The King of Light and Shadow

--A Ganondorf Roleplay blog for Telma's Interdimensional Tavern

[thekingoflightandshadow]

Reading Between the Lines

The Eyeglass Island Library hadn’t been difficult to locate in and of itself. It was half a day’s journey from the mainland, and the waters had been graciously calm. It had been a week since the two mercenaries had arrived on the scene, one towering over the other patrons and both dreadfully silent. They had only been heard speaking a handful of words during the course of their visits. While they had stirred attention upon their first arrival, they had settled into the landscape nicely.

The benefits of a solitary island were few, but the Gerudo king had felt confident that none would recognize him there. He had stopped wearing his cloak after the first day, and no one was any wiser to his true identity, as foreign as his appearance was. After a few days, Teran began turning more heads than he did, though he suspected the reasons were far different.

Ganondorf could hardly believe such an odd, isolated place would be host to the sort of texts he was finding. Every mix of history that had found itself adrift in time had somehow found its way to this place. For fear or disinterest, few bothered him while he poured over the massive tomes he had found. He was at home.

Though he hadn’t found what he was looking for just yet, he felt it close.

[thekingoflightandshadow]

((Good lord, I was overloaded on cough syrup last night. I read over that post again and found where I completely left out a line of dialogue. Yeesh.))

[thekingoflightandshadow]

Those with Dark Purpose (Closed)

The stars burned brightly over the desert sands that night. Their reflection made smooth, silvery strokes amidst the untrodden path before him. The wind whipped against his ears, an unwelcome reminder as to why the sands stood undisturbed. Here in this place, a dark shadow at the world’s edge, no mortal man dared to travel. No water, no outposts, no one to hear you call for help. This land was a death sentence.

And yet.

His attention turned to the looming tower in the distance. An ethereal light shone at the top, almost barely visible unless one was looking with intent. They lingered, everlasting.

He felt a twinge of pain in his chest. A phantom pain brought from the memory, and memory alone. His face twisted into a vile grin. A death sentence for any ordinary man.

Ganondorf pulled his cloak tighter as he approached his destination. A circle of small stones set into the landscape, seemingly harmless.

Serene words crept through his mind and from his tongue, cryptic orders from an ancient language known only to the Gerudo of old.

The earth began to rattle and the sands shifted. The land opened with hungry jaws, eagerly awaiting its willing prey. The Gerudo king gave a decisive nod before entering, the earth closing around him as he descended into the void.

A narrow flight of stairs lined his path with freshly lit torches adorning the walls to his side.

Teran.

“Sire!” A voice called from the foot of the sitars, as though summoned by thought.

Ganondorf pulled back his hood, the harsh lines of his face illuminated by the torches. His steps echoed throughout the otherwise empty halls.

“Have you been successful, Teran?”

An armored knight knelt at his feet before removing his helm. He was a young man with dark locks tucked behind the pointed ears of a Hylian. This was a man of the Hylian court. At least, he had once been. He clenched his eyes shut before answering. “No, my lord...but I am close, I feel it, I searched the royal library ten times over but-”

“Enough,” Ganondorf snapped, “This was your third lead and again we have nothing. I grow tired of your incompetence.”

“My lord, if I may..” The knight rose gingerly to his feet. “There is another land that I have on good authority...well, I have overheard the patrons of the royal library speak of the Eyeglass Isle Library in a land known as Labrynna. Might I ask...could we pursue this?”

“Labrynna...” The dark lord repeated, “A name I have rarely heard in current time.” He thought on it for a moment. What would the relic be doing in a place such as...

“As you wish,” he conceded, “We will make plans to journey to Labrynna. Though I am sure you understand the consequences of failure this time around.”

“Yes, my lord...we will be victorious, I can feel it.”

“Yes...I will have the Book of Mudora.”

[thekingoflightandshadow]

Heads or Tails

[exiledoracle]

thekingoflightandshadow:

She couldn’t be embarrassed and she skirted his efforts at being direct. He was at a loss. Were this any other time and place, he would have his answers by force. Such a method wouldn’t work here, he was painfully aware. He warily eyed Telma’s spot behind the bar.

