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A LEGEND OF ZELDA ROLEPLAY
Welcome to ZRP! We are an non-canon RP site with an original tale taking place within the
lore of the Zelda Franchise. While the events of this site are entirely non-canon, we take advantage of the canons of other
games to explain its story fully. As such, we are located within the CANON TIMELINE. Do you like what you see? If so, feel free
to register and join our story! If you have any questions, you can join our discord, located in our important links!
11/12/21 GUESS WHO'S BACK! Thats right, and we are cooking up a good ol reset for everyone. Please be patient as things will be a little empty as we archive. Pop into discord if you have questions.
[attr=class,accentborder2 accenttext2] You can stand me up at the gates of hell
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[attr=class,accentborder2 accenttext2] But I'll stand my ground.
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I won't back down
[attr=class,bulk] Koru nodded along politely. It seems the Zora Princess, in fact, had a lot of thoughts on her position. Perhaps too many for her to sit with comfortably. It was now that Cetus’s true individuality was shining through. Every ruler had their own perspective on leading and here the princess was trying to find her own. Granted, the child was still a fledgling, fighting against the opposing ideas around her and too insecure to push decisively in one direction. But it was that skepticism, that hesitation to stop and consider that was catching the chietian’s interest. [break][break]
Already that quirk was paying off. While Koru had quickly recognize the intelligence Cetus held, her initial impression of the girl was none-too flattering: emotionally stunted, seemingly inept or at least untalented, easily influenced, and transparently vulnerable Part of the reason why she pushed to start a relationship with Cetus was simply because she showed herself to be an easy target. If the girl blossomed into a capable person with real value to offer her then that was great. If not, it wouldn’t be too hard to use their relationship to her advantage one way or another. Having control over one of the rulers of Hyrule would have endless uses. That idea, however, proved to be an underestimation when Cetus challenged her back. [break][break]
The opening Koru had given Cetus hadn’t been particularly well hidden nor difficult to contend. It was a soft underhanded pitch of a test, it was more than she had anticipated all the same. Cetus identified her hypocrisy and went on to address her attempt at manipulation. It had caught her off her guard and impressed her in a way that deserved praise. Thankfully, Koru was more or less an open book so she had no qualms discussing her ambitions. Perhaps Cetus wouldn’t be so befitting as a puppet after all [break][break]
”You’re absolutely correct,” she beamed sincerely. ”I have no concern for Zora’s Domain or its wellbeing. I certainly don’t have anything against it. I wish you all the best of luck, but whether or not you succeed has no effect on me.” Her cool-headed mannerisms remained unchanged. She spoke about her indifference with fellow royalty as well as any other topic. “What I am interested in is what Zora’s Domain can bring to the Rolling Ridges, namely intel and influence over Hyrule’s political affairs and maybe some wine while I’m at it.” she joked honestly with a chuckle. “However, that doesn’t mean I have to pursue a malicious means of obtaining it. It seems obvious to me that the best way to reap the most reward from our relationship is by encouraging the growth of Zora’s Domain so that it may come to possess the things I want from it. In the same way that the best way to []. Oftentimes the simplest course of action is the most effective and it does me no good if you collapse before anything comes of our agreement. Mind you, there are other ways I can go about things, but this is the method I’ve chosen and I think you’ll find it mutually beneficial. To that end, I would have you steer clear of the Hyrule Royal Family.” [break][break]
She’d modestly avoided bringing up her feelings on the matter out of consideration until someone prompted her. Now that she had, there was plenty she could say. Although, she still chose to keep her opinions softer than usual. ”I think they’re heedless, self-important rulers that Lybranna would be best to pull away from, lest we be pulled down with them and I fear that you’ll likely be tripped down the same sinkhole. Queen Zelda has come into power under more difficult circumstances than most, but this doesn’t change her inability to take control of her kingdom. Quite simply, Hyrule has nothing to offer Lybranna and it doesn’t seem like it has much to offer you either, aside from trouble.” she mad many more thoughts on Lybranna’s relationship to Hyrule and the wasted aid they were currently supplementing them with, but she didn’t want to get angry and scare the doe in front of her [break][break]
”I, on the other hand, have extended my knowledge and expertise as an investment in your country that I hope will eventually help my own. I consider this to be of equal worth and you do as well since you’ve already expressed as much. With that in mind, I think it’s a fair trade. You may accuse me of being biased, but I don’t lie much. Even still, in respect to your independence of thought, you’re welcome to disagree and voice your own opinion” Koru eyed Cetus with a weighty curiosity. If the child had been looking for missing puzzle pieces, then she was happy to fit them into place for her. She was confident that her stable country would make a better partner than Hyrule’s turmoil regardless of how you looked at it. But even without comparing the two, she hoped Cetus was able to recognize the potential assets the Rolling Ridges and Koru herself could provide. If that wasn’t self-evident then Cetus couldn’t be the protege she’d wanted anyways.
[attr=class,accentborder2 accenttext2] You can stand me up at the gates of hell
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[attr=class,accentborder2 accenttext2] But I'll stand my ground.
