Legend of Zelda: The Templar Crusades IC

[Colonel Caboose]

OoC: http://roleplayerguild.com/showthrea...33#post6351733



Thallus looked out into Castle Town from high above from a window in one of Hyrule Castle’s large towers. There was a cool breeze coming through the window, a few clouds blotted out the sun here and there. Today was just like any other day, another group of cultists were being executed in the courtyard, priests shouted God’s word through town on their stands, and he was in the castle awaiting another court meeting. Thallus turned at the sound of foot steps to see his friend Brother Regol. Regol was wearing his bloody doctor attire, with his bird plague mask and hat; his belt had a syringe and multiple containers. “Brother Thallus the court has gathered, they await your arrival.” Regol said as he closed in on Thallus.

“Very well, I suppose that means everything is in place Brother Regol?” Thallus asked as he gave one last glimpse out the window to see an axe execute the final cultist for the day.

“Of course Brother Thallus all is in place. Everything will go according to plan and we shall convince the people once and for all the dangers of the cultists.” Regol replied in a firm tone. Thallus smiled, Regol was his most loyal subject and one of few who could call him Brother instead of Father. Thallus lead the way to the court room, which was filled with senators and representatives from across the lands.

“You couldn’t have found a cleaner pair of robes or an apron not covered in blood?” Thallus whispered as he looked around the room. The king and Princess Zelda were having a small conversation with a young female Zora from Zora’s Domain.

“What’s the point, it will just get more blood on it.“ Regol said to Thallus as he broke off from Thallus who took his seat in his podium and watched as two guards dragged in a chained prisoner. He was rugged looking and covered in filth, blood stained his torn clothes. They placed the prisoner on the stand before the court.

“The trial for this man, convicted of being a cultist and planning the assassination of multiples leaders of the land, including the beloved King and princess, and the benevolent Father Thallus shall begin now.” One of the guards said as he read from a scroll with the charges and stepped away from the stand. The king rose and any whispering in the court stopped.

“Does thou prisoner deny any of the charges?” The king asked with a raised eyebrow. There was a long period of silence that followed the king’s simple question. The prisoner stood there with his head down.

“No your highness. All is true, the plan was to kiddnapp thy daughter of the king and use her as ransom for rights to allow the cultists to be free of poverty and to live in the day of light again. If that failed, my plan was to kill thy princess along with thou highness and if I was lucky Thallus too.” The court busted into an array of whispers.

“There is no much I can do for you in this mortal world anymore prisoner, but your sins can still be forgiven and you can still live a good afterlife. What does thou say? Do you wish for me to clean your sins?” Thallus said as he stood up and took the stage of attention. The prisoner began to laugh.

“My Goddesses shall watch over me and they shall be the ones to judge all of you!” The prisoners chains and shackles fell off and he reached for a hidden dagger. Thallus looked to Regol who stood beside the king, Regol nodded discreetly. The prisoner threw the knife and hit the king in the heart. Screams rung out from the crowd as they began to rush out. Princess Zelda screamed her fathers name and rushed to his side. Then there was an explosion, followed by two more, Royal Guards began to run in, but not to help who thought they were there to help. They began attacking the senators, the prisoner jumped up into the podium and made his way to Princess Zelda, he raised another dagger, but Regol tackled him to the ground and shoved the syringe into his eye and injected poison right into his brain melting it quickly.

“Templar’s attack!” Thallus yelled, figures in the crowd began to throw off their fancy clothing to reveal Templar Agents, Thallus drew his sword and engaged in battle with the evil Royal Guards. A bloody battle ensued inside the court room, life was lost on both sides, but with several minutes the battle had calmed and the last of the Royal Guards were dispatch.

“Brother Thallus come quick!” Regol yelled in a sincere voice. Thallus quickly made his way to the almost dead king. Princess Zelda lay beside him crying as she stroked his hand.

“Thallus…. Thallus please watch over my daughter… Please watch over my kingdom as well…. Do what is best for it and my daughter…. My dear daughter I love you….” And with those last words the king was dead. Regol closed his eyes and got up and left the dead king, Thallus patted Princess Zelda on the back, who jerked away.

