NayruGoddessOfWisdom
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Posts posted by NayruGoddessOfWisdom
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Despite what she had heard about the Scoundrels of Virtue, Torianna really had to marvel at their base. It was rather fascinating, even if Lorcan did stop her from seeing the most interesting parts. She liked the way that it was so carefully organised. She even managed to sneak a glance at a couple of the future robberies they has planned before Lorcan dragged her away. But much to her disappointment, she didn't catch so much as a glance of the armor that she had pinned her hopes on seeing.
That being said, she did get a lot of amusement out of winding up the guard who had been assigned to her. He was extremely short tempered, and she reckoned that if she pushed him far enough, she could get him to talk to her. In fact, she was quite determined to do so. It's what kept her amused as she waited for Endel and his long haired friend to return.
And eventually, just as the sky grew inky black rather than just dark, the two of them returned.
"Did the big shot give you a good telling off for mixing with a network contractor?" Torianna called out to Endel as he approached. She liked Endel, he respected her ability as a thief, was skilled himself, and didn't take any nonsense - not even from his boss.
"Nope," he replied. "She was more concerned with the armor. We've got to give it a good investigation in the morning."
"The morning?" she replied with an exasperated sigh. She had to head off in the morning, get back to the network.
"I don't know about you guys," the long haired boy said. "But I'm ready to turn in for the night. I'll see you all in the morning."
He walked off then, without so much as a glance back. Torianna knew that she didn't like him.
"How was she?" Endel asked Lorcan, nodding towards Torianna. Lorcan said nothing, simply rolled his eyes in response. Endel laughed at that, then said "I trust you'll watch her overnight?"
Torianna huffed. This felt somewhat like she was being babysat. And though Lorcan didn't look pleased, he nodded.
-
The two boys Torianna met on the earlier escapade are called up by some hot shot in their organisation for questioning, leaving her in the company of their none-too sociable guard. The two sat around the little table in the room she'd been given. It was simple, but Torianna had the feeling that if the guard had his way, she'd be in one of their holding cells - so she would take what she was given.
She narrowed her eyes, watching him carefully.
"Lorcan, isn't it?" She asked. He nodded. "You don't talk much, do you?" He glanced at her then, but still didn't say anything.
She waited a few moments before saying. "Can't talk? Or won't talk?"
He rolled his eyes at that, but still didn't speak. He got to his feet, walking over to check the windows and doors of the room were secure for the third time that night.
"What is it then?" Torianna asked. "Ripped vocal chords? Pathological shyness? Am I just so gorgeous that I've rendered you speechless?"
He shot her a dark glare for that one and she grinned, pleased that she finally got a reaction out of him.
"Oh come in Lorcan, it's boring around here. Can't we... I don't know... can I look around your base?" He shook his head firmly. Well that was a definite no. "Can we play cards?" Another no. She huffed out of boredom and frustration. "Can we at least go for a walk?"
He rolled his head back, letting out an exasperated sigh. But eventually nodded. Torianna grinned and clambered to her feet. It was time to see first hand how this organisation operated.
-
"Hey, not so fast!" Torianna said, stepping up to block the doorway that the two boys were headed towards. Her bag of loot was still slung over her shoulder, her hands searching for the silver knife concealed in her jacket pocket. She pulled it out. She had no intention of using it, but it served as a nice warning.
"Now what's your problem?" The blond boy spat.
She glanced at the armour in Endel's hands. It was pecuiliar... and she wanted to know what was going on.
"A suit of armour just came to life and you don't think I'm even a little curious as to what's happening?"
The blond one smirked. "Sometimes I forget that you don't see this kind of stuff in the network."
Torianna scowled at that. "Look, I couldn't give a short flying cuckoo what goes on in your precious organisation. But that armour is something else and I've gotta find out whats going on!"
Endel glared at that. "I promised you anything you wanted but the armour was mine!"
"I'm not trying to steal it from you." Torianna replied curtly. "I just wanna know what's happening. Look, I need to be back at base by midday tomorrow so I'll be out of your hair in the morning!"
Endel frownes. "Why should we trust you?"
Torianna smirked at that. "Because I could so easily give away your base location to the Hyrule Soldiers. They're innefectual layabouts, but I'm sure they could handle a couple of scoundrels."
The blond one laughed then. "Relax Endel. Whats the worst she could do? Afterall, she's only a little girl, the two of us could take her easy."
Torianna shot him a poisenous glare for that little comment, but she didn't snap back as they made their way back out into the night. She needed to know what was going on. Her dad would be over the moon if she came back with news of enchanted armour. If that meant putting up with a couple of snide comments, then so be it.
