|
Post by NajaSide on Aug 20, 2020 4:01:37 GMT -4
The Trilby Highlands are a small expanse of mountains that serve as the southern foothills of Death Mountain, leading up to its very maw. They are comprised of a great northern plain that plateaus above the foothills and valleys that form the region's lower half. Though Trilby itself isn't particularly notable in the grand scope of the land, a road built upon its fringes serves as the central route that links Hyrule Kingdom to the civilizations built within the Eldin and Lanayru Provinces and beyond.
|
|
|
Post by NajaSide on Aug 20, 2020 5:13:17 GMT -4
She rode near the princess. It wasn't that they were necessarily close, but as both a champion and one of her knights, Link felt it her duty. Although, it seemed that she could ride no closer to her than that bodyguard of hers could have been. And of course, it's not like Sharifa and the other champions weren't nearby as well. The only one absent from their numbers was the Sheikah Champion, who had departed the previous night, as zil had promised to scout ahead.
Then there was Rosa. Link gave a short glance back toward the woman. Regardless of whatever reasons and excuses she had given before, it really was a mystery to the knight what brought this woman along. Perhaps it was for the best though. Keeping her with them was certainly a way to keep word of the champions from spreading before they were ready, and seeing how she jumped right in before, Link could certainly imagine what might have happened had she been left behind to gossip about in public.
She took a breath of the crisp autumn air. Maybe it was best to take this as a 'blessing in the disguise.'
She looked forward again, toward the looming mountains. They bathed under the early afternoon sun, but she still felt tired. Though the group had gotten a much needed rest, they had departed under the cover of the early morning darkness, before the city streets had filled with the crowds of daily life. No one needed to know of their departure. No, seeing such a squad of warriors traveling with Her Majesty would only serve to beg for a crowd and never ending waves questions, and right now, they were racing against time. At least they had made good distance so far, having already made their way into the outskirts of Eldin.
|
|
|
Post by Nintendo Mastah on Aug 20, 2020 8:33:12 GMT -4
Sheik was wandering next to Zelda, on the other side of the princess. She hadn't really said a word up to this point unless someone spoke to her. She was constantly watching her surroundings, making sure the caravan was not ambushed. She examined the people around her and took a deep breath. The only one that mattered to her here was her sister, the Princess of Hyrule. Not that she didn't care if the others lived or died, she actually hoped they all made it out safely but the cold, hard truth was that the champions were expendable and could be replaced with another one, Zelda was invaluable, both as family and as the princess.
Clenching and unclenching her fists repeatedly, as well as exhaling, she calmed her senses. 'Relax, Sheik', she thought to herself. Realizing she was a little too tense. She was not keen on Zelda coming along for this trip, although she knew that neither would it be good to shelter her sister in the safety of the castle, nor would Zelda want that either. It was, after all, for that very reason Sheik had left the castle in the first place, to pursue her own path.
|
|
|
Post by Dorn Koon on Aug 20, 2020 14:36:16 GMT -4
Riding on her white horse the crown princess of Hyrule was deep in her own thoughts as the group traversed the highlands, leaving the capital behind them in the distance. Princess Zelda's horse was a proud mare going by the name Storm, a calm and well trained animal which was not easily spooked by surprises. Her clear blue eyes glanced in the direction of her sister when... Shiek... sighed, she didn't say anything, she did smile. Had they been alone she would have tried to comfort the sister with words, but as they were in this situation where Sheik's true identity had to remain secret she could not do so. None of the others could know, even less the rest of Hyrule... she did not approve of the sisters choices, but she did respect them. Looking ahead again the princess gently stroked the mane of her horse, doing so absentmindedly.