“This is your fault! If you would just leave these cultist alone they wouldn’t be so angry and they wouldn’t have killed half the court and my father!” Princess Zelda yelled before getting up and running away holding her dress up.

“She will learn in time, she will learn.” Thallus said thinking he was talking to Regol.

“Ahhhhhhhh!!!!” Regol yelled. Thallus turned to see a dark hooded figure standing next to Regol who was on his knees holding his neck as blood poured out. He then fell on his face breaking his beack mask and passing out. The figure dropped a note and faded away into sand as if a gust of wind hand blown down a stand statue.

Thallus bent down on his knees and read the note.

You have gone to far this time Brother Thallus. With each passing day you interfere with what the Goddesses created, you break away the chains of our own doom, turn back from your ways, For this time I will only take Brother Regol. Next time I will eventually come for you….

“Much talk from one who does not face me. If you think you can challenge me, I dare thou! For I am the path to salvation for this wicked land and this world! The Goddesses shall be nothing more than a mere myth when I am finished with them, this land will come to worship me as a god for bringing order to it! Let the games begin!!!” Thallus yelled through the court room, he sounded like a mad man yelling at the wind. Nothing but bodies and broken chairs littered the ground.

Sand grains began to collect together at Thallus’ feet. They came from all across the room and came together and formed a chess board. Thallus moved his first pawn.

Five Months Later…

Thallus was in Castle Town Square sitting on the edge of the fountain. He had his cloak on as to hide his presence from the people. He watched as a witch trial was being held, an old woman had been convicted, probably innocent, but Thallus didn’t care. If it took a couple sacrifices to ensure the rest would maintain order and follow his command so be it. The witch now begged for forgiveness and asked for mercy. The priest stated that she had been forgiven and that God would give her mercy, but only in the after life. The chair which she stood on was knocked over and the hanging was over. A plague doctor declared her dead and ordered the body to be buried.

Thallus decided to go for a walk through town. He passed by the Temple of Time that had been constructed to honor the Hero of the Twilight and how he vanquished the evil Ganondorf centuries ago. Most believed it to be a legend, Thallus knew it was more, but decided it be regarded as nothing more than a legend and had the temple redesigned into a Templar Church and hospital.

“Father Thallus!” A voice called from behind. He turned to see that one of his messengers running on foot with a letter in his hand. “Father Thallus a letter has come for you.” The messenger said as he handed Thallus the note and ran off. Thallus broke the wax stamp on it and opened it up to find an old yellow letter.

Father Thallus, we have successfully eliminated another of the sages. You may cross off the Sage of Water from the list, all that remain are the Sage of Fire and Forest. We are still awaiting on a body for the Sage of Spirit. We will begin heading for the Lost Woods to search for the Sage of Forest. Pray for thee Father Thallus…

Good news always appeared at the best of times it seemed. Thallus watched as the chess board came to life before him once more. His opponent had many pieces missing, his side had lost but a few pawns. All that remained on the other side was the Queen, King, Bishops, Rook, and a Knight, but Thallus moved his Bishop and took the Knight leaving the other board with five pieces. The board was gone in a vanish. “You have gotten very good at sneaking up on me.” Thallus said as he greeted Regol. While Thallus had thought that Regol was surely dead with the wound to his neck, his mages were able to heal the wound, but couldn’t save his voice. Regol had become more to resemble a dog, following Thallus even more than usual, watching over him, he was already increasingly scary with his plague mask and doctor attire, but his silence even gave Thallus the spooks.

Regol handed Thallus a note. “Hyrule is at your knees, but yet they resist to invade Termina and purge it of its sinners the cultists. Princess Zelda is the rallying point for those who oppose us in politics. She has been a pain in our side for too long, let us set up another assassination Brother Thallus.” The note read.

“While I agree something must be done about her, killing her would solve nothing. If the Princess does not wish us to invade Termina forcibly. Then perhaps we can convince the Mayor to welcome us with open arms to get rid of the cultists.” Thallus said as a small smirk grew on his face.