-
Torianna watched the boy for a few moments. His offer did sound tempting to her... having failed her earlier attempt to find new weaponary, the prospect of breaking into a store was intriguing to say the last. She could, of course, do it alone. But the boy was offering to get her out of this troublesome situation.
She stopped, tilting her head a little. "I didn't catch your name," she said.
"Endel," he replied with a slight nod. "So are you in or not?"
Torianna paused for a moment, but it was just for show. The prospect of all that loot was all the persuasion she needed. "Okay," she said. "Which store is this exactly?"
"The Antiques Place, where Malo Mart used to be," he replied.
She grinned. It was a good shop, plenty of weaponary and gold jewellery too. "You got yourself a deal."
They shared a sharp, business-like handshake before Torianna made for the open window.
"Meet once darkness has fallen round the corner from the shop," Endel called after her as she landed on the other side. She didn't turn back, just waved over her shoulder as she walked away.
-
((This looks really good Knuckle! I've gotta get in on this!))
Name: Torianna
Gender: Female
Age: 18
Species: Hylian
Appearance: She's short and tan, with bright green eyes and a scattering of freckles across her nose and cheeks. Her hair is dark brown and falls to just below her shoulders. She wears a green shirt, black trousers, brown boots and a brown leather jacket, and she carries several knives, concealed. She wears a golden bird feather on a string around her neck. Despite her short size, she's quick on her feet and deceptively strong.
Character Description: Torianna works among a network of criminals that operate throughout Hyrule. Her father is one of the authoritative members, and as a result of being raised by criminals, she only really sees people for their utility to her and doesn't believe in the concept of friendship. She's loud mouthed and short tempered, but she's got an excitable personality, is quick with a comeback, and finds a genuine thrill in thieving.
-----
Well this certainly didn't go to plan.
The look on the guards face was fierce as he pressed Torianna back against the door. She swallowed hard, trying to put some distance between herself and his blade. He looked young, but wore a deadly serious expression. His hands were rough as he reached up and quickly pulled the mask from her face, discarding it thoughtlessly on the floor. His blue eyes narrowed as he studied her appearance, likely trying to figure out if he recognised her.
Torianna swallowed hard. "Perhaps we could strike a deal...?"
He grabbed her by the shoulder then, spinning her around and pulling her arms behind her back. She groaned in frustration as her brand new sword clattered to the ground. Within a matter of seconds, she found herself being marched away from the weapons store and down a long narrow corridor.
"A simple no would have sufficied..." she muttered. He didn't reply, prodding his sword between her shoulder blades. She glanced around the corridor as they walked, silently sussing out an escape route. At some point, his guard would drop and she needed a quick get away - weapons or no weapons.
-
Slowly, the plans begin to take shape. The construction of a new settlement around the fallen island begins, one that allows the Sheikah to live integrated amongst the Hylains. It's the easiest way to for us to protect them subtly.
In this new settlement, Melaina and I build a cosy little home our own, and we fill it with our hearts and memories. We won't spend all of our time here, what with so much out there for us in the surface, but it's a lovely feeling to have a home to return to. I know that sentiment is shared by my friends, who live close to us.
"It's remarkable," I say one afternoon as we stroll into the centre of the new town. "To see all these people living under the harmonious rule protected by Hylia..."
"Hylia's rule..." Caoilainn mutters, thoughtful. "Hyrule..."
I smile. "I think I like that..."
And maybe its just sentiment, but I can't help but think that this is how things were meant to be, right from the start.
((And I think that's my last post for Fintan! I just wanted to take a moment to thank you all for doing this RP with me. I've had loads of fun and I hope you did too! Knuckle, you'll want to speak to Franne about the fanfiction, she's in charge of writing at the moment! And I'm really looking forward to your RP! I hope to see you all there!
-Sophie xx))
Knuckle likes this -
I sit atop the Knight Academy, staring out over Skyloft and the surrounding areas. As I watch the Hylains go about their lives, it occurs to me how easily they've settled into life on the Surface. And it's as I sit there, watching these people living their new, but perfectly contented lives that it occurs to me that I have no idea what I'm doing here.
I don't mean here, on top of the Knight Academy. I mean here.... here in the Hylian settlement. We've completed our mission, and we've helped to settle the Hylians down here on the ground. There's no purpose for the Sheikah to be here any more. We don't belong here.
We're the Shadow Guardians, and we need to restore that.
