[Complete] The Work Continues

[Emily]

((OOC: This thread exists to continue hanging storylines from the 'Rebuilding Hyrule Castle Town' event thread. Other characters are welcome to join at your leisure. There will be no official event posts pushing things along, this thread will exist only as long as everyone remains interested. Feel free to read the original thread here.))

Dawn once more crept over central Hyrule and the active construction site for Hyrule Castle Town. Plenty of beds had been supplied throughout Lookout Landing for the workers and volunteers, though others preferred to sleep in their own tents or bedrolls outside the established walls.

Reverie had gotten up early, energised after a full day of work, and arrived in Lookout Landing before dawn. She had asked the cooks in the refitted Emergency Shelter if they needed assistance with preparing breakfast, and had been tasked with carrying large sacks and boxes of bulk goods to and from their storage places in the tunnels. Though she understood her efforts in the reconstruction effort were productive and helpful, this was something that felt more tangible for her, and brought her some satisfaction.

When the other workers began arriving, they would find plenty of breakfast-related dishes prepped and ready for them.

[El]

The horizon burned a deep, vibrant orange as the sun arose, washing the sky's once placid blues with hues of blooming radiance. Rays struck at a few errant clouds. The outlines of distant mountains illuminated. And somewhere far in the distance, water shimmered, reflecting sharp shards of light which burned with a glow all their own.

It didn't matter where Gao was, rising to watch the sunrise was a cherished habit he tried to uphold more often than not. He sat now on the most eastern wall of the Lookout Landing's perimeter, secluded away from the growing hustle and bustle of waking workers in his own little bubble of simple pleasures. The sound of ice clinked in his flask as absently his hand twirled its contents, the fresh, sweet scent of chilled apple juice adding a sharp note of refreshment to the warmth that seared across his face. To feel the morning breeze in his hair. To relish in the glow. To hear the waking songs of fleeting birds as they scattered across the sky and the whisper of currents in the grass. Gao's eyes came to a close and he basked. Memories of Lurelin, cosy and colourful, stained his mind's eye. If he concentrated hard enough - allowed himself to sink in deep - he could even hear the clink of dishes, the hush of waves, the muffled sizzle of hot oil.

...Well, perhaps most of that was coming from the Emergency Shelter down below.

Gao had initially offered his help not long upon waking, but the staff insisted they had plenty enough already and he knew better than to interfere with kitchen business: an unplanned-for presence often just caused more trouble than it was worth. (Too many cooks in the kitchen was arguably worse than not enough, as his Dad used to say.) It was subtle, but he could catch whiffs of the freshly cooked breakfast now, seeping up from its open ceiling. It smelled delicious.

A warm bed with a pillow. A hot cob of bread. A roof over your head and friendly faces with which to share an amiable conversation.

A wonky, oddly wounded smile pulled at Gao's lips, but he buried it in a sip of apple juice, his breath misting as it struck the small shards of ice chuchu jelly that jangled within. Yeah, it was nice. Really nice. He hadn't realised until yesterday just how much he'd missed that sense of community: of belonging, of FEELING like you were contributing to something. So even though he had never planned to stay for long, here he was still, sat watching the dawn of Day 2. A silly bear of a Sheikah attempting to warm his heart with this fleeting opportunity of company and shared accomplishment.

Why then did he hesitate to go downstairs to get his breakfast...?

...

He wouldn't answer that.

He idled, procrastinated, letting time slip through his fingers as the sky continued to fill with light. Only when the tropical colours gave way to vibrant blue did Gao finally relinquish his self-imposed solitude. He braced himself with a deep breath. Capped his flask. Softly cleared his throat and upon forcing on his habitually friendly grin, at last made his way back down, eventually clambering inside the Emergency Shelter proper.

A young woman with striking blue hair was bustling around with the rest of the staff, but it wasn't her palette which caught Gao's eye. She moved with the efficiency of a soldier, easily carrying burdens without complaint and manoeuvring through the crowds with practised ease. As the Sheikah collected a plate, he realised then why they hadn't needed his help earlier: despite the woman's smaller stature she was clearly capable and had it all covered already. Commendable.

"Just meats for now, please." Gao smiled and nodded, as a cook dished out portions from hot, metal trays. "Maybe with an egg or few if you've got some ready. I'll force myself to eat some veggies for lunch."

