#acoprompt

[newhyrulesage]

THE MASQUERADE

Firstly, an apology for our long and unexplained absence; recently the Sage was forced to relocate, and during the move we were unable to keep up with our regular schedule.  We assure our dearest readers that we are still alive and kicking, and that we do not intend to stop any time soon.

Before we resume reporting our regularly scheduled news, a moment to remember two of our most beloved editors – Kieron Noel and Flannán Noel.  Kieron and Flannán died in the riot that occurred some months ago, and while the world seems to have moved on without them, we at the Sage remember them every day that we sit down to write our newspaper.  Lads, you are sorely missed.

In the weeks following the attack on the bridges, many have been made homeless by the bombings, and many more are still in recovery due to their injuries.  We at the Sage understand that many of you are in dire situations yourselves, but we encourage everyone who can to help the refugees out to the best of their abilities.  These are trying times for everyone, and it is vitally important we reach out to those in need.

In addition to the untimely demise of the Oracle Nayru, the Sage has begun to conclude that a similar fate may have fallen upon the Oracle Farore.  Those with any information are encouraged not to go to the Times, as they will no doubt use this as a tool to find the next Oracles, and for the sake of the next generation we must protect those who cannot protect themselves.  Wherever the next Oracles are, New Hyrule is no place for them at this time.

As many of you know, Princess Zelda and Prince Ives’ marriage is being celebrated with a masquerade this week.  While the question of appropriateness is always present in regards to having a party during such dark times, the Sage finds no reason to advise our readers not to attend.  If anything, we encourage it – let us show the nobility of New Hyrule and the Hylian Royal Army that no amount of celebration will ever disguise the plight of the Undesirable County.  We have tried protesting, and we saw that violence is the only way to gain any ground with these people.  Do not protest.  Fight for what you believe in, and fight for a future your children and your grandchildren can grow up in.

The Sage will be broadcasting tonight – tune in at 11pm and we will be discussing further plans for the masquerade, details on how you can protect yourself, and more.

[newhyruletimes]

CITY RECOVERING

A month has passed since the attack on the bridges, and the Western and Southern Districts appear to be recovering smoothly.  With the supplies brought in from the Eastern District’s imports, most of the buildings that were damaged by the blast have been repaired and reinforced.

Searches for the next Oracle of Ages have not yet been successful, with no new leads being found at this point in time.  The Oracle is still sorely missed, and passer-by have reported seeing fresh flowers on Nayru’s grave every day.

In addition to this, the Oracle Farore has not yet been found.  Though she was rumoured to have been last seen in the Southern District, the police have not succeeded in finding any trace of her.  Police commissioner Brandon Cartwright urges anyone with any information to come forward as soon as possible.

Also on the list of missing persons is Azrael Melicus, who vanished some time ago following the death of the Oracle Nayru.  No new leads have been found at this point in time.

Tomorrow the festivities for the masquerade honouring Princess Zelda and Prince Ives’ marriage will begin.  All the citizens of New Hyrule are invited to attend.

King Gustaf is reported to be recovering well, and sources indicate he is likely to be making an appearance at the masquerade with his daughter.  King Ganondorf’s location has not been ascertained.

The terrorist Jasdaë Isleen is still at large following her mysterious escape from New Hyrule’s castle dungeons.  Anyone with any information regarding the dancer is strongly urged to come to the police at once.

A reminder that curfew is 9 o’clock sharp every night for your safety.

[newhyruletimes]

ORACLE DEAD

The young Oracle Nayru was found deceased in her chambers last night.  Every attempt to save her was made, but unfortunately the Church reported that by the time she had been found there was nothing else they could do.  The Oracle's death is currently being investigated, and while allegations have been made against her personal staff the Church feels that the likely cause of death was Nayru's own hand.

"She always seemed so strong, but I can only imagine the sort of terrible burden it was for her," Sister Carlotta offered upon being interviewed by the Times.  "She was well liked in the Church, very respected and loved by all her peers.  She'll be missed, aye."

Nayru's sisters, Oracle Din and Oracle Farore, were unavailable to comment, though Din was seen donning mourning garb earlier today in preparation for the funeral to be held.

Funeral services will be held this evening at five o'clock until half past eight; be sure to return to your homes prior to curfew should you be attending.

[newhyrulesage]

ATTACK ON COUNTY BRIDGES

There are some things, as a writer for the Sage, I hoped I'd never have to report on. What happened at midnight is on that list.

We only have the barest of information at this point, but what we do know is that the three bridges that connected the West and Southern district to the County were destroyed with explosives.

The explosives not only destroyed the three bridges, but damaged housing on either side. We do not know the number of casualties, but estimates based on the damage we've seen might push into the hundreds.

Hyruleans, whether they're considered 'human' or 'nonhuman', were the victims of this ruthless attack. Nothing has been reported by the Times, of course, but the Sage can assure you this was not an attack by the County or the rebellion.

We ask that all our readers do their part to help those who have been injured or lost homes or loved ones. While we understand that space has been sparse for some time now, please extend kindness to those who have just become homeless.

For such an attack, I as a writer believe that the Crown should be held accountable for their actions. Those who have and will suffer the most from this attack are innocent people. Men, women and children who have now lost their homes, or their families, or their own lives.

What the Crown has done to its people is unforgivable.

[oncedemonlord]

They All Fall Down || Ghirahim, Adia?

