RPG The Legend of Zelda: World of Ruin

[Queen Asuka]

[color=royalblue][size=1]Lalia looked over at the table where Drake and Kiln were sitting. She could tell that something was not righ with Drake tonight. He didn't look his normal ambitious self. He looked troubled and unhappy. She asked the man at the table she was tending if he'd like anything else tonight.

[b]Man:[/b] No, not a thing. Unless you're available, sweetie!

Lalia rolled her eyes, but responded politely, laughing a bit.

[b]Lalia:[/b] I'm sorry, but I don't think my father would appreciate that too much.

She walked back behind the bar, where she could watch Drake without being noticed. She sighed a bit, running her finger along a crease in her pale blue dress. Her bedroom was in the back and she could easily retire for the night, but something told her not to. She looked back to where Drake was and saw a blonde girl talking to him. He was smiling nervously. Suddenly, she felt a pang of jealousy.

[b]Lalia:[/b] All this time, I've been trying to work up some courage to go and talk to him and here comes a complete stranger...I'm never going to get anywhere...

She walked back to the bar to tell her father was she going home, although home was only a few steps and doorknobs away. He smiled, looking down at his beautiful daughter, gently patting her on the head.

[b]Father:[/b] You're so beautiful, Lalia. I hope you get a good night's rest. Please don't let the storm frighten you.

[b]Lalia:[/b] I wont, father. Goodnight...

She looked over at Drake once more and saw him looking at her. She smiled sadly and turned, heading to her bedroom.[/color][/size]

[Boba Fett]

[COLOR=green]Rokar watches as the boy and girl kiss, oblivious to his presence. Then there is a shout as another figure walks down the stairs, his face red with anger. The newcomer is an older man, and seems to be very angry at both the boy and the girl.

Older Man: "Joan! How many times to I have to tell you to stay away from this ruffian! I told you he was no good and you still disobey me. Off to your room!"

Joan: "Father, leave us alone. Max isn?t bad; he just has a few prob-"

Older Man: "OFF TO YOUR ROOM!"

The girl runs upstairs crying, and the young man begins to move nervously towards the door.

Older Man: "You get out of here, and don?t show your face in this Inn ever again!"

The boy nods sorrowfully and then scampers out of the Inn, and the older man turns to go back upstairs.

Rokar: "Excuse me; is there any chance I could get a room?"

Older Man: "Oh, I didn?t know you were here? We do have a room; it'll be 50 Rupees a night."

Rokar: "Fine."

He pays the innkeeper and pockets the room key, then heads off to the tavern for some food. He used to know the bartender; they had gone to school together as children. Maybe he could call in some favors?

As Rokar walks through the empty and windswept streets of the village he hears a shout. He turns to see a woman carrying a wounded man into the village. She looks very tired, and worried. Rokar runs over to her, and takes the injured man from her.

???: "I found him right outside a portal at the edge of town. We need to get him some help."

Rokar: "I'm Rokar. I haven?t been here for a while, where can we find a healer?"

???: "Sorry for not introducing myself, I'm Elsyan. I'm not too sure where we can find a healer either, is there an Inn around here?"

Rokar: "Yes, I have a room there, can you take him to the Inn while I go for help."

Elsyan: "Yes, of course."

He hands her his room key and heads towards the tavern, to find help for this stranger. The wind has been gradually picking up as the evening light fades into darkness. He struggles against the wind and pounding rain as he walks towards the tavern.

He finally arrives at the tavern and steps inside. The building is large, with many tables on one side of the room and a bar on the other. There aren?t many people here, mostly travelers from out of town.

He approaches the nearest stranger to ask for help?[/COLOR]

[Red]

[b]Kiln slowly sipped his ale, pouring over what just happened to him and Drake.

Drake sighs and looks at his glass, noticing it is almost finished.

[color=seagreen]Drake: I.. I really don't want to drag you into this Kiln. If something was to happen..[/color]

[color=crimson]Kiln: I don't care, I'm coming with you. I can fight, maybe not as well as you, but I can darn sure hold my own.[/color]

Drake smiled at his friend and glanced back the opposite side of the bar, only to see no Lalia. Kiln promptly laughed and polished off the remaining ale in his glass, deciding to retire for the night.

[color=crimson]Kiln: I'm gonna go, I need my sleep and it's getting late. Tell our companion where to meet us, okay?[/color]

Drake nodded and saw his friend to the door of the tavern. Kiln hurried home, excited that he had been able to convince Drake to let him tag along on his quest. Kiln barely touched the ladder steps as he reached his home. Bursting through the door and removing his Deku shield from his back, Kiln jumped into bed.

[i]Can't wait until tomorrow...[/i][/b]

[Mitch]

[color=red] He'd just arrived at Kakiriko Village, his feelings seemingly contrasting this violent and sullen storm. This was Mithioth's first time being in the village since his grave mother had abandoned him.

He was still quite melancholy from his leaving of his great and now dead forest, and it quite showed outwardly from his gloom, felled face, to his rather slackend and dishearted walk. He felt very lost, so very, very lost. He strolled down the streets, looking about at all the shining beacons, those intermixed houses all abright and cozy, warm and content. As he strolled, he came upon what seemed to be a tavern. And as he closend, he noticed two misplaced figures exiting the tavern. He half-heartedly approached them, spanning his mind, attempting to think out how he was to ask them.[/color]

[Queen Asuka]

[color=royalblue][size=1]Lalia sat in her room, listening to the growing violence of the storm. She looked out her window, barely able to see anything through the rain. Then she saw Kiln leaving the tavern and heading towards his home. She wondered if Drake had left yet. She squinted, looking down the street towards where his home was located. The lights were off and it looked dark and gloomy. She frowned, wondering when he was returning home.

She went back to lay down upon her head, her mind racing with the thoughts of what could have been wrong with him that day. She had sort of overheard his conversation with Kiln, and she heard him telling Kiln that no one was going to go with him.

Go with him where? She wondered.

She decided that after she knew that Drake was at home, tonight would be the night that she was going to go and visit him. If he was leaving, she had to know.[/color][/size]

[Shy]

[center][color=chocolate][b]"Whatever strange form of magic is allowing me to view this this, please show yourself."[/b][/center]
[i]The pond's bizarre illusion faded as a moved back, and everything returned to normal. The two doves returned as quickly as they had fled. It was as if nothing had happened at all, was it just my imagination?

Needless to say I did [i]not[/i] drink from that strange pond, and I continued on my way. For a few more hours I walked and walked, until finally I found that I had reached the edge of the Lost Woods.

Slowly I stepped over a few random bushes while I made extra sure that I would not step on anything (it hurts to walk on pointy things when you are not wearing any shoes). I looked around and noticed several large buildings scattered around. I seemed to be in some sort of city. In the distance I could see a small, wooden street sign. The bright sun was glaring into my eyes so I could not read the lettering on it. When I was finally able to read the sign, it was shocking to discover where I was.[/i][/color]

[center][b][size=2]---------------------
Kakariko Village
---------------------[/size][/b][/center]

[PiroMunkie]

[color=indigo][i]Voleur had walked through Skull Woods for time on end, sometimes having to sneak about to evade any opposition from the creatures of the wilderness. Her efforts have all yet been in vain as she had not found her way out of Skull Woods yet. It seemed hopeless. She had been searching on and off for several years now, and there had never been so much as a glimmer open land. Just trees. Lots and lots of trees. Everywhere. If she could only see above the trees, she knew she would be able to find her way out, but the branches up that here were so thin and frail that they could not support her weight as little as it may be. She was tired of walking.