[Chaosome]

Malon was never much of an early bird, though he wasn't quite a night owl either. No, the Rito preferred in between times, there was something welcoming about the morning rousing and the evening lull that struck a nice balance between the bustle of day and the stillness of night.

And so it was that, when the silence of the early morning started to bubble with the soft murmurs of waking chatter, the Rito finally dragged himself from the confines of his borrowed bed. He would whistle a soft tune, in time with the birds that chattered away in the bright rays of the morning sun. His pack, in which his clothes were neatly tucked, was slung over his back as he made his way off to whatever made for a wash area at the Landing.

A quick wash, dry, and a bit of soaking under the sunshine to really dry those feathers later, and Malon would get himself dressed for the day! He had the option, of course, to head back home to Kakariko and get new orders... but knowing his luck it'd have just been another bout of playing Lookout. Or more ironically getting sent back to help anyway! So playing it safe and smart he stayed the night!

Honestly who could blame him? The food was great, the company was fantastic, and despite the labour being difficult he felt accomplished! Like he was finally getting the chance to do something greater than being a watchbird.

Speaking, however, of fantastic company, as Malon made his way down into the Shelter, following his nose for the delicious scent of morning breakfast, his eyes landed upon Gao after briefly being distracted by the bright blue mane of locks bustling around. Birds and their shinies... A grin graced his beak as he made his way over and gave the burly Sheikah a gentle pat on the shoulder. "How ever will you grow big and strong if you don't eat your veggies?" he would playfully tease as he gathered up a plate himself. "Good morning, friend. Hope you slept soundly!" Malon himself got a little bit of everything: meats, veggies, and an over easy egg that he quickly stacked onto a leftover roll he also requested.

[El]

"Better than I've slept in a while, honestly: the exhaustion hit me like a ton of bricks once my head met the pillow." Gao chuckled: doubly-so at the jestful-dig of his indeed ailing-strength due to the lack of proper veggie nutrition. (His parents would be glad to hear that even out here he couldn't escape the ribbing.) He left out the tiny detail that he wasn't even used to the privilege of a regular pillow, let alone soft-cotton bedsheets and even a duvet! He'd found he'd kicked them all off during the night at some point, but initially? He'd wrapped himself up TIGHT, sucked right up in a suffocatingly warm cocoon of comfort. Incredibly impractical - dangerously so really - but without the risks of sleeping out in the wild, Gao could afford it. He still kept a dagger stashed under his mattress though.

"Hope the same could be said of you, bud! Well, the 'good sleep' part that is. Though-" A grin perked at his lips as he took in Malon's usual perky manner and bouncy jaunt. He was collecting a commendably balanced breakfast with a lustre of satisfied joy to his eyes. Yup. Very much awake and well-rested. "Guess I shouldn't be worried about that - you look as chipper as could be.

"Make sure to enjoy an extra portion of those veggies for me, yeah? I'll fight 'em later, though it might just be carrot cake - that counts right?"

Plate piled high with a carnivore's dream, Gao yawned big and wide as they made their way over to a nearby bench, his wide maw almost seeming to dislocate under the strain as his sharpened teeth and tongue alike glinted in the low light. "Oh fuck me," He grumbled afterwards, voice wispy and drawn out with the exertion. "I could do with a good stretch though. Do you think I could get one of those adorable lil Goron kids to stamp on my back a bit? That'd do wonders for the knots."

The cackle still reverberating in the pits of his throat, he shook out a generous amount of salt and began curiously picking through a selection of differently coloured sauce bottles nearby. "I'm thinking of heading over to help with the inn later. The-..." Gao paused to grimace, "The Hyli-Inn. What sort of kid comes out with such a dad pun-...

...

"Say, Malon-" He perked up, idly motioning a steak knife in the Rito's direction amongst the midst of his sauce-absorbed distraction, "Do you happen to know much about Teba? If you've visited Rito Village at all. He doesn't seem the type - knowing what little I do of him - but I'm wondering if Tulin got his sense of humour from him."

A pause. A dawn of realisation widened his eyes, "Or was it from his mother, Saki? Yeah, yeah! Saki does sound more feasible." They did say opposites attract: maybe the stern and gruff warrior of few words had married a woman who encapsulated the traits he lacked.

Still though, Hyli-Inn...?