Ghirahim usually considered himself above the use of human drugs, but the effects of cannabis were quite soothing. Admittedly, he found himself taking the drug more often then he liked, but the fleeting high was the closest Ghirahim could get to sleeping.

He sat on his balcony, feet propped up against the siding as he lazily attempted petty tricks with smoke rings. Evening came with the call of guays as they flocked toward the obstructed sunset. Ghirahim sat up a bit to watch them pass. Noisy, wretched things birds were-- especially those damned guays. There were times he wished he could cause them to burst on sight. It'd be so satisfying...

"Tch," the demon hissed, "If only..." He took another long draw from his pipe when--

An... explosion...?

Ghirahim jerked himself up and squinted into the horizon. Did he manage to kill off the guays without noticing? No... that's not it.. It couldn't be....

A cloud of smoke went up in the distance and a few more explosions were heard. Was it...?

"A bridge went down!" he heard a woman call

"Not only one, three!" yelled one man.

"That's out near the Western District, isn't it Mama?" a worried child, yet to become infected with unnecessary prejudice and hatred.

"It's about damn time." A father, the one who first brought the illness into his family.

Ghirahim considered throwing his pipe at the man, but decided against it as his supply of cannabis was limited and expensive. Instead, he walked back into his flat briskly and sat himself at the kitchen table to scribble down some notes.

"This makes things much easier."

[rexvocem-blog]

UC bridges falling down, falling down, falling down UC bridges falling down

The order had fallen on a team of fifteen Sheikah warriors, masked and loyal to the crown. Each one carried a sack of explosions--a small amount seemingly, but as the fifteen worked tirelessly over the underside of the three bridges it was clear that rigged up it would be more than enough.

They were on a strict deadline-- the explosions had to be set off at midnight. None of them wanted to know the punishment for being late. If the King was prepared to isolate the former 'Western District', he would be within his power to execute them for messing this up as well.

It had been advantageous to use the Sheikah, because even if one of them were seen, it wasn't question as more than just 'odd' that one had made itself visible.

They had finished in record time, disappearing into the western district save for three, who would manually trigger the explosions.

At ten minutes till midnight--ahead of schedule, the first explosion went off, followed by two others. Then three in a wave that seemed to shake the islands even as it blew apart the three bridges.

By the third set of explosions, pieces of the bridge that hadn't been blown apart began falling, debris dropping into the water below.

Screaming from people on either side began about halfway through as it began to dawn on the citizens of the Undesirable county what this meant. What it meant to lose their only connection to the rest of New Hyrule. Of the supply line they were losing. Of family that had been on the other side, deep in the southern district, that they were being separated from.

With the chaos of the last explosion, which sent the rest of the bridge into the deep sea, the Sheikah who were ordered to do the deed seemed to disappear into the night, leaving the wreckage behind.

[newhyrulesage]

MURDER ON THE BRIDGE

The Kingdom seems to know no morality as three young Gerudo women were gunned down crossing the bridge from the Southern district to the Eastern district. It is presumed that they were joining their sisters at the airship dock, where it has been reported that the Gerudo have been leaving New Hyrule in mass.

It's a tragedy that even unarmed children aren't above being murdered if they're unlucky enough to be on a bridge when curfew hits.

We shouldn't have to remind our readers about curfews, because they shouldn't exist, but for the safety of you all we must stress that you consider the possibility that the esteemed government of New Hyrule will try to kill you if given the chance.

If you must cross to another island over night, we recommend you do it the 'old fashioned way'. It's less desirable, but you won't be shot down simply for being last.

[newhyrulesage]

"TERRORIST"

Apologies, dearest readers, for the infrequent updates from this newspaper as of late - due to some of our staff being injured in the recent events, business has been slowed quite dramatically.

I feel that, for the sake of our dear friends over at the Times, we must clarify what the word "terrorist" means.  Put simply, a terrorist is naturally one who uses terrorism.  Which brings us to the inevitable question of the definition of terrorism, which is of course the use of violence and intimidation in pursuit of political aims.

Let's take a look at the facts here, as they are so easily misconstrued by our friends over at the Times... Commoners and nobleman alike were invited to a masquerade.  A show of good faith, eh?  Not so, for halfway through the festivities it was our dear friend the Voice who announced that terrorists were in the building!  How frightful!

I am doubtful that in their relatively young ages, the Voice and the King have forgotten what the meaning of "masquerade" is, but allow me to divulge it here while I'm at it; in regards to the event, it is a festivity that employs the use of elaborate costume and masks to conceal partygoers' identities.  How strange that at a masquerade it be demanded that people remove their masks for the sake of safety... tell me, dear readers, does that seem as peculiar to you as it does to me?

It would appear that the true intentions of the masquerade were to provide a false sense of security as the Voice, the King, and their minions terrorized innocent people who had come to celebrate the wedding of their beloved young princess.  Given the current state of affairs, I would advise our much loved readers not to antagonize the soldiers sent to guard New Hyrule at this time, and as always be distrustful of the curfew; don't let them catch you out after the sun goes down.

In closing, I feel it should also be noted that the "partygoer" who destroyed the door - thus allowing the guests to escape - did so after the soldiers had proceeded to interrogate and insult many of the patrons as they searched for nonhumans in their midst.  Given the state that the door was left in, I think it's safe to say that you missed one, lads; perhaps you should rethink your strategy if "nonhumans" slip through your grasp so easily.

Remember, folks, that knowledge is your greatest weapon.  Arm yourself with it at all times, and question everything the Times tells you.