Live Your Own Story in Hyrule

Wolf Link lowers himself again before the princess. "If you require assistance, your highness, you may also ride." His eyes look to Irina, "I can carry both if needed."

¨Thank you, but I believe I have recovered all my strength. I should be fine now," Irina smiles at Link's offer. "And thanks for carrying me earlier. I hope I did not wear you out too much," she adds, her smile growing.

"The princess might use some help, though. It looks like the fall scraped her quite a bit, so please focus on her." Irina adjusts her bag and weapons from the ride and jump, ready to continue.

"Oh, no, no, let him carry you. Consider it endurance or weight training. By the time he's done carrying the both of you, he'll be faster than the Running Man." Revali offered. "I think this will be great for him. I say give it a go."

Red just shakes his head, "I think she just wants to use her own legs for now. Both of them, for that matter." Watching both of their rides was frightening for him to watch and wasn't even the one affected.

"I-I think I will walk. A good, brisk pace should get me back into good shape," Mipha chuckled. "But thank you for your offer, Link. I do appreciate it. And I won't be taking you through any weight training as Revali has so generously offered. By the time we reach the temple, I should be fine. Now, speaking of temples, I am familiar with the Water Temple. It is near and dear to me and my family, but I, admittedly, am less familiar with one of Shadow. I only know that one of the sages is associated with it."

Irina hears the name of the temple and immediately tenses up, feeling a knot in her stomach. She looks in the direction of Kakariko.

Wolf Link rises and nods to Mipha, "As you wish, princess." He moves ahead of the group, but not too far, and follows the spirit that is guiding them. The lights of Kakariko are faintly visible up ahead. It's still night and very quiet.

"I have always had a deep respect and appreciation for the Sheikah. They are truly Hyrule's most mysterious race."

Revali "I wonder about their bowmanship. I've heard about bows that the Sheikah use. As it goes with most myths, I'm unsure how true they really are, but supposedly, they could 'make the target appears nearer' than they actually were. If this temple hasa bow like that, I'd like to try it."

Taking note of the silence from Irina, he extends a wing and gives her a couple good supportive pats. Nothing to draw too much attention, but definitely to reassure her.

"Ruto did mention how a Sheikah rescued her, once. I have a fascination, if only by association, with her experience with one of them. I had only thought they helped Hyrule's Royal Family, but it appears there's more to them than what they display. Of course, there must be good reason, given their status and what role they fulfill." Mipha mused along with Link.

Irina looks up to Revali with a soft smile. “Thank you.”

Thinking about the conversation, she adds her experience. “I have only known one called Sheik, in the desert. He was very helpful and kind. I don't know all Sheikah are the same, but I certainly hope our paths cross again.”

"Sheik... I think i also met him once. He was at the domain with my sister. I'm glad we both have ran into him. Your description matches my experience with him as well. He stayed around to ensure my sister's health was stable after her return from the desert. The way they spoke with one another, they seemed very familiar. Perhaps he was the one that helped her before? I'll have to ask when I see her again." Mipha considered before directing her attention to Revali. "Do you like to try different bows, Revali? I thought the one you had was one of the best if not the best."

"Eh?" Revali didn't think Mipha would be the one to take interest in his bow remarks. In fact, he found it charming that she would try. "My bow is the best of the best. However, I didn't always have this bow. I started with others like many Rito warriors do, then worked my way up until I had one to call my own." He began.

"Bows can tell you a lot about the people that made them. Were they hunters or warriors? Perhaps it served both purposes? What kind of materials were made to craft it, what kind of size do they favor and arrow type? How do the draw weights differ between them all? These can give insight into the kind of life lived, what conflicts they'd be accustomed to, the areas lived in and plenty of other details. Even if I have my bow, that doesn't make others bad in comparison. They're all tools made for a purpose."

Rome has basically been along for the ride for the most part, but got the gist of what was going on. “So these Sheikah… Aren’t they ninjas or something?” Rome doesn’t recall meeting any of the shiekah before, but he has heard of them before. They were quite renoun from what he knows, but growing up in Termina, there was a lot he didn’t know.

“That's what I’ve heard, anyway.”

Irina is gladly surprised to hear that Mipha also knows Sheik. "I imagine he has been around for a while, since Link has known him for years as well."

She remembers their time in the desert. "On top of being kind, Sheik was a very interesting person. I have always read that the Sheikah align with shadow magic, but he used light magic to help us." She grins to Rome, "Ninjas? I have heard that too. If they are all like the one we know, they are very mysterious, that is for sure." Her curious nature shines through her words.

Listening to Revali, she smiles, taking her bow from her back. It is similar in structure to a Hylian traveler's bow, but clearly foreign, made with wood not available in Hyrule. It's light but sturdy and features a silver emblem with a spiral-shaped tree and snowflake.

Irina offers the bow to Revali. "I would love to know what you think of my bow."

Wolf Link jokes aloud to Revali, "As long as you don't try the new bow on me, I fully support that."

He laughs in a slight howl. Hopefully it doesn't rouse the village, which is now fully visible as they descend the mountain path. It's very dark, but there are a few lamps lit along the tiny streets that separate the houses.