Well, at least it's good to see folks in such good spirits. He smiled to himself. It's much better than it was before.

[Sav'saaba]

Lucke

Those who don't work, don't eat.

It was one of the many creeds that her clan lived by, a people eroded by the harsh elements that went hand in hand with living in the shadow of the northern peak of Mount Drena, the asshole of Hebra.

But they were not in Hebra anymore, as Revvie had so gently reminded her over and over, although the reassurance had not done much to lighten the weight of guilt that sat like a rock on Lucke's stomach, knowing well the toiler her best friend was.
In the hours of daylight that had remained, Lucke had done her best to earn her keep alongside her friend, hauling whatever she was told to haul.

Call it providence, call it instinct, call it what you want, but Lucke had been magnetically drawn to the construction site of the smithy. A forge was a place she was intimately familiar with, having been born the daughter of a master blacksmith, and to her eyes, it was shaping up to be a fine one. She had even gleaned that the Sheikah she had noticed eyeing a bunch of bananas suspiciously during the lunchbreak was a blacksmith himself, though they hadn't interacted.

As she ruminated she stretched herself, her movements fluid and feline, muscles warmed up after the light exercise she was wont to wake herself up with properly. She pondered about going for a run around the Landing's walls to truly get her heart pumping, but also as a means to avoid being caught skipping the morning meal again by a certain someone.

It was already much too crowded around the breakfast tables for her liking, as Lookout Landing roused and the volunteers and denizens eager to return to the restoration efforts. With her having to rely on mechanics, utensils and gravity instead of a tongue to get a bite of food down and lacking sensation at the floor of her mouth entirely, Lucke avoided eating in the company of most others like the malice of Calamity. Even the Rito with their rigid beaks made for more charming dinner company than Lucke did, she was aware. Perhaps she should ask the exceptionally long-beaked Penn for some tips, she thought, and cracked up, imagining herself like how she had once watched him scarf down a raw hearty salmon whole.

On second thought, never mind. People stared enough already.

Once, at a Stable, Lucke had gotten into a massive row with some shithead and his drunken cronies that made crass remarks about her attempt at consuming a bowl of creamy heart soup during a heavy thunderstorm. Soup had been a misnomer, for the dish had such a thick consistency that her spoon proudly stood upright in it, unbothered by gravity. When Lucke stirred through it, the spoon would surface troublesomely large chunks of voltfruit and hearty radish.

A sideshow attracted less spectators, or so Lucke had felt, aware of the attention trained on her conduct. If her current 'career' went tits up, she'd always have that prospect to look forward to.

Somehow the brute had caught wind of her having no tongue. The Sheikah duelist had gritted her teeth to keep the sheer frustration from bubbling up like bile.
A handful of kindling with an ember at its heart, awaiting one strong breath to burst alight, that was what Reverie had often likened Lucke's temper to. It had only become more volatile since escaping from the labyrinth. Lucke had drawn a sharp breath and willed herself calm.

"D'ya r...rheckon she... one.... one of 'em... those Yiiiga or shomething and she was puh-... puh... punissshed?" one of the men had slurred after their leader had pointed out her handicap. One corner of Lucke's mouth had curled with equal amounts of incredulity and amusement at the utter bullshit that spewed from these bastards' gobs. All of a sudden, she had fervently wished she was a Yiga clan member, for right about then, she could think of a fine purpose for one of those Mighty Bananas the Yiga supposedly went bonkers for.

"Nah, even a blasted Yiga grunt is able to eat soup!" the brute had sassed in reply, causing laughter to ramble through the motley crew like a sudden breeze. A flush of heat reached her scowling face as the swordswoman decided she had her fill of both the badgering and the soup, and she had leapt to her feet.

Thinking back on it, she should have taken her leave then.
Could have, would have, should have.

The memory of chunks of voltfruit and hearty radish dangling suspended from his beard and stewy soup running in thick globs from his hair and eyebrows was still a source of satisfaction, though, and she pressed her lips into a thin smile.

High up above, a bird of prey wheeled through the early morning sky that was shifting its colours like a Lizalfo. She should probably go and see if they needed her somewhere.

[Windwright]

The previous evening had been BUSY for Riva, and pleasantly so. He'd bulliedborrowed some workers to help set his roving inn up outside the main camp. He'd fixed the price per night at a reasonable 10 rupees, and considering all of his beds had Rito-down coverlets and stuffing, he'd gotten more than his fair share of custom.

