Hyrule Field - Ganondorf Attacks Esava and Tommy

*Characters involved:*

* *Tommy*
* *Fallon*
* *Esava*
* *Ganondorf*
* *Revali*
* *Link*

**GERUDO FORTRESS**

Tommy APP [6:51 PM]
Right at this moment, Tommy has all but forgotten the tribulations that have brought him to this place. If you asked him about it, he *might* even say it was all worth it...as a careless expression, at least. He sits in the kitchen of Gerudo Fortress with a revitalizing meal before him, surrounded by a small crowd of immersed Gerudo. Who knew there was a place where he could not only *tell* the stories of his thieving exploits without getting arrested, but also become a bit of a celebrity? n.n "So I sez to 'im, 'You've already been bilked! 'Aven't y'noticed wot's missin' from y'bag?'" The audience leans inward at this narrative hook, and one Gerudo asks, "Oo, what had you taken from it?" Tommy snigggers. "Nothin'! But while 'e wos diggin' through it tryin' t'figure out wot wos gone, I pinched th'wallet from 'is belt an' skedaddled!" ;D Much laughter and table-pounding ensues while Tommy takes a long draft from his mug.

Fallon [2:09 AM]
Fallon was having a bit of a difficult time with her classes. Keeping them in order wasn't the hard part. It was the excessive amount of children that had come under her tutelage that was concerning. All these refugees were taking a toll on her, but it was one she figured was worth the cost if it meant serving in some form towards the cause. With her class dismissed and sent on their way, she headed into the kitchen, caught off guard momentarily by the laughter coming out of the kitchen.

She stepped inside and looked over the group that was gathered around...someone? She couldn't see. Stepping closer revealed a particular scrub that she 'traded' a knife with. "You seem comfortable," she quipped to him while taking a seat at the table. "Not such a bad thing, I suppose." Or was it? She didn't want to think he was setting up this group to start tagging them later for their goods. Gerudo do tend to wear a number of fine items, jewelry, oils, and whatever else comes to mind.

Tommy APP [7:56 PM]
Tommy grins as Fallon sits down. "Well brittle my bark, even on the other end of a magic portal we just keep running into each other, don't we?" n.n Tommy throws one arm over the back of his chair, even though his elbow can barely reach the necessary height. "I've been makin' good use of that knife I earned off ya. Dealt with some sorta bedsheet-ninja-thing with it." There are a few 'Ooo's and somebody says, "Can we see it?" Tommy chuckles and pats his waist. "Well, it's nothin' *fancy*, just a nicely-made knife wi' a curved..." Tommy trails off after failing around his belt for a bit. "...Somebody's gone an' nicked it, ain't they." :expressionless: A suppressed giggle ripples around the group.

Fallon [1:17 AM]
Fallon tilted her head. "Bedsheet ninja thing..." She isn't quite sure she understands or if she does, nothing is registering to know what it is. Whatever the case, she shrugs saying, "If it worked for you, then that's good news to me. I made sure to keep it nice and sharp before you skipped off with it," she thought to remind him of his passive crime. "So, I see it's gone missing again," she smirked. "It'd be nice if it was handed back to him as a good will gift from me to him, however," she eyed the Gerudo who managed to swipe it.

"So, I imagine you've been treated well here so far. We aren't usually like this, but well, this is what happens when the land has been overtaken by a tyrant. I suppose you'd know. You all had to live with him for long enough."

Tommy APP [10:20 PM]
In his euphoria at finding a place where thieves are not only accepted, but respected, it hadn't occurred to Tommy that there would be this potential downside to being amongst 'his own kind'. But he does think quickly on his feet, and one of the things that comes to him now is that his reputation in this new place is a lot more valuable than a knife. "No no, I mispoke," Tommy says, raising a forestalling hand without looking around at the Gerudo Fallon is eyeing. "It must've slipped off me belt at some point. I'm sure I'll find it again if it's meant to be. After all, I was able to get it back when we wos escapin' that barbarian village." The crowd leans inward again as another story hook pops up. "Escaping a barbarian village? When was that?" Tommy swigs from his mug. "Well, for that I've first gotta tell ya about me mate Esava...oh, speakin' o' which, anybody know where he is? That dark-barked, muscley chap who came here wi' me?"

Esava APP [4:13 AM]
This had been an ... enlightening experience for one Esava Ratugolea. Unlike the extremely sociable deku scrub, the survivor from Termina's eastern deserts had largely kept to himself. He had taken a few tours and walks of the fortress with Nabooru; the two sharing tales of their adventures as they strode. But largely? He had been on his own.

With the days coming and going, the man's strength had slowly returned as he rested and ate. After finally feeling back to his old self, the 'bark' skinned figure emerged from his quarters, dark eyes narrow and focussed. With his customary low exhale he sets out on his immediate goal: find Tommy Twiggins.

As it turns out, that's not entirely difficult. All you have to do is follow the noise. And thus, by the time Tommy asks the question regarding Esava, the man in question clears his throat from behind the diminutive figure.

"Ready to go?" He asks, eyes glancing around to the gathering of ladies that hang on every word that leaks from Tommy's mouth. "I think it's time we moved on."

Tommy APP [10:31 PM]
Tommy swivels his head and grins (for a scrub, it's mostly a matter of the eyes) when Esava clears his throat behind him. "Ah, there y'are, mate! So like I wos about t'say -- " Tommy does a double take. "Leavin' already? But we're just startin' t'get to know these fine folk! An'..." This lends a new urgency to 'finding' his knife. c.c; Not that it would be the end of the world if he doesn't get it back, but it *is* starting to pick up some sentimental value...and who knows, what with the way the Gerudo were so interested when Tommy mentioned it, maybe it's on its way to becoming a legendary blade. "Where d'you wanna go, anyway?" Tommy asks, stalling for time. "Wasn't the whole idea of coming to this land t'help out in th'fight against ol' Hell's-Spells? This place seems as set against 'im as any."

Esava APP [5:40 AM]
"We've been here near on a week." Esava replies to the comment about 'leaving already'. "I would really like to find Link and his group of travellers. Remember? That was our goal." Bark-brown eyes shift to to the all-female cast that surrounds him as he takes a breath. "I think that the armies here are plenty well stocked with talent, discipline, fortitude and grit." Phew! Good save. "Truthfully, our presence here does not do much to help turn the tide of the greater cause. Do you not agree that we would be best suited outside of the front lines of battle?"

Putting a hand on his hip, the dark-skinned man considers. "If anyone here does know where Link is, that would prove useful. Maybe we can ask Chief Nabooru if we see her on our way out." There is a flicker of his eyes at that statement - something so quick that most will miss it. But Tommy, with his rogue eyes? He well may have caught it! It sounds as if Esava has *other* reasons to leave that he's not letting on.

"Once we get to the fields, I'm told that the best place to start looking is a place called 'Kakariko Village'. It's a township filled with refugees that have fled the King's tyranny. It's a decent trip on the other side of Hyrule, but it's green at the very least."

Tommy APP [11:01 PM]
'Outside the front lines of battle' does sound good to Tommy. c.c Although Esava seems to have a habit of getting them into side lines of battle that are almost as bad. :P "Well...there better be some prime pickin's at the end of all this, that's all I kin say," Tommy grumbles, hopping down off his chair. "Ownin' your life has been the diciest undertakin' I've ever had, an' Tommy Twiggins has been in some tight corners before."

As they make their way out through the corridors, Tommy glances up at Esava. "Wot's up with you an' th'big cheese o' this place, anyway?" he murmurs, hoping not to be overheard. "First time y'saw her you looked like y'seen a ghost, an' just now when y'mentioned her it wos like there's somethin' y'wanna swipe so you're tryin' to avoid lookin' at it."

Esava APP [6:13 AM]
"What are you going to do if there's nothing at the end of this road, Tommy?" The question posed to the deku scrub seems sincere enough, Esava's tone filled with mild curiosity as he looks down to his partner. "No treasure. No gold. No artifacts. No gemstones. Just naught but the corpses of your friends and allies laying about you? But the enemy defeated?" Goodness. That certainly went dark quickly.

As they navigate through the stone-walled corridors, Esava adjusts the pack that is slung across his shoulder. "Nothing gets by you, huh?" Taking a cursory look behind from whence they came and then back ahead of him, the desert figure clears his throat, seeming unsure on how to best answer the question. "Termina and Hyrule must run alongside each other in time and space. In parallel. Two sides of the same coin. In Hyrule, Chief Nabooru rules over this place and the Gerudo. But in Termina, she is Chief of the Sunlands back home in the western regions. And my wife."

