Arc 5 (Continental): Hearts, Minds, and Souls

[Mattwensley]

Cear Darrore

Cear mentally swore. The anomaly had indeed not actually stated that he was Ordonian. Cear had read too deeply into the accent, and had been duped. The man then proved himself an expert at deception. He took a deep breath. He descended the dune towards the figure.

"You now speak with an educated tone, and yet your clothes have seen much travel. Your hands are also weathered, implying physical work, and yet your limbs are not muscled, with emphasis instead on sinew. This implies specific training. You abilities require a great amount of skill, flexibility and sleight of hand, and this training would need to begin near birth - and one from such a background as your current-" There was a large amount of contempt on this word "-accent would not be interested in such a strenuous career."

"Therefore, I conclude you must be a... seeker." He said, with slight emphasis on the 's'. A shot in the dark (Cear mentally laughed at this little joke), but the books that mentioned them stated that Sheikah did not like to be known, and having one in his debt was almost as good as having one in his hand. "A form of hunter, at a guess. Correct?"

[teixeira]

Gaius

Gaius let out a subtle sigh. "That's quite alright, it's not often that I get a chance to converse. Not many would even glance in my direction with interest." Gaius mumbled, diving into his armor once again to retrieve a snack.

His eyes followed Tavia's for a brief moment, catching a glance of the sky. He disregarded it and bit into the fruit without manners holding him back. His body lost all tension, nearly tipping over with a lack of support. Silence was once again upon them. Gaius didn't let it last, though.

"I once read about Faron when I was a pup, but I never had the desire to visit. My elders wouldn't even humor my musings about far away lands." Gaius tapped the side of his blade and looked back over at Tavia. "I don't think people ever change. We just put on masks to hide our true desires and justify cowardice. I believe we're only true to our original design in death, as preposterous as that sounds. The ones who live their entire life without covering their face... I envy them." He spoke clearly, without a hint of remorse. The meaning of his words would bring further dishonor if spoken by any ordinary darknut, while Gaius felt nothing but satisfaction. "Why" Gaius said,"why are you be so interested in a decrepit old darknut?

[Windrider37]

Raila was blown away by the sight, and followed the Lizalfos, hoping the would accept the capture of Ukshulut as good news, else he would be in alot of trouble, and surrounded by alot of angry Lizalfos(and for good reason) . As they headed towards the spire, Rail was absorbing every detail of the cavern, marveling at how the Lizalfos had turned such an environment into a home, despite being native to Faron woods.It was indeed remarkable, and he had an increased respect for them.Even so, he never let his guard down, his hidden foot long warblade ready to spring into action should one attack him.he also eyed several escape routes, mostly caves that he hoped led to an exit, should things turn sour.

[gaiachild]

Kurashi, the black tulip of the desert

Now at first Kurashi’s conclusion after the strangers performance with the stick had been that he was some vile foreign sorcerer. Someone who should either be killed or, since he was apparently without a master at the moment, be gauged into her services, as an asset to her and the cause of the Devi (of course without actually knowing who he was working for before it was sure that he would not betray them.

But then her newest tactician had counted out all those facts, proving himself very adapt at all those deduction skills she herself had never quite understood when it came to the teachings of the path of blood and of slime. But now that she had someone to tell her those things…

The Devi knew that there were some sort of shadow warriors who often attacked the Darknut empire (well, there was hardly ever any proof, but the pattern had become obvious) whenever it showed any interest in things that might hurt the kingdom of Hyrule. Having been dubbed “eyes in the shadows”, nobody knew who those shadow warriors actually were, how they operated, if they were Hylian or not, how many of them there were and if it was just one organisation or more.

Naturally, every Devi, even one with a questionable mind-set like Kurashi, were urged to take any chance they got to find out more about them.
And now with this audacious stranger bearing these strange markings, displaying abilities that would be great assets for spies and assassins, as Cear pointed out skilled at deception and most likely from Hyrule…

She could NOT let this person get away! The Intel to be gathered was priceless! And even if he didn’t actually have any connection to the eyes in the shadows, his skills alone would make him a valuable resource.
Clapping her hand in applause, getting a almost adorable proud expression, she chirped:
“Marvellous work, Mr Ruffian! I knew taking you in my service was a good investment. You are definitely getting a raise!”

