[X] Inspect the structures being built outside the property.
With not much to do on the ranch currently you start making your way towards its border as the wind began to pick up and greenish-tinged clouds slowly rolled in, the border almost indistinguishable other than one stone marker anyone could mistake. Being mostly grazing land it was relatively flat, with only rolling hills and scattered copses of trees in the distance so you got a decent look at the structures even before you approached. Stone base with odd drains at ground level, with high wood frames filled with tiny interlinking sections of wood, you almost thought they were going to fill it in with the interlacing thin sticks and plaster common of many buildings here yet something seemed off. You weren't a carpenter though and your sole experience was helping put up a house for a handful of Rupees when you were 15.
You did notice a significant amount of crates lying about, though what they could be filled with you had no idea and would need to investigate yourself. Feet crunching against the dead grass you hear Sif happily walk up, joining you for a moment before taking his leave to sit under a now leafless tree, the connection to Irene's well-being made clear with every foot of dead, dry plant life that was only a few days ago a lush green.
Stepping over the almost imperceptible ditch that separated Malon's property from that of her neighbour you slowly jog up towards one of the buildings, taking note of its size. Longer then they were wide, you almost thought they were barracks but as you drew closer something didn't seem quite right. You peer over the stone walls, a rather potent smell hitting you as you take care to not step on any of the tools that were lying about. Work it seemed had moved to another building and you almost feel your heart stop when you hear voices begin to grow louder as two people approach. You duck down behind the wall, ignoring an odd smell reaching you as you listened to see if they started to make their way towards where you were. Being sneaky was an idea but you'd never considered it approaching. For starters, it was pointless, even though you could probably not be caught spending the rest of the day creeping about for what little information you could grab was a waste. Better to go in as if going for a walk and leave when confronted, but not before you get a look in those crates which means waiting a moment for what you realize are two guards walk away on their patrol.
It takes a little bit, the guards mumbling about the wind before their voices begin to recede. But after you were certain they were gone you emerge from your hiding space and finally getting a chance to look inside the building. To your surprise, it appeared they hadn't laid down any flooring. Which well, you don't know how houses are built but you assume proper flooring is done after all the construction is. That doesn't explain though why it appears they've dumped tons of fertilizer onto the ground. You sure weren't a farmer, but were they just building storage barns? Certainly, an excessive amount but maybe they were going into business for fertilizer?
With those thoughts in mind, you make your way between the crates whistling as you glanced at them trying to find one that was open. The workers were unlikely to realize an armed stranger was looking over their equipment at first glance as you'd opted to go out in the clothes you'd worked in, though as soon as people noticed you didn't doubt they'd be nervous. No one carried a sword this fine around in public without being dangerous, and that's before they saw the blades glow.
Thankfully, finding a crate that had been opened proved easy enough and with a quick glance around to see no one was watching you peered inside. Whatever it was you were expecting though nothing proved more confusing then what you saw, stacked carefully and insulated with straw within.
Glass. Plates and plates of glass.
You looked back to the buildings, noting their shapes and finally realizing what they were. Greenhouses, with the drains being some form of irrigation. Rows and rows of greenhouses with the glass to match. Goron's could make and shape glass cheaply but this much. It must cost a fortune! You knew very little about agriculture though you can't help but consider what kind of crop yield all those greenhouses would produce, sheltered from weather and most insects. It'd be an impressive work that'd bring endless prosperity to the community if the Gorman's weren't involved. As it was, you couldn't help but be worried about what the true motive was for all these greenhouses. Zelda would probably know, or at least have an idea what they were planning.
You begin to jog back, satisfied that you'd gotten everything of value-
"Oi! Stop right there!"
You turn, adopting a casual but surprised body language as you see a guard run up to you. He was wearing the uniform of all the militia you'd seen, a simple shirt of chain poking out from underneath it as he glared at you from under his helmet, "This is private property owned by the Gorman's, explain your... self..." The man trails off, his sneer turning into one of nervousness as he sees the master sword upon your back, the faintest glow coming from the tiny gap where the hilt met the scabbard, visible thanks to the rapidly darkening sky.
In fact, it felt oddly warm on your back...
"Oh my deepest apologies, I'm a new hire at the ranch and didn't realize where the property lines were," You say, carefully glancing back to the ranch. You see Sif trot up to a few metres away, teeth bared and snarling at the guard.
The guard to his credit notices immediately, and you laugh, "Oh that's my dog, let him get some exercise but he's really nervous around new people. Let him rest but he seems more active now."
"W-well..." He says, swallowing nervously, "I will have to inform my superiors! Improper marking of boundaries and trespassing are finable offences! Expect to see a response very soon!"
You nod, "I understand, I'll be there to receive it. Have a safe evening sir."
The man flinches, "S-safe? Is that a threat?!"