Cue the snicker after the joke is made! ...but there is no snicker. No laugh. Esava just keeps looking dead ahead of him, jaw clenched.

Tommy APP [9:20 AM]
Tommy surreptitiously lifts a hunting knife from a rack as they pass it. e.e Some random Gerudo stole his knife, he'll steal a knife from some random Gerudo. Seems like fair play for this place. "...Prob'ly start goin' through pockets," Tommy says in response to the question. "Don't get me wrong, I'd be chuffed t'lose ya, but I takes the opportunities as they come."

After Esava explains the connection (or appearance thereof) between him and Nabooru, Tommy folds his arms thoughtfully. "Guess I can see 'ow that'd make teatime a tad awkward." Tommy remains quiet for a long moment, then speaks up again. "So...there might be a scrub that wot looks just like me runnin' around this place? Corks, imagine the capers we could pull off, lookin' like I'm in two places at once..."

Esava APP [4:12 AM]
Tommy's answer to Esava's sudden dark question actually earns a wry smile from the rogue, hidden by the fact that he had lifted his hand up to rub his chin in some thought. "Well, I do possess some weaponry at the very least." At this moment he carries with him a sword that is sheathed at the back of his waist, while a pouch of knives and other goodies can be seen strapped to the rear of his waist.

"I'd say so. We just need to find where the deku scrubs in this world live." The man replies, looking down to his partner with a wince. Maybe he should not have suggested this. "I don't know if the similarity ends there or... how deep it goes. Nabooru looks the same, down to the last shade. And they have similar personalities. But there are a few differences." Esava shrugs. "Regardless. Stirring in memories like that are best avoided for the moment."

Emerging from the corridors of the fortress, Esava finds a steed to mount up on. "With any luck we can get to this Kakariko place unhindered. We're due for *some* fortune."

Tommy APP [8:31 AM]
Tommy snorts. "Due for some fortune, 'e says. We infiltrated an enemy castle fulla bedsheet ninjas an' zombie scrubs, got through their portal JUST BEFORE it turned into a mulcher, an' made it across th'desert after all that t'find a fortress o' thieves who are actually on *our* side." Tommy scrambles up into the saddle behind Esava. "We've 'ad plenty of fortune, wot we *need* is t'not PRESS OUR LUCK for a while." :P

**HYRULE FIELD**

Esava APP [6:11 PM]
"All of those situations could have gone played out much better though. None of them went to plan. We lost control in every scenario and relied on luck to get through." Though to be fair, they didn't really have *much* of a plan when it came to the castle infiltration. >\_>;

Though at the very least they do seem to be in agreeance that they were pressing their luck. As the man eases the borrowed steed into a rough canter, he casts a look back at the fortress. "We should make a mental note of this place. Knowing where allies are based always helps." Gripping the reigns tightly, Esava continues to steer the horse that the two are mounted upon. They wind through the paths of Gerudo Valley before slowly beginning to emerge upon the plains of Hyrule.

It was massive.

"Finding Kakariko Village might be harder than I thought."

Tommy APP [10:46 PM]
Three times over in the course of the trip out to the field, Tommy resists responding with a sardonic "Y'don't say." e.e At the last opportunity, Tommy stands up in the saddle and peers around, although it doesn't really give him a better view than Esava already had. "Well, I'm no trailmaster, but I'd say we should head for high ground, like that hill in the middle. Think there might actually be buildin's pokin' up ovah that rock formation, even. If there's people there, maybe we could swipe a map or somethin'." Or, y'know, just ask for directions, but in Tommy's mind that's just giving them a chance to steer you into an alley for mugging. :P

Esava APP [4:36 AM]
"While your rogueish charm is likely to get you far with the Gerudo, it won't really work for farmers and regular citizens. Maybe we can try and ask them for directions first? Alright... Let's head for the formation. Hya!"

Esava kicks the side of the steed they ride upon, forcing it to lurch forward in response. The legs of the big ol' beasty kick hard, striding out upon the plains of Hyrule.

Feeling the fresh, clean air against the face is a nice sensation. It even causes the dark-skinned figure to loosen a little smile. "This is nice." He mutters, though Tommy might still be able to hear him given he's behind him. "This is a nice place."

Ganondorf APP [4:58 AM]
Birds sing in the trees and shrubbery that litter the grounds of Hyrule Field. Their chorus is sung cheerfully, their mood perhaps bolstered by the bright sunshine on this cloudless day. A nice, cool wind sweeps across the plains on occasion, rustling their feathers as it goes.

Perhaps then, it could be seen as quite strange that out of seemingly no-where a dark cloud appears in the skies. Just westward of LonLon Ranch, the once cloudless air thickens considerably. So quick is this weather change that the local animals rear and chirp in startlement. Following the darkening skies is a rush of wind, matched by the crush of thunder above and a downpour of heavy rain. Entirely localised within the western regions of Hyrule Field.

Then the true horror reveals itself.

Racing across the grass upon a red-eyed steed with fur as black as the darkest of nights is none other than Dragmire. With his beady eyes focussed in front of him, he cuts across the field in an effort go give bold chase to some he had been alerted about. The hooves of his steed grip tightly in the now wet-earth, seemingly having no trouble maintaining its unnatural speed in the weather.

Esava APP [5:15 AM]
The change in weather was enough to cause the hair on the back of Esava's neck to stand up. Heck, it even makes him shudder! "What...?" He grumbles, hands tightening on the reigns of his horse to try and keep control. As the wind and downpour surround them, thunder rumbling around, Esava dares a glance around. He doesn't see the dark figure at their seven o'clock giving chase, mostly because he cannot look in that direction for any decent period of time.

"Tommy, you see anything?" He calls out. This must be that luck they were due, right? "I can't scout our rear. Front half is clear." They were still a bit of time out from Lon Lon Ranch. Not far, but not close either.

Tommy APP [7:07 PM]
Oh hey, rain. A good strong downpour, too. Feels like forever since Tommy's gotten a soak like this. First the desert, then back to Clock Town, then *briefly* back to the nice damp swamp, only to fly through the cold sky to a castle *in* a desert, and finally through a portal to...ANOTHER DESERT! And even once they reached civilization they were still technically in the desert. So yeah, Tommy doesn't mind getting water dumped on him all of a sudden, though he could do without the thunder.

Tommy twists around to sit backwards on the edge of the saddle. "Lil' hard t'see anythin' through all th'sky-juice, but I don't think there's...wait..." Tommy actually isn't familiar with what Ganondorf looks like, and his features aren't very clear through all the rain anyway, but a horse coming up fast from behind is always a reason for suspicion...especially when that horse seems to have glowy eyes. o.o; "Think we got company, mate! Comin' up behind an' a little on y'left!"

Esava APP [10:29 PM]
"Tch." That luck had already dissipated! "We'll have to try and make it to the cropping. Once there we can try and lose them." Of course, Esava has no idea as to how much faster Ganondorf's steed is compared to their own. All he can do is grip and kick as best he can, feeling the hard working muscles of the horse they are mounted upon pushed to their utmost maximum. Riding at such speed in this weather requires fierce concentration, preventing him from looking back over his shoulder.

"Hold on, this could get a bit rough. The earth is starting to really loosen up."

Torgem [10:43 PM]
Let me know what I need to roll, Aubs! Or you are free to roll things too since you know how it all works best. :3

Ganondorf APP [10:45 PM]
The unnamed black horse that Ganondorf rides upon is more than just the prized horse from Lon Lon Ranch. It could well be that, but given its unnatural characteristics it is likely something far greater than anything normal biology could achieve.

As a result, Ganondorf is able to draw up on Esava and Tommy by pushing his beast to the utmost limit. As he does this to edge closer, Tommy will notice that not only is the horse *faster* than their own, it is much bigger! The thing stands nearly fifty percent taller. Which is good, because Dragmire is no jockey - especially with his armour on.