Just then, Melaina comes, sitting herself down gently next to me. Her eyes are puffy, like she's been crying. But that's hardly surprising. We've all been crying.
"It was stupid," she mutters,looking out over the settlement as the sun sets.
I turn, looking at her, beautiful as her skin is bathed in the orange sunset. "What was?" I ask.
She lets out a deep breath that I didn't know she was holding, and says "I was only upset because now that you're chief... I'm worried there won't be any time for us..."
Relief washes over me, and I can't help but smile. She jabs her elbow into me, looking irritated.
"What are you grinning at?!" She snaps.
I smile. "Just because I'm chief doesn't mean I care any less about you... I will always find the time for you."
She smiles softly, her hand slips into mine. "Promise?"
"Promise."
She kisses me then. And it's in that moment, when our lips lock for the first time in too long, that I know that I will spend the rest of my life with this girl.
I sigh, eventually pulling away from here. "We can't stay here..." I mutter. "This isn't our place..."
-
(( Sorry I vanished! My laptop broke
))Everything for a moment seems so wonderful, so perfect, but Caoilainn suddenly lets out a pained cry. She buries her head in her hands, closing her newly restored eyes, as if to hide herself from the world that she's only just rediscovered.
I run over to her, wrapping my hands around her arms and stooping down a little to her height. "Caoilainn," I say. "Caoilainn!"
"No!" she pushes my arms away from her and turns around. She listens intently, presumably to something Sault's saying. I glance nervously at my friends, but they all look as anxious as I feel.
"What's going on?" Leo whispers.
"I don't know... I whisper in reply.
"Don't do this to me!" Caoilainn yells. A few moments of silence pass, all of us watching her in confusion, before she turns back to face us.
"He's gone..." she whispers.
She breaks down into tears then. I open my arms to her, and she falls into them, openly weeping into my chest. And all I can do is hug her, because I don't want to think about how awful it must be to be in her position.
I glance over to Melaina, but she won't look me in the eye.
-
I smile at Caoilainn words, pulling her in for a tight hug. "I'm really happy you've decided that," I say. "But I wouldn't even know where to begin to-"
"Perhaps I can help?" comes a timid voice from behind us. We all turn, to find Batreaux stood over us, a nervous smile on his face. "I don't mean to eavesdrop," he says. "But I do believe I know how your eye sight can be restored, Caoilainn."
She grins from ear to ear. "How?" she asks.
"Gratitude crystals," he says. "Gratitude crystals were how I managed to transform into a human... I understand that you're already part human, but they may be the key to restoring your eyes."
Discussion ensues Batreaux's revelation, about exactly what gratitude crystals are and just how we're supposed to get our hands on them. Link tells us about how he encountered gratitude crystals while on his mission, how he received them when he did something particularly kind for someone.
"It's a kind of involuntary reaction I suppose..." he mutters. "Though I only ever received them from Hylians, there must be something different about us that means we secrete these gems when we're happy..."
"So... I need to get gratitude crystals from other people?" Caoilainn asks. She lets out a heavy huff. "But that means being nice to people..." she whines, jokingly.
"Come on," Leo says, rubbing his hands together. "I might have an idea where you can start to look..." He helps Caoilainn to her feet, and the two of them take off through Skyloft, though I can't help but wander if the name shoulder be changed now that it's down on the Surface. Come to think of it... maybe it's time we gave a new name to the Surface too? I push the thought to the back of my mind for the time being.
When I draw my attention back to the present, I find that most of the group have gotten to their feet and are following Leo and Caoilainn to the supposed location of the gratitude crystals. I push myself up to my feet and follow the group. Now that the island has settled down here... it seems clear to me that this was the way that it was supposed to be all along. The climate in this particular area is perfectly balanced, the ideal place for the Hylians to grow and thrive amongst the surface dwellers, especially given it's advantageous location right in the middle of the three provinces.
As we walk, I find Melaina lingering at the back of the group. I slow my pace, dropping back to walk in step with her. I slip my hand into hers, but she doesn't give it a gentle squeeze like she normally does. I sigh, pressing my lips together, before I look up.
"Did I do something wrong?" I ask. "Things haven't been quite the same with us for a few days..."
-
(( Nice to have you back
Andrew, you haven't posted in like a week, is everything okay? ))A lull follows my plea. I cling onto every last trace of power that I can, but it's diminishing as quickly as the rocky outcropping hurtles to the earth. I'm putting every last trace of my energy into this, but it's not enough.