Now turning back to the stranger,she addressed him politely, yet obviously expecting that the answer would be yes no matter what:
“The house of Naru offers its dearest apologies, Mr. Sorcerer. Cliff Lords know these times one can’t be too careful. But I know think our meeting was meant to be. I represent a group of people who are in dire need of talents such as yours, and would be most delighted to take you into their services. I can’t go into much details here, but benefits would include diplomatic immunity, a steady income, marvellous housing conditions as well as free access to every bathing house in the empire, massages included.”

[Emrys]

Aldrich Ador, Lord Regent

Leniancy. Aldrich was never one to take pity on those who thought themselves above the law. The stance he took was one of no mercy. Without law, society would crumble. However, he found a modicum of mercy in his heart for the brave woman standing in front of him.

"You are a strong woman Freya Vanir. Courageous too. For the service you have given my house, I will give each man here the opportunity of freedom. Know that I cannot in good conscience do this and it is against my better judgment. If any one of them as much as shows their face here again, they forfeit their lives. Thus is my decree."

The massive chains were beginning to be wrapped around the Darknut now,were strong enough to keep a full grown yeti imprisoned, for few metals were as fine as mountain steel.

"When he wakes he shall receive his ultimatum, but as for you, I have a proposition. You call yourself a wanderer, meaning you have no true home. My own house has room for one with such valor and bravery inside, and there would be plenty of good you could do here, one with such a heart. I would be honored if you would accept."

His own invitation surprised Aldrich, but he truly meant it. Seeing one with such virtuous qualities was rare in these times. And despite his ignorance of Hylia Marine's Dragoons, she had proven herself capable.

[SilverLich]

Cliff Guardians

As they walked through the streets of the city many stopped to watch the Cliff Guardians as they escorted a lone Hylian towards the spire, many of them whispering, but some did not speak, most of that number soldiers or those whe seemed to be counted as the elders with a few of the the younger ones looking at him as if they had a small understanding of why he was here, like they were seeing someone or something familiar to them. When they reached the Spire, the tower like structure they had seen from afar, the leader signaled for the rest to halt. "Wait here while I announce your coming" he entered the spire, which was flanked by a pair of Dinalfos with a single Darkhammer before the steps leading up to the entrance.

While they waited, the Guardians seemed to realize why their leader had allowed him the audience with ancient, muttering to their fellows as they pointed to a large statue in the plaze in front of the spire. The statue was perhaps the most beautifully crafted thing in the entire city, the only thing the Lizalfos seemed to give actual care in creating, as if they did not want to make even the slightest mistake. An Aeralfos was sculpted the highest, as if to fly above the others, with look of fiery zeal and determination in it's lifeless stone eyes, blade in one hand, shield in the other. Below him was a pair of females, one wearing the garb of a Song Sayer, the other looking as if she was a commander of some sorts, the commander wielding her maces as if she was ready to protect one of the others or someone else from an enemy, while the Song Sayer looked as if she was singing a tale of some sort to a group of other Lizalfos, as entertainment or a lesson, but the fourth and final statue was the most surprising, as it was a Hylian man. He seemed to be kneeling before a pair of blades, a serrated blade, and the other a large two handed blade that seemed to have deliberately made to look as if it were dulled, the man bowing before them as a sign of respect or as if he were mourning them.

