Live Your Own Story in Hyrule

Twinrova grabbed her sash and gave it a good snap to get rid of the shadow beasts. As they all whirled, fumbled and fell, she aimed her fire wand down at them to give them a good torching. Yet, before she could complete that, she came face to face with another one.

No sooner than they lock on to one another, another mass of them rises up and covers her, dragging her down to the deck of the boat.

Admittedly, she wasn't expecting that and it reflects as much in her reaction as she shouts bloody murder at being overcome by these terrible beasts.

Wolf Link joins in on the fun and helps out the shadow beasts in their assault, savoring in either the sweet taste of revenge or the old witch.

Irina watches Link join without hesitation but she's clearly not feeling the same way. It's, in a way, similar to the Molduga incident.

But she does trust Link, so after some moments of doubt, she joins the battle against the witch.

Red can't believe that worked! But now they've still got this beast in their talons. "We should probably take this guy out..." He just didn't want to be the one to have to look at it first. "Throw it down and then fire arrows into it?" That was the best idea he could come up with in the moment. "Yeah, uh, let's do that before things get worse here. There's always a worse." He pepped to release the shadow beast and once he and Blue were in sync, he'd send it careening down to the deck with a gale.

"I don't know. I think we could let it simmer for a while longer. He's having fun over there," Revali nods his head in the direction of Wolf Link. "But, I don't think we really have that kind of time. So, let's get this over with!" Matching the movements of Red, he too, uses his gale to increase the impact of the shadow beast striking the deck. "I haven't used any bomb arrows, yet. Far as everyone _else_ is concerned, that's as bad as things can possibly get. No matter how helpful it actually was!"

The shadow beast is sent down to the deck completely stunned by the wind that pushed it. With their concerted efforts, the creature was quickly dispatched and with it, the last blue flame rose from its form and took its place upon the forehead of the skeleton guide. And, perhaps, not a moment to lose. The ship was on the final leg of its journey and nothing but a wall stood between them and the river.

With all three flames in place, they jump from the skeleton and land against the wall. Slowly, the symbol of the shadow medallion etches itself onto the stonework and flashes, removing the obstruction before them and allowing the ferry to continue further and deeper into the cavern.

The ferry continues its slow swaying, meeting an incline that stalls the vessel briefly. Shifting forward, it tips past the edge and descends into a tunnel, its speed increasing rapidly.

It wasn't enough to just watch the witch be swarmed, it was clear this was some form of divine punishment and Mipha fully intended on being a messenger, if only for the small time they were allotted for it. Seeing Link excitedly basking in the moment filled her with joy, expressed courtesy of her trident. Channeling water into her weapon, she raises a large, dense, globe of water and casts it down atop the pile of shadow beasts with the full intent of ensuring the hag caught in the middle suffered for it.

She'd heard what happened to his wounds and was none too pleased at the outcome.

Twinrova was covered from head to feet in shadow beasts and couldn't tell anything apart. All she could see and feel were claws, talons, and fists against her body. They truly behaved, in every way, like a swarm. She could only capture the occasional glimpse of the temple between the movement of the beasts and occasionally, the deck itself.

The ferry was still moving, that much she could tell, but she couldn't determine if that last beast had been dealt with yet. If it wasn't, she might very well have to deal with it herself. Yet, she could do nothing about that until these creatures were dealt with. Just as she began to reorient herself, she was submereged in water. If that was supposed to help, it certainly did her no favors!

She began to choke on the water and needed to clear out of it quickly. Wresting her arm free of these miserable fiends, she extended a hand out and flash froze the water, sealing herself and the creatures surrounding her in a dome of ice made up of their collective bodies. Just as quickly, steam spilled out from any openings before the whole form bursts, instantly washing the area with stinging heat and thick humidity.

And the stinging heat doesn't only make the beasts burst, it also forces Irina to jump away. She pants, almost as if the heat had taken her breath away, trying not to fall off the ferry during its quick descent.

Wolf Link is caught mid-gnaw, his teeth firmly implanted into the flesh of the witch as he is frozen. Just as soon as the cold overwhelms him, he feels the thaw of the heat blast that eventually cooks him alive. He yelps, jumping from beast to beast to stay on the boat, as the hot water steam cleans the shadow monsters into the abyss.