Sparking with an idea, she unhooked her longshot and aimed it as a tree far in front of her. The anchor and chain flew through the air digging into the trunk of the tree and pulled her to it. It was a piece of cake. After doing this for a while, she started to become more creative with it as she fired it at the lower branches and swinging from branch to branch. A few minutes of this turned a light bulb on in her mind as she allowed herself to drop to the ground. A look of awe and hope over her face as she looked toward the sky at the upper trunks of the trees. It was a dangerous idea, one slip up could mean certain doom if she could not recover. Voleur secured any and all belongings tightly to her as she proceeded to aim the long shot high and forward into the air at nearly the top of a tree. She drew in a deep breath and fired the longshot. She closed her eyes as she could feel herself being pulled through the air. She covered her face to block any branches she went through, but then there was nothing there. Opening her eyes, Voleur was sailing above the trees. Wasting no time she retracted the longshot and fired it at another tree ahead of her trying to keep the forward momentum instead of downward. Her plan was working. She was sailing above the tree tops. She glanced around as she did this. Off in the far, far distance ahead of her she could faintly see a pyramid... The pyramid!! The one she had found herself on when she first woke up in this world! Overwhelmed with joy, she set off flying high in the dark sky...[/i][/color]

[Desbreko]

[color=indigo]Drake watched as Kiln walked out the door, and then realized just how late it was. [i]I should probably be going home to bed pretty soon, too, if I'm going to be leaving early.[/i] He grimaced to himself at the thought of getting up at or near dawn. Drake was not a morning person, and never had been.

Trying to forget about how he knew he would be feeling the next morning, he turned back towards the bar, to see Ami chatting with a couple other people. [i]It's going to be fun having her along. Really fun. I just can't wait.[/i] He walked over to her, and cleared his throat. She turned around, and smiled at him.

[b]Amidriena: Hi, Drake![/b]

He glanced at the two people Ami had been talking to, who slowly backed away with a look of thanks on their faces. [i]Oh yes. Very fun indeed.[/i]

[b]Drake: Hi...just wanted to let you know where to meet me and Kiln tomorrow.

Amidriena: Oh, okay.

Drake: You can meet us at the northern entrance to the village an hour after dawn.

Amidriena: Can do!

Drake: Right, well, see you tomorrow then, I guess. I'm off to get some sleep.[/b]

Drake turned to leave, but just as he was about to start towards the door, someone entered the tavern and headed straight for him. He didn't recognize the person, and wondered what he could want.

[b]????: Is there a healer in this town?[/b]

Drake looked puzzled for a second, before responding.

[b]Drake: Yes, there is. Why?

????: There's an injured person at the inn, looks like he was in pretty bad shape.

Drake: At the inn? I'll get Sahasrahla immediately![/b]

Without waiting for a response, Drake runs out the door, raising his hood against the rain as he ran. Going as fast as he can without fear of slipping in a puddle, Drake runs down a block, turns a corner, and then runs another block before arriving at Sahasrahla's house. Running up to the door, he pounds on it, hoping he'll be heard over the storm. After about a minute of pounding, Sahasrahla opens the door, and blinks as he looks up at Drake.

[b]Sahasrahla: Can't an old man get peaceful nights sleep?

Drake: There's an injured person at the inn, you've got to help him!

Sahasrahla: Oh, my, I'll come right away![/b]

Grabbing a heavy cloak, Sahasrahla quickly throws it over his shoulders, and follows Drake down the dark and windy streets to the inn.

Upon arriving, the two find a badly wounded Kokiri in one of the beds. Several people are standing around him, worried looks on their faces. Sahasrahla walks to the side of the bed, and examines the Kokiri's wounds. Then he stands up straight again, and closes his eyes, a faint white light appearing around his hands. He passes his hands over the wounds, which begin to heal only seconds after Sahasrahla finishes.

[b]Sahasrahla: There, he should be fine now, as long as he rests for a while without straining himself. A good drought of Red Potion wouldn't hurt, either. He's lucky I got here so fast, I don't think he would have made it much longer.[/b]

A Hylian woman steps forward, looking relieved.

[b]Elsyan: Thank you. My name is Elsyan, I found him just outside the village, near the Lost Woods. I got him here as fast as I could.

Sahasrahla: You did well, young lady. However, I must now return home. Old men like me need their sleep.[/b]

Sahasrahla smiles, and then exits the inn, heading home. Drake then turns to the person that approached him in the tavern, and holds out his hand in greeting.

[b]Drake: Hi, I don't think I got your name. Mine is Drake Desbreko, nice to meet you.

Rokar: Oh, hi. Mine is Rokar Gepta.[/b]

The two shake hands, before Drake turns to the Kokiri lying in bed.

[b]Drake: You say you found him near the Lost Woods?[/b]

Elsyan nods.

[b]Elsyan: It looked like there was a portal near by, also.

Drake: Hmm...this gives me a bad feeling... But, like Sahasrahla, I must also be going. I've already stayed out later than I meant to.[/b]

And with that, Drake leaves the inn, heading back to his small home. As he walks, he notices a light lit in one of the bedrooms in the back of the tavern, and wonders if Lalia is also still awake.[/color]

[Queen Asuka]

[color=royalblue][size=1]Lalia sat up upon her windowsill, trying to keep her eyes open, but it wasn't doing any good. Then she noticed a figure walking by on the sidewalk. She squinted through the rain and saw that it was Drake and he was heading home. Her heart began to pound in her chest and she immediately was afraid. She knew that she must go and visit him tonight, especially if he was leaving in the morning. Who knew, maybe he would even take her along, even though she was just a little girl...

...But she was a little girl with capabilities. Since she was much younger, Lalia had been training herself to become a sage, to be able to use magic. She had been able to attain a few items of use and as she looked at them now, she realized that she could be able to go with Drake. If he would let her...that was the only problem.

No, it wasn't the only problem. The biggest problem right now was getting up the nerve to actually go to his house. But she knew she could it. It had already been ten minutes since she had seen him pass her window. She knew she had to go. She reached into her closet and drew out a dark blue cloak. It was beautifully made and left to her from her mother, who had died a few years earlier. She slipped it over her shoulders and stepped out the backdoor of the tavern into the rain.

She stood in the street in front of Drake's house, the rain drenching her from head to toe. She was shivering from the cold, but was still afraid to go knock on the door. She stood there, her mind racing, her heart pounding, wondering if anyone saw her standing out there in the middle of the walk, staring up at Drake's house.

Suddenly, there was a loud crash of thunder and lightening streaked across the sky. It frightened Lalia so badly that she ran up to Drake's door, pounding on it and screaming. He immediately opened it and she fell in. Drake looked at her, in shock, the soaking wet Lalia.

[b]Drake:[/b] Lalia? What are you doing here at this hour? You're soaking wet! Here, let me...

He helped her take off her wet cloak and hung it on a hook by the door and led her over to the fire so that she could get warm. Lalia was still shivering.

[b]Lalia:[/b] Drake...I needed to talk to you...[/color][/size]

[Shy]

[i][color=chocolate]Now I began to wonder how in Hyrule did I end up on Kakariko Village? I must have been a lot more lost than I originally thought, or maybe it had something to do with the mysterious pond I came across. There are so many questions that I had, so I decided to search this village for the answers. It seemed that the people of Kakariko Village had no useful information for me. But I continued asking around anyway.