A plaque below the statues was etched with a statement and several names, yet one seemed to be missing:

They returned to us our home, they saved us from madness, they are our greatest warriors.
Aran
Barria
Thresta

[Windrider37]

Rail looked at the statue, awestruck.He had never seen something crafted so beautifully by the Lizalfos, and with so much detail.When the saw the Hylian statue, it dawned on him as to why he was allowed in here at all.He must have been some sort of leader to the Lizalfos, or perhaps a Hero. the status were beautiful, and held his attention as he waited, aware of the crowd forming around them. However, the statue had made him feel more reassured. He hadn't noticed the missing name, for he was unaware of ho the Lizalfos Leaders and Heros were, haven't had little to no contact with them except Sierra and this city

[SilverLich]

Cliff Guardian Leader

He exited the spire to find the Hylian and his men staring at the statue. The Hylian appeared to be awestruck by the statue, but he would expect nothing less from one who never expected the Lizalfos to put so much care into something like the statue, but the council would have to hear the news as soon as possible, they weren't ones that had much paictience. "The council will see you now" he said to Raila as he led him into the spire, passing through a few hallways before reaching the council room. Within were four throne like chairs, in one sat what looked the overall commander of much of the Lizalfos army, a large maul by her side as she drummed her fingers on the arm of the throne. Beside her was a Song Sayer, but she appeared to be more "royal" looking, with a larger head dress and robes and armor that seemed to be inscribed with a variety of words in their language, her sacrificial dagger beside the throne and a pair of blades in her lap, she seemed to be judging Raila just by appearances alone, or at least trying to judge his purpose. A more raised throne held what appeared to be an Aeralfos, but his wings were concealed, and he seemed to be in deep thought, with armor that had seen much battle, and a two handed blade by his side. Oddly, the fourth and final throne was empty, as if waiting for the one who once sat there to complete the council.

"You've been given a chance Hylian, so talk, what is so important we would return to the forests where the fallen roam?" the Aeralfos voice was deep, a bit of a rasp to it, but it still carried the pride of a warrior, and someone who's fighting days weren't over yet.

[Mjolnr839]

Gabriel and Hope


It had been an uneventful few days, as they travelled. Changing roads, at random, avoiding towns, and generally following no actual direction other than wherever the road took them. The former Mr. Cerwell and his family had been quite powerful in the cult of the False God, and the last thing they needed was for some fanatic or hired bounty hunters to find their trail, so, they left one.

Everywhere.

It was impossible to follow them, because "They" had somehow been to every single town within 25 miles of where Mr Cerwell was murdered, and had remained in Every, Single, Town to this day. It was Amazing what some Rupees and leaked information could do for your life expectency.

The Actual Gabriel and Hope had travelled north for the time being until things died down. Slowly as Town came into view as Gabriel finished singing the final verse of "The Heretics Scream As They Burn" In Old Hylian, when they reached the gates.

"Its about time we reached a town. I was seriously considering kicking you off the cart." Hope said in exhasperation.

"You love that song. You hum it in the bath." Gabriel shot back.

"You've sang it in five seperate languages back to back, for the last 2 hours." She responded, before calling to the guards.

"What say you let us in before i strangle my Husband?"

[Windrider37]

Rail Knelt Respectfully before them before speaking, as it seemed like the right thing to do. "I have come from Faron, where a small group of Villagers, Sane no less, were in need of aid.However, a stranger had made a proposal, and the leader, a young songsayer, accepted, for we would not be alive now if it weren't for this stranger.She had been attempting to Come here, but as She found survivors, the Savages began to attack, eating away at their numbers. Somehow, he managed to use smoke to kill all the Savages inhabiting the surrounding area, as well as the city of Ukshulut... everything is dead.With my help, she managed to take and secure the City of Ukshulute, and is even now scavenging armor and food.I do not know if she will stay there, as she is waiting on my return for news on your decision. So, I ask on her behalf ,that you help her...either to help rebuild your Civilization to it's former glory, or to at least help those survivors get here, to safety." he said, bowing his head respectfully once again. After all that talking, it felt as if a ringing silence had befallen the room, making Rail profoundly nervous. He knew it was alot to ask of them, and yet...he knew it was only a matter of time before the Lizalfos here were found, and possibly wiped out by the Hylians or other races.