Old Temple of Time in Lost Woods

Demoko crossed legged meditating at his temple enjoying the forest sounds. The chess game came back to him after Thallus’ move. He noticed his Knight was missing. Demoko had felt the presence of the Sage of Water disappear from existence. It was not good, the Forest and Fire were all that remain, since he had lost contact with Spirit not too long ago, her presence was in limbo right now. It was there and not at the same time, but he had to assume the worst. “Oh sweet mothers hear my plea. Your land needs the Spirit of the Hero once more, you have bided your time too long. Your humble servant wishes you to bless thy with the Hero of Legend once more.” Demoko said allowed to the sky above him. The Goddesses had not spoken to Demoko in ages, but his prayers were heard like that of any other.

[SamTheGingerNinja]

"Deku stick! Deku stick!"
The squeal echoed repeatedly through the market place, one of many in Castle Town, as the Business Scrub waved handfuls of large sticks and twigs at passers-by, who typically ignored him, or glared at him for (almost) getting in their way.
Delkia squeaked sadly, lowering his arms and slumping down the wall he was standing infront of, bordered on one side by a pile of the large pots Hylians typically stored things in, and on the other by a wooden stall, the owner of which was elsewhere.

Delkia's visits to Castle Town weren't extremely often: he prefered to do his business in smaller towns, or in the wilderness with adventurers, where there weren't as many merchants to compete with, and some good fire wood was sought after, rather than ignored in favour of the various riches on sale here. However, Delkia occasionally plucked up the courage to walk within the great, walled city of beautiful stone buildings and courtyards, in hopes that some rich city dweller would be in need of Deku wood or a forest guide, and that Delkia would make a small fortune out of the deal.
But, things weren't playing out as Delkia wished they would. He looked into his backpack, on the floor next to where he sat, and once again examined what money he had: a small pile of green rupees, a few blue, and a single yellow rupee: no red or purple.

"Excuse me? Are you selling Deku wood?"
The voice made Delkia jump so much, he almost spat out a Deku Nut. Luckily, he managed to keep his composure, other than a small little jump, and stood up again, gathering the bundle of Deku sticks under arm. The man who had spoken had the typical appearance of a Hylian: a relatively beefy build, a simple white tunic kept up with a belt, and a large hat. He also sported one of those small, wooden crosses on a chain, worn like a necklace, that seemed to be fashionable with many Hylians who followed the strictly enforced religion that was currently dominant in Hyrule.
Once he was up, Delkia nodded eagerly, and squeaked,
"Deku stick, ten rupee apiece!"

The man frowned, his brow scrunching up and fuzzy eyebrows coming close together.
"Ten rupees, each, for Deku sticks? That's almost outrageous. I want three, I'll give you four rupees for each one", the man grumbled.
"Eight rupee apiece?" Delkia squeeled, hopefully.
"Four each", the man said again, much more sternly.

Delkia sighed, and knew that negotiating much further with this man would be a waste of time. Plucking three sticks from the bundle under arm, Delkia handed the wood to the man. While the purchase looked small, those who knew their wood knew that such a small amount of Deku sticks could burn just aswell as a few logs in a household fireplace.
The man handed over a single yellow rupee, and two green ones, and then walked off with the sticks, whistling merrily. Delkia felt nowhere near as merry as his customer, but atleast he'd made some profit. The satisfying clink of rupees landing with the rest in his bag lifted Delkia's spirits ever so slightly, and he returned once more to calling out to passersby, advertising his wares.

[MULTIMEDIAMAN]

Sophos slowly walked through Castle Town, using his staff as a walking stick, so that he could both be armed and appear to be unarmed at the same time. Looking around at everything he could see, the elderly man was taken by the sights. He loved the look of Castle Town, especially with the Royal Castle in the background, it could almost rival the few of a star crashing into the Great Sea. Almost.