Now on the boat, Red still wasn't used to standing on this thing. Good news was that the third beast was down and the flame had been lit! He didn't...actually know what it was going to do, but he trusted Mipha's report and hoped something good would happen.

As it turns out, something good did happen! The wall vanishedand...and...there was a really, very long tunnel ahead of them. The tilt of the boat sent his heart into the pit of his stomach and he braced himself for the ride ahead. "I told you there's always worse!" He called out as the boat began its descent. The burst of hot steam caused him to hiss. "Hothothot!" He looked back to see what the cause of it was. "Much worse!"

Revali busied himself looking at the beatdown the witch was currently taking. If he had a snack, he'd be eating it right now, but alas, the sweet taste of watching her get her just desserts was satisfying! As it goes, all good things must come to an end. That burst of steam was temporary, but hot enough to steam buns, almost literally.

"Of course, there's always worse! We should always expect that!" He calls back to Red, but he registered the problems in reverse. Twinrova was worse, this tunnel was worse...er. "Okay, I...wasn't expecting this, but my point still stands!" He felt the same feeling with the tilt and slide. "Where is this thing taking us!?"

That ought to be a sufficient lesson! That would serve for all the prisoners and Mipha's companions on this journey. She's still aching at the thought of not being able to treat all of them and with the battle here, she hasn't had time to help others recover. She'd be taken out of her thoughts when the final seal breaker shadow beast had been put out of commission.

"So, it was true!" She felt relief, watching the flames take down the barrier between them and their goal. "We must be close now..." She thought to herself aloud. They were drawing close to the sage of shadow. She wasn't certain of what to expect since the prisoners described her condition. She was one of these creatures...

A sudden chill fell upon the air and it was followed by an intense burst of hot water. Mipha yelped, being particularly sensitive to that change in temperature. It was so hot, some of her scales were discolored by it, several reds looking noticably paler. Oh dear...she supposes the punishment has now been fulfilled. She can only hope their efforts were seen as 'incidental'.

The stern of the ship goes upright and for a few moments, she thinks the ferry itself is about to go down. The banter between the Revali duo brought up a legitimate questions. Where is this boat taking them?

It took a while for Irina to regain her breath, just as long as it took for the air around her to regain its normal temperature. She kept her eyes on the witch, not knowing if she was going to retaliate immediately -- or that was her retaliation.

Revali had asked the right question and she looked in the direction the ferry was heading. "Close..." Irina repeated Mipha's words. "Close to what?"

"I can't think of anyplace else this ferry would go but to where the prisoners said it would. At the end of this, we will likely be finding the sage of shadow. They made it very clear that she would not be herself." Mipha described to irina. "I am worried about who we are going to face."

"Tell you what, I'll think of a surprise and it'll be on the house." Fallon replies to Saria, jotting down 'surprise' and circling it. "Okay, that ought to take care of things and--" her head lowers to see her little one at the table. "Play? That is what you are offering after they have just arrived?" She smiles, giving way to the table so they can all take off. "Of course, they wouldn't say no to that offer."

She chuckles and clears the milk and water cups while she determines what would be good for them to eat. "Make sure you stay close by!!" She called out to them, ensuring her voice could be heard through and beyond the door.

"Okay, now what to feed to them... Perhaps some cuccoo tenders. I think that'll be good. Side of greenery and that ought to cover it."

That in mind, she quickly heads to the kitchen to drop off the glasses and put the order in. She then hustles towards the exit so she could watch them and wait for the order to finish.

"Okay Mommy!" Naomi says as she follows the other two, her brain immediately filing the instruction under 'Things that have been responded to and thus require no further thought'.

Out in the field, Naomi spreads her arms to the others. "So what should we play? How abouuuuuuuut" (points at Aio) "you're the heroic knight," (points at Saria) "you're the pretty princess," (points at self) "and I'M the ferocious dragon?" >:) Naomi raises her hands high like claws and stomps dramatically toward Saria. "IIIIII'M GOING TO EEEEAAAT YOOOOUUUUU!" >:O

Aio stares at Naomi blankly. He clearly didn't understand her. He wonders why this girl is threatening the other girl.