You raise your hands up in a placating gesture, stepping back towards Sif, "No no sir! It's just that well..."
"Looks like there'll be a storm tonight."
++++
As soon as you were out of sight of the construction you practically sprint back to the Ranch, throwing open the door and nearly colliding with Malon, who was carrying a random assortment of clothes, books, pots and knickknacks. You reach out with one hand to steady her and the other to steady the pile of objects in her hands, practically sandwiching it between the two of yourselves as you draw her closer.
There's no embarrassment in her face though as she quickly states, "It's Tonight! Zelda's using that slate but there's so much-"
"I saw the clouds, here let me-" You say, awkwardly reaching around the farm girl to tap the bracelet on your wrist. The whole pile in Malon's suddenly glows blue and vanishes, making her jump back in surprise. "There, here take this. Just tap and point it at anything you have," You say, taking off the bracelet and handing it to her.
Malon gives you a quick nod before running off, flashes of light following the retreating mane of red hair that disappeared behind a corner.
Only for a blonde mane of hair to practically tackle you as Zelda yelled; "IT'S POLLEN!"
"Wha-?" You say, as two red eyes look up at you, a look of disgust, anger and realization on her face.
"It's right here!" Zelda shouts, waving a scrap of parchment in your face, "Survey of pollinating species, made to register why crop failures were happening. The people acting funny, Gorman's gaining so much control, it all starts with local pollinators dying off! They must have made a deal with some sort of... plant monster! That explains why you saw the Deku Baba and those thorns! Those monsters are probably all congregating thanks to those fools evil dealings!"
"But then why didn't anyone notice? Sure I guess pollen can arrive soon but where is this monster?"
"That I don't know," Zelda mutters, rubbing her chin in thought, "But now we know why Irene had all those symptoms, why she was targetted first. The pollen must have gotten into her system and affected her the strongest of all of us because of her abilities. Thankfully the rain is coming but we know nothing of what their plans are."
"I can maybe help with that," You say, causing the Princess to look back over to you, "Went for a walk just now, turns out the Gorman's are building massive greenhouses all throughout this area."
"Goddesses, there must be dozens of those..." Zelda mutters, "After we get Malon, Romani and Irene to safety we need to come back when things die down a bit to burn down all those greenhouses. Who knows how far whatever this is could spread with such optimal conditions."
"Can we even do that without them immediately knowing we arrived?" You ask, deflecting from the thoughts whirling in your head as Zelda nods.
"We haven't used it, but we are capable of travelling individually to locations we've registered. It won't activate the gate fully so we can be stealthy," She takes that moment to examine your clothes, "Well, I can be stealthy. I don't want to hurt anyone who's brainwashed."
"I don't suppose I can get a similar outfit to what you wear? Be nice to be able to help out in ways that aren't just hitting things," You half-joke, but from the sudden change in Zelda's expression she's considering. Though in the end she just lets out a long sigh.
"No... those outfits are for Sheikah only, and I don't know how you'd prove yourself. Even if you reveal you're well..." She grimaces slightly, as if the thought of you telling her people you're a god was too horrible a thought to bear, "We Sheikah... it would have to take something more then mere friendship and loyalty for us to defy our traditions."
"Then I won't ask you to do it," You say, but you pause when you can see a... conflict in Zelda's expression that quickly disappears as she glances out the window, "Let's make sure Malon can get out of here."
Zelda nods. Face set into an expression of determination as she raises her slate; "Right. Nothing else matters right now."
As Zelda runs off with her slate (Malon having yours) you feel a presence appear beside you, her back pressed up against yours, "How long until you leave us to face it alone?"
"We need to get moving, I can wait till the last minute," You tell Midna, not turning around to face her.
"How do you think they'll react? She said it herself that she does not want any human harmed, do you wish to prevent them from becoming a liability as you fight these Gorman's retaliation?" She asks you.
You shake your head, "No, I just know the last few weeks have been rough. Even on you," Midna stiffens at that, "Better that I face this alone then leave you all with more nightmares."
The pressure vanishes from your back as Midna pushes off you, "Tch, that annoying self-sacrificing. I don't know if that's because you're a god or a hero but you better not become a martyr!"
"Heh, I won't Midna," You say with a small laugh as you see Paya run down the stairs to you, her pure white hair slightly frazzled, "M-master Link! We-we're getting everything ready! I-is there anything we should be doing?"
Hmmm, what should you gather to prep for tonight? You only really have time for one unless you can come up with a detailed plan.
[] Haybales to create a burning blockade.
[] Convince Mipha to create pitfalls.
[] Gather up potentially weaponizable farm-equipment.
[] Write-in
GM NOTE: The reasons this is late has absolutely nothing to do with Iceborne coming out. At all. No way.