As the party reaches the outskirts of the village, Fi pauses and addresses Link.

_"Report: Master, we are now approaching the perimeter of Kakariko Village. My analysis indicates an 89.7% probability that the visual manifestation of my spirit form will incite fear, confusion, or unwarranted suspicion among the local populace."_

She disappears into the crystal around his neck, which glows faintly now.

_"To optimize our traversal through the settlement and prevent unnecessary complications, I shall retract my projection and suppress my energy signature. I will enter a dormant surveillance state within the crystalline vessel. Should you require my analytical capabilities, Master, you need only initiate contact. Engaging stealth protocols now."_

The crystal's glow fades and Fi's presence disappears into the night. The path is darker but the lights from the village illuminate the rest of the trail down the mountain.

Fallon could feel the warmth of life in his body from the squeeze she was given. "You are! Last I saw you, you were asleep! I have to admit, I didn't know what you'd remember when you woke up, but you've remembered my name and everything," she laughed, bringing a hand up to the corners of her eyes to clear them of tears. She didn't want to start crying too soon.

"You left something for me in the forest? I think you've already given me so much, I have the stone and the papers you left me with. There's more?"

She instinctively jotted down the orders for water without missing a beat in the conversation.

"Two waters, got it. And I'll relay your message shortly here," she looks from Saria to Aio.

"Saria says she will teach you her language if you teach her yours. She also wnts you to know that the children in the forest are your friends and that they protect one another."

The boy smiles broadly to Saria. He seems very excited about everything he is hearing and seeing. "I will teach her everything!"

He watches Fallon taking orders. "Do you have any milk?"

"He says he'll teach you everything," Fallon relayed his response to Saria.

"Milk, was it? Of course. You got it. I'll be back with those drinks." Fallon heads over to the kitchen to grab some water and milk for the trio. When she comes back, she sets the water and milk down before each of them. "I tried to bring the smallest glass we had for you, but I understand its still pretty big," she explained to Ion. "I'll take a look around and see if there's anything here I can bring that would be smaller to drink from. For now, water and milk is covered. Is there any food you desire to have?"

Saria grins at the translation. “How fun!” When the drinks come, she first thanks Fallon before thinking about what to eat. Then she just shrugs. “Please surprise us! But I only have a few rupees I found in the bushes. I hope that is enough!”

About Ion, Saria giggles. “I have thimbles for him at home. Anything small will work.”

She then starts pointing at everything and naming it for Aio. First at her glass. “Water.” Then at his glass. “Milk!” Then at the table. “Table.” Then at the fairy. “Ion!”

Knowing how quickly children learn and how smart Aio is, he will probably be speaking Hylian in no time!

Heeeeeere comes trouble. 83

Naomi comes tripping (almost literally) down the stairs and rounds the corner into the tavern, looking for something fun to interact with like Crispy or a fishy-man or Mommy's wallOOOOOO, OTHER KIDS!!! 8D And they have a glowy-ball too! Naomi trots up and rests her chin on the edge of the table. "Hi, I'm Naomi! Wanna play when you're done eating?"

The international language of children is play. Even though he didn't really understand the girl, he understood the offer. He drinks his glass of milk in a single action and wipes his mouth with his arm, then jumps up. "Play!" He repeats a word he just learned, and runs out of the Wolfos into the field. The feeling of the sun and cool air on his skin amplifies his excitement.

Saria giggles and nods to Naomi. "Let's go!" she drinks her water in one big gulp and follows after Aio, forgetting about the food, the adults, and everything else.

Ion jumps up. "But... but... Saria!" He follows after her, making sure he gets out the door before it closes.

"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

Saria follows Link through the structures. Despite being deeply connected to the forest, she has already lost her way. But they can solve that problem later. She runs behind the stone to hide with Link and watches the Wolfos family gaping widely. She looks at Link, amazed at the cute pups.

When the family has finished eating, they run off again into the forest. Link runs after them but is stopped because they happen upon a big stone structure. It's a temple deep in the forest, one that has been lost to time. It is almost not visible as it is overgrown by plants, but there is no mistaking that he mountain before them is man-made and not a natural structure.

Saria runs after the Wolfos family with Link. When they arrive at the temple, the kokiri's interest switches from the animals to the building. She runs to it, touching the wall and looking for the door curiously. "What is this place? Have you been here before?" she asks Link.

Link shakes his head. "I haven't. And from the looks of these vines, it doesn't look like anybody has been here for a while." He looks up at the stone walls and tries to peer into an opening. "Let's explore it!"

Saria grabs one of the vines to make a small climb to one of the openings. "Hellooooo!" She looks inside and hmms. "I am so curious to see what is in there..." She follows you, wondering if you fit into the opening.

Link barely fits but he squeezes in, pushing past vines and other plants. There is a sudden drop but plenty of vines to hold onto. He climbs down. Some light filters in from other windows and a hole in the roof. He reaches a large central room and calls out to you.

Saria almost falls as well, and not as gracefully as Link. She grabs onto the vines, almost getting trapped in them, but climbs down after Link and looks around. "This is place is so mysterious! I wonder how long it has been empty. We should be careful; there might be some skulltullas and deku babas around."