'd have assumed you had left Hyrule completely.
Yet there was something... off about the village, and it took you a second for it to click in what that was. Most of the villagers were either elderly or very young children. You also don't see many people remotely close to the appropriate age that they could be those children's parents. You feel sick as you consider the disturbing implications of this bizarre population dynamic but something does manage to distract you from it.
The fact everyone was bowing to Zelda as you walked past. Even the elderly were straining themselves to bow as the Princess walked past, whispers following you.
"The Princess returns!"
"Her Majesty!"
"Why is she wearing such filthy clothes?"
"Who is that boy she's with?"
"He sure looks like he knows how to use a bow~"
"...wait wha-"
"Zelly's back!"
"Why is the Princess so familiar with him? You don't think-!?"
"No, her majesty would never!"
"Quite an interesting reaction..." You mutter to Zelda, whose expression had fallen considerably.
"I'm sorry... they're wonderful people but-"
"Mipha's going to make a killing if she charges for back pain healing," You muse, and Zelda makes a rather undignified snort, covering her mouth.
"Pffft, goddess that's horrible Link!" She manages to say while stifling her laughter.
Now in much better spirits, the two of you eventually reach the building Zelda says is where the elders say. You think it's some sort of temple, but you aren't sure. It was at the top of an outcropping of rock, with a set of stairs leading up to it. In front of the stairs was two guards, older men in outfits similar to the other residents though modified with some protection on the arms and at their waists were small single edged blades. They obviously weren't going for threatening, but they were armed if they needed to fight. You heavily suspected that there were actual weapons and armour stashed nearby in the case of real danger.
The two guards immediately get down on one knee, heads lowered at the sight of the Princess. You assume they're Cado and Dorian. You could easily tell which was which as Cado smelled distinctly of Cucco's and Dorian had bags under his eyes.
"Your majesty, the elders are already waiting for you and your companion, go right ahead," Dorian tells her, and the Princess thanks the guard before heading up the stairs with you following behind her.
Upon actually reaching the temple grounds you notice a path leading off to a waterfall where a small pool of water with a statue of the Goddess Hylia sitting in it was located. Zelda, however, doesn't lead you to it, instead taking you into the main building, and you actually raise your eyebrow when you notice the doors seemed to be sliding panels made of wood and rice paper.
You enter what seems to be a large hall, that for some reason lacks chairs instead being filled with cushions. The elders were at the end of the hall, seven ancient Sheikah dressed in elaborate religious robes and headdresses. Sheikah symbols adorned their bodies, and you could feel a thrum of power coming off them even at this distance.
The elders regard the two of you as you both step in, and the head elder from her more elaborate dress speaks up, "A Princess of the ancient bloodline, and her loyal champion in green. You both truly are the very picture prophecy speaks of."
"Wha- I mean greetings Elders," Zelda quickly bows before snapping upright, crossing the distance to stand in front of the elders, "What do you mean prophecy?"
"Your majesty, you are aware of how you are referred as being blessed by the goddesses?" Another Elder asks, to which Zelda nods.
"Y-yes, that thing about how I am to save Hyrule?"
The head Elder nods, "I see you have heard of the beliefs that have spread throughout Hyrule. Inadvertently helped spread by the empire. In truth, it is simply part of a much larger destiny."
"Dear Zelda, your sacred duty has always weighed so heavily on you that we kept its true scope from you, " Another elder adds, "Yet it seems we have held you back, for your risky flight has led you straight to your champion!"
"H-hold on... just hold on a second," Zelda asks, clearly overwhelmed by everything the elders had said, holding up a hand to stop them, "You're dumping a lot on me the moment I stepped through the door. Please, elders, could you start at the beginning?"
"Apologies your majesty, the excitement of seeing prophecy fulfilled has made us overeager."
"That's... that's alright," Zelda says, "Just, what prophecy are you talking about?"
The prophecy of how Hyrule averts Calamity, of course. One as old as our ancient land," The head elder explains, "Whenever evil rises, it is said, a Princess blessed by the Goddesses and a great champion shall rise to save the land and bring about an age of peace and prosperity."
Zelda nods, "Yes, I know that. Scholars theorize that such figures are usually members of the royal line and the leader of their knights, made into holy figures for their great deeds-"
"Ohoho, dear Princess Zelda, still relying on your books!" The head elder chuckles, "No my dear, the Princess and Champion are holy figures, signified by the royal mark, and in the champion's case a garb of green."
You look down at your clothes, the one Zelda had given you, "Uh... this?" You ask, pulling on your tunic, "My other clothes are dirty."
Zelda if anything seemed more confused, "Elders, with all due respect I bought those clothes for Link. They're... um... were a gift for him."
"Your destiny clearly lead to you picking them! Ah, you see Princess, your precognitive powers are growing, just like the Princesses of old!" An Elder chimed in.
"No elders, I... I think there's some mistaken identity. Link's my friend," Zelda replies, shaking her head, "Look here, it's just a tunic I bought-" She grabs your tunic and pulls you forward, and you reflexively (though lightly) grab her hand.
Neither of you expected the warm glow that would come from your hands, and you both leap back from each other in surprise. The glow does not vanish though, instead, it seems to coalesce until a shape was visible on your hand. That symbol, the one that looked so much like the royal symbol of Hyrule that appeared occasionally, that only had one part truly illuminated. You look over to Zelda, and sure enough, she had one as well on her right hand. Except a different part of the symbol was glowing.
You were both speechless, looking between the symbols on your hands, trying to make sense of what was happening.
