Deep within the Faron Woods sits a small camping ground. There’s not much there right now – just a few lonely little tents, a fire pit, and piles of resources scattered about. The occupants are mostly refugees at the moment. It’s the tired but dedicated group that managed to escape the area surrounding Hyrule castle alive. They’ve been working tirelessly to recruit for this mission, and their efforts may finally be paying off.
Among the survivors is Laurel Hyrule. She’s the one who posted the notice, and while she hasn’t quite recovered from these recent events, she’s doing what she can to assist and motivate the growing army. If you’ve got any questions, seek her out. If not, pitch a tent and settle in. We might be here a while – might as well spend the time planning.
Laurel was getting by mostly by keeping herself to a tight schedule. Most of the time, she was either patrolling or making fliers. So far there hadn’t been much of a response. That was to be expected. She likely wasn’t the only nutjob with an army claiming to have the more-than-likely-dead heir of Hyrule on her side. Desperate times meant desperate people, after all, and the vast majority of those desperate people now had no one to turn to with the entire royal family supposedly gone. The difference was, of course that she was the heir. It somehow didn’t make her feel any more confident.
She wondered every now and again if they would even trust her. If anyone did come…how could they follow her now? She had failed, as far as she was concerned. Most of Hyrule had no idea why she’d vanished. She’d just up and disappeared one day in the middle of a mission in Termina and had thus conveniently missed out on the castle massacre. Not that she wasn’t assumed dead herself – she certainly was – but it seemed even to her to have been a strangely coincidental disappearance. Were she one of them and not…well, her…she would have questions.
But she dreaded answering the ones that would inevitably come. Here she was, supposedly strong, and yet she’d been kidnapped and kept away for a month. Perhaps if she’d escaped she could have done something – anything! She’d at least have been there when it happened. But no, she couldn’t even manage to save her own sister. The memory might have brought tears to her eyes if she had any left.
Right now, she was sitting out in front of her tent attempting to put together more fliers. When it got dark, she’d start another patrol. Anything to keep the mind busy.
Kiru wondered through the camp, looking at the survivors. From what he had gathered, the entire royal family was reportedly wiped out, with the exception of their leader. Kiru had seen the girl known as Laurel Hyrule in front of her tent, the loss and pain etched on her face. Some in the camp thought she was a possible fake, and merely wished to usurp the throne. But, even with his own innate paranoia, he couldn't bring himself to disbelieve her.
The swordsmen began walking towards her, though he was unsure what to say. He doubted anything he could do would help her cope. He noticed she was attempting to make more fliers, and he suddenly felt bad for the one he had taken from Zora's Domain. He scratched his head, wanting to say something that would at least take her mind off all this.
"Hi.. Miss uhh.. your highness. I came to help after seeing one of your fliers in Zora's Domain. Anything you need done around here I could probably help with. We could chat too if you want. Oh, I also kinda brought the flier with me... sorry for taking it down."
He held out the flier as if it was a sort of peace offering, the paper dangling in a slight breeze. He hoped she would take it, and he hoped he could help her somehow.
Post by JOSH DRAGONSFLAME on Jan 10, 2014 0:43:57 GMT
Josh took a breath as he found the camp that he'd been pointed to. He shook the leaves and twigs out of his hair that had gathered as he had trekked his way in. All the way from Termina he had come, having bought a ticket to get a boat to Hyrule in order to get here and help.
The situation didn't sound good. The royal family wiped out, with the exception of one. The castle, taken, massacred... A disaster, truly. One that Josh couldn't stand hearing about anymore, and his adventurous, caring nature had gotten the best of him. Going so far from home wasn't the easiest thing for him, but if it was to help somebody... He didn't care.
Trekking through the refugees, he finally noticed someone who he recognized from photos he had seen in the past, as the one and only... Or, most LIKELY the one and only... Laurel Hyrule. He walked over, seeing her in conversation with another Human. Waiting for the man to finish speaking, he studied the face of the young woman, and in it he could see pain and suffering. He gave a frown at that, he pitied her for what she was going through. He trusted that it was her, of course, and not another seeking the throne.
As the man finished speaking, he gave Laurel a smile in greeting.
