Live Your Own Story in Hyrule

Wolf Link eyes the reflective object and says something in wolf.

Translation available: Wolf

Irina looks at the group when the witch offers the shard and prepares an ice bridge.

She then hears Link and says softly. “Link, I am not sure of why but we can understand less and less of what you say. Can you say it again?”

Wolf Link tries to speak, but the words don’t come to him. He whines and decides to just sprint ahead for the mirror.

Irina gapes at Link’s reaction and just follows him.

Revali could make out what was said, but just barely. There's a lot he's leaving up to interpretation. He speaks into the charm, "If you want me to retrieve that, you might be getting a little fur-brained, there. That thing....the mirror, I assume from its look, is bigger than what I can carry. Red included." He decided to fly off the ferry, avoiding the ice path created by Twinrova. They were a tricky bunch and he couldn't figure out what they were up to. Even now.

Landing on the island, he's sure to take careful steps, but the ground is solid beneath the feet. He watches Wolf Link dart off in the direction of the platform, wondering what he might report back, if anything.

Red looked up to the witch and then to the ice path. He had the same reservations. No touching that thing. He already got surprised by sparks earlier and he wasn't in the mood for a similar jumpscare. So, he flew down to the island, eyes scanning the area. "Underground cavern..." He looks back over his shoulder, "Ghost river..." Then looks ahead to the platform Wolf Link was running to. "Broken mirror?" They did just get a shard, right? "...How did this break?"

"Wait, don't go too quickly!" Mipha hopped off the ferry and onto land. There was a natural and deep inclination to go into the river, but there was no water actually there. Just spirits of every kind. This temple is a very strange place. A horrifically strange place.

She sighed, "I was going to see if he was alright, but seeing how he ran off, he's...most likely not, if I am being honest. But, it works for him." She looks to the others, "After that boiling steam, I'm sure we need some tending to. Allow me to help with any wound you've sustained." She offered her services to the others available.

She briefly looks in the direction of the mirror, "I was informed that this mirror was broken by Impa herself," she answered Red's question thoughtfully. "As for your own question, Gatu. I believe the reality stands before you. We are all tired and wounded, but staying as strong as we can. I would say we are in a similar condition that you are. None of us have escaped this unscathed." She can't speak for the witch, of course, given her propensity to cause damage herself.

As the wolf draws closer to the mirror, its size becomes more apparent. It's a large mirror, housed in a stone framing that has been cracked. Only two pieces remain set with in it and one shard is with the companions. The surface glows with a soft light at his presence, responding much like the shard before. Reflections are flawless and perhaps maybe even revealing. In the distance, a red light shines in the darkness above and promptly winks out.

"This is supposed to be the Mirror of Truth?" _Gatu said, a bit concerned on why it's so... *big* upon walking up to it with the others after crossing the bridge._ "Last time my friend saw it, they said it was the size of a round magnifying glass so you could peer through it and see through any illusions." _Gatu added and explained, shaping it out with his fingers._ "Unless this is that same mirror, something's been done to warp and upscale it to its current size like this."

Mipha comes closer to look over the mirror. "We were informed of a mirror that involved Shadow people. We thought it might be associated with the Sheikah, but perhaps...there are others also known as Shadow folk." She doesn't know who those might be, but maybe those beats had something to do with this... "Has anyone ever seen creatures like the ones we've fought before? I can't recall anything in the Zora archives about them. We were told to be careful with them, but that was easier said than done."

Lifting her hand to feel the surface, she thinks to herself for a few moments. "There's impressions here that look like they hold something. Perhaps we should insert the piece we have into one of these." She looks to Gatu. "I believe you have it, yes?" She motions to the mirror and takes a step back so there would be room to put the piece in place.

_Gatu listens to Mipha's words. If this wasn't about the Mirror of Truth, then they were wrong to assume it was having anything to do with the Sheikah... and that Mipha's point of view were sound. Perhaps these were completely different Shadow Folk they're dealing with._
"I think you might be onto something Mipha..." _Gatu replied, cautiously walking up to said mirror to study it himself too._ "I haven't seen creatures like the ones we've fought anywhere in Hyrule in the day, night, or in dungeons, and that's saying something since I got around a lot to help others after the Flood... Whatever we're dealing with is something older, ancient."

_Gatu opens his Inventory and takes back out the shard the witches gave the party. Looking at the spot it belongs to, he reaches up and carefully slots it in._

Irina observes the mirror but remains quiet. She watches as they are about to place an item offered by the witch —whom they were just literally attacking and who kidnapped Link earlier— into un unknown, clearly magic-related mirror found in this cursed temple.

Not feeling as confident as Mipha and Gatu, Irina steps aside, letting them do, and really trusting that the princess knows what she's doing.

The piece slots into place. A snug fit, almost as if it hadn't been removed at all. With three pieces fitted into the mirror, the surface starts to look a bit more complete. So much so, anyone standing before it could easily see their reflections.

Weaving between those gathered before the mirror is a fabric-like tendril, seemingly soaked in shadow thick enough to appear as ink dripping from it. It's followed by a few more. They reach out to the mirror and touch it gently, minding it like fragile porcelain with the care that appears to be given.

A shard had been brought back where it belongs and only one piece remains...

The tendrils retreat as quietly as they came, slinking back into the darkness of the cavern ceiling they came from. Several tendrils replace them, bursting from a swirling cloud of darkness and anchor themselves to the ground below, pulling something behind them vaguely shaped like a body.

Upon its head is a glowing, red symbol of the Sheikah with its gaze turned towards the ones foolish enough to repair what should have remained broken.

Wolf Link looks sadly at his own reflection in the mirror. He sees himself as unrecognizable and as a a beast.

As the tendrils fall he watches them appear and go to work. He watches silently but suspiciously as they appear then disappear and reemerge with the strange creature.

"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.*