Night fell quickly. The white clouds that had littered the sky that day darkened and it began to rain. Gorons hate rain. Ok, I am the only Goron I have ever met, but since I hate rain I assume that all other Gorons must hate rain too. My feet were getting covered with mud, and it became increasingly difficult to walk. Kakariko Village did not seem to pave many of their roads; I might as well have been trying to swim my way around town. Hours and hours of searching began to take its toll on me, and I asked an old woman where I could stay for the night. She informed me that I could spend as much time at the [b]tavern[/b] as I wanted; provided that I could pay my bill by the time I left.

I was only twelve years old, but I assumed that in Goron years I must be at least forty, or even fifty years old. The tavern seemed like the perfect place for a mature Goron like me to spend the evening.

A few moments later I arrived at the tavern. Cheery music was being played by a pair of lovely Hyrulian maidens on their lutes and ocarinas. Several large men were sitting around a table, arguing over something. Normally I do not try to listen in on conversations, so I did not hear very much as I moved past them towards the counter and the barkeeper. The barkeeper peered behind me at the trail of muddy footsteps I was leaving. I tried to lower my voice in order to sound more mature.[/i]

[b]Jobb:[/b] Hello barkeeper. Give me some of your finest ale, some that would be suitable for a mature Goron.

[i]He peered over the counter and stared at me with a curious look on his face.[/color][/i]

[color=darkblue][b]Barkeeper:[/b] Eh? You don?t look very mature for a Goron. Are you sure that you can handle yourself? Some of my drinks are mighty powerful, and mighty expensive.[/color]

[color=chocolate][b]Jobb:[/b] ..expensive?[/color]

[color=darkblue][b]Barkeeper:[/b] Yea! Gold coins, rupees, silver, jewels. What are ya? paying wit??[/color]

[i][color=chocolate]Hmm. This was something that I hadn?t thought about. Nature is nice and everything, but I did not have any money![/i]

[b]Jobb:[/b] Uhh...[/color]

[color=darkblue][b]Barkeeper:[/b] ...what is it? Out wit? it then![/color]

[color=chocolate][b]Jobb:[/b] I don?t have any money. But we can work around that, right?[/color]

[Kei]

[color=blue][i]The battle was over. The warriors had prevented the horde from entering the village, but not without a hefty loss. Many of the best of them were slain. Rayne and the others had begun to bury them on the field where they died so valiantly protecting their loved ones. Among them was Taio's father. Rayne had seen to it that he ws buried properly. How she would tell Taio that he was gone from this world forever was a mystery to her. She could see the sadness on his face and the tears in his eyes....

Just then, a warrior came walking up to Rayne, to make a report of the losses sustained. She recognized him as Fain, and old friend of her's.[/i]

[b]Fain:[/b] We have taken heavy losses, Rayne. More than half our number lie here, dead or dying.

[b]Rayne:[/b] Yes...I know....Taio's father among them....

[b]Fain:[/b] Oh...How are you going to tell him?

[b]Rayne:[/b] That is beyond me, my friend. I know how the boy looked up to him....

[b]Fain:[/b] And with good reason. He was a great warrior. One of the best.

[b]Rayne:[/b] Yes... But with war comes loss, and with loss, sadness. That's how it works. We need to go back to the village, and tell the families of their losses. Gather the men and take roll. All who are not present will be assumed dead.

[b]Fain:[/b] Right.

[i]After the men were gathered and all the damage assessed, a total of 31 men were lost in the fray. The survivors trudged home, sullen and with tears in their eyes from losing dear friends. Rayne lead them, also with sadness, for she knew what she must do upon her return, and she hated having to do so with every fiber of her being.

[center]***[/center]

Rayne had told Taio what had happened. As she expected, there were tears and agonized screams, and she understood his pain. Loss at any time and of anyone is a hard burden to bear. But she was surprised that he recovered fairly quickly. He left her hut in no hurry to tell his mother of the news, and she knew it was a front. He would cry harder than he ever had when he returned home. She wanted to stay and comfort him as well, because, even though she was young enough to be his sister, she felt sort of like a mother to him in a way, and, unbeknownst to her, he felt the same way. But, she couldn't. Rayne had decided to go to the Light World after the battle. She heard that there were smiths that made fine weapons that might be able to help her, so she decided to seek them out and query about she might buy some of their items. She would leave Fain in charge and take her leave the next morning. Now all she had to do was tell him.....
_________________________________________________________________

Sorry about the abrupt cut-off, but my lunch is almost over. ^_^'[/color]

[Desbreko]

[color=indigo]Drake's mind was racing, as he got out his spare blanket and gave it to Lalia. She wrapped it tightly around herself, and sat shivering by the fire, dripping a small puddle on the mat in front of the fireplace. [i]Talk to me? About wha--[/i] And it hit him, as his mind caught up with the events of that evening. The exchange of nervous smiles, the glances back and fourth between them, her light being on this late at night, and now here she was, soaking wet, sitting in front of his fireplace. [i]Could it be?[/i]

[b]Drake: Uh, okay, um, sure... What about?

Lalia: I...I overheard part of your conversation at the tavern...[/b]

And then the other reason why she was here dawned on him. This time, however, his feelings were mixed.

[b]Lalia: I heard you were leaving, and I...[/b]

[i]Well, there's no denying it now. I might as well just come out and tell her.[/i] He sighed, slowly.

[b]Drake: Yes...I am leaving tomorrow. I may not make it back, either. That's why...[/b]

He looked down at the floor, a trace of sadness in his voice as he continued. [i]I've been such a fool to not see this until now. Now, finally, when it's too late.[/i]

[b]Drake: That's why...you can't come with me. I'm sorry.[/b]

He looked back up at her, and thought he saw a tear forming in one of her beautiful blue eyes. He also thought he could feel one of his own rolling down his cheek. He held up his hand to forestall her reply.

[b]Drake: I'm sorry... But if something were to happen to you, I don't think I could bare it. I...can't let you risk your life for me.

Lalia: You...you're letting Kiln come with you...[/b]

Her voice was a whisper, almost a bit hoarse. He knew the pain she must be feeling--he was also feeling it. Like a dull, grinding ache deep in his heart, growing worse with each word. It was pure, emotional torture, but he knew he couldn't let her come with him. Kiln was his best friend, but Lalia... [i]What is Lalia? I've known about her for so long, but... I've really only known her for these few minutes. Not really a friend, just...just...[/i] He couldn't describe what she was. All he knew was that he loved her. He couldn't find a specific reason why, but, he knew it. The hurt that he was experiencing gave proof of that.

[b]Drake: Yes, I am... I...[/b]

[i]Why am I letting Kiln come with me, but not Lalia? I've been friends with Kiln for years, yet I've only really known Lalia for a few minutes. Surely losing Kiln couldn't be any worse than losing Lalia.[/i] That was the logical part of his brain, and he knew it was right, but... It was also wrong, somehow, at the same time.

Logic clashed with emotion in his head, waging war with each other. One side said to let Lalia come with him, the other said that he couldn't risk losing her. He couldn't tell which would win. He wasn't even sure he wanted one of them to win. He couldn't decide. It was impossible for him to even think straight right now, and it would be the same any other time that he tried to make this decision.

He sat down hard on the floor by the fire next to Lalia, and held his head in his hands.

[b]Drake: I...I just don't know... I can't, but...[/b]

A couple minutes of silence passed, the war continuing to rage on in Drake's mind. Eventually, it came to a standstill. Neither side had won, but neither could bare to fight any longer, and Drake knew he wasn't the one that could make this decision.