"Your Highness" he greeted. "I'm Josh DragonsFlame. From Termina. I've come to help" he said, keeping his composure well despite being in front of royalty, and despite the fact that as he stared into her eyes as he spoke, he wanted to comfort her. Tell her everything was going to be okay. But that wouldn't have been proper, considering they didn't really know each other. For now, support and friendship were all he could offer.
Allevy neared the base, indicated by the flier he had found posted. His expression was neutral, however even he was being worn down by recent events, namely the fact that he had also lived in Castle Town and no matter wretched of a place it seemed at times, it was home, and having a bunch of monsters occupy it wasn't a way he ever imagined leaving it. The question was now, what was he to do about it?
It had been a short while since he found the fliers and now here he was to join some recapturing movement in order to take back the town. If that were the only thing he was supposed to be doing, it would have been simple enough, but after the whole debacle that occurred before the town was taken over... Allevy's expression darkened slightly. Given that sword he received and what had led up to it, it was difficult to pass the whole thing off as rubbish especially given this timing. Heroes, Sages, all of it leading up to fighting off whatever took a piece of the "Sacred Treasure". The words of The Sage of Light, er, Missy (whose name was one of the larger reasons why he thought it was a bit of a hoax at first), still rang in his head.
So if he was to go and free the Sage of Forest, what would happen if they were to try and invade before all the other Sages were awakened? And better yet, how in the world was he supposed to convince people that what even he thought was total rubbish at first was going to perhaps determine the fate of Hyrule? First things first though, he had to confirm that this was indeed the princess and probably find some help. Even if he was supposed to be a Hero, Allevy was better suited for avoiding fights rather than picking one with an army of potentially dangerous monsters.
After arriving at the base camp, Allevy could see another two recruits had made it before him talking to a woman. At the surface at least, she looked like Laurel Hyrule, but he could see just how drained she was. Having your family slaughtered and your kingdom taken from you could do that to a person. He wondered whether he should bother introducing himself, but decided to opt out and talk to the Princess about what was going on behind the scenes at a better time. He was about to sigh and lean against a post to brood further, but his moment was quickly interrupted as something or somebody bumped into him, knocking him over.
Post by ARDEN GLYNDWR on Jan 13, 2014 19:18:38 GMT
"Owah!" Arden yelped as he knocked into someone by accident, knocking them over. Fortunately, he didn't drop any of his tools when he did so. "I'm sorry! I'm in a hurry!" He quickly apologized, wincing as he heard a large amount of curses headed his way from behind as he went ahead.
Arden's day so far was a bit of a doozy. It hadn't been more than a day or two since he had heard about what had happened to Hyrule Castle and the Castle Town from Termina and almost as soon as the news had reached him, someone had sent him an urgent letter asking for his help to craft equipment for the recruits along with a large amount of money to cover the commission, also with the instructions to keep whatever was left over for the labor and resources. Since it was as good a time as any to stir up some business and also do some good in the world, Arden decided to help out and boarded the very next boat to Hyrule, taking along with him a bunch of his tools. Apparently some materials would have been provided for him to work with, but he managed to carry some along with him which was a struggle, but it was a bunch of stuff that was hard to find on short notice.
After making his way over to the base camp while lugging a crate supplies and an armful of tool boxes, Arden had finally arrived, a bit tired but enough energy to get started working at least. "Hello! My name's Arden Glyndwr and I was asked to come here to craft some equipment for everyone! I'm looking for a Miss Laurel Hyrule and Mr. Allevy Nash?" He asked Laurel, entirely oblivious as to who she was and who he had just knocked over.
"After all you put me through, you'd think that I'd despise you. But in the end, I wanna thank you. Cause you made me that much STRONGER."
The village had seen all kinds individuals after the Princess of Hyrule Royalty had been forced to camp here. Her requests for aid were bringing in more that required the village as a headquarters. The Guards around the Village had become use to seeing unfamiliar faces and fashions exotic to the area. But they hadn't seen anything quite like the hulk of metal trudging up the hill to the village.
The guards didn't budge as it passed them. The knight had the appearance of one of the Hylian knights. The armor plates were dented, chipped, and worn. It had seen many battles. The metal creaked and ground against itself as it walked. It was like a revenant of one of the many lost knights in battle. Unlike the armor, a sword lay across its shoulders. The large greatsword showed signs of battle, but remained in great condition. A true work of craftsmanship.
