Duress viz, clothing.

[ordonian_hero]

[His equipment was gone. Everything, including the Master Sword, had gone with the wind.]

[Link wouldn't have minded the change of clothes too much, if said change hadn't included a variety of aspects that made the outfit somewhat uncomfortable to bear on several levels. The dark, ominous coloring of the tunic, along with the red earrings and

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[jewel_of_hyrule]

[Jewel was on her way to the castle, to visit the library, and came to an abrupt halt when she saw the dark-garbed figure. They were usually -- not always, to be sure, but with some frequency -- to be avoided. Then she did a rather comical double take as she realized that the person inside the clothes was none other than...]

Link?!

[She blinked a few times, studying him.]

So it happened to you as well. Everyone at the inn was hit; so were many of us. Though I have to admit...you really don't look bad at all.

[Look close enough and you might notice that the princess is blushing faintly.]

[ordonian_hero]

[This was entirely unexpected. He knew he would by necessity run into someone eventually, but he hadn't expected the first person to see him like this to be Princes Zelda. And, even more peculiar, a Princess Zelda in a red tunic and hat set in the design of the ancient hero's clothes. Link stared at the Princess in surprise before seeming to snap back to himself.

He did his best to smile and cover his discomfort, but it only half worked. Her compliment seemed be the push required to nudge the rest of the masking expression over the edge- Link's smile quickly became a little embarrassed and he was quiet for a moment and slow to respond. He was grateful for her kinds words, of course... but at the same time, he would have much rather had his own clothing.]

The Master Sword has been taken from me... [He said, looking up at Zelda apologetically. Link had every intention of going to retrieve it, but it had only just been taken. The shock of the change hadn't quite worn off yet.]

Do ..any of the people at the Inn know how this happened?

[jewel_of_hyrule]

Yes...apparently, our friend the wind sorcerer had a spell go...ah, somewhat awry. [She delicately avoids mentioning exactly what Vaati had been trying to do with the spell, as it seems impolite to do so.] The good news is that eventually, the magic will wear off and we'll be restored to our own garments. Personally, I'm looking forward to that; my clothes are not uncomfortable, but I find I do truthfully miss trousers. [She smiles wryly.]

I'm afraid there's no use in attempting to either remove any of what you're wearing or attempting to retrieve that which is your own. Look...

[She pulls off the red cap and tosses it to the ground, only to have it reclaim its spot on her head within three seconds.]

Most of us are suffering from embarrassment at worst; the one I pity is Shad. His glasses were taken along with his clothing, and the poor dear can hardly see at all.

[She pauses then, and peers curiously at the Triforce choker.]

That's...familiar. I have seen that before; I think I know with whom your garments have been

[ordonian_hero]

[Well, well, then. A little light on the clothes' previous owner is certainly something that has Link's curiosity.]

Is it another of the Links?

[jewel_of_hyrule]

Not exactly. There is, in my experience, at least one Shadow Link in this Hyrule who is of a goodly nature -- in his own world, he helps Link defend their Princess Zelda. I encountered him on his first day here, gave him dinner actually, and I remember that he was wearing that choker. It's so distinctive that I couldn't help admiring it. So the Master Sword is, at least, in comparitively safe hands; he's very loyal to his own Link and Zelda, I don't think your property is likely to come to harm.

[ordonian_hero]

[That was certainly a relief to hear. Link visibly seems to relax after a moment or so (save for the occasional shifts of discomfort, but those are entirely outfit-related.)]

[There was one question remaining that tugged at him, though.]

But isn't the Chosen Hero the only person who can use the Master Sword? [This title was, of course, Ancient Hero inclusive.]

[jewel_of_hyrule]

Oh, yes, to my knowledge. I don't believe he would be able to make use of it; I only believe, from what little I know of him, that he will accord it the respect he deserves while it's in his keeping. [She smiles reassuringly.]

What of your friend? Has Ilia suffered the effects of the spell also? For her sake I hope not; she has troubles enough without the additional bewilderment.

[ordonian_hero]

[He frowned softly at the mention of Ilia. Ever since he'd met her in Castle Town and brought her to Kakariko Village, he hadn't seen her again. They both had been busy.]

I don't know.. I haven't seen her since the village.

[jewel_of_hyrule]

[She frowns also.]

We should perhaps find her; I don't like to think that she's been involved in this, and become even more frightened by yet another abrupt shift in her reality -- poor thing. I'll help you look. Do you have any idea where she took up residence?