[b]Drake: Lalia, I... I can't do this. Please, you know how much it would hurt me if I were to lose you. Please...I'm asking you not to come, but...I can't stop you. I'm sorry, but...I'm going to have to leave the choice up to you. Please...think about it, really think about it before you decide... I know you'll make the right decision, no matter how I feel.[/b]

He looked up at her, forcing a faint smile onto his face. He glanced at the small clock on the mantel, and was shocked at what he saw. A whole hour had passed, in what seemed like ten minutes. He could no longer hear rain or wind outside, either. The storm had passed, much as the storm in Drake's heart had passed. In place of the ache, a calmness had spread out over him. He had done all he could, but it was up to Lalia now.

He reached out and took her hand in his. It was warm now, the fire having dried her in the hour that had passed. He smiled, a weak smile, looking up into her eyes. He wanted that moment to last forever, but he knew it was late, and he knew she should be leaving soon. He almost offered to let her stay the night at his house, but he knew it would only distract her. He wanted her mind to be clear when she decided whether or not to come with him.

He stood up, slowly, and exhaled. He hadn't even realized he had been holding his breath until now.

[b]Drake: Well...it's late, and I guess you should get home. If you do decide to come...we'll be leaving an hour after dawn, at the north entrance to the village.

Lalia: Thank you...[/b]

She stood up, and Drake handed her dark blue cloak to her, trading it for the blanket. Their hands parted as she walked out into the night, and slowly closed the door behind her.

That was it. He was trusting her now, and would go along with whichever choice she made. If she decided to come along, he wouldn't protest. He would just have to do everything in his power to keep her safe.[/color]

[Red]

[b]Kiln sat up in a cold sweat, gripping the sides of his bed.

[i]A dream, a bad dream..[/i]

The dream had been about Link, about how he had heard the news of his death, how bad he felt because he couldn't be there for his friend.

[i]Three hours until dawn.. I can't sleep.[/i]

[color=seagreen]Xian: Can't sleep huh? HUH? Get up slacker![/color]

Kiln almost jumped through the roof. He hadn't seen Xian in days, which was unusual for someone with a fairy.

[color=royalblue]Kiln: Where the heck have you been Xian? It's been almost four days now.. aren't you supposed to watch over me?[/color]

[color=seagreen]Xian: Well, y'know how I can't resist a good lady fairy..[/color]

Xian buzzed around Kiln's small house, almost knocking everything over. Kiln's deku shield was the greatest victim, slamming onto the floor with a loud thud.

[i]I better go...[/i]

Kiln leapt out of bed, still talking to Xian about his lady fairy friend.

[color=royalblue]Kiln: So how did that work out then?[/color]

Xian stopped buzzing around the room and came to a halt next to Kiln's shoulder, where Kiln heard him let out a large sigh.

[color=seagreen]Xian: It didn't.. Oh well, there's always a next time![/color]

Kiln giggled. Xian had been gone for three entire days only to return empty handed.

[color=seagreen]Xian: At least I had a girlfriend! Even Drake's gettin' it on with that Lalia girl down at his place.[/color]

[color=royalblue]Kiln: Well, that's different. I've never had anyone interested like that before, s'all.[/color]

Kiln let out another hefty sigh and removed his sword from the mantlepiece before picking his Deku shield up off the floor. Xian zipped behind, although he had no clue where Kiln was going, he was too busy laughing at him.

Kiln approached the North Entrance and decided to get some sword practice in whilst he waited for Drake and Ami.[/b]

[GinnyLyn]

[color=blue]It had been a long, mind-numbing trudge of a walk, but Fai was finally at the Village of the Outcasts.
The entire village was in ruins, or on the way to decay. Many of the trees were bare, and the few with leaves--she swore she could see them looking at her, from the corner of her eyes. Weeds and vines trailed lazily everywhere, stretching across run down buildings full of holes. There was no sign of life.
Except for the skeleton Cucco that ran past her feet.
Fai jumped, almost kicking the Cucco in her fright.
"Getcha feet orffa my Cucc!" a shrill voice yelled.
"Oh Nayru, [i]now[/i] what?" Fai huffed.
A short figure stumbled toward her, covered in several layers of cloth. From the tone of the figure's voice, Fai guessed it was a young male...what species remained to be seen. His eyes stared piercingly from behind his layers, and Fai mentally shuddered; the kid made her nervous.
The kid swept the Cucco up in his arms and rough-housed with it, slapping it around. "Did the stinky fish lady hurt yas? Huh? Did she?"
Fai placed one hand on her forehead, begging for divine patience; she was just about to kick the kid. "Why can't anyone be nice around here?"
"You kiddin'?" the kid hollored. "Listen, toots, this is the Dark World. Eat or be eaten. Gotta live each day like it's your last--'cause, well, it could be."
"Thanks for the encouragement," Fai scoffed sarcastically, rolling her eyes. The movement caused her Zora pendant shine in the light, and the kid's eyes lit up.
"Oooo, what'sa rich toots like you doin' in a place like this?" the kid asked.
Fai bent down to his level (wrinkling her nose at the smell of the Cucco) and poked a webbed finger at his chest. "Don't...call me...toots."
The eyes behind the cloths suddenly narrowed and welled up with tears. "S-s-sorryyyy!" the kid bawled, "itz just that I never had no proper upbringin', bein' in the Dark World n' all. My parents, they never knew I wandered into the forest and into that one thingy, and now I'm--I'm...stuck! WAAAH HAA HAA!"
The skeleton Cucco fluttered creakily out of the boy's reach as he bawled and Fai, with much resignation, pulled the boy close to her in a sympathetic hug. "There there, everything's gonna be ok."
"Yeah...'specially now that I gots your purse!"
Fai shrieked as the boy bounded backwards, holding her Rupee back and digging through it. A moment of searching found him throwing the bag down in disgust. "Hey, TOOTS, what's the big idea? You got nearly no money!"
"What's the big idea?! WHAT'S THE BIG IDEA?!? I'll tell you--yanking my purse off of me after I felt sorry for you!"
"I told you, eat or be eaten world. Ain't go no rules here!" The boy made a face, then ran off with her purse.
"You are NOT getting away that easily!" Fai yelled as she gave chase.
The pair climbed over rotting bushes and fallen branches, past squawking skeleton Cuccos and peering eyes, until the boy bolted into a crumbling and worn building. Fai had a little trouble following, but thought quickly. "FREEZE!"
The door the boy was about to go through was frozen solid, incapable of moving. Fai blocked the entrance and the only other was a broken window; the boy instantly tried that.
"Oh, no you DON'T!"
She grabbed at his shoulder and yanked backwards hard. With a startled yell, the boy fell back in, landing at Fai's feet. His cloths had been knocked off of his head, and Fai drew a sharp breath at the sight of the kid's face.
It was a sickening mix of fox and lizard, with none of either's good looking qualities. The eyes glimmered amber with black slits, and the elongated mouth, complete with sharp fangs, snarled at her. "So I ain't as purty as you--big deal!" He yanked his cloths back over his face and climbed through the window, leaving Fai's Rupee bag behind.
Fai quietly gathered it back, letting the boy run. Then remembered something. If the boy had ended up in the Dark World for wandering around in the Light World, might that mean there was a portal nearby? She'd need the boy's help. With a heavy sigh, she left the building to start searching for him.