The armored knight walked through the village. It's walk was slow and labored. It wandered about until it finally came across the camp where the soldiers were gathering. The knight stopped at the edge of the camp, scanning the immediate tents for someone. It stopped at the bonfire noticing the gathering of people. It walked past the individual near the edge of the camp. It ignored the gathering of men around the Hylian heir. It stabbed its massive blade into the dirt near the fire. It stopped just before the princess and looked down at her.
"L-Laurel" a feminine voice asked, echoed from within the hollow metal.
Ashton removed her horned helmet to reveal her face. Her hair, usually tied back in a neat ponytail, was a mess. Bits of grim and blood stuck to her face that hosted a few scars. Her expression broke down slowly from a bold knight to a scared child.
"I've searched all over. I couldn't find anyone. Are they all dead Laurel? They're all gone aren't they?" Ashton fell to her knees and hesitantly wrapped her arms around Laurel. "I'm so happy I found you. I'm so happy I found someone. I was so angry and so scared." She huffed as she cried softly into her sister.
OOC NOTES:Ashton just needs a good cry for a moment and she'll be fine ;w;
Laurel looked up the moment she heard footsteps. She was getting better and better at that. Apparently paranoia was stronger than sleep deprivation. Perhaps she shouldn’t have been as shocked as she was to see a boy approaching the camp instead of the monster she’d expected. The monsters were all a bit closer to the castle if her sources were correct, which was why they’d chosen the Faron Woods in the first place. And besides, she’d asked for warriors. Sooner or later, they were bound to come.
The princess stood, suddenly unsure of what to say. About two months ago, she’d been an intelligent and articulate young lady who more or less spoke well for a living. She was just a shadow of that now. Again the dread crept up and she wondered if the sorry state she was in was as obvious to him as it was her. That was shameful. Now of all times, she was meant to be regal and strong. But then, when had she ever been good at being what she was meant to be?
Maybe it was good that others were arriving. She’d likely have thought herself to an early grave otherwise.
She forced a smile and greeted him, listening quietly at first. This boy looked too young to be here. While she herself had certainly started training at a young age, her mother and father would never have allowed her to commit to something as unbelievably dangerous as this. It had nothing to do with her title – there were simply some places where children did not belong. This, she would argue, was absolutely one of them…but beggars could not be choosers. She couldn’t turn him away any more than she could bring Iris and her parents back to life.
“That’s just fine.” She said gently, taking the paper from him and trying with every single ounce of strength that she had to appear warmer and stronger than she felt. The only thing stronger than her sadness was her undying sense of duty to her people as well as anyone who fought on their behalf. They at least deserved a smile. “Thank you.”
“If you’ve got any questions, I will answer them. Otherwise...” She continued, but stopped as yet another new warrior entered. And to think she’d doubted her fliers for even a second. Weeks of no news and now all of this at once. Had they come together? This one, a blond with a colorful family name, greeted her with the same kindness that the first one had. He had a very comforting way about him, and his composure seemed for a second to transfer to her. This was a blessing. Laurel’s mental state aside, this response was more than she could have hoped for. “Thank you. Both of you. Really, I…I couldn’t tell you how much it means to me.“
There were others behind them. One was a dark-haired male who she’d been about to address when yet another person arrived. The light-haired newcomer asked for her by name, and while she thought she may have heard his name before, the reason escaped her. It was something she’d heard in passing once while on a trip to Termina. Or perhaps it was a name on a shop? She wasn’t certain of that or of the identity of the other person he’d named.
The knight entered just as she opened her mouth to respond. The sight made her pause. She knew that armor. If it was a knight, it was likely someone she knew. But…how? They’d died. Or else they’d be here with her now, she was sure of it. Her stomach knotted itself up and she waited there, frozen, waiting for whoever this was to speak.
The next few moments were a blur. Somewhere in between Ashton’s arrival and their embrace, she’d revealed her identity. Laurel was in such shock, though, that it all seemed to happen at once. She had doubted all of it. It wasn’t until she’d pulled her sister up from her knees and wrapped her up in her own hug that she was made aware beyond a shadow of a doubt that this was who it appeared to be.