Eyelids becoming heavy, he could really feel the toll that the alcohol had taken.

“You know who I am now. You know where I am from. You have seen my face.” He rested his chin in his hand. “There is nothing else of interest to you to ask of, Oracle. So I ask you now, will you leave me be?”

He didn’t have a question, and it was clear the coin game was now over. “There’s one thing.” She spoke as she placed a finger on the coin. 

She looked him in the eye, knowing full well he was inebriated far more than she. “Are you going to be a threat to my safety?” There were no jokes or games or humor in her voice now. 

“No sly misdirection. I have to know this.”

[thekingoflightandshadow]

His chair screeched against the wood floor of the tavern as he rose to his feet. He kept his eyes locked with hers as he pulled his hood up over his head once more. She wouldn't see how his expression had darkened.

He had garnered the attention of their company and more besides. Apparently the bar had filled in the heat of their conversation. The floor felt unsteady, but he did not falter.

The Gerudo King could feel the eyes of every occupant upon him as he made his way to the door.

"Yes," he called to her from the doorway. His voice was severe in turn. "I will be."

The door closed quietly behind him.

[thekingoflightandshadow]

Heads or Tails

[exiledoracle]

thekingoflightandshadow:

“Yes, I am aware.”

He downed the rest of his drink, slamming the empty mug on the table. The room moved and he paused to get his bearings. Blinking decisively, he felt confident to continue his tirade.

“I’ve answered your question,” Ganondorf said, smugly. He teased her. “I am but a simple mercenary after all, I can’t imagine you would have much more to ask of me.”

“By all means, flip again if you so choose.” He slid the coin across the table with one battle weathered finger.

He’d done exactly what she figured he would, and she shook her head with a laugh. “Oh yes, a simple mercenary, I’m sure you have stilts on under that cloak as well.” 

She flipped the coin again, showing off the result to him. “Tails. Now, what sort of question would a simple mercenary have for me?” If he was going to tease her, she was going to take the joke and walk the damn thing to the end of the road. 

[thekingoflightandshadow]

She couldn't be embarrassed and she skirted his efforts at being direct. He was at a loss. Were this any other time and place, he would have his answers by force. Such a method wouldn't work here, he was painfully aware. He warily eyed Telma's spot behind the bar.

Eyelids becoming heavy, he could really feel the toll that the alcohol had taken.

"You know who I am now. You know where I am from. You have seen my face." He rested his chin in his hand. "There is nothing else of interest to you to ask of, Oracle. So I ask you now, will you leave me be?"

[thekingoflightandshadow]

Heads or Tails

[exiledoracle]

thekingoflightandshadow:

“You’re full of shit. It’s no wonder you have a penchant for growing plants.”

“I expected as much,” he growled, throwing the coin up high into the air. Traces of gold glinted in the light as it plunged back down.

Heads.

“What language.” Din said flatly, not bothering to give him anymore of an answer than that. 

She smirked down at the heads, figuring it was finally time to ask the question she had in Kakariko. “You’re using the name Endellion, are you aware of where the name originates?” 

She knew the question was open enough that the man could get revenge on her for not giving him her actual title, but that’d mean she’d have to waste another question later on. Not that she could think of anything else to ask him– but perhaps that was the fogginess of the alcohol catching up to her. 

[thekingoflightandshadow]

"Yes, I am aware."

He downed the rest of his drink, slamming the empty mug on the table. The room moved and he paused to get his bearings. Blinking decisively, he felt confident to continue his tirade.

"I've answered your question," Ganondorf said, smugly. He teased her. "I am but a simple mercenary after all, I can't imagine you would have much more to ask of me."

"By all means, flip again if you so choose." He slid the coin across the table with one battle weathered finger.

[thekingoflightandshadow]

Heads or Tails

[exiledoracle]

thekingoflightandshadow:

“Hm,” he scowled.

“Who are you really?” Steepling his fingers together, he leaned forward on the table. “You and that blue-haired little shrew, I can sense that you are more than you appear….do not lie to me, I will be able to see through it.”

If she couldn’t be embarrassed then perhaps this would do. He had his doubts that she would answer truthfully, but he kept a piercing gaze on her to intimidate her from trying any such trick.