He'd plated the dinner his patrons had paid for, moose and vegetable stew served in acorn bread bowls, from his own supplies, and set about drafting up suggestions for the -ugh- Hyli-inn, then he'd turned in for the evening on the cot behind his counter in case his guests needed him.

In the morning, he had his habitual tea and boiled a pair of eggs for himself, then set about tidying up the dining table and filling the salt and pepper pots for breakfast time. None of his guests had asked for breakfast, but Riva needed to use the last of the eggs before they spoiled anyway. Speaking of which, he checked his inventories against his stocks and put together a list of supplies he'd need to barter for before this evening, and a separate list to send for that could wait for quality supplies.

And by then it was time to throw together some mushroom omelettes for his guests, three eggs cooked fresh for each, and tune his concertina around an old Hylian lullaby while they ate. He'd need to tidy up when everyone left, but that would need to wait until his guests had taken their possessions anyway, and the music helped keep his fingers limber and would hopefully attract potential patrons for the evening, or people who wanted for errands to run.

[Chaosome]

"Glad to hear it!" Malon chirped, giving a little nod at the man. "I slept great, took me a lil bit to get there but that's normal." Truth be told he rarely had issues sleeping in most any bed. Maybe it was his feathers? Which of course begged the question, would he make a good bed? Probably a pillow at best, not quite the right size for a bed. But he bet if he was he'd be super comfy.

"Will do!" the RIto flipped a piece of broccoli up into the air and caught it in his beak as he followed along with Gao. "Honestly the question isn't if you could get them to, it's if you could get them to stop..." Malon rubbed his chin with a feather, the imagery of the Goron kids bouncing on poor Gao like he was made of chu jelly got a little chuckle from him. Yeah it'd work the knots out alright...

Perking up at Gao's questioning, Malon quickly swallowed the half chewed bite of egg and bacon that he had managed to shovel in before speaking. "Teba? Yeah I can't say I know him terribly well at all. I've only been to Rito Village a few times. Saki does seem like she has that sense of humour. But I've also found that sometimes, big gruff warrior types are actually giant teddy bears on the inside." he would nod sagely while giving Gao a playful side eye as he took a bite of sausage before continuing. "I wasn't fond of the name idea either, til I heard that it was Tulin's idea." on that he wouldn't elaborate more.

"Speaking of inns, seems someone did set up some kind of traveling inn just outside apparently. I already had a bed called dibs or I would've checked it out last night. Kinda impressed no one ever thought of that idea before." Malon paused in thought again, idly twirling a piece of bacon between his wingtips. "Imagine if there was a way you could summon them from afar so you could have a place to sleep no matter where you went... They'd probably need a whole army of mini-inns though... Heh. Minions with Mini-inns..."

[El]

PFT. Gao almost inhaled his tumbler of water rather than drank it, the unexpected snort of laughter instead rapidly escalating into a small coughing fit. An awkwardly small one. JUST manageable enough that he could wheeze - as if he were a whole 150years older - between pained, struggling clears of his throat that tried to play it off all cool, "I-I'm starting to-... heck-..." Another as-subtle-as-possible cough, a tiny tear to his eye as he grimaced out a grin. "-think puns are maybe just-... an inherent Rito thing."

He thanked a stranger nearby for their offered handkerchief and took a good moment to clean himself off properly: realising with 20/20 hindsight that he probably should've wiped his chest before his nose. Ah, whatever. The thing would need cleaning regardless. Another deep breath later and Gao was himself again, braced anew for the rebuilding of a Kingdom, but still red enough in the face that you wouldn't seem odd to assume his pet hamster had just died. "Y'know, speaking OF that place, I think I saw it myself the other night.

"I still had a bit of oil to left to burn, so I was doing a lap of the grounds to proper wipe myself out when I spotted a cosy set-up nearby. Honestly if I'd thought to take my wallet with me I would've happily passed out then and there: the fella bustling around looked like the real hospitable sort. Smelt great too."

...

"The food, I mean. Not the Rito innkeep - I didn't sniff the Rito innkeep."