And that's when I feel a sudden, overwhelming surge of power radiating from all around us. Three points below, one above. A colourful light radiates from each point - blue from Faron woods, red from Eldin Volcano, yellow from Lanayru dessert, white from the Sky. A pyramid begins to form as the four power sources link up, and I feel the weight lifted from me. The dragons of the surface and the sky spirit ease the strain on our meditation, their power creating a perfect balance.
"Yes!" Caoilainn yells, overjoyed.
With their perfect pyramid of power and our combined channelling of Zelda's magic into the core of the island, the islands descent begins to slow. I focus everything I've got on channelling that power, bringing Skyloft down safely into the clear land. The power is so intense that it's painful. I grit my teeth and clench my fists, determined to make it through.
A soft thud sounds out, the gentle rumble reverberating through me as Skyloft touches down into the ground. I feel the power pyramid slowly fade away, now that Skyloft is securely settled on the ground. We channelled it to the only empty region of the surface - the point where the woods, the dessert and the volcano meet in the middle of the surface.
I collapse against the rocky wall of the small cave, sweat slick on my skin. My breath leaves me in ragged gasps as I slip down onto the floor, absolutely exhausted. Black spots dance in my vision as I rest my head in my hands.
But we did it - we really did it!
-
(( Hello??? ))
-
"Okay..." I mutter, rubbing my hands together. "The goddess' power is strongest in Skyloft itself, so that's where we need to be when we harness the power. Where are Zelda, Link, and Leo right now?"
"Already there!" Melaina replies. "They went up to warn the residents."
"There goes our lift," Caoilainn mutters. After a moment, she lights up. "That's a good idea!" she says.
"This whole telepathic conversation thing is really skeeving me out..." Melaina jokes.
"Sorry," Caoilainn mutters. "Sault recommended that I teleport the three of us up to Skyloft to meet the others."
I nod. "Good idea... though I feel kind of bad for bailing on my own party..."
Melaina scoffs, rolling her eyes. "Please, you'll be fine, come on!" she snaps.
I blink, a little taken a back by her sudden outburst. There's definitely something that she's not happy about...
Before I can ponder it any further, I feel Caoilainn's hand around mine and we're ripped away from the Sheikah camp, and find ourselves up in Skyloft just as the sun sinks below the cloud barrier.
-
"I'm so proud of you Fintan!" Andoni says, slinging an arm around my shoulder. "I always knew you had it in you to make chief!"
I nod, giving him a smile. "Thank you, I really appreciate it, but I-"
Batraz approaches then, greeting me with a firm pat on the shoulder. "Look at you, all grown up now," he beams. "Can I get you a drink?"
I blink. "I appreciate the gesture but I don't actually- oh okay..." I trail off as he thrusts a mug of mead into my hand. He knocks his cup into mine with a satisfying clunk before taking a swig of his own. I glance down at mine. The mead is amber coloured and smells pretty unappetizing. I gingerly lift it to my lips. The beverage tastes bitter and burns as I swallow. I slip the drink onto the table behind me, I've no intention of drinking that any time soon.
"Thank you," I say, grinning through the bad after taste. "But I really must be going, duty calls!"
"Don't be a stranger!" Andoni calls as I duck away from the group. I glance back over to the table where I was sat with my friends, but it's now populated by younger Sheikah, presumably fourteen or fifteen. I groan, running a hand through my hair as I glance around the tent, searching for them. Where the hell could they have got to? I was only gone for a few minutes!
"Fintan!" a female voice calls from behind me. I turn, expecting to see Melaina or Caoilainn or even Zelda behind me. But it's not. Ayako stands behind me, grinning. She's a friend of mine from back in training days, I think she's part of a mission group now, but I can't be sure. Her red eyes glimmer as she pulls me in for a hug.
"Congratulations Fintan!" she beams as she pulls away. "You deserved this,"
"Thanks," I reply. "I don't suppose you've seen Melaina or Caoilainn have you?"
She shakes her head. "Sorry... you wanna come and dance?"
"I can't," I call over the music. "I've got work to do."
"You'll have plenty of time for work in the morning," she replies, grabbing me by the arm. "Besides, my friends want to congratulate you..."
And with that she begins to pull me across the tent and over to the dance area, where I can see a knot of Sheikah around my age dancing and laughing. I crane my neck as I'm pulled through the crowd, but I still can't see my friends anywhere.
With resounding defeat, I greet the group with a smile, silently hoping that someone will turn up and drag me away.