“Why would I lie?” Din said with a smile. There were ways to get around anything of course, and the question was broad enough for a dancer like her to mostly evade. 

“I’m an oracle, directly tied to the earth.” She focused on the liquid in her drink as she spoke. “I’m just an impressive weather witch with a talent for growing plants, honestly.” 

She looked up at him, studying his face. “So if you need a flower grown, I’m your woman. Flip it.”

[thekingoflightandshadow]

"You're full of shit. It's no wonder you have a penchant for growing plants."

"I expected as much," he growled, throwing the coin up high into the air. Traces of gold glinted in the light as it plunged back down.

Heads.

[thekingoflightandshadow]

Heads or Tails

[exiledoracle]

thekingoflightandshadow:

“Fortress,” he replied shortly. “Though we made shelter throughout scattered parts of the desert.”

Telma deposited another drink for him upon stopping at their table. Though he didn’t care to look at her, he could sense the concern that she had for his young interrogator. He could also feel her eyes upon his skin, taking in what was her first glance at his true face.

“Will that be all,” he stated rather than questioned through gritted teeth to the bar keep. She left with no words to him.

“Flip the coin,” he commanded, taking a drink.

Din nodded slowly, thinking on his answer. She had no real memory of any of the settlements, all of her information came solely from journals left to her. She could almost imagine what the places were like, but not quite. Her own origins were beyond her– if her mother said anything to the owners of the orphanage they never bothered to tell her. 

Din flipped it, looking down at the result. “Tails, ask your question.”

[thekingoflightandshadow]

"Hm," he scowled.

"Who are you really?" Steepling his fingers together, he leaned forward on the table. "You and that blue-haired little shrew, I can sense that you are more than you appear....do not lie to me, I will be able to see through it."

If she couldn't be embarrassed then perhaps this would do. He had his doubts that she would answer truthfully, but he kept a piercing gaze on her to intimidate her from trying any such trick.

[thekingoflightandshadow]

Heads or Tails

[exiledoracle]

thekingoflightandshadow:

“You only get one,” he sneered, relaxing back into his chair. “Do try to contain your enthusiasm.”

Ganondorf muttered under his breath. There would be no stories of him amongst the Gerudo, certainly. “History is told through the eyes of the victor.”

The coin rattled on its sides after being flipped, finally stopping to show the Goddess forsaken heads side again. He could swear that through all the rust the face smiled at him with contempt.

“Again, luck is on your side,” he narrowed his eyes at her, “ask your question.”

“Like I have to ask if you’re Gerudo, you’re taking surprise for another question.” Din said, half scolding and shaking her head. “You’d be hard pressed to find a Hylian or even a Human that looks like you.”

“What part of the desert were you from? Fortress? Oasis? Wastes?” She asked. She might have felt bad for his muttering about history and the victor but frankly, it was hard to drum up sympathy for someone who shot through their own foot. 

She emptied her cup, turning to flag down Telma to ask for another glass. Telma was quick about getting over to their table, no doubt concerned for the young womans’ choice in company. 

Din thanked Telma for the refill before turning back to Ganondorf, waiting for the answer.

[thekingoflightandshadow]

"Fortress," he replied shortly. "Though we made shelter throughout scattered parts of the desert."

Telma deposited another drink for him upon stopping at their table. Though he didn't care to look at her, he could sense the concern that she had for his young interrogator. He could also feel her eyes upon his skin, taking in what was her first glance at his true face.

"Will that be all," he stated rather than questioned through gritted teeth to the bar keep. She left with no words to him.

"Flip the coin," he commanded, taking a drink.

[thekingoflightandshadow]

Heads or Tails

[exiledoracle]

thekingoflightandshadow:

“You want to know what I look like? What…should I draw you a picture?” Ganondorf spoke in barely above a whisper before taking a quick survey of the room. Their neighbors had gone back to their own idle prattle.

“No, that won’t do.” He knew why she had asked her question. Of course she would want to know what her enemy looked like, and what would be the harm in this place? None of these people would recognize him.

He conceded.