Noticing an exchange between a Deku Business scrub and a Hylian man that ended rather poorly for the Deku, Sophos felt pity and anger well up inside his heart. These Templar cultists believed that they could cleanse a person's sins at their last moments, accepting them into some great afterlife. And then they go around and do this, cheat a merchant out of their money, for especially good product. Deku Wood was, in fact, an alchemical ingredient that Sophos was going to need for his experimenting. Smiling, he approached the Business Scrub.

"Hello, I'd like to buy some Deku Wood, please. Just one stick. I'll pay you twenty rupees, since that rude man felt so inclined to steal what was rightfully your money." He said with a smile, pulling a red rupee from the satchel on his side.

[Mogtaki]

It had taken such a long time with many wasted hours getting held up for stupid reasons, but the weapons of the soldiers had finally reached Castle Town before the afternoon would come to an end eventually. The weapons were always of excellent quality with new and intricate designs, proving to be pretty powerful when the wielder knew how to use them. There was no reason for the soldiers of the now to use such weapons in a time like this, all except for when they had to go and fight wars or defend the town from monsters and other forces of Hyrule that were typically natural. Despite the town having its own blacksmith that proved popular at the odd times, these weapons were special with the fact that they had been made in Kakariko, a village that held a strong relationship with the great Death Mountain itself. The relationship was what made its steels so strong with the minerals proving unique and difficult to find unless you were an expert.

Normally, the weapons would be delivered by somebody tall and strong looking from the village, somebody who would often come into Castle Town from Kakariko on their own business; however, they were out of the country again and it was the only one who could manage while the mastersmith was preparing more orders. The mastersmith's adopted son was delivering the weapons, all being carried on his own back. He was a halfling boy, sporting features that both a Gerudo and Hylian would sport, despite never actually being told straight up that he is by his father. He was a boy with mysterious strength, even enough to carry all the weapons in their scabbards on his back wrapped in a single cloth around his shoulders.

He was an efficient little boy, even if he was a teenager approaching the years of manhood, he was still pretty small for his age and was unable to find a living that wasn't with his father; however, the fact that he could carry sixteen weapons while running across the countryside showed he was trying his hardest for his father's approval. It was all he had left in this place, all until he could get up and go on his own adventures one day. Underneath the weaponry, the boy was carrying his own sword and shield that he crafted himself, all incase he had to fend off monsters and evil people.

The young boy in green ran through the town, puffing and panting as he passed by all the people with great haste. It wasn't that he was in a hurry to get back to his village, but rather that he was really wanting to buy some food from around here. He loved the treats he could find in the markets and he rarely got to have any, so when he got the money he was definitely going to buy some honey roasted sweet dumplings.

Off he ran to the man he was supposed to be meeting with, just a soldier with a moderate rank and a cart to take them up in. The soldier seemed a little bewildered to see the boy running up to him with so many weapons, but only because it wasn't who was supposed to. They had met a few times before, but he was expecting the usual man instead of the kid, "I guess it's just you today..." he man spoke, looking down at the kid in a demeaning manner; despite everything, the boy was still seen as a bit of a freak to others, what with that freakish strength of his.

"My name's Link..." the boy mumbled, pulling off the blanket and hoisting it onto the cart, keeping his head low and holding his hand out after, "Can I, uhh, please have the delivery fee...sir?"

The soldier huffed, handing over a small bag of rupees, enough to buy Link what he wanted from the market and have a little bit of pocket change afterwards. Just as the boy named Link was about to thank the soldier, the man turned around, taking the cart back up the road. It was only slightly annoying to the boy, but it wasn't something that didn't happen often enough. He was often ignored, but it wasn't a concern to him. Immediately, Link span around, heading on back into the town to look around before anything else.

[gunner1116]

Luthar walked slowly along the streets of Castle Town soaking in his surroundings and appreciating the warmth of the sun. The constant drone created by all the people speaking bothered him, but he had learned long ago to shut it out. Castle Town had always been his place of residence, but he rarely felt at home there. His mind wandered to the forest and the adventures that would hopefully await him. His daydream ended with a sudden jolt as he ran into a fairly large man. "S-sorry, I uh didn't--" he was cut off by the large man shoving him aside. Luthar sighed and pulled his hood onto his head. Another reason he couldn't wait to leave was how rude everyone seemed to be to each other. All Luthar had to do was gather a few more supplies for his journey and then he would be ready to set out.