The death bird quietly watched her every move, waiting for his companion to return from the Pyramid of Power.[/color]

[Break]

[color=crimson]The sun's shimmering rays of light bounced from the bleached sand into Dareigen's eyes, causing him to squint wherever he looked. Through squinting eyes, his vision was impaired slightly, should he come under any monster attacks. Occaisionally he would stop, put a hand just above his eyes to shade them and then he would look around, in case there was anything of interest in sight.

Although he was used to it, he could feel that his feet were almost swimming in sweat created by the extreme heat and weather conditions of the desert. Each step he took produced a squelch from his boots, which was starting to annoy him. His tongue was so dry that he thought he could probably sharpen a wooden sword in no time. His mouth was so dry and he had only half a bottle of water left.

[i]"Oooh... should I drink it?"[/i] He asked himself in his head.

Contemplating this valuable choice, he didn't notice the two Leever that had popped up behind him until...

"Ow! What the--?!" he exclaimed as he felt a sharp pain in his left thigh.

Looking down, he saw a deep gash that cut neatly through the bottom of his tunic. He put a hand on it and lifted it to his face, dark red blood covered his hand. Gritting his teeth, he pulled his small dagger from his boot and turned round to see two Leevers spinning slowly on the spot.

He held his dagger behind him and stood where he was, staring at the eyes of the Leever. Suddenly, the one nearest to him made another attempt to attack, but Dareigen was fast and extended his right arm pushing the Leever to the side, avoiding it's spikes. He then turned to face it again and slashed it three times in the side. Squealing, the Leever made for him again, he vaulted over the top of it.

When he landed, the other Leever took an unfair advantage and smashed into Dareigen just as he had landed, knocking him over. He quickly got up, ignoring the pain he felt in his back as he had fell, and ran up to the second Leever and delivered an axe-kick to the top of it before ramming his dagger (and his whole arm too) through it.

It squealed and stopped squirming. Dareigen tried to shake his arm out of the large, gaping hole that he had created in the dead Leever. Seeing this as an advantage, the other Leever went straight for Dareigen's left leg again, spinning wildly. He saw this and made one last attempt to yank his arm out.

[i]"Come on!"[/i] He thought as he struggled against this huge pulling force and the remaining Leever that hurtled towards him.

Finally he got his arm out and pulled his scmitar from its sheath quickly. The Leever had come within about three feet from him, so Dareigen rolled to the side of the incoming Leever and stayed on his knees. He threw his dagger at it with amazing accuracy, hitting one of its many eyes. It stopped its mad rush towards Dareigen and began spinning on the spot again. Shaking his head, he struck the top part of its body off, killing it.

He wiped some of the green watery stuff from his scmitar and placed it back into its sheath. Looking at the green Leever-looking splodge on the sand, he quickly remembered his knife and put it back into his sweaty boot.

[i]"There's no debate about this now. I'm drinking the water!"[/i] He thought to himself again.

After this sudden thought, he took out the bottle half-filled with water and drank deeply; it was finished before he knew it. Sighing, he put the bottle back and took another look at his injuries from the Leevers. He had one deep gash down his thigh, a few inches long. A sand-covered graze on his elbow from when he fell over onto the sand. And his back hurt from the fall too. Other than that he was fine.

Dareigen made a quick glance over to the fallen Leevers and wondered if they were edible. He knew this was a sick thought, but you have to survive on something.

[i]"Leevers are just.. cactus.. things anyway, so they're plant/animal monsters."[/i] He thought as he took his dagger out from his boot and walked over to the nearest Leever.

He kneeled over the fallen beast and cut a small square from then squidgy, green body. Skewering it on the end of the dagger, he slowly lifted it up towards his mouth. He took one bite and chewed for a moment.

[i]"Tastes... tastes like... water," he thought in between taking small nibbles from the peice he had taken, "Water and... slight taste of blood..."[/i]

He stopped chewing and looked at the dagger. He had managed to get some of his own blood on the dagger and into the Leever Meat. Shrugging, he put the rest in his mouth and chewed on it.

Thinking of another good idea, he took out his bottle and placed it on the sand next to the dead Leever. Then, he slowly cut out a big square of meat from it and squeezed it over the bottle. Drips of green liquid came out gradually as he squeezed the meat. It felt cold and wet in hands, like a fish. Soon he had filled up the bottle, he smiled and took a gulp. Wincing slightly at the minute sourness in its watery taste, he put the cork back in and put it back in his pouch.

[i]"This could [b]easily[/b] get more popular than Chateau Romani. 'Leever Juice'.. Yep."[/i] Thought Dareigen to himself as he squelched/limped along through the Desert in his sweaty boots and bleeding leg.[/color]

[Mitch]

[color=red] As Mithioth approached the figures standing solemn next to the Taven, they were gone. Gone just like that. Mithioth let out a long exhaled sigh, and trodded into the Tavern.

He was immediatley surrounded to the incessant and unending chatter, and the quiet, surrounding music. He sat down, next to some sort of creature. A rather large and burly one it appeared to be.

The creature it seemed was arguing with the barkeeper. It seemed he had no money to pay. Mithioth took his pack from upon his back and began fishing around in it. He brought out a few stray rupees, and gently, very gently, he tapped the strange creature on the shoulder.[/color]

[Queen Asuka]

[color=royalblue][size=1]Lalia left Drake's house almost reluctantly and returned home to the tavern. The night was clear now and the stars were magnificent. The moon lit her path clearly and she made her way into the backdoor of the tavern unseen by her father who was still up, despite the late hour. Customers were always coming in at odd intervals, but her father never made her stay up late. He was too protective of her and if she left she wouldn't be able to tell him first. She'd have to go despite his wishes.

Her father was a tall stout man who was capable of breaking someone's neck with one hand. After her mother had died, a beautiful maiden with long golden hair and piercing blue eyes, he never let Lalia out of his sight. She was all that he had left and it was even more hurtful for her father to look at her because she looked almost like an exact replica of her mother. Lalia shook her head and sat down in a chair in her bedroom. She used the basin of water beside her bed to gently wash herself off. She brushed her long flowing hair and changed into her nightclothes.

But sleep was the last thing on her mind. All she could think about was Drake. How badly she wanted to go with him on his journey. But would it be selfish is she went? She would be leaving her father in terrible pain. And what if she never made it back? And if she left her father, who would help him take care of the tavern? She sighed deeply and lay back on the bed, pressing her temples gently with her fingers and massaging them.

But this was her only chance to prove herself. If she went with Drake, he would know how much she had been working to make herself good enough for him. All the things she had taught herself. All the items she had acquired. And besides, if she was in the company of Drake and Kiln, she was sure to be safe. That settled it. She was going to go.

She began to pack her things, her small pack of items, a little bit of food. She layed out a clean dress for her to travel in. She knew a dress wasn't the best thing for her to wear, but it was all she had. She also wrote a note for her father, leaving it on the bed near her pillow. It read:

[center][i]Dearest Father,
I know you hate to have to be reading this, but I have left home. I have decided to accompany Drake and Kiln on their quest. I know you think that they are stupid to be doing this after the fall of Link, but I know it was the right thing for me to do. Please don't worry about me because I know that they will keep me safe. I will be home before you know it.
Love Always,
Your Dearest Lalia[/center][/i]

She sighed and looked out her window. It was finally dawn. She changed into her clean dress, the same pale blue that she always wore, put on her cloak, grabbed her pack and slipped out the back door once again.[/color][/size]

[Desbreko]

[color=indigo]After Lalia left, Drake was left standing, staring at the door for a couple minutes, locked in thought. He kept wondering if he had done the right thing. He kept wondering if he would really be able to keep Lalia safe, if she chose to come.