With his cloak billowing behind him in the rain, the King of Hyrule flashes a devilish, toothy white grin at the deku scrub. Bloodshot, beady yellow eyes lock onto him as he steers his horse to literally crash into the smaller steed! It's almost like a side-swipe manoeuvre, with the shoulder of Dragmire's black beasty digging in hard to Esava and Tommy's own. The King's dreaded, cackling laugh fills the air as he does so - a manic laugh for what is no doubt a manic action.

aubrey [11:57 PM]
Oh shoot, I was too busy playing *Starbound* to notice this until just now. X) Well, if we're talking about doing combat here, I'd imagine Ganondorf is a Level 10 Warlock, which means he'd do a base roll of 1d15. Then he's attacking by using his horse, so the next roll would depend on his skill as a rider; I'd imagine he's at least Rank 2 (intermediate) at Horse Riding, quite possibly 3 (advanced) or maybe even 4 (master), that's up to you. If he's Rank 2, roll 1d6, for Rank 3 roll 1d8, for Rank 4 roll 1d10.

aubrey [12:01 AM]
Then you'd want to defend as Esava. I picture Esava as Level 7 or 8, which would be a base roll of 1d12 or 1d13. After that, well...depends on how well Ganondorf rolled, how well your base roll goes, and how much you want to avoid 2 damage.
As far as determining which of the options you mentioned we end up with, the ASCRS doesn't really have anything specific for that. Just do whatever sort of roll you feel like.

Torgem [12:02 AM]
All good dude! Let me remember how to roll.

aubrey [12:03 AM]
The command is /roll 1d15, for example.

Torgem [12:03 AM]
Cool.
So Ganondorf rolls twice? Does Esava have to roll twice too? Or does he defend by rolling against the horse attack? (edited)

aubrey [12:10 AM]
Yes, most actions involve rolling twice. You do a base roll from your Level, then once you find out how that turned out, you get to decide what Ability you use and how much Awesome-Sauce you'd like to burn on it. I'd go ahead and do Ganondorf's rolls like I laid out, then Esava's base roll, then we'll pause and discuss further what your options are.

Torgem [12:10 AM]
Aha! I understand.
So Esava would do a base roll to defend, then another roll to defend with his own horse skills.

aubrey [12:10 AM]
Probably yeah.

Torgem [12:11 AM]
Cool. Let's roll then.

Torgem [12:12 AM]
/roll 1d15

Dicebot APP [12:12 AM]
@Torgem rolled \*3\*
Dice
1d15
Rolls
3

Torgem [12:13 AM]
/roll 1d8

Dicebot APP [12:13 AM]
@Torgem rolled \*7\*
Dice
1d8
Rolls
7

Torgem [12:13 AM]
/roll 1d12

Dicebot APP [12:13 AM]
@Torgem rolled \*7\*
Dice
1d12
Rolls
7

Torgem [12:13 AM]
Looks like Ganon did a super low roll! Nice.

aubrey [12:14 AM]
Yup, pretty lucky so far. Your Ability roll only has to get 3 or more.
So, would you describe Esava's riding skills as Basic, Intermediate, Advanced, Master, or Legendary?

Torgem [12:15 AM]
Intermediate.

aubrey [12:18 AM]
Okay, that's means you'd roll 1d4 if you spend 0 AS, 1d8 if you spend 1 AS, or 1d16 if you spend 2 AS. If you fail you take 2 damage, which is not horrible -- it's pretty much the smallest amount Big G is likely to dish out. Since you rolled 1d12 for base I take it you consider Esava Level 7, which means he's incapacitated once he takes 7 damage. Also, everyone generates 2 AS for each round of combat, and starts with AS equal to their Level.

Torgem [12:19 AM]
Okie dokie. @\_@

Torgem [12:19 AM]
/roll 1d4

Dicebot APP [12:19 AM]
@Torgem rolled \*1\*
Dice
1d4
Rolls
1

Torgem [12:20 AM]
Did Tommy want to roll as well?
Since he's also on da horse.
Or did you want to wait and see what I pose?

aubrey [12:24 AM]
Good question. :wink: It *is* possible for me to throw in my action to help defend you, although I'm having trouble thinking of a way Tommy could help in this situation...and I'm supposed to do it *before* you attempt your own defense. X) So yeah, go ahead and write your pose. I see you rolled and got a 1, so Ganondorf succeeds in dealing some damage, although it's up to you exactly what that looks like.
I have to be heading to bed, but just so I can start thinking of my pose, I'll go ahead and roll for Tommy's action. And by the way, you could do an attack this round if you like.

Torgem [12:25 AM]
Sure. I have a cool idea!

aubrey [12:26 AM]
/roll 1d8

Dicebot APP [12:26 AM]
@aubrey rolled \*8\*
Dice
1d8
Rolls
8

Torgem [12:26 AM]
BOOM!

aubrey [12:29 AM]
I'm gonna say Tommy has Rank 2 (Intermediate) capability at typical deku scrub racial abilities, and spend 1 AS to boost the potential damage on a nut spit. That also raises the roll from 1d4 to 1d6.

aubrey [12:30 AM]
/roll 1d6

Dicebot APP [12:30 AM]
@aubrey rolled \*3\*
Dice
1d6
Rolls
3

aubrey [12:31 AM]
Okay, I gotta be heading off for the night. Later.

Torgem [12:31 AM]
ciao

Revali APP [12:32 AM]
(I will likely pose here tomorrow... as long as I remember to.)

Esava APP [12:41 AM]
As Ganondorf crashes into the smaller steed that Esava and Tommy ride, the dark-skinned figure grunts in surprise and shock. The humongous figure had come up so fast and so sudden that Esava barely had time to notice! Unable to adjust himself or the horse after the bump, the poor steed that they are upon buckles, a hoof planting deep into the muddy terrain.

As a result, Esava is sent flying from the saddle. All of that forward momentum propels him a good few meters through the air - a nice, high arc through the stormy skies. He lands with an audible HURK in the mud. With a groan, pain shoots through the shoulder that took most of the brunt.

"It can't be," He mutters, wincing tightly. "What is *he* doing here?" His eyes glance about for what happened to Tommy Twiggins.

Tommy APP [5:20 PM]
Tommy is pretty light and quick to react, so when the hostile figure makes his move, the scrub manages to eject himself from the saddle and tumble along the ground below. The earth being loose turns out to be a boon for him, giving him a bit of cushioning as he rolls and springs to his feet not really any worse for wear. "Oi, open plains as far as the eye can see an' you have to pile into us!?" >.<; Yup, Tommy still hasn't grasped the identity of their attacker, and he didn't quite hear Esava's mutterings. Tommy inhales sharply, then spits out a nut at the legs of Ganondorf's horse. >O

Ganondorf APP [5:37 AM]
The King of Hyrule watches as the nut that Tommy spits out at his steed simply... bounces off without harm.

"Heh. Heh. Heh."

That lowly, deep chuckle resonates through the heavy rain even as Ganondorf moves to dismount - his utter weight on display as he sinks into the earth half an inch with a loud *WHUMP*. Standing at his impressive height, he towers not only the scrub, but his human compatriot.

"That is a bright spirit that burns within you, deku scrub. I thought that by ridding myself of that Hell in Termina that I would never see your kind again." Ganondorf scowls, taking a bold step forward. Reaching across his side, he unsheathes his sword. The bright silver of its blade contrasts dramatically with the dark armour that adorns his form. The King keeps the tip of it just above the earth, conscious not to dirty it. The smile on his face is wide - so much so that it looks like he's having a hard time keeping laughter contained.

"But my quarrel is not with you. It is with the ghost at your side. Somehow my mark did not do the job." A curious thing unto itself. "...but I will ensure that his treacherous behaviour now ends by my own hand. Now leave, scrub. While your King still has the patience."

Esava APP [6:02 AM]
Esava's eyes nearly pop out of his head when he spots Tommy attacking! "Tommy, what the-- " His sentence snaps away at that, watching as the the wielder of the Triforce of Power dismounts and starts to head their way.

With his own shoulder already partially wounded, their horse trotting about yonder, \*AND\* LonLon Ranch not yet within proximity to take cover within, the desert warrior considers his options. This was not a fight they could win. Hell, Esava isn't even sure Ganondorf *can* be killed. At least not in the conventional sense. Could he be wounded, though? Distracted? Stunned?

Unsheathing his own blade - a katana like blade that hangs from the back of his hip, Esava readies himself for the fight to come. He wields it in front of him, stepping forth to stand next to Tommy closely. There, he whispers something quietly.

Torgem [6:03 AM]
Whispered: Take something out of my pack. Make it count when you can.

Referring to the pack on the back of his hip. Filled with all sorts of things like flash bangs, smoke bombs, poison bombs and the like. Maybe Tommy can do it with some deft hands so G doesn't even notice!