-
(( Not to worry, have fun at the beach! ))
I walk at the head of the group. My right hand is clutched around a thick rope that's tied to the bow of a small wooden rowing boat. All of Sheik's possessions and weapons are within it, and it's been packed tightly with hay and straw. Traditionally, the body of the old chief would be in the boat too, but that's impossible in this circumstance. The boat drags behind me as we approach the shores of Lake Floria. Caoilainn pulls a boat with Sault's possessions, and the other fallen Sheikah are within their own boats, their possessions packed around them along with hay and being pulled by their partner or next of kin. It's the way of a traditional Sheikah ceremony of passing.
We cast the boats out on the lake, watching as they drift gently along the shorelines. I'm last, pushing Sheik's boat, as he is a fallen chief. As a mark of respect, no one says a word. Melaina steps up onto a slightly raised platform with a flaming torch in hand. She sets the torch down on a stand and pulls her bow from her back. She touches an arrow to the flame, takes aim, and fires it out onto the lake. It strikes one of the boats, and it immediately catches alight. She repeats this a few more times, and as the last boat catches fire, the first begins to sink - the wood having burnt away.
We watch until the last boat sinks below the water level, before I raise my bowed head. I open my mouth to speak, but not to address the Sheikah. My voice echoes around the lake, carrying into the orange skyline. "They will remain forever strong, courageous, and true in mind and heart. May the Goddess watch over them, and guide them into eternal happiness in whatever follows."
-
I finally manage to escape from the tent just as afternoon sun peaks out over the land. I've decided that we should put off the real celebrations until after the passing ceremony.
It's just as well really, seeing as neither Melaina nor Caoilainn are anywhere to be seen. Link, Zelda and Leo, being Hylians, didn't come to the announcement. Maybe I'm being selfish, but I've worked for this my whole life - I was over the moon when I heard the news, yet my friends and girlfriend can't be happy for me?
Feeling jilted and slightly bitter, I make my way over to my tent. I quickly take up the lotus position and sunk into my palacsle of balance.
Sault's aura appears clearly to me, bright, desperate.
"Sault?" I ask, unsure of my own mental state.
"Fintan!" he snaps. "This is important, I need you to listen to me very carefully!"
-
Once I finish my meditation, I make my way back towards the camp. As I walk, I spot Caoilainn sitting in the middle of a clearing a little way off. I contemplate stopping to talk to her, but I know that it won't do her any good because she won't listen to me. Whatever she think she heard... it's not good for her. It's painful for all of us, her especially, but she needs to accept the fact that Sault's gone or she'll forever be clinging to this false sense of hope. He wouldn't have wanted that.
As I arrive back in camp, I find Melaina sat on the ground near to the edge of camp, plucking absent mindedly at her harp strings. She looks up when she sees me coming, and what looks like relief washes over her expression. "Hey Fintan," she says.
"Hi," I reply, sitting down next to her on the grass. The air is heavy with silence for a few moments before I break it. "How are you coping?"
She sighs. "I don't know... I don't feel great, but who honestly feels good after losing two of their best friends?"
"I know..." I reply. "I just... I wish they were here..."
I wrap an arm around her, and she leans into me, her cheek resting just below my collar bone. "Me too..." she whispers.
We sit like that for a few moments, the silence like a warm blanket around us. There's an unspoken knowledge between us, like the silence doesn't need to be filled. I'm perfectly content to sit quietly with her in my arms. Just like always, she's a simple comfort - and there's nothing better than that.
Eventually, I take in a deep breath, and she pulls away gently. "Come on..." I say as I get to my feet. "They're naming the new chief in a few minutes.
She lets me help her to her feet. "I thought you knew who it was?" she asks.
I shake my head. "No, only the elders are involved in the decision making process, the mission leaders just take care of the tribe in the absence of a chief."
She steps a litter closer to me, head tilted upwards. I quickly kiss her, before taking her by the hand as we make our way into the communal tent.
-
The air is warm with the musty smell of insense as I make my way into the elders tent. The space is dimly lit, the only illumination being the softly flickering candles around the edges of the room
I find Avis sat on the floor, her legs curled up in the lotus flower position. A contented expression rests over her aged features as I assume the same position just in front of her.
"Fintan," she says softly. "I sense you possess an object with great magical potential."
"That's why I came to you," I reply. "When..." I falter, my voice feeling strained. "When Sheik fell in battle, his body disappeared, leaving only this mask behind. I was hoping you could tell me something of it's purpose."
She motions to the mask, so I pass it to her. Her bony fingers hold it gently by the edges, but the glimmer in her eye tells me she knows of it's power.
"Leave it in the care of the Mortal Goddess," she tells me. "It was serve it's purpose generations from now. A child of her bloodline will need protection from a great evil - this mask will offer her salvation."