What where doing anyway? Chasing answers which might never come? Looking for answers in dreams and vision that continued to show doom. Zelda moved a lock of hair away from her face, trying to push the memories of her visions to the back of the head, this was not the time, nor place, for such things.
|
|
|
Post by sesh on Aug 20, 2020 18:16:38 GMT -4
A wide wooden wagon creaked under the weight of the Goron messengers. Custom-fitted with metal supports at every reasonable joint, it took up a great deal of the rocky road's real estate. A dark cloud seemed to linger over the group, their demeanors dour and quiet. Gogrit fingered at his braided beard pensively, a frequent stress response since the ambassador arrived at the capital. Each of the Goron seemed to flicker between melancholy and anxiety in the short time they've been in the company of the Champions. The occasional sound of grinding stone was the only thing the broke their silence as they exchanged chances to dig into the rations they brought along.
"I cannot express how grateful we are," Gogrit said to the princess as the wagon crept ever forward. He strained to add warmth to his voice which was otherwise saturated in sadness. "I don't know how we shall repay this debt to your and your kind. I only hope we make it on time..." His eyes raised up to the great mountain northwards, eyeing its peak with a foreboding stare.
~~~
It was difficult leaving the capital without an entourage of holy sisters at her heels. Rosa had to insist many times on going alone as she packed the few necessities she would need. The acolytes constantly interrupted the process offering golden jewelry and symbols of faith to take on the road. Such things were best kept to a minimum, in Rosa's eyes. She took enough along not to be a burden, and to keep up appearances. But if she hadn't needed to appease her colleagues, she would have preferred not to bring any of the useless trinkets at all. Still, it was a minor annoyance that was now a thing of the past. It was liberating to be free of city after what felt like an eternity. It was beginning to suffocate her, being under the watchful eye of the sisters day and night. The country air was incredibly invigorating.
Looking to the others in the caravan, Rosa felt mixed emotions recalling the Sheikah Champion's absence. Zil had drawn a great deal of curiosity from her, which was a feeling that seemed to be mutual back in the throne room. Still, the present threads were too bare to piece anything substantial together. Rosa decided not to linger too much on the matter for now. It would be important to keep up her role now as Minister to the Princess. Staying focused on the task at hand and not slipping up at the wrong time was paramount. If she hoped to achieve her ambitions, then keeping two steps ahead of the others was vital.
Turning her attention to the other Gerudo present, Rosa ushered her horse closer to Sharifa. "It's a shame we didn't get to make proper introductions back at the castle," Rosa admitted, her voice adding some warmth to the chilly air. "I was incredibly relieved upon your rival, my lady. I had feared I would have to take up the torch for our people and the idea chilled me to the bone. I've never exactly... exemplified what our kin find important. You saved me from putting my foot in my own mouth, if I'm being blunt. Thank you." A friendly smile came naturally to her face.
|
|
|
Post by NajaSide on Aug 21, 2020 3:17:46 GMT -4
Link continued staring up at the mountain, taking stock of its status. Having spent the last couple years in Rauru, she had grown rather accustomed to seeing its silhouette day after day. Their destination was still a ways off– perhaps they would arrive that evening –but even from this distance, she could see something was different about its shape. That wasn't to speak of the shimmering rivers of lava she could see flowing down its side. It was a volcano, so streams of the stuff weren't uncommon, but for them to be so that she could see them so clearly from so far away left her apprehensive to say the least.
Her eyes traveled along the mountain's side toward its base. Since the Duchess of Eldin had departed from the castle, Link felt some regret in not speaking with her whilst she had been with them, but there was nothing to be done now. Doubtless to say, there was much the Lady had to attend to in order to ensure the safety of both the Village and the Forest.