Ganondorf slowly moved back his hood, tightly coiled locks of red hair coming loose around his neck. His amber eyes peered intently at hers, a look of neutrality on his face.

“There are no tusks here.”

Her eyes widened in bewilderment. Red hair, yellow eyes, tan skin. She felt as if she was punched squarely in the chest. 

“You…you’re Gerudo?” She was astounded, why hadn’t Sacmis wrote about this?

No, Din could understand why her predecessor would leave out something like this. It had to have been a blow to the pride of their people that someone like Ganondorf had come from the desert. 

“Well. It just goes to show you what history books are willing to leave out.” She said, trying to be humorous over the fact she was still mildly unsettled. “Flip it again.” 

[thekingoflightandshadow]

"You only get one," he sneered, relaxing back into his chair. "Do try to contain your enthusiasm."

Ganondorf muttered under his breath. There would be no stories of him amongst the Gerudo, certainly. "History is told through the eyes of the victor."

The coin rattled on its sides after being flipped, finally stopping to show the Goddess forsaken heads side again. He could swear that through all the rust the face smiled at him with contempt.

"Again, luck is on your side," he narrowed his eyes at her, "ask your question."

[thekingoflightandshadow]

Heads or Tails

[exiledoracle]

thekingoflightandshadow:

“Are we children? You’ve led me to believe as much,” he chided. Slowly, heads turned from the other side of the tavern. Perhaps he had been too loud.

He cleared his throat. “My turn then…” He plucked the coin from the table and flipped it only to find that his luck had run out. The marred profile was staring up from the coin at them.

“Well then, you finally get your question.”

Part of her wanted to ask something just as embarrassing in response, but she had to keep her priorities in order.

“Finally.” Din spoke, leaning back in the chair. “What do you look like under that cloak?” Some things were far more important than knowing where he’d heard a Holodrum mythological name. Knowing his appearance so he couldn’t surprise her later was the most. 

“Because frankly, the frame of reference that I have involve tusks.” Din said flatly, taking another drink. 

[thekingoflightandshadow]

"You want to know what I look like? What...should I draw you a picture?" Ganondorf spoke in barely above a whisper before taking a quick survey of the room. Their neighbors had gone back to their own idle prattle.

"No, that won't do." He knew why she had asked her question. Of course she would want to know what her enemy looked like, and what would be the harm in this place? None of these people would recognize him.

He conceded.

Ganondorf slowly moved back his hood, tightly coiled locks of red hair coming loose around his neck. His amber eyes peered intently at hers, a look of neutrality on his face.

"There are no tusks here."

[thekingoflightandshadow]

Heads or Tails

[exiledoracle]

thekingoflightandshadow:

“Well, by the Goddesses,” he remarked with sarcasm. “You pester me with needless questions and then ask that I treat you with leniency..?”

He chuckled, his inhibitions gone with the swill that had once filled the empty mug at his side. Perhaps it was the alcohol, or perhaps it was the fact that she reminded him of his sisters, if by looks alone. Ganondorf felt oddly at ease.

The game was indeed one of chance, but not one that he was unfamiliar with. The Gerudo King had an advantage of sorts. He could recall within the depths of his memory…that fiendish grin on his sister’s face. “Brother,” she would say, “we will let you play the game but you need to learn how to win.” He could still hear her whisper, sun-kissed skin shining in the moonlight as she stifled laughter. “No no, ask her that question that I told you…”

He grinned devilishly. His desire for revenge far outweighed the curiosity he had for the young woman, and he had every hope of ending this game as quickly as possible.

“Your nose,“ he said simply, completely serious in his tone. “When did you last pick it without using a tissue?”

If that didn’t turn her away, he was confident that he had an arsenal left.

“Needless questions? I think they’re actually very important questions.” Din shot back, setting her drink down. 

And then he had asked his question. Really? REALLY? The King of Evil was asking when she last picked her nose? It seemed like such an incredibly childish question she couldn’t help but laugh– loudly and genuine.

“You’re asking when I last picked my nose? What are we, children?! Three days ago.” She answered with a hand wave, fighting back more laughter at the fact that he had asked it so damned seriously. 