[niveksirrah]

Zaven

He rocked back and forth on his heels a few times as he listened to them speak. Once again the man show to have one of the most amazing minds he had ever seen, passing that of even the Sheikah. He smiled at the bit about him being a seeker. "Yes, a seeker would be a good term for me." He spoke more relaxed now, in what seemed like a relaxed tone of voice, his real voice.
He took another bite of his apple as he listened to the woman speak. He had honestly thought she would command him surrender. He was slightly surprised when she offered him a job. He tilted his head slightly once he was sure she finished. "I accept your apology for being so rude to me earlier. As for your offer, well, who could refuse an offer like that. Well I could. Those are all nice things but nothing interesting." he glanced around the desert land as if he was getting bored then turned back to her. "The question is, can you offer me something interesting? So far you have been less than so."

[SilverLich]

The Council

News that there were still sane members of the Lizalfos inhabiting the forests of Faron truly shocked the Council. They had assumed all of the ones they didn't manage to bring along on the exodus had been killed by their savage brethren, but this was incredible, and with the survivors retaking Ukshulut, this only made the possibility of an empire all the more likely. "We should take this opportunity and take back the forest" the militaristic one hissed to her fellow Councilors "with what? We can barely hold onto what we have here, we can't even move that far in the mountains without a possible problem coming up, we don't even know if the Dodongos will accept our alliance" they had waited for a very long time, too long in the opinion of some, to approach the Dodongos for an alliance, a return of sorts to the days when they held sway over the entire mountain range, an alliance like that would perhaps mean they would indeed have an empire again.

The two continued bickering for a bit, the Aeralfos staying silent throughout the whole thing, until it seemed he had enough, jumping off the throne he sat on, his wings unfurling as he did so, revealing that they were thrice the size of a regular Aeralfos, and the sword in his hands, the sound of his feet connecting with the ground silencing them both. "I thought you two were better than this" he snarled "we will wait on the response of the Dodongos, we won't force them, we won't anger them, we can't fight a war with them" they both seemed to try and hide in their thrones, as if they were children being scolded by a parent or elder. "Kerana, I want a kingdom, even an empire as much as you do, but we can't overstretch ourselves" he indicated the commander, turning his attention to the Song Sayer. "Vaya, your Great Grandmother made it her mission to preserve as much of our history and culture as she could to pass on to the next generation, the mere fact that a Song Sayer lives in the woods of Faron at a time like this is a sign from the matriarchs of the past that there's still hope for our people" the one known as Vaya truly did seem like a child in the presence of the Aeralfos.

He turned to Rail, and walked up to the Hylian, revealing that he towered over the Hylian by a good one or two feet, and began the real point he had made of accepting the audience. "Before I even consider putting any possibilities sending aid down there, I have but one thing to ask you Hylian: why do you care about a few lizards who everyone sees as nothing more than savage beasts?"

[Windrider37]

Raila sighed. "Even though much of the world seeks to exterminate you, doesn't mean we all do.I do not seek to Speak down upon your power...but right now, Hyrule is not the most sane of nations.They seek to destroy all the heretics that d not worship[ the goddesses...which includes you, and most non-hylians. Eventually ,they will find you, and eventually destroy you.No one deserves that. I risk much even being here, let alone telling you all this....True, we Hylians are partially to blame for the sorry state of your people...and yet, on behalf of them, i try to remedy it how i can. Do i need a reason, to help someone?" He asked looking up at the Aeralfos.He felt fear, gazing at this Lixalfos, that could probably rip him in half with his bare hands, and yet, he held his ground. "I tell you all this, as a gesture of honesty, an to prove my good word.Not all of Faron is free of the crazed Lizafos...but it was a start.I worked hard to save them, even entered into a contract with an unknown stranger to make it happen." he said, staring into his eyes, unblinking. The Spy ,clenched his fist to keep it from trembling, half expecting a blow to be throw at him for these words.

[Avatar of the Ice Wolf]

Tavia

At last, the Darknut unveiled his wisdom. He realized some of life's simply truths that few would take the time to properly understand.