After he managed to put aside those thoughts, he changed into his nightclothes and climbed into bed. He was exhausted, and fell asleep quickly, but it was not a peaceful sleep. He dreamed, and woke up many times during the night, but it was the last dream he had before getting up that really shook him.

A beautiful Hylian girl had appeared in his dream. She seemed to be trapped, confined, and unable to move--but he could still hear her voice. It appeared almost as thoughts in his head. [i]Please, help me. You are the only one left. Please, you must defeat Ganon. Otherwise, total destruction will--[/i] And then he woke with a start, sitting up quickly in bed, panting for breath.

[i]A dream? But it was so real...[/i] Drake shook his head to clear it, wondering what the dream could have meant. He looked out the small window; the first light of dawn was appearing over the horizon, caressing the land with its soft light. The storm having passed in the night, the sky was a soft, radiant blue. [i]Just like Lalia's eyes.[/i]

Slowly climbing out of bed, still groggy from only getting about an hour of sleep all told, he splashed some cold water over his face from a small bowl near the bed. He shivered slightly with the cool, refreshing feel of the water on his face, letting it wake him up completely.

Changing out of his nightclothes, he put on his shirt, tunic, pants, and boots. Now came the weapons, those things that would let him survive out in the world; he first put on his second belt, slinging it across his shoulder. It had a sword sheath on it, and places where a shield, bow, and quiver could be secured. He filled these positions quickly, before clipping his Hookshot, Bomb Bag, and a Bottle of Red Potion onto the belt around his waist. Just before heading out the door, he glanced at his ocarina. Surely it could come in handy sometime, right? Without thinking too much about it, he picked up the small ocarina and stowed it in an inside pocket on his tunic, wrapped up inside his cloak.

After packing a little food in a bag, he reached for the doorknob, and paused, giving a moment to reflect on what he was about to do. [i]This is it, then,[/i] he thought, before opening the door and stepping out and locking the door behind him. [i]No turning back now... Though I suppose I should go see Sahasrahla, and tell him I'm leaving.[/i]

And with that, he took his first step away from his house. It no longer seemed to him that he was in Kakariko Village, but in a strange, new world, as he made his was up the small his to Sahasrahla's house.

He knocked on the door, and was quickly answered by Sahasrahla.

[b]Sahasrahla: Ah, Drake! Setting off at last, are we?

Drake: Yeah, looks to be that way.

Sahasrahla: Well, it's okay to be nervous, or even afraid. Despite what some people will tell you, being afraid doesn't make you a coward; pushing on even when you're afraid makes you courageous.

Drake: Thanks...I guess.[/b]

Drake didn't exactly nervous or afraid, just--and then he thought of Lalia. [i]Okay, so I'm a bit nervous.[/i]

[b]Sahasrahla: Do you have a few minutes before you leave? I have something I'd like to give you.[/b]

Drake looked up at the sun, before nodding and stepping into the warm house. He had been here before, so it was a familiar place. He sat down at the table in the dining room, and noticed a basket of warm, fresh baked bream on the table.

[b]Sahasrahla: Help yourself, I'll be with you in a minute.[/b]

In his hurry, he had packed some food, but had forgotten to actually eat any. Now he was glad he hadn't eaten anything, as he cut a slice off one of the loaves and spread a bit of butter on it before taking a bite.

In a minute, just like he has said, Sahasrahla returned from back in a closet, carrying a scroll. He spread it out on the table before Drake, before speaking.

[b]Sahasrahla: This is a map of both the Light and Dark Worlds. There are still a few areas not quite filled in, such as up in the mountains of the Dark World, but it will no doubt be of great help. I'd like you to take it with you.[/b]

Drake blinked, looking over the map, looking at all the similarities of the two worlds.

[b]Drake: Thanks, I'll take good care of it.[/b]

Sahasrahla smiled as Drake got up, rolling up the map and stowing it in a pocket.

[b]Sahasrahla: Oh, and my wife baked something for you to take along, too.[/b]

Walking into the kitchen, Sahasrahla returned with three loaves of bread, looking much like the ones on the table, only wrapped tightly in a paper of some sort.

[b]Drake: Won't those get a little hard and stale on a prolonged journey?

Sahasrahla: Heheheh, not these. As long as they're wrapped in their paper, they'll stay soft and fresh. You may find yourself in some dark, dank situations, and these can be a little bright spot in your meals.

Drake: Thanks. I've no doubt these will be a pleasant surprise some dark and stormy night.[/b]

Drake stowed them in the bottom of his small food pack, which hung at his side on his belt, and then glanced at the clock. [i]Only ten minutes till we're supposed to leave.[/i]

[b]Drake: Well, I should be going. Thanks for everything, especially the map.

Sahasrahla: You're welcome. Anything to make sure you come back alive.[/b]

Sahasrahla smiled at Drake as he stepped out the door, and walked the short distance from Sahasrahla's house to the northern entrance to the village. He saw Kiln pacing back and fourth in between the two posts holding up the small, broken archway that had an old and weathered sign read "Kakariko Village" on it. Ami was there, leaning up against the left post, and... [i]No Lalia.[/i]

[b]Kiln: What took you so long?

Drake: Hey, I'm not late. You two are just early.[/b]

He was both happy and sad that Lalia hadn't shown up. He set his jaw in a slight smile, and started to say "Let's get going," when he heard someone approaching from behind him. He turned, and saw what he was both wanting to see, and afraid to see: Lalia was there, walking up the small lane towards them, only about ten feet away. He just smiled and nodded as she walked up to the group.

Kiln and Ami looked at the new arrival and glanced at Drake, but didn't say anything.

[b]Xian: Hey, it's that girl that Drake's--

Kiln: Be quiet, Xian.

Drake: Um...well, shall we get going, then? We'll be going to the Graveyard first, to see if we can't find that Magic Cape that's supposedly stowed under the old king's grave.

Ami: Spooky place, that.

Drake: It will no doubt help us get into Agahnim's Castle, so that we can take back the Master Sword.[/b]

And with that said, the four of them started off, stepping through the archway and out into the world beyond. A world that, for the most part, Drake wasn't familiar with.[/color]

[Red]

OOC: I've stopped writing in bold for the RPG, I think it's a bit hard to read in terms of seperating characters.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

[color=maroon]Kiln watched Lalia walk towards the lane towards the meeting point. She was completely focused on Drake, unable to take her beautiful blue eyes off his face, which now had a small smirk on it. Xian caught Kiln staring, and bumped into his face.

[b]Kiln: Hey![/b]

Kiln waved his hand at Xian, telling him to shut up so he didn't embarrass Drake. Xian complied immediately, much to Kiln's surprise.

Kiln's mind wandered. Minutes felt like hours as he thought about what the outside world would be like, what facing unimaginably strong monsters would be like. He wondered if he would find romance as Drake was obviously discovering, right when he got his wake up call.

[b]Drake: Um...well, shall we get going, then?[/b]

Kiln snapped back to reality and caught up with the group, who had already began leaving Kakariko village.

The outside world was bright to Kiln, he had barely skimmed the outer limits of Kakariko village, so he wasn't as well-prepared as Drake.
Kiln shielded his eyes from the bright sunlight until they adjusted and began walking after the group.

Lalia was strolling close to Drake, they appeared to be having a good conversation, with Lalia laughing and constantly blushing. Kiln saw Drake the happiest he had been for a few days, and he found himself relaxing a bit.