Tommy APP [1:18 PM]
...Oh nettle mulch. #.#; There's enough clues now for Tommy to piece together who they're dealing with. Came from Termina, talks about a mark on Esava, calls himself 'your King'...unbelievable as it is, they've somehow garnered Ganondorf's personal attention. "Ah, er, you're th'King, then? Well, they do call 'em 'The King's ways', so I guess you can ride how y'like on 'em." n.n; Tommy suddenly turns and grabs Esava's clothes, shaking him fiercely, if a bit ineffectively considering their relative weights. "An' wot'd you do t'make 'im mad, eh!? I shoulda knowed you wos a trouble-maker! See if I evah take up wi' th'likes of you again!" >o< Tommy lets go and scuttles away into the rain.

aubrey [1:19 PM]
...And of course, Tommy grabbed what he could from Esava's pack while shaking him.

Revali APP [1:22 PM]
Revali had been flying around for some time now... When he spotted something he didn't expect to see. He quickly straightens out, pulling back his bow string with a bomb arrow, firing it downward toward the King of Evil, before swiftly diving down, rolling to a stand next to Esava. "Go!" He shouts at him, pulling back another bomb arrow and readying it, pulling back the string and holding it in place.

Link [11:48 PM]
Far in the distance, a lone figure appears atop a horse from the direction of Lake Hylia. The sounds of bombs exploding must have caught his attention as he rides at full speed in the direction of where Revali's bombs fell. He has a hood over his head that might help cloak his identity from a distance. He watches the magnificent bird circle about in the heavens and then commands Epona to charge forth towards the rising smoke and people gathered about.

Ganondorf APP [7:02 AM]
"You draw your sword," Ganondorf speaks lowly to Esava, watching the man from the Terminian wilds approach next to the deku scrub. "But you face no victory here. Just your inevitable demise. You should thank me, traitor. I will reunite you with your pitiful family and clan." Raising his own blade, the long edges of it shimmering in what light remains in the heavy rain, Dragmire poises to attack...!

Only for his entire form to be enveloped by fire!

Revali's bomb-arrow had hit its mark, striking upon the King's dark armour and exploding violently.

"Hnnnnh!" Ganondorf grunts out in surprise, feeling the flames of the explosion lick his skin and burn.

"Looks like we have a few visitors from the opposite realm." Beady yellow eyes look to Revali as he lands in place next to Esava. "I will enjoy dining on your corpse tonight, *bird*."

"...HYYOAAAHHH!!!" Opening his mouth wide, the King of Evil suddenly lets forth a torrential force of magic! The purplish-blue substance threatens to wash over both Esava and Revali, a sensation that will not feel unlike raw flame to the skin.

aubrey [9:02 PM]
Do we want to keep using rolls for this scene? What Big G just did looks like at least a Rank 3 magic attack, which would mean you'd do 1d15 for base, 1d16 for the ability (presuming he's Legendary at Sorcery), and subtract 1d3 for including Revali as an extra target. Also, would you like me to wait for Esava's pose before doing Tommy's? Can't think of much he could do in this situation anyway, unless throwing a flashbang in Ganondorf's face might stop the magic from expanding outward. X)

Torgem [9:03 PM]
Sure! We can keep rolling. I'm just a bit busy at the mo'
But will when I can. If you wanted to pose or wait, I'm good either way

aubrey [9:04 PM]
I'm good with waiting. :slightly\_smiling\_face:

Torgem [9:05 PM]
I don't think Revali will do rolls, but that's fine~

Esava APP [6:32 AM]
As Tommy Twiggins flees into the rainy darkness yonder, Esava barely has time to turn back around to face his enemy before a bomb hits Dragmire from above! The explosion it causes is fierce, the desert warrior lifting his arm up to protect himself from the concussive force of it. "Kuh--! What the...?" Looking up, the man blinks a little bit at the familiar face in Revali. "Wait. I know you." It was something said more out of instinct than anything else! Because before he even has time to process what his ally told him to do, Ganondorf is counter-attacking.

With magic. Something that, despite all of Esava's skills? Has little defence against.

It all happens so fast. Esava summons what spirit he has, crossing arms in front of him in an 'X' shape to try and protect his vitals. But when the magical storm hits him, his entire body feels like it catches alight. His body crackles with purple energy as his skin absorbs it, before his being is blown back by nothing more than the force of it all. Though his teeth had remained clenched, he had pridefully not cried out in pain. He wouldn't give the King of Evil such a pleasure.

Instead, he just lays there on his back. In the mud. Brown eyes blink occasionally as heavy rain splotches onto them. That very rain sizzles against his now magically burnt, blistered skin. For all his talk, he had been taken out by Ganondorf in seemingly one move. And not even a very impressive one at that.

The man coughs, though it comes out more as a wheeze. He was in bad shape.

Revali APP [10:02 AM]
Revali let's the bomb arrow fly off just as the magical explosion hits him, the arrow seeming to disintigrate as he flies backward from the explosion, but luckily he keeps his bow in his hand as he hits the ground, grunting. The blow hurt... Really bad. He laid there on the ground, his feathers burnt as he raises his head up, a glare on his face. "That's my feathers you burnt!" He shouts, before coughing. He raises up slowly, his resolve probably the only thing holding him up. He looks over at Esava. He steps on the man's arm, gripping it with his talons as he looks down at him. "We won't survive another hit like that..." He mumbles, before swooping his wings downward, a Gale lifting them high into the sky. "So let's get out of here!" He shouts, before beginning another Gale, one that would take them to Kakariko unless they just get blasted out of the sky...

Revali APP [10:21 AM]
But... It seems there was another! A Red Revali swoops from the sky, flying past the Blue Revali and firing off a bomb arrow toward Ganondorf, before swooping back and grabbing Esava's other arm to help Blue Revali carry the man.

Tommy APP [11:12 PM]
Well, this is a familiar feeling for Tommy. Esava's down, there's no realistic way Tommy could rescue him, and still he's got this crazy impulse to do whatever he can to buy a little time. #.#; What's worse, there isn't even a point to it this time. There's no cavalry rushing in to tip the odds, and Tommy presumably *actually could get away with his own life* in this situation. Ganondorf already said he's got no interest in Tommy, so all he has to do is NOT give him a reason to *take* any interest. And yet, Tommy's arm is cocked for a swing, ready to throw the flashbang he snatched from Esava's pouch a moment ago, somehow unable to run away without using it --

-- until the bird-man provides a potentially viable escape for Esava. OoO Okay, maybe there *was* a metaphorical cavalry here, just coming from the sky this time. Tommy quietly lowers his arm and sneaks away, hoping his continued presence on the periphery of the combat wasn't noticed amidst the downpour. c.c Now, what to do, where to go...he doesn't know where Esava's being taken, and even if he did he doesn't know his way around this land, so...back to the one place he *does* know. Maybe that Nabooru lady will want to know what Ganondorf's been doing.

Link [12:40 AM]
The green warrior continues his charge through the field. He crouches behind Epona's neck as if to keep a low profile to try to avoid being noticed for as long as possible while he tries to make out what is happening. His eyes widen as he sees the spell cast upon the opposing party. The magic is a dead giveaway that some powerful sorcerer is present. A strange sensation grows inside of him as he approaches. Could it be? He reaches into his quiver without thinking.

As soon as his steed becomes clearly visible from atop a berm a short distance away, a flash of brilliant light can be seen flying towards the group and directly at the source of the powerful energy that had engulfed Esava and Revali and the target of the bombs the bird warriors just unleashed. The light arrow explodes as it makes impact, sending a powerful wave of magic, and causing the smoke from Revali's bombs to strobe in a blinding and confusing manner. Using the light as a cover, Link quickly diverts Epona to shift direction to flank the group from atop a hillside and he readies another arrow.

Esava APP [5:15 AM]
As Esava is picked up, consciousness fading in and out, he mumbles and grumbles something incomprehensible amid some groans of pain. From there he blacks out, his lithe figure now completely in the hands of Revali! Or rather, the many hands of Revali.

Ganondorf APP [5:28 AM]
"Hnnnn!" The King of Evil was none too pleased with the follow-up bomb arrow from some sort of magical twin that Revali possesses. "Pest. You think you can *run*? From your King?" As the two Revali's begin to fly away with Esava, Dragmire lifts his spare hand. The left palm opens, pointed at the escaping trio. "Idiot. Only *I* say who leaves."

His hand begins to charge with more magic as he prepares to cast a similar spell. His smile widens in anticipation and glee, the King barely able to contain himself. That is until... BOOM! CRACKLE! POP! The light arrow strikes him from the flank, exploding and seeping into his body. Unlike the bomb arrows, these appear to do legitimate harm to his body. The light streams in many different directions, but a heap of it seems to absorb into his very fibre.

"***YARRGGHHH!***" He cries, falling upon knee with a heavy grunt. The mud splooshes about, his armor rising and falling with each heavy breath that he takes, the smoke from the previous bomb arrow quickly dissipating in the rain.