"Thank you..." I say softly, taking the mask back.
I wake early the next morning, dressing quickly. Today is the day or the ceremony of passing and we decide upon a new chief. There's a lot of.work to be done, but I decide to start the day with some meditation. It's the only way to keep level headed.
So I make my way into the forest in search of a quiet spot. That's when I see Caoilainn at the foot of a tree, looking rumpled, muttering something.
"Caoilainn?" I ask. "What are you saying?"
(( See, by leaving Sheik's mask in Zelda's bloodline, it will eventually reach OOT Zelda. This mask explains how she transforms into a Sheikah she's never heard of who lived hundreds of years before her. It also explains her almost instantanious transformation in front of Link! See? )) -
We do what we can for the injured here. We dress wounds and pass out potions. Melaina helps me to fix a dressing over my reopened stab wound, her hands shaking. All the while I can feel the magic radiating from my pouch where I placed the mask from my fallen friend. My throat is tight as I work from the tears that I won't let myself cry, not while there's work to be done. I have to identify the fallen warriors - seven fallen.
Once everyone's cared for, we round up in the centre of the cavern, and Caoilainn prepares her magic to teleport us all home. Within seconds, we're standing back in the Sheikah camp. Those who are working stop, turning to look at us upon return. Frowned expressions fill the crowd, a ripple of whispers spread - they can tell something is wrong.
I make my way over to a tree stump, carefully climbing up so that I can address the crowd. I clear my throat, and take a deep breath. "Majora has been defeated, but it came at a great cost." I pull the list from my pocket, trying to level my breathing. "We lost a number of proud men and women... Khorne, Turin, Maia, Beorn, Elda, Sault... and Sheik."
Soft gasps pass through the crowd, and I lose control over the tears that fall slowly. "There will be a ceremony of passing at dusk tomorrow to commemorate all those who laid down their lives for a greater good. A new cheif will be named in good time, a decision that will be made communally, but in the meantime, the tribe will be maintained by the elders and mission leaders." I pause, looking around at the grief stricken faces around me. "I'm so sorry..." I say, before climbing down from the tree stump.
Grief bears down on my shoulders like a great, unforgiving, relentless weight. It makes me weak, I feel like I'm ready to just give in - but there's more work to be done yet. I reach into my pouch, pulling out the mask, which still radiates with power. I need to take this to the elders... they'll have something to say about it.
-
The way the blast of energy was fired from that horrific beast as it fell to the ground was sickening. It struck Sheik right in the heart - he didn't make a sound as he fell to the ground. But even now as I run over, I can see the life slowly draining from him. His eyes are shadowed, his fingers grasping desperately at the dry earth. His breath escapes him in moist rattles as I kneel down, dragging his trembling body into my arms.
Sweaty fingers tug at my shirt, he's desperately clinging onto anything he can.
"Hold on..." Melaina mutters. "Zelda can heal you - you're going to be okay."
He shakes his head, letting out a soft groan. "No... it's Demonic magic..."
I grip him tighter, breathing deeply to try and ease the knot forming in my stomach. "No!" I snap, my teeth clenched. "We've already lost Sault... we're not losing you too!" But even as I talk, I can feel the demonic magic spreading through his body, slowing his heart beat.
"We can heal you," Leo insists. "I have potions and..."
"Please," Sheik groans. "Just listen... no matter what happens, watch over the surface. All I wanted-" he stops, hissing in pain. "All I wanted was to see it prosper..."
"And you did it," Zelda says, her eyes glassy. "Majora is defeated... the reign of terror is over."
"Guide them into prosperity," Sheik says, his voice slowly growing weaker, his body growing heavier. "Let the people live in harmony - please."
"We promise," Caoilainn says softly.
I sniff, unable to fight the tears that well in my eyes, threatening to pour down my cheeks. "Don't..." I plead. "Don't leave us... we need our chief, I need you!"
The smallest smile passes over his face. "The Sheikah can go on without me... I have the utmost faith in you... all of you..."
His eyes softly close, and a final breath escapes his lips. And for one moment, I swear it's over - but it isn't. Slowly, the magic begins to take it's effect. Piece by piece, his body flakes away, like autumn leaves blown away in a breeze. Everyone watches in stunned silence as his body slowly dissolves into shimmering blue crystals. The weight is slowly lifted from my arms, until all that's left is a small, peculiar shape in my palm.
His face is forever frozen in a mask - his bright red eyes staring endlessly. I don't understand - I can't comprehend what's just happened. But even now I can feel the power that radiates from the mask.