“Alright, flip it again.” 

[thekingoflightandshadow]

"Are we children? You've led me to believe as much," he chided. Slowly, heads turned from the other side of the tavern. Perhaps he had been too loud.

He cleared his throat. "My turn then..." He plucked the coin from the table and flipped it only to find that his luck had run out. The marred profile was staring up from the coin at them.

"Well then, you finally get your question."

[thekingoflightandshadow]

Heads or Tails

[exiledoracle]

thekingoflightandshadow:

While the times of respite were necessary for his mortal body, it gave him time to think. A path which led to dark places. Faces with no names, features that he could just barely make out, all faded if he focused too intently. They’d dance around the fire in the fever of victory, their songs echoing throughout the desert oasis. It was a time that he sometimes couldn’t distinguish between dream and memory.

He took a swig from his mug, his eyes clouded over. Just as he was about to call out to Telma–

That voice.

He flinched unexpectedly in his drunken state.

Oh for fuck’s sake.

He felt the heat rise to his face in his swell of anger.

“Do you not take “no” for an answer? I asked, no, implored you to stay away and yet here you are…and with what, a bribe? I will accept nothing from you but your leave. Though I suspect you are just going to plant yourself down at this table regardless.”

Clenching his eyes shut, he pinched the bridge of his nose, shaking his head slowly in exasperation.

“Fine. Sit. But if I am to speak to you, it will be on my own terms.”

Ganondorf plucked a small golden coin from his pocket. At least, it had once been golden, the dirt and rust that caked it made it hard to believe it had ever shone brightly. A strange bit of currency that had long since been retired, or at least that was what he had been told. On one side was the profile of a woman that had been too disfigured with time to really distinguish, and on the other was a crest with what looked like dragon wings.

He held the coin in his out-turned palm.

“If it lands with the head showing, then I will answer your question. If it lands on the other side, then it is I who gets to ask the question,” he smirked, “and when you refuse to answer a question…then the game is over.”

“This is a game of luck and the goddesses have never given me such a gift…so really the advantage is yours. Well..what will you do?”

Despite all of his bluster he seemed to relent– sort of. 

“Alright, I’ll play your game, but I must warn you that it’s not in my blood to relent. If you haven’t noticed.” She said, taking a sip of her drink. 

She watched him flip the coin…and then watched it immediately fall on tails. “Are you sure about the Goddesses and your luck? Because it seems like at least one of them is favoring you for the moment.” 

Probably Din. She thought, giving a partial smirk. She could imagine her patron Goddess giving her shit for the Oracle shutting herself away from the earth for months.

“What’s your question then, and please keep it respectful, I’m still a lady after all.” She said dryly, giving the man a lookover. Even though it didn’t really do much considering he was still wearing the magic cloak. 

[thekingoflightandshadow]

“Well, by the Goddesses,” he remarked with sarcasm. “You pester me with needless questions and then ask that I treat you with leniency..?”

He chuckled, his inhibitions gone with the swill that had once filled the empty mug at his side. Perhaps it was the alcohol, or perhaps it was the fact that she reminded him of his sisters, if by looks alone. Ganondorf felt oddly at ease.

The game was indeed one of chance, but not one that he was unfamiliar with. The Gerudo King had an advantage of sorts. He could recall within the depths of his memory…that fiendish grin on his sister’s face. “Brother,” she would say, “we will let you play the game but you need to learn how to win.” He could still hear her whisper, sun-kissed skin shining in the moonlight as she stifled laughter. “No no, ask her that question that I told you…”

He grinned devilishly. His desire for revenge far outweighed the curiosity he had for the young woman, and he had every hope of ending this game as quickly as possible.

“Your nose,“ he said simply, completely serious in his tone. “When did you last pick it without using a tissue?”

If that didn’t turn her away, he was confident that he had an arsenal left.

[thekingoflightandshadow]

Heads or Tails

[exiledoracle]

thekingoflightandshadow:

The tavern was mostly empty, save for a small huddled crowd near the board postings. They were far too enthralled with what they were reading to notice his arrival. He breathed a sigh of relief, grateful at the silence for once.

