Intro Log.

[awashmods]

It's raining, it's pouring. The old man is snoring. He bumped his head and went to bed And he couldn't get up in the morning.

ou wake in knee-deep water, cold as ice and stagnant, in a space that is far too echoey and spacious. It feels like a massive cave, but looking up... there's only one small, circular opening that shows grey sky and shines any sort of light. It looks like a long trip upwards, a small cylinder with walls of brick that's just a little too high to reach, even when jumping. Getting out is probably going to be a bit of a task, especially considering the water is more than cold enough to make limbs go numb. The dark makes it impossible to see much further, but the space seems large, all filled with water, but with no other way out, stone walls the only thing for an intrepid explorer to find. Oh, and to make things even better, it's raining today. Water from below (though thankfully only like, knee-deep), and water from above... how fun. But most importantly of all... you're not alone. Welcome to Awash's second intro log, everyone! Please review the FAQ and rules before playing. New characters have all woken at the bottom of the well in the middle of the town (which seems a lot bigger on the inside, somehow), and it looks like they'll have to put in some work to get out. Thankfully, they have some friends on the outside, this time. Once out, they'll be free to explore the various locations the Town has to offer at will. Just try not to die on any of the far-too-rickety walkways. Please feel free to ask any questions here and don't forget to greet your fellow players here!

Comments

that works o/

[shotlocking]

Ah, hello.

[ She's not that much younger than Aqua herself, she thinks. And if she's here, that must mean she's one of Aqua's roommates, right? ]

Did you just arrive, too?

[withwisdom]

Yes, I did. [ she smiles smally. a friendly face is always good to see, even if it's one of a stranger. ] I was just looking through this house. It seems I have been somehow assigned here? Is the same for you?

[shotlocking]

That's exactly right. My name is Aqua--we'll be living together, then.

[withwisdom]

Zelda. [ she puts the shirt down and stands from her spot on the floor, walking over to aqua and extending a hand to her. ] I'm pleased to make your acquaintance Aqua. Although... I've never lived with another person admittedly.

[shotlocking]

[ She's so polite, and Aqua decides this will most likely be an excellent living arrangement. She takes Zelda's hand and shakes it, smile in place. ]

It's a pleasure to meet you, too, Zelda. I've lived with others, but, well... they were boys. I think this'll be a nice change of pace.

[ ... even if she misses Terra and Ven dearly. ]

[withwisdom]

Ah, I see. I can understand that difference very well. [ though they didn't sleep in the same chambers, her appointed knight was always in the room next to hers in case of emergencies. not to mention their travels together. ] I promise not to be a burden on you. We have enough troubles here as it is.

[shotlocking]

[ She shakes her head. ]

I'm sure you'll be just fine. Worrying about not being a burden would put more of it on you, wouldn't it? And I certainly don't want that.

[withwisdom]

Thank you, Aqua. [ her smile turns gentle, feeling a little more at ease. being away from the home she spent so long to save... and to rely on the kindness of strangers is not often her way. ] There's not much I know about this world, but if you need anything you can always let me know.

[shotlocking]

I could say the same to you, Zelda.

[ She laughs a little quietly. It's her duty as a master to help, after all. ]

We can learn about this world together, too. It's always easier with a companion.

[withwisdom]

It really is. [ her voice is wistful, remembering the knight always beside her who is mysteriously absent. ] You said you lived with some boys, were they your companions?

[shotlocking]

[ She catches that wistful tone, and Aqua's smile becomes a little sadder. It's not much, but it's noticeable. ]

My best friends, actually. Terra and Ventus. We grew up together--or, Terra and I did, and we trained together, too.

[withwisdom]

Ah, so then you're a warrior of a sort? How thrilling. I had friends like that too, once. [ but it was a lifetime ago now. ] Did you go on adventures together?

[shotlocking]

More like... a peacekeeper, or a helper of the people. [ She pauses. Adventures together... ] No, we were... split up, actually, before we could. We went on our own separate journeys.

[withwisdom]

A peacekeeper. I like that. [ it feels reminiscent of her own friends. ] I'm sorry to hear that, but I do hope your journey was a good one at least.

[shotlocking]

[ It could have been better, but... She's not about to reveal her Tragic Backstory™ just yet. ]

I did make some very good friends along the way. And I had fun doing it. [ It's the truth, after all. ] And what about you, Zelda? What is it you did back home?

[withwisdom]

Well... [ how awkward, and hard. everyone in hyrule just knew who she was without needing to explain. and she isn't sure how much her title matters anymore, after so many long years and changes, but- ] I am the royal princess of my homeland.

[shotlocking]

[ Her eyes widen, and she immediately straightens. ]

Oh! I'm sorry, I've completely forgotten my manners--please, forgive me.

[ It feels so familiar, and her heart aches as she remembers meeting Minnie. ]

[withwisdom]

[ she smiles gently, all too use to that. it feels like a distant memory now though. ]

There is no need for forgiveness, Aqua. You did nothing wrong. My status hardly means anything here.

[shotlocking]

Well... I suppose that's true, if you insist.

[ Yet she still looks a tiny bit sheepish. Aqua clears her throat, and pushes the hair from her eyes. ]

My teacher always stressed the importance of respect. I suppose it's a lesson that's hard to forget.

[withwisdom]

I was taught as much too. It's a good lesson to have, no matter who you speak with. So please, don't feel the need to treat me by my title. I imagine you are not from Hyrule, my country, and so you have no obligations to me.

[ and really, she doesn't want that. she much rather have a friend than a subject. ]

[shotlocking]

No, not at all. I'm not sure I've ever heard of Hyrule, even.

[ It would kind of suck to refer to Zelda with perfect manners. In a way, she feels a sort of connection with her... and she hopes they can be friends above anything else. ]

[withwisdom]

And I am sure I have not heard of your home then either. [ her brow furrows, feeling a tug in her heart for the loss of her home. ] Pulled away from our lands, and brought into a cursed realm. Perfect strangers... even so, we must act together. Unity is our only strength.

[shotlocking]

[ Away from her land.... She doesn't nod at that, because technically, it's not true. To be honest, she's kind of glad she was brought here. But at the same time, how can she get back to the realm of light to save Terra? To save Ven? ]

I can think of far worse places to end up. Still, you're absolutely right. Maybe it's a sort of blessing we have people to live with--to create and foster bonds, to make our time here more bearable.

[withwisdom]

Times of strife are always better with those you can share your sorrows with. And your joys too. [ to just have someone, anyone, who will listen. she spent so many long years alone... ] Is it wrong you think? To be happy that others are here - to not be alone?

[ guilt, an old friend, a familiar lurk in the heart. ]

[shotlocking]

[ Zelda's question gives her pause. She knows she shouldn't get comfortable here; she has so much to get back to in the realm of light, so much to do, so many people to help, and yet... ]

No. I don't think it is. [ The honesty of her answer almost surprises her, especially in response to someone she's only just met. ] I've been alone for long enough that I feel relieved, more than anything.