The voices of the others drew her attention outward once more and she tossed their Goron companions a glance before looking skyward once more. "Mister Gogrit, I have to ask: There's a story we're often told, 'that when the state of the mountain is in disarray, the clouds perched upon its skies darken and dour.' Like the gods are to trying to warn us ahead of a great disaster. Of course, we get cloudy skies all the time, it's only natural. But still, is there any truth to that?"
|
|
|
Post by Nintendo Mastah on Aug 21, 2020 14:59:00 GMT -4
Sheik listened to the conversation started by Link, and glanced over towards the mountains. The Volcano was indeed looking a bit more.. ominous than usual. A tiny little spark of shadow magic danced across her hands. She was more or less stretching her muscles as she walked, magical and regular, to she would be prepared to fight in a second. Again she looked over to her sister up on her horse and slowly shook her head a little. She did not like that her sister was sitting so much high up, it made her a viable target for archers. Sure, Sheik was ready to jump infront of Zelda and take every arrow meant for her if that's what she had to do, but she would still need to -see- the attack coming first.
Ziel Hyrule had no clue what was awaiting them at the mountain, but whatever it was they were going to beat it. Another glance at the Champions. She was hoping these people would be enough to stop this threat.
"Princess", she mumbled lowly, yet somehow her slighty hoarse, deep voice reached Zelda. She had -almost- began the sentence with 'Sister', but had thankfully managed to stop herself. "..A rupee for your thoughts. You seem a bit distant". Her tone was neutral, hard to read, as always when she spoke, although in reality she was worried if Zelda was worried.
|
|
|
Post by Dorn Koon on Aug 27, 2020 16:14:00 GMT -4
The princess looked to the goron when he spoke, and she gave him a small nod. "Of course we will give whatever assistance we can Master Gogrit. We must work to maintain our bonds with each other, and so it would be very wrong not to aid our brethren from the mountains" She replied to his words. "We will make it, of that I'm sure."
Zelda was taken somewhat aback when Shiek spoke, she looked in her direction and the blue eyes stopped once they found the disguised sister. "Oh, I'm so sorry... I was thinking" She said with a faint smile, what followed was a pause as she thought over what the "sheikah" said. "I suppose I'm a little distracted." She finally continued. "I'm a little... worried, about this business with the hammer. It is a powerful weapon, not something just anyone could break. Maybe I'm overthinking, but I can't shake the feeling that I'm missing something important."
The princess paused, and her gaze wandered back to look at the looming mountains ahead of them. "We shall see where it takes us..."
|
|
|
Post by sesh on Sept 12, 2020 17:52:48 GMT -4
As the creaking wagon shuffled forward, Gogrit pondered the Champion Link's question. "It is the last of many omens our Mother Mountain shows in dark times," the ambassador explained. "You see, my people feel the corruption coming long before the folk living further from her crags and peaks. The rumbles in the earth. The changing heat of her lava. The taste of the soot in the air. We are harmonious with the wellbeing of the great mountain, and these slight changes come long before her smoky crown darkens. We've felt the incoming peril for quite some time and..." He paused for a moment, as if catching himself in a criminal act. "It is not my place to judge the workings of our Elders, of our Chief. The Goron are a proud people, and we strive to fix the problems of our land before burdening our neighbors. Many of us consider ourselves shepherds of the mountain's stone, and it is our duty to keep the proper balance of nature in Eldin's land."
Looking to the Princess Zelda, Gogrit felt a mixture of comfort and sadness. "You are everything I've heard and more. Your father must be incredibly proud, Your Grace." Upon hearing her musings on the hammer, the ambassador's dour expression returned. "My people have always been told the Megaton is indestructible, and can destroy anything in turn. To find this great relic busted and splintered... it has shaken us to the core. It is something we have known since we were suckling babes. It is as if you knew the sky was blue and the grass was green only to awaken and find the reverse to be true. And Everest... he was as the Megaton personified. We hope against the signs but his fate seems more set by the day. We were so proud to have him join your ranks, as his role of Champion is perhaps the most apt title any of my people has ever known. And now..." Gogrit became silent once more, his entourage joining him in the quiet mourning.