(( I'M SORRY! But I swear there's a point to killing him and a purpose for the mask! Just bear with me until they get back to camp! ))
-
I don't have any words left to say to her. I know how it feels to lose the one person that you care about most in the world. But the difference is that I got Melaina back.
I glance over at Sault's body, and my throat tightens. I think he's beyond the point of no return. The thought makes my stomach churn, he is one of my best friends. Or at least, was. I can't ignore it any more - Sault is dead.
But now is not the time to grieve - now is the time for action. I glance over to Caoilainn, she looks like she's about to crumple like a piece of paper.
This is my mission. It's time to act like a leader.
I grip her firmly by the shoulders. "Caoilainn, listen." She lets out a soft sob. I give her a small shake to let her know I'm serious. "Listen to me," I say "Believe me when I say that I know exactly how you feel. But Caoilainn, you're the strongest fighter we have. We need you right now. I don't think we can do this without you."
She stifles another sob, sniffling. "But I-"
"No," I say firmly. "If Majora walks out of here tonight then all of this will have been for nothing. The last few weeks will have been for nout. The last thing Sault would have wanted is for you to give up. Don't let him have died in vain."
The mention of Sault stirs up something within her. There's a newfound strength in her, a sense of pride.
"Let's do this," she says softly.
We pick up our weapons and return to the battle.
-
I let out a resounding scream as I feel the blood begin to dribble down my skin. My joints weaken and I fall to my knees, waves of pain washing over me. But my hands won't clutch the wound, I can't take any action to help myself. But I know why Caoilainn did this. I know exactly why she did this, and unlike the first time she stabbed me, she's not acting out of anger or defence or malice - she's acting as a friend.
As I feel a bead of sweat trickle down the back of my neck, I turn my attention away from the battle. I hone in on the rhythm of my own heart beat, using it as a guide to help me sink back into my mind. And as I do, I find that the mark Majora left on my Palace of Balance is sickening. Dark magic seeps in every corner of my mind. That awful howling, roaring sound rings out, even now - like a battle cry. My defences have crumbled, meaning that my pain from the physical world still radiates through.
So I put all the energy that I have left into harnessing that pain as power. I let it all wash over me, savouring every searing sting of the open wound. I pull in my memory, remembering the sharp, insistent pain that dragged me from conciousness. I take every last blast of pain from that goddess forsaken wound, and push it into wiping Majora from my mind.
The white light that follows is blinding, even from within the Palace. My ears are ringing as it fades, the sound of Majora's battle cry having vanished. My mind is clear of dark magic, my defences restored. An overwhelming sense of calm passes over me, until I remember what's happening in the real world.
I pull myself from my palace as quickly as possible, resurfacing in reality without trouble. My skin is slick with sweat, my teeth gritted. As I wearily open my eyes, I find myself still on my knees, my hands clutching my stab wound. There's a lot of blood on my hands and my torso, my wound still aches as it did the first time I awoke from the stabbing. But as I look up, I see Caoilainn watching me apprehensively, her knife still clutched in her hand.
"Thank you..." I say softly.
-
Hell breaks loose at that point. Majora stands from it's throne, letting out an almighty sound - something between a roar and a howl.
Caoilainn jumps to her feet, immediatly casting off her shackles with ease. The other 'prisoners' follow suit. The two hooded figures rip their hoods from their faces, revealing Sheik and another tribe member beneath them.
Sault and Leo dash forward, weapons at the ready. And I stand there, willing my body to take action, but it won't.
And then it does, but not in the way I'd hoped. I find myself intercepting Caoilainn as she runs back to the Sheikah. A sharp drop kick is delivered into her abdomen, causing her to stumble.
She gives me a pleading look as I go to attack once again. And it's then that I realise that the only way I'm going to drive Majora from my mind is telepathically.
Caoilainn reluctantly raises her fists, grimacing. -
"Now," Majora mutters, turning those harrowing round eyes back to Caoilainn. "You," he spits. "It's time for a little education."
I begin to move once again. My hands grip Caoilainn roughly by the arm and I pull her from the line. She lets out a verbal protest as I drag her up the steps towards Majora. Her body shakes beneath my hands - it's the first time that I've ever known Caoilainn to be... fragile. My fingers grip her shoulders, forcing her onto her knees in front of the giant beast. She's wearing an expression that combines fear and defiance, she won't go down without a fight.
"Are you humbled by my work?" Majora asks with a sneer. "Your friends have been captured. Your precious 'Hero' and the mortal Goddess are within my clasp. I even have your beloved mission leader under my command, ready to cater to my every whim. And you- well you're about to kiss goodbye to your existence."