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I won't back down
[attr=class,bulk] Koru perked up at the sounds of tea. Not to be basic, but she really had liked it and she’d be happy with another glass. She followed Cetus back into her parlor and returned to her seat. ”I would love to. I’ve actually heard recommendations for Zoran wine. People say it’s much more flavorful than other alcohols. But of course it’s not my intention to overstay welcome. You’ve already been a wonderful conversation partner.” As well as interesting potential acquisition. Between the zora queen, the Hyrulian goron tribe, and perhaps the Holodrum tribe in the future, Koru was making quite a few friends across the Isles. It was kind of odd. She’d never spent a lot of time on diplomatics before this. Usually, she was more of an isolationist, valuing self-reliance and all that. But now, she might end up procuring all the major rules in Hyrule without ever meeting the royal family. That might be the ideal way to be involved with the kingdom actually. [break][break]
Although, that wouldn’t prevent Cetus and Zora’s Domain from being effected by the royals’ decisions. If she was going to gamble on the youngling, she’d want to start by protecting her against poor leadership. To that end, her first piece of advice was ”Begin thinking for yourself. It’s easy to rely on the wisdom of others and at your age, most people still do. However, you have a greater responsibility and were something to happen, much great consequences for mistakes. You value the wellbeing of your citizens, which is great, but keep in mind that no one else will share that goal with you. “ She spoke frankly. Her eyes wondered around the room and she wore an almost bored expression. Yet despite her informality, she did consider what she was talking about to be important. ”Most of the ruling elite is motivated by greed or ambition, but even the benevolent few have their own people to care for, who’s prosperity they put above yours. The royal family is responsible for all of Hyrule’s citizens. If a situation were to arise that pitted the safety of zora’s domain against the rest of the kingdom, who knows that decision they would make.” It might also be good inspire some mistrust in Princess Zelda. It would help to be critical, whether or not Koru’s skepticism ended up justified. [break][break]
”That isn’t to say you can’t trust anyone. It’s not unreasonable for other leaders to have their own concerns and there is a lot to be gained from coordinating with other lands. I’d like to think us a good example. However, you will have to be the expert on what is best for Zora’s Domain, because you are likely the only one working towards that. There won’t be anyone you can differ to without risking your kingdom being shucked to the sidelines in favor of bigger priorities.” If Cetus wanted to start her critical thinking lesson now, she might question Koru’s motivation. After all, the chieftain had more or less just admitted that she isn’t interested in the welfare of her kingdom, which was true. She only proposed this relationship under the estimation that it would benefit the Rolling Ridges. Like she’d said, this was an investment and ideally investments paid out in the future. [break][break]
She paused to take a sip of tea, but thought of something as she was drinking, ”Mm! and that goes for moral quandaries too. I fear it may come across as cold or uncaring, but there’s a difference between being nice and being a good ruler. Oftentimes they are the same thing, but not always. Much like being a parent, it’s sometimes best not to give the citizens exactly what they want or be more aggressive, but you’ll have to decide the extent yourself, of course.” She returned to her drink. She was more interested in being a guide than just telling the girl what to do. Unless she starting moving in a direction that would act against Koru’s own self-interests, then Cetus was really free to do whatever she wanted, good or bad.
[attr=class,accentborder2 accenttext2] You can stand me up at the gates of hell
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[attr=class,accentborder2 accenttext2] But I'll stand my ground.
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I won't back down
[attr=class,bulk] The honorable chieftain returned the smile with equal respect. She liked Cetus. The queen was young and very naïve. She sounded as if she had thought of the some valuable thing she owned, her life, and assumed the best thing she could do was sacrifice it for her people. Her efforts were a touch misplaced, but it was clear she truly desired to fulfill her role to the best of her ability. That was an admirable goal. Koru estimated that her biggest disadvantage was simply a lack of opportunity. She hadn’t yet started make her own decisions or question authority figures even now that she had become one. Whether it had to do with her young coronation, Cetus hadn’t gotten the chance to grow into her position, to learn the ins and outs and processes. The first couple years were certainly the most difficult, but with the right direction, the Zoran queen could make an esteemed leader. She just needed a bit of guidance and luckily, Koru knew someone whose perspective on ruling she valued highly. [break][break]
”The feeling is mutual, sister! I hope you do come to visit us in the Rolling Ridges. I think you have the potential to become an amazing queen and I would like to encourage that. I may not be very far into my own reign, but my five years still beats your one so I think I can be of some assistance.” She joked in such a way that her experienced sounded like an obvious advantage. At this point, Koru especially pitching her consultation services to the girl. ”I’ll guide you so that you can serve Zora’s Domain in the best way you can. Your people will find prosperity.” That being said, she wasn’t leaving a lot of room in her proposal for questions. She was stating more than asking. Cetus could still decline if she disliked the idea, but only if she realized that was an option. Often time, Koru was a bit too self-assured and assertive for people to remember that she could be refused. She dared to put a hand on girl’s shoulder. It was a more intimate gesture than was really appropriate in the setting. Yet, if her hunch was correct and there was the painful absence of a parental figure for Cetus, either out of cruelty or death, then she hoped the sign of affection and positive attention would seal the deal. ”Consider it an investment in your future.”
[attr=class,accentborder2 accenttext2] You can stand me up at the gates of hell
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[attr=class,accentborder2 accenttext2] But I'll stand my ground.