He happened to see someone selling Deku wood, and looked into his belt pouch and sighed again. Only 6 rupees left. He dug them out and stood behind a tall man who was purchasing Deku wood himself. When it was his turn, Luthar held out his 6 rupees and asked, "Is this enough for a Deku stick?"

[Vaius Arkollos]

Three days prior to present

Erid Riglok walked along the path between Castle Town and Kakariko with a stride of confidence. He had built up a minor reputation as a helper of the people, and due to the positions the people of Hyrule were stuck in he would sometimes aid them without asking for pay. The recent defense he had provided for a fellow traveling merchant against a group of brigands that had attempted to ambush them from the nearby forest as their paths crossed helped this as well-or so he thought. As he traveled, he noticed a group of armed and armored knights approaching on the road, and he paid no concern to it; he knew from experience that it was highly unlikely for mere bandits or thieves to be so well equipped. As they approached, he noted the insignia of the Templar Order on the flag they bore, and his smile soon turned to a blank expression; so far he had managed to avoid encounters with the Templar, and he certainly didn't hear bad things about them, but he wasn't quite sure what to make of them. They slowed as they approached Erid, and he gave a smile and nodded. When he tried to continue, they blocked the path in front of him as their leader climbed down from his horse. Muffled by the helm he was wearing, he addressed Erid, "Greetings traveler. We've received reports of strange noises coming from the road you've been traveling on; you wouldn't happen to know what happened, would you?"

Erid's smile once again turned blank. "I was helping a merchant defend himself from some brigands."

"Brigands? Impossible. We've been up and down this road at least seven times today. If there had been any brigands we would have caught them."

Erid looked down the leader's body and back up to his concealed face; "Maybe they feared you? They weren't very well equipped, I doubt they would have attacked you. They were hiding in the forest."

"Are you saying that I'm lying?"

"No, just saying that your patrol may have been ineffective. Did you actually investigate the forest, or just pass it?"

The captain paused for a second. "Who are you?"

"Why do you need to know?"

"We need to know because we're knights of the Templar Order. That's why. Now, tell me your name and what you've actually been doing."

"I told you already. I was defending a merchant. And I'm not telling you my name."

The captain paused again. "Fine. If you won't tell me your name, then tell me this. What religion are you a part of?"

"What?"

"What religion do you follow?"

"I don't have time for this." Erid tried to pass them, but the Templars drew their swords.

His voice was more stern this time. "What religion do you follow?"

"What religion do you follow, 'Sir Knight'? I don't think it's important which one I follow. I might choose not to even follow any, if I was so inclined."

The captain drew the blade he had thus far been concealing. "Under the power granted to me by the Templar Order, you will come with me before something… unfortunate occurs."

"Huh. Is that so. Alright, you've convinced me." Erid put his hands up, as if to surrender. As the templars began to put sheathe their blades to take Erid, he sent a burst of flame and smoke through their visors, temporarily disabling their vision. He broke into a sprint, running past them as quickly as he could and drawing his rifle. He looked back, and and the Templars mounted their horses as they regained their vision, giving chase. He quickly sent a blast out of his rifle, imbuing the bullet with a blast of fire magic sufficiently powerful to result in its explosion mid-flight, frightening the horses and knocking the templars off. Erid continued to run and made it into Kakariko, hiding in some nearby brush until the Templars had passed out of sight. He climbed out of the vegetation, making his way to the Elde Inn and checking out a room for the night. He knew he may have to stay here for some time before it was safe to leave again.