“Oh, I knew you’d come back eventually,” a mocking voice called from the bar. Telma had a wry smile on her face. “You went missing there for a while, but I knew it wouldn’t be too long….now I know you’re not going to come back here to make trouble again, right?”

“I have no intention of the sort,” he said curtly,  “I’ve come here for one purpose only–”

“The usual?”

“…Yes.”

“Well alright then, that I can do!” Bottles clinked together as she began rummaging through the shelves behind the counter. 

He took his regular seat at the secluded corner of the tavern, still unnoticed by the crowd at the other end. He couldn’t help but wonder just how effective such a group would be in a mission if they failed to notice a towering hooded figure behind them. Or perhaps he had truly lost his touch.

Ganondorf sunk into his seat, weary muscles relieved at last.

“Here you are…hope it’s to your liking,” Telma tried to disguise a look of disgust as she placed the stark black concoction before him. “Enjoy…”

He grunted before taking a large gulp. Maybe now he could actually relax.

After months of nothing– of being cooped up in her room and interacting with nearly no one– it felt good to actually be doing something. It felt good to be helping people, and the entire Telma’s Tavern thing offered her a distraction and a reason to leave her room. 

Of course, this time she had entered the tavern prepared. If even a simply cucco hunt could turn into a battle, she couldn’t afford to leave her spear at home again. She’d even spent a few hours sharpening the tip! There’d be no standing on the sidelines for the next mission. Along with the spear, she wore a light set of leather armor– she wasn’t too fond of the plate stuff. 

A quick sweep of the bar proved that it wasn’t terribly bustling, just some people checking the board and–

–and of course, Endellion hunched in the corner like some sort of shady fellow. Which he sort of was. 

Din walked to the bar and leaned forward. “Can you give me a glass of what he’s drinking, and also some wine?” Telma gave her a mildly concerned look, glancing over to Ganondorf.

“You sure honey?” She said, not moving until Din nodded. “Alright…here you go.”  

Din took both cups over to Ganondorfs’ table, setting whatever unholy colored drink Ganondorf drank in front of him before removing her spear from her back, leaning it against the table away from the two of them. 

“A refill for when you’re finished that glass, Endellion.” She said pleasantly, very clearly making herself comfortable. 

“I’m glad I caught up with you– I wanted to ask you again about the name you’re using.” 

[thekingoflightandshadow]

While the times of respite were necessary for his mortal body, it gave him time to think. A path which led to dark places. Faces with no names, features that he could just barely make out, all faded if he focused too intently. They’d dance around the fire in the fever of victory, their songs echoing throughout the desert oasis. It was a time that he sometimes couldn't distinguish between dream and memory.

He took a swig from his mug, his eyes clouded over. Just as he was about to call out to Telma--

That voice.

He flinched unexpectedly in his drunken state.

Oh for fuck’s sake.

He felt the heat rise to his face in his swell of anger.

“Do you not take “no” for an answer? I asked, no, implored you to stay away and yet here you are...and with what, a bribe? I will accept nothing from you but your leave. Though I suspect you are just going to plant yourself down at this table regardless.”

Clenching his eyes shut, he pinched the bridge of his nose, shaking his head slowly in exasperation.

“Fine. Sit. But if I am to speak to you, it will be on my own terms.”

Ganondorf plucked a small golden coin from his pocket. At least, it had once been golden, the dirt and rust that caked it made it hard to believe it had ever shone brightly. A strange bit of currency that had long since been retired, or at least that was what he had been told. On one side was the profile of a woman that had been too disfigured with time to really distinguish, and on the other was a crest with what looked like dragon wings.

He held the coin in his out-turned palm.

“If it lands with the head showing, then I will answer your question. If it lands on the other side, then it is I who gets to ask the question,” he smirked, “and when you refuse to answer a question...then the game is over.”

“This is a game of luck and the goddesses have never given me such a gift...so really the advantage is yours. Well..what will you do?”

[thekingoflightandshadow]

Heads or Tails

The tavern was mostly empty, save for a small huddled crowd near the board postings. They were far too enthralled with what they were reading to notice his arrival. He breathed a sigh of relief, grateful at the silence for once.