It then also struck Gao that perhaps he SHOULD have taken his wallet with him; not because he would've then been able to indulge in sporadic spending impulses, (which in all honesty he was trying to avoid in the first place), but rather for safety. If there were enough business-savvy folks around to milk this thriving customer base, there were probably just as likely to be an opportunistic thief or few. The Sheikah pulled a face at that, awkwardly scratching a swell of heat at the back of his neck. Huh. Either he was always over-cautious or not cautious enough: where was the middle option...?

"Anyway, I think I'm not far off finishing, mate. You good? Or craving seconds?" Gao motioned his chin towards Malon's plate, a small impressed smile playing upon his lips at the Rito's consistently dexterous playfulness. The bear of a Sheikah had practically inhaled his mountain of meat, but even as he wiped some sauce off the corner of his mouth - already forgetting about the handkerchief - he realised he wouldn't be against even more, if the opportunity presented itself.

[Chaosome]

Malon blinked in surprise, someone was laughing at his jokes? A rarity! That one's getting filed away in the Feels Good bin. The Rito grinned back and gave Gao's back a firm pat to try and help the man breath again. "Easy there, don't think you're part Zora." he jokingly glanced around at Gao's neck as if trying to spot some hidden gills before chucking and settling back into his meal. Which granted, had already been half inhaled as well before he had to assist his friend with recovering from his impromptu grouper impression. Depending on the mission he was given, Malon didn't always have the luxury of a slow and steady breakfast.

"Yet." Malon chimed, pointing his fork skewered sausage at the Sheikah with a sagacious nod. "I've been told we Rito smell quite nice." No one has ever told him that.

Using the skewered sausage like a tiny makeshift broom, Malon would hold his plate up to his beak and brush the remaining bits and bites of his meal in, leaving not a drop or drip behind before snatching the sausage off with a little clack. A small quiet burp into his balled up wing and a pat to his chest later, he would nod. "Always craving seconds, but better I leave some for everyone. Don't wanna end up on tonight's menu yeah?" he'd answer with a playful wink as he stood up and stretched. "We could always swing by the inn before we get at it! It'll give me time to decide where I'll put in work today!"

[El]

Gao guffawed, "Well, if worse comes to worst rest assured your sacrifice will not be in vain. I won't let you go to waste." He shot Malon a toothy, ravenous grin, that perhaps would've felt substantially more menacing if his goofball nature hadn't already been exposed long beforehand. ...Or if the knife he waved wasn't just a blunt chunk of metal used for spreading butter.

A Rito making a jest about an unfortunate roast dinner death though? Not something the Sheikah had expected: by Dinraal's fire, a part of him actually felt BAD laughing at it, as if he'd been privy to a private joke he had no business in entertaining. Clearly Malon hadn't thought very deeply about it though, so Gao rolled with it, come what judgement may. Even 'blin tribes weren't in the habit of eating their own... thooough there was that one time when a surly silver moblin hogtied a little fella over a fire. Gao later discovered it was because he'd scarfed down the Honeyed Fruits he'd gifted that same moblin earlier in the day. If the scholar hadn't been so preoccupied trying to de-escalate the situation before the bokoblin was roasted ever redder, he admittedly would've found that amusing too: it just went to show how universal dessert-appreciation was, Don't Touch Other People's Snacks. 

"Dropping by the inn sounds like a good idea though," He added, moving on both physically and in topic as he stacked his dirty plate and cutlery upon a discard pile by the ladder. "A part of me wonders if the guy will actually just stay there for the remainder of this project: I can't imagine wanting to work TWO jobs simultaneously, just the volunteer labour is taxing enough."

After ascending back up to the surface, Gao discovered it was less his eyesight he relied on to find the pop-up inn, than it was his nose. Reflexively his nostrils had twitched, flaring when a nippy morning breeze brought with it the distinct aroma of freshly fried eggs and-...mushrooms? The Sheikah's nose wiggled once more, a slight tilt to his head as he processed the information with concentrated thought. Oooh, wait, maybe it was an omelette? It was a bit tough at first to separate the tantalising scents of the Rito's breakfast from the one they had just left, but their distance from the latter grew in a good time. Where foggy, sleep-deprived memories of last night failed, Malon himself stepped in to point Gao in the right direction, quickly clearing the way for an easy-to-follow scent trail which he happily - instinctively really - chased up on. And sure enough, there it was, standing pride and cosy, a whole damn inn!