Swivelling his head around, Ganondorf squints his yellow eyes to try and get a location for Link. Standing upon his feet once more, the Gerudo pivots completely to finally notice him atop the hillside. With a scowl, Dragmire's grip tightens along his sword.

Link [12:09 PM]
The open field is ideal for an archer on horseback, no less. Ganondorf's yellow eyes stand out from the smoke that is dissipating with the wind. Link lets another arrow fly towards the dark lord before commanding Epona to charge downhill to another position.

Link [12:16 PM]
As he flies down the hillside on horseback the wind throws his hood back to reveal his face. Despite the powerful courage that guides Link's actions, there is a look of excitement and even panic on the hero's face which no doubt is clouding his actions. The yellow gaze from Dragmire has no doubt burned into his vision. Fighting with a group no doubt has its advantages, but seeing friends suffer is another challenge in itself. He calls out to Epona trying to keep his composure as they glide through the field.

Ganondorf APP [6:37 PM]
With Dragmire having his eyes locked upon Link and his blasted horse, the King is much less vulnerable. Sneaky attacks were one thing, but the green-clad Hero is about to learn that such direct attacks, even those utilising the infamous light arrows, have negligible affect.

With a swing of his sword, both swift and precise, Ganondorf cuts the arrow from the sky just meters from his frame. It falls harmlessly down by his side.

"Tch." He spits, rolling his shoulder around from beneath his heavy armour. The joint cracks and pops, audible from even underneath the coverings. "It's just you and me now." With Revali, Tommy and Esava now gone from the area, it did only leave these two in the storm. "I'm going to put you down once and for all!" Striding over to his dark steed, the heavily-plated beasty still standing there obediently in the thundering rain, the King kicks off to head straight for the now hoodless figure.

Link [1:41 AM]
Link stops to face Ganondorf from a distance and awaits his move. When the dark lord charges, he commands Epona to bolt off in another direction to avoid the attack. As much as he would like to, he isn't in the right moment to take on the powerful wizard. The absence of the Master Sword renders all attempts useless. As he retreats he calls out, "Balance must be returned to the Triforce. Forces larger than us are at play." Epona is nervous and he struggles a moment to steady her. "Every moment the Triforce of Wisdom is outside of Zelda's possession, Nayru grows more unstable. Darker, more powerful forces are awakening that will destroy all of us."

As he speaks he feels a strange sensation build inside that seems to pull him away from the battle at hand.

Ganondorf APP [2:53 AM]
The King of Evil grits his teeth as he tries to give chase, but he knows when there are forces working against him in a case like this. "Tch." He gets out, pulling on the reins of his steed to slow it down. As he does, the storm that ravages the area begins to ease and split - bright rays of sunshine now streaming down to dry the wet mud.

Turning direction, Ganondorf begins his trot back to Hyrule Castle. Back to formulate a new plan of attack. And to see if any updates could be made about the Triforce of Wisdom.

Link [11:46 PM]
Link watches Ganondorf return to the castle from a distance. He breathes a sigh of relief knowing he could not defeat the dark wizard. As the purported king reaches his keep, his eyes turn to the direction the others retreated. He sets off towards Kakariko.

**GERUDO FORTRESS**

Tommy APP [6:51 PM]
Right at this moment, Tommy has all but forgotten the tribulations that have brought him to this place. If you asked him about it, he *might* even say it was all worth it...as a careless expression, at least. He sits in the kitchen of Gerudo Fortress with a revitalizing meal before him, surrounded by a small crowd of immersed Gerudo. Who knew there was a place where he could not only *tell* the stories of his thieving exploits without getting arrested, but also become a bit of a celebrity? n.n "So I sez to 'im, 'You've already been bilked! 'Aven't y'noticed wot's missin' from y'bag?'" The audience leans inward at this narrative hook, and one Gerudo asks, "Oo, what had you taken from it?" Tommy snigggers. "Nothin'! But while 'e wos diggin' through it tryin' t'figure out wot wos gone, I pinched th'wallet from 'is belt an' skedaddled!" ;D Much laughter and table-pounding ensues while Tommy takes a long draft from his mug.

Fallon [2:09 AM]
Fallon was having a bit of a difficult time with her classes. Keeping them in order wasn't the hard part. It was the excessive amount of children that had come under her tutelage that was concerning. All these refugees were taking a toll on her, but it was one she figured was worth the cost if it meant serving in some form towards the cause. With her class dismissed and sent on their way, she headed into the kitchen, caught off guard momentarily by the laughter coming out of the kitchen.

She stepped inside and looked over the group that was gathered around...someone? She couldn't see. Stepping closer revealed a particular scrub that she 'traded' a knife with. "You seem comfortable," she quipped to him while taking a seat at the table. "Not such a bad thing, I suppose." Or was it? She didn't want to think he was setting up this group to start tagging them later for their goods. Gerudo do tend to wear a number of fine items, jewelry, oils, and whatever else comes to mind.

Tommy APP [7:56 PM]
Tommy grins as Fallon sits down. "Well brittle my bark, even on the other end of a magic portal we just keep running into each other, don't we?" n.n Tommy throws one arm over the back of his chair, even though his elbow can barely reach the necessary height. "I've been makin' good use of that knife I earned off ya. Dealt with some sorta bedsheet-ninja-thing with it." There are a few 'Ooo's and somebody says, "Can we see it?" Tommy chuckles and pats his waist. "Well, it's nothin' *fancy*, just a nicely-made knife wi' a curved..." Tommy trails off after failing around his belt for a bit. "...Somebody's gone an' nicked it, ain't they." :expressionless: A suppressed giggle ripples around the group.

Fallon [1:17 AM]
Fallon tilted her head. "Bedsheet ninja thing..." She isn't quite sure she understands or if she does, nothing is registering to know what it is. Whatever the case, she shrugs saying, "If it worked for you, then that's good news to me. I made sure to keep it nice and sharp before you skipped off with it," she thought to remind him of his passive crime. "So, I see it's gone missing again," she smirked. "It'd be nice if it was handed back to him as a good will gift from me to him, however," she eyed the Gerudo who managed to swipe it.

"So, I imagine you've been treated well here so far. We aren't usually like this, but well, this is what happens when the land has been overtaken by a tyrant. I suppose you'd know. You all had to live with him for long enough."

Tommy APP [10:20 PM]
In his euphoria at finding a place where thieves are not only accepted, but respected, it hadn't occurred to Tommy that there would be this potential downside to being amongst 'his own kind'. But he does think quickly on his feet, and one of the things that comes to him now is that his reputation in this new place is a lot more valuable than a knife. "No no, I mispoke," Tommy says, raising a forestalling hand without looking around at the Gerudo Fallon is eyeing. "It must've slipped off me belt at some point. I'm sure I'll find it again if it's meant to be. After all, I was able to get it back when we wos escapin' that barbarian village." The crowd leans inward again as another story hook pops up. "Escaping a barbarian village? When was that?" Tommy swigs from his mug. "Well, for that I've first gotta tell ya about me mate Esava...oh, speakin' o' which, anybody know where he is? That dark-barked, muscley chap who came here wi' me?"

Esava APP [4:13 AM]
This had been an ... enlightening experience for one Esava Ratugolea. Unlike the extremely sociable deku scrub, the survivor from Termina's eastern deserts had largely kept to himself. He had taken a few tours and walks of the fortress with Nabooru; the two sharing tales of their adventures as they strode. But largely? He had been on his own.

With the days coming and going, the man's strength had slowly returned as he rested and ate. After finally feeling back to his old self, the 'bark' skinned figure emerged from his quarters, dark eyes narrow and focussed. With his customary low exhale he sets out on his immediate goal: find Tommy Twiggins.

As it turns out, that's not entirely difficult. All you have to do is follow the noise. And thus, by the time Tommy asks the question regarding Esava, the man in question clears his throat from behind the diminutive figure.

"Ready to go?" He asks, eyes glancing around to the gathering of ladies that hang on every word that leaks from Tommy's mouth. "I think it's time we moved on."

Tommy APP [10:31 PM]
Tommy swivels his head and grins (for a scrub, it's mostly a matter of the eyes) when Esava clears his throat behind him. "Ah, there y'are, mate! So like I wos about t'say -- " Tommy does a double take. "Leavin' already? But we're just startin' t'get to know these fine folk! An'..." This lends a new urgency to 'finding' his knife. c.c; Not that it would be the end of the world if he doesn't get it back, but it *is* starting to pick up some sentimental value...and who knows, what with the way the Gerudo were so interested when Tommy mentioned it, maybe it's on its way to becoming a legendary blade. "Where d'you wanna go, anyway?" Tommy asks, stalling for time. "Wasn't the whole idea of coming to this land t'help out in th'fight against ol' Hell's-Spells? This place seems as set against 'im as any."