“Oh, I knew you’d come back eventually,” a mocking voice called from the bar. Telma had a wry smile on her face. “You went missing there for a while, but I knew it wouldn’t be too long....now I know you’re not going to come back here to make trouble again, right?”

“I have no intention of the sort,” he said curtly,  “I’ve come here for one purpose only--”

“The usual?”

“...Yes.”

“Well alright then, that I can do!” Bottles clinked together as she began rummaging through the shelves behind the counter. 

He took his regular seat at the secluded corner of the tavern, still unnoticed by the crowd at the other end. He couldn't help but wonder just how effective such a group would be in a mission if they failed to notice a towering hooded figure behind them. Or perhaps he had truly lost his touch.

Ganondorf sunk into his seat, weary muscles relieved at last.

“Here you are...hope it’s to your liking,” Telma tried to disguise a look of disgust as she placed the stark black concoction before him. “Enjoy...”

He grunted before taking a large gulp. Maybe now he could actually relax.

[exiledoracle]

Chicken!

[gotcourage]

exiledoracle:

thekingoflightandshadow:

Unorthodox, but effective.

He sheathed his sword, confident that the grounds were calm for the time being. A low rumble could be heard in the distance, his ears catching the sound just before bolts of lighting lit up the horizon. The wind picked up hastily, a warning that the storms would be arriving soon.

As effortless as his victory may have seemed, his adrenaline had run its course and he was beginning to feel fatigue.

“Sir!” He heard a faint call from the hills behind him. “Sir Endellion!”

A young man ran down the beaten path to where Ganondorf stood.

“My father–” the boy stammered, trying to catch his breath, “gives this payment in return for your service. Dawn is approaching…and we are safe for another night. Thank you!”

He remained silent, nodding his head in a polite response.

“Well…um, storms are approaching so…stay safe I suppose!” The young man laughed nervously, passing over the rupees before rushing off towards the path he had come from.

“I’m fine, that was nothing.” Din said to both Ceri and Link with a smile. “Just a bit of a work out, right?” 

Maybe a bit too much of a work out, she’d spent way to long secluded in her room avoiding things. She’d have to start training again, and sharpening her spear. And not forgetting the damn thing at home. 

She startled just a little bit at hearing the voice of a young man, watching him give Ganondorf the payment. She wouldn’t have given it a second thought if it wasn’t for the name the man had used for Ganondorf.

Endellion

She felt just a little unsettled by it, but didn’t want to say anything until the man left. 

“Endellion– do you know where that name even comes from?” She said, looking at the approaching storm. She’d like to be safely inside once it hit, not standing in the dark.

Link watched with muted curiosity as the young man approached Ganondorf, handing him his payment seemingly without worry or care.  It was jarring, he thought, to see the king interact with people so nonchalantly.  He had to remind himself that to the people of Hyrule now, Ganondorf was not the king of evil.  He had never laid a finger on the Hylian king.  He had never corrupted the land with his magic.  That ill-fated Hyrule was from another time, another life, and this world would never know any better.

Dragged from his thoughts by Din’s voice, he shook his head, turning to face her.  Frowning, Link paused for a moment as he attempted to jog his memory.  There was so much he only faintly remembered, but he was having difficulty even registering having heard the name “Endellion” before.

Should I? he signed, glancing quickly towards Ceri.  She shrugged ineffectually before answering Din herself.  “It’s not familiar to me,” she explained.  “But I’m all too familiar with storms, and the rain… it’s not ideal for a fairy’s wings, you see.  If it’s not too much trouble, could we start heading back soon?”

[thekingoflightandshadow]

Ganondorf regarded the two one last time. The thought that at least two people knew of his whereabouts every day around dusk was vexing. He had no desire to encounter the hero again, and the girl, while curious, was altogether a nuisance. Perhaps it was time to rethink his arrangement with the village...the routine had become a bore anyhow. Something to meditate on later.

Another bolt of lightning lit up the skies ahead, a great clap of thunder following. It was time to move on.

To the tavern, he supposed. It had been a couple of days since the fiasco, and surely it had been forgotten by now. He could certainly use a drink after this encounter.