"No, people don't change. They can only let what was there from the beginning resurface. As for death," she looked down at the floor, running a hand through her hair as she spoke, "death is a fulfillment, in a sense, though life is hardly unfulfilling. In death, we simply help something else to grow. We serve a purpose. Though all find fulfillment in death, few find it in life."

Finally finished with her musings, she gave Gaius a quizzical look. Why would such a powerful creature who is, for some undiscernable reason, wandering around Faron not interest her? His kind normally roams the other side of the world. Kokiri curiosity was only natural.

"Why would I not be interested in you? We are very much alike once the illusions are cast aside. Believe true only half of what you see. I would be very surprised if you could guess my age."

Though I left my people long ago, the spirit of the Kokiri never left me. Gaius was right; people don't change. I am who I always was. None of my mentors, the spiritual guardians, or even the Goddesses could change me. Whether that makes me obstinate or true to my nature, that's for history to decide.

[Attaxer]

Freya Valleja

What she offered these men was all she could have hoped for. This man was a good leader and it did not take much to realize why he was both respected and feared by those on the mountain. He carried himself with great strength despite his age. The man's offer struck her as odd, but upon further internal scrutiny she found it wasn't so odd at all. She looked up and squared her jaw. " Unfortunately, I cannot give you my services." she said softly. She wouldn't be able to properly explain that her life was that of a Pirate, not as an honor guard. As much as she loved the mountain and it's people, she could not truly clip her wings. For she loved the sea. She loved the plains. She loved the dirty taverns across the world, so different yet so much the same. She would not anchor herself to this mountain slope called Snowpeak.

" However, should you request my aide for anything in the future. I will do my best to see it accomplished. Whether by me or one of my contacts I cannot say, but you have earned my respect Mountain Lord." her accent was very proper for one from the slums of Marine. " I had planned to leave today, but given all the commotion I think it best I stay one more night. In the morning I leave for the southern road. I will pass through Audorn to resupply and then head for Lon Lon. Do you require any assistance or services of someone who takes such a road? Eyes? Ears? Say the word and it shall be. " She gave him a curt smile.

[SilverLich]

The Ancient

The Hylian brought news he and the rest of the council may never have heard of, and while it was true he had very little paitience for the stuck up self righteous 'chosen of the Godesses', but this one, this one Hylian made him feel as though, if only for a moment, that he was a little over two hundred years younger, wanting the same answers from another Hylian, receiving a similar answer as to why he wanted to help. A single tear slid down the side of the Ancients face as those memories and more came back to him, a smile creeping across his face. "You weren't the first one to give me that reason either, in fact the only reason we here in Death Mountain have been given a chance and even survived as long as we have is because of a Hylian" he turned to the thrones and began walking towards them, gesturing for Rail to follow.

"Come, there's something I need to show you before I give you an answer" he beckoned for Vaya and Kerana to come as well "and you two need a reminder as to why we fight and why we still have this bastion of ours." He pulled back a slab of rock and entered the tunnel that was hidden behind it, Vaya still looking as if she was a child that was sorry for their arguement and wanted to please the one who scolded them, while Kerana seemed more composed, and indicated the Hylian to follow as well.

[Windrider37]

Perplexed, Rail followed.He had no idea what to expect, or why the aerolfos was showing his this secret. it was indeed true, that many of the other nations despised Hylians, but in Rail's mind, he was willing to desert if that was what it took to keep a nation from dying.

Sierra soon has a large fire set, and for the first time in a long time, the villagers ate well.having have to carve and preserve the horses and other mounts that had died, they at least ad a steady supply of food, as well as some wood to reinforce the village and at least make a few of the homes livable.So for the first time in a long time, she let herself relax as she listen to the happy chatter of the lizalfos many of which felt safe and secure, a luxury that many had not had for a very long time.

[SilverLich]

The Ancient

The hallway was not long, and soon the four of them reached a simple adorned with what appeared to be multiple trophies, the blade of a Darknut, a medallion of the godesses, a scrap of cloth that looked as if it belonged to a soldier of Ordona judging by the symbol despite how faded it was, a full set of Hylian knight armor that still had blood stains on it, and much more adorned the room, but the middle of the room still drew the most attention, four tombs, three of them closed, obviously holding someone, and one that remained empty, the cover by its side. The Ancient paused by each and everyone of the tombs as he moved his hands over the plaques on them.