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[attr=class,charname accenttext2]
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I won't back down
[attr=class,bulk] Koru had to chuckle at her friend’s optimism. Her dedication to her heritage was admirable. While the chieftain did hardily agree that a bond between gorons was an excellent concept, she wasn’t so sure it would be as perfect as Reverie seemed to imagine. Perhaps she was being a bit idealistic, but she was hot off the heels of her victory so she should be granted that. ”You are much more than a runt these days, sister. Right now, you are a hero come home.” She pointed a finger semi-accusingly. She was maybe starting to get a bit tipsy. She’d had a good amount of beer samplers. She was misled by their size. ”If you’re looking to get involved in diplomacy to any extent, it’s not gonna help to talk about yourself in such terms. If you don’t believe yourself to be worth working with, why would the person you’re talking to?” [break][break]
She leaned against the bar counter. She wasn’t sure how long she’d be presence for the Jubilee, but she felt like she was getting close to the minimum amount of time to be polite. ” It’s not impossible to get in contact with Holodrum. I was more trying to say that it would be a great deal of work. I like your ideas. Being allied with other gorons could be very advantageous, especially if I want to avoid any inter-kingdom conflicts. But since I don’t know much about the Holodrum gorons, it’s hard for me to gauge just how much effort they’re worth. I don’t mean that I won’t do it, more that diving into a lot of political history and getting my nose cold in Holodrum without knowing their value is not necessarily very high on my priority list.” Koru gave a nonchalant shrug. She may like Reverie and enjoy her company, but the little sister was asking quite a lot of her and she was a busy woman after all. [break][break]
”Tell you what though; you’re really more devoted to this proposal than I am, so if you’re willing to put in the work to make it happen, then I’m willing to support you. If you want to make your way over to the goron mountains, I’ll provide you with supplies in exchange for a report on their potential advantages and!” She paused for dramatic effect. “The promise of a meeting to discuss the Pangoron Alliance, should Holodrum be willing. She thought guaranteeing Reverie cooperation would be a good offer for the girl. Getting a variety of figures of different backgrounds in one place together would be a difficult task, so having Koru committed to meetings would probably go a long way. For that, Koru would get insight on another tribe without having to involve herself directly to avoid complications. She might be buzzed, but she was still a smart cookie.
[attr=class,accentborder2 accenttext2] You can stand me up at the gates of hell
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[attr=class,accentborder2 accenttext2] But I'll stand my ground.
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I won't back down
[attr=class,bulk] Having finished her cup, Koru sat attentively holding her hands in her lap and leaning on one arm against her chair. Marriage was a tricky subject for nobles because it served both a government and societal role. While the idea of marriage as a purely romantic endeavor is growing in popularity as time goes on, it’s origin as a financial union hasn’t yet faded. Marriage does still involve legal processes such as the combining of wealth, the payment of dowries, the expectation of heirs, and so on. Many upper class families still only idealize things in those terms. After all, with proper arrangement, huge conglomerations of affluence and power can be collected into an ever singular family and she didn’t necessarily disagree with that perspective. As long as marriage remains a specific legal status, she thought it was only natural for people to want to utilize it to its logical end. It was the same in any other financial system, taxing or stimulus programs or elsewise. Someone always tries to game the system and so long as everyone consented it wasn’t really her business why people got together. However, there were some limitations. Why on earth Cetus’s family tried to set her up with someone so outside of the girl’s interest was beyond her. Surely, there was no hope of childbearing or anything of the like? It seemed obvious the arrangement wouldn’t work out and held no value, but nobles did strange things to satisfy their greed she supposed. It could be so tiring. They should at least put some logic and thought behind their actions, but that oftentimes seemed like too much to ask. [break][break]
Her puzzlement showed on her face as she thought through the ridiculousness of the situation. ”I hadn’t heard about the Labrynna zora prince having a marriage arrangement but I suppose I wouldn’t have.” She wondered if she should try and find more out about her water-bound neighbors. They didn’t seem keen on outsiders though. Maybe she could send a spy. Then again, if she got found out, it probably wouldn’t be appreciated. ”It sounds as if the union wasn’t meant to last though.” she downplayed the problem into a fairly agreeable statement, not wishing to comment too much on a situation she didn’t know much about. [break][break]
Cetus had earned a great many brownie points for indulging Koru’s sentimental homesickness. There was a lot of value in showing respect for someone’s culture, even if it was purely a tactical strategy. She didn’t get that impression from the Queen, but still. It was only fair she express the same consideration and thus followed at Cetus’s beck and call. Stepping out to the balcony filled her with a similar sense of grandeur that she’d get at home; although the view was much different. It was cool-colored in all the places the Rolling Ridges were warm. The underground dwellings were replaced with underwater homes and dusty trails were flowing rivers. It was truly a marvel of city planning; perhaps one that the Rolling Ridges could take some notes from. For all of her occasional complaining, Koru did find some enjoyment in seeing new places, if only for the novelty. She had a good appreciation for natural beauty and Zora’s Domain complimented their landscape well. [break][break]
She leaned against the rail and looked out with captivation, taking a long moment just to take everything in. ”It’s exquisite.” she said mesmerized. With a charmingly soft smile, she turned to her hostess, ”You have every reason to be proud.” She noticed the fondness in which the Queen observed her dominion. It was a little unlike the Arrogance she often felt looking out from her own throne room, but not entirely dissimilar. It was clear Cetus had a lot of pride in her people, that she was eager to fulfill her position, even if she seemed a bit confused by Koru’s standards. Still, it struck an interest in the chieftain. [break][break]
She stood up straight, placing her hands on her hips, and thought out loud, ”Perhaps… I would like to think so. I think most people would say so, but honestly, I’m not sure I’m so selfless. Not that it matters much. It is not my obligation to die for anyone. Someone may certainly kill me as a chieftain regardless of if I want them to or not. Powerful positions come with their dangers, but it seems no more relevant to ask me that than say a school teacher or a doctor. Perhaps they can find their peace with that, perhaps not, but ultimately neither of their occupations depends on it. Their jobs are to teach or to heal. It is a soldier’s job to die, to put their life on the line. It is my job to lead and I can’t very well do that if I’m dead.” She sounded a bit harsh, more so than she intended. There was a cold objectivity in her voice, as if she considered her statements to be clear truths, self-evident to anyone if they cared to look. It was Koru after all. Of course, she was certain she was right. ”There is a reason you are surrounded by countless armed guards, by the best trainer fighters handpicked for their loyalty, and by tall thick walls for defense, your highness. Your people do these things because they think you are best kept alive and they are correct. You saw firsthand what happened to Hyrule without a leader. You do your kingdom no favors by denying your value.” [break][break]
She too watched the zora citizens below, going about their days. They lived. They worked. They bought and sold. They immigrated and emigrated. From each other they sought tolerance and connections. Some would start families with children whom needed education and space to grow. From their government they sought safety and protection. They hoped for normalcy and consistently during the worst of times, assistance and accommodation. And during the best of times, they demanded freedom, opportunity, equality, social mobility, prosperity, and innumerable other things. She almost had to laugh. Dying is easy. Governing is hard; if you choose it to be. There were plenty of rulers who opted to delegate their responsibilities to others or twisted them to fit their own gain. She was the one making things difficult but trying to do a good job, but she guessed that Cetus was trying to make the same choice. ”Die if you want to, your highness, but if your purpose may be to serve your people, then there are much better ways to go about it.”