The group edged past a few trees, and Kiln felt his mind wandering once again. However, this time it was a little more potent. Kiln saw flashes of Link in front of his eyes, he seemed to be screaming.

Kiln held his head and dropped to the floor screaming, unable to cope with the sudden images of Link before his eyes. Drake jumped and turned around, surprised at the suddent outburst. As fast as the flashes had come on, they discontinued and Kiln stopped screaming.
Breathing heavily, Kiln tried to stand with the help of Drake.[/color]

[Guest Zeh]

[COLOR=royalblue][i]His eyelids flickered for a second then fully opened. Tasis looked around, taking stock of his surroundings. He noticed has bag was beside him on a table. What had happened? Where was he? The last thing he could remember was falling for what seemed like an eternity... and the monsters... ugh... as soon as he had hit the ground a group of monsters set apon him... then he was suddenly here?

Why wasn't he wounded anymore.... just what was going on?[/i]

[b]Glen:[/b] So you're awake eh? How do you feel?

[i]Tasis immediately jumped out of bed and grabbed for his keyblade, but collapsed on the ground.[/i]

[b]Tasis: [/b]Who are you? Why am i here?

[i]At the sound of a friendly laugh he relaxed his grip on his blade.[/i]

[b]Glen: [/b]A-hahahah! No need to draw weapons friend. You're in Kakariko village, in my Inn. A lady brought you in yesterday i believe. Why here she comes now, why not ask her?

[i]Tasis turned his attention to the stairs Elysan was decending[/i] [/COLOR]

[Queen Asuka]

[color=royalblue][size=1]Lalia stared at Kiln, an expression of horror on her face. She didn't expect anything like that to happen this early on in the journey. She leaned down and ran her hands across his cheeks.

[b]Lalia:[/b] Hey Kiln, are you okay?

[b]Kiln:[/b] Um...yeah...I'll be fine...just a momentary lapse...thanks Lalia...

Kiln stood up and as he did he saw the look that Drake was giving him. It was one of pure malice. Kiln shrugged at him and Drake turned away, looking at Lalia who was looking very concerned for Kiln. Ami, however, didn't looked phased. She just laughed a bit.

[b]Ami:[/b] Well, we haven't made it that far. If you're already worn out, we could just send you right back home. No big deal, really.

Kiln looked at her furiously but didn't say anything. Xian made faces behind Ami's head.

[b]Drake:[/b] Shall we get on, then?

He began walking away from the small group and Lalia followed him, with Ami and Kiln bringing up the rear. Lalia kept turning to look to make sure Kiln was okay. He smiled weakly at her, trying not to show any sort of interest whatsoever in front of Drake.

Lalia thought of her mother for a bit, and how she was saved by Link. But Link couldn't accomplish his quest, he couldn't defeat Ganon. And everyone in Hyrule was so sure he was the one. And now, here was Drake, filling in Link's footsteps. But Drake had one advantage Link didn't... Drake had companionship. With that, she walked up closer to Drake. She saw him smile. She smiled, too.[/color][/size]

[Break]

[color=crimson]Dareigen was starting to limp even worse now, blood ran down his leg from the slice in his thigh. It didn't show up on his black undergarment, but he could feel the blood seeping through the material. He winced slightly everytime he stepped down on his left leg, opening the cut each time his foot hit the sand.

[i]"Ow! I wish there was some kind of healer around here, or something to help me not be injured."[/i] He thought, glancing down at his cut again.

Suddenly, in the corner of his eye, he caught sight of a glimmer. He turned to face it and he saw something in the distance, shining a bright white colour.

[i]"Ah, it can't be [b]that[/b] far away. I'll go see what it is.."[/i] He thought.

He often thought out situations in his head, sometimes pretending someone else was in his mind, to talk to. And since there was no one in the desert, he was doing just that. He had noticed that he may have left that path that held all of those Leever. Although, he would have been glad if he had left that path, those Leever sure were annoying.

Before he knew it, he had reached what had been glimmering. Something metal and shiny poked up from the sand, curious, Dareigen pulled it out and found that it was [i]not[/i] metal, but another bottle. He was about to put it in his pouch when he noticed the peice of browned and old-looking paper in there.

[i]"And what is this..?"[/i] He asked himself inside his head, whilst he was shaking the bottle, trying to get the paper out.

Finally, he got the paper out, and found that it was a map of the desert, and other places around it. It had marked on there where he was, he wondered why the map knew where he was, but he shrugged, as he knew this could prove useful. He looked closely at it, the little yellow dot (which he thought was himself) which was close to the Eastern exit. Right by it in fact. Dareigen whirled around quickly to see a huge canyon behind him. He checked the map again; it was still there.

[i]"This wasn't here when I first picked up this bottle. How odd."[/i] Thought Dareigen, scratching his head.

He stood there, puzzled, staring at the map and then looking up at the canyon. If this was the real exit, he would be very happy, as he thought that his journey was going to be very long and tiring. Tiring, yes. Long, not yet, although he had walked for a long time. He pocketed the map and put the bottle in his pouch before he started limping towards the canyon.[/color]

[Shy]

[color=chocolate][i]The scruffy bartender stared at me blankly.[/i][/color]

[color=darkblue][b]Barkeeper:[/b] ..you dun' have any money?[/color]

[color=chocolate][i]I quickly thought up a clever excuse.[/i]

[b]Jobb:[/b] We Gorons don't carry money. We are fierce and brave warriors, all those who oppose us tremble beneath our might![/color]

[color=darkblue][b]Barkeepr:[/b] No you aren't.[/color]

[color=chocolate][b]Jobb:[/b] We aren't? [i]*cough*[/i] I mean, of course we aren't! You have passed this Goron's wisdom test. You may reward me by serving me your finest ale.

[i]What? Maybe I could trick him. The barkeeper blinked, and reached under the counter. I became nervous; what if he was reaching for some sort of Goron-smashing weapon?

He pulled out an empty mug and handed it to me. After close inspection I discovered that this was a very dirty mug.[/i]

[b]Jobb:[/b] ..this mug is empty.[/color]

[color=darkblue][b]Barkeeper:[/b] Aye, you're right. You notice anything else about it?[/color]

[color=chocolate][b]Jobb:[/b] Umm... it's dirty?[/color]

[color=darkblue][b]Barkeeper:[/b] Aye aye. If you don't have no money, then you will have to earn yer keep. [i][[He handed me a dirty rag]][/i] Clean all of my mugs, and you can have a swig of Goron ale.[/color]

[color=chocolate][i]A Hyrulian with rough, brown hair and greeen eyes walked towards the counter. He tapped me on the shoulder, and I turned around.[/i]

[b]Jobb:[/b] Yes?[/color]

[color=red][b]???:[/b] Here you go. [i][[He handed me a fistful of rupees]][/i] This should pay for your drinks.[/color]

[color=chocolate][i]I wondered who this person was. Did they know me? Why were they giving me rupees?[/i]

[b]Jobb:[/b] ...thanks?

[i]The Hyrulian sat down on a bartsool nearby, and rested his head in his arms. The barkeeper went to serve some other guests, and I sat next to the generous stranger.[/i]

[b]Jobb:[/b] Anything wrong?

[i]He wiped his face with his sleeve, and raised his head slowly.[/i][/color]

[color=red][b]???:[/b] ...I'm fine. It's nothing... hmph.[/color]

[color=chocolate][b]Jobb:[/b] Are you sure? We Gorons might have a knack for sensing emotional distress...[/color]

[color=red][b]???:[/b] No you don't. It is obvious that I'm not in a good mood.[/color]

[color=chocolate][b]Jobb:[/b] Oh.