"Oh shit," Gao visibly gawped. "Seeing it in daylight is something else: how in boko's breath did they manage to erect this here?! I thought there'd be a wagon or something nearby, but unless it's been parked up out of sight it doesn't seem so...?" But surely there MUST be one right...? Right? His eyes flicked this way and that, scouring their surroundings, but he didn't even see any wheel tracks close by.

Huh. Maybe I should've eaten more veggies - carrots specifically - seems like my eyesight is failing me.

[Rex Draco]

Sin | Central Hyrule | Arc I
____________________

Sin was neither a morning person nor was he an evening person. He was a rare creature, one who was perpetually tired of everyone's shit before it even began. He'd wake up just fine, but talking to him caused the corners of his mouth to downturn as a forlorn frown would sully his once neutral demeanor. Morning or night, little did it matter to him, for he was drawn down to to where everyone else flittered, by the scent of food.

Though despite all this talk of waking hours, it was unknown how Sin slept, or if he even did! He had worked late into the night, fueled by a full stomach and busy hands. They saw idle paws were the playthings of the Demon King so it was always best to keep up and at it. The monk knew a thing or two about lulling away his base desires for murder and plundering through more accepted activities like sleeping or eating, though catching Sin in such a vulnerable state was unheard of. It wasn't even known where he went come the day's end, only that he walked down steps to arrive where he was now.

Not a word of the morrow, or greeting the day, would pass his lips as he stepped into the greater lounging area where the food was laid out. He was not a picky eater, but his palette was quite thin. There were few foods he recognized beyond the porridge and toasted bread, and so many to try. He would pile his plate high in a balancing act one only had the opportunity to see while at the circus. It was nigh comical to observe the top heavy halibut balancing the stacked plate in one palm while he clenched a cup clasped in his other, sipping at the flavoured water.

Juice, is what they called it.

Nectar which was violently squeezed from the ovum of a plant into a receptacle. Now he knew what juice was, but it didn't dismiss his thoughts on the drink. It was no greater adventure than leaf water. No he desired something with more pizzazz. Juice was a tame experience in the world of these new and ever growing culinary delights. He arrived at the table and, without missing a beat, used his webbed foot to pull out a seat before planting his tush. The plate was set down and the, now empty cup, was set aside as he started to eat. Forget utensils, for they only slowed the act of eating. With precisely placed pokes his clawed hands slowly stripped the food tower of its layers before, chunk by chunk, the were consumed by the void that was his fang-filled maw.

After this he would be able to get back to work and learn more about these constellations and stars the bespectacled Sheikah sometimes spoke of. He would only take notice of the others when the tower was halfway consumed, allowing him a field of view across the way.

"Hng." He grunted in greeting. 

[Chaosome]

Chuckling, the Rito followed along with Gao as he dropped off his finished plate. The roast Rito joke rarely fails to get at least a little chuckle. Either a genuine one or and awkward one where the person doesn't know if they should laugh at that or not because is it rude to laugh at it if a Rito said it? Which of course in turn would make Malon laugh any time that happened. If you can't laugh at yourself, what room do you have to laugh at others really? And besiiiides, he's heard every playful jab he could. Bird brain, how they should've fried his egg, walking sack of feathers. They hurt a little at first but he learned in time that it was just how some people ribbed one another. He got in on it too when he caught on. Gotta know your audience though, can't go around calling everyone playful names! That's how y'get your gizzard got.

Moseying up and along with the Sheikah, Malon couldn't help an impressed whistle as well as the two of them came upon the rather surprisingly sizable pop-up. Truth be told he expected maybe a couple of tents and a wash basin, but this? Wowie zowie. "Where can I get me one of these, phew." the bird glanced up and around at the building, clearly impressed. He'd have stayed lost in his own little world for longer had a gruff greeting hadn't grabbed his attention. Blinking he glanced around for a moment trying to spot the source before his eyes landed on the Zora from yesterday!

With a bright grin, Malon would offer a wave. "Well hey there, good morning!" Golly, how much had that guy had to eat this morning? That leaning tower of food was clearly already mostly torn into and it was still an impressive sight! He really should've got himself some seconds. Meandering his way over, the Rito held out a wing in greeting. "Thanks for sharing the riceballs yesterday! Name's Malon, it's nice to meet you."