Esava APP [5:40 AM]
"We've been here near on a week." Esava replies to the comment about 'leaving already'. "I would really like to find Link and his group of travellers. Remember? That was our goal." Bark-brown eyes shift to to the all-female cast that surrounds him as he takes a breath. "I think that the armies here are plenty well stocked with talent, discipline, fortitude and grit." Phew! Good save. "Truthfully, our presence here does not do much to help turn the tide of the greater cause. Do you not agree that we would be best suited outside of the front lines of battle?"

Putting a hand on his hip, the dark-skinned man considers. "If anyone here does know where Link is, that would prove useful. Maybe we can ask Chief Nabooru if we see her on our way out." There is a flicker of his eyes at that statement - something so quick that most will miss it. But Tommy, with his rogue eyes? He well may have caught it! It sounds as if Esava has *other* reasons to leave that he's not letting on.

"Once we get to the fields, I'm told that the best place to start looking is a place called 'Kakariko Village'. It's a township filled with refugees that have fled the King's tyranny. It's a decent trip on the other side of Hyrule, but it's green at the very least."

Tommy APP [11:01 PM]
'Outside the front lines of battle' does sound good to Tommy. c.c Although Esava seems to have a habit of getting them into side lines of battle that are almost as bad. :P "Well...there better be some prime pickin's at the end of all this, that's all I kin say," Tommy grumbles, hopping down off his chair. "Ownin' your life has been the diciest undertakin' I've ever had, an' Tommy Twiggins has been in some tight corners before."

As they make their way out through the corridors, Tommy glances up at Esava. "Wot's up with you an' th'big cheese o' this place, anyway?" he murmurs, hoping not to be overheard. "First time y'saw her you looked like y'seen a ghost, an' just now when y'mentioned her it wos like there's somethin' y'wanna swipe so you're tryin' to avoid lookin' at it."

Esava APP [6:13 AM]
"What are you going to do if there's nothing at the end of this road, Tommy?" The question posed to the deku scrub seems sincere enough, Esava's tone filled with mild curiosity as he looks down to his partner. "No treasure. No gold. No artifacts. No gemstones. Just naught but the corpses of your friends and allies laying about you? But the enemy defeated?" Goodness. That certainly went dark quickly.

As they navigate through the stone-walled corridors, Esava adjusts the pack that is slung across his shoulder. "Nothing gets by you, huh?" Taking a cursory look behind from whence they came and then back ahead of him, the desert figure clears his throat, seeming unsure on how to best answer the question. "Termina and Hyrule must run alongside each other in time and space. In parallel. Two sides of the same coin. In Hyrule, Chief Nabooru rules over this place and the Gerudo. But in Termina, she is Chief of the Sunlands back home in the western regions. And my wife."

Cue the snicker after the joke is made! ...but there is no snicker. No laugh. Esava just keeps looking dead ahead of him, jaw clenched.

Tommy APP [9:20 AM]
Tommy surreptitiously lifts a hunting knife from a rack as they pass it. e.e Some random Gerudo stole his knife, he'll steal a knife from some random Gerudo. Seems like fair play for this place. "...Prob'ly start goin' through pockets," Tommy says in response to the question. "Don't get me wrong, I'd be chuffed t'lose ya, but I takes the opportunities as they come."

After Esava explains the connection (or appearance thereof) between him and Nabooru, Tommy folds his arms thoughtfully. "Guess I can see 'ow that'd make teatime a tad awkward." Tommy remains quiet for a long moment, then speaks up again. "So...there might be a scrub that wot looks just like me runnin' around this place? Corks, imagine the capers we could pull off, lookin' like I'm in two places at once..."

Esava APP [4:12 AM]
Tommy's answer to Esava's sudden dark question actually earns a wry smile from the rogue, hidden by the fact that he had lifted his hand up to rub his chin in some thought. "Well, I do possess some weaponry at the very least." At this moment he carries with him a sword that is sheathed at the back of his waist, while a pouch of knives and other goodies can be seen strapped to the rear of his waist.

"I'd say so. We just need to find where the deku scrubs in this world live." The man replies, looking down to his partner with a wince. Maybe he should not have suggested this. "I don't know if the similarity ends there or... how deep it goes. Nabooru looks the same, down to the last shade. And they have similar personalities. But there are a few differences." Esava shrugs. "Regardless. Stirring in memories like that are best avoided for the moment."

Emerging from the corridors of the fortress, Esava finds a steed to mount up on. "With any luck we can get to this Kakariko place unhindered. We're due for *some* fortune."

Tommy APP [8:31 AM]
Tommy snorts. "Due for some fortune, 'e says. We infiltrated an enemy castle fulla bedsheet ninjas an' zombie scrubs, got through their portal JUST BEFORE it turned into a mulcher, an' made it across th'desert after all that t'find a fortress o' thieves who are actually on *our* side." Tommy scrambles up into the saddle behind Esava. "We've 'ad plenty of fortune, wot we *need* is t'not PRESS OUR LUCK for a while." :P

**HYRULE FIELD**

Esava APP [6:11 PM]
"All of those situations could have gone played out much better though. None of them went to plan. We lost control in every scenario and relied on luck to get through." Though to be fair, they didn't really have *much* of a plan when it came to the castle infiltration. >\_>;

Though at the very least they do seem to be in agreeance that they were pressing their luck. As the man eases the borrowed steed into a rough canter, he casts a look back at the fortress. "We should make a mental note of this place. Knowing where allies are based always helps." Gripping the reigns tightly, Esava continues to steer the horse that the two are mounted upon. They wind through the paths of Gerudo Valley before slowly beginning to emerge upon the plains of Hyrule.

It was massive.

"Finding Kakariko Village might be harder than I thought."

Tommy APP [10:46 PM]
Three times over in the course of the trip out to the field, Tommy resists responding with a sardonic "Y'don't say." e.e At the last opportunity, Tommy stands up in the saddle and peers around, although it doesn't really give him a better view than Esava already had. "Well, I'm no trailmaster, but I'd say we should head for high ground, like that hill in the middle. Think there might actually be buildin's pokin' up ovah that rock formation, even. If there's people there, maybe we could swipe a map or somethin'." Or, y'know, just ask for directions, but in Tommy's mind that's just giving them a chance to steer you into an alley for mugging. :P

Esava APP [4:36 AM]
"While your rogueish charm is likely to get you far with the Gerudo, it won't really work for farmers and regular citizens. Maybe we can try and ask them for directions first? Alright... Let's head for the formation. Hya!"

Esava kicks the side of the steed they ride upon, forcing it to lurch forward in response. The legs of the big ol' beasty kick hard, striding out upon the plains of Hyrule.

Feeling the fresh, clean air against the face is a nice sensation. It even causes the dark-skinned figure to loosen a little smile. "This is nice." He mutters, though Tommy might still be able to hear him given he's behind him. "This is a nice place."

Ganondorf APP [4:58 AM]
Birds sing in the trees and shrubbery that litter the grounds of Hyrule Field. Their chorus is sung cheerfully, their mood perhaps bolstered by the bright sunshine on this cloudless day. A nice, cool wind sweeps across the plains on occasion, rustling their feathers as it goes.

Perhaps then, it could be seen as quite strange that out of seemingly no-where a dark cloud appears in the skies. Just westward of LonLon Ranch, the once cloudless air thickens considerably. So quick is this weather change that the local animals rear and chirp in startlement. Following the darkening skies is a rush of wind, matched by the crush of thunder above and a downpour of heavy rain. Entirely localised within the western regions of Hyrule Field.

Then the true horror reveals itself.

Racing across the grass upon a red-eyed steed with fur as black as the darkest of nights is none other than Dragmire. With his beady eyes focussed in front of him, he cuts across the field in an effort go give bold chase to some he had been alerted about. The hooves of his steed grip tightly in the now wet-earth, seemingly having no trouble maintaining its unnatural speed in the weather.

Esava APP [5:15 AM]
The change in weather was enough to cause the hair on the back of Esava's neck to stand up. Heck, it even makes him shudder! "What...?" He grumbles, hands tightening on the reigns of his horse to try and keep control. As the wind and downpour surround them, thunder rumbling around, Esava dares a glance around. He doesn't see the dark figure at their seven o'clock giving chase, mostly because he cannot look in that direction for any decent period of time.