As he doesn't quite understand the rules of the game, he does the same and chases after Saria, holding his hands up like a dragon as well. He calls out "Raaawr!" and something unintelligible in his language.

Saria lets out a scream as both come after her and laughs, running. She looks at Aio and points at Naomi without stopping. "Attack HER, not me! We are the good guys! Dragon! Dragon! " She repeats, hoping to teach Aio a new word.

Aio begins chasing after Naomi, too, and calls her by what he thinks is probably her name, "Dragon! Dragon!"

Fallon opens the door and is immediately met with screaming and shouts of a dragon. She hurries outside, checking the sky and surroundings to see if one had suddenly popped up. Thankfully, there was no such creature and further processing allowed her to realize they were just playing out here. Of course, that's what they intended to do in the first place, but flashbacks of moldugas and spiders said otherwise. Briefly, anyway.

So, she heads back towards the walls of the inn and leans against them, watching them play and enjoy life for the time being. A refreshing change of scenery to what she knows lies beyond.

Naomi blinks at the swift derailment of her CAREFULLY CRAFTED FANTASY WORLD. o.O; At least Saria seems to get the idea and is trying to explain it to Aio -- but it looks like he still thinks _he's_ a dragon. Okay, well, maybe he can be a knight AND a dragon! Like some kind of...dragon man!

<https://i.redd.it/xcbi8yj0nhv81.jpg>

"Ummm...OHNOES IT IS THE DRAGONBORN! BUT YOU WILL NEVER DEFEAT ME UNLESS YOU FIND THE, ummm, MAGICAL HELMET OF RAINBOW FLAMES! IT IS IN, ummmmmmmmmm...aaaaaa SECRET PLACE THAT--THAT ONLY THE ROYAL FAMILY KNOWS ABOUT!" Yeah, Naomi is totally engaging in AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION and not dumping her DM responsibilities on Saria. n.n

Those were a lot of words and Aio understood none of them! He continues to chase Dragon and shouts her name. He giggles with excitement as the air and sun and open space combine to create a volatile reaction of fun.

As the screams of the children echo through the field outside of the Wolfos, a tall imposing Gerudo woman cuts the horizon perpendicularly. She holds a spear and walks in a relaxed pace but with a serious expression. The expression softens when she sees the children playing, particularly the boy.

She stops and observes them by the stables outside of the inn.

Saria laughs and nods, pointing at Noemi! "Yes! Catch the dragon!"

Seeing Risa arrive, Saria hmms, touching her chin with a finger. She approaches Risa and Fallon and brings her hands to her back. "Excuse me, I have a question."

"As you know, Aio is living in the Kokiri Forest now. Do you know of any grown-ups that may help us build a treehouse for him?"

Risa crouches down to become eye-level with the forest child. She rests her elbow on her knee and says, "A treehouse?" She thinks, and says, "Sweetie, I am from the desert. I don't know much about trees. But I will find someone who can help."

Fallon laughed to herself. Of all the things Naomi could've been, a dragon...born was not one she expected. Yet, she could appreciate her imagination. Those bedtime stories must've sounded far more spectacular to her than she'd thought.

Spotting movement in the distance, she looked towards it and found it was a friendly face upon closer inspection. She smiled as Risa approached, acknowledging her presence with a nod.

With Saria now approaching, she then pondered her question, "You need help with one, hm? Well, I'm not much of a builder, but I can assist in whatever way I can. I'll have to ask my husband if he has any suggestions or ideas. All else fails, I could just read about trees and houses and then attempt to replicate it."

Saria grins, her hands on her back while she listens to them. "You are big and strong women, so I knew you could help! Thank you." With this, she goes back to playing with her friends.

GUUUHHHH!!! &gt;_&lt;; Being a DM is so FRUSTRATING! You put in all this work to give the players an intricate world to interact with, and they just want to be MURDER HOBOS that solve every problem by charging at it swords waving! "Okay, fine! TAG, YOU'RE IT!" Naomi shouts to Aio. Then she turns and dashes away.