[attr=class,accentborder2 accenttext2] You can stand me up at the gates of hell
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[attr=class,accentborder2 accenttext2] But I'll stand my ground.
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I won't back down
[attr=class,bulk] Goddesses, she was still here, wasn’t she? Through what witchcraft or wizardry was she been tied down to his county! Koru had been expected to return to the Rolling Ridges days ago. She’d been so eager to get home after weeks away. She felt as if she could hardly remember the face of her craggy cousins, the slight alarm in their face whenever she spoke to them. Oh how she missed the mountainous winds, the sight on top of the cliff faces, the beautiful glow of the sun rays shining through the peaks. But no, instead her trip had to be delayed and she was stuck even longer in Hyrule, her most favorite kingdom on the Isle of the Old Gods. She’d kill for an actual goron dish right now. Death Mountain didn’t crumble their rocks the right way… [break][break]
So long as she was a hostage of Labrynna’s friendly relationship, Koru had to at least maintain appearances. She got along politely with everyone she spoke to while keeping her chagrin to herself. That also included being present for festivities. For the last 2 days, Koru had shown up to listen to a song, buy some food, shake some hands, have a drink, whatever got her through things quicker. It seemed like a very nice time for everyone, being united and back at peace after such a long period of turmoil. That was nice and all, but Koru really couldn’t be bothered to care. Today she resigned just to loiter close to the town square. She was propped against one of the nearby food stalls, absentmindedly eating something soft and covered in sprinkles, watching the people go by. Godesses, she was bored.
[attr=class,accentborder2 accenttext2] You can stand me up at the gates of hell
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[attr=class,accentborder2 accenttext2] But I'll stand my ground.
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[attr=class,charname accenttext2]
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I won't back down
[attr=class,bulk] Stealthily, Koru pushed a glass of beer towards Reverie hoping she’d drink it unconsciously. ”I would have to agree. Eleazar didn’t seem he handled power well and I’m not particularly fond of what he did to Symmetry City either.” There had certainly been revolts that turned out for the better. Sometimes a commoner really could do the job better than the ruling. However, those kinds of uprisings also tended a bit… violent. And not in a way that actually accomplishes anything. Koru would argue that lost lives are sometimes a necessary part of ruling, but not always and the invasion of Labrynna was definitely unneeded. They may have been aiding the royal family, but Eleazar’s little army never had a hope of standing up a whole other country that wasn’t going through the same problems as Hyrule. Surely, he had to have realized that. She sighed to herself. What a waste of life. [break][break]
”I haven’t talked to him, no. Last I saw he was entertaining your elders, but I would still be interesting in discussing a relationship with Chief Konungr.” The chieftess had been explicit enough about her disproval of Hyrule that I don’t need to repeat it here, but the same was not necessarily true of the Hyrule people. While Zelda was running around doing who knows what, the Death Mountain gorons had taken measures well into their own hands. She was thoroughly impressed by their efforts to house refugees while defending their borders until they were able to coordinate an organized attack on the castle. And she didn’t even know about the dodongo problem. Additionally, Koru did have to biases. She was first and foremost familiar with the hard hide of a goron before anything else. Humans and hylians she worked with, but the zora of her land were isolationists. Labrynna had no kohkiri or gerudos, few sheikah or rito. She was intelligent enough not to make assumptions about any of those groups, but it was still easier for her to trust what she knew. She could judge a goron without having to analyze possible misinformation. ”Death Mountain holds a strong people and it seems self-evident to me that they would have a lot to offer in an alliance. We’re anything to come in the future, I would be happy to have you and yours on my side as allies.” [break][break]
She paused to take a drink, ”I’m still not so sure about Holodrum. The Rolling Ridges haven’t been in contact with the gorons there since they were cast out who knows how long ago. I’d have to look into why that way in case there was a good reason. That is assuming they don’t harbor any sort of grudge. Reconnecting our tribes would be a historical feat. “ Hyrule gorons Koru could see the value in. Holodrum gorons, she still needed a bit of a sell. She was as proud of her heritage as the next rock person. Obviously it would be better to have more gorons around, yet Reverie was suggesting a much larger undertaking than she was certain of. She wouldn’t even know where to find records that far back. She’d even heard that Holodrum gorons live in the snow. How odd!
[attr=class,accentborder2 accenttext2] You can stand me up at the gates of hell
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[attr=class,accentborder2 accenttext2] But I'll stand my ground.