He raised his fist, a great wave of shadows washing over his body, leaving not a trace of him in its wake.

[exiledoracle]

Chicken!

[gotcourage]

exiledoracle:

thekingoflightandshadow:

At last, a challenge.

The stalfos, brandishing their weapons and shields as they charged at the group, served as a grim reminder of what happened to those who placed mettle over sense. Though they had more tact than the mindless drones of stalchildren, their stance and technique were husks of what he could only imagine they once were. They moved as though they had no knowledge of the ill path their fate had taken. Their methods, maybe once capable as living warriors, were awkward and clumsy with their skeletal limbs.

A pair made to crowd him, thinking to outnumber and overwhelm him most likely. He waited patiently for them to close the gap before striking. A loud screech rang throughout the night air. He glared at the creature’s severed skull, irritated, before definitively crushing it beneath the heel of his boot.

The other stalfos charged, but the clinking of its joints gave its position away. Ganondorf spun around, sword at the ready, to meet the foe with a clash of steel upon steel. He held back for a moment, just to see the strength that the creature could muster. The stalfos, perhaps sensing that something was amiss, faltered in its stance. He grinned darkly before serving it the same fate as its cohort.

He could hear the thrashing of battle from behind him, and he surmised that the other two monsters had rushed to the hero and his comrade. He turned to face them, just in time to see Link destroy the remains of one, while the other ominously approached the young woman.

Interesting. He watched on with vague interest.

She couldn’t help but give a lopsided smile as Link put himself in front of her, fighting a Stalfos. A glance towards Ganondorf was enough to tell her the man had absolutely minced the two that had thought to face him.

The last one, while the two fighters were occupied, had thought to try and attack her– the most vulnerable party.

The magic made her fingers tingle– months of disuse assured she was out of practice, but the simple fireball was easily cast. The stalfos had enough sense to put up it’s shield to avoid having it’s head knocked off, but the force of the fireball sent reeling back several feet. 

Its shield was a little charred, but the stalfos itself wasn’t damaged, just unsteady. 

There had never been a doubt in his mind that Ganondorf could fend for himself, but Link felt the dread creep into his gut once more when he saw the final stalfos lunge for Din.  Before it could strike her, however, she threw a bolt of raging flames from her fingertips, sending the stalfos flying backwards.  It barely regained its stance, and Link couldn’t help but laugh.  This was exciting, albeit nerve-wracking.

Seizing the opportunity granted by Din’s magic, Link clasped his sword in both hands, charging forward to slam the tip of his sword into the stalfos’ eye socket.  As the blade forced its way through the fragile bone, its skull cracked down the middle, its jaw chattering briefly before disintegrating entirely.

Straightening up, Link surveyed the area quickly.  It seemed, for now at least, that the area was clear.  He sheathed his sword slowly, his grip still tight on the hilt of the blade as he eyed the ground warily.  After a moment’s pause he sighed, finally releasing his grasp.  Turning to Din, he signed quickly towards her.  Are you okay?

Ceri flitted over to where Din stood nearby, flying around her as she gave her a quick once-over.  “Are you hurt?” she asked, finally settling on Din’s shoulder.  “That was rather impressive, I must admit.  Though I’m not eager to fight those things again, mind you.  I think that’s quite enough excitement for one evening…”

[thekingoflightandshadow]

Unorthodox, but effective.

He sheathed his sword, confident that the grounds were calm for the time being. A low rumble could be heard in the distance, his ears catching the sound just before bolts of lighting lit up the horizon. The wind picked up hastily, a warning that the storms would be arriving soon.

As effortless as his victory may have seemed, his adrenaline had run its course and he was beginning to feel fatigue.

“Sir!” He heard a faint call from the hills behind him. “Sir Endellion!”

A young man ran down the beaten path to where Ganondorf stood.

“My father--” the boy stammered, trying to catch his breath, “gives this payment in return for your service. Dawn is approaching...and we are safe for another night. Thank you!”

He remained silent, nodding his head in a polite response.

“Well...um, storms are approaching so...stay safe I suppose!” The young man laughed nervously, passing over the rupees before rushing off towards the path he had come from.