Live Your Own Story in Hyrule

“I believe you were controlled by the magic of this temple,” Irina says softly to Impa, offering some water from her canteen. “Are you hurt in any way?”

Revali lands on the ground, exhausted from the fight. "You gave us the fight of our lives. Literally." He states to Impa. "I'd be impressed if it weren't for the fact you nearly killed us."

The information is almost bombarding Impa, but the offered water manages to ground her. The Sheikah takes a moment to get her bearings and, after nodding thanks to the young woman, replies,

"I suppose apologies are in order, but I do have to ask..."

She looks over at the scorched and damaged temple and the wounded on the ferry, as well as the smouldering fighters before her.

"What exactly happened and who are you people?"

She finally straightens as she gives Irina back her canteen, and anyone with eyes can see Impa is in almost as terrible condition as the undead Sheikah they ran into. The only difference between them being death.

"The Mirror, we struggled for so long... Where is--?"

Irina puts the canteen away and replies to Impa’s question.

“Both Hyrule Castle Town and our friend have been affected by a terrible curse. Her Highness, Princess Zelda, sent us here to find a mirror that might help.”

She turns to see the mirror. “That might be the mirror we both are talking about, miss.”

Mipha was still on the ferry, ensuring Wolf Link was in good condition. She had invested as much as she could of her healing into him to restore him.

She looked over at the group, concerned at first as she wasn't certain of what to expect, but it seemed nothing troublesome has come off their meeting. That still left the issue of the hag, however.

The sage takes a deep breath and closes her eyes for a moment at this bad news before visibly steeling herself. When she opens them again, all her weariness is gone.

"I see. The Mirror is not the cure you are looking for." Impa intones, "Rather the other side of the Mirror may contain the answers you seek, however we must keep it sealed."

She turns to look at the still broken glass, her reflection meeting her gaze.

"Those evil witches, they managed to get to it first, and it took me and my men days to make our way through the beasts to this place..."

"The mirror isn't the cure? Then what... It's not responsible for all those creatures we fought on the ferry?!" Redvali stepped up and questioned. "I, I'm sorry, I don't mean to be rude, but I was almost positive that was going to be the solution. We put the mirror back together and no more of those shadow beasts, right?" He hides his face in his wing, shaking his head. "There were so many! So! Many!"

"We weren't here for them anyway," Revali dismissed the whole idea of what Red was presenting. "The Princess sent us here to find the mirror. We did that. It's there. We thought if it was repaired it'd cure that guy over on the ferry." He extended a wing to indicate Wolf Link. "Oh and by the way, I'm Revali. I want that to be remembered just in case it wasn't clear who helped to save you." Yep, it was a one bird show. Clearly.

"So, the mirror won't turn out goodest boy back into dullest boy? That's almost saddening. If the mirror can't do it then what good is it anyway? He just gets to growl at his reflection the whole time?"

"Like Impa said, our answers and the solution to the problems at hand may be on the other side possibly." _Gatu replied to the others._ "But be that as we are, none of us are in shape to use it. We need to regroup and exit the Shadow Temple so we can treat our wounds back in safer grounds, as well as restock on supplies as well. If I could get help with a campfire, II can put my cooking pot on it and start grilling and cooking us a well-deserved meal after the close shaves and close calls."

"Only then should we consider it. Plus, it'll give you guys some time to catch me up to speed over some food. I haven't heard about what's going on back in Hyrule Castle Town with the curse that's apparently affecting it until you guys told me about it loosely earlier, since before I ran into you guys, I was helping the Kokori rebuild their treehouses back more towards the ground levels until some Moblins came out from the Lost Woods hunting for food by how ravenous they looked." _Gatu added, rubbing his sore neck with his free hand._ "Nobody got hurt thankfully, and I was able to use the terrain to my advantage to deal with them. That one you guys saw chasing me out of that portal was their leader- and they were out for blood seeing their fellow Moblins getting slain."

"...I still wonder what caused that portal to open though that brought me to you guys. Maybe my friend can figure that out later."

Wolf Link lies on the boat next to Mipha. His breathing is slow but steady. He twitches from time to time, still likely in a lot of pain, but otherwise alive and stable thanks to Mipha’s grace.

Irina touches Red’s wing, trying to console him.

“I am afraid there is no time for that,” not to mention she did not have the intention to come back to this place.

Walking to the ferry, Irina kneels next to wolf Link and rubs his head, watching his condition sadly. “Thank you for helping us all, princess Mipha.” Irina' is not in good condition either, but those in the ferry are much worse.

“Miss Fi?” She says softly, “We found the mirror.” Maybe Fi can give them some advice.

"We are in a shape to use it. Both literally and figuratively," Twinrova winks and laughs at her own remark. "Now, it is time to put the remaining piece in place. We're certain everyone wishes to know what it truly does, yes? There is no better way to find out than to simply put the piece in and witness it." She coyly covers her mouth with her hand. "Who knows? Your friend might very well return to normal." She smirks.

"We see you have returned to us, Lady Impa. It is better to see you this way than what you were before.

Irina looks at Twinrova suspiciously before looking back at Link.

"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.*