"Do you see now, young Princess? You and the champion are linked by the gods themselves, those symbols make it as clear as day," The head elder tells you, hope blossoming in her eyes.
"It was destiny that led you to him!" Another Elder adds in.
Zelda's expression though was inscrutable, as she set her jaw and turned to the elders, her hand falling to her side as the symbol slowly vanished, "What.... what does this mean?"
"It means you have a great task ahead of both of you! One began by your mother, before she was so cruelly taken from us," The head elder has a momentary expression of intense grief, before she composes herself, "You must find the six holy maidens, and bring them to a most sacred Nexus. They are individuals of exceptional holy power, just like the sages your mother surrounded herself with, perhaps even greater. You will know them by their connection to you, and the greatness they can spark from even the most minor of actions. Only when they are safe, can you begin healing our home. To free it from those who wish to exploit it, and finally banish the blood moon and its monster spawn from our lands!"
The elder than looks at you, and you feel yourself stiffen under her gaze, "As champion, Link, you are their sword and shield. Defend them from those who would prey on them, and be their blade when the time calls for action!"
You nod, you wouldn't let someone hurt innocents anyways, but the elder continues, "But first, you must activate the Sheikah Gate, located just outside the village. It will take you to a very special place, located deep in the Hebra mountains. Our ancestors called it "The Nexus" and it is no doubt a truly sacred place. It will serve as a sanctuary for the maidens, protect them from the evil that has infested Hyrule."
Zelda steps forward, and you see her hand clench slightly, "Wait, that structure is a portal? But you told Paya and I that it was only to safeguard the Sheikah Slate."
The elders bow their heads, looking apologetic, "Forgive us, your highness, but we did it to protect you. No doubt there are many dangers and trials in the Nexus, and the gate will only respond to the presence of the Champion. We feared if you explored it, you would have undoubtedly come to serious harm."
Zelda steps back, hand unclenching.
"Where exactly would we even begin to look for these maidens?" You ask, stepping forward, "It'd take years to search every individual in Hyrule."
The elder nods, "Yes, such a thing would be impossible even for those chosen by the gods. You will need to travel to the Temple of Time after you activate the Nexus, located on the Great Plateau and speak to the Guardian who resides there. They will set you on the right path."
"Are... Are we to leave immediately?" Zelda asks, but the elder only shakes her head.
"No, dear child, the two of you are barely standing as it is. You must rest, regain your strength and only when you are certain you are ready to venture forth."
Zelda nods, and bows, "Understood Elder. I.... I think I shall go pray at the statue of the goddess."
The elders nod in understanding, and Zelda takes that moment to turn and walk towards the exit. You make a motion to follow her, but the elder calls to you, "Wait, champion."
You turn around, respectfully standing at attention as your father had taught you.
"We knew your father, young Link," The head elder tells you, and you start a bit, "Called the werewolf for his ferocity in battle and the wolf symbol of your household. Wolves were once considered sacred beasts in the province of Ordona, believed to be loyal protectors of the Royal Family, defending them from any evil that would harm them. Be not just her majesty's champion, but that same loyal protector who is the symbol of your house. Show the courage and ferocity of those sacred beasts, as you take up this ancient forgotten role!"
"I will, honoured elders," You tell them, your words carrying the full weight of your conviction.
++++
True to her word, you find Zelda by the goddess statue but she was doing anything but praying. She was leaning against the rock outcropping with her arms crossed, watching the waterfall and very clearly waiting for you.
"Soooo..." You begin to say, getting her attention. She turns to you, her expression still unreadable, which makes you pause.
When you don't respond for several seconds she lets out a long, drawn out sigh, "Sorry... and sorry for dragging you into this."
"You didn't drag me into anything Zelda," You tell her, "How're you holding up?"
She looks back to the goddess statue, "I... thought it would get to me but... I don't know. I guess I must still processing everything..."
"We'd do it anyway. A chance to end the blood moon? We don't need to be special to throw everything into that."
She smiles a bit at that, "Yeah... but, to think that we'd be this."
"Just means we're watching each other's backs like we always have."
She shakes her head, "No... no, it's more than that."
"Well... " You begin, trying to formulate a response, "I guess it's also the maidens. Do you-?"
"Mipha. It's obvious when you think about it."
You pause, considering... Yeah... yeah if there was anyone who fit the elder's description it'd probably be Mipha.
"Well hey, one of six down before we even get started! This should be a snap."
Zelda shakes her head, "No... no there's... there's something missing...."
"What do you mean?"
Zelda lets out a stream of air, shaking her head, "Forget it, the elders know so much more than us. I should... just defer to them..."
"Zelda?" You ask, concerned.
Zelda looks back towards the statue, folding her arms over her chest again, "Nothing, I was just... reminded of another time I was here."
Now you're just curious. "What happened?"
She waves a hand dismissively, "I was fourteen, and I... started to have odd thoughts towards.... well someone. Nothing I could repeat. They... scared me, honestly."
Oh?
"Naturally, I went to the elders and explained them. They told me that these thoughts weren't appropriate for a princess and that I must have been slipping back into that... violent state I was at before."
She looks back at the water with half-lidded eyes, lost in the memory, "So... I was made to pray here. Pray until I could control those thoughts. I passed out here, terrified of myself and unsure of what to do. The elders did carry me back inside, but I... I tried to control them from now on. The books helped, and... I went on without... slipping."
She lowers her head, and mutters something you only barely catch, "Paya still doesn't know why I avoided her for the next month..."
Oh.
A SPEECH WOULD BE A VERY BAD IDEA.
[] Write-in.
GM Advice: Seriously though, trying a speech right now would be stupid.