The first had the crossed blades of a Lizalfos seratted blade, a hylian sword, and a greatsword etched right above the plaque, which read:
Aran Forrestwalker,
Deathslayer,
A Trueblade master
Defeated one of the Darknut Legion's finest
Savior of the Lizalfos
Weather you go to the three or the matriarchs, may you find peace, friend of the Lizalfos

The second had a pair of maces etched into it atop a shield:
Barria the Emerald
Commander of the Kakariko Invasion
Peacemaker with the New Dawn Republic
Guardian of the last Bastion
Rest sister, our survival is assured

The final filled tomb was simpler in the symbol etched above the plaque, a song note with a sacrificial dagger crossed over it:
Thresta the Grey
Chronicler of Forrestwalker's tale
Preserver of our history
Eldest of the Song Sayers
You assured the survival of our culture and history, take your place among the greatest of matriarchs mother, we will continue your work


Vaya lingered on Thresta's tomb, and softly sang what sounded like the ballad or tale of a hero of old, detailing an invasion of Castle Town, a trek to Ikana canyon, the learning of the Lizalfos way and culture, before her voice began to soften to where it was near impossible to hear. The Ancient on the otherhand stopped by the tomb of Aran "he saved as many as he could before Majora's curse set in and drove our brothers to madness, he was the only one who gave us a chance. Even when he had the chance to return to his people, he stayed with us out of loyalty to a friend and a desire to save us" he sighed as the memories came to him again. "He was the first and only Hylian we accepted, but perhaps you may be the second, if what you say is true."

[Windrider37]

Rail nodded.He felt honored, hearing this, and yet, he still haklf expected to be plastered all over the wall.Now...he wasn't sure,Everything he knew about them, everything he had been told...was wrong.They weren't mindless beasts, but a proud people, with a proud culture, and they were stubbornly hanging onto life, despite the odds being against them. "It is all indeed true.However, you had best not wait too long, else the settlement be lost.Just because a section of Faron was purged, does not mean that raiders from another area could come.If that happens, there's no way they would survive.The only have one-hundred or so villagers, many of which do not know how to fight.
Rail shook his head, his brain starting to hurt from thinking too much."So why show me this? I mean, my people are the reason the Lizalfos are forced to live this way I was surprised to be let in, let alone be shown...gentleness..." he said, feeling stupid, and feeling childish at those words.He was still in awe of everything, and it was becoming overwhelming.I mean, you only JUST met me..." he said, feeling unworthy of being in this room let alone in the presence of these mighty leaders, and past Heroes.A Hylain did all this...saved them? he had never know...never would have guessed.It was astonishing.

[Mattwensley]

Cear Darrore

Sheikah. Assassins. Practically self-serving, unless you were fortunate enough to be royalty. There were different branches, but Cear was unsure what they were - it is a bad group of assassins who are widely known. Knowledge is power, guard it well.

The Gerudo/Ordonian Kurashi seemed of an inconsistent mind - the still-sore cut on his forehead attested to her anger, and yet she seemed to believe he was a loyal servant (ha, as if he would ever work for someone less intelligent then himself). Perhaps having the Sheikah on had would be preferable, in the event that her mind changed again. He walked towards the figure.

"I have an alternative suggestion, master Seeker. You work for me directly as a bodyguard. In return-" He leaned in close, whispering, "I do not send messages informing every state and nation bordering Hyrule as to your identity. Being recognisable is not a good trait for a spy to have." He straightened up. "There will of course be renumeration, and I am certain I would be able to make the most... efficient use of your skills."

Cear considered the fact that the Sheikah might simply kill him to maintain his cover, but decided not to worry. There would be nothing he could do to stop the event if it was going to come to pass, and thus it was not worth wasting time considering.