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[attr=class,charname accenttext2]
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I won't back down
[attr=class,bulk] Koru nodded over her tea understandingly, ”That is to be expected. Perhaps I should be a bit more sympathetic. I am a guest here after all. I’m sure the whole affair has had an unfortunate effect on your people. Inheriting the throne at such a young age while the country is in disorder must be a difficult card to be dealt.” For all Koru’s complaining about Labrynna’s relationship to Hyrule, her heart wasn’t made completely of stone like her skin. It was still sad to see people fall to misfortune and Queen Cetus certainly had a heavy cross to bear. She wouldn’t prioritize the zora’s needs above her own, of course. The resources she had access to were meant for the betterment of the Rolling Ridges. She wasn’t necessarily against generosity, but it wouldn’t be virtuous to give away what was collected from the goron tribe to someone other than those whom paid into it. A trade agreement or an investment was one thing, but charity was another. If the goron were to show support for such a cause, she’d be willing oblige with whatever the public wished to do with their own funding, but as of right now no such movement existed in the Rolling Ridges. Koru considered for a moment donating out of her own assets, but ultimately wasn’t quite so moved by Hyrule’s plight. ”Your faith in the royal family is kind. I hope they are able to live up to that expectation. I know Hyrulians are a resilient people.” After all, if all went well and reestablishing Zelda wasn’t a mistake, then they should be just fine on their own. [break][break]
The chieftain sat back in her chair, somewhat disappointed. She wouldn’t dismiss Cetus’s words, but it wasn’t exactly the intel she was hoping for. Maybe she’s heard that Zora’s Domain might not approve of the Royal Family and gotten excited. Or maybe she’d missed her chance to speak with the Queen whom held that opinion. Then again, the fact that she’d been through two leaders who do have trust in Zelda might mean that the princess was actually a capable ruler and Koru had only seen a bad side of her. It wasn’t impossible, but she wasn’t so sure yet. Princess Zelda had only just been crowned. She may have even less experience than the teenager in front of her. She may one day grow to become an esteemed ruler that Koru would be happy to deal with, but she was not right now and that was the problem. Hyrule was a lovely country with great tea, but it had been a charity case for too long. Labrynna had been pouring aid into the country; expending valuable supplies collected from her and the people she’s responsible for on something that was not giving back. Instead, Hyrule’s failure to handle its uprising had caused their problems to bleed over to Labrynna. Symmetry village was overtaken by a Hyrulian revolve. Her gorons had to put their lives on the line to help contain situation. She had no hostility towards the nation. Misfortune like this was to be expected with a young ruler and foreign interference. Zelda had tried to atone for the damages she allowed to come to Symmetry village and Koru appreciate that, but it wasn’t close to breaking even. There just wasn’t any value in continuing to support a country that could not offer anything in return. If Hyrule grew from is disgrace back to its former glory, then they could open relationships back up then. But until, she thought it would be best for their relationship to take a break. Labrynna had its own problems to worry about. [break][break]
Koru was pulled out of her thoughts by her hostess. A laugh or two escaped her lips as she put her attention back into the conversation. ”You’re curiosity is endearing, your highness. Labrynna and Hyrule are allied so you are able to visit anytime you like, you know.” She considered how to describe her to the young girl. ”I think you would find it to be very different from what you are used to, where I am from anyways. There’s not so much clear blue cascading water in the Rolling Ridges. It is much drier, but that can be attributed to a difference race and it is still beautiful in its own right. The mountain range is colored red like rust and it’s dust will mixed with the sunlight to make a rainbow of colors. Our mountain is not volcanic like Death Mountain, so were safe to carve into it as deeply as we like for mining or homemaking. In fact, there are dozens of carved gorons everywhere you look. And from the mountain’s peak, even just the balcony of my throne room; you can look over the entire nation.” She sighed to herself nostalgically. She did so long to return home and not have to worry about anything outside of her small sphere of influence. Alas, things kept coming in and disrupting the her efforts. [break][break]
”Thankfully, my tribe was a fair distance away from any kind of conflict so we were not in any threat of harm, but we shall see what changes the future brings. We too have only recently acquired a new ruler. The late King Galadhion certainly let his greed near the end of his life, but for the most part his reign was still peaceful. He promoted wealth and prosperity, mainly for the upper class, but not wholly. His son King Perseus, however, is an unknown case. We in Labrynna never saw much of him before his father’s passing. I don’t know how involved he’s been in governing until now. He doesn’t seem to have his father’s temperament, which is good, but I fear he’s a bit of a bleeding heart. He might be more concerned with appearing like a good, generous person to others than he is with leading a kingdom. The sentiment is very nice, but there’s more to ruling than throwing money at the commoners.” She shared a knowing look with Cetus, expecting her to understand what she was meant as a fellow leader. The specifics of Koru’s implications may be lost on the youngling, but at least it would come across that the goron didn’t entirely approve. ”We will simply have to see in time if he does actually put thought into his actions or not.”
[attr=class,accentborder2 accenttext2] You can stand me up at the gates of hell
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[attr=class,accentborder2 accenttext2] But I'll stand my ground.