_-OOC- QUIET 9s, A 10 IS SPEAKING._

*The Evil King is surveying his dark kingdom from some precipice, watching the creatures and monsters he cultivated scuffle among themselves.*

"Boring."

*He is impatiently waiting for Edu, who he summoned at his whim and no care for whatever the Twili might have been involved with.*

Edu had received a summons from his supreme overlord, whom he so desires to please. Riding on top of a guardian, he quietly sits until the guardian arrives at his master’s throne, in which the guardian leans forward to allow Edu to slide off, landing on his feet only to kneel on one knee in front of him, bowing his head.

“Lord Ganondorf… I have come, just as you asked!”

The spider whispers while the grown folks start talking, "A spider's name cannot be enunciated by your species' tongue. But you may call me Belinda." She hides back into the shadows.

"That is a pleasant name." Artifa whispers back, also deciding to just tuck herself away someplace nice and unquiet. She gets the distinct feeling there's no real peace to be found down here, so a nearby boulder will just have to do.

*A grunt is all Edu is graced with, as Ganondorf continues to stare over the Depths before he finally glances over his shoulder.*

"You did well draining that overgrown puddle."

*The waters of Lake Hylia are now a raging, roaring river; seeking to carve a bed for itself or an exit. It drowned the weakest and slowest of the Depths' denizens to the Gerudo king's amusement.*

"New job for you: Take this."

*Ganondorf holds a crystal in his hand that he sends to hover in front of Edu. Artifa would recognize it, as it was integral to her test to gain entry to his domain.*

*It vibrates before splitting up into 4 identical copies still hovering in front of the kneeling figure.*

Artifa definitely recognizes those crystals. She didn't even know more were going to be used. This was going to be fascinating to watch unfold and keep record of.

Darkness thickens along one of the jagged stone structures overlooking the gathering. It does not move. It simply exists — heavier than the surrounding gloom.

If one were to look long enough, they might notice the faint suggestion of a figure leaning against the structure — arms loosely folded, one shoulder resting against stone that seems to absorb her rather than support her. Red eyes glimmer once in the dim, observing.

Dark Irina says nothing. She does not step forward, does not interfere with Ganondorf’s commands, does not acknowledge Artifa’s quiet fascination.

She watches the spider, the scholar, the summoned dark guy, and the splitting crystals, and a faint curl of a smile touches her lips.

The shadows around her remain still, as if unaware she was ever there at all.

The spider's laser eye catches the glow of the crystals. Pretty. Her hind legs rub silently with excitement.

Edu glances up at the praise from his master. How exhilarating this was! He was actually being recognized for his efforts, which brought a smile to his face.

_New job..?_ Edu wondered internally, before a crystal is sent floating to him. Edu reaches out to grab it before it splits into 4, a small gasp escaping Edu’s lips. “Yes, Lord Ganondorf.” The words slip from him out of habit, before he reaches again, attempting to grab one of the four crystals.

*Turning slightly so the Twili is more in sight, Ganondorf gives a slow cruel grin.*

"Set these up. Wherever, whenever. When you do, the only thing I want ... Is to make sure it hurts as many people as possible."

*He chuckles deep in his chest.*

"I'm sure you'll all enjoy the results when they've all gone off."

A low chuckle rattles in Edu’s chest as a massive grin stretches across his face. He quickly gathers the crystals, and bows once more to his master. “I'll get right to it!” He shouts, stumbling backward as he raises up from his kneel, however he manages to clean it up with a nice spin that would have looked really cool if he wore a cape. Unfortunately he did not. He hops back on the head of his guardian. “I'll get started on my work right away, m’Lord.”

Dark Irina just rolls her eyes and scratches the side of her neck idly, looking a bit bored now.

"That kind of excitement is admirable for such a daunting task. I almost died from mine and it wasn't even the crystal that was the most concerning..." Artifa remarked to herself while peering over the boulder.

"I'm sure he'll do fine."

*The Gerudo male shrugs lazily, acknowledging Artifa's words as he opens a portal to his next destination;*

"Either the job gets done or he dies."

*Ganondorf disappears into the magic, leaving the question if the bomb or the Evil King himself would be the cause of Edu's death.*