Peaceful Fields of Guardia
The far south-by-southwestern reaches of these open plains reaches an
abrupt end just short of a steadily-flowing creek, still moving south at a
relatively-quickening rate. A few taller fields are in growth, here, as it
does make sense that one would grow their crops as close to the water as
possible; one never knows when rain will or will not fall, for any amount of
time. A narrow bridge to the northwest leads towards a small village.
Link, Hyrule’s Champion is here.
Cytol the Bow-Mage is here.
Link had managed to find the river, and decided to follow it. He reasoned that "Fields like this don’t just grow by themselves. Someone had to plant 'em. They'd live close by."
Cytol looks around at the horizon. "Hey, so what are we looking for exactly?"
Cytol says 'I've never been outside the Esper World. So I don't know what to expect.'
Link shrugs, taking a quick break to kneel next to the creek and take a drink. "I'm not sure. Some sort of farmhouse, or maybe even a small village. Anything's possible, I suppose." He took another moment to give his face a wash. Rawr.
Cytol squints to try to see more. Off in the distance he spots a bridge. "HEY! A bridge.”
Link looks up, drying his face. "Oh really? Well, let’s go then!" Obviously, Link is quite used to traveling by himself. Social skills aren’t -that- great.
Not knowing what to expect, Cytol allows you to take point. To some degree it seems that he might be hiding behind Link. "Who do you think lives over that bridge?
Link gave a shrug, habitually adjusting his sword. "Honestly, I have no clue, although I'd wager some farmer, or a farming village. That's how they were in Hyrule." He paused suddenly, turning towards one of the unspecified stalks of crop.
Link examines this item closely before shaking his head. "Odd. I may not be a farmer, but I can recognize most farm crops. I have no clue what this is..." He sighed, rolling his shoulders before moving towards the bridge again. "Guess that cinches it. We're not in Hyrule." He seemed much more wary now.
Still -very- cautious, Cytol motions you forward, remaining "hidden" behind him.
Guardia - A Bridge
Made from planks of wood, a sturdy bridge spans the stream between Crysta
and the fields. Flowing from the mountains to the south, the stream is
deeper here, as opposed to further north. The bridge is wide enough for a
cart to pass over, and sturdy enough to hold it. Shallow ruts in the wood
lead eastward to the fields, and west into the village of Crysta.
(] Exits: east west [)
An old fisherman sits on the bridge, waiting for a bite.
A fast-moving stream travels under the bridge, with several kinds of trout in it.
Link, Hyrule’s Champion is here.
Cytol the Bow-Mage is here.
Cytol spots the fisherman. He then hides further behind Link.
Cytol says 'H-H-Human?'
The old fisherman was deciding that he had just about completely fished out the stream by now, when Link and Cytol come waltzing up from the east. A friendly wave is given to the pair; "Howdy folks! You've came at a good time: The tavern is about to open!"
Link gave Cytol a brief glance and a minute shrug before turning back to the fisherman with a small grin. "Well that sounds lucky for us indeed. I have a question, however." He gave a brief pause to help the man up, how nice. "...Can you tell me where we are? We, ah...appear to have gotten lost."
The old man gave them a good look before giving a short chortle before motioning for them to follow. "Tell ya'll what. Come with me to the tavern, and I'll buy yer first round of drinks." Link gave a shrug as he continued. "I like talking to the new guys."
Cytol says 'Link... are we going?'
Cytol visibly shudders, but agrees if there is no other way.
Link let the old man get ahead for moment before turning and answering: "I don't see why not. He doesn't seem to be harboring any ill intent, and right now we need to know where we are." He notes the shudder and sighs, motioning him to follow. "Stick with me, Cytol. I can handle anything." Oooh, overconfident!
Cytol says 'Okay... lead on.'
Crysta – Merchant(/TAVERN)
The inside of the shop is well lit, with all the shopkeeper's goods
stored carefully behind the counter, which has a red and yellow tile top.
Sunlight streams in through the windows, and 2 small cabinets have little
pots sitting on top of them. The shopkeeper stands behind the counter,
mindlessly polishing some object. A small framed picture of a tree hangs on
the north wall. However, the merchant seems to have came up with the (admittly) brilliant idea of converting his shop into a makeshift tavern durining the evenings! This, of course, would explain all the tables/chairs, as well as the various drinks and cups stacked behind/on the countertop!
The fisherman leads the way to a tavern. Upon entering, it's quite obvious that it's first purpose wasn't as a tavern, but a store. Nonetheless, when the locals want ale and related items, here they come. Link follows, obviously as wary as Cytol, though not as noticeably.
The fisherman motions at a small table towards the back of the room, out of the way of the 'crowd' (say 12-15) of regulars. "Just sit down thar, and I'lla get some drinks." He wanders off, leaving Link and Cytol to sit by themselves for a moment.