"Tommy, you see anything?" He calls out. This must be that luck they were due, right? "I can't scout our rear. Front half is clear." They were still a bit of time out from Lon Lon Ranch. Not far, but not close either.

Tommy APP [7:07 PM]
Oh hey, rain. A good strong downpour, too. Feels like forever since Tommy's gotten a soak like this. First the desert, then back to Clock Town, then *briefly* back to the nice damp swamp, only to fly through the cold sky to a castle *in* a desert, and finally through a portal to...ANOTHER DESERT! And even once they reached civilization they were still technically in the desert. So yeah, Tommy doesn't mind getting water dumped on him all of a sudden, though he could do without the thunder.

Tommy twists around to sit backwards on the edge of the saddle. "Lil' hard t'see anythin' through all th'sky-juice, but I don't think there's...wait..." Tommy actually isn't familiar with what Ganondorf looks like, and his features aren't very clear through all the rain anyway, but a horse coming up fast from behind is always a reason for suspicion...especially when that horse seems to have glowy eyes. o.o; "Think we got company, mate! Comin' up behind an' a little on y'left!"

Esava APP [10:29 PM]
"Tch." That luck had already dissipated! "We'll have to try and make it to the cropping. Once there we can try and lose them." Of course, Esava has no idea as to how much faster Ganondorf's steed is compared to their own. All he can do is grip and kick as best he can, feeling the hard working muscles of the horse they are mounted upon pushed to their utmost maximum. Riding at such speed in this weather requires fierce concentration, preventing him from looking back over his shoulder.

"Hold on, this could get a bit rough. The earth is starting to really loosen up."

Ganondorf APP [10:45 PM]
The unnamed black horse that Ganondorf rides upon is more than just the prized horse from Lon Lon Ranch. It could well be that, but given its unnatural characteristics it is likely something far greater than anything normal biology could achieve.

As a result, Ganondorf is able to draw up on Esava and Tommy by pushing his beast to the utmost limit. As he does this to edge closer, Tommy will notice that not only is the horse *faster* than their own, it is much bigger! The thing stands nearly fifty percent taller. Which is good, because Dragmire is no jockey - especially with his armour on.

With his cloak billowing behind him in the rain, the King of Hyrule flashes a devilish, toothy white grin at the deku scrub. Bloodshot, beady yellow eyes lock onto him as he steers his horse to literally crash into the smaller steed! It's almost like a side-swipe manoeuvre, with the shoulder of Dragmire's black beasty digging in hard to Esava and Tommy's own. The King's dreaded, cackling laugh fills the air as he does so - a manic laugh for what is no doubt a manic action.

Esava APP [12:41 AM]
As Ganondorf crashes into the smaller steed that Esava and Tommy ride, the dark-skinned figure grunts in surprise and shock. The humongous figure had come up so fast and so sudden that Esava barely had time to notice! Unable to adjust himself or the horse after the bump, the poor steed that they are upon buckles, a hoof planting deep into the muddy terrain.

As a result, Esava is sent flying from the saddle. All of that forward momentum propels him a good few meters through the air - a nice, high arc through the stormy skies. He lands with an audible HURK in the mud. With a groan, pain shoots through the shoulder that took most of the brunt.

"It can't be," He mutters, wincing tightly. "What is *he* doing here?" His eyes glance about for what happened to Tommy Twiggins.

Tommy APP [5:20 PM]
Tommy is pretty light and quick to react, so when the hostile figure makes his move, the scrub manages to eject himself from the saddle and tumble along the ground below. The earth being loose turns out to be a boon for him, giving him a bit of cushioning as he rolls and springs to his feet not really any worse for wear. "Oi, open plains as far as the eye can see an' you have to pile into us!?" >.<; Yup, Tommy still hasn't grasped the identity of their attacker, and he didn't quite hear Esava's mutterings. Tommy inhales sharply, then spits out a nut at the legs of Ganondorf's horse. >O

Ganondorf APP [5:37 AM]
The King of Hyrule watches as the nut that Tommy spits out at his steed simply... bounces off without harm.

"Heh. Heh. Heh."

That lowly, deep chuckle resonates through the heavy rain even as Ganondorf moves to dismount - his utter weight on display as he sinks into the earth half an inch with a loud *WHUMP*. Standing at his impressive height, he towers not only the scrub, but his human compatriot.

"That is a bright spirit that burns within you, deku scrub. I thought that by ridding myself of that Hell in Termina that I would never see your kind again." Ganondorf scowls, taking a bold step forward. Reaching across his side, he unsheathes his sword. The bright silver of its blade contrasts dramatically with the dark armour that adorns his form. The King keeps the tip of it just above the earth, conscious not to dirty it. The smile on his face is wide - so much so that it looks like he's having a hard time keeping laughter contained.

"But my quarrel is not with you. It is with the ghost at your side. Somehow my mark did not do the job." A curious thing unto itself. "...but I will ensure that his treacherous behaviour now ends by my own hand. Now leave, scrub. While your King still has the patience."

Esava APP [6:02 AM]
Esava's eyes nearly pop out of his head when he spots Tommy attacking! "Tommy, what the-- " His sentence snaps away at that, watching as the the wielder of the Triforce of Power dismounts and starts to head their way.

With his own shoulder already partially wounded, their horse trotting about yonder, \*AND\* LonLon Ranch not yet within proximity to take cover within, the desert warrior considers his options. This was not a fight they could win. Hell, Esava isn't even sure Ganondorf *can* be killed. At least not in the conventional sense. Could he be wounded, though? Distracted? Stunned?

Unsheathing his own blade - a katana like blade that hangs from the back of his hip, Esava readies himself for the fight to come. He wields it in front of him, stepping forth to stand next to Tommy closely. There, he whispers something quietly.

Referring to the pack on the back of his hip. Filled with all sorts of things like flash bangs, smoke bombs, poison bombs and the like. Maybe Tommy can do it with some deft hands so G doesn't even notice!

Tommy APP [1:18 PM]
...Oh nettle mulch. #.#; There's enough clues now for Tommy to piece together who they're dealing with. Came from Termina, talks about a mark on Esava, calls himself 'your King'...unbelievable as it is, they've somehow garnered Ganondorf's personal attention. "Ah, er, you're th'King, then? Well, they do call 'em 'The King's ways', so I guess you can ride how y'like on 'em." n.n; Tommy suddenly turns and grabs Esava's clothes, shaking him fiercely, if a bit ineffectively considering their relative weights. "An' wot'd you do t'make 'im mad, eh!? I shoulda knowed you wos a trouble-maker! See if I evah take up wi' th'likes of you again!" >o< Tommy lets go and scuttles away into the rain.

Revali APP [1:22 PM]
Revali had been flying around for some time now... When he spotted something he didn't expect to see. He quickly straightens out, pulling back his bow string with a bomb arrow, firing it downward toward the King of Evil, before swiftly diving down, rolling to a stand next to Esava. "Go!" He shouts at him, pulling back another bomb arrow and readying it, pulling back the string and holding it in place.

Link [11:48 PM]
Far in the distance, a lone figure appears atop a horse from the direction of Lake Hylia. The sounds of bombs exploding must have caught his attention as he rides at full speed in the direction of where Revali's bombs fell. He has a hood over his head that might help cloak his identity from a distance. He watches the magnificent bird circle about in the heavens and then commands Epona to charge forth towards the rising smoke and people gathered about.

Ganondorf APP [7:02 AM]
"You draw your sword," Ganondorf speaks lowly to Esava, watching the man from the Terminian wilds approach next to the deku scrub. "But you face no victory here. Just your inevitable demise. You should thank me, traitor. I will reunite you with your pitiful family and clan." Raising his own blade, the long edges of it shimmering in what light remains in the heavy rain, Dragmire poises to attack...!

Only for his entire form to be enveloped by fire!

Revali's bomb-arrow had hit its mark, striking upon the King's dark armour and exploding violently.

"Hnnnnh!" Ganondorf grunts out in surprise, feeling the flames of the explosion lick his skin and burn.

"Looks like we have a few visitors from the opposite realm." Beady yellow eyes look to Revali as he lands in place next to Esava. "I will enjoy dining on your corpse tonight, *bird*."

"...HYYOAAAHHH!!!" Opening his mouth wide, the King of Evil suddenly lets forth a torrential force of magic! The purplish-blue substance threatens to wash over both Esava and Revali, a sensation that will not feel unlike raw flame to the skin.