------------------------------------------------

Two days had passed since his first encounter with the Templars. Luckily, the group that had tried to take him in did not think to enter Kakariko. They had passed the village multiple times on the day of the encounter as Erid watched from the window of his room, but never actually came in. Riglok leaned back in his chair as the sun set; the Templars hadn't passed by at all that day, and Erid figured they had given up the search or found something to preoccupy them and had forgotten about him. Erid scratched his chin, thinking to himself. I've got to get out of here sometime. As long as the Templar aren't passing by, I might as well go in the night; it's more dangerous… but I should be able to make it to Castle Town. I'll probably be able to blend in better there… maybe even get an actual job? Hm… He looked to the pack he had left sitting by the bed. He hadn't checked his radio since the encounter with the Templars; some news from Termina's broadcast stations would be good. He opened his pack, setting his radio on the table. He turned down the volume, so as not to disturb the other visitors to the inn. He flipped the switch. Nothing but static. He would have to go elsewhere if he wanted to be able to pick up a signal. Well, I guess that settles it then. Castle Town it is. He waited until the moon had risen about a quarter in the sky, and left Kakariko for Hyrule's Castle Town.

Present Day

Erid awoke within the inn in Castle Town. He sat by the window, having removed most of the armored bits of his outfit so that he would be less recognizable if the Templars happened to be in town. Covering his eyes from the sun, as he was still not used to the full light of the open sky, he looked around the various parts of town. He figured he may as well get used to the layout of the region; he could be stuck in Hyrule for quite some time. Testing the radio once again, and finding it continued to fail, he slipped his pack onto his back, paying the owner of the Inn as he left. Realizing that he had managed to ignore his hunger on the trip to Castle Town, the first thing he decided he could use would be something to eat. He searched the town for a place to buy some food.

[Colonel Caboose]

Some Hylian guards noticed the Deku Merchant selling Deku Sticks for 10 rupees. They decided since their day had been rather boring, they would make a little fun for themselves. "Hey there scruby!" One of the guard's yelled as he approached the Deku while juggling three fireballs he had created. "I'd like to buy some of your Deku Sticks." The guard said as he put his hand down to pull out his rupee pouch. The fireballs then fell on the ground spitting fire everywhere at their feet. "Oh, I'm sorry there Scruby. I know how frightening fire can be for someone like you. You know it would have been real clumsy for me if I dropped one of those fireballs on you." The guard said in a threatening manner.

The second guard snapped his fingers and blue fire engulfed his hand. "Name's Edward, how about a nice good handshake Scruby?" The second guard said holding his firey hand close to Delkia.

"Those are some nice Deku Stick you know? It would be a shame if something happened to them.... AHHH CHEEEEEWWWWW!!!" The third guard sneezed some green fire onto Delkia and his Deku Sticks. The guards started laughing.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In Castle Town Square a gathering was occuring, many guards were present, all in nice uniforms and in formation as they stood on a stage. Royal Guards were present as well, it was a surprise since they were only ever seen in the castle or guarding royal officals. Thallus stood on stage and waited for more people to gather to begin his speech.

[Feldrain]

After the longest ride in a car he ever had Isac had at last reached Castle Town, the capitol of Hyrule. The trip had been unbearably boring, the vehicle's built in radio having shortly lost any and all stations shortly after entering Hyrule. Still, there was no better way to travel then by car. The open landscape, the wind coming through the radio, and damn faster then any hoarse was capable of. The amazed faces of the Hyrulians as he parked near Castle Town's gate was a nice bonus,too. He didn't have any plan for what he would do once he arrived here, but he felt filling his empty stomach would be good a place to start as any.

Entering past the Castle Towns gate, he could not help but feel he had just stepped back through time. The guards were armed with swords, spears, and shields. A far more primitive assembly then the rifle toting forces back in Clock Town. The common citizens wore a far different garment then he did as well, making him feel like he was standing out. Getting back on track, he asked a nearby guard for directions to the market and once he had been lead in the right direction he wasted no time in getting there.

The market was buzzing with activity, but Isac had expected nothing less. Merchants shouted their wares each one claiming to be better then the last in some way. He payed most them no heed for they weren't selling any food it would seem. After a bit of wandering, he found a large woman who was selling some kind of pastry. While he was hoping for some real food, the an uncomfortable feeling in his gut reminded him that he had not eaten anything since he left Clock Town. Beggars can't be choosers, it would seem. He casually walked over to the woman's stall and asked dryly "How much for two?". Upon his question the lady perked up and smiled brightly. "Just four for two of them.." she replied, still smiling. After paying the woman and taking two he began to walk off but not before she called out "Thank you hon, and God bless!"