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I won't back down
[attr=class,bulk] Koru sat patiently as Cetus considered her question. It was concerning to her that the Queen did not already have an opinion on this matter. Hyrule’s royal family did have a fairly large influence over Zora’s Domain after all. Not to mention, they’d only recently come to the end of a uprising that removed them for a period of time partially due to unpopularity let’s call it. However, Koru also took note that Cetus was a very young ruler. Age was not necessarily an indication of one’s capabilities as a leader, but it also wasn’t not that. The zora was a lot smaller than Koru was when she took the throne and zora lived longer than gorons too. It potentially made sense that Cetus had not thought critically about the Hyrule’s sovereign either because she hadn’t yet thought much for herself or because she simply hadn’t had time to yet. Either way, Koru still valued her input. [break][break]
The tea was delicious by the way. It was soft and sweet with a little edge from some of the spicier ingredients. The Rolling Ridges didn’t partake in tea very much. They preferred beverages that were often less digestible to other races: dark, crunchy brews of imported coffee or mineral water with an emphasis on the mineral, if you catch her drift. What tea they did have was intended more for medicinal purposes than as a nice drink, lots of rocks, tree bark, moss maybe. They had an excellent rushshroom brew that encouraged speedy recoveries from all manner of ailments, but its taste was… harsh. This however was more pleasant. ”I think I much prefer the Gerudo’s offerings actually. Gorons don’t have much that is sugared or honeyed like this.” In fact, they didn’t really have a lot of sugar or honey in general. Not many species of cane or bees in the Rolling Ridges, too warm, dry, and high altitude. The region grew some wild mint, allspice, and sage. Mainly, they mined a lot of rock salt and goron spice. What’s goron spice? Well its spice for gorons of course! ”I might like to take some home to share if you have extra. I think my elders would quite like it and it’s only right to return from a foreign country with new thing, but we can discuss that more later.” She gave a side eye to one of her assistants, whom nodded to promise she would remember to look into the matter in the future. [break][break]
Koru was almost sad to put down her cup to respond. Thankfully, the only thing she enjoyed more than this cinnamon was listening to her own voice. ”Well I never had any suspicion of your loyalty. If that was an issue, I imagine it would have come to prominence during Zelda’s absence. I’m simply trying to learn more about the Royal Family’s merit as sovereigns. My King has been contributing to the Hyrule since it first began running into trouble some time ago. It was a fair effort since his father had helped to start the conflict.” The late King Galadhion had been an intense monarch to be generous. The validity of his decision was really a second concern to the impulsive and temperamental state he made them in. As any ruler, his legacy went beyond his ill will towards Princess Zelda, but any Labrynnian would have trouble defending his interference with Hyrule’s power structure. It wasn’t terrible idea to use his brief time watching over the country to sink some good hooks within it. The arranged marriage was a good way to make a connection between the ruling parties, if you were one of those power-hungry types like Galadhion was. Koru didn’t personally have the same interest expanding the countries territory without reason, but still, if his intention was to annex the land, the plan had not been flawed at conception. It was his overzealous execution that helped to push Hyrule into a power vacuum that had only recently been completely filled and eventually ended in his death. [break][break]
”However, quite a bit has happened since then and only now has Hyrule come to any place of peace again.” That all being said, Galadhion had not been the only contribution factor nor was he the only problem Hyrule had. Zelda’s faking of her death, the military defeat when defending the Kingdom, the (unknown to Koru) manner in which Zelda had lost her people’s respect, and eventually the Rouge Order had all come and done even after Labrynna began supporting it. That wasn’t even to mention Hyrule’s tendency to attract divine wrath of all kinds. The fault of any of these issues was unclear, if it could be assigned to anyone really. The same could be said about a famine or drought and as unfortunate as any such tragedy was to see, it was still responsibility of a Kingdom’s rulers to respond in the best way possible. Koru did not pretend to be privy to all of the details of the situation, but even if Princess Zelda had made excellent political choices during this time, the fact remained that Hyrule had been mess for a very long time. It did not leave a very flattering impression. ”I’m worried about the country’s stability. Granted, I have only witnessed Hyrule in the midst of its disorder so I don’t know enough to judge it fairly. I was hoping someone else could supplement what I have seen to create a more complete picture. Perhaps, you’re too new to your position to much to offer, but it sounds as if you have your own concerns as well”
[attr=class,accentborder2 accenttext2] You can stand me up at the gates of hell
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[attr=class,accentborder2 accenttext2] But I'll stand my ground.
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I won't back down
[attr=class,bulk] In the midst of her drinking, Koru came to a very important conclusion. Beer is not good, not even traditional Hyrulian goron beer. The poor grain water had fermented for years, just to become this. Alas, what a tragedy. It almost brought a tear to her slightly intoxicated eye if not for Reverie interruption. ”Reverie! I should have known you’d be present to celebrate your military success.” Koru tapped one of her beer samplers against girl’s tankard before downing the rest of the horrible wheat liquid. Hopefully she could pawn off the rest of this to Reverie and get herself some bourbon or brandy. The Rolling Ridges had gifted Death Mountain some of their own alcohol for the occasion and instead to make use of it. [break][break]
Speaking of which, ”Our siblings are doing quite well. You can find many of them around the dance floor right now. You know how we are in the Rolling Ridges.” She cheered happily. Dance was a common cultural practice among most goron tribes, but the Rolling Ridges had a particularly big focus on it. Just about any good news was responded to with a good twist and shout. A Rolling Ridge goron would start a dance circle just for receiving their mail on time. They had festivals for it lead by the Graceful Goron, an honored position just for the city’s best dancer! So yeah, Koru’s troops were probably starting a line dance or a straight dance as they spoke. [break][break]
”And how about you, sister? How does it feel to return home in victory, surrounded by all the refugees you provided for?” Labrynna may not gain much from the reinstatement of the Hyrule royal family, but Death Mountain certainly did. She wasn’t going to deny revelry to a soldier come home just because she didn’t personally benefit from it. After all, Reverie was no more invested in the investments of Labrynna as she was in Hyrule. Perhaps she was kind enough to spare a thought for the well-being of others, but ultimately, it was not her responsibility. No, today was all about Hyrule, its perseverance through an illegitimate sovereign, and the triumph of the rightful rulers. Praise to the divine monarchy and the right of kings!