Those harrowing yellow eyes turn to me, malevolence glowing within them. "How would you feel if your little leader were the one who slashed your throat?" Caoilainn says nothing, wriggling uncomfortably. My stomach churns at the thought. Majora leans back on it's throne, drinking in the atmosphere. "Any last words?"
"I-"
"Hey! Majora!"
All eyes turn to find two armed figures standing in the entrance way to the room. I'd recognise those faces anywhere - Sault and Leoni.
Sault steps forward, his sword raised. "Hands of my girlfriend!" he spits.
(( Apologies for jumping the gun boys... it was the best way to change the power dynamics in the scene. You can go back a little and write out the scene with Dark Link if you like! ))
-
(( Ooh Knuckle, I like your idea about the Gerudo desert! Nice touch!
And Franne, what were you trying to say? I think there was an issue with the server or something, I couldn't read your personal message at the start! ))The doors swing open and a hooded figure enters the chamber. They're followed by my friends, lined up in twos, their hands bound in front of them. Another hooded figure enters before the doors swing closed. My heart sinks in my chest - they've been captured, the demons captured my friends!
Majora watches with a cruel, twisted smile as the prisoners are paraded before it. They come to a stop at the foot of the steps that lead up to Majora's throne. I stand at the top, beside the Demon Lords.
"Fintan!" Melaina calls from where she stands in the front row. She tries to push forward, towards me, but one of the hooded figures stops her, pushing her - although not too forcefully - back into line. I want to run to her, to say something, anything to comfort her, but my body won't even turn to face her. "Fintan, are you okay?" she calls. "Say something!"
"Teach her to pipe down, won't you?" one of the Demon Lords smirks. My stomach churns as my legs carry me down the steps. Melaina's eyes are wide with panic as I walk towards her, taking long purposeful strides. I'm mentally screaming to snap out of it! But I don't know how.
"What are y-" but Melaina's question is cut short with a powerful backhand. She reels away from me, her bound hands go to the cheek that I struck, while her eyes watch me, clouded with pain and confusion. Protest breaks out among the captured Sheikah as I'm forced to turn away, my throat aching despite the fact that tears won't fall.
Majora speaks above the ruckus, with a voice that like shards of glass. "How nice of you to join us."
The Scoundrels of Virtue
in Roleplaying
Posted · Edited by NayruGoddessOfWisdom (see edit history)
It didn't take Torianna and Lorcan too long to get back to her home. It was still in the town, even if it was at the edge on the other side.
"You know you didn't have to escourt me all the way," Torianna said as they rounded the corner onto her street. "I do know how to look after myself."
Lorcan simply shrugged in response, not offering anything further by way of explanation. Even if Torianna didnt want to admit it, she was somewhat greatful. Her Dad, if caught in the wrong mood, could be a nasty person to get on the wrong side of, and despite Lorcan's short temper, something about being around him made her relax.
Lorcan walked her right the way up the wooden steps of the three story house to her front door. Torianna said goodbye to him with a hearty handshake for she had never been one for hugs.
Her dad stood at the bottom of the staircase as she closed the door after her. His fingers were smudged with his blue planning ink, showing that he'd been working hard on something for the network. His face was tight with exhaustion as she smiled at him - she got the distinct feeling he was like a fuse ready to blow.
"Who was that boy?" he asked by way of greeting.
"He's a guard," Torianna said, laying down her bag of loot and hoping it was enough to sway her dad's thoughts.
"I don't recognise him," her dad replied.
"That's because he works for the scoundrels," Torianna said, trying to keep her voice as breezy and casual as possible.
It didnt work. Her dad took two, heavy, purposeful steps down the stairs and towards her. "You bought a scoundrel boy to my home?" She didn't reply, so he repeated again, louder "YOU BOUGHT A SCOUNDREL BOY TO MY HOME?!?!?"
"I didn't-"
But before Torianna could finish her father's clammy fingers clenched around her arm. She swallowed hard, shrinking away. "If the Scoundrels had their way, they'd take everything we own. They're almost as spineless as those pathetic soldiers. Don't ever assosoate yourselves with them again, and don't you dare bring one in my home again. Clear?"
Torianna didn't like the way his fingers bit into her flesh, but what he was saying clashed with everything she'd learnt so far about the scoundrels. Unfortunatley, her father wasn't open to debate on the topic. Within a matter of seconds, she found herself being pulled towards the basement entrance, much to her dismay.