Isac bit into one of the buns and was pleasantly surprised to find that it was not a pastry,but instead some sort of roll filled with a hot meat. He quickly took another bite even before he was finished chewing the first and savored the flavor of his first meal in quite a while. While in his state of food bliss, he continued walking and bumped into a small boy sporting a green hat of some kind. Forcefully swallowing his mouthful, he formed the words to say something "My apologies, I should have been watching where I was going." His voice was dry and emotionless,as if he didn't really care about what the boy thought.

[Vaius Arkollos]

Outside the Inn, Erid located a stand that sold maps of the city; with all the travelers, it seemed to be profiting well. Riglok walked through Castle Town, reading the map of the various districts within the city. He had difficulty reading certain key symbols used in place of location names and adjusting for the inaccuracies of the measurements in the drawings, something that hadn't been present in the Termanian-produced maps he was used to. Slowly making his way to the market district, he searched for a place to buy some food. With his eyes adjusted to the levels of light whilst wearing his hood, he removed it to allow them to adjust to the unshielded light - far brighter than any he was used to. As his eyes ceased their slight burning and he could make out the shapes of people better, he noticed a strange-looking man with white hair purchasing what looked like some pastries; at the sight of this, Erid's own hunger caught up with him again.

He approached the woman who was selling them, and bought some for himself. Riglok noted a change in the man's expression as he bit into the food and wondered exactly what it was; tearing one open, it appeared to be some kind of roll resembling a meat pie. An interesting choice of food; Erid ate one of them and wrapped up the other one to save for later, putting it in his pack. It wouldn't matter to Erid if it cooled by the time he went for another; he could use his fire abilities to reheat it. Buying some more food from a nearby salesman, he turned back. Looking around, he noticed two people who stood out among the more average Hylian citizens; the white haired man he saw earlier and a short-statured boy. There was also a public meeting being called in Castle Town Square; Erid thought about going to it, but it looked like a large concentration of the Templars was there, and he didn't particularly feel like another confrontation so soon. He decided instead to approach the two strangers.

"Hey there. Any idea what's going on over there in the town square? For example, why there's so many Templars? There weren't so many last time I was here."

[blazinvire]

The strange awareness Sjade had made normally unpleasant things quite interesting, as most Gerudo probably wouldn't be able to stand sitting amongst the rabble of Castle Town, but Sjade now saw the interactions of these non-Gerudo almost intriguing. Sure she still didn't exactly like them, but watching the various actions of a man chatting up a woman or a pair of merchants yelling at each other actually had an underlying aspect that Sjade found interesting.
As such, people-watching had become a hobby for the Gerudo.

Obviously her eyes caught onto the ruckus of the guards quite easily, barely seeing the object of their 'affection' as a little moving shrub.
Hylians were one thing, but Deku were something else entirely which Sjade really had no idea what to think about them. Needless to say, the little shrubs had done far less to annoy the Gerudo than the Hylians, and Sjade was slowly getting a little bored and sore from her observation from a park bench.

With a very casual and lazy interest, Sjade wandered over to the crowd of guards and gently wormed her way through to the main pair who seemed to be entertaining themselves with fire.
Sjade draped an arm around both of their necks and hung between them.

"Do you guys really get off on burnin' a little shrub? Kinda boring don't ya think?" Sjade said lazily, "I mean, you're pal back there has thirty something rupees, that's like six or something drinks."
She'd unhooked herself from one of them for a moment to examine the contents of a rupee pouch she'd snatched from one of the guards behind her, before casually flinging the pouch back at the guard who was no doubt about to protest at his lack of a rupee pouch.

"You gotta prioritize your entertainment, boys," Sjade said matter-of-factly as she returned her arm around the other guard, "Let's hit the tavern, eh?"