“Ashton. I-it’s really....” She stammered, but she couldn’t finish the sentence. Before she was aware of it, there were tears in her eyes as well. She didn’t want to let go. As clichéd as it sounded, she felt that the second she let go, her sister would vanish. If only she knew what to say to comfort her. While Laurel couldn’t bring herself to confirm for Ashton the death of their family, her silence said all that it had to.
But, for a moment anyway, she was happier than she’d been in a month. There is no feeling quite like being reunited with someone you thought you’d lost forever. After what seemed like ages, she finally did let go. She would not, however, budge an inch from the younger girl’s side. Never again.
“I-I’m sorry.” She stammered, wiping the tears from her eyes. She seemed to almost be in a trance for a moment, repeating her apology over and over. But she really did have a million things to apologize for. See Ashton now was both the best of blessings and a terrible curse. She looked so much like their mother. That and she was so, so upset! She’d seen it – she’d fought in the battle that Laurel herself had conveniently missed. Her younger sisters, both of which she was meant to protect. Not to mention that countless subjects that she, as heir, was responsible for. And here she was moping over it. They must have thought her so silly. They had every right to, especially Ashton. “I’m sorry, everyone, I’m so sorry. I promise you, t-this will not be…I-I will not be this way. I will become capable. I owe you all that much.”
Post by EINNASHE IMPA ZEIL on Jan 15, 2014 15:07:51 GMT
Einnashe Zeil: Hyrule's Sentinel of Truth
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A figure, probably mildly suspicious in appearance, watched all of this carefully. It was indeed a blessing that a child of the royal blood made it out of that castle after all---especially for the declining mental state of the 'Soon-to-be New Queen'. Keeping her silence she took in all that was to be said between them and only spoke when Laurel began her apology...
"...Woman you are already capable.", the wary tone of the ex-royal guard spoke with little effort to reach volume. Her time in her position allowed her voice to boom with ease, even almost by accident if she did not control it. It was the experience of being the captain of a platoon that gave her such ability. Yet her voice possessed no strength of chivalry behind it. It likely would not be easily recognized.
"You have lost just as much as every family that lived in that town, and you are here struggling to pull together a rebellion. Do not insult yourself over a couple of tears.", she'd state without really even looking in Laurel's direction any longer. Her long strands of silver hid her face like the branches and greenery of a willow, and her scarf hid her lips. This wraith in the shadows wrapped in hunter's leather gently pushed herself upward and off the bark of the tree of which she leaned.
Though she had so much to say to Laurel, after all that they'd spoken about the night before...she'd simply not cause scene. She was livid with Laurel, however...and Laurel knew it. She knew why, and that was all that mattered. No one else need know the circumstances behind it...though Ashton was indeed a good omen. That child was just what Laurel needed now. Exactly what she needed...Which was why Einnashe spoke again to gather the forces that had come. Turning slightly to face the group that had appeared, along with the various remnants of knights and villagers that volunteered her voice boomed as if to dare any one of them to question her. For a moment a flicker of Einnashe's battle spirit seemed to spark---but that may have been a mere trick of the light.
"...Those of you whom intend to take our kingdom back and have not been briefed of the situation: Come hither. We shall speak in the tactics tent. Leave these two to their reuniting...they will join us when they are well reacquainted."
Kiru, couldn't help but smile as the two family members were reunited. He suddenly began thinking of his own family. Kakariko was so close to the castle, one easy push and the monsters could easily take the town. At least that was all he had to worry about. Then, as if he had been punched, he came to a realization. Tetsuno would've been in the castle.
Kiru made a pretty intricate search within the camp. Anyone he asked however, had either not seen him, or had only caught glimpses of him in the takeover. The young swordsmen was pretty worried at this point, but he realized there was nothing he could do. Finally, he sulked to the tactics tent, feeling a little alone.
We're got a good number of people, and so we're moving into the next part of the quest...the castle siege! You've all been sorted into teams. You'll follow your party leader into your own quest thread and continue from there. The teams are...
Woodfall Rises is an au legend of Zelda RP
the current skin was made by Rozie. with the exception of the miniprofile which was
created by RITZ! Codes seen and used were taken from resource sites such as slightly insane, ProBoards
support, and Socal. all images are either from Zerochan or made by original owners.
x2 
x4