[attr=class,accentborder2 accenttext2] You can stand me up at the gates of hell
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[attr=class,accentborder2 accenttext2] But I'll stand my ground.
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I won't back down
[attr=class,bulk] As Koru strode through the corridors of the Zora Domain, she held her head high with the same self-assurance she’d possess in her our court in the Rolling Ridges. The elegance of Cetus’s display paired well with her own commanding presence and fed her ego well. She was dressed well in silver plate mail. It was a minimal set meant only for decorative purposes as opposed to combat and thus lacked the bulk an effective armor would need. Instead, it was light and well fit so as to give her a formal, yet still domineering. It was also fitting as the engagement that brought her to the country in the first place had been a militaristic one. You wouldn’t even guess she didn’t often conference with other leaders of equal power to herself. She was accompanied by a couple assistants in case she were in need of anything. Her advisors had also suggested she bring a gift of some kind, but she hadn’t felt it sent the right message. Her visit today was to offer the Zora Queen anything. Labrynna had already given Hyrule quite enough, she felt. [break][break]
Upon entering the meeting room, she was announced by one of her associates as ”The honorable Chieftain Koru Dugri” before returning the bow. It was a far different gesture than the hardy handshakes and hugs that her tribe exchanged, but she’d done her research beforehand. ”Thank you for your hospitality, your Highness. I’m sure it is an odd occasion to have me here, but I do appreciate your accommodation.” Truthfully, it was an odd occasion for Koru as well. She was vaguely aware that the relation between goron and zora in Hyrule was strained at best. However, Labrynna’s relationships were even worse. Although there was no open hostility between the races, the ocean zora were a secluded and intensely isolationist bunch. Even her fellow leaders in Labrynna knew little about the population. This audience with Cetus was already more interaction than she had with the zora of her own nation. [break][break]
Koru settled into a seat opposing Cetus, crossing her legs below the knee and placing her hands in her lap as if it were her throne back in the Rolling Ridges. Without any more small talk, Koru introduced her topic of discussion ”I am interested in your thoughts on the ruling family of Hyrule.” She smiled charmingly, unconsidered with the abruptness of her statement. She answered the Queen’s question with a more straightforward honestly than one would usually except in such a setting. While it couldn’t be described as entirely rude, she had implied there was an unflattering opinion to be had on the Hyrule’s newly reappointed royalty. This was, of course, because that was the opinion Koru had of Princess Zelda and her siblings and she felt no need to be coy about it. After all, it was not uncommon for one political leader to speak with another in order to gain insight on their realm. [break][break]
As part of Hyrule’s allies, she’d been loosely involved in the Kingdom’s troubles for some time now, but it would be folly to rely singlehandedly on her own impressions. Thus she was seeking the counsel of someone more familiar with the country and its ruling class as a whole. She’d been close enough to Chieftain Konungr to be familiar with his thoughts without needing to ask. The Jubilee alone made it apparent he was quite ecstatic to have the throne returned to its previous owners. Whether this was a blind loyalty or a more nuanced opinion was unknown. However, Zora’s Domain stood in contrast to this, signaling that it was potentially more critical of the Hyrule family. As such, Koru had sent her courier Queen Cetus, curious cause the zoras to hesitate more than the region’s goron. Asking was undoubtedly the simplest way to gain that insight. To dance around the point would only create obstacles to her goal and the two of them were already such busy people.
[attr=class,accentborder2 accenttext2] You can stand me up at the gates of hell
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[attr=class,accentborder2 accenttext2] But I'll stand my ground.
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I won't back down
[attr=class,bulk] Hyrule and Holodrum were not the only countries represented at this gathering. As the last third of the forces sent against the Rouge Order, Koru Dugri was present as one of the representatives of Labrynna, along with a selection of a soldiers currently mingling with others. Truthfully, Koru did not get the chance to visit Hyrule often. While the kingdoms have been on friendly terms for years, there’d simply never been a reason for a chieftain to make her way over. Koru had plenty to keep her busy, but diplomatic missions were not usually one of them. Not that she would be very interested in conferencing with Hyrule, disaster of a nation as it was. Nevertheless, she had participated in the battle so she was here looking her best. [break][break]
Koru had ample opportunity to dress up and she always used them to the fullest. Tonight she donned a vibrant red fitted dress with a halter cut neckline. She was draped in a golden caped hung over her right shoulder accented by golden ruby earrings. But of course the most attractive feature of her ensemble was her confidence. She wore elegance as well as she wore positions of power. It seemed she was just a natural at everything she tried. So far this evening she’d spoken casually to some creatures of different lands, preferring to avoid contact with any notable politicians. Although she was here for business and it was an excellent event to build rapport at, she wasn’t particularly interested in relationships with any of the attendees. Thus she simply made some sweeps of the different floors to make her appearance known so that at least people could claim to have seen her socializing. Currently, she was settled close to the bar sampling a selection of Death Mountain beers and being equal parts horrified and entranced. It was so plain and bad, but she couldn't stop.
[attr=class,accentborder accenttext] You can stand me up at the gates of hell
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[attr=class,accentborder accenttext] But I'll stand my ground.