Cytol takes a chair... cautiously... choosing one with his back closest to the walls.
Link leans back against the chair, moving it enough so he can see the rest of room as well. He eyes the crowd before looking towards Cytol. "See? Not -all- 'Humans' seem to be bad." He paused. "...Although, I suggest not drinking -too- much of whatever he brings us. Never liked ale to begin with."
Cytol seems to be relaxing... but just a little. "I'm still not going to feel at ease around -them- for a while. AND were you planning to DRINK that stuff?"
Link gave a slight chuckle. "Not actually. Maybe a few sips." He shrugged again, timing it with the fisher's return. Three mugs were put on the table. "Thar ya go."
Cytol, after taking a careful look at the strange liquid gently pushes the mug back towards the fisherman. "I'm really not that thirsty."
The fisherman shrugged, pulling Cytol's drink over towards himself. "Dat's fine. More fer me than." Link, for his part, took a cautious sip, impressively maintaining a neutral face as he set the mug back down gently. The fisherman spoke up.
"So than.” *siip* “Would I be correct in assuming that you two fellas are new to the Cleft, then?" Link raised an eyebrow. "...I suppose so. What do you mean by Cleft?"
The fisherman gave a broad sweep of his arm, amid another drink. "Ahhh, so ya guys -are- new! Well, welcome to the Cleft between Dimensions! *siip*" Link would shoot a quick glance towards Cytol as the old man continued. "We're not sure how or why, but fer whatever reason, random people and places are getting sucked out of their homes, to here!" *siip*
Cytol glances around the room again. "So, you mean I'm -NOT- in the esper world anymore?" He appears to tighten up a little, and, if it's possible, becomes a little more nervous.
Our fisherman of knowledge shrugged. *siip* "Im not clear on where you be meaning, lad, but yer most certainly -not- where ya -where-." Link takes the opportunity to cut in: "What did you mean, people -and- places?"
The fisher makes another wide gesture, amid another drink. Strong stomach. "Take this village! We didn’t build it when we got here, oh no! We was sucked in, buildings and all." He gave a nod. Link, by now, was starting to feel more or less like Cytol was.
Cytol says 'So these places are just disappearing from wherever to here?'
Cytol convulses as he shudders in disgust.
Link hrms as the fisherman nods at Cytol: "Indeed! Nothing one moment, then POP! In they are!" Link speaks up again. "...Would you happen to have heard the term 'Hylian' or 'Hyrule' before? Or maybe someone, uhhh..." He thinks for a moment.
You say '...Gerudo, that's it. Ever hear of them? Women, live in a desert? Or close to one?'
The fisherman thinks for a moment...and two...maybe even three. Another swig is taken, and an empty slide aside. Cytol's is picked up as he responds: "Well now. I've heard of and met several Hylians. There's even a golem maker in town dat's one. Hyrule, I'm not sure of. I hear tell it exists, but not sure where...As fer Gerudo?..." He hrms.
Cytol is still looking around the room, barely paying attention to the conversation.
The fisherman 'hrm'ed again, then spoke: "I did hear tell from someone that this 'Hyrule' place is supposed to be across an ocean. But!" *siip* "But! Word is that they're this desert wasteland somewhere north of Rocket Town. Dis desert is supposedly claimed by Hyrule, though no one knows -why-." He is obviously starting to feel his drink.
Link catches his breath. The fisherman is ignored as he turns to look at Cytol for a long moment. "...So, Cytol. Do you have anything planned to do? Because if not, I'm thinking I could probably use a hand here..." What's this? The Hero asking for help? Ah well. Must happen sooner or later.
Cytol doesn’t seem to hear Link, but then turns to face him. "Um... Sure. If you don't mind me that is." (his voice get's quieter) "I'm not sure I could handle all of the -Humans- here."
Link hrms. "Yes, we'll have to work on that, won't we? No matter. You're not uncomfortable with my presence, then?" The fisherman is rambling on to himself about fish. Thus, ignored!
Cytol considers Link for a minute. "Yeah, you're not as bad as some I've encountered... even if you say you're not human." He pauses then speaks in his normal voice "When do we leave?"
Link snorts, giving a harsh eye to the crowd. While most weren't quite as drunk as their 'guide', they still weren't the most sober group. "Are you kidding? Hylians' hold their liquor better than these guys, on average. Not that I drink, but I've seen it." He stands, and thanks their fisherman. Link then beckons towards the door. "Unless you have other plans, might as well rest here tonight. We'll inquire as to where this 'Rocket Town' is in the morning."
Cytol stands as well. "I have nothing planned. A good night's sleep sounds just about right after today. He steps back from the table, obviously waiting on Link to lead the way.
And their off! Link and Cytol, the team of today!