[Windwright]

Riva had seen to The Ledgers as soon as his last patrons had left for the day, and had moved on to his third least favorite chore, changing the sheets. Theoretically he should be volunteering with the cooks or overseeing the crew working on the inn, but consummate host though he was, Riva was a little leery of getting under the feet of quite so many rugose roustabouts. No, he'd check in in a day or so once the foundations had been laid and a wall or two erected to inquire as to which of his suggestions had been taken on board.

That just left his usual pursuits. Which was a roundabout way of reaching the conclusion that he should be focusing more on getting these sheets changed out so he could get a start on the scullery and laundry. Though perhaps if he dilly dallied long enough, a bright-eyed chick would peek their beak in and be gulliblekeen enough to take the task for a few rupees.

[El]

Huh. It was him again.

Gao gave the bestial Zora a short but genial nod of greeting in response to his... grunt. There was a warm smile upon the Sheikah's lips, but it slipped - just slightly - to one side in a mild grimace of bemusement when Malon immediately bounded towards him. No hesitation at all, eh? Not even time for a second thought. He almost chuckled at the sight, all the while silently hoping that the Zora found the Rito's spry eagerness as endearing as he did.

He was very clearly absorbed in enjoying his breakfast: the towering mound of already plundered food an impressive tribute to his appetite. And he was still going at it! Made sense though, given the guy's remarkable physique and the rumours Gao had caught of his work performance yesterday - of course he needed fuel, and plenty of it. ...But fingers crossed he's not against the sudden bombardment of conversation.

The scholar did not join Malon, instead opting to hang back as a silent referee in case things got out of hand. In truth Gao doubted it'd come to that: the Rito had already gone through a lot in his own unique upbringing, he could probably easily weather a gruff face or two and perhaps thaw a heart while he was at it. And though the Zora himself was intimidating, he'd already proven to be courteous in his own way - and not volatile. Still, a part of Gao was hesitant to leave them be completely. In an odd sort of way he realised he felt somehow responsible for any discord that may potentially erupt, so while he did not stare he kept one peripheral eye on the duo as he poked his nose around the remarkably large inn.

There were rooms - ROOMS! With walls and floors and laundry and pots and a breakfast spread with furniture and even pepper pots. The more he inspected the more he suspected, his initial reasoning which had been focused on logic instead swerving into the realms of magic. Nah, nah mate. Absolutely not. There was no way this just popped up overnight via the use of nothing more than a hammer, some nails and a cart. Unless he had a whole legion of staff stuffed in a cupboard somewhere, he supposed.

Though speaking of last night... the Rito he'd caught sight of back then when passing by the place didn't seem to be around. Well, not in his immediate vicinity. Perhaps that was for the best though, Gao realised, a grimace warping his face and twisting his chest with dread when he imagined the most likely outcome of if he HAD been. It was tough turning down a man, and worse yet when they were charismatic enough to lead their own business; their silver tongues spinning webs of impenetrable reasoning and their glittering eyes so sharp they immediately spotted all the soft spots of his heart.

Eugh, he didn't have enough fingers and toes to count the amount of times he'd been swindled talked into loosening his wallet for some cause or another. Support this small business. Help out my ma' by buying this. Did you know this is my best recipe yet - I'll give you a discount. Daddy said we can afford a trip to Lurelin if I sell all of this. How about just one more, I'll give you two for the price of one. Wait! You're the only customer I've had in days!

...Ngh.

He could hear his terrified rupees squeal, clinging onto their sparse brethren with socially-anxious trepidation. His savings had dwindled to such abysmal lows for so long, he couldn't reasonably allow himself to CALL them savings to begin with. How he hadn't already fallen into debt and gotten tangled up with some nefarious loan shark or another was a miracle really.

...

He should escape while he still could.

Curiosity sated, Gao quickly - quietly - slunk back to the entrance of the inn, silently muttering prayers to Hylia all the while. The innkeep must've been busy elsewhere in the residence, doing innkeep things which kept this business running as smoothly as it did. Fingers crossed it stayed that way until Gao and his tiny wallet and massive goofball of a heart had safely escaped the premises.

"I think I'm gonna head out, Malon." He patted the Rito on the shoulder as he passed them, pausing just briefly as he did to say his goodbyes: or to give the two a chance to accompany him, if the Zora had finished devouring his well-earned fill.