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I won't back down
[attr=class,bulk] Quick footsteps echoed deep into the caves of the Rolling Ridge as Kuro marched through the halls. An entourage of retainers and advisors followed suit as she spoke allowed to herself more than to them. Each official listened attentively for her words on their area of authority and pealed off from the group as their tasks were assigned. Kuro didn't spare a look back at the dwindling accompaniment, secure in knowing that they were follow their orders to the letter. Her confidence came not from an authoritative hold on her people nor from righteous belief in loyalty, but simply from that fact that they had no reason not to listen to her when she was right about most things. Neither her pace nor her proclamations slowed even when she was left alone. She passed by the guards at arms as if she were a celebrity waited for upon baited breathe and when she reached the end of the corridor the large, metal studded doors were opened for her. [break][break]
Kuro's throne room was not particularly ornate or extravagant. The red stone was decorated in spare gold banners and carpet with torches hanging on the walls for use in the evenings. Her throne was stood in the middle of the chamber, raised slightly upon an elevated level to differentiate between her and the rest of the world. It's black goron steel was accented by gold rivets and embellishments. It would surely make an uncomfortable seat for any with a soft hide, but her tough skins felt perfectly content upon something as sturdy as her. Yet this morning, she did not stop and seat herself. [break][break]
Instead, she strode forwards to the balcony framing her throne room. Through the middle of the three openings, she stepped onto the mezzanine and postured over the rock carved railing. From the northernmost peak of the mountain, she could overlook the whole of Labrynna as if she were a figurehead for the country, carved into the mountainside itself. Many gorons below her went about their business all the way down to the foot of the ridge. A few noticed her positions on high outside of her throne room, perhaps even pointing her out to others. To them, she flashed a sharp, bright smile to reward their recognition. She turned a cunning eye towards to the capital building of Labrynna city, appearing almost hungry or vindictive. Even further beyond it lay the lands of Hyrule, lost in confusion and Holodrum, ever the isolationist. However, her aspiring didn't last long as she left her terrace almost as soon as she had come. [break][break]
Only now did she step to her throne. Although the piece was decades old, a legacy of goron past, she seemed to fit into the seat perfectly, as if it had always been made for her. Her charming menace only seemed o grow when position in such a place of command. Even still, an attendant ventured to approach her with request of an audience from residents of the city. With a smooth motion of her fingers, she signaled the attendant to show the visitors in. She reflected on the matter that may be brought before her. With the structure of goron government as it was, the issue could easily be addressed by several other more specific representatives before her and yet she did not shun conferences with those who asked for them. Kuro reasoned that any soul who wished to meet with her should be allowed to do so if they felt they could handle it. Her gaze was mighty and dominating as she watched citizens make their way into her presence and she spoke with the sound of all distant goron leaders behind her. "Who wishes to speak with the goron chieftain?"
[attr=class,accentborder2 accenttext2] You can stand me up at the gates of hell
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[attr=class,accentborder2 accenttext2] But I'll stand my ground.
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I won't back down
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I will stand my ground. As the eldest child of the Dugri family, Kuro was raised with the whole tribe's attention on her and it was an attention she relished in. Her upbringing was steeped in privileged. Some of which helped her to become a more accomplished and capable leader, but an equal amount being used to simply for her advantage. She is spoiled in this way and yet the worst of her conceit comes less from her entitlement and more from her willingness to use any and all benefits of nobility to keep her goals. Some would call this dishonorable. Kuro would argue the mismanagement of resources is a far worse crime, but this reasoning really only goes so far as to justify her arrogance. Even still, there are few among her detractors who would have openly opposed her even as a child since the only thing more infamous about her was her ambition. And she made no attempt to conceal her intentions or her methods. It was simply not a fight anyone would win if just by proxy of Kuro's position. [break][break]
Won't be turned around.Kuro's rise to power came naturally after the retirement of her father, the former cheiftan. Despite her character flaws and accused corruption, she has thus far made an agreeable leader. She makes informed and effective politial actions that benefit the tribe as a while and is always up front about her actions. Her motives don't seem to lie in greed or gluttony, thus as long as she creates no ill-effects for the public at large, she remains reletively undisputed. Although, gorons are easy to sway from one political move to another. At least, Kuro thinks so. [break][break]
And I won't back down. Currently Kuro is in her fifth year of leadership and has been watching the plight of Hyrule very closely. As she sees it, Hyrulean politics have yet to truly effect Labryanna in a significant way. While Labryanna's previous ruler used Hyrule's power vacuum as an opportunity to annex the country, nothing much came of it other than a death and a change in power. Any possible threats that may bleed over into Labrynna haven't come to fruition. For the time being, Hyrule's government has turned into civil unrest that has made the country all by unruly for any domestic or foreign power. As much she has no interest in wading into such a tumultuous situation and fails to see the benefit of providing aid. However, Labrynna officials continue to focus their attention on Hyrulean problems in a way that she outwardly opposes. If the situation continues to escalate and sacrifices more Labrynna efforts without clear profit, then her noncompliance may become less of conscientious objection and more of an active opposition.
Longsword: Crafted by Biggoron themself, Kuro wields an ornate two-handed sword with a crushing weight. It stands at about five feet long and a foot and a half wide at the guard. Bonecrusher, as Kuro will sometimes refer to it also has three pairs of extra guards on the sides of the blade. How this assists in combat is unclear, but it looks badass [break][break]
Fire Resistance: The goron race reside in hot climates, and were once a race of stone, making them immune to the touch of flames. [break][break] Tough Skin: Because of their evolution from a stone race, the goron people still retain a tough skin that allows protection from blunt weapons. [break][break] Weak to Water: Gorons do not bode well with water (however this does not mean that they cannot swim!) and will take extra damage from water type magic. [break][break]