[i]There was a subtle pause in the conversation. The Hyrulian sighed, and turned to me.[/i][/color]

[color=red][b]???:[/b] What kind of monster are you, anyway?[/color]

[color=chocolate][b]Jobb:[/b] Monster? I'm not a monster, I'm a Goron. My name is Jobb.[/color]

[color=red][b]???:[/b] I'm Mithioth. I don't think I have ever met a Goron before, don't they live in the far north?[/color]

[color=chocolate][b]Jobb:[/b] Well, I'm not entirely sure. You see, I never knew my family. My parents abandoned me when I was a baby, I've spent my entire life in the Lost Woods, lost.[/color]

[color=red][b]Mithioth:[/b] Really? I was also abandoned by my parents, and I just came from the Lost Woods. How strange...[/color]

[color=chocolate][i]The scruffy looking barkeeper approached us.[/i][/color]

[color=darkblue][b]Barkeeper:[/b] Are you twos going to order something, or am I gonna have to kick you out?[/color]

[color=chocolate][i]Proudly I handed the barkeeper my rupees.[/i]

[b]Jobb:[/b] Yes, I would like a drink befitting of a Goron such as myself. Get us both whatever this can buy.[/color]

[color=red][b]Mithioth:[/b] [size=1]..don't spend it all in one place.[/size][/color]

[color=chocolate][i]He reached under the counter and promptly handed each of us a mug glass of Goron ale. Mithioth took a small sip of the drink, and put it back down. I guess he did not like the taste of it. That makes sense, he isn't a Goron - I am.

Without hesitation I chugged it. The barkeepers' eyes opened wide, and he looked surprised.[/i][/color]

[color=darkblue][b]Barkeeper:[/b] You drank it all in one gulp?[/color]

[color=red][b]Mithioth:[/b] ...wow.[/color]

[color=chocolate][b]Jobb:[/b] Yeah, is there a problem with... [i][[Before I could finish the sentence, I passed out.]][/i][/color]

[Desbreko]

[color=indigo]Drake had to admit to himself that he had felt just a little pang of jealousy from Lalia being so concerned about Kiln. He knew it was foolish to think that she was interested in him, though; she was just concerned. He smiled at her as she walked up closer to him, and saw her smile back. He almost reached out to take her hand, but decided against it. [i]I still only barely know her. Slow down before you make a fool of yourself.[/i]

Instead, he opted to talk a bit. He moved in beside her, matching her stride, and whispered.

[b]Drake: You know what that was about?

Lalia: Not a clue.[/b]

He remembered his nightmares from the night before, and then the strange dream at the end. [i]Could those two be related? ...Either way, I don't like how this journey is starting out.[/i]

[b]Drake: Hmm...well, I guess we'll just have to keep an eye out.[/b]

Returning to a normal level of speech, he continued.

[b]Drake: So, have you been outside the village much?

Lalia: Only a little bit. Mainly when I was little, before...the fall.

Drake: Yeah...me too. I've been a little ways beyond the village when there are monsters near, but not very far. This is about as far as I've gone right here, in this direction.[/b]

Drake gestured to a small, rundown house near the edge of the Lost Woods.

[b]Drake: A fortuneteller used to live there. Now, though, probably only rats do.[/b]

Drake was wrong, however; something else lived there. Something much bigger and much more dangerous than a rat. It gazed out at them through cracks in the rotting wood the made up the walls, anxiousness in its greenish-yellow eyes, as the four of them neared the deserted house.

Just as the four were at their closest point to the house, the thing leapt out the font door, heading straight for the closest person; Drake. He quickly turned as he heard its roar, and threw himself to the side, narrowly dodging its lunge. Rolling as he hit the ground, he came up with sword and shield drawn. It was a Wolfos, and it was circling him, waiting for an unguarded moment.

[b]Drake: Watch out, guys, these things can be nasty.[/b]

Drake observed firsthand how nasty they are, as he just dodged another lightning-fast lunge, just barely managing to catch its claws on his shield as the beast flew by him. He took a swing at its tail, but missed. Drake turned to face it again, but this time it wasn't waiting for him. It lunged again, catching Drake in his unguarded side, knocking him to the ground, but he managed to dodge its claws and fangs once again.

Just as Kiln was about to rush forward and stab the wolf's tail, a frigid blast flew past him and froze the beast solid, in a large block of ice. Drake was still laying there, shield raised in defense, wondering why nothing was trying to claw at his throat, when he slowly looked up and saw Kiln staring. He looked at where he was staring, and saw the frozen Wolfos.

[i]Obviously Kiln didn't get it.[/i] He looked to Ami, who had been trying to line up a good shot with her bow. [i]That leaves...[/i] He looked at Lalia, and she blushed slightly. His gaze flicked down to the rod she was holding in her hands. It was a deep blue with a dark sapphire imbedded on its tip. It matched her eyes and dress perfectly. [i]But that's not what's important right now. Get a hold of yourself.[/i]

Drake slowly got up from his position on the ground, and glanced back at the frozen Wolfos to make sure it was still frozen.

[b]Drake: ...Lalia?[/b]

She blushed a bit deeper, as she put away her rod.

[b]Drake: Is that an...Ice Rod?[/b]

She nodded, giving him a nervous smile. Drake grinned back.

[b]Drake: Well, it looks like there's more about you than meets the eye. Now I'm really glad you're along!

Lalia: Thanks.

Kiln: Funny how she kept you safe, eh, Drake?[/b]

Drake stowed away his weapons, as did the others, and blinked at the remark.

[b]Drake: That is kind of ironic. Just don't miss and hit me, okay?[/b]

Drake gave Lalia another smile, and continued walking, dusting himself off after his encounter with the dusty path.[/color]

[Kei]

[color=blue][i]Rayne had left her village in search of a portal to take her to the Light World. She would more than likely have to use the one that she was brought to the Dark World in. That was one of the few parts of her past life she remembered. She really didn't want to for obvious reasons, but life's like that. Take what you're given and like it. You don't, suffer. But perhaps she wouldn't have to. Many portals had opened over the past four years, and one might be near.[/i]

[b]Rayne:[/b] I hope there is one. Having to go back there would.... *sigh* Best not think about it.

[i]She trudged on, walking absent-mindedly, not really paying attention to her surroundings. The marsh grew denser. Darker. Glowing red eyes peered from the bushes, watching the one that would come to their nesting place so boldly. One as bold as she followed in sinister silence, tailing what it thought to be easy prey. She knew it followed her, of course, but she paid no heed. She wouldn't unless it decided to pounce.[/i]

[b]Rayne:[/b] [size=1]Let it come.....His funeral....[/size]

[i]She continued her walk, the monster, whatever it may be, still following, when she saw a slight glow to her left in the dense overgrowth of vegetation. She unsheathed her sword and cut through it with ease. She was rewarded by the sight of a portal. A slight smile came to her face, but it quickly retreated. The area around it was pretty clear, so she sat down on the outer fringes and decided to take a quick rest. Whatever had followed her hadn't come through the bushes, so she was at ease.[/i]

[b]Rayne:[/b] I'll just sit here for a spell, and then I'll start up again.

[i]As she sat, the humidity in the air made it seem a bit warm and the moss that she was sitting on wsa quite comfortable, and soon, she was lying asleep, dreaming of how her life might have been....[/i][/color]