Esava APP [6:32 AM]
As Tommy Twiggins flees into the rainy darkness yonder, Esava barely has time to turn back around to face his enemy before a bomb hits Dragmire from above! The explosion it causes is fierce, the desert warrior lifting his arm up to protect himself from the concussive force of it. "Kuh--! What the...?" Looking up, the man blinks a little bit at the familiar face in Revali. "Wait. I know you." It was something said more out of instinct than anything else! Because before he even has time to process what his ally told him to do, Ganondorf is counter-attacking.

With magic. Something that, despite all of Esava's skills? Has little defence against.

It all happens so fast. Esava summons what spirit he has, crossing arms in front of him in an 'X' shape to try and protect his vitals. But when the magical storm hits him, his entire body feels like it catches alight. His body crackles with purple energy as his skin absorbs it, before his being is blown back by nothing more than the force of it all. Though his teeth had remained clenched, he had pridefully not cried out in pain. He wouldn't give the King of Evil such a pleasure.

Instead, he just lays there on his back. In the mud. Brown eyes blink occasionally as heavy rain splotches onto them. That very rain sizzles against his now magically burnt, blistered skin. For all his talk, he had been taken out by Ganondorf in seemingly one move. And not even a very impressive one at that.

The man coughs, though it comes out more as a wheeze. He was in bad shape.

Revali APP [10:02 AM]
Revali let's the bomb arrow fly off just as the magical explosion hits him, the arrow seeming to disintigrate as he flies backward from the explosion, but luckily he keeps his bow in his hand as he hits the ground, grunting. The blow hurt... Really bad. He laid there on the ground, his feathers burnt as he raises his head up, a glare on his face. "That's my feathers you burnt!" He shouts, before coughing. He raises up slowly, his resolve probably the only thing holding him up. He looks over at Esava. He steps on the man's arm, gripping it with his talons as he looks down at him. "We won't survive another hit like that..." He mumbles, before swooping his wings downward, a Gale lifting them high into the sky. "So let's get out of here!" He shouts, before beginning another Gale, one that would take them to Kakariko unless they just get blasted out of the sky...

Revali APP [10:21 AM]
But... It seems there was another! A Red Revali swoops from the sky, flying past the Blue Revali and firing off a bomb arrow toward Ganondorf, before swooping back and grabbing Esava's other arm to help Blue Revali carry the man.

Tommy APP [11:12 PM]
Well, this is a familiar feeling for Tommy. Esava's down, there's no realistic way Tommy could rescue him, and still he's got this crazy impulse to do whatever he can to buy a little time. #.#; What's worse, there isn't even a point to it this time. There's no cavalry rushing in to tip the odds, and Tommy presumably *actually could get away with his own life* in this situation. Ganondorf already said he's got no interest in Tommy, so all he has to do is NOT give him a reason to *take* any interest. And yet, Tommy's arm is cocked for a swing, ready to throw the flashbang he snatched from Esava's pouch a moment ago, somehow unable to run away without using it --

-- until the bird-man provides a potentially viable escape for Esava. OoO Okay, maybe there *was* a metaphorical cavalry here, just coming from the sky this time. Tommy quietly lowers his arm and sneaks away, hoping his continued presence on the periphery of the combat wasn't noticed amidst the downpour. c.c Now, what to do, where to go...he doesn't know where Esava's being taken, and even if he did he doesn't know his way around this land, so...back to the one place he *does* know. Maybe that Nabooru lady will want to know what Ganondorf's been doing.

Link [12:40 AM]
The green warrior continues his charge through the field. He crouches behind Epona's neck as if to keep a low profile to try to avoid being noticed for as long as possible while he tries to make out what is happening. His eyes widen as he sees the spell cast upon the opposing party. The magic is a dead giveaway that some powerful sorcerer is present. A strange sensation grows inside of him as he approaches. Could it be? He reaches into his quiver without thinking.

As soon as his steed becomes clearly visible from atop a berm a short distance away, a flash of brilliant light can be seen flying towards the group and directly at the source of the powerful energy that had engulfed Esava and Revali and the target of the bombs the bird warriors just unleashed. The light arrow explodes as it makes impact, sending a powerful wave of magic, and causing the smoke from Revali's bombs to strobe in a blinding and confusing manner. Using the light as a cover, Link quickly diverts Epona to shift direction to flank the group from atop a hillside and he readies another arrow.

Esava APP [5:15 AM]
As Esava is picked up, consciousness fading in and out, he mumbles and grumbles something incomprehensible amid some groans of pain. From there he blacks out, his lithe figure now completely in the hands of Revali! Or rather, the many hands of Revali.

Ganondorf APP [5:28 AM]
"Hnnnn!" The King of Evil was none too pleased with the follow-up bomb arrow from some sort of magical twin that Revali possesses. "Pest. You think you can *run*? From your King?" As the two Revali's begin to fly away with Esava, Dragmire lifts his spare hand. The left palm opens, pointed at the escaping trio. "Idiot. Only *I* say who leaves."

His hand begins to charge with more magic as he prepares to cast a similar spell. His smile widens in anticipation and glee, the King barely able to contain himself. That is until... BOOM! CRACKLE! POP! The light arrow strikes him from the flank, exploding and seeping into his body. Unlike the bomb arrows, these appear to do legitimate harm to his body. The light streams in many different directions, but a heap of it seems to absorb into his very fibre.

"***YARRGGHHH!***" He cries, falling upon knee with a heavy grunt. The mud splooshes about, his armor rising and falling with each heavy breath that he takes, the smoke from the previous bomb arrow quickly dissipating in the rain.

Swivelling his head around, Ganondorf squints his yellow eyes to try and get a location for Link. Standing upon his feet once more, the Gerudo pivots completely to finally notice him atop the hillside. With a scowl, Dragmire's grip tightens along his sword.

Link [12:09 PM]
The open field is ideal for an archer on horseback, no less. Ganondorf's yellow eyes stand out from the smoke that is dissipating with the wind. Link lets another arrow fly towards the dark lord before commanding Epona to charge downhill to another position.

Link [12:16 PM]
As he flies down the hillside on horseback the wind throws his hood back to reveal his face. Despite the powerful courage that guides Link's actions, there is a look of excitement and even panic on the hero's face which no doubt is clouding his actions. The yellow gaze from Dragmire has no doubt burned into his vision. Fighting with a group no doubt has its advantages, but seeing friends suffer is another challenge in itself. He calls out to Epona trying to keep his composure as they glide through the field.

Ganondorf APP [6:37 PM]
With Dragmire having his eyes locked upon Link and his blasted horse, the King is much less vulnerable. Sneaky attacks were one thing, but the green-clad Hero is about to learn that such direct attacks, even those utilising the infamous light arrows, have negligible affect.

With a swing of his sword, both swift and precise, Ganondorf cuts the arrow from the sky just meters from his frame. It falls harmlessly down by his side.

"Tch." He spits, rolling his shoulder around from beneath his heavy armour. The joint cracks and pops, audible from even underneath the coverings. "It's just you and me now." With Revali, Tommy and Esava now gone from the area, it did only leave these two in the storm. "I'm going to put you down once and for all!" Striding over to his dark steed, the heavily-plated beasty still standing there obediently in the thundering rain, the King kicks off to head straight for the now hoodless figure.

Link [1:41 AM]
Link stops to face Ganondorf from a distance and awaits his move. When the dark lord charges, he commands Epona to bolt off in another direction to avoid the attack. As much as he would like to, he isn't in the right moment to take on the powerful wizard. The absence of the Master Sword renders all attempts useless. As he retreats he calls out, "Balance must be returned to the Triforce. Forces larger than us are at play." Epona is nervous and he struggles a moment to steady her. "Every moment the Triforce of Wisdom is outside of Zelda's possession, Nayru grows more unstable. Darker, more powerful forces are awakening that will destroy all of us."

As he speaks he feels a strange sensation build inside that seems to pull him away from the battle at hand.

Ganondorf APP [2:53 AM]
The King of Evil grits his teeth as he tries to give chase, but he knows when there are forces working against him in a case like this. "Tch." He gets out, pulling on the reins of his steed to slow it down. As he does, the storm that ravages the area begins to ease and split - bright rays of sunshine now streaming down to dry the wet mud.

Turning direction, Ganondorf begins his trot back to Hyrule Castle. Back to formulate a new plan of attack. And to see if any updates could be made about the Triforce of Wisdom.

Link [11:46 PM]
Link watches Ganondorf return to the castle from a distance. He breathes a sigh of relief knowing he could not defeat the dark wizard. As the purported king reaches his keep, his eyes turn to the direction the others retreated. He sets off towards Kakariko.