[Rex Draco]

Sin | Riva's Inn| Arc I
____________________

Sin was surprised how tightly hunger had gripped him. Badk in the Monastery meals were had once a day for Journeymen, but Acolytes like him were regaleated to a meal every other day. The meals typically consisted of rice, fish, and some wine. Their days were filled with hours of physical training in the ancient art of Ke Húm. Sword mastery and adaptation of the body for land were but some of the lessons held. What time that wasn't spent honing their physiques, the Zora spent their time in meditation where the ardent poured over holy scripture. The Holy Books consisted of accounts from members of eld regarding the blessings Naydra showered upon them for their service to the dragon god. These individuals had earned sainthood through their various deeds and achievements that disc to spread their beliefs. The first saint recognized was a direct ancestor to Sin. He was a powerful warrior who was said to carry a blade carved from the tooth of a dragon with armor made of its hide. He had been the one to start the order when his previous temple order collapsed due to corruption.

The sect started off with just one member, but as their strength grew So did their following. They become known as servants of Naydra, but because of their zealous nature they were quickly labeled as a cult that stood against the teachings of the Goddess and spirits. Sin, who grew up in their midst couldn't see beyond their teachings and so, as all his age were, he was sent away to travel and spread their beliefs while learning of the world and better understand what Naydra asks of them.

The first obstacle arrived in the form of food. This must have been the lust older members spoke of. The reason they ate so little in the Monastery was not due to lack of resources, but  to strengthen the body against want. The body craved food. Hunger was a natural result of life. It wasn't until one was at the precipice of hunger did desperation strike deepest. Starvation could lead a warrior to ruin, for a person who was starving was willing to do anything to dispel the pangs of hunger.

But it was so good.

When he put the food in his mouth he felt his fangs press down on the soft grains of rice.

Usually in the temples they were overcooked or mushy, but this rice was soft and springy. Fish back home was sometimes rotten, while other times it was too dry to chew without the mushy rice gumming it up. It was a right of passage to balance one grain and meat without over imbibing in the wine to wash it down.

The fish gathered by the innkeep was fresh. At least it didn't taste like fish, which was a telltale sign of its inedibility. The mackerel was a little smoky with a hint of tenderness Sin leaked the words to describe. The flavour, for him, was like nothing he experienced before. When it touched his tongue it tickled the tip with a bit of saltiness. As it rolled to the back it struck a remarkable sensation that caused his tail to stiffen and heels to pressed against the ground. It made him go Mmm.

Of course with his sour expression the sound rumbled out like a grunt which made him sound cross. He had continued eating, trying out the different flavours that encompasses the single plate. Sticky pancakes rewarded at the bottom while two thick links of smoked sausage served as the foundation for the layer of shredded hashbrowns. Ontop of it all was a nest of eggs, both boiled and scrambled. The layers looked to have a repetition to them, most of which he had eaten through by the time the others arrived. Only two layers remained of gods knew how many.

Malon greeted him with an energy the Zora could only describe as a morning bell. Sin was sure he wasn't contemptuous of the morning,  but neither did he regard it with such a loud and energetic voice. Was it just the nature of Rito to sing any chance they got? He reached a webbed hand up to scratch a digit against the side of his brow. In the back Gao looked to be slinking away. What was this all about? Was he behind on errands?

Sin couldn't help but scoff at the idea. To think he didn't give himself enough time to eat or idle the morning hours away. But no matter! He had plenty before his first task of the day. He grunted at the bird's words, motioning a webbed palm.

"No thanks necessary." It seemed remarkably pointless to thank him for a seemingly simple act of acknowledgement.

They had been right in he had been over indulging. If anything he should thank the Rito for the measure of interference.

But he wouldn't.

"I have a task today from the bespectaled one." It was a simple, straightforward response with no indication of a hidden meaning, though that didn't mean there wasn't one!

Looking at the man he seemed to have to him more than meets the eye. It is safe to say he was no run-of-the-mill Zora. From his russet scales to his claw covered toes something about him was almost unnatural, maybe just enigmatic.

"Eat the rest of you wish." He motioned to his plate. "I will be going soon." He seemed as eager as Gao to depart. "Work," He huffed, the gills beneath his arms flexing. "Is good early."