~~~
"What is that?" Rosa's attention was drawn away from Sharifa towards the road ahead as several figures formed along the next hill. A dozen or so red shapes spread across the length of the path, their backs turned to the approaching caravan as they scampered about erratically. A bump in the road caught a wheel on the Goron wagon and let off a loud boom, instantly shaking the group into response. Sharp green dots came into view; beady emerald eyes on vermilion faces. The creatures began to take form, boney horns protruding from their foreheads and scaly tails curling from behind. In their hands were barbaric spears, and upon their bodies were bolted plates of crude iron.
"Lizalfos," the Minister said, startled. Gogrit nodded, he and his men shifting from melancholy to agitated. "Aye, and this breed makes their nests under the Mother Mountain. They spit flames like a geyser spits water. Me and my men should be safe, but the rest of your must be careful. They may-"
The ambassador fell silent as a new being rose from the crowd of reptilian marauders. Cloaked in red and beige, it danced suspended in air with a mystical menace. Twirling a flaming scepter in its hand, the creature let out a haunting laugh. It flung its wand forth and let out a cry, the end of the weapon glowing with dark power. From the scepter erupted a volley of fiery orbs, each whizzing in the air towards the Champion party. As if this attack were a signal, the Lizalfos jumped into action and scattered until their numbers covered the forward and side flanks. As the crowd split, the burnt remains of their previous target could be seen on the road ahead. Upon getting into position, the Lizalfos charged the Champions with reckless abandon.
|
|
|
Post by NajaSide on Sept 15, 2020 4:36:33 GMT -4
Resting a hand upon a knee, a thoughtful expression crossed her face. If that was the case, if it truly was only but the final and most dire of signs, she certainly had never seen such clouds before. Throughout her lifetime and several times more, the mountain had never seemed to be such a threat that its very existence was a concern for the greater kingdom. That wasn't to say that those living upon its feet did not regard the mountain with the proper respect it deserved. It was Death Mountain after all. She could recall the times that she had to traverse the mountainside to rescue the occasional traveler who had wandered foolishly upon the mountainside and stranded themselves.
The brief slip in Gogrit's words caught the knight's attention and she furrowed a brow, but then she held herself. Fair enough, it would only be reasonable that any sensible leader would not want their problems to fall on the shoulders of others, much less so if they could resolve the problem themselves. But that it had come so far already, that their chosen had to fall before their Goron neighbors would reach out to Hyrule certainly vexed her.
All the same, she shook her head. "It is not in my place to judge, Mister Gogrit. All I can do is trust and believe that you and your kin have done all you could to stay what has come for as long as you could," she answered. Now, it was time to heed their call and– with the others at her side –repel whatever wretched evil Krakatoa had become. Her eyes fell back to the wagon trailing behind them, to where she presumed the broken hammer was stored. The somber mood in the air was palpable. She was sure there was worth in being optimistic, and so she spoke, her voice confident. "We will avenge your fallen brother, of that you can be sure. To dare to tear down both a friend and such a magnificent legend are both are unforgiveable."
Before the three could continue their conversation, Rosa called ahead to them. Holding a hand up to her eyes, the knight looked out upon the road. Lizalfos... She had seen the red crests that these wore often enough to know they were of the mountain. Link had helped fend them off from Rauru often enough before. Unlike their Lanayru brethren, they never seemed to show an interest in settling a peace with those around them. But unlike previous times, they were now accompanied by this strangely cloaked interloper.
She gave a short nod at the sound of Gogrit's voice, to heed his warning, and smiled. "I shall take that to heart and make this our start." Then she looked across from Zelda, facing her bodyguard. "Sheik, keep Her Grace from danger and protect her. We'll take care of them."
Then Link faced forward again, watching as the Lizalfos ran to their places. Then she took a breath, and she charged. She rode carefully from the fireballs, away to a side, but still made her way forward upon the lizards' positions. Though she had to be mindful of that strange magician, she would first need to break their ranks. A short charge through their lines and then to retreat away from the others, both to fray their morale and keep a safe distance.
|
|